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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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O

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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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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Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

 Visa

Who it's for: Best for frequent Costco shoppers who value high cash back rewards on gas and dining expenses.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 4%
  • APR 20.49%

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers excellent cash back rewards for loyal Costco shoppers, particularly on gas and dining. However, its variable APR and limited bonus categories may not suit everyone.

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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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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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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