Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Credit Cards for Everyday Use
Finding the best credit card can be overwhelming with so many options available, each offering various perks, rewards, and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a card with no annual fee, one that’s perfect for everyday expenses, or a card with no interest, this guide will help you navigate your choices. We'll dive into some of the best credit cards available, including options recommended by NerdWallet, and highlight those that offer no annual fee and the best deals for everyday use.
Best Credit Cards for Everyday Expenses
When it comes to everyday expenses, you want a credit card that offers maximum rewards and benefits for the purchases you make most frequently. Here are some top choices:
Chase Freedom Flex℠: This card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories like groceries, gas, and dining, making it a great option for everyday spending. It also provides 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no annual fee.
Citi Double Cash Card: This card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay off the purchase. It's one of the best everyday credit cards for simplicity and straightforward rewards, with no annual fee.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Ideal for families, this card offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases), 2% at U.S. gas stations, and 1% on other purchases. The no annual fee makes it a top choice for daily expenses.
NerdWallet’s Best No Fee Credit Cards
NerdWallet is known for providing expert financial advice, and their recommendations for the best no-fee credit cards are particularly valuable. If you're looking for a card without an annual fee, here are some of NerdWallet’s top picks:
Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card: Recommended by NerdWallet as the best no-fee card, this card offers an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. It's perfect for those who want a simple rewards structure without worrying about categories.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Another top pick, this card provides 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no annual fee. It's ideal for those who want a straightforward rewards program.
Discover it® Cash Back: This card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (like Amazon.com, groceries, restaurants, and gas) up to the quarterly maximum, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, with no annual fee.
Best No Annual Fee Credit Card
No one likes paying annual fees, especially if you’re looking for a card to use for everyday purchases. Thankfully, there are many excellent no annual fee credit cards that offer great benefits without the extra cost:
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and 1% on all other purchases. It’s a solid choice for everyday spending with no annual fee.
Citi Rewards+® Card: This unique card automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase—so if you spend $1, you earn 10 points. It also offers 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and 1X points on all other purchases. Plus, there's no annual fee.
No Interest Credit Cards
If you're looking to save on interest or pay off existing debt, a no-interest credit card can be a game-changer. These cards offer 0% introductory APR for a period, allowing you to carry a balance without paying interest:
Citi Simplicity® Card: This card is ideal for those looking to pay off debt or make large purchases, as it offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 months. After that, a variable APR applies. The card has no late fees, no penalty rate, and no annual fee.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card: This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles, making it one of the longest no-interest periods available. It’s perfect for those who need more time to pay off a balance, with no annual fee.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Not only does this card offer a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, but it also gives 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it an excellent choice for those who want both no interest and rewards.