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

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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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 Platinum Secured Credit Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Best for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit history without incurring annual fees.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 29.99%

The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card offers a straightforward path to credit building without an annual fee, but high APR can be a downside.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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C

Citi Secured Mastercard

 Mastercard

Who it's for: People wanting to build credit within the Citi ecosystem

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 23.49%

Solid secured card from a major issuer. No annual fee and a clear path to graduating to an unsecured Citi card.

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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.

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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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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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C

Citi Diamond Preferred Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Best for consumers looking to consolidate debt without immediate interest charges.

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

This card is an excellent choice for individuals focused on balance transfers due to its long 0% APR promotion.

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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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C

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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C

Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: This card is best for individuals who frequently spend in rotating categories and want to maximize cash back without an annual fee.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 5%
  • APR 18.24%

The Chase Freedom Flex® offers a compelling cash back structure with no annual fee, making it a solid choice for rewards seekers.

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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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