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, 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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.