When searching the web for a new credit card, many people begin by entering the words “best credit card.” Unfortunately, there is no true “best credit card.” In fact, the best credit card for one person may be a bad offer for another. Below, we break down recent J.D. Power Rankings to help you find the best credit card for your spending style.
You can also view our frequently updated list of the best credit card offers to find cards offering great deals, including up to $200 cash back just for applying. For more information, please see this page.
J.D Power Winners
American Express – This perennial leader of the pack earned five star rankings in every category, including overall satisfaction. However, American Express credit cards are tough to get, as they have some of the strictest approval criteria in the industry. Nevertheless, consumers who spend a lot, pay their bills in full monthly, and don’t mind paying an annual fee to get top tier rewards may fare best with American Express. Consumers looking for 0% interest rates or no fee rewards may find themselves happier with another brand. With all that in mind, our pick for the best American Express card is their no fee (though high interest rate) Blue Cash Everday card. You can review the details below or compare all American Express cards in their respective section.
BLUE CASH EVERYDAY® CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS |
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- Earn 100 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.
- Earn Cash Back: 3% at US supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year in purchases, 2% at US gas stations & select US dept stores, 1% on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Simple and Straightforward: With the Blue Cash Everyday Card, you can start earning cash back. No rotating reward categories. No enrollment required.
- No annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, currently 12.99%-21.99% with flexibility to pay over time.
- Terms and Restrictions Apply.
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Intro APR on Purchases |
Intro APR on Transfers |
Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Type
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0% for 12 months*
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None for None*
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12.99% - 21.99% Variable*
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$0
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Excellent Credit
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Discover – The consistent number two in the rankings is, in our opinion, often the best credit card for the vast majority of consumers. Why? Discover offers incredible value with 0% APR offers on balance transfers and purchases lasting one year or more, a solid, no fee cash back rewards program, and the lowest rate of customer complaints amongst all credit card companies. Using the Discover® More(SM) Card for a 0% balance transfer could save a person with a $5000 balance on a 14% interest credit card around $300 over the course of six months. Plus, they offer a number of ways to earn cashback of up to 20% on certain online specials. You can review the details below or compare all Discover cards in their respective section.
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Intro APR on Purchases |
Intro APR on Transfers |
Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Type
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for *
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for *
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*
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The Best MasterCard and Visa Credit Card Offers
Although American Express and Discover finished atop J.D. Power's rankings, most people prefer the convenience of a MasterCard or Visa that they know will be accepted everywhere. Here are our top picks for consumers who want a Visa or MasterCard in their wallet.
CAPITAL ONE® VENTUREONESM REWARDS CREDIT CARD |
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- 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day and no annual fee
- One-time bonus of 10,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months, equal to $100 in travel
- Redeem miles for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals, and more
- No limit on the miles you can earn and miles don't expire
- Fly on any airline, any time with no blackout dates
- 0% intro APR on purchases until June 2014
- No foreign transaction fees
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Intro APR on Purchases |
Intro APR on Transfers |
Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Type
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0% until June 2014*
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N/A*
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11.9% - 19.9% (V)*
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$0
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Excellent Credit
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CITI® DIAMOND PREFERRED® CARD |
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- Get 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.*
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer.
- Citi® Price Rewind searches for a lower price. Learn how you can get lower price after you purchase an item.
- Let our 24/7 concierge service help book your hotel rooms, flights and more.
- Enjoy special access to presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and unique entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass®.
- $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
- No annual fee*
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Intro APR on Purchases |
Intro APR on Transfers |
Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Type
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0%* for 18 months*
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0%* for 18 months*
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11.99%-21.99%* (Variable)*
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$0*
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Excellent Credit
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Intro APR on Purchases |
Intro APR on Transfers |
Regular APR
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Annual Fee
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Credit Type
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for *
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for *
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*
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Final Thoughts
While J.D. Power rankings provide good insight into what a majority of people think about credit card companies, it is important to consider the factors that will provide you with the most value from your credit card. In uncertain times such as these, the best credit card for most people is the card that will save you the most money. To find that card, the best place to start is often a 0% APR credit card, regardless of who is issuing the card.
