Editors’ shortlist · 2026

Best credit cards overall

Cross-category standouts when you want a strong everyday card without locking into one rewards style yet. Rated on rewards math, fees, welcome value, and real-world usability.

Top overall

Rated credit cards

Our strongest everyday picks when you are still deciding between cash back, travel, and intro APR.

3 rated

AWARD WINNER Best for 0% Intro APR and Rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

4.7
Apply Now

on Chase Freedom Unlimited®’s secure website

Rates and fees

Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 15 months Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
Regular APR
18.24% - 27.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 5% Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Why We Like It

  • $200 bonus after $500 spend in the first 3 months
  • 5% back on Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on everything else
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
AWARD WINNER Best Overall Travel Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

4.9
Apply Now

on Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card’s secure website

Rates and fees

Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1X - 5X Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, vacation homes, gas & EV charging, top streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs); 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

Why We Like It

  • Up to $100 anniversary statement credit on Chase Travel hotel stays
  • Statement credit toward TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS fees
  • Points transfer to major airline and hotel partners
AWARD WINNER Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

5.0
Apply Now

on Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card’s secure website

Rates and fees

Intro APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Regular APR
18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Why We Like It

  • $200 cash rewards bonus after $500 spend in the first 3 months
  • Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
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