MARCH 12, 2024
Best Credit Cards in May 2024
by Johan Mengesha
Whether you’re looking for a premium card or a credit card that offers everyday perks like purchase
protections or statement credits, you’ll find a good fit from our partners below.
Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we
write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's
alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain. Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we
write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's
alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain. Most products on this page are from partners who may compensate us. This may influence which products we
write about and where and how they appear on the page. However, opinions expressed here are the author's
alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain.
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
SIGN UP BONUS
70,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
70,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
1X-10X
POINTS
APR
21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, from our partner Citi, is worth considering if you’re looking for accelerated travel rewards but don’t want to pay a huge annual fee. It’s easy to quickly rack up lots of points on this card. While you can redeem ThankYou points for gift cards, you’ll get more value when you redeem points for flights and hotels, and potentially even better value when you transfer points to travel partners.
Chase Sapphire Preferred®
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
1x- 5x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the gold standards for earning travel rewards. It has a generous sign-up bonus and you can earn points on travel and dining expenses. The card does have an annual fee, but you can continue earning points through bonus categories and an anniversary points boost.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
2%
POINTS
APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
If you’re a fan of earning cash rewards for your everyday spending, you need a credit card that rewards you for purchases outside of popular bonus categories like travel, grocery stores and gas stations. With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates and Fees), you earn 2% back for every dollar spent without the fuss of tracking specific bonus categories.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
2 - 5 miles per dollar
POINTS
APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a lot of value to both beginner and expert travelers. The upfront bonus and high ongoing rewards rate aren’t easy to beat, making the card a solid option for a large audience. Where it really shines is with the flexibility of the redemption process, though. You can redeem miles to cover past travel expenses, book travel through Capital One or transfer miles to any of Capital One’s airline and hotel loyalty programs.
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
2%
POINTS
APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
580-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Citi Double Cash® Card, from our partner Citi, is among the top cards on the market for general spending. Forget the cards that offer 1% and 1.5% cash back. The Citi Double Cash Card offers you a whopping 2% cash back for all spending. Earn 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay your account balance.
SIGN UP BONUS
1.5%
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
1.5%
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1.5% - 5%
POINTS
APR
20.49% - 29.24% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
We like that the card offers a high flat rewards rate but also provides accelerated rewards on some common everyday spending categories. You’ll also get access to the Chase Travel portal, which allows you to use your cash-back earnings for travel rewards, gift cards and more. If you make this your primary card for most purchases you can quickly rack up a lot of rewards.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
100,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
100,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
1x - 3x
POINTS
APR
21.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
Those with travel and advertising expenses will like the high earning rates in these categories, plus cardholders can eke out even more value with fully transferable rewards through the Chase Travel portal. One drawback is the modest annual fee, though many can offset this with the card’s earning potential.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
$750
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$750
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1% - 5%
POINTS
APR
18.49% - 24.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
Business owners looking to earn a high rate of cash back on common business expenses like office supplies and internet could get a lot of value from this card. The trade-off for the high cash-back rate, though, is a lower spend cap than you’ll find with other Ink Business cards.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
$750
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$750
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1.5%
POINTS
APR
18.49% - 24.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a solid business credit card with unlimited earning potential, this could be it. With a 1.5% cash-back rate, it earns less than the other Ink Business cards, but you can put earning on autopilot with no spending limits or categories to juggle.
SIGN UP BONUS
$100
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$100
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1% - 5%
POINTS
APR
19.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
This card is a good fit for consumers who do a lot of shopping at Amazon and Whole Foods because they can earn an unlimited 5% cash back on purchases there. Cardholders also earn some cash back on other purchases, with decent rates for restaurants and gas stations. If you already have or plan to get a Prime membership, using this card could quickly earn you sizable cash back.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1%-3%
POINTS
APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a solid choice for many people who want to maximize their everyday spending. The card is one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market because it provides flexibility with its top rewards bonus category. It’s especially worth considering if you’re a Preferred Rewards member with the card issuer.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
50,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
50,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$69
REWARDS RATE
1x - 2x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
This is a great starter card for infrequent domestic travelers who want to earn rewards toward discounted Southwest flights without a huge annual fee. You won't get a ton of perks compared to other Southwest cards, and this card does charge foreign transaction fees so probably isn’t best for international travelers.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
50,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
50,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$149
REWARDS RATE
1x - 3x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a Southwest credit card stacked with travel rewards and perks, this is it. Although it has the highest annual fee of Southwest consumer cards, you could easily offset the fee if you travel Southwest frequently.
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1% - 5%
POINTS
APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
580-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Citi Custom Cash® Card, from our partner Citi, has a novel approach to rewarding spending. It offers impressive cash back on purchases made in your top eligible spending category each month, up to a monthly spend cap—no activation required.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
SIGN UP BONUS
$0
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$0
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1% - 4%
POINTS
APR
20.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
740-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card is a credit card from our partner Citi made exclusively for Costco members. It comes with cash back potential on annual gas and EV charging purchases, on restaurant and travel purchases, and at Costco and Costco.com. With a generous rewards rate for dining, groceries, gas and Costco purchases, this card can add up to big savings.
SIGN UP BONUS
N/A
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
N/A
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1x-3x
POINTS
APR
See site for details.
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Bilt Mastercard is absolutely worth it if you’re a renter interested in maximizing your rewards potential. Being able to earn points on rent without paying transaction fees is huge. But what makes “points” valuable is how you use them. Bilt’s loyalty program is comparable to Chase Ultimate Rewards because it has 10 travel partners in common with Chase.
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
$1,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$1,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$195
REWARDS RATE
Up to 2.5%
POINTS
APR
Flex for Business Variable APR: 19.49% - 27.49%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670 – 850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
This card has the highest annual fee of the Ink Business card suite, but it’s designed for businesses with bigger operating costs—its already-solid cash-back rate jumps for large purchases. However, savvy Chase cardholders may be disappointed to learn that points earned with this card can’t be moved to other Chase cards or transferred to Chase travel partners.
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$550
REWARDS RATE
1x - 10x
POINTS
APR
22.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
740-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
This card features an annual credit for travel purchases, which can offset the annual fee, plus bonus points when you sign up. You'll also get free access to tons of Priority Pass lounges and restaurant options around the world, along with access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge network.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
SIGN UP BONUS
N/A
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
N/A
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
N/A
POINTS
APR
18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
Anyone looking to make a large purchase will appreciate the Wells Fargo Reflect Card’s intro 0% APR promotion, which lasts for 21 months and applies to both new purchases and qualifying balance transfers. After the intro 0% APR offer concludes, a 18.24%, 24.74%, 29.99% variable APR will apply based on creditworthiness. It also includes perks like cellphone protection, roadside dispatch assistance and admittance into My Wells Fargo Deals to activate cash rewards deals with select retailers and restaurants.
SIGN UP BONUS
70,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
70,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
1x - 3x
POINTS
APR
21.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
New credit card offers come out regularly, but this one stands out thanks to the welcome bonus’s huge value, points for dining and groceries, Air Canada status and more. Even with an annual fee, it’s easy to see how you can come out ahead with this offer. And if you don’t fly Air Canada regularly, you can use reward points with United Airlines and many other partners.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
60,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
60,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$99
REWARDS RATE
1x - 3x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
This entry-level business card is a great choice for those looking for a low-annual-fee business card with competitive rewards. To help offset the $99 annual fee, you'll earn 3x points per dollar on Southwest purchases, get two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year and have access to 25% back on inflight purchases annually.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
80,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
80,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$199
REWARDS RATE
1x - 4x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
As Southwest's top business card, small business owners who travel Southwest frequently or have employees who travel will benefit the most from the card's premium perks. From in-flight Wi-Fi credits to elite status boost opportunities, the perks far outweigh the high annual fee.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
$200
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1.5%
POINTS
APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a solid cash-back card with a strong bonus, especially for a card with no annual fee. If you're looking for a card that also has competitive balance transfer terms, this is one to consider.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
SIGN UP BONUS
60,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
60,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
1.5x-2x
POINTS
APR
21.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
For a de facto cash-back card, the potential earnings can be quite impressive, especially if you already have a relationship with Bank of America. It's a solid option that combines benefits and a reasonable annual fee.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
SIGN UP BONUS
25,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
25,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1.5X
POINTS
APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers simple rewards earning and a chance to earn free travel without paying fees. However, without the extra travel perks found with other cards, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card is better as a starter travel rewards card or for current Bank of America customers who want to maximize rewards earning.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
20,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
20,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1.25 - 5 miles per dollar
POINTS
APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card features several standout benefits, including the ability to transfer miles to Capital One travel partners—an uncommon feature on a card with no annual fee. Plus, the ability to transfer miles to travel partners—both airlines and hotels—is arguably the most attractive feature of this travel card.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
140,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
140,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$99
REWARDS RATE
3x - 26x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
Aside from its astounding sign-up bonus, this card offers tons of value, especially for loyal IHG customers, like a free Reward Night on your account anniversary and Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member. Plus, it offers a Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA Pre✓® fee credit every four years, and IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at a variety of hotels.
IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card
SIGN UP BONUS
80,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
80,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
2x - 17x
POINTS
APR
21.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
Whether your family is looking for some free hotel nights for a road trip or you’re a loyal customer of the IHG hotel brand, this card offers you a chance to earn decent rewards. Aside from its generous sign-up bonus, it offers tons of value, including the option to redeem points at all IHG properties.
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
75,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$99
REWARDS RATE
1x - 2x
POINTS
APR
21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
United’s lower-tier business credit card is made for occasional United flyers looking for a solid travel card with a modest annual fee (waived the first year). If you’re looking to try a travel card for your business without a big commitment, this is a good option. And you can also earn more in categories like dining and gas with this card, which isn’t available with the higher-end business card.
SIGN UP BONUS
50,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
50,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$95
REWARDS RATE
1x - 2x
POINTS
APR
21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
United’s mid-tier card offers some nice perks you don’t always get with comparable cards, like two lounge passes annually, along with a free year before the annual fee kicks in. If you’re an occasional flyer not ready to commit to a bigger annual fee, this card is a good middle ground.
SIGN UP BONUS
60,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
60,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$250
REWARDS RATE
1x - 3x
POINTS
APR
21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
If you’re a frequent United flyer who can offset the relatively high annual fee with the wide range of travel perks, this card could be a good fit. Those looking for lounge access, though, should consider the cheaper Explorer card or go for the Infinite if they can justify its big annual fee.
United Club℠ Infinite Card
SIGN UP BONUS
80,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
80,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$525
REWARDS RATE
1x - 4x
POINTS
APR
21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
United’s premier card comes with a sizable annual fee, but if you’re a serious United flyer, want lounge access and can use other perks like free checked bags or the TSA PreCheck credit, you could eke a lot of value out of this card. Those who can’t use enough of the perks to offset the high annual fee may be better off with a different card.
SIGN UP BONUS
20,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
SIGN UP BONUS
20,000
CHASE ULTIMATE REWARDS POINTS
ANNUAL FEE
$0
REWARDS RATE
1x - 2x
POINTS
APR
21.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
670-850
GOOD, EXCELLENT
Why We Like It
United’s only no-annual-fee card is a good fit for infrequent United flyers who want to earn decent miles on travel and gas purchases. You won’t get many of the perks that come with other United cards, such as free checked bags, but this is a good entry-level option if you’re just starting to explore travel cards.