A mediocre airline rewards card (1.25 miles per dollar), with a 20K miles early spend bonus and no annual fee.
$406/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 20,000 Bonus Miles: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 1.25 miles for every dollar you spend on purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- The miles earn rate is pretty mediocre.
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards card offers even better rewards.
Rewards & Perks
- 20,000 Bonus Miles: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 1.25 miles per dollar for all purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.49-25.49% (0% for the first year).
- APR for balance transfers: 15.49-25.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,031
A decent credit card offering cash back on dining and entertainment, a $200 early spend bonus, and no annual fee.
$395/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Mastercard
Mastercard
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- If most of your purchases will be on things outside of the 3% cash back categories, then the 1% cash back rate isn't as good as cards that offer 1.5% cash back on all spending.
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, the Capital One Savor Rewards card offers even better rewards.
Rewards & Perks
- $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.49-25.49% (0% for the first 15 months).
- APR for balance transfers: 15.49-25.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,977
A great no annual fee card if you're an Amazon Prime member (5% at amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, as well as a $70 signup bonus).
$394/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $50 off instantly upon approval.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: An additional $20 ($70 instead of $50) will be instantly loaded onto your Amazon.com Gift Card upon the approval of your credit card application.
- 3% cash back at amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: Earn an additional 2% cash back (in other words, 5% cash back instead of 3% cash back) at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Good APR.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- You need to be an Amazon Prime member to earn the 5% cash back rate at amazon.com and Whole Foods. (Otherwise, you'll only earn 3% on those types of spending.)
Rewards & Perks
- $50 off instantly upon approval.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: An additional $20 ($70 instead of $50) will be instantly loaded onto your Amazon.com Gift Card upon the approval of your credit card application.
- 3% cash back at amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: Earn an additional 2% cash back (in other words, 5% cash back instead of 3% cash back) at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection privileges: Enjoy a premium set of benefits when you use your Premium Rewards card to book through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
- Personal concierge service (via Visa Signature Concierge): Visa Signature concierge service gives you access to concierges who can help with travel planning, restaurant recommendations, and event reservations.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 14.24-22.24%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,970
A no annual fee card, which offers 5x points on gas, 3x at supermarkets, restaurants, TV/cable/radio, and streaming, 1x on everything else, plus a signup bonus of 15,000 points (if you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days).
$391/yr
total value to you
Issuer
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 5x points on gas.
- 3x points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV/radio/cable, and streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- 15,000 points signup bonus (after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days).
- No annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 5x points on gas.
- 3x points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV/radio/cable, and streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- 15,000 points signup bonus (after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Purchase APR: 14.49-17.99% (variable)
Total savings over 5 years: $1,955
Official Card Description (from card issuer):
- Get Rewarded on Everyday Purchases
- 5x Points** on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations
- 3x Points** at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services
- 1x Points** on all other purchases
- 15,000 Bonus Pointsƚ when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval.
- Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. On transfers made from now until September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 17.99%. A 3% balance transfer fee applies to each transfer. This transaction is subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase Variable APR*: 14.49% to 17.99%
- Refer to PenFed.org for Terms/Conditions
A good travel rewards card, which offers 3-4x points on travel (4x if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Members, or 3x if not), 1.5x on everything else, and a 50K points signup bonus (if you spend $3K in the first 90 days), for an annual fee of $95 (or $0, if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member).
$381/yr
total value to you
Issuer
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 4x points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member. (If you're not, then it's 3x points on travel purchases.)
- 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- 50,000 points signup bonus (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days).
- Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership.
Cons
- Annual fee of $95 (or $0, if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member).
Rewards & Perks
- 4x points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member. (If you're not, then it's 3x points on travel purchases.)
- 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- 50,000 points signup bonus (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days).
- Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $95 (but $0 if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member)
- Purchase APR: 15.99-17.99% (variable)
Total savings over 5 years: $1,906
Official Card Description (from card issuer):
- Earn more everywhere you go!
- 50,000 Bonus Pointsƚ when you spend $3000 in the first 90 days
- Up to $799^ total Travel value
- 4X Points** on all Travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Membersƚƚ
- 3X Points** on all Travel categories
- 1.5X Points** on all other purchases
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval.
- Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. On transfers made from now until September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 17.99%. A 3% balance transfer fee applies to each transfer. This transaction is subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
- Annual Fee: $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Membersƚƚ)***
- Purchase Variable APR*: 15.99% to 17.99%
- Refer to PenFed.org for Terms/Conditions
A good cash back card or dining, entertainment, and grocery spending (4% on dining, entertainment, and streaming services, 3% on groceries, 1% elsewhere), with a $300 early spend bonus, but a $95 annual fee.
$370/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Mastercard
Mastercard
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $300 Cash Bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of $300 once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats using your Savor card.
- 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 3% cash back on groceries.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Not a great cash back rate for categories outside of dining, entertainment/streaming, and groceries.
- $95 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- $300 Cash Bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of $300 once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats using your Savor card.
- 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 2% cash back on groceries.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- $95 annual fee.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-24.99%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,848
A good card for Southwest frequent flyers (2x on SWA purchases, 40K points signup bonus), but has a $69 annual fee.
$365/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- For the first year: 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
- 2x points on Southwest purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Receive 3,000 bonus points each year (on your card member anniversary date).
- $0 1st & 2nd checked bags.
Cons
- $69 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- For the first year: 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
- 2x points on Southwest purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- 3,000 bonus points each year (on your card member anniversary date).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $69.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-22.99%.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,827
A mediocre card for frequent United Airlines flyers, offering 2x miles on spending at United Airlines, gas stations, and public transit, as well as a 30K miles signup bonus and no annual fee.
$348/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 2x miles on spending at United Airlines, gas stations, and public transit.
- For the first year: 3x miles on spending at grocery stores (on up to $15,000 in grocery spending).
- 15,000 miles signup bonus (after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months).
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, there are other United credit cards that offer higher miles earn rates and better signup bonuses, such as the Chase United Explorer card and the Chase United Club Infinite card.
Rewards & Perks
- For the first year: 3x miles on spending at grocery stores (on up to $15,000 in grocery spending).
- 2x miles on spending at United Airlines, gas stations, and public transit/commuting.
- 1 mile per dollar for all other purchases.
- 15,000 miles signup bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases and balance transfers: 16.49-23.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,740
A good no annual fee card, with a $150 signup bonus and 2-5% cash back on certain specific categories (1% on everything else).
$346/yr
total value to you
Issuer
US Bank
US Bank
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $150 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 90 days.
- 5% cash back on the first $2,000 spent in two categories that you choose.
- 2% cash back on one "everyday" category. (Typical 2% categories to choose from include gas, restaurants, and groceries.)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Good APR.
Cons
- Most of the 5% cash back categories are pretty specific, so you'll probably spend more in the 2% cash back category. (For example, as of April 2020, the list of 5% categories to choose from was: Streaming services, home utilities, ground transportation, cell phone providers, electronics stores, fast food, department stores, furniture stores, select clothing stores, gyms/fitness centers, sporting goods stores, and movie theaters.)
Rewards & Perks
- $150 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 90 days.
- 5% cash back on the first $2,000 spent in two categories that you choose.
- 2% cash back on one "everyday" category. (Typical 2% categories to choose from include gas, restaurants, and groceries.)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases: 13.99-23.99%.
- APR on balance transfers: 13.99-23.99%. (0% for the first 12 months on balance transfers posted to your account within the first 60 days.)
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a foreign currency, or 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. dollars.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,729
A good card if you're an Alaska Airlines frequent flyer (3x miles, 40K miles signup bonus, and cheap companion tickets), but with a $75 annual fee.
$342/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Bank of America
Bank of America
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days.
- 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- Get Alaska's Companion Fare every year: Each year on your account anniversary, get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22).
- Each mile is worth about 1.8 cents on average, which is high compared to other credit cards.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $75 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days.
- 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- Get Alaska's Companion Fare every year: Each year on your account anniversary, get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22).
- Free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $75.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-23.99%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,709