How to pick a suitable credit card. Top 7 Credit Cards 2024 Full Information.
Having a credit card can help you make payments and keep track of your money. They can be used for both small and large purchases. For example, you can use them to pay for food or gas. Plus, a lot of credit cards come with extra perks that can help you earn and save more and live the way you want to.
The best credit cards give you cash back, miles, or points, as well as safety on purchases, the option to pay over time with no interest, and other great perks. Credit cards can also help you build credit if you use them wisely. But because there are so many credit cards out there, it can be hard to pick the right one for you. That’s why the list of the best credit cards on Investopedia can be useful.
We looked at each card’s fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, introductory offers, features, and perks to find the best ones for our list.
Top 7 Credit Cards 2024 in the USA
- Best Overall, Best Cash Back Credit Card in the USA : Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best Travel, Best Rewards Credit Card in the USA : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best Airline Credit Card in the USA : United℠ Explorer
- Best Hotel Credit Card in the USA: World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Best Balance Transfer Credit Card in the USA : Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card
- Best Student Credit Card in the USA : Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
- Best Business Credit Card in the USA : Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
Highlight Point of Top 7 Credit Cards 2024 in the USA
| Credit Card | Type | APR Range (%) | Annual Fee | Rewards | Intro APR/Transfer | Overseas Transaction Fee |
| Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Cash Back | 19.99% – 29.99% | $0 | 1.5% cash back on every purchase | 0% for 15 Months | 0% |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Travel Rewards | 22.49% – 29.49% | $550 | 10x points on Chase Dining, 5x points on flights, 3x points on other travel | – | 0% |
| United℠ Explorer | Airline | 21.99% – 28.99% | $0 1st year, then $95 | 2x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining, 1x mile on other purchases | – | 0% |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | Hotel | 21.49% – 28.49% | $95 | 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x points on dining and transportation | – | 0% |
| Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card | Balance Transfer | 18.24% – 28.99% | $0 | No rewards program | 0% for 21 Months | 3% |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students | Student | 18.24% – 28.24% | $0 | 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases | 0% for 15 Statements | 0% |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Groceries | 19.24% – 29.99% | $95 | 6% cash back at US supermarkets, 3% cash back on US gas stations | 0% for 12 Months | 2.7% |
1. Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
BEST OVERALL, BEST CASH BACK CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 19.99% – 29.99% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $0 |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. |
| ORIGINAL PURCHASE APR | 0% for 15 Months |
| APR FOR INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER | 0% for 15 Months |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | 3% of the amount of each transferred balance during the first 15 months that your account is open or at a promotional APR Capital One may offer. After 15 months, none for transferred balances at the purchase APR. |
| OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%) (%) | 0% |
WHY WE SELECTED IT
Due to its cheap fees, low interest rate, and high EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS, the Capital One® Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is our top choice for cash back and best overall credit card. You won’t have to worry about ensuring that you’re getting the most out of the card each year to justify its cost because there is no annual charge.
This is a rare cash back credit card that’s worth packing for a vacation overseas because it doesn’t have an OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%), which further supports the argument that this should be the only card you carry if you only carry one.
Advantages
- straightforward rewards scheme with a strong yield
- Good first-time deals on purchases
- There are no yearly or foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- No bonus rates for prizes
- A one-time bonus is not very large.
- View the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review in its entirety here.
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
BEST TRAVEL, BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 22.49% – 29.49% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $550 |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | When you use Ultimate Rewards® to pay at Chase Dining, you’ll get 10 times as many points. Get 5x points for flights and 3x points for other trips around the world. You can earn three times as many points for other types of dining at places, such as delivery, takeout, and eating out. Plus, for every dollar you spend on anything else, you’ll get one point. |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%) (%) | 0% |
WHY WE SELECTED IT
Because to its generous one-time point bonus, high earning rate for rewards, and plethora of travel-related perks and bonuses, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is our top travel and rewards credit card. Points can be transferred 1:1 to a large list of qualifying hotel and airline partners, and they are worth 50% more when used to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.
Even if the yearly charge is considerable, if you travel frequently, the $300 travel credit each year may help balance the cost. In addition, Chase Sapphire Reserve provides flexible redemption opportunities via Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program and a plethora of additional premium travel-related incentives.
3. United℠ Explorer
BEST AIRLINE CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 21.99% – 28.99% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $0 for the first year, then $95 |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | Earn two miles for every dollar spent on United products, including tickets, Economy Plus®, onboard food and drink, Wi-Fi, and other fees. 2 miles for every $1 spent on meals, if delivery services are qualified. For every $1 spent on hotel stays when made directly with the hotel, two miles are earned. For every $1 spent on other purchases, earn one mile. |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%) (%) | 0% |
WHY WE SELECTED IT
Our research indicates that the United Explorer Card has the most value per mile earned of any airline credit card. Miles can be redeemed for a variety of purposes, including travel on Star Alliance member airlines, which is one of the biggest airline alliances in the world. In order to get the most out of the card, you must be dedicated to United as your main airline.
Because redeeming those points with United is highly valued, the card’s alluring promotional bonus actually increases the card’s worth. Like its rivals, it has an annual fee of $95 that is waived the first year. The card is a great option for traveling abroad because it does not impose OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%)s.2.
With United’s announcement that reservation modification fees will no longer be charged, travelers should feel much less anxious about using their earned miles to book future award travel, which will also increase the allure of the card’s introductory bonus.
Advantages
- The first year’s annual charge is free.
- Gain two miles for every $1 spent at restaurants, lodging, and United.
- special benefits from United, such as free checked bags and early boarding
Cons
- Less complimentary checked baggage as some rival airline credit cards
- A $5 minimum transfer balance charge (5% APR)
4. World of Hyatt Credit Card
BEST HOTEL CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 21.49% – 28.49% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $95 |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | For every $1 spent on purchases at any Hyatt hotel, earn 4 bonus points. In addition, every qualified dollar spent as a World of Hyatt member earns you 5 Base points for Hyatt. Get two bonus points for every dollar spent at restaurants, on airline tickets bought straight from the airline, on local transportation, for commuting, and on gym and health club subscriptions. Earn one bonus point for every dollar you spend on any other purchases. |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%) (%) | 0% |
WHY WE SELECTED IT
The World of Hyatt Credit Card is our pick for the greatest all-around credit card for hotels since it comes with a tempting 30,000 point welcome bonus that can be earned after spending $3,000 within the first three months of opening an account. The World of Hyatt card’s reasonable $95.3 annual fee can be justified by the fact that cardholders receive an automatic award night at a category 1-4 Hyatt property on their anniversary.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers its holders an EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS of 4 Bonus points for every $1 spent on purchases at any Hyatt hotel. In addition, every qualified dollar spent as a World of Hyatt member earns you 5 Base points for Hyatt. Earn two bonus points for every $1 spent at dining establishments, on airline tickets bought straight from the airline, on local transportation, for commuting, and on gym and health club subscriptions. Earn one bonus point for every dollar you spend on any other purchases. More World of Hyatt points are valued by Investopedia than by any other hotel brand.
Advantages
- Magnificent welcome prizes bonus
- Best value for points when comparing hotel reward cards
- Anniversary Award Night is redeemable for stays at Hyatt locations in categories 1-4.
Cons
- The first year’s annual charge is not waived
- Compared to other hotel chains, Hyatt hotels are less widely located.
- The structure for obtaining rewards can be unclear.
5. Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card
BEST BALANCE TRANSFER CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 18.24% – 28.99% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $0 |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 21 Months |
| INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 12 Months |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | This card does not offer a rewards program. |
WHY WE SELECTED IT
For transferring a balance, the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Credit Card is a great option. For 12 months on purchases and 21 months on balance transfers, it offers an introductory rate of 0%.4
A 5% fee (minimum $5) is applied to balance transfers that are made more than four months after the account is opened. The interest rate returns to a variable APR, which varies from 18.24% to 28.99% based on your creditworthiness, when the deal expires. There is no annual fee associated with the card.
Advantages
- There is no interest for 21 months on balance transfers.
- There are no interest charges on purchases made within the first 12 months.
- No Annual Fee
Cons
- A penalty APR with a late or returned payment of up to 29.99%
- does not receive prizes or provide a welcome bonus.
- 3% TRANSACTION CHARGE OVERSEAS (%)
6. Bank of America® Travel Rewards for Students
BEST STUDENT CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 18.24% – 28.24% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $0 |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere. |
| INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 15 Statement Closing Dates |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 15 Statement Closing Dates |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | 3% of the amount of each transaction. |
| OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%) (%) | 0% |
WHY WE SELECTED IT
Why Bank of America Because of its high earning rate and rewards program, which can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related costs, Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students is our choice for the best student AmEx Cards credit card.
The card’s excellent rating is further enhanced by the lengthy introductory APR on purchases and the absence of a yearly charge. This card is perfect for student travel outside of the United States because it does not have any OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGES (%). Outstanding credit monitoring and education services are also provided by the Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students card.
Advantages
- A limitless 1.5x incentive on every transaction
- Pay off purchases interest-free for fifteen billing cycles.
- favourable to international travel
Cons
- There is no reward transfer.
- The introductory one-time bonus of 25,000 points requires a relatively high spending requirement of $1,000 within the first ninety days of creating an account.
7. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
BEST GROCERIES CREDIT CARD
| ORDINARY APR (%) | 19.24% – 29.99% variable |
| Yearly Charge | $95 |
| EARNING RATE FOR REWARDS | Get 6% back at US supermarkets (on annual purchases of up to $6,000), 6% back on some US streaming services, 3% back on US petrol stations and qualified transit, and 1% back on other purchases. |
| INTRO PURCHASE APR | 0% for 12 Months |
| INTRO BALANCE TRANSFER APR | 0% for 12 Months |
| TRANSFER BALANCE CHARGE | Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%) (%) | 2.7% |
WHY WE CHOSE THIS CARD
Using American Express’s Blue Cash Preferred® Card makes grocery shopping more lucrative. Full 6% cash back is available at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 in annual purchases), 6% cash back is available on some US streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back is available on qualified transportation and US gas stations, and 1% cash back is available on all other transactions. A $250 statement credit is also yours if you spend $3,000 within six months.Six
Additionally, the introductory 0% APR offer is available to new cardholders for a full year of purchases. A $95 annual charge applies, however it is not charged during the first year. Therefore, you can take advantage of this card’s cash back features during that time to reap its benefits before having to pay an annual fee in year two.
Advantages
- the potential to receive 6% cash back on purchases made at petrol stations, grocery, and streaming services
- The first year’s annual charge is free.
- 0% APR for a full year on purchases
Cons
- The annual maximum for the 6% food cash back is $6,000 in purchases.
- APR penalty that is high for returned and late payments
- A 2.7% overseas transaction charge
Final Verdict of Top 7 Credit Cards 2024
There is a vast array of fees, interest rates, promotions, welcome incentives, and other features associated with credit cards. The best credit card for you will rely on a number of factors, including your budget, where and how much you spend, and the perks that are most important to you. While some choose not to pay the annual charges, many are prepared to do so if the advantages greatly outweigh the cost.
Due to its unrestricted 1.5% cash back on all purchases, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards is our top pick for the finest credit card. It features no OVERSEAS TRANSACTION CHARGE (%), no annual charge, and a $200 welcome bonus that may be obtained after only $500 in three months of use.
Frequently Asked Questions of Top 7 Credit Cards 2024
Ans:- Goals, budget, and spending patterns determine the best credit card. Your ideal credit card may change as your finances change. Credit card rewards are useful, but if you’re working off debt, they may not be the greatest option. Balance transfer cards with 0% APR promotions may be beneficial until you can pay off your debt.
However, the finest credit card may not be available right now. Low credit scores may limit card options to those with higher interest rates and fewer perks. Consumers should develop credit until they qualify for the credit card they want.
Travel and incentives credit cards are available to those with good credit. Best credit card advantages are usually offered to those with good credit. These can include generous one-time bonuses, recurring rewards on spending, elite status, free checked bags, yearly free hotel nights, and airport lounge access.
Higher credit scores mean more credit cards and better interest rates, credit lines, and rewards programs. Know your credit score’s broad range to comprehend your card options. Card issuers rate scores as “Excellent/Exceptional” (800+), “Very Good” (740-799), “Good” (670-739), “Fair” (580-669), or “Poor” (below 580). To avoid rejection, apply for cards that match the issuer’s recommended credit.
You may get your credit score for free in several ways. The two primary credit score kinds, FICO and VantageScore, have different scoring methods and score ranges employed by lenders.
Credit card providers consider work status, income, and other credit and deposit accounts in addition to credit score.
Credit cards are available for fair, low, and very bad credit. A secured credit card helps people with negative or no credit establish or rebuild their score. Until then, customers must keep the card using a security deposit that normally is the account’s maximum credit line.