List of Major Credit Card Companies and Card Networks [History, Most Popular Cards, and More]

This page profiles 19 major credit card companies and card networks that operate in the United States. Each entry covers the company’s history, key financial and operational figures, and its card portfolio. It also explains the difference between a card issuer and a card network, and how they work together to process a transaction.

A Brief History of Credit Cards

Charge cards first appeared in 1946, when a Brooklyn banker named John Biggins launched the Charg-It card for customers of his bank. Charg-It purchases were forwarded to Biggins’ bank, which reimbursed the merchant and later collected payment from the customer. This became known as the closed-loop system.

The Diners Club Card, launched in 1950, claims to be the first credit card in widespread use. It was technically a charge card, meaning the bill had to be paid in full at the end of each month. By the end of 1951, Diners Club had more than 20,000 cardholders.

American Express launched its original card in 1958. In 1959, it became the first company to issue a plastic card, replacing older cardboard and celluloid versions. Within 5 years, 1 million American Express cards were in use at more than 85,000 merchants.

The market that those early cards created is now enormous. U.S. consumers charged $3.6 trillion to credit cards in 2024 and carried more than $1.2 trillion in outstanding credit card debt at year-end (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).

Card Networks vs. Credit Card Companies

A credit card company is any company that issues credit cards, whether it is a bank, a credit union, or another type of lender.

A card network is different. Card networks work with credit card processors to transport transaction data between the issuing bank and the merchant. Networks also set interchange and assessment fees. While each network sets its fees, it does not collect all of them. Interchange fees, the highest cost in credit card processing, are passed to the issuing bank.

A company can be both a card network and a card issuer. American Express is the clearest example. It operates its own network and issues its own cards. Discover operated the same way until Capital One acquired it in 2025, and the Discover network continues to operate under Capital One ownership.

There are 4 general-purpose card networks in the United States: American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa. Mastercard and Visa do not issue their own credit cards, so cards on those networks are issued by banks and credit unions. Cards on the American Express and Discover networks are issued primarily by American Express and Capital One, with limited exceptions.

The 19 companies below are listed in alphabetical order.

American Express

History

American Express, also known as Amex, was founded in 1850 and is best known for its various no-preset-limit cards and credit cards. The company also operates its own payment network.

American Express reported $72.2 billion in total revenues net of interest expense for 2025, a 10% increase over 2024, and $10.8 billion in net income. Billed business reached $1.67 trillion for the year.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Amex Cards

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum card carries an $895 annual fee (rates & fees) and earns 5x points on airfare booked directly with airlines and on AmexTravel.com, up to $500,000 per calendar year (then 1x). Benefits include airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and airline incidental credits, which may require enrollment.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum card reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount — all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.

As High as 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, the Platinum Card^® from American Express is a top choice.

The card offers premium perks like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and several annual card credits. The Amex Platinum card is easily worth the annual fee for frequent travelers who use the lounges and travel credits, and hard to justify for those who won’t.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far): Get access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5 points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags).

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 Delta Sky Club visits (subject to visit limitations) when flying on an eligible Delta flight, Priority Pass™ membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. *As of 01/2026
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights™ by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card^® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
• $219 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $219 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4pm late check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Get up to a $12.95* statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Platinum Card^®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

American Express^® Gold Card

The Amex Gold card has a $325 annual fee (rates & fees). It earns 4x points at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per year, 4x at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per year, and 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out, and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out, and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

With the Amex Gold card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There are several other benefits of the Amex Gold card, including monthly dining credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on prepaid hotels via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App
• 4x points at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• 4x categories for restaurants and U.S. supermarkets have annual spend caps

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Pay It^® lets you tap in the American Express^® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It^® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
• $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express^® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star^® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
• Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express^® service and support. Only for American Express^® Card Members.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer as high as 100,000 points with the Amex Gold card. Welcome offers may vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Hot Tip:

The name “C.F. Frost” on American Express card art is not a fictional name. Charles F. Frost was an advertising executive at Ogilvy & Mather, the agency behind the “Don’t Leave Home Without It” campaign.

Bank of America

History

Bank of America Corporation is a multinational investment bank and financial services company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is the second-largest U.S. bank by total assets, after JPMorgan Chase.

Bank of America operates approximately 3,600 retail financial centers and roughly 15,000 ATMs, serving about 69 million consumer and small business clients across the U.S. and more than 35 countries. It reported $113.1 billion in revenue net of interest expense for 2025 and $30.5 billion in net income.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Bank of America Cards

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card

The Premium Rewards card is Bank of America’s foray into the premium travel-rewards card market. Cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining purchases and 1.5x points on all other purchases. The points are worth a fixed 1 cent toward travel or cash-back.

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium rewards credit card with straightforward earning and redeeming, with luxury perks such as airport lounge access.

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card

A premium rewards credit card with straightforward earning and redeeming, with luxury perks such as airport lounge access.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 online bonus points after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card is the bank’s most premium travel rewards credit card.

While it has quite a large annual fee of $550, it also comes loaded with benefits that frequent travelers are sure to love, such as airport lounge access, $450 in annual statement credits, travel protections, and a 20% boost to point value when redeeming for airfare.

Plus, those with status in the BofA Rewards program can really boost the value they receive from the card by earning 10% to 75% more points on all of their purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
• $300 annual airline incidental statement credit

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• No access to travel transfer partners to help you get outsized value for your points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. There’s no limit to the points you can earn, and points don’t expire.
• Receive up to $300 annually in Airline Incidental Statement Credits for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, airline lounge fees and in-flight services
• Save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when you pay with points
• BofA Rewards members earn 10% to 75% more points on every purchase

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Cardholders with at least $30,000 in combined assets on deposit with Bank of America and Merrill can earn 25% to 75% more points on every purchase through BofA Rewards. This raises the effective rate to as much as 3.5x on travel and dining and 2.625x on everything else.

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is the perfect companion for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite^® card

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is the perfect companion for Alaska Airlines loyalists.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

80,000 points + 25K Global Companion Award

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,280

Annual Fee

$395

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Atmos Rewards Summit card is perfect for any frequent Alaska or Hawaiian flyer who wants a card loaded with great benefits, such as an annual Global Companion Award, Alaska Lounge passes, free checked bags, and a fast-track toward Atmos Rewards elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas
• 1x points on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Points aren’t as flexible as other transferable reward programs

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
• 3x points on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 3x points on dining and foreign purchases made overseas
• 1x points on all other purchases
• Receive 10,000 status points each year and 1 status point for every $2 of card spend
• 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account.
• 25,000-point Global Companion Award annually
• 100,000-point Global Companion Award (after spending $60,000 or more on purchases in a card anniversary year)
• $395 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Atmos Rewards Summit card earns 3x points on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases and 20% back on inflight purchases with both carriers. Cardholders can also earn a 10% rewards bonus through eligible Bank of America accounts, earn companion awards through spending, and other benefits.

Barclays

History

Barclays is a British multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in London, with origins tracing to 1690. In the U.S., it is known primarily for co-branded travel cards, including partnerships with JetBlue.

Barclays reported £29.1 billion ($39.56 billion) in total income for 2025, up 9% year over year, and £9.1 billion ($12.37 billion) in profit before tax (Source: Barclays). Its U.S. Consumer Bank held $36.6 billion in credit card receivables.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Barclays Cards

JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard^®

JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The JetBlue Premier card is a premium card for JetBlue loyalists who want airport lounge access, and benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and JetBlue elite status.

JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard^®

The JetBlue Premier card is a premium card for JetBlue loyalists who want airport lounge access, and benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and JetBlue elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.

90,000 points

Annual Fee

$499

APR

19.49% to 29.49% variable

Why We Like This Card

The JetBlue Premier card is tailored to JetBlue loyalists who live in a JetBlue hub like JFK or BOS and want access to JetBlue lounges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 6x points on JetBlue and TrueBlue Travel purchases
• 2x points on restaurants and eligible grocery stores
• Group 3 boarding on JetBlue flights

Cons

• Large annual fee
• Not as useful for those who don’t live near an airport with a JetBlue lounge location

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days
• Earn 6X points on eligible JetBlue and TrueBlue Travel purchases
• Earn 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
• Earn 1X points on all other purchases
• Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 eligible travel companions on JetBlue-operated flights
• Receive Group 3 priority boarding on JetBlue-operated flights
• Receive complimentary airport lounge access to over 1,800+ Priority Pass lounge locations, and JetBlue lounge locations at JFK and BOS
• Up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Earn up to $300 in statement credits on TrueBlue Travel purchases per calendar year
• Earn 5,000 bonus points each year after your JetBlue Premier Card account anniversary
• 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases on JetBlue-operated flights
• Get 15% of your points back after you redeem for and travel on a JetBlue-operated or partner award flight
• No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 29.49% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The JetBlue Premier card provides a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 3 travel companions, anniversary bonus points, travel credits, earnings toward elite status, a 50% rebate on inflight purchases, and access to both BlueHouse and Priority Pass airport lounges.

Miles & More^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Miles & More^® World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Lufthansa Miles & More card helps you earn Lufthansa miles on your daily purchases.

Miles & More^® World Elite Mastercard^®

The Lufthansa Miles & More card helps you earn Lufthansa miles on your daily purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 70,000 miles: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. Plus, earn 20,000 miles after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first 365 days.

Up to 70,000 miles

Annual Fee

$89

APR

19.74% - 29.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Lufthansa Miles & More card can be a good option for travelers who want a card that will help them earn more Lufthansa miles on their daily purchases and achieve higher levels of Miles & More elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles on Miles & More partner airline tickets
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 2 complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers annually

Cons

• Relatively poor earning rates
• Doesn’t offer many perks when flying with Lufthansa, like free checked bags or priority boarding, compared to competitor airline cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 70,000 miles: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. Plus, earn 20,000 miles after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first 365 days
• 2x miles on Miles & More partner airline tickets
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 2 complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers annually
• Annual companion ticket after each account anniversary
• Redeem for Flight Tickets from the entire Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance network
• Convert 5,000 to 25,000 miles earned on purchases into Points and Qualifying Points, helping you qualify for Miles & More status faster
• 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees
• $89 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 29.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Lufthansa Miles & More card offers a way to earn miles that are otherwise difficult to earn in the U.S., due to a lack of transfer partners compared to other airline loyalty programs. Cardholders get complimentary lounge passes each year, a companion ticket, and 2x miles on Miles & More airlines.

Hot Tip:

Be aware of the Barclays 6/24 rule, which may cause you to be rejected for an application for a credit card if you have more than 6 new accounts in the last 24 months.

BMO

History

BMO Financial Group, operating as Bank of Montreal, was founded in 1817 and is Canada’s oldest bank. Its 2025 filing was its 208th annual report. BMO operates in Canada, the United States, and select international markets, with its U.S. banking arm, BMO Bank N.A., headquartered in Chicago.

BMO reported CA$36.3 billion ($26.1 billion) in revenue for fiscal 2025, which ended October 31, 2025, and CA$8.7 billion ($6.3 billion) in net income (Source: BMO). The bank does not break out credit card balances separately, though it reported that Canadian personal and commercial credit card balances decreased 4% year over year.

Figures are for the fiscal year 2025, which ended on October 31, 2025. Canadian dollar amounts are converted to U.S. dollars.

Capital One

History

Capital One is a bank holding company specializing in credit cards, auto loans, banking, and savings accounts, headquartered in McLean, Virginia. It began as a monoline bank, meaning all of its revenue came from a single product, and it helped pioneer the mass marketing of credit cards in the 1990s.

Capital One completed its $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial Services on May 18, 2025. The deal made Capital One one of the only major U.S. card issuers to also own a payment network, and it is now the largest U.S. credit card lender by loan balances. In 2026, Capital One began issuing some of its consumer cards on the Discover network, though premium cards are still issued by Capital One on the Visa and Mastercard networks.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Capital One Cards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

LIMITED-TIME OFFER

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Welcome Offer

Earn more than $1000 in Travel Bonuses with a limited-time $300 Capital One Travel stays credit, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening—that's more than $1,000 in travel value. 

$300 Travel Credit + 75k miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,650

Annual Fee

$95

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent Credit

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Limited elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $300 to use on hotel and vacation rental bookings through Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s more than $1,000 in travel value
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture card earns unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, plus bonus miles on bookings in the travel portal. Miles can be transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

75,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture X card is the issuer’s premium card, offering unlimited 2x miles on everyday spending, a $300 annual travel credit, unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and Landings, access to participating Priority Pass™ lounges (after enrollment), and anniversary bonus miles, along with access to Capital One’s transfer partners.

Chase

History

JPMorgan Chase Bank, headquartered in New York City, is the largest bank in the U.S. by total assets and deposits. It was known as Chase Manhattan Bank until it merged with J.P. Morgan & Co. in 2000. The bank employs 318,512 people and does business in more than 60 countries.

Chase is the largest U.S. credit card issuer by purchase volume. It held $247.8 billion in card loans at the end of 2025, processed $1.35 trillion in credit card sales volume during the year, and opened 10.4 million new credit card accounts. Its portfolio spans Ultimate Rewards-earning cards and co-branded partnerships with United, Marriott, and Southwest.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Chase Cards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card earns 8x points on Chase Travel, 4x on airlines and hotels booked directly, and 3x on dining. Statement credits include a $300 annual travel credit, up to $500 in credits for The Edit by Chase Travel hotel bookings, up to $120 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and Priority Pass Select membership.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card earns 3x points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on travel, shipping, advertising made with social media sites or search engines, and internet, cable, and phone services. It offers up to $1,000 per claim in cell phone protection against covered theft or damage for the cardholder and employees listed on the monthly bill, when the bill is paid with the card.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

17.74% - 26.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 26.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Hot Tip:

The Chase 5/24 rule applies to most Chase cards. Applicants who have opened more than 5 new credit cards in the last 24 months across all credit card issuers are unlikely to be approved.

Citibank

History

Citigroup Inc., or Citi, is an American multinational investment bank and financial services corporation headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1812, it is the third-largest U.S. bank by total assets.

Citi reported record revenues of $85.2 billion for 2025, up from $81.1 billion in 2024, and $14.3 billion in net income. Its U.S. card business held $125.3 billion in Branded Cards loans and $52.2 billion in Retail Services loans at year-end, with $541.9 billion in Branded Cards spend volume for the year. Citi issues ThankYou Points cards and co-branded cards with partners, including American Airlines.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Citibank Cards

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.

75,000 Points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$595

APR

20.49% to 28.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
• 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
• 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com
• Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time
• Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases
• Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Citi Strata Elite card offers a Priority Pass lounge membership, annual passes to American Airlines Admirals Clubs, bonus points on travel and dining, and a Splurge credit that lets you earn spending credits based on your preference.

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Apply Now(at our partner's secure site)

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

$200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.24% to 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.24% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

The Citi Double Cash card has a $0 annual fee and earns 2% cash-back on everything — earned as 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay the bill. When paired with another Citi card that earns points and has an annual fee, however, the cash-back rewards become even more valuable because cardholders gain access to all of Citi’s transfer partners.

Hot Tip:

Citibank has several rules that determine whether you are eligible for its credit cards. Read about them in our eligibility guide.

City National Bank

History

City National Bank was founded in 1954 as City National Bank of Beverly Hills. It became a subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada in 2015 and is best known for its entertainment industry banking practice.

The bank held approximately $98 billion in total assets as of April 30, 2026, and operates more than 65 locations across the U.S. Because it reports as part of RBC’s U.S. operations, City National does not publish standalone revenue, net income, or card portfolio figures.

Total assets are as of April 30, 2026.

Our Favorite City National Bank Cards

The Crystal^® Visa Infinite^® Credit Card is the bank’s best-known card in the U.S., offering up to $350 annually in airline credits, 3x points on dining and several travel categories, a lounge membership, and other travel benefits. However, applications are only available in person at a branch, and the application process requires more than other credit cards in this article.

Credit One

History

Credit One Bank was founded on July 30, 1984, as First National Bank of Marin in San Rafael, California. It relocated to Las Vegas in 1998, was acquired by Sherman Financial Group in 2005, and took the Credit One Bank name in 2006. The bank focuses primarily on partially and fully secured credit cards.

Credit One is privately held and does not publish annual financial statements. Regulatory call report data shows approximately $2.4 billion in total assets and roughly 1,200 employees.

Total assets and employees are from the most recent FDIC call report.

Our Favorite Credit One Card

Credit One Bank^® Platinum Rewards Visa with No Annual Fee

This $0-annual-fee card offers 2% cash-back on all purchases. Cardholders also receive free online access to their Experian credit score.

Hot Tip:

Credit One cards are marketed primarily to applicants with no credit history or those who are rebuilding credit.

Discover

History

Discover launched in 1985 as a Sears product and was one of the first cash-back cards offered in the U.S. It operated as both a card issuer and a payment network until Capital One acquired Discover Financial Services on May 18, 2025.

Discover Financial Services no longer files as a public company. Its final full year as an independent company was 2024, when it reported $4.5 billion in net income and held $147.6 billion in total assets. The Discover Global Network continues to operate under Capital One ownership and is accepted in more than 185 countries and territories through 30-plus network alliances, including JCB, UnionPay, and RuPay. Discover also operates Diners Club International and the PULSE debit network.

Financial figures are consolidated into Capital One Financial Corp. See the Capital One entry above.

Our Favorite Discover Cards

Since the acquisition closed, Discover cardholders have gained access to several Capital One benefits.

Discover it^® Cash Back Card

Discover it^® Cash Back Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Discover Cash Back card is an excellent first credit card to earn cash-back rewards with no annual fee.

Apply Now(at Discover's secure site)

Discover it^® Cash Back Card

The Discover Cash Back card is an excellent first credit card to earn cash-back rewards with no annual fee.

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from date of account opening, then a variable APR of 17.49% to 26.49%.

Why We Like This Card

The Discover Cash Back card is a great option for those looking for a $0 annual fee credit card to help build their credit history, while earning cash-back rewards on their daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5% back on rotating quarterly bonus categories like grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, on up to $1,500 in spend each quarter
• Earn 5% back on rental car, hotel, vacation rental, and activity bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Earn 5% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases

Cons

• Quarterly spending cap on rotating 5% rewards
• Not very rewarding for purchases outside of the rotating 5% category, Capital One Travel, and Capital One Entertainment

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Intro Offer: Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
• Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
• Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
• Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
• No annual fee.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from date of account opening, then a variable APR of 17.49% to 26.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Discover Cash Back card earns 5% cash-back in rotating quarterly categories up to a set spending cap, and 1% on all other purchases. Discover automatically matches all cash-back earned at the end of the first year, with no limit.

Cardholders also earn 5% cash-back on rental cars, hotels, activities, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 5% cash-back through Capital One Entertainment. Discover cardholders now have access to Capital One Offers as well.

Discover It^® Miles Card

Discover It^® Miles Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

If you’re a Discover fan, then you’ll like this card: 1.5x miles on all purchases with no sign-ups and doubled miles the first year.

Apply Now(at Discover's secure site)

Discover It^® Miles Card

If you’re a Discover fan, then you’ll like this card: 1.5x miles on all purchases with no sign-ups and doubled miles the first year.

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening,17.49% to 26.49% variable APR after that

Why We Like This Card

It’s a busy week. You’re taking your kids to soccer practice, after which you need to go grocery shopping and pick up a few bottles of red. A few more stops follow.

When you get home, you have some time to start planning your family vacation to Yellowstone National Park, which you’ve been excited to work on for the last few months.

Luckily, you’ve used your Discover It^® Miles Card faithfully on all your purchases so far, and you plan to continue doing so over the next six months so you can get your welcome offer bonus!

Card Highlights

• Unlimited Bonus: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
• Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase – with no annual fee.
• Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
• Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
• No Blackout Dates. Simply pay for travel purchases like airlines, hotels, rental cars, and more with your Discover it^® Miles card.
• Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
• Freeze your account in seconds with an on/off switch either on the mobile app or website to prevent new purchases, cash advances, and balance transfers.
• Get your free Credit Scorecard with your FICO^® Credit Score, number of recent inquiries and more.
• Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening,17.49% to 26.49% variable APR after that
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Redeem miles through your Discover account center.

The Discover Miles card earns an unlimited 1.5x miles per $1 on all purchases. Miles are worth a fixed 1 cent each when redeemed toward travel. Discover matches all miles earned at the end of the first year.

As with the Discover Cash Back card, cardholders earn 5x miles on rental cars, hotels, activities, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 5x miles through Capital One Entertainment, and cardholders have access to Capital One Offers.

First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO)

History

First National Bank of Omaha traces its origins to 1857 and is one of the largest privately held banks in the United States. It operates under holding company First National of Nebraska, which remains under family ownership across 6 generations.

FNBO began issuing credit cards in 1953, making it the fifth bank in the country to do so. It describes itself as the 15th-largest U.S. credit card issuer and also runs a white-label Credit Card-as-a-Service business for partner brands. The bank holds approximately $35 billion in total assets and employs more than 4,500 people across 9 states.

FNBO is privately held and does not publish annual revenue or net income.

Our Favorite FNBO Cards

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Mastercard^®

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards card helps you earn more Amtrak points with no annual fee.

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Mastercard^®

The Amtrak Guest Rewards card helps you earn more Amtrak points with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles of account opening.

12,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

Why We Like This Card

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard is a good option for frequent Amtrak travelers who want to earn more points on their rides and daily purchases with a $0 annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points on Amtrak travel, including onboard dining
• 2x points on dining
• 1x points on all other purchases

Cons

• Doesn’t offer a lounge pass or upgrade certificate like the premium version of the card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles of account opening
• 2 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases
• 2 points per $1 spent on dining
• 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
• 10% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases
• Points don’t expire
• 5% rebate on all redeemed points for Amtrak travel
• No foreign transaction fees
• $0 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard has a $0 annual fee, earns 2x points on Amtrak and dining purchases, and gives cardholders a 10% rebate on onboard purchases. Cardholders also get a 5% points rebate when redeeming points for Amtrak travel.

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^®

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred card is perfect for frequent Amtrak riders.

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^®

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred card is perfect for frequent Amtrak riders.

Welcome Offer

Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 billing cycles of account opening.

40,000 points

Annual Fee

$99

Why We Like This Card

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred card is a must-have for frequent Amtrak riders, thanks to perks like the annual companion coupon, annual upgrade certificate, rebate on onboard purchases, and rebate on award redemptions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases
• 2x points on dining, travel, transit, and ride-share purchases
• 1x points on all other purchases

Cons

• Award redemptions are limited to Amtrak travel

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 billing cycles of account opening
• 3x points on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases
• 2x points on dining, travel, transit, and ride-share purchases
• 1x points on all other purchases
• 20% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases
• Round-trip companion coupon upon account opening and card anniversary
• 1 class upgrade certificate annually
• 1 station lounge pass annually
• 1,000 Tier Qualifying Points each time you make $5,000 in qualifying purchases
• Points don’t expire
• 5% rebate on Amtrak travel redemptions
• No foreign transaction fees
• $99 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred card has a $99 annual fee and also gives cardholders a 5% rebate when redeeming points for Amtrak travel. It earns 3x points on Amtrak, 2x points on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare, and offers a 20% rebate on onboard purchases. Cardholders also get additional perks like a round-trip companion coupon, upgrade certificates, lounge passes, and shortcuts to earning elite status with Amtrak Guest Rewards.

Mastercard

History

Mastercard was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York. It is the second-largest credit card network in the world by number of cards issued and purchase volume.

Mastercard’s business model is to process payments between merchants’ banks and the card-issuing banks or credit unions of purchasers who use a Mastercard-branded debit, credit, or prepaid card. Customers had approximately 3.7 billion Mastercard and Maestro-branded cards as of the end of 2025. The company reported $32.8 billion in net revenue for 2025, up 16%, and $18.9 billion in operating income.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Mastercards

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

All information about Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

Status lovers will enjoy the variety of benefits that come with this card. From free bags to reduced-price inflight beverages, AA still flies in style.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

50,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee, $99 after the first year

APR

19.49% to 29.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card is a great option for American Airlines frequent flyers who want to earn more miles on their daily purchases and score perks such as free checked bags, preferred boarding, and savings on inflight food and beverage purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles at restaurants, gas stations, and eligible American Airlines purchases
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• 1x Loyalty Point per $1 spent on all purchases

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Charges an annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage^® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 2 AAdvantage^® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage^® mile earned from purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
• Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 29.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 0%

Rewards Center

American Airlines AAdvantage Program

The AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite card earns 2x miles on American Airlines spending and at restaurants and gas stations. Cardholders receive preferred boarding, a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries for the cardholder and up to 4 companions on the reservation, and 25% off inflight food and beverage purchases made with the card.

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

The perfect card for IHG fans, offering a free night every year, automatic Platinum Elite status, and your fourth night free on award stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

140,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$700

Annual Fee

$99

APR

19.24% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you regularly visit IHG hotels throughout the year, then the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is probably a perfect card to have in your wallet.

The IHG Premier card offers a great bundle of perks and benefits, including automatic Platinum elite status, an annual free night certificate, and travel protections.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 26x points per $1 on IHG stays
• 5x points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG^® Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.
• Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
• IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Hotel Indigo^® & Holiday Inn^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The IHG Premier card earns up to 26x points at IHG hotels, 5x on travel, gas stations, and restaurants, and 3x on all other purchases. Cardholders receive automatic Platinum Elite status with IHG and a free anniversary night certificate valid at properties costing 40,000 points or less per night.

Navy Federal Credit Union

History

Navy Federal Credit Union was founded in 1933 and serves military members, veterans, Department of Defense personnel, and their families. It is headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, and operates 383 branches across 4 continents.

In the first quarter of 2026, Navy Federal became the first credit union to surpass $200 billion in total assets. It held $203.6 billion in total assets and 15.35 million members as of March 31, 2026, with more than 25,000 employees. Its credit card portfolio totaled $32.7 billion across 5.07 million accounts (Source: National Credit Union Administration call report).

Figures are as of March 31, 2026.

Our Favorite Navy Federal Cards

Visa Signature^® Flagship Rewards Credit Card

The Navy Federal Flagship card offers 3x earnings on travel and 2x on everything else, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and a free Amazon Prime membership.

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Navy Federal More Rewards card is a great everyday spending earning card: 3x points at supermarkets, on gas and transit, at restaurants, plus 1x points on everything else.

Apply Now(at NFCU's secure site)

Navy Federal More Rewards American Express^® Card

The Navy Federal More Rewards card is a great everyday spending earning card: 3x points at supermarkets, on gas and transit, at restaurants, plus 1x points on everything else.

Welcome Offer

You can earn 20k bonus points (a $200 value) when you spend $2,000 within 90 days of account opening. Offer valid for accounts applied for between 7/1/26 - 1/3/27.

20,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

APR

14.15% - 18.00% Variable

Why We Like This Card

We like the Navy Federal More Rewards American Express^® Card because it offers 3x points on groceries, gas, transit, and restaurants (plus food delivery), with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Additionally, it is available to Navy Federal Credit Union members, making it an excellent option for veterans to maximize rewards on everyday spending.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee
• 3x points at restaurants (and food delivery)
• 3x points at supermarkets

Cons

• You must be a Navy Federal Credit Union member to be eligible
• No 0% intro APR available on purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You can earn 20k bonus points (a $200 value) when you spend $2,000 within 90 days of account opening. Offer valid for accounts applied for between 7/1/26 – 1/3/27.
  
• Earn 3 points for every $1 of net purchases made for gas, transit, restaurants, food delivery, and at supermarkets
• Earn 1 point for every $1 of other net purchases.
• Rewards are earned on eligible net purchases.
• No limit on rewards.
• Points can be redeemed for cash, travel, gift cards, and merchandise.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 14.15% - 18.00% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Navy Federal More Rewards card offers 3x points on gas, transit, restaurants, food delivery, and supermarkets, and the card has a $0 annual fee.

PNC Bank

History

PNC Financial Services Group was formed by the 1983 merger of Pittsburgh National Corporation and Provident National Corporation, with origins dating to 1845. It is among the 10 largest U.S. banks by assets.

PNC reported record revenue of $23.1 billion for 2025 and $7.0 billion in net income. Its credit card business is small relative to other issuers on this list, with $7 billion in card loans outstanding at year-end.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite PNC Card

PNC Cash Rewards^® Visa^® Credit Card

The PNC Cash Rewards card earns 4% back on gas station purchases, 3% on dining, 2% on grocery store purchases, and 1% on all other purchases, for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually.

Synchrony

History

Synchrony Financial was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. It is the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the U.S., issuing store cards for brands including Ashley HomeStore, BP, Cathay Pacific, Discount Tire, Guitar Center, J.C. Penney, and Lowe’s. Synchrony offers more than 100 card programs.

Synchrony reported $18.5 billion in net interest income for 2025 and $3.6 billion in net earnings. It averaged 70.7 million active accounts and processed $182.3 billion in purchase volume during the year.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Synchrony Cards

Cathay World Elite Mastercard^®

Cathay World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Cathay World Elite card helps you earn more miles and elite status on all of your daily purchases.

Cathay World Elite Mastercard^®

The Cathay World Elite card helps you earn more miles and elite status on all of your daily purchases.

Welcome Offer

You can earn 38,000 bonus Asia Miles when you open an account and spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

38,000 miles

Annual Fee

$99

APR

25.74%, 28.74% or 31.74% variable

Why We Like This Card

The Cathay World Elite card is well-suited for those who frequently fly with Cathay Pacific and want a card that will help them earn elite status, and earn more miles on all of their daily purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles on all eligible Cathay Pacific and HK Express travel and in-flight purchases
• 2x miles on dining and eligible delivery services
• 1x miles on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges an annual fee
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 3 per $1 spent on all eligible Cathay Pacific and HK Express travel and in-flight purchases.
• Earn 2 per $1 spent on dining and eligible dining delivery services.
• Earn 1 per $1 spent on everything else, where Mastercard is accepted worldwide.​
• Earn 10 Status Points for every $5,000 in eligible purchases made​ each month, up to a maximum of 100 Status Points per calendar year​.
• Primary cardholders may check in at our Premium Economy class airport check-in counters. Travel companion(s) can also enjoy this benefit when traveling with the Primary cardholder.
• Primary cardholders can enjoy the same boarding line as Premium Economy class passengers on flights operated by Cathay Pacific.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 10% redemption discount on hotel, car rental and experiences awards with Asia Miles.
• 10% savings on Asia Miles Gift Miles and Mileage Transfer Fee transactions.
• Primary cardholders may use their Asia Miles to redeem access to Cathay Pacific Business Class lounges.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 25.74%, 28.74% or 31.74% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Cathay World Elite card earns 3x miles on Cathay Pacific and HK Express flights, 2x miles on dining and eligible delivery services, 10 Status Points for every $5,000 in eligible purchases monthly (up to 100 Status Points annually), and offers various travel benefits for flights, rental cars, hotels, and more.

Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard^®

Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Virgin Red card helps you earn more points and qualify for elite status with every purchase.

Virgin Red Rewards Mastercard^®

The Virgin Red card helps you earn more points and qualify for elite status with every purchase.

Welcome Offer

Earn a generous Boarding Bonus of 60,000 points that's enough to hop continents when you spend $4,000 in your first 90 days.

60,000 points

Annual Fee

$99

Why We Like This Card

The Virgin Red card can be a great choice if you want a card to help you earn more Virgin Points and qualify for elite status on everyday purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points on purchases with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages
• 2x points at grocery stores, on dining out, on selected streaming services, and EV charging
• 1x points on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges an annual fee
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a generous Boarding Bonus of 60,000 points that’s enough to hop continents when you spend $4,000 in your first 90 days
• 3x points on purchases with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages
• 2x points at grocery stores, on dining out, on selected streaming services, and EV charging
• 1x points on all other purchases
• 5,000 anniversary bonus points
• Earn 25 Tier Points when you spend $2,500 in a month. Maximum 50 Tier Points per month
• Spend $15,000 in a year and earn one Personal Perk from Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels or Virgin Voyages. Spend $30,000 and select one more
• Book 2 nights, get a third night free at Virgin Hotels once per year
• Get 2,500 Virgin Points when you add a loved one as an additional account user, on up to 10,000 points
• No foreign transaction fees
• Mastercard World Elite benefits
• $99 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Virgin Red card offers 3x points on Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Hotels, and Virgin Voyages, as well as 2x points at grocery stores, dining out, select streaming services, and EV charging. Cardholders get 5,000 anniversary bonus points, can earn Tier Points toward elite status through spending, and can get a third night free at Virgin Hotels once per year when booking 2 nights.

USAA

History

The United Services Automobile Association was founded in 1922 by 25 U.S. Army officers as a form of mutual self-insurance because insurance companies at the time would not issue policies to military officers, who were considered a high-risk group. USAA now offers banking and insurance services to past and present members of the armed forces and their families.

USAA reported $236 billion in total assets and 14.3 million members for 2025, with a net worth of $38.6 billion. The company returned $3.8 billion to members during the year. USAA did not disclose total revenue or net income in its 2025 annual report to members, a change from prior years.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite USAA Card

USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature^® Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash-back, easy to redeem rewards, and a good intro offer reward bonus.

Apply Now(at USAA's secure site. Must be a USAA member, or become a member, to apply.)

USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature^® Credit Card

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash-back, easy to redeem rewards, and a good intro offer reward bonus.

Welcome Offer

Intro Offer: Earn a $200 reward bonus after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.

$200 Reward Bonus

Annual Fee

$0

APR

15.40% to 27.40% variable regular

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for USAA members who want a card that will help them earn cash-back on their daily expenses with $0 annual fees.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 reward bonus after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Auto rental collision damage waiver

Cons

• Doesn’t offer bonus categories to earn more cash-back on certain purchases
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Must be a USAA^® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 reward bonus after spending $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
• Get a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and convenience checks that post within 90 days of account opening. After this time, the variable regular APR of 15.40% to 27.40% will apply to introductory balances.
• A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies. If you transfer a balance or write a convenience check to take advantage of the introductory rate offer, you will immediately incur interest on purchases until you pay your balance in full, including any transferred balances.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, no category restrictions and no caps.
• No annual fee.
• Cash back rewards never expire.
• Redeem cash back your way, on your schedule.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• 15.40% to 27.40% variable regular APR.
• Terms and Restrictions apply. See the Reward Terms and Conditions on USAA’s website for details.
• See Rates and Fees for details.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 15.40% to 27.40% variable regular
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Credit Card has no annual fee and offers unlimited 1.5% cash-back on purchases. Important for military members stationed overseas, it also has no foreign transaction fees.

USAA Eagle Navigator^® Visa Signature^® Credit Card

USAA Eagle Navigator^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The USAA Eagle Navigator^® Credit Card earns 3x on travel purchases, including tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more!

USAA Eagle Navigator^® Credit Card

The USAA Eagle Navigator^® Credit Card earns 3x on travel purchases, including tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more!

Welcome Offer

Earn 30,000 bonus points ($300 travel value) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.

30,000 points

Annual Fee

$95

APR

18.90% to 27.15% variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The USAA Eagle Navigator^® Credit Card is well-suited for USAA members who travel frequently and want a card that will reward them for these purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points on travel and transit purchases
• 2x points on all other purchases
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit

Cons

• Annual fee of $95
• Points are not transferable

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Must be a USAA® member, or become a member, to apply. USAA proudly offers membership to current and former military, as well as their spouses and dependents.
• Intro Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points ($300 travel value) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
• 3X points on travel purchases – triple your points on tolls, rideshares, hotels, vacation rentals, flights and more.
• 2X points on everyday purchases – double your points on groceries, gas, dining, bills and more.
• Earn 10,000 bonus points every year – applies after you complete eligible hotel or car booking. That’s equal to a $100 travel value.
• Up to $120 credit towards TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® fee every four years.
• Enjoy valuable travel benefits and protection, including Auto Rental Coverage, Travel Accident Coverage, Trip Interruption Coverage, Baggage Delay Reimbursement, Purchase Security and Cell Phone Protection.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Points never expire for the life of the account and there are no spend caps on point earning.
• Redeem points your way, on your schedule.
• A fee of 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, cash advance and convenience check applies.
• 18.90% to 27.15% variable regular APR.
• $95 annual fee.
• See Rates and Fees for details.
• Terms and Restrictions apply. See the Guide to Benefits and Reward Terms and Conditions on USAA’s website for details.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.90% to 27.15% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The USAA Eagle Navigator^® Credit Card offers 3x points on travel and transit and 3x points on other purchases. Its $95 annual fee is more than offset by the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and the 10,000 bonus points available after booking a hotel or rental car through the rewards portal.

U.S. Bank

History

U.S. Bank National Association operates under the second-oldest continuous national charter in the country, granted in 1863. U.S. Bancorp, its holding company, took its current form in 1968. It is among the 10 largest U.S. banks by assets.

U.S. Bank reported record net revenue of $28.7 billion for 2025 and $7.6 billion in net income. Its credit card portfolio averaged $31.1 billion in loans during the fourth quarter. The company offers co-branded cards with partners including Ace, Club Carlson, Harley-Davidson, and Kroger, and issues rewards cards under the FlexPerks brand.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite U.S. Bank Cards

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn big on travel, plus everyday earning on everyday purchases.

U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card

Earn big on travel, plus everyday earning on everyday purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

20,000 points

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 17.49% - 27.49% applies.

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the U.S. Bank Altitude^® Connect Visa Signature^® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card is an excellent $0-annual-fee cash-back rewards card that offers 6 different bonus categories, airport lounge access, a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center
• 4x points on travel
• 4x points at gas stations and EV charging stations (on your first $1,000 each quarter)

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Award redemptions are capped at 1 cent per point

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
• 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center.
• 4X points on travel.
• 4X points at gas stations and EV charging stations (on the first $1,000 each quarter).
• 2X points on streaming services.
• 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining.
• Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry^® application fee once every four years.
• 1X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Points never expire.
• Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with a U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
• Terms and conditions apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 17.49% - 27.49% applies.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card offers 5x points on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked in the travel portal, 4x points on other travel, 4x points at gas stations and EV charging stations (up to $1,000 per quarter, then 1x), and 2x points on streaming services, grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining. Cardholders also get a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees and 4 visits to Priority Pass lounges each year.

SKYPASS Select Visa Signature^® Card

SKYPASS Select Visa Signature^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

SKYPASS Select Visa Signature^® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days.

60,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$450

Why We Like This Card

The SKYPASS Select Signature card is a compelling option for U.S.-based travelers who fly frequently with Korean Air. Not only will it help you earn miles much faster, but it also comes with a solid lineup of useful perks like 2 annual discount coupons for Korean Air flights, a $200 annual travel credit, annual lounge passes for Korean Air and Priority Pass locations, and bonus miles based on spending.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles on Korean Air purchases
• 2x miles on other airlines, hotels, and car rentals
• 2x miles on dining, including takeout and restaurant delivery

Cons

• Charges a large annual fee
• Airport lounge access is limited to a few passes per year

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles when you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days
• 3x miles on Korean Air purchases
• 2x miles on other airlines, hotels, and car rentals
• 2x miles on dining, including takeout and restaurant delivery
• 1x miles on all other purchases
• Get 5% off Korean Air tickets 2x yearly, available for you and a companion
• $200 statement credit on travel purchases annually
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• 4 Priority Pass lounge passes each year
• 2 Korean Air lounge vouchers each year
• 2 $25 duty-free coupons annually
• No foreign transaction fees
• Travel protections
• Earn 5,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 annually, and 10,000 bonus miles at renewal after $35,000 in spend annually
• $450 annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

SKYPASS Select Signature Cardholders earn 3x miles on Korean Air purchases, 2x on other airlines, hotels, car rentals, and dining, including takeout and delivery. Travel perks include a twice-yearly 5% discount on Korean Air tickets, lounge passes, a $200 travel credit, and bonus points after meeting spending thresholds.

Visa

History

Visa is a card network that facilitates electronic funds transfers worldwide, most commonly through Visa-branded credit, gift, and debit cards. Its origins trace to the 1958 launch of BankAmericard; the network took the Visa name in 1976, and Visa Inc. was incorporated in 2007. Visa does not issue cards or extend credit.

Visa is the largest card payment organization in the U.S. and the second-largest in the world by annual payment value and number of cards issued, behind China UnionPay. In fiscal year 2025, which ended September 30, 2025, Visa processed 329 billion transactions across its networks, averaging 901 million per day, with $17 trillion in total payments and cash volume across nearly 5 billion payment credentials (Source: Visa).

Figures are for fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025.

Our Favorite Visa Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

BEST FIRST TRAVEL CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, gas, EV charging, vacation homes, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance and emergency evacuation. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), gas, EV charging, vacation homes (such as Airbnb and Vrbo), and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation and more
• Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 – a value of $156.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for 12 months when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck^® or NEXUS application.
• Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x on dining, online groceries, gas and EV charging, select streaming services, and eligible vacation home rentals, and 2x on all other travel. It has no foreign transaction fees and offers flexible redemption options, including transfer partners.

British Airways Visa Signature^® Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

British Airways Visa Signature^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for British Airways frequent flyers, and traveling couples will find great value in the Travel Together Ticket.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

British Airways Visa Signature^® Card

This card is great for British Airways frequent flyers, and traveling couples will find great value in the Travel Together Ticket.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

75,000 Avios

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$938

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Avios on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL purchases
• 2x Avios on hotel accommodations purchased directly through hotels
• 1x Avios on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
• Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
• Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
• 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
• Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you'll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
• Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
• Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It's fast, easy and secure!
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

British Airways Club

British Airways Visa cardholders earn 3x Avios on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL, 2x on hotels booked directly, and get 10% off British Airways flights departing the U.S. when using the dedicated cardholder website. Cardholders can also earn a Travel Together Ticket each year through spending.

Wells Fargo

History

Wells Fargo was founded in 1852 to meet the banking needs of pioneers during the California Gold Rush, and holds the first banking charter issued by the U.S. government. It is the fourth-largest U.S. bank by total assets.

Wells Fargo reported $83.7 billion in total revenue for 2025 and $21.3 billion in net income. Its credit card portfolio held $59.5 billion in loans at year-end, with $186.0 billion in purchase volume and 2.93 million new card accounts opened during the year. The Federal Reserve lifted the bank’s asset cap in 2025.

Figures are full-year 2025 unless noted.

Our Favorite Wells Fargo Cards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

$100 cash rewards bonus

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter

Cons

• No bonus categories for those who want to optimize certain purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $100 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on all eligible purchases with a $0 annual fee (rates & fees).

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey^® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A powerful point earning card with access to transfer partners.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey^® Card

A powerful point earning card with access to transfer partners.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49%, 25.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey^® Card is an excellent option for those looking for a great all-around travel rewards card that offers bonus categories on hotels, airfare, travel, and dining, giving you the opportunity to earn points on these purchases quickly.

Plus, the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to transfer partners, an annual statement credit with airfare purchase, and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x points on hotels
• Earn 4x points on airfare
• Earn 3x points on other travel and restaurants; 1x on other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• List of transfer partners is smaller than competing programs

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 Annual Fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%, 25.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card offers unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and restaurants, and a $50 annual statement credit with a minimum $50 airline purchase. Cardholders also have access to the growing list of Wells Fargo transfer partners.

Final Thoughts

The credit card industry consolidated significantly in 2025, most notably with Capital One’s acquisition of Discover. Issuer rankings shift as portfolios change hands, and financial figures update annually. Compare current terms, fees, and rewards structures directly with the issuer before applying, since published offers change frequently.

For head-to-head comparisons of some of the most popular credit card companies, see these posts:

• Amex vs. Chase cards
• Chase vs. Capital One cards