Best credit cards of March 2025 – Researching the best credit cards

Compare Bankrate’s best credit cards of 2025

We thoroughly rate and research the best credit cards based on key criteria to help you make confident decisions when choosing your next credit card. Learn more about our methodology below.

What type of credit card should you get?

Credit card issuers offer different types of credit cards to meet various consumer needs. For example, frequent travelers may see a ton of value in a luxury travel card that offers perks like lounge access or credits for expedited security screening, even if that means paying a high annual fee, whereas occasional travelers might not see annual fees as worth the cost and would be better served by a no-annual-fee card. Still others may travel abroad regularly, making a no-foreign-transaction-fee card a great fit.

As you can see, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all credit card, and the sheer number of options can make it difficult to choose the credit card that’s best for your unique situation. That’s why it’s good to consider which card best matches your spending habits.

Here are the major credit card types and the ideal cardholder they’re suited for:

• Cash back rewards cardsWhat to know:
  • Cash back cards usually earn rewards on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, gas and more.You can typically redeem cash back as a statement credit, deposit to your bank account or gift card. Some cash back rewards also let you pool rewards with travel cards from the same issuer.Flat-rate cash rewards cards typically offer a maximum of 2 percent back on purchases, while cards with rotating categories or year-round bonus categories can offer anywhere from 2 percent to 6 percent back on certain purchases (sometimes with restrictions on how much you can earn, like spending caps).
  Who they’re great for:
  • Household shoppers — The most popular cash back bonus categories are a good fit if you spend mostly on groceries, gas, dining and other everyday categories.Simplicity seekers — If you prefer streamlined redemption and minimal fees, cash back cards are a good option.Staycation-ers and infrequent travelers — If you don’t plan to redeem rewards for travel, cash back is likely your best alternative.
• Travel rewards cardsWhat to know
  • General travel cards earn rewards on airfare, hotels and other expenses, no matter how you fly or where you stay. These cards may also include perks like airport lounge access or credits for expedited security screening services.Premium travel cards tend to feature benefits that make your journey easier and more affordable. Some of the best perks include airport lounge access, free hotel upgrades, travel protections (like trip cancellation insurance) and credits toward expenses like airfare, hotel stays and expedited security screening services.Co-branded cards typically carry high reward rates and elite loyalty status with particular airlines or hotel chains. Airline cards might provide perks like in-flight purchase discounts, priority boarding and free checked baggage. Similarly, hotel cards may offer free nights, hotel credits and status that gives you perks like room upgrades and flexible check-in.
  Who they’re great for:
  • Flexible travelers — If you want to book with the airline or hotel that offers the best deal and care more about earning and redeeming rewards than traveling in style, you’ll likely prefer a general-purpose travel card.Road warriors — Road trippers and weekend adventurers could save on accommodations and future trips with travel cards’ lodging, dining, entertainment and rental car rewards.Strategic shoppers — Travel cards’ broad category coverage, pairing opportunities and transfer partners will help you squeeze the most mileage from your rewards.Loyal jet-setters and hotel guests — An airline or hotel card would be a rewarding pick if you prefer to fly with a specific carrier or stay with a particular hotel chain.Travel hackers — A co-branded airline or hotel card may be worthwhile if you don’t mind holding multiple cards to maximize your travel rewards.
• 0% APR and balance transfer cardsWhat to know
  • If you only need 12 to 15 months to pay off your balance, a no-annual-fee rewards card with a short intro APR period may be your best choice long term. Otherwise, cards designed specifically for balance transfers or financing new purchases will be a better fit since they tend to offer 0 percent intro APR periods of 18 to 21 months.Some balance transfer cards offer a shorter intro APR on purchases than balance transfers, so consider whether any new purchases will make it harder for you to pay off your balance during the intro APR window. In that case, a card with a matching intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers would be a better fit.Cards typically charge a 3 percent to 5 percent balance transfer fee. Make sure to check your math beforehand since a card with a lower transfer fee may be more cost-effective than one with a longer intro APR if you have a large balance.
  Who they’re great for:
  • Debt-settlers — A balance transfer card may give you enough breathing room to finally pay off snowballing debt.Debt consolidators— You can consolidate multiple credit card balances (and sometimes personal loans) onto one zero-interest card if you’re having a hard time keeping up with interest charges across multiple cards.Big purchase planners — You can use a card with a strong 0 percent intro APR on purchases to keep interest at bay as you pay off big purchases.
• Low-interest cardsWhat to know:
  • You’ll want to consider a low-interest credit card that has an ongoing APR below the average interest rate (currently hovering around 20 percent) if you may need to carry a balance.Credit union cards often offer especially low rates, with low-end APRs sometimes ranging from 8 percent to 14 percent.In case you may need extra time to pay off unexpected purchases, an alternate payment plan may save you more money than carrying a balance even with a low-interest card.
  Who they’re great for:
  • Emergency expense planners — You can minimize the impact of interest should you need to carry a balance.First-time cardholders — You can take advantage of a lower-cost safety net in case you miss a payment while getting the hang of credit cards.
• Business cardsWhat to know:
  • With a cash back card for business, you can earn a flat percentage on general purchases or a higher rate on bonus categories such as office supplies. A business travel card that earns miles or points can also help you reduce your costs for airfare, hotel stays and transit.Business cards typically carry specialized features, such as higher credit limits than consumer cards, tools to help you manage expenses, free cards for employees and business-related rewards categories, such as shipping, advertising or office supply store purchases.
  Who they’re great for:
  • Small-business owners — On top of business-oriented features not found on personal cards, business cards can also help you handle your small business or startup costs and build your business’ credit score.Side hustlers — Even if you have a small online store, dog walking or ridesharing side gig, you can use a business card to earn rewards, access expense management tools and keep your business spending separate from your personal spending.Business travelers — Many of the top-tier business cards offer travel perks and rewards, and frequent business travelers can put features like annual travel credits, airline companion passes and lounge access privileges to good use.
  Where to look:
• Student cardsWhat to know:
  • You might not need a good or excellent credit score (or even a credit history at all) to qualify for a student card. In fact, some cards for international students don’t even require a Social Security number.Some student card perks are especially useful if you’re in college, like statement credits for Amazon Prime Student, streaming services or other common subscriptions.Annual fees, foreign transaction fees and penalty APRs are less common among student cards — and some issuers even waive your first late payment fee — providing some peace of mind for students without the same income or credit experience as a seasoned cardholder.
  Who they’re great for:
  • Students — Unlike secured cards and other credit-building options for people with limited credit, student credit cards are only available to students. Student cards’ comparatively low rates and fees, $0 deposit requirement, and student-oriented perks and rewards make them perhaps the best cards available if you want to build a credit history.
• Unsecured credit-building cardsWhat to know:
  • Unsecured credit cards for bad or fair credit can be handy if you don’t have the flexibility to tie up a large security deposit for several months. However, it’s important to carefully read each card’s terms and conditions.Unsecured credit-building cards tend to charge much higher rates and fees than secured cards, and some of these unsecured cards’ terms border on being predatory. Decent unsecured cards designed for subprime credit do exist, but a secured card may be a more cost-effective option in the long run for building credit.Though unsecured credit-building cards are more accessible than secured cards since they don’t require a security deposit, your starting credit limit is likely to be low (typically around $300), which could make it difficult to keep your credit utilization in check (a key credit-building factor).
  Who they’re great for:
  • Credit-builders avoiding a security deposit — Unsecured cards can be helpful if you’re hesitant to fork up a hefty deposit and you can carefully navigate the risks.Credit-builders with fair credit — Since you’ll be seen as a lower risk than someone with bad credit, having fair credit can get you unsecured credit-building cards that are a bit more rewarding than secured alternatives.

Don’t know where to start? Check out

Bankrate’s Spender Type Tool

Expert insights: What are the best credit cards of 2025?

No one card will be “the best” for everyone, but certain cards will likely stand out based on your goals, spending habits, credit score and more.

The 2025 Bankrate Award winners are a great place to start if you want to see which cards we’ve highlighted as among the best on the market for different types of cardholders. Every year, Bankrate’s credit card experts research, rate and compare hundreds of cards and crown the best in each major category as Bankrate Award winners based on their outstanding features, rewards value and more. 

Several of the cards on this month’s “Best of” list were winners in previous years, including:

• American Express Gold Card — Best credit card for foodies (four-time winner*)
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Best credit card for jet-setters (four-time winner*)
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — Best standalone credit card, Best credit card for entertainment (one-time winner*), Best credit card for families (two-time winner*)
• Discover it® Student Cash Back — Best credit card for students (three-time winner*)
• Wells Fargo Active Cash Card — Best credit card for flat-rate cash rewards (two-time winner*)
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® — Best credit card for everyday use, Best credit card for cash back fans (three-time winner*), Best credit cards for stacking (three-time winner* with the Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cards)

Learn more

2025 Bankrate Awards for Credit Cards

• Perfect Bankrate review scores
• J.D. Power’s top-rated credit cards
• J.D. Power’s top-rated credit card companies

Here’s how Bankrate experts chose their rewards card

With all of this advice in mind, let’s see how a credit card expert made their pick. Here’s Bankrate writer and credit card reviewer Garrett Yarbrough on how he chose his primary rewards card:

“The idea of shuffling through a stack of credit cards and plotting what I should buy and where I should shop each month — all just to scrape an extra few cents back — fills me with anxiety. So I’ve stuck with a single versatile cash back card that rewards my biggest expenses and will stack well with premium travel cards if I go that route in the future. To narrow down my choices, I broke down my monthly budget. 

My biggest expenses tend to be bills and everyday purchases like groceries and dining, but I make many of my purchases online or at superstores like Walmart. This meant a flat-rate rewards card could be a better fit than a bonus category card. 

But the Chase Freedom Unlimited offered the best of both worlds with its combo of a flat rewards rate on general purchases and a year-round bonus rewards rate on dining. Plus, I can boost the value of my rewards down the road if I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred and redeem for travel.”—  Garrett YarbroughWriter, Credit Cards

“Many of today’s best credit cards carry annual fees, and for many cardholders, the cost is more than worth it. 

But not for me.

Premium cards offer perks like travel and shopping credits, lounge access and numerous other benefits that can easily justify their cost, but I don’t travel frequently and I’m not a big spender, so a no-annual-fee card has always seemed like a much better fit for my lifestyle…

Rewards strategists may enjoy the thrill of redeeming a card’s perks, but for me, the best card doesn’t need a game plan — it’s effortless, yet rewarding.”—  Reena Thomas — Editor, Credit Cards

BANKRATE EXPERT FAQ

What is the best feature you look for in a credit card?

Erica Sandberg

Stephanie Zito

Thomas Nitzsche

I gravitate to the perks the credit card offers. For example, I have a United℠ Explorer Card. It’s great for the miles, and since there is a United Airlines hub in San Francisco, where I live, I tend to fly with them frequently. But the perks are where it really stands out. The “basic” United fare is substantially less than other classes, but you have to pay for overhead and checked baggage. Since this card offers complimentary checked bags, I come out ahead. I get the cheapest airfare plus free bag check! These are the kind of things I recommend that people look for when they’re considering new credit cards — perks that make your life easier and save you money

Weigh whether getting a credit card is right for you

Pros and cons of credit cards

Our data: Which cards are the most popular?

Below, we’ve listed Bankrate’s three most popular card offers across each major card category. We assess popularity based on how frequently Bankrate visitors started an application for each card in 2024 compared to other cards in the same primary category (cash back, travel, business, balance transfer, etc.).

Cash back

1. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
2. Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
3. Discover it® Chrome

Travel

1. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
2. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
3. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

Balance Transfer

1. Gold Visa® Card
2. BankAmericard® credit card
3. USAA Rate Advantage Credit Card

Intro APR

1. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
2. BankAmericard® credit card
3. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards

Fair Credit

1. Prosper® Card
2. Avant Credit Card
3. Credit One Bank® Wander® American Express® Card

Bad Credit

1. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
2. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured
3. Nav Prime Card

Students

1. Discover it® Student Cash Back
2. Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for Students
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card for Students

Business

1. Spark 1% Classic
2. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
3. United℠ Business Card

Bankrate’s data indicates that, regardless of the type of credit card, users prefer straightforward rewards programs, no-annual-fee cards and solid zero-interest periods. The cards that received the most applications largely carry a flat rewards rates or a variety of everyday bonus categories like groceries, dining and gas. Even the most popular premium travel cards in our study tend to have a $0 to $95 annual fee and allow you to redeem rewards for cash back without losing value.

Along with J.D. Power’s report and Bankrate’s recent survey data, our annual card ranking data shows that applicants have been steadily moving toward strong intro APR periods and cash back over travel rewards since 2023 — all to help manage rising day-to-day costs and snowballing card balances. Considering how credit cards can help fight inflation and more cardholders are carrying balances, it makes sense to apply for easy-to-manage cards that help you save on everyday expenses and pay off debt at a minimal cost.

What people say about the best credit cards

Because people have many options when looking for their next credit card, reading current cardholders’ experiences can be helpful. We reviewed the most useful comments on the best credit cards from online forums and discussion boards, vetted this information to ensure accuracy, and curated the highlights here. 

• First-hand perspectives

Frequently asked questions

• How many credit cards should I have?The number of credit cards you should have depends on your goals. For example, you’ll probably want to carry multiple cards if you’re looking to maximize rewards on a broader range of expenses or wield perks specific to your favorite stores, airlines or hotels. However, you may want to stick to one card if you prioritize building credit or a streamlined rewards experience.Having several cards is fine as long as they deliver benefits that you take full advantage of (miles, cash back, perks and so on). Just beware of burdening yourself with annual fees and temporarily bruising your credit score from multiple card applications in a short period. For reference, statistics show that 77 percent of U.S. adults have at least one credit card, with the average American holding three to four credit cards.
• What is a good sign-up bonus?No-annual-fee rewards cards typically offer sign-up bonuses worth $200 to $250 after you spend $500 to $1,000 in the first three months. Meanwhile, premium rewards cards generally offer bonuses worth $500 to $800 after you spend $4,000 to $6,000 in your first three or six months. Business cards often offer even more valuable sign-up bonuses with a bigger spending requirement to match.Learn more: Best credit card sign-up bonuses
• Does applying for a credit card hurt your credit score?A credit card application could have a negative (but temporary and relatively small) effect on your credit score. Getting approved for a credit card or other type of credit account requires some scrutiny of your track record as a borrower. The process can involve two types of credit checks:
  • A “hard” inquiry is when the lender pulls your credit report to make a decision about whether to lend to you.A “soft” inquiry is when the lender checks your credit as part of a preliminary screening. Pre-qualified credit card offers involve soft credit inquiries, so keep an eye out for cards that offer pre-qualification.
  A hard inquiry can subtract a few points from your credit score temporarily, while a soft inquiry usually has no effect. You’ll want to limit the number of hard inquiries on your credit report, so be as selective as possible about which credit cards you apply for and try to get preapproved first.
• How old do I have to be to get a credit card?Generally, you must be at least 18 years old to be the primary cardholder of a credit card. However, there are considerably more strict requirements to hold a credit card if you’re below the age of 21. You must be able to prove that you can independently pay your credit card bill or you can elect to have a cosigner, who is financially responsible for your bills if you cannot pay.There is also the option to become an authorized user on a parent or guardian’s credit card. With this option, you can have access to a credit line before the age of 18, though age restrictions will depend on the issuer.

How we assess the best credit cards

When evaluating the best credit cards, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards to saving on interest. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 250 of the most popular credit cards in each of our primary card scoring categories, including Cash Back, Rewards, Balance Transfer, Low Interest, Business, Credit-Building, and Student, as well as in a few popular subcategories like Travel, No Annual Fee, Airline and Hotel.

We scored each card based on the factors most relevant to its primary category, including its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, intro APR period length, ongoing APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup. 

Here’s a quick look at how our card ratings are distributed as of May 2024, as well as some of the key factors that we considered in selecting this month’s Best Cards.