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

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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F

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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B

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: Bank of America customers who can take advantage of Preferred Rewards to boost cash back rates

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 1.5%
  • APR 15.74%

A straightforward cash back card that shines for Bank of America customers. Preferred Rewards members can boost the base 1.5% rate up to 2.62%, making it competitive with or better than most flat-rate cards. The 0% intro APR adds flexibility for large 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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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

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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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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C

Citi Double Cash® Card

 Mastercard

Who it's for: Ideal for consumers who prefer a simple cash back structure without worrying about rotating categories or annual fees.

  • Annual fee No annual fee
  • Rewards 2%
  • APR 18.49%

The Citi Double Cash® Card offers a straightforward cash back structure that rewards consistent spending, making it a solid choice for those looking to maximize their rewards without the hassle of category tracking.

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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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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

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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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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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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U

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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C

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

 Visa

Who it's for: This card is best for travelers looking to maximize rewards on purchases, especially those who frequently book through Capital One Travel.

  • Annual fee $95
  • Rewards —
  • APR 19.99%

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers solid travel rewards with a straightforward earning structure, making it appealing for frequent travelers.

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