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For some of us, 2020 passed in the blink of an eye — spending so much time at home, it can be hard to remember it’s been a full year since the pandemic upended everything.
So it’s easy to miss where the financial landscape has changed, or to forget to revisit your financial situation. Has your credit score improved? Are you getting the best rewards on your spending?
It may be time for a credit makeover. Take a look at these cards, which we think are the best out there right now:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Why we like it: With no annual fee to worry about, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a top-tier choice for grocery or general cash-back rewards, offering at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase and more in certain categories. You also earn a $200 cash-back bonus after you spend $500 within the first three months.
What to know:
- 5% cash back on travel-related purchases through Chase.
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases.
- 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
- No expiration on cash-back rewards.
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months.
- No annual fee.
Note: This card has a 3% foreign transaction fee, so plan accordingly for international travel.
U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card
Why we like it: This card offers an incredibly generous introductory APR for both new purchases and balance transfers — 0% for 20 billing cycles.
What to know:
- 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on balance transfers.
- 0% intro APR for 20 billing cycles on new purchases.
- Up to $600 in cellphone insurance (with a $25 deductible) if you pay your phone bill with the card.
- Flexible payment date.
- No annual fee.
Note: This card has a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater.
Blue Cash Everyday from American Express
Why we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday card lives up to its name as a great value all the time — but especially for new cardholders. You can earn $200 back by making $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.
What to know:
- 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, and 1% cash back after that amount.
- 2% cash back on purchases at select U.S. department stores.
- 2% cash back on purchases at U.S. gas stations.
- 1% cash back on other purchases.
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months.
- No annual fee.
Note: Cash back is redeemed as statement credits.
Chase Freedom Flex
Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Flex card offers strong cash-back rewards in several categories and turbo-charges your rewards in seasonal bonus categories. You get a 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for 15 months, plus earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months with the card. It’s a solid card on its own, but also pairs well with the rewards of Chase Freedom Unlimited.
What to know:
- 5% cash back on travel-related purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, including hotels, flights, car rentals and cruises.
- 5% cash back on purchases in seasonal bonus categories, up to $1,500 each quarter.
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through March 2022).
- 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery).
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
Citi Premier Card
Why we like it: You’ll earn 60,000 bonus points with the Citi Premier card after spending $4,000 on purchases in your first three months of card membership, redeemable for travel or for $600 in gift cards.
What to know:
- 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after making $4,000 in purchases within three months of signing up.
- 3 points per $1 for spending at restaurants and supermarkets.
- 3 points per $1 for spending at gas stations, hotels, and on air travel.
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more, once per year, when booked through Citi’s rewards website.
- $95 annual fee.
Note: This card has no foreign transaction fees.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Why we like it: Like its cousin the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this card offers substantial bang for your buck on travel rewards and currently has a compelling introductory offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, worth $750 toward travel. You can also now earn up to $50 in statement credits toward grocery store purchases.
What to know:
- Get 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening and earn $50 in statement credits toward grocery purchases.
- Earn 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft rides through March 2022.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on travel and dining.
- Earn 2 points per $1 spent on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month through April 2021.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
- Complimentary DashPass delivery subscription.
- $95 annual fee.
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