The Best Credit Cards of 2021

What are the best credit cards of 2022? With so many credit cards on the market today, it can be difficult for an individual to determine which card is going to offer the most benefits.

This is especially true when it comes to users who already have good to excellent credit. It’s understandable to want to put your finances to good use, so it’s important to conduct research before choosing a credit card provider.

No matter what the case, if you want to make the most of your money and enjoy the benefits of a good credit card, then you will need to find an excellent credit card.

They can also help you save money on all sorts of purchases that can come with a lot of benefits. With so many credit cards available out there, it is important that you choose one that will give you the best results and meet your needs as a consumer.

In this article, we will be discussing some of the best credit cards out there today as well as what they have to offer and what they are likely to offer in 2022.

Look at the best credit cards of 2022 from some of the most popular providers. From there, you can decide whether these offerings suit your individual needs.

First of all: What’s the deal with APR?

Before we begin discussing the best credit cards of 2022, it’s important to understand what APR means.

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate, and it is used to measure the interest rate you will be charged by a particular credit card provider.

The interest rate on a credit card is one of the most important factors that you need to consider when you are making a decision about what credit card to get.

Although this might seem like an easy thing to do, it can be difficult to determine what the APR is going to be for a particular credit card. There are several factors that can affect this, but it’s not always clear which one of these is going to have the biggest impact.

To help you understand this better, we will discuss some of the most common things that can affect your APR. These include:

Your credit score – Your credit score ranges is probably the biggest factor in determining your APR, but there are also other things that can affect it as well. These include your payment history and any defaults that you have had in the past.

If you have excellent credit, then the APR will usually be low. However, your credit score doesn’t always have an impact on your APR since some providers use a different calculation method for calculating this number.

So, you should research based on what cards you use or what cards you are interested in to figure out whether your credit history has any effect on your legibility to use it.

The type of account – Some cards have better offers than others when it comes to their interest rates and fees. This is especially true for cash back cards where there are more ways for users to earn rewards as opposed to other types of cards where earning rewards is much more difficult.

The credit limit – If you have a good credit history, then you are likely to be able to get a card with a higher credit limit. This is especially true if you want to use your card for more expensive purchases.

However, if you have a bad credit score, then you might not be able to get a card with a high limit since it will be difficult for the bank to verify your ability to pay off the debt that you are getting involved in.

It’s also important to understand that APR does not measure how much you will pay in interest each month, which can be much higher than the amount you are charged for an annual fee. It simply measures how much you will pay in interest over the course of a year, so if your purchase comes with a large amount of interest, then this can add up quickly and increase your overall expenses over time.

The APR is also going to be different depending on the type of account that you have with the provider. There are some accounts that will allow you to pay back the balance on time and save money on interest, while others won’t.

This means that if you choose a card with an interest rate of 12% and have an account with a monthly fee of $10, then your APR will only be 10%.

However, if your account is only paying back your balance on time but there is no fee attached to it, then your APR will go up as well. This can help users who don’t have any money left over after they make their payments on time every month save money and pay less in interest charges as well.

You should always compare two cards side by side before choosing one that suits your needs best.

Types of Credit Cards

1. Rewards Credit Cards

The first type of credit card that we are going to discuss is the rewards credit card. These cards have a lot of benefits for users and offer a variety of benefits that other types of cards don’t. One of the main benefits that users can get from using these cards is the ability to earn points and miles when they make purchases with them. With these points, users can then redeem them for things like gift cards, cash back, or other rewards. There are also several different types of rewards credit cards out there that you can choose from depending on what you want to use your points for. This includes airline miles, hotel points, gas station gift cards, and even airline tickets.

2. Balance Transfer Credit Cards

The second type of credit card that we are going to discuss is the balance transfer credit card. These cards allow users to pay off a portion of their debt with the money that they are saving on interest charges by paying back the loan over a longer period of time. The balance transfer card offers a low or 0% APR for transfers made to the card, though this usually only applies for a certain period of time within the user’s signing up. In other words, the low ARP is more of an introductory rate than an ongoing feature. After this period passes, a standard APR variable will replace the introductory rate to all transfers made. There may be a balance transfer fee to shift debt to a balance transfer card, usually 3% to 5% of the amount being transferred.

3. Low Interest Credit Cards

The third type of credit card options that we are going to discuss is the low interest credit card. These cards are often called no interest credit cards because they have a much lower interest rate than most other types of cards. This means that users who have a good credit score and carry a balance on their cards will gain benefits from using this type of credit cards. While it may seem similar to a card with a 0% APR, a low interest card’s flat rate does not expire after a certain period, and is instead always ongoing.

4. 0% APR Credit Cards

The fourth type of credit card options that we are going to discuss is the 0% APR credit card. These cards allow users to get some extra cash each month without having to pay any fees for using them. This can be a great way for users who don’t have much money in their budget to save some cash each month. However, this will only work if users take advantage of it carefully. The 0% APR offer is something like an interest-free loan with an expiration date. It can give you some time to pay off your credit debts, and it is useful in that it will not charge you extra fees for it. However, the zero-interest introductory rate is only legible for a limited time, and when it expires, your balance will gain interest based on the card’s standard variable rate.

5. Student Credit Cards

The fifth type of credit card options that we are going to discuss is the student credit card. These cards are often called student credit cards because they are meant for students and young adults who want to use them to pay for school expenses. In this way, students can use these cards to pay for things like tuition, textbooks, and other school–related expenses without having to worry about having a high amount of debt or paying interest on it. This can be a great way for students to save money on their school expenses and avoid getting into a lot of debt. However, it’s important that you make sure that you use your card responsibly and don’t go over your limit just because you want more money in your pocket.

6. Business Credit Cards

The sixth type of credit card options that we are going to discuss is the business credit card. These cards are often called business credit cards because they are meant for businesses and companies, or work-related accounts that want to get some extra cash each month by being able to pay off their loans over time instead of paying back the full amount at once. This type of card applies certain credit score terms. In other words, if you would like to open a business credit card, you would need to have a good report for a chance of approval. The company will also take into consideration your business income and credit report when reviewing your application for it. You will also still be liable for debts gathered in the card even if it is used strictly for your professional business.

7. Credit Cards to Build Credit

Another one of the most common credit card options that we are going to discuss is the credit cards to build credit. These cards can be used by users who want to get their credit score up so that they can have a better chance of approval for other types of credit cards in the future. You can also apply for this type of card if you’re just recently starting out with credit. These cards will help you prove yourself as capable of having good payment behaviors, which will boost your credit profile and raise your approval odds for future cards. In this way, users can pay off their debt on time and make sure that they have a good payment history before they apply for other types of credit cards. This can be a great way for users who don’t have much money in their budget to save some cash each month.

8. Airline and Travel Credit Cards

Generally, you also have the option of airline credit cards. These type of cards are understandably most fitting for those who spend a considerable amount of money going on air travel on the regular. You can expect benefits and solid rewards from these airline and travel rewards credit cards that are more or less beneficial to many aspects of air travel and traveling in general and offers you thousands of trip options. The common travel card also usually incorporates rewards based on the miles per dollar spent. These travel rewards cards may include access to exclusive airport lounges, bonus miles or points, and more perks related to travel bookings, travel purchases, hotel stays, travel accident insurance, lost luggage insurance, and purchases made to airline partners.

9. Hotel Credit Cards

Hotel credit cards are another one of the most common types of credit cards that you can get. They are used by those who want to make their travel expenses a little bit easier and more affordable. These cards usually have a high annual fee, but also come with rewards and benefits such as airport lounge access, access to the specific hotel collection, prepaid hotel credits, discounts to the relevant hotel chain or hotel partners, ultimate rewards hotel credit, and more. These benefits can be useful for many people who travel frequently, or just want to make their travel experience a little bit easier, more comfortable, and of course more luxurious.

Best Credit Card Options in 2022

Now that we know the different types of credit cards that may be available out there, here are some of the most common options in 2022:

Citi Bank

Citi Double Cash Card: This card has no annual fee and offers 1-2% cash-back on purchases. The standard APR is between 13.99% and 23.99% though there is an 18-month introductory period of 0% APR.

Citi Diamond Preferred Card: This card offers zero liability for unauthorized purchases. This way, users can feel more secure with their finances. There is an 18-month 0% intro APR trial period, and afterward, the standard APR is between 14.74% to 24.74%. There is also no annual fee for cardholders.

Citi Rewards + Card: This card offers a 0% intro APR trial period of 15 months, and afterward the standard APR is 13.49% to 23.49%. There is no annual fee and this card uses a points system for calculating the rewards rate.

Citi Prestige Card: Though the annual fee is $495, this card offers significantly more solid rewards than similar Citi cards. It also offers $250 in free travel credit each year. The standard APR is 16.99% to 23.99%.

American Express

Blue Cash Preferred Card: This American Express card offers an annual fee of $95 and comes with a $250 introduction credit. The Blue Cash Preferred option has a 0% intro APR trial for 12 months, followed by a standard APR of 13.99% to 23.99%. Cardholders can also earn between 1-6% cash-back on purchases and have access to many benefits to everyday purchases.

Blue Cash Everyday Card: This American Express card has no annual fee and a 0% intro APR for 15 months. After the trial period, the standard APR for Blue Cash Everyday is between 13.99% and 23.99% Users can earn between 1-3% cash-back on purchases made with Blue Cash Everyday, and there’s a $150 credit if $1,000 is used in the first 3 months of card membership for Blue Cash Everyday.

The Platinum Card: The annual fee for this card is $550 but there are a lot of solid rewards on purchases available to cardholders. These include physical lounge locations at various airports, and hotel benefits. The APR varies and is not clearly listed within the card’s terms.

American Express Gold Card: The American Express Gold card has a $250 annual fee, but offers an impressive number of membership rewards and benefits. Cardholders of the Gold Card can receive credits for restaurants, grocery store purchases, drugstore purchases, travel rewards, and travel-related purchases. The Gold Card uses both a rewards system and monetary credit rewards. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees for the Gold Card.

Chase

Chase Freedom Unlimited Card: This card has no annual fees and offers users between 1.5-5% cash-back on purchases. There is a 0% APR introductory period of 15 months, followed by a standard APR of 14.99%-23.74%. Additionally, users who spend $500 within the first three months receive a one-time $200 cash bonus.
Chase Freedom Flex Card: This Chase Freedom Flex card has no annual fees, but offers a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases in your first three months. The Chase Freedom Flex card has a standard APR of 14.99% – 24.74%, after a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months. The Chase Freedom Flex card has a lot of cash back benefits, such as a 5% cashback on select grocery stores purchases up to $12,000 within the first year.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: The annual fee for this card is $95, and it uses points in its membership rewards system. Rewards on purchases include $0 delivery fees for deliveries of over $12 made to the eligible delivery services. The APR varies and the range is not clearly listed, however, the points system is quite extensive.

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card: The annual fee for this Chase Sapphire Reserve card is $550. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers an impressive number of membership rewards. This includes one year of complimentary Lyft Pink service. These rewards cards include a points system as well as cash credits for specific criteria.
Chase Ink Business Preferred: The annual fee for this type of card in $95, with 100,000 introductory bonus points if you spend $15,000 in purchases within the first three months of card membership.

Discover

Discover it Cash Back Card: There is no annual fee for this card and users can earn between 1-5% cash-back on purchases. At the end of a year’s use, Discover will also match all of the cash-back rewards a user has earned. These membership rewards cards can be redeemed via cash-back or used on Amazon during checkout.

Discover it Secured Card: This card has no annual fee but requires a $200 deposit to open the account. Additionally, the APR is 22.99%. Cardholders can both build their credit and receive 2% cash-back at gas stations and restaurants. This type of card also helps protect the holder’s identity and monitors for fraudulent or dark web activity.
Discover it Student Chrome Card: There is no annual fee for this card, and users can earn between 1-2% cash-back on purchases. There is 0% intro APR for six months, followed by a standard 12.99% to 21.99% APR. Also, as part of the introductory offer, Discover will match all the cash-back rewards a user has earned in a year.

Capital One

Venture Rewards Card: The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card has an annual fee of $95, with an offer for a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles (equating to $600 worth in travel) if you complete a minimum spending $3,000 within three months of card membership. This Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is best for casual travelers, as it has a lot of bonus relating to earning miles (their version of points) for travel-related purchases, giving you the best deals and travel rewards during your trips abroad. For example, with the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card, you can earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked specifically through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. You also get an exclusive airport lounge access.
Venture X Rewards Card: This card is a more premium version of the Venture Rewards card. It has an annual fee of $395, with an offer for a one-time bonus of 100,000 miles (equating to $1,000 in travel) if you complete a minimum spending of $10,000 within three months of card membership. You can also gain back up to $200 in statement credits for vacation rentals charged to your account within your first year.
Savor Cash Rewards Card: This card has an annual fee of $95, but it has many good bonuses in a lot of everyday purchases. For example, you can get a 2% cashback on grocery store purchases, 4% cashback on dining and entertainment, and 1% cashback on most other purchases.

Airline and Travel Credit Cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card: The Delta SkyMiles card has an annual fee of $550, with an introductory bonus of 50,000 Bonus Miles if you fulfil a minimum spending of $3,000 within the first 3 months on purchases. It has a regular APR variable of 15.74%-24.74%. You can also earn 3X membership rewards (in Miles) on Delta purchases.
United Explorer Card: This card has an annual fee of $95, with a chance to earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within a 3-months intro period. It also comes with a free checked-bag benefit and a 0% foreign transaction fee. Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students: This Bank of America option has an annual fee of $0, and a welcome bonus of 25,000 points if you make $1,000 on purchases within a 90-days intro period. This sign-up bonus can be exchanged for $250 in statement credit towards travel purchases. This is the best option for students who are studying abroad.

Hotel Credit Cards

World of Hyatt Credit Card: This card has an annual fee of $95, and sign-up bonus of 30,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchase during an intro period of 3 months. You can also earn an annual travel credit reward in the form of a free night valid at Category 1 to 4 Hyatt properties. it offers the basic perks for travel bookings, purchases, and travel protections.
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express: The Hilton Honors Aspire card has a $450 annual fee, and an offer to earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points if you spend $4,000 in purchases within an intro period of 3 months. While its annual fee is heavy on the wallet, it grants you the Priority Pass Select status, which makes you legible to membership rewards and many other premium benefits. This includes a Hilton Diamond status, which offers upgrades, breakfast at hotel partners, late checkout and many more.

Credit Cards for Students

Discover It Student Cash Back Card: This option has an annual fee of $0 and a sign-up bonus in the form of 0% intro APR on purchases and 10.99% intro APR on balance transfers made during the first 6 months of card membership. Moreover, it offers a bonus cash back rate for the first year of card membership, where it will match all the cash back you have earned. This perk requires no minimum spending and has no limit on the bonus rewards you gain. It also only requires an Average credit score of 630-689, which means the approval odds are much easier to overcome. This makes it a good entry card for students who are just learning to handle credit.
Discover It Student Chrome Card: This option has an annual credit fee of $0 and no late fees for your first late payment. It also has lenient credit score terms, requiring only a score of 630-689. Like the Discover It Student Cash Back card, it is a great option for students who are just starting to find their bearings in the world of credit. It has a sign-up bonus of 0% intro APR for purchases made in the first 6 months, and then it is replaced by the standard variable of 12.99%-21.99% APR. This option also offers a bonus in the form of a 2% cash back on up to $1,000 per quarter in combined spending on gas stations and restaurants, plus 1% on everything else.

These are some of the best credit cards of 2022! Even after reading through card offerings and membership rewards, it might still be a challenge to decide which credit card is the right choice. For this reason, it’s good to shop around. Talk to account managers from different companies. Allow them to discuss your options with you based on your needs and creditworthiness. Build a profile of each credit card before making a decision.