Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card

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.

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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, up to $6,000 each year, then 1%) and to earn 6% 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.