Credit Card Top Picks: Based on Your Life Stage

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(*) Some of the offers on this page may no longer be available through our site.

It seems like every day, a new credit card arrives on the scene. But how do you know if the card is worth applying for? It’s easy for consumers to become inundated and confused by all the cards available to them. 

Here’s a list of cards that fit each type of consumer – and why they’ll work for your particular situation.  

Credit Cards for the Recent Grad 

Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card 

This credit card is perfect for the recent grad who wants to build a credit history and earn rewards.  

Users earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a $150 bonus when they spend $500 in the first three months. There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Cash-back can be redeemed at any time and rewards never expire. 

Credit Cards for the Avid Traveler 

Capital One® Venture® Card 

The Capital One Venture card, like its name, was designed for those bitten by the traveling bug. The Venture offers 50,000 bonus points when customers spends $3,000 in the first 90 days. This bonus offer is worth up to $700 when redeemed for travel expenses. It can be also be redeemed as a $500 statement credit. 

Cardholders earn 2x miles for every dollar they spend. Miles never expire and can be transferred directly to more than a dozen travel partners.  

Users also get an $100 statement credit if they purchase Global Entry or TSA Pre®. There are no foreign transaction fees, and the card comes with 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver. There is a $95 annual fee, waived for the first year.  

Credit Cards for the Urban Dweller 

Capital One® Savor® Rewards 

This new card provides user a $500 cash bonus when they spend $3,000 in three months. Cardholders earn 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, perfect for the urbanite who spends their days and nights eating out and going to concerts and movies. The card also provides 2% cash back at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.  

The annual fee is $95, but is waived the first year. There are no foreign transaction fees and no minimum requirement for redeeming cash rewards.  

Other card perks include 24-hour travel assistance services, complimentary concierge service and extended warranty on certain items. Savor also provides price protection for 120 days. If you buy an item and it goes on sale, you can get the difference refunded on your card. 

Chase Freedom Flex (*)

Cardholders earn $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Users earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Also, earn 5% cash back on the first $1500 spent in rotating categories that change each quarter, 5% cash back on travel booked through chase.com, 3% cash back at drugstores, 3% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services. Consumers will earn 1% cash-back on all other purchases. Rewards can be used for travel, at Amazon.com or redeemed for cash.

There is 0% APR for 15 months for purchases.

There’s no annual fee. Card benefits include extended warranty protection and price protection for 120 days. 

How to Use a Credit Card Wisely 

No matter which card you use, you should utilize the same practice to increase your credit score and not rack up a balance. Set your payments on autopay, so you never miss a payment. Making payments late can have the biggest effect on your credit score. 

Also, be cognizant of how much of your available credit you’re using at any one time. Using too much of your credit (like more than 30%) could flag for lenders that you don’t have enough cash on hand. It is also important to pay off your credit balance in full every month. Any revolving debt means paying additional interest – potentially negating any benefits or rewards you’re getting for that card.  

Lastly, don’t open too many cards in a short span of time. Every new application results in a hard inquiry, which will also lower your score. 

 

These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

(*) Some of the offers on this page may no longer be available through our site.