Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card

31.10.2023 - 19:57 / thepointsguy.com

Editor's Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

A common question we get here at TPG is, "What is the best credit card?"

And you might be here searching for an answer to that same question. If that's the case, we can help by telling you: no one card is the "best." Hear us out.

The good news is that this relieves the pressure to find the single best credit card among the myriad options available. Another plus is that you essentially get a customizable experience when choosing a credit card because you can select one based on your specific needs and spending habits. The bad news is that if you were hoping to simplify the search for the elusive best credit card overall, we can't provide you with a straightforward answer because, well, a singular 'best' card doesn't really exist.

Factors for consideration when finding the best credit card for your specific needs are your financial goals and priorities and your budget. Because of this, we recommend credit cards with varying annual fees, earning structures and benefits.

The cards on this list are great thanks to the different perks and ways to earn cash back, miles and other rewards that they offer, but there isn't a blanket card that stands alone as the perfect choice for everyone. Here's how to decide which card is just right for you.

It's easy to get caught up in this idea that a select number of cards (typically high-fee cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Chase Sapphire Reserve) are better than their lower-annual-fee counterparts such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) or the Citi® Double Cash Card (see rates and fees). In reality, however, that's not the case.

Ultimately, "the best credit card" for you depends on your current habits, priorities and needs.

For example, a frequent traveler might love their Amex Platinum for its unmatched lounge access and other travel benefits including elite status with Hilton and Marriott.

But that same person may have reached more for their Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express during the pandemic when they prioritized saving money on groceries (at U.S. supermarkets) and earning cash back on select streaming services in the U.S.

Even those with similar hobbies and habits may be divided on which card is the best. One frequent traveler may argue that the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) is the best because of its lounge access and flat earning rate, while another will argue that the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is the best because they prefer its transfer partners and much lower annual fee.

Instead of looking for the best credit card, focus on finding the right credit card for you. You can