Counter advice, no bank jargon

Which card is right for you? Ask at the counter.

Tell us your situation. We show the real yearly cost first, then the perks — and say plainly who should skip a card.

Take a number: what is your situation?

  1. My first card Easy approval, low limit to start
  2. Low Interest Lower rates if you carry a balance
  3. No annual fee Pay nothing just to keep it
  4. Cashback Money back on everyday spending
  5. Miles and travel Lounges, miles, fewer foreign fees
  • Real yearly cost before perks
  • No one can promise approval — we never do
  • Fine print explained in plain words

Recently added

D

Destiny Mastercard®

 Mastercard

Who it's for: U.S. consumers who are establishing or rebuilding credit and want an unsecured credit card without a security deposit.

  • Annual fee $175
  • Rewards —
  • APR 35.9%

The Destiny Mastercard may make sense for someone focused on establishing or rebuilding credit who specifically wants an unsecured card without a deposit, but its high APR and fee structure warrant careful comparison with lower-cost credit-building alternatives.

View card

G

Grow Credit Mastercard

 Mastercard

Who it's for: People who want to passively build credit using subscriptions they already pay for, without taking on traditional credit card risk.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —

Grow Credit takes a unique approach — rather than traditional spending, it pays your existing subscription bills (Netflix, Spotify, etc.) and reports those payments to all three credit bureaus. The free tier covers one subscription, and paid tiers cover more. It's a passive way to build credit without changing your spending habits.

View card

D

Deserve EDU Student Mastercard

 Mastercard

Who it's for: International students building US credit

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 1%
  • APR 18.74%

One of the few cards that accepts international students without SSN. Rewards are modest but accessibility is the draw.

Recommended View card

A

Avant® Cashback Rewards Mastercard®

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Consumers who want simple 1% cash back on purchases and value an unsecured Mastercard with monthly reporting to all three major credit bureaus.

  • Annual fee 0-75
  • Rewards —
  • APR 35.99%

The Avant Cashback Rewards Mastercard may make sense for consumers who want simple cash back and an unsecured card, especially if they receive a lower-fee offer. The 35.99% purchase APR makes it important to avoid carrying balances when possible and to review the exact annual fee before accepting the card.

View card

N

Navy Federal nRewards Secured Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Military members building credit who want rewards

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 15.65%

Rare secured card that offers rewards. Low APR plus no annual fee makes it one of the best secured cards available.

Recommended View card

D

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

 Amex

Who it's for: Best for those who frequently fly Delta and dine out often, as the rewards structure favors these spending categories.

  • Annual fee $150
  • Rewards —
  • APR 21.49%

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers solid rewards for Delta travelers, but the annual fee may not be justifiable for occasional flyers.

View card

T

The Platinum Card® from American Express

 Amex

Who it's for: Ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize rewards and benefits, particularly those who value luxury travel experiences.

  • Annual fee $695
  • Rewards —
  • APR 21.99%

The Platinum Card® offers exceptional travel rewards and benefits, but comes with a high annual fee that may not suit everyone.

View card

T

Target Circle™ Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Ideal for regular Target shoppers who want to maximize their savings and enjoy benefits like free shipping.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 5%
  • APR 22.9%

The Target Circle™ Card offers solid savings for frequent Target shoppers, but it may not be the best option for those seeking extensive rewards beyond Target purchases.

View card

C

Chase Freedom Rise® Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is best suited for individuals looking to build their credit history while earning cash back on everyday purchases.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 28.74%

The Chase Freedom Rise® is a solid choice for those new to credit, offering cash back without an annual fee. However, its high APR may be daunting for some users.

View card

T

Tomo Student Credit Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Students with no credit wanting guaranteed approval

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —

Uses bank transaction data instead of credit scores. Must pay full balance — functions like a charge card.

Recommended View card

C

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Individuals with a credit score of 670 or higher looking to consolidate debt without incurring interest for an extended period.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 17.74%

This card is excellent for users needing a long-term solution for balance transfers but may fall short for those interested in rewards or perks.

View card

A

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

 Amex

Who it's for: This card is best for small business owners looking for a straightforward rewards program without an annual fee.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 18.49%

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers solid cash back rewards without an annual fee, making it a strong choice for small business owners.

View card

S

Self Secured Visa Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: People wanting forced savings alongside credit building

  • Annual fee $25
  • Rewards —
  • APR 25.21%

Unique combo of credit building and forced savings. Requires an active Self credit-builder loan account.

View card

H

Hilton Honors American Express Card

 Amex

Who it's for: This card is best for those who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to earn bonus points on everyday purchases.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 7%
  • APR 22.49%

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a solid choice for frequent Hilton guests, offering generous rewards and no annual fee.

Recommended View card

C

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is best for travelers looking to maximize rewards on purchases, especially those who frequently book through Capital One Travel.

  • Annual fee $95
  • Rewards —
  • APR 19.99%

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers solid travel rewards with a straightforward earning structure, making it appealing for frequent travelers.

View card

A

Avant Credit Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: People with fair credit scores who want an unsecured credit card without tying up money in a security deposit.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 28.99%

Avant offers an unsecured card to people with fair credit who may not qualify for mainstream cards. No deposit is required, which is a significant advantage over secured cards. The card reports to all three bureaus, making it a legitimate credit-building tool.

Recommended View card

B

Bank of America Student Visa Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Students who bank with Bank of America

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 17.49%

A reliable student card from a major bank with an intro APR offer. Good for building a banking relationship with BofA.

Recommended View card

B

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Best for consumers who want to maximize their cash back rewards in specific spending categories and prefer no annual fees.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 18.74%

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card offers flexible cash back options tailored to your spending habits, making it a solid choice for those who value customization.

View card