Best Credit Cards for December 2023
Choosing your perfect credit card just got easier. We have rounded up the top options from our partners for consumers with good to excellent credit (a score 670-850*).
Updated December 6, 2023
Rewards
1X – 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
Welcome Bonus
LIMITED TIME OFFER: $300 Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value. You must select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer.
Cash Rewards
2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Welcome Bonus
$200 Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Cash Back
1% – 5% Earn 5% Cash Back At Different Places Each Quarter Up To The Quarterly Maximum When You Activate.
Earn 1% Unlimited Cash Back On All Other Purchases – Automatically
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match® Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Cash Back
1.5% – 5% Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You’ll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Rewards
1.5x – 2x Points Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
Welcome Bonus
60,000 points Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Rewards
1.5x Points 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
Welcome Bonus
25,000 points 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Rewards
1x – 5x Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Welcome Bonus
$750 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Cash Back
1% – 5% Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Welcome Bonus
$200 Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Rewards
1% – 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Welcome Bonus
$250 Earn $250 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
We dig deeper into each card below.
Limited Time Bonus + Unlimited 3X Rewards on Restaurants, Travel, Gas & More
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Welcome Bonus
Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value. You must select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer.
Purchase APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening followed by a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Rewards
1X – 3X Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
This rewards card from Wells Fargo offers a seriously impressive lineup of benefits, especially for a card without an annual fee. For a limited time, you will earn 30,000 bonus points (a $300 cash redemption value) when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your ongoing rewards can add up quickly as well since you earn 3X points at restaurants, gas stations and on travel, transit and popular streaming services. There are no category limits to worry about and you can earn 1X points on your other purchases. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Limited time offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value.
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
- $0 annual fee.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
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Unlimited 2% Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Welcome Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Cash Rewards
2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
If you are looking for a flat-rate cash rewards card that also offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers then this card is a great option. You will pay no annual fee, can earn an intro bonus and protect your cell phone from damage or theft. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards dont expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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Amazing First Year Bonus
Discover it® Cash Back
Welcome Bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 15 months, then 17.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
Cash Back
1% – 5% Earn 5% Cash Back At Different Places Each Quarter Up To The Quarterly Maximum When You Activate.
Earn 1% Unlimited Cash Back On All Other Purchases – Automatically
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
This card is a cash back powerhouse with a unique opportunity to earn an unlimited cash back bonus at the end of year one. It offers a generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, impressive ongoing rewards and has no annual fee. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Updated December 6, 2023
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Huge Earning Potential and No Annual Fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Bonus
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, then 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Cash Back
1.5% – 5% Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You’ll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a generous and unlimited base rate of 1.5% cash back on all of your purchases while also providing an even higher rate on travel purchased through Chase, dining at restaurants and purchases at drugstores. This card has unlimited matched cash back, which means Chase will match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year. You can also save money on interest with a lengthy intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You’ll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
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Huge Bonus Worth $600
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Welcome Bonus
Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
20.24% – 27.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Rewards
1.5x – 2x Points Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
Annual Fee
$95
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card is a fantastic option if you are looking for a premium travel card with incredible flexibility. It is easy to rack up rewards when you earn 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. There’s also a fantastic online bonus and other travel perks to take note of as well. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87-2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
- Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Low $95 annual fee.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Updated December 6, 2023
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Generous Bonus & Intro APR
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Welcome Bonus
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends a 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply.
Cash Back
1.5x Points 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25% – 75% more points on every purchase.
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent/Good (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
This is a great travel card for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee, are looking for a straightforward way to earn and redeem their rewards and want to save money with a generous intro APR. You’ll earn 1.5 points per dollar spent on all purchases and can easily earn 25,000 online bonus points (redeemable for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases) when you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
- Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Updated December 6, 2023
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Massive Bonus Towards Travel Worth $750
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Rewards
1x – 5x Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Annual Fee
$95
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
This premium travel card is offering an incredible bonus point opportunity, fantastic ongoing rewards, a long list of travel benefits and protections and extremely flexible redemption options. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
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Top-rated for Balance Transfers and 2% Cash Back
Citi Double Cash® Card
Welcome Bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable). A 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable) APR will apply for purchases
Rewards
1% – 5% Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit Score
Fair, Good, Excellent (580 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
If you are looking for an easy to understand, flat rate, cash back credit card that pays an above-average rate of 2% (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), then this card from Citi (an advertising partner) is a fantastic option for you. There is also a compelling balance transfer intro APR offer and a welcome bonus. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
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Great For Everyday Spending
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Welcome Bonus
Earn $250 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and on balance transfers for 12 months, then 19.24%-29.99% Variable APR
Rewards
1% – 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Recommended Credit Score
Good – Excellent (670 – 850*)
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Critic's Overview
If you are looking for a well-rounded card that makes it easy to rack up cash back while saving on interest look no further. With incredible cash back rates on groceries, streaming services, gas and transit expenses, it’s easy to see why the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics advertiser) is so popular. There is an impressive cash back welcome offer and though there is an annual fee, it is $0 for the first year. If you spend at least $30.44 on groceries a week your cash back earned will surpass the cost of the annual fee. Read our in-depth
Critical Analysis to learn more.
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
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Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.