Featured Partner Offer
The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express's Website
3.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
5X Reward Rate
Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directlyRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 80,000 points
Annual Fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Editorial Review
The Platinum Card is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card’s staggering annual fee is well justified.
Pros & Cons
- High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
- Multiple credits can help justify the fee
- Comprehensive airport lounge access
- Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
- Very high annual fee
- Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be unworkable for many
- Reward rate outside of travel is sub-par for a premium card
Card Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peaco*ck, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Credit Cards Without a Social Security Number Requirement
Best for No Transaction Fees
Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card *
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 10% cash back
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away. Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-timeRead More
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 32.24% (Variable)
Credit Score
Limited/Fair/Good/Excellent
Why We Picked It
If you have no credit or limited credit, the Petal 2 Credit Card is our first choice. You can check to see if you’re pre-approved without impacting your credit score (a process that uses a “soft pull”). This card is light on fees, so if you don’t carry a balance you may be able to build a solid credit history with responsible use while limiting your exposure to fees. However, those with missed payments or a bankruptcy on their credit report are unlikely to be approved.
Pros & Cons
- No fees: no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, no late fee, no over limit fee
- No security deposit
- No credit check required
- No intro APR offer
- No cash advances or balance transfers
- Applicants with a damaged credit report may not qualify
Card Details
- No late, foreign transaction or annual fees
- Earn 1.5% cash back on qualifying purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments
- Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
- Earn 2% – 10% cash back on qualifying merchants
- $300 – $10,000 credit limits
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Boosting Your Approval Odds
Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card *
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 10% Cash Back
2%-10% cash back at select merchants
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
25.24% - 34.74% Variable
Credit Score
Fair/No Credit
Why We Picked It
Those whose credit score is less than perfect may be able to build a stronger credit profile by using the Petal 1 Visa Credit Card responsibly. It’s one of a tiny batch of credit cards aimed at those without great credit that don’t require an upfront security deposit.
Pros & Cons
- No security deposit required
- No annual fee
- Earns rewards
- Rewards only available at select merchants
- No balance transfer option available
Card Details
- $300 – $5,000 credit limits
- Earn a credit limit increase in as little as 6 months
- Earn 2% – 10% cash back at select merchants
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus
N/A
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
3.8
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Wells Fargo's Website
Unlimited 2% Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Welcome Bonus
$200 Cash Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and charges no annual fee. This puts it in competition with the best flat-rate cash back cards on the market.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- $0 annual fee
- Cell phone protection benefit
- There’s a balance transfer fee
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
- No travel transfer partners
Card Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Premium Travel Perks
The Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express's Website
3.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
5X Reward Rate
Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directlyRead More
Annual Fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Platinum Card is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of luxury travel benefits and Platinum Concierge service. In the right hands, the classic status card’s staggering annual fee is well justified.
Pros & Cons
- High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
- Multiple credits can help justify the fee
- Comprehensive airport lounge access
- Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
- Very high annual fee
- Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be unworkable for many
- Reward rate outside of travel is sub-par for a premium card
Card Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peaco*ck, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Tiered Rewards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
3.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 6% Reward Rate
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cashRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $250
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Big spenders at US supermarkets and road warriors who frequently spend at US gas stations or transit like taxis, rideshares or transit can rack up impressive cash back rewards.
Pros & Cons
- High cash-back rewards in several categories of spending
- No enrollment is required, cash back is automatic
- Comes with several travel benefits and protections
- Charges an annual fee
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets is capped at $6,000 in annual spending (then 1%)
Card Details
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best No-Annual Fee Amex Card
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
3.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up toRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
For no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers excellent value in the right hands. Spending a lot at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations brings plump rewards, while the introductory APR rate on purchases helps keep your interest expenses down. Look elsewhere for foreign transactions.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- Above-average earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online retail purchases in the U.S.
- Elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. are capped at $6,000 in annual spending per category
- Rewards earning outside of the bonus categories is just 1% cash back
Card Details
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Students
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One's Website
3.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Capital One's Website
Up to 10% Reward Rate
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024, unlimited 3% cash back on dining,Read More
Welcome Bonus
$50
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Why We Picked It
Earn elevated cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment and select streaming at the same time you’re building credit history.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Excellent cash back rewards
- No low introductory APR
- Limited bonus cash back reward categories
Card Details
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they’re approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you’re at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Chase Banking Customers
Chase Freedom Rise *
3.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
1.5% Cash Back
Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Welcome Bonus
Earn a $25 statement credit
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
26.74% Variable APR
Credit Score
New To Credit
Why We Picked It
The Chase Freedom Rise is one of the best entry-level credit cards and a powerful way to start building your credit. There’s no annual fee and the card earns modest rewards. Plus, there’s a path to higher credit lines in as little as six months.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- $0 annual fee
- Trip cancellation/interruption coverage
- 5% back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025
- Low-cost financing on purchases over $100 with My Chase Plan
- No bonus categories (except for Lyft)
- High APR
- 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars foreign transaction fee
- May not be eligible for balance transfers
- Increased odds of approval for depositing money in a Chase checking account, which requires an extra step that may or may not help you get the card
Card Details
- Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- Earn a $25 statement credit for enrollment in autopay within 3 months of account opening, terms apply
- No annual fee or minimum to redeem rewards
- Access to a free credit score check
- The information for this card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Earn a $25 statement credit for enrollment in autopay within 3 months of account opening, terms apply.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.