Credit cards are a powerful financial tool. And they’re pervasive: More than one-quarter of US consumer payments in 2021 were made with a credit card. But choosing the best credit card can be complicated and confusing, with more than 1,000 cards on the market today. To help you navigate our changing financial world, CNET Money editors have awarded the best cards for 2023 with an Editors’ Choice Award.
A handful of new, innovative credit cards arrived on the scene in 2022. Some offered helpful and practical features such as virtual card numbers. Some provided simpler or more lucrative rewards. And others made it easier for first-time cardholders to establish and build credit.
CNET analyzes credit cards across multiple categories in an effort to help you identify the best credit card for your needs. We make our recommendations according to a rigorous methodology based on our deep knowledge of the market landscape, which includes factors such as approval rates, features and interest rates. You can learn more about how we evaluate credit cards here: How CNET Tests Credit Cards.
Whether you need a card for a balance transfer, to earn the best rewards or to start building your credit profile, the eight cards below are best-in-class.
Rewards:
Winner of the CNET Innovation Award
Cash-back:
Travel:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Business:
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Balance transfer:
Low credit:
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card
Student:
Discover it® Student Cash Back
Retail:
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
