All credit cards on this list are researched and handpicked by the CNET editorial staff. We regularly consult with personal finance experts to ensure our advice is accurate and informed, but those experts are not involved in our selection process.
Maintaining a good credit score comes with a host of benefits. Not only are you more likely to get approved for a new credit account or higher credit limit, but you’re also more likely to qualify for credit cards with more lucrative rewards and benefits.
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, and a “good” score can fall between 670 to 739. Your credit score is mostly determined by your credit history, which includes your track record for making payments on time, how much credit you’re using at any given time, the average age of your credit accounts and a few other factors. But if you have at least a good credit score, you can likely qualify for one of the credit card picks below. These cards accommodate a mix of financial goals, from cash-back rewards to balance transfers, but all offer top-of-class benefits.
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!; 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service; Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
The Chase Freedom Flex℠* offers the widest spread of benefits for a card that requires at least good credit and also has no annual fee. The cash-back categories make this a good card for domestic travel (keep in mind, this card does have foreign transaction fees) and dining, and the introductory APR credit card allows you to finance a large purchase comfortably. The rotating rewards category adds even more value, and covers a lot of common budget items. For October through December, you earn 5% cash back on purchases at PayPal, wholesale clubs and select charities, for up to $1,500 in combined purchases throughout the quarter.
Remember to manually activate the bonus rotating category through your online account. Chase doesn’t post the upcoming rewards categories until shortly before the new quarter begins.
For more information, see our full Chase Freedom Flex review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠* offers the widest spread of benefits for a card that requires at least good credit and also has no annual fee. The cash-back categories make this a good card for domestic travel (keep in mind, this card does have foreign transaction fees) and dining, and the introductory APR credit card allows you to finance a large purchase comfortably. The rotating rewards category adds even more value, and covers a lot of common budget items. For October through December, you earn 5% cash back on purchases at PayPal, wholesale clubs and select charities, for up to $1,500 in combined purchases throughout the quarter.
Remember to manually activate the bonus rotating category through your online account. Chase doesn’t post the upcoming rewards categories until shortly before the new quarter begins.
For more information, see our full Chase Freedom Flex review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro Offer
60,000 bonus points
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Rewards Rate
2x
– 5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3x on dining.; 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
21.49% – 28.49% Variable
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an all-around excellent travel credit card if you’ve established a good credit history. The welcome bonus alone can earn you enough points to book your next flight, but the rewards program adds extra incentives to your travel spending. If you redeem your rewards points for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get a 25% boost on your points value. So instead of being worth 1 cent each — like when you redeem them for statement credits — points used for travel in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal will net you 1.25 cents each.
This card has a lot of other built-in perks, like a 10% anniversary points boost: On your account anniversary, Chase gives you bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year. That means if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you’ll get 2,500 bonus points. Although there’s a $95 annual fee, the quality of perks, including primary auto rental collision damage waiver and travel assistance, easily offset that expense.
Check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an all-around excellent travel credit card if you’ve established a good credit history. The welcome bonus alone can earn you enough points to book your next flight, but the rewards program adds extra incentives to your travel spending. If you redeem your rewards points for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get a 25% boost on your points value. So instead of being worth 1 cent each — like when you redeem them for statement credits — points used for travel in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal will net you 1.25 cents each.
This card has a lot of other built-in perks, like a 10% anniversary points boost: On your account anniversary, Chase gives you bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year. That means if you spend $25,000 on purchases, you’ll get 2,500 bonus points. Although there’s a $95 annual fee, the quality of perks, including primary auto rental collision damage waiver and travel assistance, easily offset that expense.
Check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for more details.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
You don’t have to think about which credit card to use for which spending categories with the Wells Fargo Active Cash. Typically for people with good or excellent credit, you earn 2% cash rewards across your purchases. There are no rotating categories to activate, specific portals you need to book through or strategies you need to employ. Besides the simplicity, the Active Cash Card has a competitive welcome offer for credit cards with no annual fee, and the introductory APR allows you to benefit from short-term financing on purchases or a qualifying balance transfer.
For more details, see our full Wells Fargo Active Cash review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
You don’t have to think about which credit card to use for which spending categories with the Wells Fargo Active Cash. Typically for people with good or excellent credit, you earn 2% cash rewards across your purchases. There are no rotating categories to activate, specific portals you need to book through or strategies you need to employ. Besides the simplicity, the Active Cash Card has a competitive welcome offer for credit cards with no annual fee, and the introductory APR allows you to benefit from short-term financing on purchases or a qualifying balance transfer.
For more details, see our full Wells Fargo Active Cash review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Rewards Rate
N/A
This card doesn’t offer cash back, miles, or points
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
19.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
The Citi Simplicity* has the winning combination of one of the longest balance transfer offers and a competitive balance transfer fee.
Cardholders get 21 months to pay down a transferred balance before the standard 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR kicks in. It also has an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) which lasts for the first four months before it increases to 5% ($5 minimum). So be sure you initiate any transfers within that timeframe to benefit.
You can learn more in our Citi Simplicity review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
The Citi Simplicity* has the winning combination of one of the longest balance transfer offers and a competitive balance transfer fee.
Cardholders get 21 months to pay down a transferred balance before the standard 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR kicks in. It also has an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) which lasts for the first four months before it increases to 5% ($5 minimum). So be sure you initiate any transfers within that timeframe to benefit.
You can learn more in our Citi Simplicity review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 21 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months on Purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Intro Offer
Earn $250
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations; 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice if you have a credit score over 670 and want to earn maximum rewards on groceries and rewards on gas. Though there is a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), if you have a hefty grocery or gas bill it may be negligible, as these are some of the best cash-back rates you can earn on U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas station purchases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most American households’ grocery expenditure sits under the card’s $6,000 annual spending threshold for the U.S. supermarket rewards. You will only exceed this spending threshold if you average over $115 in groceries per week in a year. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
See our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card for more details.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice if you have a credit score over 670 and want to earn maximum rewards on groceries and rewards on gas. Though there is a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), if you have a hefty grocery or gas bill it may be negligible, as these are some of the best cash-back rates you can earn on U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas station purchases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most American households’ grocery expenditure sits under the card’s $6,000 annual spending threshold for the U.S. supermarket rewards. You will only exceed this spending threshold if you average over $115 in groceries per week in a year. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
See our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card for more details.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Intro Offer
75,000 miles
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Rewards Rate
2x
– 5x
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options; Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* is a solid mid-tier travel card. It features flexible rewards, an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and travel accident insurance**.
You’ll earn 2x miles per dollar no matter what you’re buying. Each mile equates to 1 cent if you redeem for past travel expenses, which means the card essentially earns a 2% return. While that’s competitive with many no-annual-fee cards, the extra perks set it apart.
You can find out more in our Capital One Venture Rewards card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
5x
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
2x
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* is a solid mid-tier travel card. It features flexible rewards, an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and travel accident insurance**.
You’ll earn 2x miles per dollar no matter what you’re buying. Each mile equates to 1 cent if you redeem for past travel expenses, which means the card essentially earns a 2% return. While that’s competitive with many no-annual-fee cards, the extra perks set it apart.
You can find out more in our Capital One Venture Rewards card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
5x
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
2x
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro Offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.; Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
The Discover it® Cash Back* offers high rewards for bonus categories that change every three months. Now through December, you’ll earn 5% cash back for Amazon.com and Target purchases, for up to $1,500 in quarterly spending upon activation. That means you can earn a maximum of $75 in rewards before your cash-back rate drops to 1%.
This card also has one of the best welcome bonuses on the market. Discover will essentially double the rewards you earn at the end of your first year with the card.
You can read all about it in our Discover it Cash Back review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
The Discover it® Cash Back* offers high rewards for bonus categories that change every three months. Now through December, you’ll earn 5% cash back for Amazon.com and Target purchases, for up to $1,500 in quarterly spending upon activation. That means you can earn a maximum of $75 in rewards before your cash-back rate drops to 1%.
This card also has one of the best welcome bonuses on the market. Discover will essentially double the rewards you earn at the end of your first year with the card.
You can read all about it in our Discover it Cash Back review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Intro Offer
$200 cash back
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 5%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.; Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
580 – 850
Fair – Excellent
APR
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
The Double Cash Card is a great choice if you need to improve your credit by paying down existing credit card debt with a balance transfer or if you’re looking for consistent rewards. While it doesn’t offer many additional card perks like shopping protections, it does offer cardholders a relatively generous amount of time to pay down a transferred balance.
You can find all the details in our Citi Double Cash Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
5%
Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
1%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
The Double Cash Card is a great choice if you need to improve your credit by paying down existing credit card debt with a balance transfer or if you’re looking for consistent rewards. While it doesn’t offer many additional card perks like shopping protections, it does offer cardholders a relatively generous amount of time to pay down a transferred balance.
You can find all the details in our Citi Double Cash Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
5%
Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
1%
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Mold your rewards to your spending
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Intro Offer
$200
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 5%
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.; 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center; 2% cash back on your choice on one everyday category, like Gas Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants; 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
With the U.S. Bank Cash+, you’ll earn the most rewards in the two eligible categories you spend the most in each month, plus unlimited rewards for either grocery store, gas station or restaurant spending. Some of the eligible top-spend categories are fast food, home utilities, department stores, cell phone service, electronic stores and TV, internet and streaming.
While 5% is a high rewards rate, it’s hampered by its spending limit. Your 5% rewards will fall to 1% after $2,000 in spending each quarter. An unlimited flat-rate rewards card could earn more rewards given enough spending, considering you could use it for all of your purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Regular APR
- 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
5%
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
5%
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
2%
2% cash back on your choice on one everyday category, like Gas Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
1%
1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
With the U.S. Bank Cash+, you’ll earn the most rewards in the two eligible categories you spend the most in each month, plus unlimited rewards for either grocery store, gas station or restaurant spending. Some of the eligible top-spend categories are fast food, home utilities, department stores, cell phone service, electronic stores and TV, internet and streaming.
While 5% is a high rewards rate, it’s hampered by its spending limit. Your 5% rewards will fall to 1% after $2,000 in spending each quarter. An unlimited flat-rate rewards card could earn more rewards given enough spending, considering you could use it for all of your purchases.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Regular APR
- 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
5%
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
5%
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
2%
2% cash back on your choice on one everyday category, like Gas Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
1%
1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
What qualifies as “good” credit?
There are two prominent credit scoring models, FICO score and VantageScore. Each has different designations for the various credit levels.
Credit score ranges
| FICO | VantageScore |
|---|---|
| Poor: 300 to 579 | Very Poor: 300 to 499 |
| Fair: 580 to 669 | Poor: 500 to 600 |
| Good: 670 to 739 | Fair: 601 to 660 |
| Very good: 740 to 799 | Good: 661 to 780 |
| Exceptional: 800 to 850 | Excellent: 781 to 850 |
In order to qualify for good credit, your credit scores need to be at least 670 for FICO and 661 for VantageScore.
Benefits of a good credit card
Credit cards that require a higher credit score generally offer higher reward rates, larger welcome bonuses and more benefits. Your credit score tells lenders how good you are at managing debt, so typically the better your score, the better features the lender will be willing to offer you.
Annual fees — are they worth it?
Many top-tier credit cards charge an annual fee. While no-annual-fee cards are still a good choice, if you’re looking for a travel credit card with annual statement credits or a rewards card with a larger welcome bonus, you may have to pay an annual fee.
How to choose the best credit card for good credit
Always make sure the card matches your budget. If it has an annual fee, be sure that you can generate enough rewards through normal spending to cover it and then some. Also, take a look at the card benefits. Consider how often you can use them, and if the value you get from them covers what the card charges.
If it offers a welcome bonus, try to reach it with your typical spending. Don’t get enticed into spending on unnecessary purchases to reach it. Or, have the required spending amount saved up before you apply for the card. That way, you can reach the bonus and pay it off right away without having to spend anything on interest charges.
For travel cards, make sure you can take advantage of any benefits it offers, whether that be annual statement credits or loyalty programs with hotel or airline brands.
FAQs
A fair FICO credit score is 580 to 669 while good credit is 670 to 739. To qualify as fair credit with VantageScore, you’ll need to be 601 to 660. For good credit, it’s 661 to 780.
Excellent credit is the most difficult to reach. Avoid missing a payment, properly manage your credit utilization, keep an eye on your credit reports for any discrepancies and use your credit card responsibly to have the best chance of reaching excellent credit.
Depending on your habits, it could take three to six months to reach good credit from scratch.
Getting a good credit score takes time. Everyone starts with no credit history and works their way up. You can start with a credit-building card or personal loan with a low credit limit and make payments on time. You can continue building credit by adding other credit cards or loans. Some of the factors that are used to rate your credit include payment history, overall credit available, utilization and age of your accounts. The longer you make thoughtful spending choices and keep your current accounts in good standing, the better your chances of achieving good credit.
Applying for a credit card is a bit of a gamble. There is no guarantee you’ll be approved, even if you have good credit. Your credit score could dip after a card application due to the hard inquiry on your credit report — even if you’re denied after applying.
The easiest card to get with a good credit score is an instant approval card that makes an immediate decision. Another option is a preapproved or prequalified credit card. Online prequalification lets you see whether you could be approved if you formally apply — without any commitment. Best of all, a prequalification won’t affect your credit score, so you can check risk-free to see if it’s worth applying.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Chase Freedom Flex, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Citi Simplicity Card and the Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
**Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
