Best Credit Cards 2021 | GOBankingRates

GOBankingRates' Best Credit Cards for Travel, Rewards & More

By Gabrielle Olya

Woman buying online with credit card and a tablet sitting in the garden at home in holiday, Online Shopping Concept.

The Best Credit Cards To Help Rebuild Your Credit

By John Csiszar

woman using a credit card for online shopping

How To Handle Day-to-Day Credit Card Mishaps

By Gabrielle Olya

Top Picks: The 10 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Available Now

By Gabrielle Olya

Two young women walking away from a helicopter with a glass of wine in their hands.

How to Use Your Credit Card Like a Rich Person

By Gabrielle Olya

MORE TOP CREDIT CARD PICKS

IF YOU WANT REWARDS

IF YOU LOVE TRAVEL

IF YOU FLY OFTEN

IF YOU WANT CASH BACK

The 10 Best Rewards Credit Cards Available Now

By Gabrielle Olya

traveler with credit card at coffee shop

The 10 Best Travel Credit Cards Available Now

By Gabrielle Olya

The 10 Best Airline Credit Cards Available Now

By Gabrielle Olya

on October 18, 2021

Mature woman baking from her home office.

The 10 Best Cash-Back Credit Cards Available Now

By Cynthia Bowman

Credit Card Use

Save For Your Future

CREDIT CARD QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Young African American is calculated credit card.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Cash-Back Card in Your Wallet

With so many credit cards available, it can be tough to navigate all the different types. For example, hotel and airline credit cards offer great bonuses for those who are loyal to certain brands. On the other hand, travel rewards credit cards tend to come with fees, so they won't be worth it if you don't travel much. In that case, you may be better off going with a cash-back credit card, as they often have very few fees, among other benefits. Explore: GOBankingRates' Best Credit Cards for 2023Find Out: If Your Credit Score Is Under 740, Make These 4…

By Bob Haegele

Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards Indefinitely

Although credit cards offer a high level of convenience, they're not for everyone. If you have trouble paying off your balance every month, you'll end up paying high interest charges and potentially damage your credit score. However, for those who can use credit cards responsibly, they can be a great financial tool. For starters, proper credit card usage can raise your credit score, which will potentially lower the interest rate on any future borrowings, from auto loans to home mortgages. Credit cards also typically provide a wide range of perks. Here are some reasons why you might want to responsibly…

By John Csiszar

stack of multicolored credit cards on black background.

Do Hybrid Rewards Cards Make Any Difference in Total Rewards Saved?

Update: Some offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer available. View current credit card offerings from our partners at CardCritics here or on the issuer's website. When it comes to opening a credit card, there's almost a mind-boggling array of choices, including no annual fee, cash back, balance transfer, rewards, hotel, airline, store, student and business. And because a credit card is a financial tool, it's important to be judicious when opening a new account. If you're looking for a card that's more flexible when it comes to rewards, you may want to consider a hybrid rewards credit card….

By Cynthia Measom

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? And More Credit Card Questions Answered

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how many credit cards you should have. Like all financial decisions, the right number of credit cards depends on your personal finance profile, from your income and age to your financial objectives and free cash reserves. Important: Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards Indefinitely See: 10 Things to Do Now If You Have a 500 Credit Score However, one thing is for certain — you should never open any credit card account unless you have the financial means to pay it off in full before interest charges accrue….

By John Csiszar

How To 'Erase' Credit Card Annual Fees

Update: Some offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer available. View current credit card offerings from our partners at CardCritics Here or on the issuer's website. According to a Federal Trade Commission report, annual fees on credit cards have been increasing steadily over the years. The average annual fee in 2020 was $94 per card, according to the FTC report. Higher fees might be more and more difficult for some cardholders to justify. But despite the upward trend in annual fees, many credit cards come with some excellent perks. In fact, credit cards can have such lucrative benefits that…

By Bob Haegele

How Many Credit Cards Do You Need To Get a Higher Credit Score?

Your credit score is the product of a complex algorithm that factors in numerous variables. The number of credit cards you have is a portion of that mix, but it's not one of the most important. In fact, the actual number of your credit cards is practically irrelevant compared to the big movers of your credit score, like how you use them. Here's a look at what exactly goes into a credit score, along with an explanation of what you need to do to get or maintain top-tier credit. Get Started: Make a Debt-Free Future Your Reality Credit Score:90-Second Moves…

By John Csiszar

DID YOU KNOW

Young Asian woman having problems with her credit card and looking worried. Financial issues, banking, finance, credit card fraud stock photo

I Use These 3 Foolproof Strategies To Avoid Credit Card Debt

Some of my favorite things about credit cards are that they allow you to spend flexibly, to get rewards that range from travel to cash back and to avoid hardships associated with having a short-term financial shortage or emergency. Arguably one of the worst things about them, though, is how expensive it can be when that convenience becomes long-term credit card debt. Read: 10 Ways To Bounce Back From a Heavy Spending Month on Your Credit CardSee: What Not To Do While Trying To Get Out of Debt You can avoid getting into credit card debt by canceling all of your cards,…

By Andrew Schrage

Jaw-Dropping Stats About the State of Credit Card Debt in America

Most Americans have some credit card debt. A recent GOBankingRates survey found that 30% of Americans have between $1,001 and $5,000 in credit card debt, 15% have $5,001 or more in credit card debt and about 6% have more than $10,000 in credit card debt. Although 6% may seem like a small amount, that means that based on the survey results, 14 million Americans have over $10,000 of credit card debt. Explore: GOBankingRates' Best Credit Cards for 2023 Advice: If Your Credit Score Is Under 740, Make These 4 Moves Now Here's a look at even more jaw-dropping stats about…

By Gabrielle Olya

4 Discontinued Credit Cards That We Miss

By Andrew Lisa

Jaw-Dropping Stats About the State of Debt in America

By Gabrielle Olya

Woman is doing online purchases stock photo

Experts: Should You Focus on Cash Back or Rewards With Your Credit Cards?

By Bob Haegele

Asian young woman sitting on chair, paying with smart phone in city public park stock photo

Is a Credit Card Balance Transfer Right for You?

By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy

Should You Pay Off Your Credit Card Balance Every Month?

By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy

Save For Your Future

MORE ABOUT CREDIT CARDS

New Survey Reveals What Americans Hate Most About Credit Cards

Update: Some offers mentioned below may have changed or are no longer available. View current credit card offerings from our partners at CardCritics Here or on the issuer's website. Credit cards have many benefits, from providing a financial cushion in case of emergencies, to helping build credit scores to accumulating rewards and perks. While there are endless cards to choose from, there is one aspect many Americans agree on: Annual membership fees are the worst, according to a new survey. Important: Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards Indefinitely The new GOBankingRates survey, which questioned over 1,000 Americans, found…

By Yaёl Bizouati-Kennedy

How To Cancel a Credit Card Without Hurting Your Credit Score

There are plenty of reasons to cancel a credit card. However, you should understand what canceling will do to your credit score, because canceling can have a negative impact. Canceling requires more than just cutting up the card and throwing it out to keep your score intact. The good news is you can minimize the damage or, in some cases, avoid it entirely if you decide to cancel. Here's how you can make that decision and how to cancel a credit card without damaging your credit score. Reasons To Cancel a Credit Card Any number of circumstances might warrant canceling…

By Andrea Norris

Should I Contribute To My 401(k) or Pay Off My Credit Card Debt?

It's been over a decade since the Great Recession swept through the nation, yet two-thirds of Americans said they still feel haunted by its effects in the way they work, live, save and spend, according to a study from Allianz Life Insurance Co. Many of the 2,000 baby boomers and Gen X-ers studied also said they had lower confidence in their ability to achieve financial security. This has only been worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and its affect on unemployment in the U.S. See: 20 Investments That Are Recession-Proof Important: Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards…

By Roger Wohlner

Close-up of unrecognizable customer choosing contactless payment using credit card while waitress accepting payment over nfc technology.

Lesser-Known Credit Card Perks You Should Be Taking Advantage Of

Cash back and flight miles are some common benefits to having a credit card, but you could be missing out on some hidden perks that could really come in handy. From travel insurance to shopping bonuses, there's a whole lot having a credit card in your wallet can do for you. Explore: GOBankingRates' Best Credit Cards for 2023Important: If Your Credit Score Is Under 740, Make These 4 Moves Now Travel Insurance Lost a bag? Had to cancel a trip due to extenuating circumstances? Need to cancel a hotel at the last minute? These are all instances that could potentially…

By Sam DiSalvo

The Quickest Ways To Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt is a financial scourge, as it can rapidly spiral out of control due to high interest rates. However, sometimes it can be difficult to avoid going into debt. This has been particularly true for many Americans during the coronavirus pandemic, as spiraling unemployment and stay-at-home orders have created widespread financial difficulty. If you find yourself weighed down by credit card debt for any reason, take a look at these tips to help you pay it off more rapidly. Important: Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards IndefinitelyLearn: The Top Purchases You Should Always Make With…

By John Csiszar

How To Safely Get Back Into Using a Credit Card If You've Had a Bad Experience With Debt

When used responsibly, credit cards are a key ingredient of a healthy financial life. But when misused, revolving debt becomes financial quicksand. "Credit cards are a convenient, cash-free way to shop and they also offer a great opportunity to build strong credit," said Trae Bodge, a shopping expert and founder of TrueTrae.com. "But they can also work against you with high balances, missed payments, etc." Important: Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards Indefinitely See: 4 Credit Cards That Are Great for Day-to-Day Errands Millions of Americans have fallen into debt this way and many of them are…

Best Credit Cards

GOBankingRates' Best Credit Cards for Travel, Rewards & More

The Best Credit Cards To Help Rebuild Your Credit

How To Handle Day-to-Day Credit Card Mishaps

Top Picks: The 10 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Available Now

How to Use Your Credit Card Like a Rich Person

The 10 Best Rewards Credit Cards Available Now

The 10 Best Travel Credit Cards Available Now

The 10 Best Airline Credit Cards Available Now

The 10 Best Cash-Back Credit Cards Available Now

Save For Your Future

5 Reasons Why You Need a Cash-Back Card in Your Wallet

Why It's a Bad Move To Use the Same Credit Cards Indefinitely

Do Hybrid Rewards Cards Make Any Difference in Total Rewards Saved?

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have? And More Credit Card Questions Answered

How To 'Erase' Credit Card Annual Fees

How Many Credit Cards Do You Need To Get a Higher Credit Score?

Check Out Our Free Newsletters!

I Use These 3 Foolproof Strategies To Avoid Credit Card Debt

Jaw-Dropping Stats About the State of Credit Card Debt in America

4 Discontinued Credit Cards That We Miss

Jaw-Dropping Stats About the State of Debt in America

Experts: Should You Focus on Cash Back or Rewards With Your Credit Cards?

Is a Credit Card Balance Transfer Right for You?

Should You Pay Off Your Credit Card Balance Every Month?

Save For Your Future

New Survey Reveals What Americans Hate Most About Credit Cards

How To Cancel a Credit Card Without Hurting Your Credit Score

Should I Contribute To My 401(k) or Pay Off My Credit Card Debt?

Lesser-Known Credit Card Perks You Should Be Taking Advantage Of

The Quickest Ways To Pay Off Your Credit Card Debt

How To Safely Get Back Into Using a Credit Card If You've Had a Bad Experience With Debt

Social Security: Waiting Until You’re 70 To Claim Could Give You a Six-Figure Boost

SNAP FAQ: What Is the Georgia EBT Card and How Can Residents Apply For Benefits?

SNAP FAQ: What Is the Florida EBT Card and How Can Residents Apply For Benefits?

Costco Black Friday Deals You Shouldn’t Pass Up

Dollar General Thanksgiving Deals You Shouldn’t Pass Up Just Before Black Friday

Employment: Here Are 8 In-Demand Flex Jobs You Might Not Know You Could Do from Home

Have Any $200 Quarters Lying Around? It’s Worth Checking Your Spare Change

Americans Are Cutting Back on Fresh Veggies, Desserts and Wine This Thanksgiving To Save Money

State Stimulus Updates To Know For November 2022

Social Security: What Is the Maximum Social Security Benefit You Can Receive in 2023?

The IRS Is Letting You Keep More Money in 2023, Increasing Standard Deductions for Inflation

Black Friday Car Deals Show Big Savings, but Should You Buy One? Jeff Bezos Says No

‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’: How Much Would the Journey Home Cost Today?

Food Stamps Schedule: Virginia EBT Benefits for December and Where To Get SNAP Discounts

Food Stamps: Massachusetts’ Benefits Schedule for December 2022 and How To Get SNAP EBT Discounts

One Year Later, Defrauded Student Loan Borrowers Are Still Waiting for Forgiveness

10 Value Stocks To Invest In Now

How Much Money Can You Save by Running Your Dishwasher at Night?

Biden Extends Student Loan Pause to June 23 as Courts Stall Debt Forgiveness

Will the Stock Market Recover in 2022 or 2023?

Texas Lone Star SNAP Benefit Card — What Is It and How Can You Get One?

SNAP FAQ: What is Massachusetts EBT and How Can Residents Apply for Benefits?

XRP Ripple Price Prediction: 2022-2030

How Does Your Christmas Spending Rank?

Claiming Social Security Early Could Cost You $182K, TikTok’s Hiring & Top Financial News for Nov. 22, 2022

Where in the US Is Hosting Thanksgiving Dinner Most Expensive (and Least)?

California Inflation Stimulus: Didn’t Get Your Payment? It’s On Its Way

How Much Is Bob Iger Worth?

What Is the Highest Income Level for Food Stamps in 2023?

Social Security: Why Not Everyone Will Get An 8.7% COLA Increase in 2023

Will Social Security or Food Stamps Be Affected by the Thanksgiving Holiday?

What Is Zombie Mortgage Debt and Should I Pay It?

Scarlett Johansson Just Had a Baby — How Much Is the ‘Black Widow’ Star Worth?

How To Save Money By Downgrading Your Credit Card

Claiming Social Security Early Could Cost You $182,000, New Study Says

23 Lottery Winners Who Lost Millions

If Elon Musk Is the Richest Man in the World, How Can Twitter Declare Bankruptcy?

Stimulus Payments Are Coming to These West Coast States in November

8 Ways To Get Free Money from the Government Before the Holidays

Bitcoin Price Prediction November 2022

Mailing a Holiday Check? Here’s How To Protect Monetary Gifts From Fraud

Social Security COLA 2023: When Will My Benefits Increase Begin?

Stimulus Checks Could Be Coming to These 4 States Soon

6 Shakeups to Social Security Expected in the New Year

TikTok Will Hire Nearly 1,000 Silicon Valley Workers While Meta, Twitter and Other Tech Firms Announce Layoffs

Social Security: 5 Things You May Not Know You Can Do Online

Food Stamps Schedule: Texas (Lone Star Card) Benefits for December 2022 and Where To Get SNAP EBT Discounts

SSI Schedule Reminder: Supplemental Security Income Recipients Receive Two Payments in December 2022