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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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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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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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Frequent Southwest travelers with good credit who prefer to earn rewards on airline purchases.

  • Annual fee $69
  • Rewards —
  • APR 22.99%

This card is ideal for frequent Southwest flyers who value earning points on airline-related purchases. However, the high APR range of 21.49%-28.49% can be a disadvantage for those carrying a balance.

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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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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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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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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Discover it® Student Cash Back

 Discover

Who it's for: This card is best for college students looking to maximize cash back rewards on everyday purchases while maintaining a budget-friendly credit option.

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

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent choice for students looking to earn rewards while managing their finances. Its unique cash back structure and good grades reward make it a standout option.

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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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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

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FIT™ Platinum Mastercard®

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Consumers with less-than-perfect credit who prefer an unsecured credit card and value monthly reporting to Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

  • Annual fee $99
  • Rewards —
  • APR 35.9%

The FIT Platinum Mastercard may be an option for consumers with less-than-perfect credit who specifically need an unsecured card, but its high APR and multiple fees make lower-cost credit-building cards worth comparing first.

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Walmart Rewards Card

 visa

Who it's for: Walmart.com shoppers who frequently use online ordering or pickup/delivery

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 24.4%

Solid for Walmart online shoppers getting 5% back, but the in-store rate of 2% is average.

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