The 5 best credit cards for good credit: Reap the rewards
Credit cards are all based on the kind of credit you have -- but not all of us have the ideal credit score for the application process. That's okay, there are credit cards available that help you build your Fico score.
But if you're one of the lucky ones who do have good credit, there are a few credit cards you really should consider. To make your decision easier, these are our expert recommendations based off of credit card types, rewards, introductory offers, automatic reviews, and more.
Here are our top picks for the best credit card for good credit.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
With the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, you can earn extra rewards with $200 back in statement credits when you spend $2,000 within your first six months of having the card. There is 3% cashback on your grocery purchases, but after you reach $6,000 in purchases, the cashback amount drops to 1% thereafter. There is also 2% cashback when you use your card at U.S. gas stations and at participating U,S. department stores. All other purchases receive 1% off your purchases. Your cashback will be delivered as Rewards Dollars that you can redeem as a statement credit.
There is a 0% introductory APR on purchases lasting 15 months before going to a 15.49% to 25.49% variable APR. Plus, this card comes with a Buy Now, Pay Later plan, although watch out for the corresponding fees. There is a plan fee of up to 1.33% of all amounts moved to the Buy Now, Pay Later plan. You also get access to other Amex benefits, like payment flexibility that does not affect your rewards. If you order additional cards for friends and family, they can help you earn rewards with their monthly spending, too. This card is great for travel, too, with a 24/7 Global Assist Hotline and rental car insurance.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR
- 3% back on gas, groceries, and department stores
Cons
- 1% cashback for most spending
- Must spend $2,000 for statement credit
- Spending caps apply
- 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 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
- 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 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is the card frequent travelers want with extra miles for their travel needs. You will receive five miles for every dollar you spend on hotels and rental cars, but you must book through Capital One Travel to qualify. Miles can then be redeemed as statement credits you can use. There are over 15 loyalty programs to choose from, or you can choose to redeem your rewards on PayPal or Amazon.com purchases. You can take your time, too, because rewards never expire.
There is a variable APR of 15.24% - 25.24% and no annual fee. If you use your card outside of the U.S., you can save with no foreign transaction fees. You also receive Capital One's regular benefits like emergency replacement cards and access to the Capital One Lounge.
Pros
- Flat rewards rate
- No annual fee
- PayPal redemption
Cons
- Higher APR
- Limited rewards
- No intro APR
- Enjoy 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
- 1.5% on all other purchases
- Enjoy 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
- 1.5% on all other purchases
This card is all about the rewards. With the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, you get 1.5% cashback for every $1 spent. For road warriors, you also get extra travel bonuses with 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You will receive travel insurance in the form of trip cancellation or interruption reimbursement of up to $1,500 per person and $6,000 per trip.
The card also includes 3% back on restaurants and dining, including take-out, plus 5% cashback on all Lyft rides through March. Your drugstore purchases will earn you 3% back, so you can earn while picking up those prescriptions or sundries. New cardholders will also receive an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy on up to $20,000 in the first year. That's worth $300 cash back. When you are ready to redeem your points, there is no minimum to cash them in through Ultimate Rewards.
There is no annual fee, and Chase offers an introductory 0% APR for your first 15 months of having the card on purchases and balance transfers (then 15.74% 24.49% variable).
Pros
- Flexible rewards
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR
Cons
- Lower reward rate
- Increasing balance transfer fee
- Redemption restrictions
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
If you want rotating rewards, this could be the card for you. With the Discover it Balance Transfer Credit Card, you can earn 5% each quarter in a different category. Categories can include grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, PayPal, and even Amazon.com. However, rewards are capped each quarter, although no annual fee helps ease the sting. For other purchases, you earn 1% cashback. Discover will also match your spending dollar-for-dollar in the first year as a welcome gift. For this, there are no minimum spending requirements, and there is no maximum for your earnings. Your rewards can be traded for cash, and you can take your time redeeming because there is no expiration date for cashback.
As a Discover cardholder, you will receive access to its signature benefits, like free social security number alerts and a free FICO credit score on your monthly statements.
Pros
- Rotating categories
- 0% intro APR for 18 months
- No annual fee
Cons
- Capped rewards
- It can be difficult to track earnings
- Limited benefits
- Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
- Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
- 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away.
The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card is issued by WebBank. It comes with a credit limit of up to $10,000 based on creditworthiness, and cashback ranges from 1% to 1.5% based on whether you make timely payments or not. There is also bonus cashback ranging from 2% to 10% when you shop at select merchants. You receive a variable APR of 13.74% to 27.74%.
However, Petal makes a name for itself with no fees whatsoever for your Petal 2 Visa card. There are no annual or foreign transaction fees, and if you are running a little late on your payment, there are no late or returned payment fees. Cardholders can build credit with responsible use while avoiding fees and earning cashback. There is also the added convenience of compatibility, using your card to pay through Apple Pay or Google Pay on your phone.
Pros
- No fees
- Cashback with timely payments
- Average credit accepted
Cons
- No introductory offer
- No cash advances or transfers
How did we choose these credit cards?
In looking for the best credit cards for good credit, we considered several factors.
- Type of credit card: How you plan to use your card will help you find the right one for your financial needs. There are many different kinds of cards, such as those designed to build credit or earn travel rewards. Finding the right one for your spending can help you save a lot of money.
- Rewards: Consider what kind of rewards you can earn with your credit card. While many offer cashback, others may offer other perks like travel miles instead.
- APR: The APR on credit cards for good credit can vary significantly, depending on the company and benefits that come with the card. Before choosing a card, consider how much interest you will have to pay on each purchase.
- Introductory offer: Many cards will offer new cardholders exclusive offers like a 0% APR or cash back up to a certain threshold.
- Balance transfer: Balance transfers can help when you need to consolidate debt. That is why it is important to consider the fees for balance transfers in order to save money.
What's the best credit card?
If you're a common shopper, the best credit card is the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express. We did the research for you, so you can enjoy the benefits on your everyday purchases.
Which is the right credit card for you?
There are many credit cards out there, but not all of them may allow anything but excellent credit. These cards could be a great fit when you have good credit, depending on your financial goals.
Choose this product... | If you want... |
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express | Cashback on your gas and groceries |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Flexible travel rewards |
Chase Freedom Unlimited | A sign-up bonus with cashback |
Discover it Balance Transfer | When you make regular balance transfers |
Petal 2 Visa Credit Card | To improve your credit |
How do credit cards work?
Credit cards are a card typically made of plastic or metal that allows you to pay for purchases and then pay them back later with interest. You will have a line of credit that allows you to make purchases up to a certain amount, and you can also receive rewards for your spending.
Why should I use a credit card?
Credit cards can be a great way to build your credit score with regular use and timely payments over time. They also can earn your rewards while offering additional benefits like fraud protection and credit score monitoring. Consider your financial standing to help you find the right credit card for good credit.
What is the best credit card for good credit?
The best credit card for good credit depends on your financial goals. While some cards allow you to earn cash back rewards, others may reward you with travel miles or other rewards.
What do I do if I have bad credit?
There are phenomenal card options available even if you have poor credit. A credit card for bad credit helps you rebuild your Fico score as you borrow and repay. We've pulled together the best options for you here.
What if I'm a big spender?
If a standard card doesn't meet your spending needs, then we recommend a high-limit credit card. These cards allow you to make those heftier purchases without paying cash upfront.
Spending power can be great, but be careful not to go overboard. Transactions that exceed your spending limit are often cancelled. However, doing so often runs the risk of losing your account or having your credit score suffer.
Are there alternative cards worth considering?
There are many credit cards available today that accept good credit. These are some other options that may be worthy of your consideration:
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Great for groceries
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for 1.5% cashback
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: A no-frills credit card
- Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for tailored rewards
- Discover it Cash Back: Recommended for everyday spending
- U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: A long-term intro APR
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Earn 2% cash rewards
For other credit card options, consider our picks for the best starter credit card for no credit, the best crypto credit cards, and our picks for 2022's most exclusive credit cards.