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® 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

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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.

Recommended View card

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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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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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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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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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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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Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Individuals with poor credit scores (300 and above) looking to establish or rebuild credit.

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

This card for those needing to improve their credit score without facing an annual fee. However, the high APR of 29.99% makes it costly for carrying a balance.

Recommended View card

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.

Recommended View card

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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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Best for consumers looking for a simple cash back card without annual fees or complicated reward structures.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 1.5%
  • APR 18.49%

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is a strong choice for those seeking straightforward cash back rewards without the hassle of rotating categories.

Recommended View card

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.

Recommended View card

T

TJX Rewards Credit Card

Who it's for: Regular shoppers at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, or Sierra

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards —
  • APR 28.99%

A solid store card for off-price shoppers, covering five TJX brands with 5% back and no annual fee.

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