Regarding credit cards, many options will be available to consumers in 2024.
In this guide, we will dive deep into the different types of credit cards available today so that you can select one that meets all of your needs.
Each card is unique and offers benefits depending on your needs, from introductory 0% interest rate promotions to sign-up bonuses and rewards programs.
TL;DR: Every Credit Card You Should Know About
- Unsecured Credit Cards: Standard cards based on creditworthiness, no collateral required.
- Travel Credit Cards: Benefits for travel-related expenses, like rewards points and travel insurance.
- Rewards Credit Cards: Earn rewards such as cashback, points, or purchase miles.
- Cash-back Credit Cards: Offers cashback on spending, suitable for everyday use.
- Balance Transfer Credit Cards: Transfer existing debt to a card with lower interest rates.
- Retail Credit Cards: Rewards for store or brand purchases, often with higher interest rates.
- Credit Cards with No Annual Fee: No annual fee, often with rewards programs.
- Business Credit Cards: Benefits for business owners like cash-back rewards and expense management.
- Credit Builder Cards: For building or rebuilding credit, usually with low APRs.
- Student Credit Cards: These are tailored for students with low rates and rewards.
- Secured Credit Cards: Requires a security deposit for limited or no credit history.
- Co-Branded Cards: Partner with brands for combined rewards and benefits.
- 0% APR Cards: No interest for a set period on purchases and transfers.
StellarFi
Whether you’re just building your credit or looking for the best fit for your financial situation and lifestyle, we can help you find the perfect card with all the features that matter most to you.
Why am I talking about Credit and Debt?
My name is Eddy, and I've been helping others with credit repair tips and unique ways to save money for a while now.
Unfortunately, I know all too well how easy it can be to fall into a financial rut from student loan debt, a car loan, and other living expenses that can quickly add up and overwhelm you.
We partner with awesome companies that offer products that help our readers achieve their goals! If you purchase through our partner links, we get paid for the referral at no additional cost to you! For more information, visit my disclosure page.
Choosing The Right Type Of Credit Card
When choosing the right type of credit card for your lifestyle, it is essential to follow these steps:
1. Determine Your Current Credit Rating:
Knowing your current credit rating is the first step to selecting a card. Your credit score will determine the types of cards you can qualify for and the rate you will be offered.
If your credit score is low, receiving approval for a high-end rewards card or one with a low APR may be difficult because lenders view you as a higher-risk borrower.
It is essential to know exactly where you stand so that you can get the best offer from your chosen lender.
2. Evaluate Your Credit Card Needs:
Evaluating what you need from a credit card and creating a list of crucial features is essential.
Do you need a bonus rewards program, low APR, flat rewards rate, low intro balance transfer fee, or even introductory 0% interest rate promotions?
Are there any other perks that are important to you, such as travel insurance or rental car protection? Creating a comprehensive list of needed features will help narrow your search for the perfect secured or unsecured card.
3. Compare Credit Card Offers:
Once you have determined your credit rating and evaluated which features are essential to you, it is time to compare the different offers from various lenders.
Review all of the terms and conditions of a card before making your decision, as this will help you understand what benefits and rates are offered.
It is also essential to compare each card's different APR and fees to decide which fits your needs best.
4. Consider your debt:
If you have any existing debt, it is essential to consider how a credit card might help you pay it off.
If you carry high-interest debt, transferring that balance onto a card with a low introductory rate or even one with an introductory 0% interest period might be worth transferring.
This could help you save money by reducing the total interest paid on the debt.
5. Read Reviews and Ask Questions:
Finally, it is essential to read reviews from consumers and experts to understand the pros and cons of different cards.
It is necessary to ensure that you fully understand all of the details before signing up for a new credit card to be sure it is the right fit for you.
You should also ask questions if you need clarification on any terms or conditions associated with a card.
Once you have followed these steps, you can confidently make the best decision for your lifestyle and financial needs when selecting the correct type of credit card.
With so many choices available, there is sure to be a card that fits all of your requirements!
What Are The Different Types Of Credit Cards?
So, now that you know how to choose the right type of credit card, what are the different types available?
We’ve listed some of the most common types of credit cards below to help you get started.
- Unsecured credit cards
- Travel credit cards
- Hotel credit cards
- Business credit cards
- Secured cards
Travel Credit Cards
Travel credit cards are designed to give consumers a convenient way to access funds for travel-related purchases while on the road.
These travel rewards credit cards offer a range of perks and benefits, including low-interest rates, rewards points, miles, travel insurance, and other features that can make the experience of using one of these cards more enjoyable.
Travel insurance can provide peace of mind when traveling abroad in case of an emergency or unexpected event.
A low interest rate on a travel rewards credit card can allow you to save money on interest payments, and rewards points and miles can be used for vouchers and discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses.
Also, many cards offer additional features such as discounted access to airport lounges and travel assistance services.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers to chase ultimate rewards and is a great option for beginners, while Discover it® Miles is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their rewards.
American Express® Gold Card is a perfect option for those who want to earn rewards on dining, while Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a flexible option for all travel rewards.
Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards Credit Cards are a type of credit card that allows you to earn rewards for your purchases.
These rewards come in cashback, points, miles, and more. The rewards you gain can be used to save money on travel, merchandise, gift cards, and more.
Cash Back can be a great way to save money. With rewards cards, you can earn cash back on retail or other eligible purchases and back some of the money you’ve already spent.
Points gained with these reward cards can be used towards merchandise or travel expenses. Many Rewards Credit Cards offer points that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.
You can also redeem points for gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits. Miles is another type of reward that you can earn with rewards cards. You can use miles for discounted or free flights, hotel stays, and travel upgrades.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great choice for everyday shopping, while Citi Premier® Card is excellent for travel rewards.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card must be your go-to option if you want to save on travel with no annual fee.
Cash-back Credit Cards
Cash-back credit cards are a great way to get rewarded for your everyday spending.
They offer an immediate return on your money, making them an excellent choice for those looking to save money and maximize their spending power.
Cash-back credit cards provide extra money in your pocket and help you build credit early and financial stability.
The primary benefit of cash-back credit cards is that you get an immediate return on your spending.
With a cash-back credit card, you typically earn a percentage of your purchase back in rewards. For example, some cards offer up to 5% cash-back on all your purchases.
This means you will get a portion of your spending returned to you through statement credit or other rewards such as points, miles, or discounts.
Citi Double Cash Card is a great option for those earning up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash is a great choice if you need cash back on dining. Finally, if you want to maximize cash back rewards from rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back is a great option.
Balance Transfer Credit Cards
Balance transfer credit cards help consumers manage their debt and save money on interest payments.
With a balance transfer card, you can move your existing credit card debt to a new card with a lower interest rate.
This can help you pay off your debt more quickly and save money on interest payments in the long run. Some of these cards charge an intro balance transfer fee for an initial period of a few months.
One of the most significant advantages of balance transfer credit cards is that they offer lower interest rates than traditional credit cards.
This can help you pay off your debt faster and save on interest payments over time.
Also, many balance transfer cards offer other benefits such as cash-back rewards, points for statement credits, bonus points, and more.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card are some of the best options in this category.
Retail Credit Cards
Retail credit cards are used to purchase goods at stores and other physical locations. I'm not a fan of these credit card types since I needed to use them wisely. This called me to live paycheck-to-paycheck for a while.
They typically offer customers incentives such as rewards points and cashback for their purchases. Banks, financial institutions, or retailers issue these closed or open-loop retail cards.
Retail store credit cards can have higher interest rates than traditional bank cards, so knowing the terms and conditions associated with each card before signing up is essential.
Retail store credit cards offer consumers a convenient way to purchase goods without cash or bank cards. These open or closed-loop retail cards often provide incentives such as rewards points or cash back for purchases made with their cards.
These rewards can help customers save money and make their purchases even more affordable.
Retail store credit cards are also a great way for consumers to establish an excellent credit history, which can be beneficial when applying for other types of loans or credit cards.
If Amazon is your go-to online shopping destination, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card* is ideal.
Costco members will appreciate the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, while Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®* is a great no-annual-fee option for shoppers who frequently buy groceries.
Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
You have many options if you’re looking for a credit card without an annual fee.
With no annual fee, credit cards allow customers to use them for everyday purchases without worrying about a lingering financial burden.
These cards are ideal for consumers who use a card responsibly and want to avoid paying annual fees.
Also, many no-annual-fee cards come with rewards programs, allowing customers to earn points or cash back when they shop. Furthermore, many of these cards offer promotional rates and signup bonuses to help customers save money in the long run.
Discover it® Cash Back, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, and Chase Freedom Flex are some of the best credit cards with no annual fee available.
Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards are flexible and secure payment options for small business owners. They allow businesses to track spending, manage cash flow, and build credit.
Business credit cards offer a variety of benefits that help small businesses thrive. These include cash-back rewards on all purchases, travel and entertainment perks, flexible payment options, fraud protection, and more.
The credit limit on a business credit card is also higher than the credit limit on consumer credit cards. Business owners can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on services such as shipping and advertising when they use a business credit card.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is ideal for running a startup. At the same time, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option for everyday business expenses.
For businesses that want to maximize their cash back, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is tough to beat.
Credit Builder Cards
Credit builder cards are designed to help users rebuild their credit scores.
These cards have several benefits that make them ideal for those with poor credit profiles and bad spending habits.
They usually come with low APR rates and manageable spending limits, making it easier to manage your budget while establishing good credit habits.
These cards report your finances to the major credit bureaus regularly.
Also, they offer easy access to funds and can even provide ongoing rewards or cash-back bonuses depending on the card.
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card is the best overall credit-building option. Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent choice for students, while the Capital One® Platinum Credit Card is a reliable option for people with an average credit score.
Student Credit Cards
Student credit cards are designed to help make it easier for college students to manage their finances and build a good credit history.
One of the most significant benefits of a student credit card is that it is designed with students in mind. Student cards offer low-interest rates and competitive annual fees, making managing your finances and avoiding debt easier.
Student credit cards also offer rewards, such as cashback or points programs, so you can earn rewards while making purchases or balance transfers with your card.
If you have no credit or limited credit history, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students is a great option.
Discover it® Student Chrome is a great student credit card for dining, while Discover it® Student Cash Back allows you to earn cashback in rotating bonus categories.
Mastercard for Students is a great option. Discover it® Student Chrome is a great student credit card for dining, while Discover it® Student Cash Back allows you to earn cashback in rotating bonus categories.
Secured Credit Cards
Secured credit cards are a great way to build your credit.
They are designed for consumers with limited or no credit history and provide an opportunity to demonstrate responsible credit habits. A secured credit card works like a regular unsecured credit card.
However, on account opening, you must make an initial security deposit as collateral for your account.
The amount of cash deposit is typically equal to or slightly more than the credit limit associated with the secured credit cards. Due to this security deposit, a secured card is easier to obtain from any card issuer in the US.
Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is our overall top-rated secured card.
For no minimum credit score requirement, OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a great choice. If you want to benefit from rewards, then the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is yours.
Co-Branded Cards
Co-branded credit cards, such as airline credit cards, are payment cards accepted by two organizations.
They combine the benefits and rewards, giving customers access to the services and rewards of both parties.
The two partners involved in a co-branded card can include a card issuer or a financial institution, such as a bank or credit union, and a retailer, airline, or even another financial company.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is our top choice for the overall best co-branded card. The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is great for Marriott loyalists, and the Hilton Honors American Express Card is perfect for those seeking rewards with no annual fee.
0% APR Cards
0% APR Cards are an excellent way to save money while purchasing.
They are credit cards that offer 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers for a predetermined period.
This allows you to make purchases without additional costs and can be an ideal way to manage your finances.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is our top-rated 0% APR card, while the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers the best rewards. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card is an excellent option for those looking to maximize their supermarket rewards.
Final Thoughts
Credit cards are a great way to help you manage your finances and open yourself up to many advantages. As we’ve seen, numerous types of credit cards will exist, each with its purpose and features.
From cash-back rewards cards to secured cards designed for young adults, the selection of credit cards is practically limitless!
Consider your lifestyle and financial circumstances when deciding which credit card to choose. The best card for you will be the one that offers maximum benefits and meets any needs.
Also, avoid using too many different cards - decide on one or two and stick with them so you won’t miss payments or have to deal with hidden fees.
Considering this, selecting the right credit card can be pretty simple! Now that you’ve read up on the various types of credit cards available today, apply for the credit card that fits your needs most closely.
FAQs
Should You Own A Credit Card?
Yes, owning a credit card can be beneficial to your financial situation.
A credit card can help you build or improve your credit report, make it easier to make purchases and pay bills, offer rewards, loyalty programs, and sign-up bonuses, and provide a higher credit line when needed.
However, before choosing a card, one must understand the different types available today to select one that best aligns with your needs.
What are the 4 different types of credit cards?
The four major types of credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Each card offers its own set of features and benefits that may fit different situations.
Whether looking for a low interest rate or travel rewards, these four credit card networks provide various options.