Choosing a credit card can be complicated. Our Goal News in America is here to make the process easier. We’ve introduced the best credit cards in each category. You’ll also find information on APR, fees, bonus programs, and other important factors to consider before applying for a credit card.
There’s no single credit card that’s best for every family, purchase, or budget. To best serve a broad range of readers, Forbes Advisor selected the best credit cards for 2024. Rather than picking just one winning choice and ranking the next best, we highlighted the best credit cards for multiple situations.
1. Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
Best Features: Long 0% introductory APR
Credit Required: Good to Excellent (670-850)
Cost Table:
| Cost Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable |
Highlights:
- 0% introductory interest for 21 months from account opening on purchases and eligible balance transfers.
- Balance transfers within 120 days are subject to an introductory interest rate of 5% BT fee (minimum $5).
– $0 annual fee.
– Protection against damage or theft of your phone up to $600 (subject to a $25 deductible).
– Access personalized offers through My Wells Fargo Deals.
Key Takeaway: The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a great choice for those who want to take advantage of a long introductory period with a 0% APR.
2. Discover it® Miles
Best Benefits: Travel Rewards
Credit Required: Excellent to Good (670-850)
Rate Schedule:
| Cost Type | Total ($) |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 17.24% – 28.24% Variable |
Highlights:
- Discover will match the miles you earn at the end of your first year.
- Earn unlimited 1.5x miles per dollar spent on purchases.
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchase.
– Convert miles into cash or redeem them as credits for travel purchases.
– Enable the removal of your personal information from some people search sites for free.
Key Takeaway: Discover it® Miles are perfect for frequent travelers looking for unlimited travel rewards and generous referral bonuses.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best Features: Travel Rewards
Credit Required: Excellent to Good (670-850)
Cost Table:
| Cost Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Regular APR | 21.49%-28.49% variable |
Highlights:
– Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
– Get 5x on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, and more.
– Get 25% more value when you redeem travel through Chase Travel℠.
– Includes travel and purchase protection benefits.
Key Takeaway: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great choice for those looking for generous travel rewards and comprehensive travel-related benefits.
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best Feature: Flexible Cash Back Rewards
Credit Required: Good to Excellent (670-850)
Cost Table:
| Cost Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 20.49% – 29.24% Variable |
Highlights:
– Earn an additional 1.5% on all purchases (up to $20,000 in first year spend).
– During your first year, you’ll enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 3% on all other purchases.
– 0% introductory interest rate for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
– No annual fee.
Key Takeaways: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for those looking for flexible, high-value cash back rewards with no annual fee.
5. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Best Features: Delta Airlines Rewards
Credit Required: Excellent to Good (670-850)
Rate Schedule:
| Cost Type | Amount ($) |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular Rate | 20.99% – 29.99% variable |
Highlights:
– Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 6 months on your new card.
– Earn 2x miles per dollar spent at restaurants and on Delta purchases worldwide.
– No fees on foreign transactions.
– Pay with Miles: Save up to $50 on airfare for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
Key Takeaways: The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is perfect for Delta travelers who want to earn rewards with no annual fee.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best credit card requires understanding your financial situation, assessing your spending habits and analyzing the benefits and costs of the card. Consider your credit score, needs, rewards, qualifications, fees, and APR to choose the credit card that best suits your needs and financial goals.