Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card
Editor's Note
A common question we get here at TPG is, "What is the best credit card?"
And you might be here searching for an answer to that same question. If that's the case, we can help by telling you that no one card is the "best."
The cards in this guide are valuable thanks to their different perks and ways to earn cash back and travel rewards; however, there isn't a blanket card that is the perfect choice for everyone.
Here's how to decide which card is just right for you.
The good and bad news
The good news is that this relieves the pressure to find the single best credit card among the myriad options available. Another plus is that you essentially get a customizable experience when choosing a credit card because you can select one based on your specific needs and spending habits.
The bad news is that if you were hoping to simplify the search for the elusive best credit card overall, we can't provide you with a straightforward answer because, well, a singular 'best' card doesn't really exist.
Your financial goals, priorities and budget are factors to consider when finding the best credit card for your specific needs. Because of this, we recommend credit cards with varying annual fees, earning structures and benefits.
Different cards for different habits
It's easy to get caught up in this idea that a select number of cards — typically high annual fee cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) — are better than their lower-annual-fee counterparts such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees). In reality, however, that's not the case.
Ultimately, "the best credit card" for you depends on your current habits, priorities and needs.
For example, a frequent traveler might love their Amex Platinum for its unmatched lounge access and other travel benefits, including elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required; terms apply).
But that same person may reach more for their Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express to save money on groceries (at U.S. supermarkets) and to earn cash back on select streaming services in the U.S. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Even those with similar hobbies and habits may be divided on which card is the best. One frequent traveler may argue that the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best because of its lounge access and fixed earning rate, while another will argue that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) is the best because they prefer its transfer partners and much lower annual fee.
Find the 'right' card, not the 'best' card
Instead of looking for the best credit card, focus on finding the right credit card for you. You can start by asking yourself some simple questions:
What's your credit score?
This is a good base question because it will help establish what cards you'll most likely be approved for. If you're focused on building your credit, you'll want to start with a card that's good for beginners.
But if you have established credit and excellent credit score, you're more likely to be approved for premium rewards cards.
Related: How to check your credit score for free
What are your spending habits?
Your spending habits will inform which bonus categories you look for in your cards.
Do you spend a lot on groceries and dining at restaurants? If yes, then a card like the American Express® Gold Card could be the right card for you.
It earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants worldwide on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent after) and on the first $25,000 spent each calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar spent after).
Similarly, if you spend a lot of your budget on items that don't fall into most card bonus categories, you'll do better with a card that has a solid fixed earning rate, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).
Related: The best credit cards for each bonus category
What are you looking to get out of your card?
Do you want to earn rewards like free flights, seat upgrades and hotel stays? If so, a card that earns transferable points is a great starting point.
Alternatively, if you're loyal to a hotel chain, a cobranded card with that hotel can unlock perks like elite status and free nights that you'll appreciate.
Or you might be focused on saving money on everyday expenses. If that is the case, there are a ton of cash-back credit cards out there that can help you accomplish just that.
Once you've gone through these baseline questions, you can start digging into things like which rewards program is best suited to your travel goals, what your annual fee budget is, which sign-up bonuses you want to hit and more.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
Bottom line
There's no one "best" credit card for everyone. To determine which card is the best fit for you, consider factors such as your credit score, financial priorities and goals and the types of credit card perks you.
Related: The best travel rewards cards
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees