Find and apply for a credit card that’s right for you

Even some of the best credit cards are not right for everyone. Learn how to choose and apply for a card that matches your lifestyle and goals.

Even some of the best credit cards are not right for everyone. Learn how to choose and apply for a card that matches your lifestyle and goals.

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

  • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
  • $0 Annual Fee.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Our rating:4.2 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee
Our rating:4.9 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

  • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
  • $0 Annual Fee.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Our rating:4.2 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Our rating:4.7 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Our rating:4.9 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

  • Select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Our rating:4.1 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it® Cash Back

  • 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.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Our rating:4.6 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

  • Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
  • Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
  • Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our rating:4.1 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X 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
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Our rating:4.9 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.

Annual Fee
Intro Purchase APR
Regular APR
Intro Balance Transfers APR

Why apply for a credit card?

Applying for a credit card can be a key step in achieving your financial goals. Unlike debit and prepaid cards, credit cards can help you achieve a credit score that will qualify you for the best interest rates on mortgages and loans. Owning a credit card can help you in a variety of other ways, too:

Build credit

If you’re rebuilding your credit after a financial misstep or if you’re brand new to credit, getting a credit card can be the first step in achieving good or excellent credit. Applying for a credit card with a low credit score requirement is your best option for being approved since you likely won’t qualify for the best credit cards at first.

On the other hand, your options are numerous if you already have good credit and simply want to open another line of credit. Though your credit score may take a temporary hit after applying, the increase to your total credit available will likely outweigh the drop in the long term. Read our full guide to understand how your FICO credit score is calculated.

Earn rewards

Most everyone has defined spending habits – from the travel enthusiast to the foodie to the ultra-practical family man or woman. By applying for a rewards credit card, you can start earning bonus cash back, points or airline miles on your most frequent spending categories.

Common rewards categories include grocery stores, dining and entertainment, and travel purchases. And if you’re not sure about a particular category, you can always choose a flat-rate card, which will reward you at a standard rate for all purchases.

Travel benefits

Travel insurance, a TSA PreCheck credit, free checked bags, lounge access and no foreign transaction fees are common credit card perks that make traveling more comfortable and cost-efficient. Travel credit cards often come with annual fees, but frequent travelers can easily get their money’s worth and more by using the card’s benefits.

Financing large purchases

Whether you’ve had to make an unplanned purchase or you simply prefer to split up payments over several months, applying for a credit card can help. By taking advantage of a card with a 0% introductory period, you can spread payments out for more than a year in some cases, while paying no extra in interest.

How to apply for a credit card

Check your credit score

It’s important to know where you stand before applying for a credit card; many credit card issuers explicitly state the credit range required for each card. So if you know your credit score, you can narrow your search to the best cards within your credit range, and you won’t waste time applying for cards that you won’t qualify for.

Checking your credit score is also helpful because you may uncover mistakes on your credit report that you can dispute and have removed. If your score is surprisingly low, check your credit reports for incorrect late payments and other negative items that could be harming your credit. You can check them for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

There are several ways to check your credit score. Most lenders will see your FICO® score, which you can access for free through many financial institutions and credit bureaus. Visit the FICO® Score website for a full list of where to find your FICO® score.

Choose your credit card

Now that you know your credit score, the rest of your decision depends on personal preferences. What kinds of purchases do you frequently make? Do you want to earn cash back or travel points and miles? Will you pay your balance in full each month? The answer to each of these questions will determine which credit card you should apply for.

Some factors you’ll want to consider include:

  • Rewards categories
  • Redemption options
  • Interest rates
  • Annual fees
  • Sign up bonuses

Weighing each of these factors will lead you to the most informed decision about which credit card is right for you.

Find out if you pre-qualify

Some banks will use a soft inquiry – one that won’t hurt your credit – to tell you if you’re likely to be approved. You’ll still need to fill out a formal application in order to be approved, but prequalification is generally reliable in predicting approval. Use our Cardmatch tool to find out in less than 60 seconds which credit cards you’re pre-qualified for – you may also receive special offers, like a boosted welcome offer.

Apply online

Once you’ve picked your favorite credit card, it’s time to apply. Applications are usually simple; you’ll probably know most of the required information off the top of your head. Information you’ll usually need to provide on a credit card application includes:

  • Full name
  • Address
  • Type of residence
  • Phone number
  • Annual income
  • Social Security number

One thing to note is that income doesn’t just mean your personal income. You may include any income that you have “reasonable expectation of access” to, according to a 2013 amendment to the CARD Act, which makes it much easier for stay-at-home spouses and partners to qualify for credit cards.

Before hitting submit on your application, be sure you have read all terms and conditions. It pays to do your research so that you don’t get hit with surprise fees or penalties. If you’re confused about the fine print, you can always call the issuer directly.

How to increase your odds of approval

Increase your credit score

Having good or excellent credit not only boosts your approval odds but also qualifies you for the best interest rates. Here are a few ways you can make sure your credit score is at its best before applying.

  • Check your credit reports. Late payments and unpaid debt can be reported by lenders and pull your score down. They can’t be removed unless they are reported inaccurately or until enough time has passed. However, if you find an error in your report, alert the 3 major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
  • Pay down any existing debt. One of FICO’s 5 factors is your credit utilization, or the percentage of your available credit that you’re currently borrowing. There’s no magic number, but it’s good to keep your utilization under 30%. If it’s much higher, your score could suffer.
  • Ask for a credit limit increase. Increasing the total amount of credit you have access to can also lower your total utilization, without you actually paying off any debt. It’s simple to ask – just call your bank. A poll by CreditCards.com found that 85% of those who requested a credit limit increase were granted one.
  • Become an authorized user. If you know someone with a good credit history who trusts you with their card information, you can build credit by becoming an authorized user on their credit card. That account will start to show up on your credit, and you’ll benefit from his or her on-time payments.

Avoid applying for multiple credit cards in a short amount of time

A credit card application results in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily drop your score by about 5-10 points. This can be compounded by an increase in new credit, which accounts for about 10% of your credit score. Having several new accounts can reflect poorly on your credit as well.

You should choose one card that you’re confident about getting approved for, and wait until you receive an approval or denial before applying for another credit card.

What to do if you’re denied

Understand why

If your application is denied, you should know why before applying for another card or giving up. The good news is that issuers are legally obligated to tell you why they denied your application if the reason lies within your credit report, thanks to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Issuers will usually send a rejection letter or email, stating one or more reasons why they decided not to lend to you. The letter will also give you instructions for obtaining your credit report for free, as you are entitled to do after being denied a credit card.

Some common reasons for application denial include low credit score, high card balances, low income, too many recent credit inquiries, too many credit cards, recent delinquency or unpaid bills, limited credit history, or limited employment history.

Once you understand the reason your application was denied, you can take the necessary steps to improve your credit or increase your odds of approval.

Check your information

If you’re surprised about being denied, you should examine your credit reports thoroughly to make sure there aren’t any mistakes. If you do find an incorrect item, you can dispute it by sending a letter to the responsible credit bureau.

You should also review the information you provided on the application. Perhaps a typo caused you to enter your income incorrectly.

Consider calling the issuer’s reconsideration line

If you’ve assessed the reason for your denial and determined that you weren’t far off from approval, call the issuer’s reconsideration line.

Now, if you applied for a card that requires excellent credit while having poor credit, you probably won’t be able to talk your way to approval. However, you may be able to call the issuer and politely explain the situation, citing your timely recent payments and steadily improving credit. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. If you are approved, you’ll have the card you wanted and save yourself an additional credit inquiry.

Apply for a card you can be approved for

After assessing your credit profile, you may want to pursue a different card.

  • Secured credit cards often have low credit score requirements and are a great way to build credit.
  • Requirements vary between issuers, so you may have better luck with a different issuer. Check out our picks for the best credit cards from different issuers.