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Best credit cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

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Stepping into an airport lounge from the chaotic main terminal can feel like stepping onto dry land from a whitewater raft. It evokes a feeling of peace, tranquility and “phew – we made it.”

As a result, airport lounge access is one of the most enviable perks you can get with a travel rewards credit card. But which cards still offer it in 2024, and from that list, which are still worth getting?

The best cards for airport lounge access in April 2024

Best overall: capital one venture x rewards credit card, best for extensive lounge access: the platinum card® from american express, best for affordable lounge access: u.s. bank altitude® connect visa signature® card, best for delta: delta skymiles® reserve american express card, best for united: united club℠ infinite card, best for american airlines: citi® / aadvantage® executive world elite mastercard®.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to a wide lounge network comprising Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. Plus, its $395 annual fee is easy to recoup on account of the $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary. 

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 10X 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5X 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2X 2x miles on everyday purchases
• Annual $300 travel credit and 10,000 Miles upon card anniversary make up for the annual fee
• Airport lounge access
• Capital One Miles require effort to maximize
• Limited cash redemption options

Other benefits

• Travel protections including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

Why we like this card: We like how the Capital One Venture X comes with a hefty 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounges and our Partner Lounge Network, and 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 

The $395 annual fee may seem steep, but it’s actually a relative bargain among premium travel cards offering unlimited lounge access. Plus, you’ll earn $300 back annually for bookings made through Capital One Travel plus 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary–a combined $400 in travel value–which instantly covers your fee for the year.

The cherry on top is up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, so you can scoot through security and get to the lounge a little faster. And the Capital One Lounge network is small, but mighty, with game-changing features such as extensive to-go options. All things considered, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the airport lounge card to beat. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express claims to have the widest lounge access of any card on the market, with access to well over 1,500 lounge locations in over 140 countries. Combine that with a list of travel-centric benefits longer than a CVS receipt, and it’s an easy pick for this list. 

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Reward Rates

• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Equinox gym, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.
• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

Why we like this card: Like a fully-loaded Mercedes S-Class, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with an eye-watering price tag but an expansive list of benefits to justify it. 

Naturally, one of those benefits is airport lounge access. You’ll have access to Amex’s Global Lounge Collection, which includes the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. That’s 1,500+ lounges in total, meaning an Amex Platinum is the closest we have to an airport lounge master key. 

You’ll also get up to $189 back per year on a CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®, up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your card, up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal (enrollment required), up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card® (minimum 2-night stay required) and a welcome bonus of at least 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership, so there are plenty of ways to extract value from your “Plat” outside of an airport lounge. 

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page  

Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta review Best travel credit cards What is Global Entry and why should I want it?

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card card includes four free visits to over 1,500 Priority Pass locations worldwide, a $100 TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit and a $500 welcome bonus–all for a modest annual fee of $95, which is waived for the first year.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect

• 5x 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x 4X points on travel, at gas stations and EV charging stations
• 2x 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, dining and streaming services
• 1x 1X on all other purchases
• High earnings on travel
• No annual fee the first year
• 4 Priority Pass lounge visits per year
• Points not transferable to travel partners
• Additional perks: Cell phone protection, Trip cancellation/interruption, TSA/Global Entry fee rebate
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: As an affordable travel rewards card, U.S. Bank’s Altitude Connect card is a worthy rival to the reigning Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card . Unlike the “CSP,” the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect VISA Signature® Card includes complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with four airport lounge passes, a $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and up to 4X on travel purchases. 

The card also waives its $95 annual fee for the first year and offers a hefty welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 120 days worth $500 towards travel and more. In short, it’s positively packed with value for travelers, and if you’re not sure whether you’ll even visit a lounge more than four times this year, it’s a logical choice.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers Delta fans a truly elevated experience, with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, four guest passes, free checked bags, an Annual Companion Certificate, upgrade priority and more. It doesn’t include automatic Medallion status, but offers plenty of ways to to get there faster (e.g. MQD Headstart).

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Intro bonus.

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• High annual fee
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

Why we like this card: Though it charges a heart-stopping $650 annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does include a 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership to help cover your first two years with the card. You’ll also 3X Miles on Delta purchases, up to 15% off award travel on Delta when booked on Delta.com, a free first checked bag, up to $240 Resy Credit, up to $200 Delta Stays statement credit and more to make the card’s high fee more palatable. 

In terms of lounge access, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card includes 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year. That’s objectively pretty stingy considering there are cheaper cards on the market offering unlimited access to a larger network for both you and multiple guests. Still, if you’re a solo Delta traveler, 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year may be all you need.

The United Club℠ Infinite Card may charge $525 per year, but it covers a United Club membership–which alone retails for $650–and includes a litany of other travel-friendly benefits like Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

United Club℠ Infinite Card

• 4x 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• United Club lounge membership
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Path to earn elite airline status by card spend
• Mostly useful if you want lounge access
• Additional perks: Primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement

Why we like this card: If you and your travel companion frequently fly United, check multiple bags each and relish the thought of decompressing in the United Club lounge, the United Club℠ Infinite Card might deserve a place in your wallet. 

That’s because the card’s marquis feature is a $650 United Club membership, granting unlimited access for you and your travel companions. You’ll also get Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $320 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services, 4 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, 25% back on food/beverage/Wi-Fi purchases and 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. 

Once the welcome bonus dries up it can be hard to continue justifying the United Club℠ Infinite Card‘s $525 annual fee–especially since you can only take advantage of the card’s best benefits while traveling with United. The lack of Polaris Lounge access is a bummer, too. But if you’re a hardcore brand loyalist who doesn’t travel light, the United Club℠ Infinite Card could still be a worthy travel companion. 

With complimentary Admirals Club membership (valued up to $850), up to nine free checked bags per trip and an “enhanced airport experience,” the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® rolls out the figurative red carpet for AA frequent flyers.

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

• 10x Earn 10X AAdvantage miles on eligible hotels booked through aa.com/hotels and on eligible car rentals booked through aa.com/cars.
• 4x 4x AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases (5X after you spend $15,000 on airfare)
• 1x 1x AAdvantage miles on all other purchases
• Earns AAdvantage miles, which are not easily accessible outside of co-branded AAdvantage credit cards.
• Every dollar spent earns one Loyalty Point toward elite status.
• Includes Admirals Club lounge membership, valued at up to $850.
• High spending requirement for earning the 70,000-mile welcome bonus
• No category bonuses outside of American Airlines spending.
• Travel perks: AAdvantage club membership, checked bag benefit, trip cancellation and interruption protection
• Credits: Up to $120 annual credit to Avis or Budget rental cars, Up to $10 monthly credits to Lyft and Grubhub

Why we like this card: If you’re ready to pledge fealty to American Airlines via a $595 rewards card, you’ll be receiving plenty of perks and value in return from the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. For starters, you’ll get a complimentary Admirals Club membership and free first checked bags for you and up to eight travel companions–saving up to $720 per round trip. 

You’ll also get 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening, 25% savings on inflight purchases of food and beverages on flights and 10X AAdvantage® miles on hotels booked through aa.com/hotels. But perhaps most intriguingly, the card unlocks an “enhanced airport experience” with priority check-in, screening and boarding when flying with AA. 

Just keep in mind that Admirals Club membership only includes access to 50ish Admirals Clubs and 60ish partner lounge locations total, so you may want to confirm that there’s one in your home airport before committing. 

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for airport lounge access.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has the most expansive lounge access, with unlimited visits to locations within the Centurion Network, Delta Sky Club, Lufthansa Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge and Priority Pass Select. 

However, we think the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers better value, with access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group locations for a $395 annual fee ($300 less than the Platinum).  If you are looking for a lower price tag, check out our article about the best cards for cheap airport lounge access .

Are lounge access cards worth it? 

A rewards card with airport lounge access could be worth it if you fly several times a year, value having a secluded place to work, and relax and plan to take advantage of the card’s other benefits. 

Some say that the most underrated perk of airport lounges is having access to a dedicated airline representative inside. That way, you can skip the long customer service line outside if something goes wrong with your travel plans. 

How do I know if my credit card has lounge access? 

Check your card benefits, which can usually be found online following a quick search. While you’re there, check to see if any of the included lounge networks require you to register your membership in advance–that way, you can save time and hassle at the airport.

Methodology

Fortune Recommends surveyed all the cards still offering airport lounge access in 2024 and handpicked the very best. In evaluating cards that offer airport lounge access, we compared the annual fees to the amount of lounge access provided. From the card granting access to the most locations worldwide to another charging a mere $95 annual fee ($0 for the first year), we found the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2024.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

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Citi Double Cash Review: A Solid Choice for Everyday Spending

What’s on This Page

The bottom line, pros and cons, detailed review, compare to other cards, benefits and perks, drawbacks and considerations, how to decide if it's right for you.

Although the market has started to catch up, this remains one of the better top-of-wallet cards. Use it by itself every day, or as a companion to bonus category cards.

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

• 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.

0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months

Ongoing APR

APR: 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%, Variable

Balance transfer fee

Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).

Foreign transaction fee

• 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.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

No annual fee

High rewards rate

Intro balance transfer fee

No intro APR period on purchases

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a valuable workhorse among credit cards. With superior flat-rate cash back, it’s ideal for consumers who want low-hassle cash rewards on everything they charge. What it lacks in sizzle, it makes up for in daily dependability. It’s a Honda Accord in a credit card market that's lately gotten jammed with Lamborghini wannabes.

Most of what you need to know: The card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you make it, and another 1% back when you pay it off. Rewards are unlimited, and the annual fee is $0 .

The Citi Double Cash® Card stands up well on its own, but it also makes an ideal companion to a bonus-category credit card for those who use a two-card strategy to maximize cash back. And you can transfer rewards to a handful of partners to potentially snag outsize value.

On the downside, the card offers no 0% introductory period for purchases, which is nearly table stakes for top-tier cash back cards. Even so, to get good, reliable rewards with minimum effort (or cost), this card should be among the top few you consider.

» MORE: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on purchases

Citi Double Cash® Card : Basics

Card type: Cash back .

Annual fee: $0 .

Sign-up bonus: 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: 2% cash back on purchases, distributed in two stages:

1% back for every dollar spent.

1% back for every dollar paid off.

Through Dec. 31, 2024, cardholders also get 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel portal.

Technically, rewards earned on the Citi Double Cash® Card appear in a cardholder's account as Citi ThankYou points , but that will not affect your ability to earn or redeem cash back. You'll earn 1 point per $1 spent and 1 point per $1 paid off. Points are worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed for cash back, meaning you'll still get 2% cash back on purchases. See here for more information .

Redemption options: Statement credit, bank account deposit or a check. You can also transfer your points to a handful of partners, including JetBlue, Wyndham and more.

Interest rate: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR .

Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred or $5 (whichever is greater) for transfers completed within the first four months of account opening; 5% fee or $5, whichever is greater, after that.

Foreign transaction fee: 3%.

» MORE: Citi credit cards mobile app review

The industry standard for cash back used to be 1%. As its name implies, the Citi Double Cash® Card essentially doubles that rate, paying 1% back on purchases and 1% after paying the bill. The sooner you pay your balance, the sooner you earn the second half of the rewards. That's a powerful incentive to pay your credit card bill in full every month, which we recommend you do anyway to avoid interest.

While we still think this is a fine card, it’s not quite the industry unicorn it used to be. Other cards also offer 2% cash back or more on purchases .

When you redeem cash back for a credit on your statement, you don’t earn the second 1%. That’s because you’re not actually paying off that amount; it’s just subtracted from your bill. But that’s a minor consideration. Redeeming a hefty $1,000 per year would mean forgoing $10 in rewards for the convenience of taking the money in the form of a statement credit. That’s still very close to a 2% return on spending, assuming you pay your bill in full every month.

» MORE: Citi Flex Plan: What it is and how it works

Many cash-back cards offer bonus categories — some of them permanent, some that change from time to time and some that adjust with your spending. They allow you to earn extra rewards in featured categories, such as gas stations, restaurants and home improvement stores. They can be a hassle to keep track of. Some limit the amount of spending eligible for bonus rewards, and all spending over that limit earns a mundane 1% cash back.

With the Citi Double Cash® Card , you can be a lazy optimizer and whip out the same card all the time, without thinking about where you’re using the card and whether you’ve reached the limit for a bonus spending category. That said, there's one opportunity to earn extra rewards, at least temporarily: Through Dec. 31, 2024, you earn 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel portal.

Flexibility

Even though the Citi Double Cash® Card is considered a cash-back credit card, technically what you're earning are Citi ThankYou points . And while those points can easily be turned into cash at a rate of a penny each, they could potentially be even more valuable when used for travel.

The card features a handful of travel partners, including JetBlue, Wyndham and Choice Privileges, and depending on your credit card strategy and travel goals, this conversion flexibility could potentially increase the value of your rewards, should you find a good deal on flights or hotels with those partners.

That's especially true if you happen to hold multiple Citi cards because you can combine points across them all. While the Citi Double Cash® Card features only a few transfer partners, other Citi products — like the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card — feature more than a dozen.

The Citi ThankYou rewards program is not as straightforward as others and requires a little know-how to navigate in order to get the best value. For example, transfer ratios with the Citi Double Cash® Card are less than favorable: 1,000 ThankYou points would get you only 800 points with JetBlue or Wyndham.

» READ: Citi trifecta: Earn 2% to 5% on every purchase

No everyday bonus categories

Double cash on all purchases is great, but it’s less than you’ll find on cards that offer elevated rewards on spending at everyday places like restaurants, supermarkets or gas stations.

Indeed, some cards offer 5% back on bonus categories that change quarterly. In the past, categories have included gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, Amazon.com and PayPal. Good examples are the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and the Discover it® Cash Back . Both offer 5% back on categories that you activate, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter (equal to $75 in cash back), and 1% on all other spending.

Other cash-back cards have bonus categories that don't change. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a good example. The card earns 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent per year in each of three categories: U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. Other spending earns 1% cash back. Terms apply ( see rates and fees ). It has an annual fee of $0 .

By contrast, bonus rewards on the Citi Double Cash® Card are limited to certain travel bookings when done through Citi.

For optimizers, the decision is not either-or, but both. Boost cash rewards by using a bonus-categories card to get higher earnings on certain purchases, and use the Citi Double Cash® Card for everything else. That reaps a superior return with a little more effort.

And some cards offer a combination: a good flat rate on most purchases, a sign-up bonus and bonus categories. Example: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® .

Flat rate: 1.5%

Bonus category rewards: 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.

Sign-up bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

» MORE: NerdWallet’s best rewards credit cards

No intro APR on purchases

The intro APR offer for this card is: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR .

Noticeably absent is an intro APR rate on purchases. Why is that important? After you transfer a balance to this card, future purchases you charge to it will begin accruing interest immediately. You won’t have a credit card grace period , even if you pay off your new purchases in full. You only get the grace period back if you also completely pay off the balance transfer amount. That’s why many other cards feature an intro APR offer, often for the same number of months, for both balance transfers and purchases.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best 0% intro APR cards

Its 3% fee for foreign transactions means this is a poor choice of card to use abroad. To be fair, this fee is more common on cash-back cards, but rarer on travel cards.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best no foreign transaction fee credit cards

If you want a low-hassle, flat-rate rewards card, the Citi Double Cash® Card fits the bill because its rewards apply to all spending and have no limit. Your return rate can be even better if you use it in conjunction with a bonus-categories card.

Need more information to help you compare your cash-back credit card options? Our best credit cards page can help.

» MORE: Benefits of the Citi Double Cash® Card

To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express , see this page .

Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending), and 1% on all other spending. Bonus: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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. Annual fee: $0 .

Looking For Something Else?

Methodology.

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

This card pays you 2% cash back on all purchases, but that money comes in two parts: You get 1% cash back on every dollar you spend, then another 1% back on every dollar you pay back.

The rewards structure gives you an incentive to pay off your charges as quickly as possible.

The simplest way to redeem cash back with the Citi Double Cash® Card is to take the money as a statement credit. If you have, say, $50 in cash back, you can apply it to your account and reduce your balance by $50. You can also get your cash back as a direct deposit into a bank account or as a paper check.

The standard offer on the Citi Double Cash® Card does not include a sign-up bonus. Its value comes with the higher rate it pays on every purchase.

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a Mastercard.

About the author

Gregory Karp

ALCGPSC 087/21 - GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CHARGE CARD (GTCC) PROGRAM: FINANCIAL AND TRAVEL SYSTEM TRANSITION GUIDANCE

R 092113Z SEP 21

ALCGPSC 087/21 SUBJ: GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CHARGE CARD (GTCC) PROGRAM: FINANCIAL AND TRAVEL SYSTEM TRANSITION GUIDANCE A. Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program Policies and Procedures, COMDTINST M4600.18 (series) B. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8A C. Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) D. ALCOAST 194/21 FINANCIAL SYSTEM MODERNIZATION SOLUTION (FSMS) IMPLEMENTATION E. ALCOAST 237/21 FINANCIAL SYSTEM MODERNIZATION SOLUTION (FSMS) IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE ONE F. Personnel & Pay Procedures Manual, PPCINST M1000.0 (SERIES) 1. This message announces immediate temporary expanded use of the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) to support travel requirements until completion of the new financial system cutover period as indicated in references (D) and (E). These policy waivers offer a reliable means of financial support in the absence of standard travel advances being processed or travel claim payments being timely processed, particularly for Permanent Change of Station, Long-Term TAD, and Disaster Evacuation Orders. 2. Centrally Billed Account (CBA): A temporary waiver for GTCC cardholders to use the CBA is immediately authorized. The restrictions on GTCC cardholders from using the CBA for common carrier transportation expenses (i.e. airfare, train tickets, etc.) contained in reference (A) are temporarily suspended. Until the financial system cutover is completed, GTCC holders may use the CBA for these expenses to reduce impact on their GTCC credit limits and overall balance. Travelers and Approving Officials (AOs) shall include the following statement in the remarks section of travel orders: Use of the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) is authorized. 3. GTCC Payments: All accounts in good standing (i.e. no past due balance stemming from unpaid July statement balances for which payments were due on 22 Aug 2021) will be entered into a mission critical status, which means no payment will be required on new August balances or future balances until after the cutover period. This status will keep accounts in an active status and prevent adverse impacts resulting from debt while travel claims are not being processed. Travelers shall retain receipts and be prepared to immediately submit vouchers when the new systems are available. New GTCC cardholders will immediately be placed into mission critical status. 4. Credit Limits: Travelers who require credit limit adjustments as a result of the inability to process travel claim reimbursements during the cutover should contact their local Travel Manager. Travel Manager authorization to establish credit limits is temporarily increased from $9999 up to $19,999. Any requests above $20,000 will be forwarded to the GTCC program managers for DHS approval. 5. Disaster Evacuation: Use of Members GTCC is authorized for Member and Dependent Meal and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) as flat- rate per diem for the number of allowable evacuation days limited by the evacuation order and actual days evacuated. GTCC Card holders may withdraw up to $415 per week in cash at ATMs against their GTCC account to cover member and family M&IE Expenses while evacuated under evacuation orders. 6. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and Long-Term Temporary Duty (TDY): Effective Immediately, a temporary waiver to use GTCC for PCS and long-term TDY is authorized. The restrictions contained in reference (A) for PCS greater than 15 days and TDY greater than 21 days are temporarily suspended. Policy regarding authorized purchases remain in effect IAW with references (A) and (C). The GTCC is only for official travel to cover authorized expenditures, however, a temporary policy waiver is granted to cover authorized dependent expenses during PCS. a. Proper use of the GTCC for PCS consists of the following: (1) Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) at the old or new permanent duty station (PDS); charges related to this expense include lodging and meals while in temporary lodging. See Chapter 5, reference (C) for additional TLE information. (2) Fuel for Privately Owned Vehicles (POV), but only if POV is the authorized mode of transportation for the PCS travel. This is not a directly reimbursed item; it is paid in the form of a Monetary Allowance in Lieu of Transportation (MALT). MALT is a flat-rate per mile and per vehicle entitlement based on the distance between the old and new PDS, as determined by the Defense Table of Official Distances (DTOD). (3) Lodging and meals enroute; these items are not reimbursed directly, the member and dependents are entitled to a flat-rate per diem for the number of allowable travel days based on the mode of transportation, not to exceed the actual travel days used as outlined in Chapter 5, reference (C). (4) Airfare/Train/Bus for the member and concurrently traveling dependents and only if it is the authorized mode of transportation for the PCS travel. Personal travel arrangements made for leave in conjunction with official (LICWO) travel cannot be purchased with the GTCC. See Chapter 3, reference (C) for further details regarding LICWO travel. (5) Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is paid for using the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) and purchased through the Travel Management Center (TMC) service provider. (6) Tolls and miscellaneous fees may be charged to the GTCC. b. Misuse. Non-travel related expenditures will still be considered misuse. GTCC may not be used for local travel, team gear, permissive orders, retirement/separation, personally procured moves, during leave, to/from leave site, leave in conjunction with official (LICWO) travel, or for cash withdrawals exceeding reimbursable amounts. Commanders/Supervisors will ensure travel cards are used only for official travel related expenses. Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to: (a) expenses related to personal, family or household purposes except for authorized PCS expenses, (b) cash withdrawals from an ATM used during non-travel periods or not related to official government travel requirements are "not authorized." This includes but is not limited to any withdrawal of a credit balance remaining on the card, (c) intentional failure to pay undisputed charges in a timely manner, and (d) ATM cash withdrawals taken more than three days prior to official government travel. Cardholders who misuse their travel card may be subject to administrative or disciplinary action, as appropriate. c. Check-out: Immediately upon receipt of orders, if not already a cardholder, the member must apply for a GTCC. Travel Managers should assist cardholders in the application process and determine if expediting a card is necessary to meet travel requirements. Travel Managers will adjust credit limits 10 days prior to the approved detach date to reflect the estimated cost of the PCS travel entitlements, allowing GTCC to be used for temporary lodging. It is important the traveler understands what PCS reimbursable entitlements are rated and their estimated dollar amounts. Upon completion and certification of the outbound interview, the traveler will be provided an endorsement to the PCS orders which contains the estimated dollar amount of the travel entitlements. The traveler will use this information to ensure charges placed on the GTCC do not exceed the amount that will be reimbursed upon PCS travel voucher settlement. Upon check-out, Travel Managers must counsel cardholders concerning proper use of the GTCC and who they should contact if issues arise. Any cardholder who requires assistance during the PCS travel period should contact their Travel Manager for their former command; if already reported to the new PDS, contact the Travel Manager of the new PDS. Members can determine who their supporting Travel Managers are under the contacts Portal page located at: https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/psc/psc- bops/GTCC%20Library/Forms/AllItems.aspx. If the cardholder is unable to reach the Travel Manager, Citi Customer Service should be contacted by calling the number on the back of the GTCC. d. Check-in: Cardholders must submit their PCS travel vouchers in a timely manner upon check-in at the new PDS, as outlined in Section H of reference (F). When the travel voucher is completed, ensure the split-disbursement amount in block 1 of the DD Form 1351-2 reflects all undisputed charges placed on or pending in the GTCC. If temporary lodging is still required at the time of completion of the travel voucher, the cardholder must include an estimate of the TLE charges in the split-disbursement amount. Other than payment for temporary lodging, no further charges will be placed on the GTCC after completion of the travel voucher. Cardholders must ensure they update their GTCC contact information immediately following the establishment of their address at the new PDS. If the cardholder does not have a Citimanager account, the Travel Manager should make the necessary changes or assist the cardholder to create a user profile in Citimanager: home.cards.citidirect.com/CommercialCard/ux. Cardholders must proactively review GTCC statements to ensure payment are made in full from the split-disbursement. Any remaining balance due after the posting of the split-disbursement must be paid immediately by the cardholder. Payment can be made via Citimanager at Citi Commercial Cards (citidirect.com), using the Citi mobile application, or by calling the number on the back of the card. If the split-disbursement exceeds the amount due, cardholders may obtain the amount of the credit balance via the same methods described above. The cardholder is solely responsible for ensuring the card balance is paid in full once claim processing becomes available again. e. Commands are reminded that particular attention is required for those newly reporting cardholders who typically would not have been issued a travel card from the departing unit. As soon as they have completed their travel claims, ensure the travel card limits are reduced to the minimum limits. 7. GTCC Nonavailability/Eligibility. If a GTCC Account cannot be established for a member then the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) should be used to the maximum extent possible and the member may use a personal credit or debit card for related commercial lodging and M&IE costs. The Travel Management Center, currently ADTRAV, should still be used for official travel reservations, including disaster evacuation reservations. 8. Applicability. This policy does not apply to accession, separation, or retirement travel, nor does it affect the payment of advance pay or advance Basic Allowance for Housing to pay for rental deposits. Additionally, this policy does not apply to PCS travel for civilian personnel, Selected Reserve members, or Individual Ready Reserve members as these populations do not use the same order writing and outbound interview processes. 9. GTCC Travel Managers may direct questions to Mr. Michael Duchossois at 703-254-7175 or [email protected] or to Ms. Evelyn Carlene Curry at 703-258-5996 or [email protected] 10. Released by: RDML S. N. Gilreath, Commander, Personnel Service Center The Service Center for Our Most Important Resource Our People. 11. Internet release is authorized.

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What are virtual cards and when should you use them?

Let's be real. Sometimes, suspicious online websites have the best deals or the items we need. When you feel hesitant about entering your card information, you could use a virtual card -- not to be confused with a digital wallet . 

Also: Is Temu legit? Everything to know before you place your first order

In observation of Financial Literacy Month, Google shared ways users can protect their payment information when using Google Pay. Unsurprisingly, given their ability to protect your card information easily and efficiently, virtual cards made the list.

So, what are virtual cards?

A virtual card is a unique credit card number you can enter on a site to complete a transaction. The technology masks your actual card information, keeping it hidden from businesses and protecting you against fraud.

Some virtual cards expire after every transaction, so if anyone accesses your card information, that number would be useless to them. Other virtual cards, like Google Pay , have a longer duration.

Also: The best budgeting apps: Find the Mint alternative that's right for you

If someone steals your virtual card's payment information, you can cancel just that virtual card instead of your entire credit card. Once you cancel the virtual account, the thief no longer has access to your credit card, which you can continue using. 

Creating a virtual card is free and easy, and there are multiple ways to do so, regardless of the type of phone, browser, or card you use.

How can you create a virtual card?

Google pay .

One way to create a virtual card is by using Google Pay. When you check out from Chrome desktop or mobile, if you have an eligible American Express, Capital One, or Citi card, you have the option to save your card as a virtual card. 

Then, every time you autofill your card information using Google Play, your virtual card information will be inputted automatically. If you don't use Google Pay, don't worry -- there are other options. 

Your credit card 

Many major credit card companies offer virtual cards within their platform to users free of charge, including American Express, Capital One, Mastercard, or Citi. For example, as a Citibank credit card holder, I can go into the app and generate a virtual card number simply by tapping the quick action. 

I often use this feature when I try to place an online order, am nowhere near my wallet, need to enter my credit card information, and have no desire to get up. While this isn't the intended use case, it's still a big plus.

Also: Proton VPN review (2024): A very solid VPN with robust leak protection

CNET has a comprehensive list of the best credit cards with virtual card numbers. You can cross-reference this list to see if your card is included. You can also see credit cards with the feature that you might want to consider in the future. 

Third-party payment sites

Many popular third-party payment sites offer virtual cards, including Wise, Stripe, and PayPal. These cards function a little differently: you can choose what funds get added and create separation between your personal account and your virtual card. 

For example, with the PayPal Debit Card, you can spend your PayPal balance online and in stores. You can load money onto that card from an eligible bank account or debit card. This approach gives you control over how much money someone can access if the payment information is stolen and makes it easier to cancel the account if needed.

The best AirTag wallets you can buy: Expert recommended

The best travel vpns: expert tested, how to freeze your credit (and why you might want to).

Best credit cards of April 2024

  Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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.

There is no single best credit card out there for everyone. But whether you're looking for cash back or travel rewards, an introductory 0% APR promotion, airline or hotel perks, or a card to help you build your credit history, some cards are better than others. 

While it's important for you to consider your credit score, spending habits, and feature preferences, the Fortune Recommends™ team evaluated dozens of different types of credit cards to give you an idea of what best-in-class credit card rewards and benefits look like. Read on to see our top picks.

• Best flat-rate cash back card: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
• Best 5% cash back card: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best premium travel card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Best mid-tier travel card: chase sapphire preferred ® card, best no-annual-fee card: bilt mastercard®, best balance transfer card: u.s. bank visa® platinum card, best 0% apr card: wells fargo reflect® card, best credit card for fair credit: citi double cash® card.

• Best credit card for bad credit: Chime Card

Best airline card: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Best hotel card: ihg one rewards premier credit card, best flat-rate cash-back card: wells fargo active cash® card.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the epitome of set it and forget it. If you don't want to worry about categories or spending limits, the Active Cash is for you.

Why we like this card : The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a straightforward 2% back on every purchase, making it easy to predict how much you'll earn based on your everyday spending habits. There's also no annual fee, so you don't have to worry about whether you can get enough value to offset a yearly cost. 

The card also offers solid new-cardholder incentives, including an easy-to-earn welcome bonus and a solid introductory 0% APR both purchases and balance transfers. 

Best 5% cash-back card: Chase Freedom Flex℠

If you want to squeeze every last penny out of your rewards and are willing to put in some work, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ could be for you.

Why we like this card : The Chase Freedom Flex® is a great option if you want to maximize your rewards on a variety of spending categories that change throughout the year. It can be particularly beneficial if you pair it with another cash-back credit card with a high base rewards rate — otherwise, expect to earn a measly 1% back on most of your purchases. 

The card also offers an impressive welcome bonus and a 0% intro APR promotion on both purchases and balance transfers.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium benefits, and while it does charge a high annual fee, the fee is hundreds less than competing cards with similar perks.

Why we like this card: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card may charge a steep annual fee like other premium travel cards, but it doesn't make it too difficult to get that value back in the form of perks. On top of the card's annual travel credit and miles bonus, you'll also get access to more than 1,300 airport lounges in the Priority Pass, Capital One Lounge and Plaza Premium networks. 

When it comes to redeeming your rewards, Capital One offers more flexibility than other credit card issuers. You can use miles to book travel through the issuer's travel portal or book on your own and request a statement credit. You can also transfer your miles to select airline and hotel rewards programs, though it can require some effort and attention to detail to maximize your rewards value that way.

With a generous welcome bonus and elevated rewards on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card offers a strong value proposition.

Why we like this card: Despite its modest annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a big punch. The card's welcome bonus is sizable on its own, but it's made even more valuable with a 25% boost on travel redemptions through Chase. You'll also get an annual bonus of 10% of your purchases each year — for example, if you spend $30,000, you'll get 3,000 bonus points. It even comes with primary rental car insurance .

The card offers bonus rewards on several different spending categories, plus up to $50 toward hotel stays if you book through Chase. You can also enjoy special perks with select partners, including Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, and Peloton.

While travel redemptions through the Chase portal give you 25% more value, you can also use your points to get cash back, buy gift cards, and more. You can even transfer your rewards to a variety of airline and hotel rewards programs.

The marquis benefit of the Bilt Mastercard® is the ability to earn points on rent—up to 100,000 points in a calendar year, as long as you use the card five times each statement period—while avoiding the convenience fee landlords typically charge for paying by credit card. But even without that perk the card offers a compelling set of benefits, all for no annual fee.

Why we like this card: It can be difficult to earn credit card rewards on rent payments because most landlords either don't allow credit card payments or charge a hefty convenience fee. With the Bilt Mastercard®, you can make your rent payments through Bilt without the transaction fee and earn rewards on the monthly bill. Just make sure you use the card at least five times per month to earn rewards.

Bilt cardholders earn 3X on dining, 2X on eligible travel, 1X on rent up to 100,000 points per year, and 1X on other spending. You can also earn double the rewards on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points, excluding rent).

The card also offers some solid insurance benefits, including Cell Phone Protection, Trip Delay Protection, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver. That said, there are no new-cardholder incentives.

If you're trying to consolidate your debt, the U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card gives you over a year and a half to pay off the balance with no interest besides the balance transfer fee.

Why we like this card: The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers the longest introductory 0% APR promotion currently available for balance transfers. If you need to pay off high-interest debt from another card, this card should be toward the top of your list of options. The card also offers cell phone protection.

That said, there's no rewards program and also no welcome bonus, limiting the card's value after the 0% APR promotional period expires.

A large purchase can take a dent out of your wallet, but saving on interest helps lessen the sting. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card gives you a long runway to pay down your bill without worrying about interest.

Why we like this card: If you want to maximize your interest savings while paying down a large purchase or some emergency expenses, the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card should be on your radar. The card offers the longest 0% APR promotion currently available for purchases. 

While it doesn't offer a traditional rewards program, you can earn statement credits when you use the card with select merchants through the My Wells Fargo Deals program. The card also offers cell phone protection.

The Citi® Double Cash Card has long been a contender in the cash-back card category. Other cards have upstaged it of late but the Double Cash doesn't require pristine credit to qualify.

Why we like this card: Most of the best rewards credit cards require good or excellent credit, but if your credit score is in the fair range, you can still get the opportunity to earn a great rewards rate on all of your purchases with the Citi Double Cash® Card. The card also offers a solid welcome bonus and an introductory 0% APR promotion on balance transfers. 

Best credit card for bad credit: Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card

Whether you're just starting out or you need to get back on track the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card could be an effective tool to help you build credit.

Why we like this card: If you're looking to build your credit history, traditional secured credit cards hold your deposit for several months or until you close your account. With the Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa® Credit Card , there's no minimum security deposit, and you can access your deposit account anytime you want. You'll use that account to pay your bill, though, so you'll need to add more to have spending power with the card.

The card is also great for people who are worried about bad credit or who don't want to deal with the dangers of high-interest credit card debt. But while there's no credit check when you apply, you'll need a Chime checking account with monthly direct deposits of at least $200 to qualify.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers more than enough benefits on Delta to offset the high annual fee.

Why we like this card: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card isn't cheap, but for frequent Delta flyers, it offers extreme value. In addition to a solid welcome bonus, you'll also get airport lounge access when you fly Delta, an annual companion certificate, annual statement credits on Delta Stays purchases, rideshare, and purchases with Resy, an application fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and much more.

When flying Delta, you'll also get additional benefits, such as 15% off on award flights, free checked baggage, priority boarding, and inflight discounts.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card punches way above its weight class with benefits like an annual free night certificate and the fourth night free on award bookings.

Why we like this card: The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card charges a modest annual fee, but you can get far more value each year, especially if you're a big spender. You'll get a free night reward each year worth up to 40,000 points, plus a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points if you spend $20,000 in a calendar year. Other perks include Platinum Elite status with IHG, an application fee credit toward Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, and many more.

That said, the card's rewards program is limited in flexibility and value. You can rack up points quickly but stays also require a lot of points. And while you can technically use your rewards for more than just hotel stays, you may get less value with the alternatives.

What are the different types of credit cards?

There are several different types of credit cards, each one specializing in certain benefits. As you consider your situation and needs, one type of credit card may be a better fit than the others. Here's a quick summary of what's available:

• Cash-back credit cards: These cards offer cash-back rewards on your everyday purchases.
• Travel rewards credit cards: With these cards, you can earn general travel rewards, often with flexible redemption options.
• Airline credit cards: These co-branded credit cards allow you to earn rewards and enjoy perks with a specific airline.
• Hotel credit cards: With these cards, you can earn points and take advantage of benefits with a single hotel chain.
• 0% APR credit cards: These cards offer an introductory 0% APR promotion on purchases made within the first 12 to 21 months, depending on the card.
• Balance transfer credit cards: Balance transfer cards allow you to transfer debt from another credit card and pay it off interest-free, usually over 12 to 21 months. If you need help with debt beyond the balances credit cards are offering, you may also want to consider working with a debt relief company .
• Student credit cards: These cards are designed specifically to help college students establish credit and develop good credit habits.
• Secured credit cards: Made for people with bad credit or no credit history, these cards require a security deposit, typically equal to your desired credit limit, which will be returned to you when you close the account or qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured card.
• Starter credit cards: Some card issuers offer unsecured cards that offer basic benefits and a chance to build credit. In some cases, these cards may have alternative requirements beyond your credit score.
• Business credit cards: These cards are made for small business owners and often offer rewards and perks that align with common business expenses and needs.
• Store credit cards: Also called retail or private-label cards, these cards are issued in partnership with retailers. In some cases, you can't use the card anywhere else.

Note that some credit cards fit into different categories. For example, many cash-back credit cards offer 0% APR promotions on purchases, balance transfers or both. Additionally, some travel credit cards allow you to redeem rewards for cash back.

How to choose the best credit card for you

Credit cards offer a wide range of rewards and other benefits, making it difficult to choose just one that's best for everyone. To determine which credit card is the best for you, consider the following factors:

• Credit score: Most of the best credit cards require good or excellent credit. But if your credit score needs some work, your options may be limited to the ones for which you have good approval odds. Check your credit score before you apply for a credit card to get an idea of where you stand, then evaluate your options based on your credit profile. If your credit score is low, you may want to consider working with a credit repair company to help improve it.
• Spending habits: If you're looking for a rewards credit card, take a look at your expenses over the last few months to determine your biggest budget categories. Then, try to find a credit card that offers rewards that align with those categories.
• Preferences: As you compare the best credit cards, review non-rewards features, such as welcome bonuses, 0% APR promotions, travel perks, insurance protections, and annual fees, to get an idea of what you're looking for in a credit card. Also, consider whether you want to maximize rewards with tiered or rotating bonus categories or whether you'd prefer a flat rewards rate on everything.

How many credit cards should you have?

As you evaluate your options, you may also notice that there's no single credit card that meets all your criteria. In that case, it can make sense to get multiple credit cards to make the most of all of your everyday spending.

That said, it's important to avoid opening too many credit cards. The more cards you have, the more difficult it can be to keep track of payment due dates, rewards rates, and benefits. Adding more available credit can also increase your chances of overspending.

To determine the right number of credit cards for you, consider your spending habits and organizational skills. Also, consider whether the potential benefits of adding another card to your wallet are worth the added stress of managing multiple accounts.

Methodology

The best credit cards were chosen as the top pick in their respective categories. For more detail on how they were chosen, check out the respective list:

• Best cash back credit cards
• Best travel credit cards
• Best balance transfer cards
• Best 0% APR cards
• Best secured cards
• Best hotel cards

Frequently asked questions

What is the best type of credit card to own.

Ultimately, the best type of credit card depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider those, along with your credit score, to determine which type of credit card is best for you. 

Which credit card is easiest to get?

Some credit cards don't require a credit check when you apply or may determine your eligibility based on other factors, such as how you manage your income and expenses or your banking relationship with the card issuer. 

If you're new to credit or have poor credit, look for credit cards that don't focus solely on your credit history.

What is the most difficult credit card to get?

The American Express Centurion Card, also known as the Black Card, is the most exclusive credit card on the market. The card is available by invitation only, and you typically need to have a high net worth and spend several hundred thousand dollars on American Express credit cards each year to get an invite.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com