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(SM) CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS

Earn a $100 cash back bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases No spend minimum, No enrollment, and No rotating rewards categories Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed See Terms* See Terms* 17.24%-22.24% Variable * No Annual Fee * Excellent

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.

DISCOVER® MORE® CARD

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%* 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply* Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--15 years in a row! (2011 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report) 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alert options Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed 0% for 15 Months* 0% for 15 Months* 11.99% - 20.99% (Variable)* None Good

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® VENTUREONE(SM) REWARDS CREDIT CARD

1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day Earn 10,000 bonus miles, 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 won't expire Fly free on any airline, any time with no blackout dates 0% intro APR on purchases until February 2013* No foreign transaction fees No annual fee To apply online click the Apply Now button or call 1-866-960-8708

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed 0% until February 2013* n/a 11.9%-19.9%(V)* None Excellent

CITI® PLATINUM SELECT® MASTERCARD®

0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based on your creditworthiness.* Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more Citi® Identity Theft Solutions No annual fee*

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed 0% for 18 Months* 0% for 18 Months* 11.99%-21.99% Variable* None Good

CHASE FREEDOM® VISA - $200 BONUS CASH BACK

This offer is for people with a good to excellent credit history which means, among other things. Your credit history is clear of bankruptcy and seriously deliquent accounts Earn $200 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at gas stations and on Amazon.com from 1/1/12 - 3/31/12. You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like grocery stores, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter! Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase No annual fee and rewards never expire

Intro APR on Purchases Intro APR on Transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed N/A N/A 15.99%-22.99% (Variable)* None Excellent

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.