Find your next credit card.
The right card depends on how you use it and what you're working toward.
When a credit card may make sense
Credit cards work well for purchases you can pay off, earning rewards, or short-term financing. Carrying a balance can get expensive, so how you plan to repay matters.
What to check before you choose a card
Know which features matter for how you plan to use the card.
| What to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | This is the interest rate you may pay when you carry a balance. |
| Annual fee | Make sure the card’s benefits are worth the yearly cost. |
| Intro offer | Check how long the offer lasts and what the rate becomes after it ends. |
| Rewards | Look at what you earn and whether it matches how you spend. |
| Other fees | Check for balance transfer, cash advance, and foreign transaction fees. |
| Credit needed | Some cards may be harder to qualify for based on your credit. |
Credit Cards Snapshot
Use what you need, repay it, and that credit becomes available to use again.
What matters most in a credit card?
Choose a goal below to explore cards that fit how you’ll use them.
How credit cards work
- 1Make a purchase with the card
- Each purchase adds to your balance and reduces your available credit.
- If your limit is $2,000 and you spend $300, you have $1,700 available.
- 2Get a monthly statement
- Your statement shows your balance for that billing cycle, the minimum payment and the due date.
- You may have made more purchases since the statement was issued, so its balance can differ from what your account shows today.
- 3Decide how much to pay
- Pay at least the minimum by the due date.
- If your card has a grace period and you pay the full statement balance on time each month, you can generally avoid interest on purchases.
- If you carry a balance, interest can add to what you owe.
- 4Use your credit again
- As you pay down your balance, that amount generally becomes available to use again, up to your credit limit.
Consider other borrowing options
Estimate before you apply
Common questions about credit cards
How do I avoid paying interest?+
Pay your statement balance in full by the due date every month. You'll owe no interest on purchases.
What credit score do I need for a rewards card?+
Most rewards cards look for good-to-excellent credit, but there are cash-back and secured options across the range.
How does a balance transfer work?+
You move a balance to a card with a 0% or low intro APR, usually for a 3–5% fee, and pay it down before the promo ends.
Does applying for a card hurt my credit score?+
A single application adds a small, temporary hard inquiry. Opening a new line can actually help your utilization over time.
What's a good credit utilization ratio?+
Under 30% is a common guideline, and under 10% is even better for your score.
Get personalized recommendations for how you spend.