The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Credit cards
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analyses are entirely our own. Learn more about our advertising policy and product review methodology.
Best for foodies and entertainment
Our top choices for the best Mastercard credit cards made the cut thanks to their global acceptance, range of offerings and annual fees — and lack thereof — that fit every budget.
Our list includes Mastercard’s premium line of credit cards, World Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard, which feature additional benefits like cellphone protection, complimentary Shoprunner membership and Lyft credits.
With a Mastercard option for every type of consumer, our guide can help you find the right credit card to align with your spending and individual needs. Whether you’re looking to get the most cash back on your grocery bill or rack up travel points, Mastercard has a credit card to help get you there. Here are our top picks for the best Mastercard credit cards from our partners.
Whenever you can earn a welcome bonus, we recommend taking advantage of the opportunity. Whether it’s points, miles or cash back, we included cards that can help establish and maintain a stash of rewards for future use.
Credit cards feature annual fees that range from $0 to more than $600. We recommend applying for a card that suits your budget; the good news is that there’s no shortage of great options across various price points.
When choosing the best Mastercard credit cards, we also considered what earning rates each card offers to bring you the most value each time you tap to pay.
You can redeem your rewards — whether they’re points, miles or cash back — to catch a flight, for a statement credit or to book a hotel stay. Choose a credit card that earns the reward currency most valuable to you.
Mastercard credit cards come in three tiers: Standard, World and World Elite. Each tier offers different perks and protections like identity theft and zero liability protection as well as cellphone protection depending on the card you have.
Choosing the best Mastercard credit card will look different person to person because everyone’s spending habits and financial goals are different. Our list is designed to help you make a choice that best fits your personal financial needs, whether you’re applying for your first credit card or looking to boost your reward-earning ability.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing an Amex credit card:
Choose a Mastercard that offers a sign-up bonus you can redeem for future travel or cash back to pay down a balance, for example.
Credit cards come with varying annual fees; from those with no fee to those with eye-watering fees, opt for a card that matches your budget and financial needs. Several no-annual-fee cards are great starters for getting into the points and miles game.
If you want to maximize your earnings, choose a card with elevated earning rates in categories you most frequently use.
Learn all about the perks that come with a World Elite Mastercard
There are four major credit card networks in the United States: Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Not all cards issued by financial institutions use Mastercard’s network.
There isn’t a single “best” Mastercard credit card that will apply to everyone. The best card for a person will depend on their spending habits, budget, financial goals and more. Luckily, there are hundreds of credit cards available to choose from, across various issuers and networks, ensuring you’ll still be able to find one that best suits your needs. Since the process of finding the best card can be overwhelming, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks offered by Mastercard.
Most credit cards have an online application process. Mastercard partners with various financial institutions, so the process might differ slightly among different banks that issue Mastercards. You can apply for any of the credit cards on this list by clicking on the “Apply Link” under each card.
Mastercard itself is not a credit card, it is a major credit card network that partners with financial institutions that actually issue credit cards. Other major credit card networks include Visa, American Express and Discover. Mastercard’s network is a communication system that allows banks to process their users’ purchases.
Best for foodies and entertainment
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 8% | Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 5% | Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 3% | Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases |
Earn $200 Cash Back
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card serves as a great introduction into the world of rewards credit card. For starters, there’s no annual fee, so you’ll rest easy knowing that you’re at an automatic net positive by opening this card. From there, earn 3% on four popular everyday spending categories, redeeming for valuable cash-back rewards back in your pocket. If you travel internationally from time to time, you can even bring this card with you, as there are no foreign transaction fees. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card serves as a great introduction into the world of rewards credit card. For starters, there’s no annual fee, so you’ll rest easy knowing that you’re at an automatic net positive by opening this card. From there, earn 3% on four popular everyday spending categories, redeeming for valuable cash-back rewards back in your pocket. If you travel internationally from time to time, you can even bring this card with you, as there are no foreign transaction fees. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Best for foodies and entertainment
Earn $200 Cash Back
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card serves as a great introduction into the world of rewards credit card. For starters, there’s no annual fee, so you’ll rest easy knowing that you’re at an automatic net positive by opening this card. From there, earn 3% on four popular everyday spending categories, redeeming for valuable cash-back rewards back in your pocket. If you travel internationally from time to time, you can even bring this card with you, as there are no foreign transaction fees. Read our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Best for straightforward cash back
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards takes the guesswork out of earning cash-back rewards by offering an unlimited 1.5% earning rate on all purchases. Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Best for straightforward cash back
Best for no-frills cash back rewards
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.
Best for no-frills cash back rewards
| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| foodies and entertainment | Earn $200 Cash Back | 1 - 8% cash-back | $0 | Apply now at Capital One's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees | |
670-850
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 5% | Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day |
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards takes the guesswork out of earning cash-back rewards by offering an unlimited 1.5% earning rate on all purchases. Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus
$0
18.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards takes the guesswork out of earning cash-back rewards by offering an unlimited 1.5% earning rate on all purchases. Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
| Rate | Category |
|---|---|
| 2% | 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. |
| 5% | Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. |
$200 cash back
$0
18.49% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.
$200 cash back
$0
18.49% - 28.74% (Variable)
670-850
The Citi Double Cash Card takes all of the stress and complication away from credit card rewards with a simple (yet lucrative) 2% earning scheme and straightforward cash-back redemption options. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.
| straightforward cash back |
| Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus |
| 1.5 - 5% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Capital One's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
| no-frills cash back rewards |
| $200 cash back |
| 2 - 5% cash-back |
| $0 |
| at Citi's secure siteSee detailsSee rates & fees |
What's your favorite Mastercard — and why?
Citi Double Cash® Card“This is one of my favorite cards to use for purchases that won’t earn bonus rewards on another card. I love earning cash-back to use for things points and miles don’t cover, and it’s hard to beat the 2% return I get with my Double Cash.”
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
Gabrielle Bernardini is the senior points and miles editor at TPG. Joining the team in 2023, she focuses on helping people utilize their credit card rewards to travel for less.
Daisy is a credit cards editor at TPG. Her expertise spans earning and redeeming rewards across rotating categories on multiple cards.Prior to this, she wrote news stories, how-to guides and tested and reviewed gear for Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated, Bicycling and Runner's World.
Compliance manager Stanley Sanford has years of compliance experience in the credit card industry dating back to 2017. He's reviewed content for several reputable sites, including CreditCards.com, Bankrate, CNET. and even thepointsguy.com before leading the compliance team for The Points Guy full time in early 2022.
