Each year, Kiplinger surveys our readers to find out what their favorite financial products are for the annual Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards. For this year's awards, over 4,200 readers rated products across 13 categories – including their favorite cash back credit cards.

One of the most recommended cash back credit cards by Kiplinger readers was the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi. Readers praised the generous rewards and the card's simplicity, with one reader telling Kiplinger, "This card has always offered a great rewards system with multiple cash-back tiers, appropriately high credit limits, and easy fraud alerts and resolution."

I'm not surprised the card earned such high praise from our readers. It's also one of my favorite (and most swiped) credit cards in my rewards card mix. I earn hundreds in cash back every year just by swiping this card when I'm buying the gas or groceries I need to pay for one way or the other anyway. Here are three things that make the credit card worth adding to your wallet.

1. You can stack cash back rewards on top of your existing discounts

By far, my favorite thing about this credit card is that I get to stack the cash back earned by using the card on top of the discounts I already get as a Costco member. When gas prices were soaring over the past few months, I consistently paid well below the national average price per gallon because the Costco gas station near me was always about 15 cents cheaper than nearby stations (and I live in a state that temporarily suspended the gas tax).

Since this card offers 5% cash back on Costco gas, I earn a couple of bucks per tank each time I fill up. Between the couple of bucks in savings on each tank and that cash back, Costco (and this credit card) definitely helped ease the strain of rising fuel prices on my wallet.

I also appreciate the 2% I earn inside the store itself. Since I can't use my American Express that earns 6% on groceries at Costco – the warehouse club accepts Visa only – it's the next best option. I've even set up this credit card as my payment method for the annual membership fee, so I'm earning some cash back on that, too.

2. There's no annual fee

For a credit card with a rewards program as generous as the one you get with the Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi, you'd expect to pay an annual fee. But this card has none. The catch is that you do need to be a Costco member to get this cash back credit card.

If you already have a membership, there's absolutely no reason not to have this card. Even if you only ever use it on Costco gas and groceries, you're still coming out ahead. In fact, having this credit card is what makes my Costco membership worth it for my smaller household. Without the hundreds in cash back I earn every year, I'd be hesitant about keeping the membership.

If you aren't a member yet, pairing the everyday savings with the cash back perks of this card makes the basic Costco Gold Star membership more than worth the $65 annual fee.

3. You get better cash back rewards at other gas stations, too

Maybe you don't live close enough to a Costco location to make that your primary gas station. Even then, you get 4% at most other gas stations.

My next best credit card for everyday spending (the American Express Blue Cash Preferred) tops out at 3% back on gas. So, even when I'm on a road trip or just too far from my regular Costco station, I'm still swiping my Costco card to pay for gas.

Related content

• 3 Reasons UBS is Kiplinger Readers' Favorite Wealth Management Firm in 2026
• The Credit Card Feature That's Saved Me $1,208
• Why I'm Keeping My Amex Gold Card Even With a Higher Annual Fee
• I Live Next to a Costco Business Center. Here Are 5 Things You Won't Find at a Costco Wholesale
• Should You Get Home or Car Insurance Through Costco?

Kiplinger readers are a savvy bunch, especially when it comes to making smart choices with their money. So for the third year running, we asked you to rate financial providers based on your experiences with them. More than 2,700 readers completed our survey earlier this year, judging the products and services they use in 13 categories, from brokers and wealth managers to annuity providers, tax software, and home and auto insurance companies.

In the survey, respondents scored providers on certain criteria, such as their experience with the company’s customer service team, the likelihood they would recommend the product or service to others, and their overall satisfaction with it. Readers also had the option to leave comments about their experience, and we have shared some of them in the full category guides (remarks may be lightly edited for length and clarity).

For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest total score. We’ve also listed other products and services that earned above-average scores for the various criteria we asked readers to assess. Many thanks to all of you who participated in the survey.

Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards Categories

Best Full-Service Brokers

We asked readers to evaluate brokerage firms whose offerings run the gamut of services to customers, whether online, by phone, through in-person assistance at brick-and-mortar branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker’s customer service, how likely they are to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.

The overall winner is Fidelity Investments.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best full-service brokers.

Best Wealth Management

These firms take a holistic look at your finances and offer advice tailored to you. Beyond assisting with investment strategies, advisers may help you manage credit and debt, savings, estate and tax planning, and more. Readers rated wealth managers based on the quality of financial advice they received, the trustworthiness of the advisers, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the wealth manager.

The overall winner is Fidelity Wealth Management.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best wealth management services.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back cards usually offer simple terms and the opportunity to earn rewards on everyday purchases. We asked readers to rate cash back cards on the responsiveness of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and their overall satisfaction with the card.

The overall winner is Fidelity Rewards Visa.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best cash back credit card.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards typically offer extra points or miles on travel spending. And many heap on additional perks, such as statement credits for hotel, airline or dining purchases. Readers rated travel rewards cards on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the card to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best travel rewards credit card.

Best Airline Card Rewards Programs

Airline credit cards reward brand loyalty. You’ll get miles or points for every flight you book with the airline, and with some programs, you can earn free airline tickets, access to airport lounges and other travel perks. We surveyed readers in three areas: strength of customer service, whether they would recommend the credit card program to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Southwest Airlines credit card rewards program.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, airline credit card rewards programs.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Rewards Programs

As with airline card programs, hotel credit card programs reward you for being loyal to a particular hotel chain. The more you stay, the more perks you can receive, such as free nights, upgraded rooms, late checkouts and more. These hotel credit card programs earned top marks from our readers, who rated the programs on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the program to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Marriott Bonvoy credit card program.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice 2025, Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs.

Best National Banks

These large institutions have a presence in many states and offer branches where you can conduct transactions. We assessed readers’ overall satis­faction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service and the like­lihood they would recommend the bank to others.

The overall winner is Chase Bank.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best national banks.

Best Internet Banks

Internet banks often provide higher yields than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. The reason? Internet banks don’t have physical locations, so their overhead costs are lower, allowing them to pay out better rates. Survey respondents judged these institutions on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the bank to others and how satisfied they are overall with the bank.

The overall winner is Charles Schwab Bank.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best internet banks.

Best Auto Insurance Companies

We asked readers to weigh in on auto insurance, judging their primary provider based on how competitive the rates are, their experience with filing claims and how likely they are to recommend the insurer to others. The following companies stood out from the rest in our survey.

The overall winner is USAA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, auto insurance companies.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Readers rated their homeowners insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, how positive the experience is when filing a claim and how likely they would be to recommend the insurance company to others. Most of the providers that collected accolades for homeowners insurance are also honorees for their auto insurance services.

The overall winner is USAA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, homeowners insurance companies.

Best Annuity Providers

Annuities are contracts that allow you to pay an amount up front or over time in exchange for the opportunity to create a steady stream of income in retirement; they may be fixed or variable, and they may provide income immediately or in the future. We asked readers to assess their annuity provider based on customer service, their overall satisfaction with the company and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

The overall winner is New York Life.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best annuity providers.

Best Tax Software

These programs guide taxpayers through the ins and outs of preparing and filing a tax return. The offerings vary depending on your return’s complexity and whether you want help from a tax pro. We asked readers to rate their preferred tax-filing software based on ease of use, how likely they are to recommend the service to others and overall satisfaction with it.

The overall winner is FreeTaxUSA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, tax software.

Best Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer payment apps allow you to digitally send and receive money with friends and family from your smartphone. We asked readers to evaluate their preferred payment app’s ease of use, their overall satisfaction with it and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

The overall winner is Apple Cash.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best peer-to-peer payment apps.

How Readers Chose Their Winners

Kiplinger readers were invited to take the Readers’ Choice Awards survey on Kiplinger.com between February 20 and March 21, 2025. The survey asked respondents to choose the financial product or service that they most frequently use in 13 categories: full-service brokerage firms, wealth managers, cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, airline credit card rewards programs, hotel credit card rewards programs, national banks, internet banks, auto insurers, homeowners insurers, annuity providers, tax software and peer-to-peer payment services.

We asked readers to rate each provider they selected on a scale of one to 10 based on a few criteria. In many categories, readers rated the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the product or service to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the provider.

In some categories, we included more-nuanced criteria. With wealth management firms, we asked respondents to rate the trustworthiness of a firm’s advisers and the quality of its financial advice. For peer-to-peer payment apps and tax software, respondents evaluated ease of use, and for auto and home insurance companies, readers judged the competitiveness of rates and strength of the claims experience.

We calculated an average (mean) score for each criterion with each provider. We also calculated an overall mean score for all providers for each criterion we asked readers to judge. We compared individual provider mean scores with the overall mean, and the three highest-scoring pro­viders that had a score above the overall mean won an “outstanding” accolade; in cases of a tie, more than three providers are named, and if fewer than three qualifying providers achieved an above-average score, only those providers are named “outstanding.”

In each category, providers are generally listed in descending order by the number of criteria for which they received the “outstanding” designation — so a product or company that is deemed “outstanding” in three areas, for example, is listed before a provider with one or two “outstanding” awards.

To choose an overall winner in each category, we added together the mean scores for each criterion rated for each product or service. The provider with the highest total score in each category took the prize for overall winner.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Readers' Choice Full-Service Brokers
• Readers' Choice Wealth Management
• Readers' Choice Cash Back Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice National Banks
• Readers' Choice Internet Banks
• Readers' Choice Auto Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Annuity Providers
• Readers' Choice Tax Software
• Readers' Choice Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

When we think about the credit cards we have, there’s a reason why we signed up for them. It could be the exceptional cash back or travel rewards offered, or it was a generous low introductory rate that allowed us to get some high-interest debt paid down quicker.

Ultimately, there was an incentive involved that compelled us to action. But are we using those rewards to their full potential? According to a Cardrates.com survey, 83% of people signed up for a credit card because of their rewards. Yet, only 33% of people surveyed used the travel perks offered on their card, despite it being the reason they signed up for the card.

It shows there’s a gap between why we signed up for the card and getting the most rewards from them. The main cause relates back to communication, where 62% of cardholders surveyed said they would use their rewards more, if notified about them. With that in mind, here are some strategies to be more proactive in keeping that information front of mind.

Tips for tracking credit card rewards

• Stay connected: Download the card issuer’s app and review statements, as they contain rewards earned. I also visit my lenders’ websites regularly to see if there are any new promotions or features I might be missing.
• Use a tracking app: Apps like The Points Guy or AwardWallet keep track of card rewards from many lenders.
• Factor rewards into your budget: When I budget, I also pay close attention to my credit cards – not only the balances owed, but my rewards, expiration dates for redemption (if applicable) and redemption limits in my spreadsheet.
• Prioritize cards based on rewards: Most of us carry more than one card, so it’s important to prioritize them based on maximizing rewards. To demonstrate, if you have a card offering 5% cash back on groceries, choose that card when checking out at the grocery store and get 5% cashback.

Credit card reward considerations

• Know the fine print: You may have to squint or get a magnifying glass, but pay attention to any asterisks or plus signs in those footnotes of your credit card disclosure statement, as they might contain restrictions.
• Set reminders: For credit cards with quarterly rotating categories, I set a reminder on my phone to check them when they change. From there, I might switch up which card I use based on the rewards offered.
• Hit the intro bonus: When I get a new card, I’ll place regular expenses like utilities or groceries on it until I hit the spending limit to earn the intro bonus.
• Prioritize redemption bonuses: With some cards, we might earn more value by taking the travel perks over cash back redemptions, so pay close attention to the card terms and prioritize rewards based on value and preferences.
• Determine value: In all instances, cash back rewards only make sense when we pay balances off each month. Also pay close attention to the annual fees the card charges and evaluate whether the rewards earned more than the fees.

The bottom line

Credit card rewards are often the reason why we sign up for a card. That said, studies show there’s a communication gap between the card issuers and their customers on remembering perks. By taking these proactive steps into account, it can help us stay informed about our credit card rewards and ensure we’re maximizing them to their fullest potential.

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Related content

• The Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses With a Free Ticket
• The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for You

This article covers only some of our picks for best cash credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and terms checked as of July 19, 2024.

We've scoured our best rewards credit cards to find this "secret" credit card for Amazon shoppers. Whether you are an Amazon Prime member or not, you can maximize your savings. One card offers an instant $200 Amazon gift card, and another offers a $300 welcome offer, but you'll have to wait 120 days and $2,000 to unlock that benefit.

Best credit card for Amazon shopping

For those in the know, there are some great credit card options available to squeeze the most out of your Amazon shopping.

US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa (The "Secret" 6% Back Strategy)

Your first option is the US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® card. Why is it a "secret" strategy? Most credit card reviewers don't write about this card because it's not issued by one of the major banks, but it's still a deal. The card offers 6% cash back on the first $1,500 of combined quarterly spending at two big box retailers of your choice each quarter, including Amazon. Other retailers you can choose from include Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart and others. You’ll also earn 3% back (on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending) in a category of your choice — wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, and bills and utilities — and a solid 1.5% on all other spending (most credit cards only offer 1% outside of their maximum-rebate categories).

One benefit of this card is its flexibility. For Prime Day, you can choose to earn 6% cash back at Amazon but then can change retailers afterward depending on where you typically spend the most. Plus, you can earn a $300 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. And the $95 annual fee is waived in the first year.

Amazon Prime Visa (The 5% Back Strategy)

Option two is, of course, the Amazon Prime Visa credit card, which just raised its instant bonus offer for new cardholders to $200. The card earns an unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com and affiliated stores. It also earns 5% back on Chase Travel purchases, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting, as well as 1% back on all other purchases. 

You’ll need to be a Prime member, however, to earn cash-back rewards. An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. However, Amazon does offer a 30-day free trial if you’re still considering whether an Amazon Prime membership is worth it. 

You’ll also earn the card’s welcome bonus immediately, with no required spending. Upon approval of your credit card application, you’ll instantly receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card loaded into your Amazon account. The card also has no annual credit card fee (apart from the cost of an Amazon Prime membership).  

Can you pay for Amazon purchases with points?

We'd recommend not using credit card points to pay directly for Amazon purchases. While it may be convenient, you'll usually end up getting a lower value than if you redeemed those points elsewhere. However, according to The Points Guy, "The exception to this rule is the Prime Visa, because you’ll get the same redemption value whether you cash the points out through Amazon or for a statement credit."

Related Content

• Amazon Prime Day vs Walmart Deal Days: Which Is Better?
• Should You Cancel Amazon Prime? Here Are 12 Good Reasons
• 35 Best Amazon Prime Benefits to Use in 2024
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards Categories

Best Wealth Management

Readers rated wealth managers based on the quality of financial advice they received, the trustworthiness of the advisers, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the wealth manager. 

The overall winner was J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best wealth management services winners.

Best Donor-Advised Funds

We asked readers to assess the donor-advised funds they use based on how suitable the investment options are, the likelihood they would recommend the fund to others and their overall satisfaction with the fund.

The overall winner was Fidelity Charitable. Read our full guide to Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best donor-advised funds to see all of the winners.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Many of those who use a rewards credit card prefer simple, straightforward rewards in the form of cash back. That's no surprise, given that a cash back credit card is the simplest and most effective way to earn credit card rewards. We asked respondents to rate their cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall.

Our overall winner was Fidelity Rewards Visa. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best cash back credit card winners.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards provide the greatest value to frequent travelers, who can redeem points or miles for flights, hotel reservations, car rentals and more. Some come with perks such as rental car insurance and access to airport lounges. Readers judged travel rewards credit cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card. 

Our overall winner was Capital One Venture X. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best travel rewards credit card winners.

Best Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs

Airline cards provide miles or points on purchases, which passengers can put toward flights. Readers evaluated airline card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program 

Our overall winner was the Alaska Airlines credit card rewards program. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 airline credit card rewards programs winners.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Rewards Programs

Readers evaluated hotel card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program. 

The overall winner was the World of Hyatt credit card program. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice 2024 Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs winners.

Best National Banks

These large brick-and-mortar institutions have a presence in many states, and they offer a range of products and services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and loans. We assessed readers’ overall satisfaction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service, and the likelihood they would recommend the bank to others. 

Our overall winner was KeyBank. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best national banks winners.

Best Internet Banks

Survey respondents judged these institutions on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the bank to others and how satisfied they are overall with the bank.

Our overall winner was Discover Bank. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best internet banks winners.

Best Full-Service Brokers

We asked readers to assess brokerage firms that offer a breadth of services, whether online, by phone, through in-person assistance at branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker’s customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.

Our overall winner was Fidelity Investments. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best full-service brokers.

Best Auto Insurance Companies

Readers weighed in on their auto insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, their experience with filing claims and how likely they would be to recommend the insurer to others.

Our overall winner was Erie Insurance. Read our full guide to see all the winners of the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 auto insurance companies.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Readers assessed their homeowners insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, how positive the experience has been when filing a claim and how likely they would be to recommend the insurance company to others. Several of the winners here are also winners in auto insurance, making it easier for you to select a bundled service with one outstanding company.

The overall winner was USAA. See Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Homeowners Insurance Companies to learn more about the companies you chose as winners.

Best Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer payment apps have developed a wide reach as they have become faster and easier to use. Readers rated the P2P service that they use most based on ease of use, the likelihood they would recommend it to others and their overall satisfaction with the service.

Our overall winner was Apple Cash. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best peer-to-peer payment apps.

Best Tax Software

We asked readers to rate their preferred tax-filing software based on ease of use, how likely they would be to recommend the service to others and overall satisfaction with the software.

Our overall winner was FreeTaxUSA. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 tax software winners.

How Readers Chose Their Winners

Kiplinger readers were invited to take the Readers’ Choice Awards survey on Kiplinger.com between February 20 and March 15, 2024. The survey was fully completed by 4,528 people. 

The survey asked respondents to choose the financial product or service that they most frequently use in 13 categories: full-service brokerage firms, wealth managers, donor-advised funds, cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, airline credit card rewards programs, hotel credit card rewards programs, national banks, internet banks, auto insurers, homeowners insurers, tax software and peer-to-peer payment services. (Because of a scripting error, the survey did not collect scores for Wells Fargo in the national banks category. We apologize for the omission.) 

We asked readers to rate each provider they selected on a scale of one to 10 based on a few criteria. In many categories, readers rated the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the product or service to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the provider. In some categories, we included more nuanced criteria. With wealth management firms, we asked respondents to rate the trustworthiness of a firm’s advisers and the quality of its financial advice. For donor-advised funds, respondents evaluated the suitability of investment options. For peer-to-peer payment apps and tax software, respondents evaluated ease of use, and for auto and home insurance companies, readers judged the competitiveness of rates and strength of the claims experience. 

We calculated an average (mean) score for each criterion with each provider. We also calculated an overall mean score for all providers for each criterion we asked readers to judge. We compared individual provider mean scores with the overall mean, and the three highest-scoring providers that had a score above the overall mean won an “outstanding” accolade; in cases of a tie, more than three providers are named, and if fewer than three qualifying providers achieved an above-average score, only those providers are named “outstanding.” In each category, providers are generally listed in descending order by the number of criteria for which they received the “outstanding” designation — so a product or company that is deemed “outstanding” in three areas, for example, is listed before a provider with one or two “outstanding” awards. 

To choose an overall winner in each category, we added together the mean scores for each criterion rated for each product or service. The provider with the highest total score in each category took the prize for overall winner.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Homeowners Insurance Companies 
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cash Back Credit Cards Winners

Many of those who use a rewards credit card prefer simple, straightforward rewards in the form of cash back. That's no surprise, given that a cash back credit card is the simplest and most effective way to earn credit card rewards. We asked respondents to rate their cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall.

OVERALL WINNER: Fidelity Rewards Visa

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

This card from Fidelity Investments is a consistent reader favorite, winning best overall cash-back credit card for the second year in a row. Our readers praised the card’s simple reward structure. “Zero effort to get the reward,” says one respondent. 

Fidelity customers earn 2% cash back on each purchase with this card if they deposit rewards into qualifying Fidelity accounts, including brokerage and cash-management accounts, 529 college-savings plans, retirement accounts, and donor-advised funds. 

“It helps with funding my Roth IRA each year,” says one respondent. You can also direct your rewards to a friend’s or family member’s account (excluding donor-advised funds).

American Express Blue Cash Preferred

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended

The Blue Cash Preferred card from American Express ($95 annual fee, waived the first year) provides 6% cash back on supermarket spending (up to the first $6,000 spent annually; 1% thereafter), as well as select streaming subscriptions; 3% on transit and fuel purchases; and 1% on other spending. “Even with the $95 yearly fee,” remarks one reader, “we still come out way ahead every year.”

Citi Double Cash Mastercard 

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Many readers commented on this card’s ease of use and the simplicity of its rewards structure. “I have three different cards. This is my go-to 99% of the time,” says one respondent. The card offers a total of 2% cash back on all spending: 1% for each purchase you make and an additional 1% when you pay the bill

American Express EveryDay 

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Amex EveryDay earns kudos from our readers for customer service, with one respondent describing it as “always dependable.” Earn two Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent on the first $6,000 of supermarket purchases each year and one point per dollar on all other spending. If you use your card 20 or more times in a billing period, you get 20% more points on those purchases.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Outstanding for:

• Overall satisfaction

Readers who are loyal Costco Wholesale customers like this card for its ability to provide substantial cash back. “We recently got back a little over $500 from last year’s purchases,” one respondent says. The card requires a Costco membership (starting at $60 annually).

Get 4% back on gas and electric vehicle charging on the first $7,000 spent per year and then 1% thereafter. You also get 3% back on dining and eligible travel; 2% on purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% back on all other purchases.

Discover It

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Readers singled out this card for excellent customer service. One wrote, “The folks who man the phones are so patient and kind.” The card provides 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent on rotating categories that change each quarter. Typical categories include grocery stores, gas and EV stations, and restaurants. Earn 1% back on all other purchases.

USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

USAA is a bank for current and former members of the military and their spouses and children. USAA members may apply for the card, which provides unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Our readers praise its customer service. “If you want 100% support, you want this card,” says one survey respondent.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Airline Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services
• Homeowners Insurance Companies

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Credit card bonuses really can get you a free airline ticket or line your pocket with some extra cash. But as is the case with many rewards credit cards, the devil is in the details. Since you want to keep your credit cards active and avoid having them closed by the issuer, you should only sign up for credit cards that you want for the long term.

Here are the personal cards that will land you the biggest sign-up bonuses as measured by cash back or the value of miles or points (as calculated by Bankrate). Each card offers the top value in the categories of general travel credit cards, hotel cards, airline cards and cash back cards.

Some cards have low annual fees, while others have high fees that we have deemed worth the cost.

Best general travel card bonus: Up to $1,750 for Amex Platinum

Best free stays: Earn three nights with Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Best airline card bonus: $660 + free ticket from Alaska Air

Best cash back card bonus: $300 from Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Other sign-up bonus offers

• Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200
• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
• Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $990 (also get an annual $200 credit)
• Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth over $650
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and ensure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, cardholders who max out a card's reward benefits may offset the annual fee.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

All information about the Platinum Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has been collected independently by Kiplinger. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Read more

• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How to Save on Booking a Cruise

This article covers our selection of Chase Ink business credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired

If you’re in the market for a new business credit card, a Chase Ink card could line your pocket with a $750 (or more) welcome bonus, plus cash back on purchases. That’s a whole lot of petty cash.

These Chase cards range from the basic, no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to the top-of-the-line Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, which offers 2.5% cash back on purchases over $5,000 and travel benefits through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. These are solid reward credit cards that are tailored to a small-to-medium business owner's needs.

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn $350 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening.
• Interest rate: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, after that variable APR of 17.49% - 25.49%.
• Annual fee: None.
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%, so this card is not ideal for travel abroad.
• Top rewards rate: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services.
• Other benefits: 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year at gas stations and restaurants; 1% back on all other purchases.
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them; integrate your Chase Ink card with bookkeeping software.
• Redemption: Points earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for cash back, gift cards, or travel.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Interest Rate: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, then 17.49% - 23.49% APR variable.
• Annual fee: None.
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%, so this card is not ideal for travel abroad.
• Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them; integrate your Chase Ink card with bookkeeping software.
• Redemption: Points earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for cash back gift cards, or travel. Cardholders may redeem rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Premier Credit Card

• Sign-up bonus: Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Interest Rate: Flex for Business Variable APR: 18.49% - 26.49%
• Annual fee: $195.
• Foreign transaction fee: None. So this card is a good choice for international travelers.
• Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
• Travel benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (3% additional Cash Back rewards on top of the 2% Cash Back rewards earned on each purchase). Get 5% back on qualifying Lyft rides through 03/2025. You'll also get trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. Chase cards offer excellent rental car insurance and travel insurance.
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them; integrate your Chase Ink card with bookkeeping software.
• Redemption: Points earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for cash back gift cards, or travel. Cardholders may redeem rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
• Member FDIC.

What to Consider Before Getting a Business Credit Card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited. Be sure you understand the details of what makes up a good credit score.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Read More

• World of Hyatt Launches Offer Worth up to $1,380
• Capital One Business Card Intro Offer Worth $2,775
• Best Business Credit Cards
• What is a Good Credit Score?

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

If you love shopping at Target, you'll love their RedCard. Target has three types of cards to choose from: Credit, debit and reloadable. All cardholders receive a number of perks including a 5% discount on purchases at Target stores (including in-store Starbucks cafés) and at Target.com.

Target has an additional $50 bonus for new card holders when you acquire your RedCard before December 9, 2023. There are more great cash back credit card opportunities to consider if this one has you wanting more ways to earn when you spend.

Bonus offer

RedCard Reloadable, RedCard Debit and RedCard Credit Card all offer bonuses. 

RedCard Reloadable

Get a $50 credit when you open a RedCard Reloadable Account and spend $50 at Target. You must successfully register online at redcardreloadable.com for a new account, then activate the permanent card once received in the mail and spend $50 in one transaction within 45 days of registering the card. 

There is no fee for loading cash utilizing barcode reload at a Target location. The amount of each add money transaction at Target locations must be at least $20.00. You can also add money to your account from an external bank account or money app (like Venmo or Paypal) and receive direct deposits. Free cash withdrawals are available at any AllPoint ATM located inside of a Target location.

RedCard Debit and Credit Cards

If you open a new RedCard debit and credit card you will receive a coupon for $50 off a future qualifying purchase over $50 to be used after you are approved for the card. The coupon will be mailed to you with your RedCard and will be valid through January 8, 2024.

If you decide to get the RedCard credit card, you will earn 2% back on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else outside of Target. The cash back rewards you earn are redeemable toward Target gift cards. You also will not earn 1% rewards when you shop at Target or Target.com, but the 5% RedCard Discount program applies to those purchases.

RedCard debit card holders pay for Target purchases directly from an existing checking account. You are required to link the card to an existing checking account and it can only be used at Target stores and Target.com. 

Rewards and perks for all cardholders

In this case, all cards are created equally. You don't need to hold the credit card or link your checking account to the RedCard debit card to get the best perks. All cardholders, including the reloadable card, are eligible for the following rewards:

• 5% off every day at Target and Target.com
• No annual or monthly fees
• Free 2-day shipping on most items at Target.com
• Get an additional 30 days for returns and exchanges
• RedCard Exclusives including special items and offers
• No annual fee

Related Content

• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Target Expands Starbucks Food and Drink Curbside Pickup Service
• Apple Shops Are Popping Up in Target Stores

This article only compares credit cards that reward charging an EV. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.

Rates checked as of January 18, 2024.

If you frequently charge an EV at a public charging station, your credit card may be able to give you a break on the price. Bank of America will reward Customized Cash Rewards credit cardholders with 3% to 5.25% cash back for charging an EV, the company announced recently.

Bank of America is the latest issuer to reward electric vehicle charging, largely in response to increased customer spending. The bank said EV charging transactions grew by 44% during the first half of 2023.

Small business owners that log a lot of miles on electric vehicles may get the most benefit from this cash back category.

Here are some of the best cash back credit cards for public EV charging. 

Credit cards for charging an EV

Compare with other cash back cards

There's no cut and dried rule to how many credit cards you should have, but it's wise to pause and think through your strategy before you apply for a new card.

If you want to get a break on EV charging costs, have you considered that the cheapest charging method is juicing up at home, especially at night? The Federal EV charger tax credit can knock up to $1,000 off the hardware and installation costs for these chargers. 

If you must rely on public chargers, look through your credit card bills to assess how much you spend per month on charging. Most Americans only spend about $56 per month on EV charging, according to Energy Sage. Americans typically spend more on groceries or online purchases per month, which could yield more cash back with a card tailored to those categories. Or you might want to keep it simple and look for a card that provides the best flat rate cash back, such as 2% back on all purchases.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline, etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities. 

More on Electric Vehicles and Credit Cards

• How the $7,500 EV Tax Credit Works
• Want to Lease an EV? There's a Tax Credit 'Loophole' for That
• Colorado State EV Tax Credit Rises to $5,000
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Launches $750 Bonus Offer
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Launches $750 Bonus Offer

A recent study from J.D. Power ranked rewards credit cards by customer satisfaction, finding American Express the top card issuer for the fourth year in a row. The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study℠ also reinforced that many Americans are struggling with credit card debt. 

Highest ranked credit cards

This is no small study; it tallies the responses of over 31,000 credit card customers. It measures seven areas of consumer satisfaction with credit cards, such as benefits, customer service and rewards earning and redemption.

These are the rankings for customer satisfaction. 

• Credit card issuers: American Express ranks highest in customer satisfaction among credit card issuers, followed by a tie for second between Bank of America and Discover. To learn more about Amex cards, see our article on American Express Credit Cards: The Best Pick for You.
• Bank rewards credit cards with no annual fee: Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card ranks highest. Discover it Student Cash Back ranks second and Blue Cash Everyday Card (American Express) ranks third.
• Bank rewards credit cards with an annual fee: Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite ranks highest. American Express Gold Card ranks second and The Platinum Card from American Express ranks third. 
• Co-branded credit cards with no annual fee: Apple Card (Goldman Sachs) ranks highest. This is the third year in a row in which Apple Card and issuer Goldman Sachs have collectively won a segment award. Hilton Honors American Express Card ranks second, while Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Chase) and PayPal Cashback Mastercard (Synchrony Bank) each rank third in a tie.

Credit card debt rises

The study found that just over half of U.S. credit cardholders carry revolving debt at an average interest rate of almost 15%. These findings reinforce government data showing that Americans' credit card debt is now over $1 Trillion.

“The pandemic-era savings cushions are gone, the economy is shaky and consumers are leaning more heavily than ever on their credit cards to cover day-to-day expenses,” said John Cabell, managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power.

Surprisingly, the study found that financially secure customers are more likely to use payment plans than financially stressed customers. J.D. Power recommends that issuers focus on outreach to customers who could most benefit from these plans; customers who use payment plans typically report higher satisfaction with their credit card.

Related Content

• American Express Credit Cards: The Best Pick for You
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independent of our relationship with advertisers

Getting credit cards for kids can age you. I should know; even though I write about credit cards for a living, the idea of sharing my carefully curated credit score with my kids was harrowing. And that's essentially what you do when you sign a child up as an authorized user on your account.

They are good kids, but recently, one told me she could feel her frontal lobe finally kicking in. That's the point, really. A child's brain doesn't finish developing, especially in terms of judgment, until around age 25.

Authorized user cards can serve as financial training wheels; they allow your child to feel the heady freedom of credit with some supervision and guidance from you, the parent with the fully-formed brain.

I researched the risks and benefits of credit cards for kids before signing my children up as authorized users. Here's what I learned.

Generation Z has different spending habits from their Gen X or Millennial parents. Gen Z kids are decidedly digital, embracing peer-to-peer payment apps, for example.

Still, many are loyal to cash, thanks partly to TikTok influencers. But by budgeting solely with cash, they miss out on high-yield savings accounts and other banking benefits. It's a good idea to teach them the pros and cons of banking and credit products.

Many kids, however, can succumb to temptation without guidance on how to use a credit card. According to LendingTree, almost half of parents surveyed said they had caught their child using their credit card without permission. One of our kids went online and charged $100 worth of video games to our card when she was four! So, kids need to learn about credit cards from an early age.

Parents are understandably hesitant to let their children access credit cards, but having a credit card could be beneficial with the right guidance. Facilitating your child’s financial success in adulthood means teaching them about concepts like credit and responsible spending habits now.

What is an authorized user?

Adding an authorized user to your credit card allows someone (typically a family member or child) secondary access to your card, which helps them build a credit history.

Authorized users can make purchases on the credit card, however, the responsibility of making payments still falls on the primary cardholder. After adding a secondary user to the credit card, your account activity begins reporting on their credit profile which includes:

• The credit limit
• Balance
• Payment history
• Credit utilization (how much of the credit line is used)

Think of an authorized user card as a credit card with training wheels. You’ll be right behind them in case something goes wrong, and you’re teaching them to use credit responsibly while fostering independence.

The thought of granting your child access to your credit card may ignite new anxieties for some parents, but it’s important to note the backbone of this strategy is hands-on guidance and oversight.

Pros of making your child an authorized user

Adding your kid as an authorized user may pose some drawbacks, but it could give them a significant leg up when applying for their first apartment to rent, getting a loan for a used car, or even signing up for a new cellphone plan.

• Better consumer protections: As your child gets used to making purchases online and keeping track of their card, there will likely be instances of fraudulent purchases. Compared to a debit card, you won’t have to be concerned with liability for costly fraud. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), your fraud liability on an open-end credit account is limited to $50.
• Build credit early: Putting your teen ahead of the curve with credit habits and a good credit score pays off. A good credit score could equal lower security deposits, lower interest rates on borrowing, and even better job opportunities. Not all card issuers report the data from an under-18 authorized user to credit bureaus, so check the issuer's policy before signing up.
• Teach responsible credit use: In a 2021 TIAA Institute study, 29% of Gen Z students agreed that debt payments prevented them from addressing other financial priorities. Teaching your child how to borrow responsibly by using credit cards could help them avoid these financial issues in the future.
• Earn extra rewards: Even though you’ve likely limited their ability to spend, their purchases can still add to the credit card rewards you earn. And some credit cards will give you a bonus for adding an authorized user.
• Personal safety: I feel better knowing my kid has a surefire way to get home or buy a meal. Even if they lose their wallet, kids these days link their credit cards to payment apps, so they will always have a way to access funds in an emergency.

Cons of making your child an authorized user

Adding your child as an authorized user has advantages, but on the downside, most authorized user cards allow the user to access the primary cardholder's full credit limit.

If your child lacks financial discipline, this could result in excessive spending, and as the primary cardholder, you're responsible for paying the bill.

• You’re responsible for what they spend: If spending gets excessive and they can’t cover what they spent, you’re still stuck with the bill.
• Access to your full credit limit: Most credit cards give authorized users access to the full credit limit you’ve been approved for and there’s no way to lower it. One exception to this is American Express which lets you set the limit as low as $200.
• Fees for authorized users: Some higher-end credit cards charge an annual fee for each authorized user added. These fees can be as high as $175 per user.
• Negative credit activity hurts: If you have a secondary user on your credit card, negative actions like missing a payment or keeping high balances could hurt both of your credit scores.
• Your child may not have good security practices: A distracted kid may lose their credit card, or they may fall prey to scams more easily than adults.

Credit card companies and age requirements

There is no consistent guideline on the minimum age credit card companies accept for authorized users; each company sets its own standard. Sometimes, a credit card may charge an annual fee for adding an authorized user, but that’s not the case for most.

We’ve broken down the minimum age requirement and authorized user fees for ten major banks. These terms often change, so it's a good idea to check with a card issuer first in case any authorized user fees have changed.

Sharing your card's account

Getting your child signed up as an authorized user on one of your current cards is simple. Just decide which card you want to share, sign in to your account, and fill out a short form.

In some cases, as noted above, your account may be charged a fee, or it may be free. Here are a few things to consider when selecting which card you want to share.

Foreign transaction fees: If your teen plans to travel abroad, select a card with no foreign transaction fee. Our young teen was headed to Europe with a student travel program, so I decided to share the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with her.

My reasoning? The card has no fee for adding an authorized user, and I knew she would be using the card primarily for dining out, which gets three points per dollar. I figured we could redeem her extra points for a family vacation, and I liked that the card has excellent travel insurance.

Keeping track of 529 plan expenses: If your child is or will soon be in college, an authorized card can help you track and document expenses you can reimburse from their 529 plan.

We sent our older teen to college with an authorized card linked to my Discover It card. There was no fee for adding her to my account, and I've been able to log 529 expenses like books, food and other payments. The extra cash back is a nice side benefit.

Hook them up with a solid card: If you’re looking for a card that provides good cash back rewards for users of all ages, see our guide to the best cash back credit cards. And if you’d like to open a card that offers points or miles for travelers, see the best travel rewards credit cards.

Credit card options for kids

Adding your child as an authorized user on your own credit card can help them build credit while you maintain control over the account.

Another option is a debit card designed specifically for kids, such as the Greenlight debit card, which offers 1% cash back and allows parents to set spending limits. The Greenlight app also includes features for tracking chores, managing allowances and teaching financial responsibility.

Other kid-focused debit cards worth considering include the Acorns Early debit card (formerly the GoHenry card), which provides parental controls and financial education features.

Another option to explore is the BusyKid Visa Prepaid Spend Card, which links allowances directly to spending and savings. These cards can be a practical way to introduce kids to money management without the risk of accumulating credit card debt.

Explain credit scores

You've picked out a card to share with your child and explained how credit cards work. Is that enough preparation?

Not if they don't understand credit scores.

If they have a bank account or other easy way to check their credit score, show them how to do so. Ask them to put a monthly reminder in their calendar to check their score. Explain what a good credit score is and how to maintain one. Finally, you should also monitor their spending and credit score for the first few months just to be sure they are getting the hang of using the card responsibly.

Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service, like LifeLock, that sends alerts for any significant changes or suspicious activity. Some services also offer identity theft protection, which can be valuable as your child begins building their credit history.

Regularly reviewing these reports together can help reinforce good habits and catch potential issues early.

Making it worth it

I wish I could say that our family meets weekly financial check-ins, as most experts advise. “Include teenagers in family budgeting discussions to give them a real-world perspective on managing household finances," advised finance controller Manoj Kumar Vandanapu to Kiplinger. "This exposure helps them understand income, expenses and the importance of financial planning.”

Maybe your family is that organized and disciplined, but mine is a different animal altogether. So, having our kids as authorized users has given us a window into their financial habits, and we can rein in overspending when necessary.

By involving them in the application process and explaining how credit cards work, they now understand the importance of protecting their credit scores.

You could even say their frontal lobes have grown just a bit more.

Related Content

• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Kids and Money: Boost Your Child's Future Credit Score
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• What Kids Need To Know About Finances

A credit card can be a beneficial addition to your wallet, as long as you choose the right one and use it wisely. Therefore, it’s important to know how to choose a credit card that’s right for you. There are several types of credit cards available, from rewards credit cards that let you earn cash back or points, travel rewards cards that can save you cash on your next vacation or even student credit cards designed for those with limited credit history. 

Here’s a breakdown of the types of credit cards. 

Types of credit cards  

Rewards cards

A rewards credit card is a card that allows you to earn points, cash back or airline miles on purchases. Some cards have a flat-rate cash back rewards rate, while others offer higher points on purchases made in specific spending categories. 

Flat rate rewards cards offer a set percentage of cash back or points on all purchases, making them a good option for cardholders who prefer a straight-forward rewards structure. On the other hand, tiered rewards cards offer varying percentages of cash back or points for spending in specific categories, like supermarkets or dining. Regardless of which type you choose, these cards can help you earn on the purchases you’re already making. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best rewards cards of 2023. 

Balance transfer and 0% APR cards

A balance transfer card is a credit card that allows you to transfer balances from other accounts to the new card in order to avoid paying a high APR (annual percentage rate). Most balance transfer cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a set period of time to help cardholders avoid expensive interest payments on existing debt. 

However, balance transfers almost always charge a balance transfer fee of around 3% to 5% of the total amount of debt you are transferring. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best balance transfer cards of 2023.  

Travel cards

The right travel card can be a valuable tool for frequent travelers. Travel cards are designed to earn cardholders points or miles that can be used to pay for travel expenses. They also come with additional benefits that appeal to travelers as well, such as free checked baggage, rental protections, lounge access and priority boarding. Many also have no foreign transaction fees. Some travel cards allow you to redeem points or miles through airline and hotel partners, while others are co-branded to a specific airline, like Delta or United. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best travel rewards cards of 2023. 

Student cards

Student credit cards are a form of “starter card” for college students with limited credit history. Since they’re designed as a way for young adults to start building credit, they don’t usually have as strict requirements for approval as other cards, or carry annual fees. Many student cards also offer rewards in categories that appeal to students, like dining and entertainment, while others make earning rewards easy with flat-rate cash back for cardholders as they begin their credit journey. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best student credit cards of 2023.  

Secured cards

Secured cards are available for those with little to no credit history or overall bad credit. When using a secured card, your credit limit is determined by the size of the cash deposit you make upfront. You’ll still be able to start building a credit history, but the lender won’t have to take a risk on you. These cards typically won’t have the same lending power as most cards, but they’re a great place to start if you’re looking to build credit from the ground up or improve your poor credit score. In fact, some secured cards will automatically upgrade you to an unsecured card if you show a history of good credit management.

Small business credit cards

As the name suggests, small business credit cards are used to make purchases and help keep your business and personal expenses separate. To qualify for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide basic financial information about your business; even if your business is in great shape financially, the card issuer will likely want additional assurance that you and your business are a good credit risk. For this reason, most small business cards require a personal guarantee, meaning that you as the business owner will have a hard inquiry pulled on your personal credit report, likely lowering your credit score for a time 

The best business credit cards come with valuable benefits, such as employee cards, spending reports and in some cases, cash back rewards that let you earn on purchases your business is already making.  

Store credit cards

Some retailers offer co-branded credit cards. Depending on the card, these can be used only at the associated store, while others can be used anywhere. Store credit cards allow cardholders to access in-store discounts as well as earn points or cash back when shopping at specific places. Consumers will typically have an easier time getting approved for store credit cards than for other credit cards, but be careful — store credit cards usually have higher interest rates. Opening a store credit card where you shop often can be an easy way to save cash, just as long as you repay your balance right away. 

Related Content

• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How To Choose a Credit Card for You
• How Do Credit Cards Work? APR, Interest and Fees Explained

Getting pre-approved for a credit card is a great way to protect your credit. Applying for a credit card can be as easy as choosing one of the best rewards credit cards and filling out a short form online. But getting approved for the card you want may be trickier, even for an experienced credit card owner. It pays to think through your application strategy.

Follow these steps to get approved or pre-approved for the credit card you want.

1. Check Your Credit Score

A credit score measures your creditworthiness, usually on a scale from 300 to 850, where a higher score is better. Two companies measure your credit. FICO, which considers a score of 670 to 739 as good, and VantageScore, which considers a score of 661 to 780 to be good.  Major banks, credit card companies, and credit unions often provide a free FICO score to their customers. If you can’t find a FICO score there, you may access one for free at the credit bureau Experian. Remember: checking your FICO or VantageScore will not lower your credit score.

2. Choose a Credit Card that Meets Your Needs

Once you know your credit score, you will have a realistic idea of how to choose a credit card for you. For those with excellent credit, you will have more options, like cashback and other rewards cards.

Even if you have bad credit or are a student, you can still identify cards that will help you build your creditworthiness. Students may even qualify for rewards cards. If that interests you.

For those hoping to get out of credit card debt, consider a balance-transfer credit card. 

Finally, you should take action if your credit score is below 670 on FICO or below 661 on VantageScore. A low credit score will limit your credit card choices and penalize you if you apply for a mortgage or car insurance. We've outlined six proven ways to boost your credit score.

3. Pause before you apply

Don't cut up old cards. Before you apply for a new card, think through your strategy for any existing cards you may have. Even if you don't want to use them, it's in your interest to keep old credit cards active. 

The Chase 5/24 rule. If you own a few cards offered by Chase, be aware of the 5/24 rule. Chase will not issue you a new card if you exceed five new cards in a 24-month period. 

Dynamic pricing. If you have good to excellent credit, you may qualify for some pretty sweet sign-up bonus offers worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars. American Express cards often vary the amount of welcome points in online offers. You may get offered 60,000 free points on one site and 75,000 on another. Try searching for the card in an incognito window, and you may score a higher welcome offer. To open an incognito window from a Chrome browser, click on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Click on "new incognito window," which is the third option. Enter your search terms in that window.

4. Get Pre-approved or Pre-qualified for the Card You Want 

Once you have your eye on a card that is within reach of your credit score, you’ll want to maximize your chances of approval. Why? Every time you apply for a new credit card, the bank issuing the card will request your credit report (called a “hard inquiry” or a “hard pull,”) which will lower your FICO or VantageScore by a few points. So, if you apply for a card and are turned down or decide you want a different card, you will have to reapply with a lower credit score.

There are two ways to avoid a hard pull when applying for a credit card: pre-approval or pre-qualification. Each method assures the bank offering the card you want that you are sufficiently creditworthy. When a bank sends credit card offers, often by email or regular mail, they have usually pre-approved you for that card. If, by serendipity, it is the card you most want, then you only have to fill out the application. 

For cards not offered to you, the issuer may be willing to check if you qualify for the card before you submit a formal application. Contact the bank or credit union issuing the card and ask for “pre-qualification with no hard inquiry.”

If you're applying to an American Express credit card, look for the "Apply With Confidence" button to get pre-approval with no ding to your credit score.

You can also use the CardMatch tool (see below) to see a list of credit cards available to you, without affecting your credit score.

CardMatch doesn't partner with every credit card issuer, so you may want to check the bank or issuer's website. For example, the Apple Card does not access your credit report until you accept the sign-up terms.

5. Become an Authorized User if You Need a Credit Boost 

If you are brand-new to the world of credit or trying to repair a poor credit history, you may want to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. This arrangement usually occurs between a parent with good credit and a child or young adult. The parent’s longer credit history and positive credit score are essentially shared with the child. By the same token, missed payments or other negative credit information are shared by both account owners, so avoid this option if there is any doubt about either party’s ability to use credit wisely and pay bills on time.

6. Fill out the Application Form

The fastest way to fill out an online application form at the bank’s website. Forms will typically require your legal name, date of birth, address, annual income, and social security number. You may also be asked about your monthly rent or mortgage payments. 

Answer all questions truthfully. If you lie about your income, for example, you may be charged with credit card fraud.

Enjoy Your New Credit Card

If you followed the steps above, you are likely to soon be approved for your new credit card. Make sure you keep track of the balance on your account, note any suspicious activity, and pay your bills in full and on time. Doing so will help boost your credit score and make you eligible for the best credit cards available.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

One of the more creative ways to shield your cash against rising inflation is to use the right cash-back credit cards. They reward you with perks on everyday purchases, such as dining, gas, groceries and streaming.

Using these cards, along with paying your balance off every month, ensures you save money on the expenses you were planning to make. If you need help narrowing down the options, you're in luck: We've done the homework and highlighted our top picks below in five categories, from cards that offer a healthy rate of cash back on all your spending to those that provide outstanding rewards on travel, gas, groceries and more.

Know what kind of cash back card you want? Jump to these sections to see our top three picks in each category. Also, we listed credit cards in alphabetical order for each category.

• Flat-rate Cash Back
• Rotating Categories
• For Savers
• For Groceries
• For Fuel (Gas and EV Charging)

Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards

Citi Double Cash® Credit Card

Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union Crystal Visa

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best Cards for Cash Back in Rotating Categories

Earn top rewards in categories that may change each month or quarter. These cards are a good fit for people who can keep track of and plan their charges in categories like online shopping, streaming, and travel.

Chase Freedom Flex

Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Savers

You get the best value with these cards if you stash rewards in a bank or investment account. We excluded cards that require large deposits in accounts that do not have competitive interest rates.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Visa

Fidelity Rewards Signature® Visa

SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card

Best Cash Back Cards for Groceries

These cards offer ample cash back on purchases at grocery stores.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

American Express® Gold Card

Citi Custom Cash Mastercard

Best Cash Back Cards for Gas and EV Charging

If you drive an electric vehicle, see our article on getting cash back on your credit card for charging an EV. We can also point you to credit cards that cover rental car insurance.

Citi Custom Cash Mastercard

Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi

Sam’s Club® Mastercard®

Pros of cash back cards:

• Cash back cards are easy to understand and use. When it comes to simplicity and clarity, cash back cards are second to none among rewards cards. Cash back is expressed as a percentage of the amount you spend, so you know the exact value of your rewards. With travel rewards cards and other cards that provide points or airline miles for each dollar you spend, the value per point or mile may vary depending on which redemption you choose.
• They put cash in your pocket. Cash back is hard to beat if you want extra money to spend. You can often redeem cash-back rewards for a bank-account deposit, check or statement credit that reduces your credit card account balance. Or, as with some of our best cash back cards for savers, you may even be able to put the cash back in an investment account.
• You get good rewards for everyday spending. With a cash back card, you could get a healthy flat rate of about 2% back on everything you buy, or earn as much as 5% or 6% back on staples such as gas and groceries. Travel rewards cards tend to offer the highest rates on purchases of flights, hotels, dining out and other spending that usually falls into the non-essential category. Some banking cards will give you additional cash back (usually less than one percentage point) if you have a savings or investment account with the bank.

Cons of cash back cards:

• They don't always offer the highest payback. If you prefer to get the maximum possible value out of the rewards you earn with a credit card, a cash back card may not be for you. With travel rewards cards, sometimes you can earn outstanding rewards rates by putting in some legwork. With a card that pays out airline miles, for example, you may squeeze out extra value by combing through flight schedules to find the best redemption rates.
• Sign-up bonuses are smaller. Travel rewards cards are known for offering hefty initial bonuses to draw in customers. Premium travel card Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, recently provided 60,000 bonus points — worth $900 in travel redemptions — to new cardholders who spent at least $4,000 on the card in the first three months. Many cash back cards offer initial bonuses, but their values typically aren't as high overall.
• Interest rates are high and variable. As with other rewards cards, the annual percentage rate on a cash back card is usually stiff. Average card rates run close to 20%, and some cards charge maximum rates closer to 30%. Plus, most cards have a variable interest rate tied to an index — often the prime rate. When the Federal Reserve raises short-term interest rates, the APR on your credit card increases, too.

How to Pick the Best Cash Back Card for You

There's no single cash back credit card that's best for everyone, so it's important to shop around and compare several factors to determine which is the right one for you:

• Rewards rates: If you don't want to keep track of different rewards rates, consider a flat-rate rewards card. If you want to maximize rewards on certain purchases, find a tiered or rotating rewards card with rewards categories that align with your spending.
• Welcome bonus: Consider the amount of each card's cash bonus, as well as the minimum spending requirement you need to meet to earn it. Only get a card if you can afford to meet that spending threshold without overspending.
• Redemption options: While cash back credit cards tend to offer more straightforward redemption options compared to travel cards, your redemption options can still vary. For example, some cards may only offer statement credits, while others may offer direct deposit, paper checks, gift cards, travel, online shopping and more.
• APR promotion terms: If you're after a 0% APR promotion, look at the length of each card's promotion and which transactions are included — purchases, balance transfers or both. If you want to do a balance transfer, look at each card's balance transfer fee.
• Other card benefits: Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to take advantage of other card benefits. For example, some cards may offer credits or complimentary subscriptions with popular retailers, travel and shopping protections and more.
• Annual fee: While most cash back credit cards don't charge an annual fee, there are some that do. If a card does charge an annual fee, look at the rewards program and other benefits to determine whether you can get enough value to make up for the yearly charge.

Take your time to research several options to determine the right fit for you. In some cases, it could make sense to use more than one cash back credit card to take advantage of the different bonus rewards categories and benefits.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Related content

• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Credit Card Bonuses up to $1,600 for New Cardholders
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Rewards Credit Cards

If you’ve been racking up points on your favorite rewards card, now may be the time to use them.

Lenders can assign expiration dates on the rewards you earn. While some card issuers allow you to use the rewards you earned as long as your account is in good standing, airline and hotel credit cards work differently.

Some issuers offer expirations dates between one to three years, meaning you'll need to stay on top of when you earn the rewards and when they expire.

How to keep points and miles from expiring

If your miles or points are expiring sooner than you’d like, see whether you can reset the clock by transferring an amount to another loyalty program. For example, the Capital One Venture card allows cardholders to transfer miles to more than a dozen participating hotel and airline loyalty programs, including those of Air France, JetBlue and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

You can also:

• Use your co-branded credit card. Even if the card isn’t your go-to credit card, use it for a small purchase once a month
• Donate miles. This option will enable you to push out the expiration date for your points and miles to donate them to charity. Most loyalty programs partner with nonprofits and allow customers to donate points and miles to help various causes
• Shop through your loyalty programs’ online shopping portal. If you’re saving up points for a big trip but are at risk of losing them, use some for an item that has a low point value like a magazine subscription. Or use the shopping portal to purchase something you need, and earn some extra points for doing so
• Earn elite status with a hotel. Reward programs, like the one offered by IHG hotels, waives expiration dates as long as you maintain elite status. You'll need to stay at least 10 nights annually at one of their branded hotels to maintain silver elite status.
• Track your reward expirations: When budgeting, add a section for credit card rewards earned, what you plan to spend them on and when you need to use them. That way you have plans in place months in advance and the expiration date doesn't catch you off guard.

Can you reinstate expired points or miles?

In some cases you may be able to call the credit card or airline or hotel loyalty program’s customer service number and ask for your rewards to be reinstated. It never hurts to ask, especially if they recently expired. Two programs flexible with expired rewards include:

American Express might allow you to get back expired points. You'll have to pay a $35 reinstatement fee and are only entitled to the points lost during the last 12 months.

Meanwhile, American AAdvantage customers need to make a purchase to reactivate miles. Some restrictions apply such as you'll only gain back the miles you earned within the last two years, up to a 500,000-mile cap.

Be polite when making your request — a little friendliness goes a long way. 

Related Content

• Make the Most of Credit Card Rewards: Here's How
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Credit Card Closed? Here's Why and What to Do Next
• 6 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score — Fast

Some of the largest issuers of travel rewards cards are adding new benefits to accommodate cardholders who have put travel plans on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rewards card providers “have really leaned in to where people are spending these days,” says Ted Rossman, industry analyst at CreditCards.com. The coronavirus crisis has compelled many Americans to use their credit cards for groceries, according to a new survey from Bankrate.com. In April, 46% of grocery shoppers paid with a credit card, versus 27% in December.

In response, credit card issuers are offering more-generous rewards for groceries and restaurant meals, including takeout and delivery. Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, will allow grocery store and gas station purchases to qualify for the $300 annual travel credit through December 31. Through September 30, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders’ rewards points will be worth 50% more on eligible grocery, dining and home improvement purchases; points for Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders will get a 25% boost.

Existing Citi Premier cardholders, meanwhile, will earn three points for each $1 spent—triple the usual reward—for spending at supermarkets and restaurants. Citi Prestige cardholders can use their $250 travel credit toward supermarket and restaurant purchases through December 31.

American Express Green Card members can get up to $80 in credits each year (limited to $10 per month) toward wireless phone services from U.S. pro­viders. Amex Platinum cardholders, who pay an annual fee of $550 a year, can get up to $320 in statement credits ($20 per service type per month) toward streaming and wireless phone services. Through September 30, Capital One Savor cardholders will receive 4% cash back on select streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.

The strategy to appease cardholders who pay an annual fee appears to have worked. More than 80% believe they’re getting at least as much value now as they were before the pandemic, according to a recent survey by CreditCards.com.

If you don’t think you’re getting value for your annual fee, contact your credit card issuer. About 70% of people who requested a lower fee or waiver got some relief, according to CreditCards.com research conducted in 2018. Your chances of getting a break on your fees are even higher now, Rossman says.