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

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.

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C

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards

 Visa

Who it's for: Best for students who frequently dine out or enjoy entertainment options, as well as those looking to build credit without an annual fee.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 3%
  • APR 18.49%

The Capital One SavorOne Student card offers solid cash back rewards for dining and entertainment, making it a great choice for students. However, the variable APR range can be steep for those who carry a balance.

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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

C

Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Best for students seeking to establish credit with a low-cost option.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 19.99%

The Chase Freedom® Student Credit Card offers a solid entry point for students looking to build credit while earning cash back on purchases.

Recommended View card

D

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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A

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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M

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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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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D

Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

 Discover

Who it's for: Ideal for consumers who frequently shop in the selected 5% categories and want to earn cash back without an annual fee.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 5%
  • APR 17.49%

The Discover it® Cash Back card offers a solid rewards structure, especially for those who can maximize the rotating categories. However, it may not be the best choice for those who prefer a straightforward cash back option without the need to track categories.

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N

Navy Federal Platinum Low Interest Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Military-connected individuals wanting the lowest possible rates

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 11.24%

Some of the lowest ongoing rates in the industry. Great for anyone who qualifies for Navy Federal membership.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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U

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is ideal for individuals who can maximize rewards in specific spending categories and want no annual fee.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 19.49%

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers flexible cash back options but may not be the best fit for those who spend less in the selected categories.

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N

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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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.

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