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

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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.

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American Express® Gold Card

 Amex

Who it's for: This card is ideal for individuals who dine out frequently and shop at U.S. supermarkets, maximizing rewards on everyday spending.

  • Annual fee $250
  • Rewards —
  • APR 21.99%

The American Express® Gold Card is a rewarding choice for foodies and frequent travelers, offering robust points on dining and groceries.

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OpenSky® Secured Visa®

 Visa

Who it's for: Consumers building or rebuilding credit who are comfortable funding a refundable security deposit and want to apply without a credit check.

  • Annual fee $35
  • Rewards —
  • APR 23.89%

The OpenSky Secured Visa may make sense for consumers building or rebuilding credit who want to avoid a credit check during the application process and can provide the required security deposit. Its $35 annual fee and other transaction costs make comparison with no-annual-fee secured cards worthwhile.

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Petal 2 Student Visa Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Students with no credit who want a no-fee card

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 1.5%
  • APR 18.24%

No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, no late fees on first occurrence. The alternative underwriting helps students without credit history.

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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.

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C

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Frequent travelers and foodies with good to excellent credit who spend significantly on travel and dining.

  • Annual fee $95
  • Rewards —
  • APR 22.49%

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers who value high rewards rates, especially on travel and dining. However, the high APR can be a drawback for those who carry a balance.

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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.

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PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is best for individuals looking for straightforward cash back rewards without annual fees, especially military personnel.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 17.99%

The PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers solid cash back rewards with no annual fee, making it an attractive option for everyday spending.

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T

TJX Rewards Credit Card

Who it's for: Regular shoppers at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, or Sierra

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

A solid store card for off-price shoppers, covering five TJX brands with 5% back and no annual fee.

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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.

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S

Surge Student Mastercard

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Students with bad credit denied by other issuers

  • Annual fee $75
  • Rewards —
  • APR 29.99%

Last-resort student card with high fees. Only consider if denied everywhere else.

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Nordstrom Credit Card

Who it's for: Regular Nordstrom shoppers who value early sale access and alterations

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 25.15%

A straightforward department store card with early sale access — good for loyal Nordstrom shoppers but the 3% return is average.

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Frequent travelers who stay at Marriott properties and have good credit.

  • Annual fee $95
  • Rewards 17%
  • APR 19.24%

This card is for frequent Marriott guests looking to maximize travel rewards. However, the high APR may not be carry a balance.

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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.

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C

Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

 Visa

Who it's for: Consumers rebuilding credit who want an unsecured Visa card and can benefit from cash back on select everyday spending categories.

  • Annual fee $75
  • Rewards —
  • APR 29.74%

The Credit One Bank Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit may fit consumers seeking an unsecured credit-building card with limited cash back rewards, but the high variable APR and $75 first-year annual fee, increasing to $99 thereafter, make it important to compare costs with other credit-building options.

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Wells Fargo Reflect Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is best for individuals looking to transfer balances and pay down debt without accruing interest for an extended period.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 18.24%

The Wells Fargo Reflect Card is a strong choice for those looking to manage debt with a lengthy interest-free period.

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is best for frequent travelers looking to maximize rewards on travel-related purchases and enjoy premium travel perks.

  • Annual fee $395
  • Rewards 10%
  • APR 19.49%

The Capital One Venture X offers attractive travel rewards for frequent travelers, but its high annual fee may limit its appeal to casual users.

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Discover it® Secured Credit Card

 Discover

Who it's for: This card is best for individuals looking to establish or improve their credit score while earning cash back on daily expenses.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 28.24%

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for those looking to build or rebuild their credit while earning cash back on everyday purchases.

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