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

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.

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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.

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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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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

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.

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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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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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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.

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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

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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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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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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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.

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W

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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C

Citi Custom Cash® Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Best for individuals looking for a no-annual-fee card that adapts to their spending patterns. Ideal for those who frequently spend in specific categories.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 19.24%

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a flexible cashback option, especially for those with fluctuating spending habits. Its lack of an annual fee and the ability to earn 5% cash back in your top category each billing cycle make it appealing.

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P

Petal 1 No Annual Fee Visa Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Students and young adults with absolutely no credit history who want their first credit card without needing a cosigner or security deposit.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 24.74%

Petal 1 is one of the few cards specifically built for people with zero credit history. Instead of relying solely on credit scores, it analyzes your banking data to determine eligibility. Ideal for students who have a bank account but no credit file yet.

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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.

Recommended 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.

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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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