Best Credit Cards of 2018
The best credit cards offer you the chance to earn cash back, travel rewards, exclusive benefits, and more. Compare our top picks to find the best credit card for your spending habits.
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It isn't always easy to find the best credit card. Especially when each credit card category has its own unique set of benefits. Our list of the best credit cards includes options that cover multiple categories, therefore maximizing the rewards you can earn on each purchase. You can find the best credit card for each category in the list below, as well as additional options further down the page.
- Best Rewards Credit Card:
VentureOne® From Capital One - Best Travel Credit Card:
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card - Best Balance Transfer Credit Card:
Citi Diamond Preferred Card - Best Cash Back Credit Card:
Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card from American Express - Best Secured Credit Card:
Discover it Secured Card - Best Airline Credit Card:
United MileagePlus Explorer Card - Best Student Credit Card:
Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
LendEDU’s Best Credit Cards of 2018 (Updated: July 11, 2018)
Credit Cards by Category
Rewards
Earn cash back, travel rewards, and other perks with these cards
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VentureOne® From Capital One
Easy to redeem travel rewards
No annual fee • $150 bonus after $500 spent in 3 months
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Chase Freedom Card
5% back on rotating purchase categories
No annual fee • 5% back on rotating purchase categories
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BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card
A good choice for international travelers
No annual fee • 3X points on travel-related purchases
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Chase Freedom Unlimited
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
No annual fee • $150 bonus after $500 spent in 3 months
Travel
Earn perks with airlines and hotels with these travel credit cards
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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide
$0 intro annual fee, then $95 • 50,000 bonus miles after $4,000 spent in 3 months
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Capital One Venture Rewards Card
Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day
$0 intro annual fee, then $95 • 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 spent in 3 months
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Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
Big bonuses for frequent travelers and BofA customers
$95 annual fee • 50,000 bonus points after $3,000 spent in 3 months
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American Express Platinum Card
Superior travel perks and rewards, for a hefty annual fee
$550 annual fee • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and hotels
Balance Transfer
Find zero percent introductory APRs to save on interest while lowering your debt
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Citi Diamond Preferred Card
Generous 0% APR intro period on balance transfers
No annual fee • 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers
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Barclaycard Ring Mastercard
Benefits if you plan to make multiple transfers
No annual fee • 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers
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Discover it Balance Transfer Card
Excellent cash back and balance transfer card
No annual fee • 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
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Amex Everyday Credit Card
$0 fee on balance transfers in first 60 days
No annual fee • 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
Cash Back
Earn back cash on everyday purchases and take advantage of sign-up bonuses
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Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
$95 annual fee • $200 statement credit after $1,000 spent in 3 months
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Discover it Cash Back Credit Card
Great rewards card with no annual fee
No annual fee • 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories
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Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
No annual fee • $150 bonus after $500 spent in 3 months
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BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card
Solid spending rewards for BofA customers
No annual fee • 3% back on gas and 2% back at grocery stores
Secured
Build your credit quickly, while potentially earning rewards along the way
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Discover it Secured Card
Rebuild credit while earning rewards
No annual fee • 2% back at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on all other purchases
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Capital One Secured Mastercard
Low minimum deposit and access to a higher credit line
No annual fee • Access to a higher credit line after making first 5 monthly payments on time
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BankAmericard Secured Visa Credit Card
A credit builder card for those with subprime credit
$39 annual fee • Opportunity to move up to an unsecured credit card
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nRewards Secured Credit Card
Secured credit card for military families
No annual fee • Earn 1 point per dollar on regular purchases
Airline
Earn miles towards upgrades, free flights, baggage discounts, and more
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United MileagePlus Explorer Card
Great perks and benefits, especially if you fly United
$0 intro annual fee, then $95 • 40,000 miles for spending $2,000 within first 3 months
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Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card
Check your first bag for free and get Priority Boarding
$0 intro annual fee, then $95 • 60,000 miles after you make $3,000 in purchases in first 4 months
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Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
Unrivaled perks and rewards if you fly American Airlines
$0 intro annual fee, then $95 • 60,000 miles for spending $3,000 within the first 3 months
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Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
Earn 2X miles on Southwest Airline purchases
$99 annual fee • 40,000 points for spending $1,000 within first 3 months
Student
Build credit history, cover expenses, and earn rewards while in school
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Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students
Free 12-month Amazon Prime Student subscription
No annual fee • Unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
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Citi ThankYou Preferred Card for College Students
Earn 2X points on restaurants and entertainment
No annual fee • 2,500 points for spending $500 in the first 3 months
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Discover it Student Cash Back
Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories
No annual fee • Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year
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Journey Student Rewards from Capital One
A great choice if you’re planning to study abroad
No annual fee • Earn 1% cash back on all purchases
