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Capital One Journey Student Card Review: No Longer Available; Still Great for Current Cardholders

This card offers simple flat-rate rewards, with a bonus for paying on time. You don’t even have to be a student to apply, so consider it if you have average credit.

• No annual fee
• Qualify with average credit
• Reports to the three major credit bureaus

No foreign transaction fees

• Earns rewards

29.99% Variable APR

Rewards rate

Bonus offer

Ongoing APR

APR: 29.99% Variable APR

Cash Advance APR: 29.99%, Variable

Balance transfer fee

$0 at this Transfer APR

Foreign transaction fee

• Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month
• 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
• Lock your card in the Capital One Mobile app if it's misplaced, lost or stolen
• Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
• Pick the monthly due date that works best for you
• Pay for Amazon.com purchases using your Capital One rewards
• Pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers and keep your actual card number to yourself
• Get notified via text, email, and phone if Capital One notices potential suspicious transactions on your account
• Build your credit with responsible card use

Compare to Other Cards

Detailed review: Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

» this page is out of date.

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is no longer on the market.

With the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One , you can build credit as a college student while earning cash back — no spending acrobatics required. Boasting rewards for paying on time, this card makes it easy to establish good habits early on. Here’s what you should know before applying.

» MORE: A guide to Capital One's credit cards for college students

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One : Basics

Card type: College student .

Annual fee: $0 .

Bonus: None .

Rewards: You’ll earn 1% cash back on all purchases, plus a 0.25% bonus every month you pay on time. That adds up to 1.25% in cash back. Also earn an unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

APR: The ongoing APR is 29.99% Variable APR .

Foreign transaction fee: None.

Other perks:

Payments reported to three major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian), which helps you build credit.

Unlimited access to your credit score through the CreditWise tool.

Virtual card numbers from Eno , Capital One’s assistant, can be used to pay for online purchases to keep your card number secure.

A card-lock feature keeps your card safe if it is misplaced, lost or stolen.

Travel and retail benefits such as travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage coverage, 24-hour travel assistance and extended warranty protection. (Benefits may change over time.)

» MORE: Capital One credit cards mobile app review

Benefits and perks

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One requires you to have at least average credit to qualify. If you can meet that requirement, it's worth considering this card. Here's why it might be a good fit:

A potential credit line increase

If you make your payments on time, you can be automatically considered for a credit limit increase in as little as six months. Gaining more available credit may also give your credit score a boost , assuming you continue to only use a small amount of it.

A rewards boost for on-time payments

The card's baseline rewards rate is 1% cash back on all purchases, but you can earn an additional 0.25% (for a total of 1.25%) cash back in each billing cycle if your account is not past due on the last day of that cycle. That's below the industry-standard flat rate of 1.5% back , but it's still decent for a student card. If you're the type of person who always turns things in on time, from assignments to bills, this deal can help you save even more. On top of that, you can earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, the issuer's online travel-booking portal.

A credit monitoring tool

You can track your credit score with CreditWise, a free app from Capital One available for iPhone and Android devices. You’ll get unlimited access to your credit score, and you'll be notified of changes to your credit report and potential threats to your personal information. The tool alerts you when your Social Security number is used with a new name or address. It also scans the dark web and alerts you if it finds your Social Security number or email address there.

Want to travel abroad for a semester? With the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One on hand, you won't incur expensive fees tacked onto each purchase. You could save a few dollars for each transaction this way — which, over the course of a few months, could add up to hundreds. As a Visa, the card is also widely accepted abroad.

Travel and retail benefits

With 24-hour travel assistance services, you can get your card replaced if it’s lost or stolen. And the travel accident insurance covers a loss when you use your credit card to purchase your fare. You can also stress less about a rental car being stolen or damaged because the auto rental collision coverage may reimburse you if that happens. (Terms apply. Benefits may change over time.)

Drawbacks and considerations

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One might not be the best card for all students. If you have better-than-average-credit or if the card isn't a match for your spending, consider other options.

Here are a few reasons why you might consider a different credit card:

Low rewards rates

The Discover it® Student Cash Back , for example, earns 5% cash back in rotating categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases (activation required; all other purchases earn 1% back). The card also comes with free FICO scores, security alerts and no foreign transaction fees. Discover notes that there's no FICO history requirement for this card. It has a $0 annual fee.

The Citi Rewards+℠ Student Card offers an introductory 0% period for purchases — a rare benefit on a student credit card. It earns 2 ThankYou points per $1 spent at supermarkets and gas stations (on up to $6,000 spent annually) and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, all purchases are automatically rounded up to the nearest 10 points.

Traditional credit requirements

If you lack a U.S. credit history, a Social Security number or both, the Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students can be an excellent starter card. The issuer uses its own underwriting process to evaluate applications based on alternative criteria. The card earns 1% cash back on all purchases and it even offers some perks, too. It has a $0 annual fee. Terms apply.

For even more card options, take a look at NerdWallet's best-rated credit cards .

If you're building or rebuilding credit, you might be better off getting a secured credit card. These cards require a cash security deposit, which makes them easier to apply for. Capital One's secured card deserves a look because of its flexible deposit requirements.

How to decide if it's right for you

If you’re looking for high rewards rates or low interest rates, the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One may not be the best choice for you. But if you’re seeking a simple, $0 -annual-fee card that can help you build your credit and eventually qualify you for better terms, this is a very good starter card.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

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Methodology

NerdWallet reviews credit cards with an eye toward both the quantitative and qualitative features of a card. Quantitative features are those that boil down to dollars and cents, such as fees, interest rates, rewards (including earning rates and redemption values) and the cash value of benefits and perks. Qualitative factors are those that affect how easy or difficult it is for a typical cardholder to get good value from the card. They include such things as the ease of application, simplicity of the rewards structure, the likelihood of using certain features, and whether a card is well-suited to everyday use or is best reserved for specific purchases. Our star ratings serve as a general gauge of how each card compares with others in its class, but star ratings are intended to be just one consideration when a consumer is choosing a credit card. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One is a good option for those new to credit. It’s a simple $0 -annual-fee card that can help you build credit and eventually qualify for better terms. If you’re after high rewards, though, other student credit cards may be more generous.

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One helps you build credit by reporting your payments to all three credit bureaus, TransUnion, Equifax and Experian. It also incentivizes paying on time. You get 1% cash back on all purchases, plus an additional 0.25% in any month when you pay on time. That’s up to 1.25% cash back. It’s also well-equipped to travel abroad with no foreign transaction fees. It has a $0 annual fee.

You do not have to be a student to qualify for the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One .

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One offers automatic credit line reviews, which allow you to be considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months after opening your account.

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One reports payments to TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. These companies record your payment history. With on-time payments, you can have a positive impact on your credit score.

About the author s

Claire Tsosie

Melissa Lambarena

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Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

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Bottom line

The Journey Student Rewards from Capital One (No longer available) may be a decent option for students building credit who want a straightforward rewards program, but it falls short of several competing student cash back cards because of its high APR and low rewards rate.

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Intro offer

Intro offer is not available for this Capital One credit card.

Rewards Rate

Earn 1% cash back on all your purchases. Pay on time to boost your cash back to a total of 1.25% for that month

Regular APR

On This Page

What are the pros and cons?

• Current offer details
• Key cardholder perks
• Understanding the fees
• Journey Student Rewards from Capital One vs. other student cards
• Is the card worth getting?
• Frequently asked questions

Journey Student Rewards from Capital One overview

A straightforward student card like the Journey Student Rewards Card from Capital One is a fantastic way to build credit history and learn the ropes of earning rewards. The Journey Student Rewards card weighs in as a solid starter card since it’s low-maintenance, earns cash back on all purchases, rewards good credit habits and poses no extraneous fees. Plus, its security benefits and lack of foreign transaction fees make it a great study abroad companion.

However, several other student cards may have more to offer once you’re comfortable with credit, and Capital One’s new student cards deliver a ton more value for equally fresh credit builders.

You can increase your cash back rate to 1.25 percent on purchases for the month after making an on-time payment.

The card charges no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.

You’re automatically considered for a higher credit line after only six months, which is one of the quickest review periods on the market.

This card has a high ongoing APR, even for a student credit card.

The card is missing zero-interest offers and common student perks like cellphone insurance, which other Capital One student cards offer.

You only receive your boosted rewards rate after making on-time payments each month.

A deeper look into the current card offer

Quick highlights.

• Rewards rate: Unlimited 1 percent cash back on all purchases — boosted to 1.25 percent for the month when the card is paid on time, 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
• Welcome offer: N/A
• Annual fee: $0
• Purchase intro APR: N/A
• Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
• Regular APR: 29.99 percent (variable)

Rewards rate

The Journey Student Rewards card earns flat-rate cash back , meaning it earns the same rewards rate on all purchases. This rewards structure can be especially helpful for student expenses like textbooks, technology and student fees that typically aren’t bonus reward categories don’t typically cover. A flat-rate card is great for students new to credit because there are no bonus categories to track and there aren’t tiered categories, making earning rewards a simple process.

However, simplicity is not always best or the most rewarding. At its best, the Journey Student Rewards card is only a fraction better as a rewards card than some of the most basic secured cards and cards for fair credit users.

How you earn

You’ll earn 1 percent flat-rate cash back on all purchases, but that bumps up to 1.25 percent back for the month if you pay your credit card bill on time. This structure works by adding an extra 0.25 percent cash back on that billing cycle’s purchases to your rewards balance if Capital One sees that your account isn’t past due by the end of the billing period.

This rewards rate isn’t bad for a student, especially if you want simplicity, but it’s far from the best. You can get higher cash back rates if you’re willing to deal with bonus categories . 

How you redeem

Like other cash back credit cards , redeeming your rewards with the Journey card can be as simple as requesting your cash back in the form of a statement credit or a mailed check. Or, if you want to explore more redemption options, Capital One gives cardholders the chance to redeem cash back as credits for previous purchases, gift cards and checkout payments through PayPal and Amazon.com’s “Shop with Points” feature.

How much are the rewards worth?

The Journey card earns cash back, so your rewards are worth an equivalent of 1 cent or 1.25 cents per dollar, depending on the rate you qualify for – which is determined by whether you pay your bill on time or not.

Capital One’s terms on other redemption options, such as Amazon’s “Shop with Points,” state that your reward value may vary. However, basic cash back is the most versatile choice and will always keep its full value. If you want consistent, predictable rewards value, you should choose cash back.

Other cardholder perks

The Journey Student Rewards card carries extra features that are standard for other Capital One credit cards , but its student perks put it a notch above several other competitors if you’re looking for some peace of mind while shopping or traveling. 

Automatic credit line reviews

If you use your credit responsibly, you may qualify for an upgrade to a higher credit line in only six months. An increased credit limit could help you improve your credit score even faster if you keep a low credit utilization ratio .

Credit card security

Besides basic account alerts and card lock, students worried about identity theft can feel a bit safer with these features:

• CreditWise from Capital One: Cardholders can enroll for free in order to receive Experian and TransUnion credit report change alerts, as well as dark web scanning and Social Security number tracking. This level of credit monitoring means Capital One will let you know if it finds your Social Security number and other sensitive data possibly compromised on the internet.
• Virtual credit card numbers : Capital One is one of the few issuers that still offer virtual credit card numbers. Through the Capital One Eno browser extension, you can use randomly generated tokens instead of your credit card for online purchases for an added layer of security. Eno will even keep track of nicknames you give your virtual card numbers for each merchant.
• Fraud Coverage: You’re covered by $0 Fraud Liability if your card is ever lost or stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases.
• Emergency Card Services: If your credit card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency card replacement and a cash advance, subject to available credit.

Rates and fees

If you prefer a low-maintenance credit card to start with, the Journey Student Reward card doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees. However, there are no introductory APR offers in case you need to make big purchases for school or moving. Unfortunately, student credit cards usually carry high interest rates and late fees, and the Journey Student card is no different. Carrying a balance means that you could be hit with the 29.99 percent ongoing variable APR and a late payment fee up to $40.

This APR is still very high compared to other top student cards , depending on your credit score. On the bright side, the Journey card’s APR won’t change with a missed payment, since there is no penalty APR .

How the Journey Student Rewards from Capital One compares to other student cards

Overall, the Journey card provides slightly better benefits than some other cards, including Capital One’s credit line increase review at six months, but the cash back rate and practical everyday perks leave much to be desired compared to a few competing cards — even Capital One’s other student cards.

The Journey card also doesn’t waive your first late fee or offer intro zero-interest periods — key benefits other issuers may extend for students. If you’re a first-time cardholder who wants a safety net while building credit, you might want to look at alternative cards like the ones presented here:

Recommended Credit Score

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards for Students credit card

Online $200 cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs 1% cash back on all other purchases

Journey Student Rewards vs. Discover it® Student Cash Back

Rewards-wise, Discover student credit cards offer much more than the Journey Student Rewards card. The Discover it® Student Cash Back , earns higher rates of cash back on rotating bonus categories each quarter you enroll, up to a set spending cap before it drops to 1 percent. Discover also matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year with the card, maximizing its first-year value.

The Discover it® Student Cash Back is also one of your best options for a low-cost student card. The Journey Student Rewards card poses a higher-than-average variable APR, but the Discover it® Student Cash Back a much more reasonable variable APR, especially for a student card. Plus, the Discover it® Student’s intro APR offer already puts it ahead of the Journey Rewards Student card. Discover’s policy to charge no annual fee, foreign transaction fee, penalty APR or a late fee on your first late payment (up to $41 after) creates an excellent safeguard for students new to credit cards. The Journey Student Rewards card does win out if you would prefer a simpler rewards structure, even if it’s not as lucrative as what you could get out of a card with rotating bonus categories. As long as your focus is locked in on building credit and paying your balances in full every month, the Journey Student Rewards’ high APR could be a nonfactor. 

Journey Student Rewards vs. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students

Although the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card for Students’ benefits are light compared to Capital One cards, it can be a much more rewarding alternative to the Journey card in the right hands. It also comes with better interest rates and introductory APRs that can make early student life a breeze by comparison.

This Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card for Students earns impressive rates of cash back on purchases in one of six choice categories that you can swap each month based on your expected expenses. These categories include online shopping, gas, dining, travel drugstores and home improvement/furnishings. You’ll also get a competitive earning rate for purchases at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1 percent on all other purchases. The catch here is that your highest earning categories share a quarterly $2,500 spending limit for combined purchases before reverting to 1 percent. If you’d rather have higher cash back rates with some minor spending restrictions and fewer convenience features, like CreditWise and virtual account numbers, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card for Students may be the better fit for you. Still, strategizing and keeping a close eye on your monthly spending habits could be a time-consuming task for a busy student schedule. The Journey Student Rewards card keeps things simple by earning the same rate on all purchases, and you’d still have the opportunity to earn elevated rates on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal. Your final decision between these two cards could come down to time, energy, and earning value.

Best cards to pair with the Journey Student Rewards Card from Capital One

Since the Journey Student Rewards card is a flat-rate card with a low 1 percent to 1.25 percent cash back when you make an on-time payment that month, other cash back cards with higher rewards rates in your top spending categories can help maximize your rewards earnings. 

If you tend to spend money on everyday purchases, like shopping or going out with friends, the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice to pair with the Journey Student Rewards. Its unlimited 3 percent cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) will be a great fit. Plus, the SavorOne Student gives you unlimited 8 percent back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal.

Bankrate’s Take — Is the Journey Student Rewards Card from Capital One worth it?

The Journey Student Rewards Card from Capital One is an understandable option for first-time cardholders who want an easy-to-handle cash back card for every occasion. The card’s 1 percent flat cash back rate on all purchases can seem like a generous offer, especially if you’ve never earned rewards before. Plus, the card’s perks can give you peace of mind when you’re shopping or traveling.

However, the card’s high ongoing APR and relatively low rewards rate might make other student cards more valuable and accessible. Other cards — including other Capital One student cards — also offer higher rewards rates and better perks like cellphone insurance.

*All information about the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to be a student to get the journey student rewards from capital one, is the journey student rewards card a visa or mastercard, what is the journey student rewards card’s credit limit, does the journey student rewards card have foreign transaction fees, what credit score do you need for the journey student rewards card.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

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Journey student rewards from capital one review.

Students who have limited credit histories and plan to travel overseas can benefit from Capital One’s Journey Student Credit Card. It comes with no annual fee and lets you earn unlimited 1% cash back.

Updated: March 20, 2024

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About Doug Milnes, CFA

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.

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Streaming Benefit Added for New Journey Cardholders

Capital one continues supporting students in building financial independence.

October 21, 2020

MCLEAN, Va. (October 21, 2020) – Capital One is meeting the changing needs of college students by adding new benefits to the Journey Student Credit Card and providing tools to help students build financial independence. 

Introducing Journey’s New Benefits

New Journey cardholders can now earn up to $60 in streaming service subscription credit in addition to the unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase. The new streaming service credit will enable new account holders that pay on time to earn $5 per month for 12 months toward more than 25 eligible media streaming subscription services.

“Our world has changed dramatically over the past few months and has had a tremendous impact on the daily lives of students,” said Pawel Swiatek, Managing Vice President, US Card, at Capital One. “While we have long supported students through college access programs, introducing the streaming service credit and a new contactless feature that allows for ‘tap-to-pay’ on our Journey Student Card are additional ways that Capital One is evolving our products to meet the current needs of students."

Survey: Students Need Help Navigating Road to Personal, Professional and Financial Well-being

While the global pandemic is forcing most Americans to adapt to a new way of life, Capital One found students uniquely affected, personally, professionally and financially. 

According to a newly released Capital One College Student Survey: 

• Two out of three college student respondents (66%) say they feel unprepared to be financially independent without the help of their parents. 
• Seventy-four percent (74%) of college students are worried the pandemic will impact their personal growth and preparation for life on their own. 
• Seventy-three percent (73%) of student respondents are worried it will impact career prospects for years to come.

Beyond the Card: Capital One Provides Continued Support for Students

In the best of times, accessing higher education is a complicated process. Consistent with our focus on supporting students, Capital One launched First-Gen Focus , a program to help first-generation students gain greater confidence in their financial well-being, career readiness, and personal wellness. Meanwhile, the recently issued Capital One Foundation Common App Grant , provides low-income and first-generation students with free, real-time guidance to students during the college enrollment process, as well as access to one-on-one coaching through the College Advising Corps. Students can also benefit from visiting Learn & Grow , a content hub with helpful tips and resources, including information on building credit in college . 

Creating a Simple, Easy First Cardholder Experience for Students

In addition to the $60 streaming subscription credit and the unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, Journey cardholders also receive the following benefits: 

• Tap-to-pay (contactless) card feature, enabling less time spent at checkout, with a fresh new card design;
• Easily lock your card if it is lost or stolen;
• Cardholders can boost to 1.25% cash back per month (when paying on time);
• No annual or foreign transaction fees ;
• Flexible payment due dates;
• Eno : Your Capital One assistant, helps you stay in control of your account by notifying you when it catches things like duplicate or suspicious charges;
• CreditWise : Track your progress and plan ahead by getting alerts when there are meaningful changes to your TransUnion and Experian credit report, and explore the potential impact of your financial decisions before you make them with CreditWise.

Learn more about the Journey Student Credit Card from Capital One  here and Capital One’s commitment to students and community here .

About the Capital One College Student Survey 

This poll was conducted between July 21 and July 27, 2020 among a national sample of 1000 College Students (Age 18-23), 250 Parents of children (Age 18-23), 250 Parents of Students (Age 18-23) and 500 Educators / Administrators in secondary and higher education. Of the 1000 College Students (Age 18-23), 272 respondents identified as First Generation. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample of College Students (Age 18-23), Parents of children (Age 18-23), Parents of College Students (Age 18-23) and Educators based on age, gender, educational attainment, race, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Results from the First Generation subsample have a margin or error of plus or minus 6 percentage points.

About Capital One Capital One Financial Corporation ( www.capitalone.com ) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $304.2 billion in deposits and $421.3 billion in total assets as of June 30, 2020. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has branches located primarily in New York, Louisiana, Texas, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "COF" and is included in the S&P 100 index.

Visit the Capital One newsroom for more Capital One news .

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Your credit score is a number that represents a snapshot of your credit history that lenders use to help determine how likely you are to repay a loan in the future. In a typical scoring model, your score generally ranges from a low of 300 to a high of 850. The higher the credit score, the better a borrower looks to potential lenders. There are different credit scoring models which may be used by lenders and insurers.

What credit score does Chase Credit Journey use?

Credit Journey uses VantageScore 3.0 ® by Experian. Your lender (including Chase) may not use VantageScore 3.0, so don’t be surprised if your lender gives you a score that’s different from your VantageScore.

Does checking my credit score lower it?

Checking your credit score on Credit Journey does not lower your credit score. We access your credit information using a soft inquiry, also known as a soft credit check, which does not impact your score.

How do I check my credit score for free?

With Chase Credit Journey, you can check your VantageScore 3.0 ® credit score for free. You can also get alerts when there are changes to your credit report or when your personal information is exposed on the dark web or in a data breach, all at no additional cost.

What is a good score for credit?

Each lender is different, but generally speaking, if you have a score above 720, you'll have access to better borrowing rates. Scores above 800 are rated as exceptional.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey: Battle of the mid-tier travel cards

Editor's Note

When it comes to mid-tier travel cards, it's hard to beat the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . It comes with strong earning rates, a bunch of nifty benefits and a long list of valuable redemption options and transfer partners, all for an annual fee of $95.

But how does it compare to its newest competitor, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card (see rates and fees ), also with a $95 annual fee? Keep reading to find out.

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey comparison

Chase sapphire preferred vs. wells fargo autograph journey welcome offer.

The Sapphire Preferred is currently offering 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, a step up from its usual welcome offer . TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2.05 cents each, making this bonus worth around $1,537.

The Autograph Journey , meanwhile, comes with an introductory offer of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months. TPG values Wells Fargo points at 1.6 cents each, making this bonus worth $960.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. It offers 15,000 more points and more value than the Autograph Journey.

Related: This month's best welcome offers

Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey benefits

The Sapphire Preferred comes with a ton of great perks, including a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit and an account anniversary points bonus of 10% of the total purchases you made that year.

You'll also get a complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription for at least one year (activate by Dec. 31), six months of complimentary Instacart+ membership (activate by July 31) and up to $15 in Instacart statement credits each quarter through July.

The Autograph Journey , meanwhile, comes with a $50 annual statement credit for after a minimum $50 airline purchase, plus cellphone protection. There's also a new benefit called "Autograph Card Exclusives," which promises to offer access to concerts showing "big-name artists in small venues."

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. The Autograph Journey's list of perks could keep growing, but the Sapphire has it beat for now.

Related: Why the Sapphire Preferred is worth the $95 annual fee

Earning miles on the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

The Sapphire Preferred earns a hefty 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, Lyft rides (through March 2025) and Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (with a maximum earning of 25,000 total points, through March 2025).

You'll also get 3 points per dollar on dining, online groceries and select streaming purchases, as well as 2 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

With the Autograph Journey , you'll get 5 points per dollar on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airlines, 3 points per dollar on other travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. The earning rates on these cards are comparable, but because Chase points are more valuable (see below), the Sapphire Preferred has the edge.

Related: The best credit cards for each bonus category

Redeeming miles on the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Your most valuable redemption option with the Sapphire Preferred is transferring your points to any of Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners. You can also use them to book travel through Chase Travel or use Chase's Pay Yourself Back option.

Additionally, you can redeem your points for cash back or gift cards, but you'll get a lower value from your points going this route, so we recommend using your points for travel when you can.

The Autograph Journey , on the other hand, has a much smaller list of redemption options and transfer partners upon launch. It remains to be seen how these options will change, however — the issuer has promised more transfer partners will continue to be added throughout this year (more on that below).

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. This could change if the Wells Fargo program continues to expand, but for now, the Sapphire Preferred has the upper hand once again.

Related: How to redeem Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value

Transferring miles with the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Some of the most valuable transfer partners on the Sapphire Preferred include Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt.

As a budget traveler, TPG editor Emily Thompson loves transferring points to World of Hyatt and stretching them by staying at Category 1 Hyatt properties as much as possible. She also frequently transfers points to Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and gets great value by taking advantage of its frequent sales.

The Autograph Journey currently allows cardholders to transfer points to five airline programs:

• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus AerClub and Iberia Plus (all earning Avios)

You'll also be able to transfer to one hotel program, Choice Privileges.

Winner: Sapphire Preferred. Again, the current Wells Fargo transfer lineup isn't quite at Chase's level.

Related: How to use Wells Fargo Go Far Rewards points

Should I get the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Wells Fargo Autograph Journey?

If you want an established card with great benefits and redemption options, your best bet will definitely be the Sapphire Preferred . It has valuable earning rates, a long list of transfer partners and great travel benefits for just a $95 annual fee. If you want more bonus categories and believe in the growing Wells Fargo travel program, however, the newly launched Autograph Journey could be a good choice.

Bottom line

Despite their differences, both the Sapphire Preferred and Autograph Journey are excellent travel rewards cards that pack great value into their mid-tier annual fees. The Sapphire Preferred is tough for any competitor to beat, but the Autograph Journey could give it a run for its money as its list of benefits and partners continues to grow.

For additional details, read more about the Sapphire Preferred and Autograph Journey .

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred

Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Good to Excellent

Credit Recommended (670-850)

Staff Review

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

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This is to inform that by clicking on the hyperlink, you will be leaving sc.com/sg and entering a website operated by other parties.

Such links are only provided on our website for the convenience of the Client and Standard Chartered Bank does not control or endorse such websites, and is not responsible for their contents.

The use of such website is also subject to the terms of use and other terms and guidelines, if any, contained within each such website. In the event that any of the terms contained herein conflict with the terms of use or other terms and guidelines contained within any such website, then the terms of use and other terms and guidelines for such website shall prevail.

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* SingPass holders with a MyInfo profile can use MyInfo to automatically fill up the form. By clicking “Next”, you will be re-directed to the MyInfo portal, which is not owned or controlled by Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited or any member of the Standard Chartered Group (the “Bank”). The Bank bears no liability or responsibility over your usage of the MyInfo portal.

*Please note that MyInfo is temporarily unavailable at the stipulated downtimes:

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat:  5:00AM to 5:30AM. Wed: 2:00AM to 6:00AM. Sun: 2:00AM to 8:30AM

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• SC Journey Credit Card

Exclusive Promotion

Get up to 45,000 Welcome Miles 1 when you spend a minimum of S$3,000 within 2 months of your Card approval. T&Cs apply.

Choose your preferred promotion

Receive welcome gift of 10,000 miles. Annual fee of S$196.20 applies.

• FEE APPLIES FEE APPLIES

Enjoy first year annual fee waiver.

• FEE WAIVED FEE WAIVED

Earn Anything But Average Miles with the new SC Journey Credit Card

per S$1 for selected bonus categories 2

per S$1 for overseas spends

per S$1 for local spends

Exclusive Travel Benefits

Be rewarded with bonus miles.

2 Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on online transactions: transportation, grocery and food delivery merchants. Read more

Non-expiring Rewards Points

Earn rewards points that do not expire, from your first dollar spent.

Complimentary Priority Pass

Enjoy 2 complimentary visits to Priority Pass lounges around the world each year. Activate here .  Read more

Complimentary Travel Insurance

Have a peace of mind when you travel with coverage of up to S$500,000. Just charge your travel fare to your Card . Read more

Limited Period Offers

Get 45,000 welcome miles (annual fee applies).

With S$3,000 minimum spend within 2 months of Card approval and payment of first year annual fee. Read more

Get 25,000 Welcome Miles (Annual Fee Waived)

With S$3,000 minimum spend within 2 months of Card approval.   Read more

45% off MSIG TravelEasy® Insurance

• Travelling with family? Apply for MSIG Travel Easy ® here and use the first 8 digits of your Journey Card as the promo code. Read more

Journey Credit Card Features

Refer and get unlimited cashback, 360° rewards programme.

• SC Online Rewards: Redeem for e-Vouchers or KrisFlyer miles.  Read more

Live The Good Life® every day

Flexibility of redemption, sc easybill, temporary credit limit increase, credit card credit limit review, 0% interest instalment plan, popular promotions for your journey credit card.

Get up to S$50 off your next booking. Valid till 30 Jun 2024

Booking.com

Get up to 10% cashback on accommodation bookings Valid till 31 Dec 2024

Rentalcars.com

Get 10% off on car rental bookings Valid till 31 Mar 2026

Get 20% off regular-priced items Valid till 31 Dec 2024

8% off bookings at eligible hotels and more. Valid till 30 Jun 2025

• View All Promotions View All Promotions

Important Notice

Visa privileges.

Enjoy added protection and peace of mind when shopping online with your Visa Signature Credit Card.

Simply use your Visa Signature Card to pay for your online purchases where the shipping method can be tracked and be covered for possible losses.

     Up to USD$200 per claim per annum for any of the following instances:

• Non-delivery of purchased item after 30 days of scheduled delivery
• Wrong or incomplete delivery of purchased item
• Physical damage to the delivered item

Click  here for FAQs. Please note cardholder must have copy of purchase receipt, shipment tracking number and other selected details to submit a claim.

For full details of your coverage or claims submission, visit AIG Cardholder Insurance Portal at www.aig.com/visa/apac

This information is made available by AIG and its local representatives who is the insurer under the Program and neither Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited nor Visa makes any representation or warranty about its completeness or accuracy. Please visit www.aig.com/visa/apac for full details of coverage terms, including disclaimers and exclusions, or contact AIG or its local representatives via email or phone number for any queries or information.

Your Card will be governed by the “Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card Up to 45K Miles Acquisition Promotion Terms and Conditions”.

Card applications submitted from 7 August 2023 will be governed by the “Standard Chartered Journey Credit Card 45K Miles National Day Promotion Terms and Conditions”.

These are online transactions, denominated in Singapore dollars, spent in the following Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) and/or merchants.

• Transport merchants with MCCs 4111, 4121, 4411 and 4789 ( E.g.Grab , Gojek , Cabcharge Asia, Tada, Ryde Technologies, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Easybook.com )
• Grocery/food-stores with MCCs 5411, 5462, 5499 and 5921 (E.g. NTUC FairPrice Online, NTUC FairPrice app, Lazada Redmart , Watson’s Singapore and Nespresso Singapore)
• Food deliveries with MCCs 5811, 5812 and 5814 (E.g. Foodpanda , Deliveroo, McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Dominos Pizza, Chilli Api Catering and Qi Ji Catering)

Online transactions are card-not-present (CNP) transactions identified via merchant category codes (MCC). These category codes are assigned by Visa, merchants and acquiring banks (and not SCBSL) .

If the transaction doesn’t fall under the assigned category codes, it will not qualify for 3 miles bonus. The list of MCC which qualify for 3 miles bonus is available in our Journey Credit Card Terms & Conditions.

Note: Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay (mobile wallets) are not CNP transactions

You will earn a maximum of 3,000 miles (credited in equivalent 360 o Rewards Points) for bonus spend categories

Your miles will be credited as 360 o Rewards Points.

• Base 360 o Rewards Points will be credited when your eligible transaction is posted
• Bonus 360 o Rewards Points will be aggregated and credited on your statement cycle date

There is no cap. You can continue to earn 1.2 miles for every S$1 spent locally and 2.0 miles for every S$1 spent overseas.

There is no pre-registration required. Simply spend on your Journey credit card and we will credit cashback equivalent to the foreign transaction fees you have been charged. Do note that this is only valid for foreign currency transactions posted in the months of June, July, November and December 2023. Please refer to promotion terms and conditions for more information.

Yes, it will apply to both online and face-to-face foreign currency transactions posted in the months of June, July, November and December 2023.

On your Grab app, select ‘Transport’. Enter your ‘Destination’ and ‘Pick-Up’ detail’. In the field ‘Offers’, enter SCCHANGI to enjoy S$10 off your ride to-or-fro Changi Airport.

The promo codes are limited to the first 2,000 redemptions on a first-come-first-served basis from now until 31 Dec 2023. Do note that the promo code can only be redeemed once for each account, and only for Grab rides to-or-fro Changi Airport. The promo code cannot be used for Grab Hitch and Grab Coach as well. Please refer to promotion terms and conditions for more information.

Eligibility & Documents

Application eligibility.

• Aged: 21 – 65 years
• Minimum annual income: S$30,000

For Existing Standard Chartered Credit Cardholders

No documents are required.

However, if there has been a recent change to your income, please submit your updated documents for review during the application process.

For New Customers or Existing Customers with Change(s) in Income/Employment

For singpass holders applying with myinfo.

No documents are required

For salaried employees:

• Copy of NRIC (front and back)
• Latest computerised payslip  OR
• Latest 6 months’ CPF Contribution History Statement  OR
• To be considered for a higher credit limit, please submit your latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA) in addition to the above.

For self-employed

• Copy of 2 year income tax notice of assessment (must be in business for a minimum of 2 years)

For commission earner (any one from below)

• Latest 3 months payslip + Latest income tax notice of assessment
• Latest 6 months CPF contribution history statement
• Latest 3 months payslip
• Copy of 2 year income tax notice of assessment ( For 100% commission earner)
• Minimum annual income: S$60,000
• Must hold a Singapore Employment Pass

Please prepare the following:

• Copy of Passport (with at least 6 months’ validity)
• Copy of your Employment Pass (with at least 6 months’ validity)
• Any  ONE  of the following documents: (i) Latest utility bill, rates or tax bill (ii) Latest bank / credit card statement (e-Statements are accepted) (iii) Rental agreement showing your address (iv) Latest mobile phone statement or pay-TV statement (v) Letter from employer stating current address (vi) Government-issued document stating current address (e.g. IRAS, CPF, ICA)

Additional Documents:

For salaried employees/partial commission-based earners, for 100% commission-based earners.

• (i) Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA)  OR (ii) Latest 3 months of Commission Statement from same employer

For Self-employed

• Latest Income Tax Notice of Assessment (NOA)

Fees and Charges

Principal card: S$196.20 (including 9% GST) from 1 January 2024

Note:  If you have selected the “FEE WAIVED” option when applying for the card, you will receive an annual fee auto-waiver for the first year.

Effective Interest Rate (“EIR”): 27.9% per annum (minimum). If payment is not made in full by the due date, finance charges will be calculated on a daily basis at 0.076% from the respective transaction dates for all transactions to the date the payment is received.

Your cash advance fee per transaction is 8% on the Cash Advance, subject to a minimum fee of $15 plus Finance Charges at 0.082% per day on the amount withdrawn from the date of the transaction until the date of full payment.

A late payment charge of S$100 will be charged if minimum payment due is not received by the due date.

Terms & Conditions

Useful information.

• ABS Consumer Guide  for Credit Cards which contains information on understanding credit cards and credit card usage and which can be found  here
• Important Information Document  for Standard Chartered Credit Cards which contains information on all relevant interest, fees and charges and which can be found  here
• Card carrier that comes with your credit card

Credit Bureau (Singapore) Pte Ltd 2 Shenton Way #20-02 SGX Centre 1 Singapore 068804 Tel: +65 6565 6363 www.creditbureau.com.sg

*Note: The free credit report is not available for renewed or replaced cards.

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What is the best credit card for rewards in may 2024.

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Interested in adding a new tool to your financial utility belt? There are loads of rewards credit cards to choose from—but your pick will depend on your financial goals, spending habits, and credit score.

We've curated a selection of rewards credit cards, ranging from straightforward options to premium choices like metal credit cards , whether you’re simply looking for cashback or you want to book a lie-flat first class seat to Asia.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Why we like it:.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a solid flat-rate earnings card with annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee. Although the 1.5% cash back doesn’t seem impressive at first glance, it becomes more valuable when combined with other rewards cards from Chase that can be redeemed for a far greater value.

This card is recommended for everyday use, whether for doctor copays or big box store purchases. It can be a large earner for cardmembers who want to get the most out of their everyday spending.

Product details:

• INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
• Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
• No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Best rewards credit cards: Summary

Best for beginners: card_name, best for travel: card_name, best for cash back: citi custom cash® card, best for no annual fee: card_name, best for premium benefits: card_name, best for small businesses: card_name.

• Best for hotel stays: Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Best for airlines: card_name

Best for balance transfers: citi double cash® card, best for students: card_name, best for bad/no credit: card_name, best for low interest: card_name, best for visa: card_name, best for gas stations: card_name, best for points and miles: citi premier® card, best for groceries: card_name, why we recommend these rewards credit cards, chase sapphire preferred® card.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM), 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.

Welcome offer : You’ll bonus_miles_full .

Why we chose it : If you’re just starting your journey into rewards credit cards, there’s no better gateway than the card_name . There are a few reasons for this.

Most importantly, the points you earn are versatile enough to fit your goals—no matter what they are. You can cash them out at a rate of 1 cent per point; you can use them to buy travel through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate of 1.25 cents each ; you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners (like Southwest and Hyatt) for free flights and accommodations.

The card also offers bonus points for common expenses. You’ll earn:

• 5 points per dollar for travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal (and 2 points per dollar for all other travel).
• 3 points per dollar for dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases (except with Walmart, Target, and any wholesale clubs).
• 1 point per dollar for all other purchases.

Expenses like groceries, dining, and streaming likely account for the lion’s share of your monthly spending. Receiving a bonus for these purchases can translate into many tens of thousands of points each year.

The card’s annual_fees annual fee is also very accessible to those apprehensive of rewards credit cards. With ongoing benefits like top-notch travel insurance and a yearly $50 credit for prepaid hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel Portal, you’ll find the fee to be easily justified.

Learn more on our full review here .

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership , and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass(TM) Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck(R)

Why we chose it : card_name is the gold standard of travel credit cards. It doesn’t lead the industry in every category, but it’s extremely well-rounded. Yes, you’ll pay an eye-watering annual_fees fee upfront, but the card’s ongoing benefits can quickly offset that number–by a lot.

For example, you’ll receive a $300 travel credit after opening your card and each year after your account anniversary. If you routinely spend at least $300 per year on travel, this card’s annual fee effectively drops to $250.

You’ll also receive:

• The best travel insurance of any credit card on the market.
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (worth over $400 annually) and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges.
• Generous earning rates for travel and dining expenses (up to 10 points per dollar).
• Up to $100 credit toward trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS every four years (membership lasts five years).
• Two years of free Lyft Pink All Access membership, which comes with perks like discounted rides, cancellation forgiveness up to three times per month, and free Priority Pickup upgrades.

Again, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are extremely flexible. You can cash them out at a rate of 1 cent each, transfer them to airline and hotel partners for free travel, or purchase travel through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate of 1.5 cents each (0.25 cents more value than card_name cardholders will get).

Citi Custom Cash® Card

(Rates & Fees)

Welcome offer : bonus_miles_full

Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.

Why we chose it : The Citi Custom Cash® Card is one of the most effortless rewards credit cards in existence. You’ll earn 5% back (on up to $500 in spending, then 1% thereafter) in whichever eligible category you spend the most each billing cycle. This includes:

• Fitness clubs
• Home improvement stores
• Live entertainment
• Gas stations
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Select streaming services
• Select transit
• Select travel

You’ll earn 1% back on everything else.

The genius of this card is that you don’t have to select the category with which you want to earn a bonus; the card will detect your most used expense and automatically bonus it for you.

One important note is that you’re technically collecting Citi ThankYou points (Citi’s travel rewards currency) instead of cash back. You can redeem your points at a rate of 1 cent each in the form of statement credits or direct deposit, but you can also transfer them to valuable airline and hotel partners if you also hold the Citi Premier® Card or the Citi Prestige® Card (not available to new applicants). In other words, the rewards you earn with the Citi Custom Cash® Card can be worth significantly more if paired with the right credit card.

Learn more from our full review .

Welcome bonus : bonus_miles_full . Offer ending soon .

Why we chose it : The card_name offers a respectable return for all purchases.

While many cards earn a minimum of 1% back on purchases that fall outside of bonus categories, this card will provide 50% more value. You’ll even receive 5% back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Portal and 3% back for dining and drugstore purchases.

And remember, you’ll receive an increased return on all spending (up to $20,000) during your first year. That means you’re effectively getting:

• 6.5% back on travel reserved via the Chase Travel Portal
• 4.5% back on dining and at drugstores
• 3% back on all other eligible purchases

And similar to the Citi Custom Cash® Card , this card actually earns Chase’s travel rewards currency (Chase Ultimate Rewards points) instead of cash back. Here’s what that means: If you have a card like the card_name , card_name , or card_name , you can use the rewards you earn from this card for travel at an outsized value. For example, you can convert your points into airline miles or hotel points–or you can redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate between 1.25 cents and 1.5 cents (depending on which Chase Ultimate Rewards card you have).

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome offer : bonus_miles_full .

Why we chose it : The card_name is one of the shiniest, heaviest, thickest rewards credit cards you can get.

It’s got to be thick, for all the benefits crammed into it. This card comes with thousands of dollars in statement credits. And though some are admittedly quite niche, the average cardholder should easily manage to recoup the money spent on its annual_fees annual fee ( Rates & Fees ). For example, you’ll get:

• Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits.*
• Up to $200 in Uber Cash each year (distributed in monthly $15 increments and $35 in December), which can be used for rides or food via Uber Eats.*
• Up to $200 in annual credits toward prepaid hotel reservations made with The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay) or Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts.
• Up to $100 in credit for the application fee of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Up to $189 statement credit to offset CLEAR® Plus, a program that lets you cut in line at TSA checkpoints.*
• Up to $240 digital entertainment credit (up to $20 per month for eligible services).
• Up $100 in Saks credits each year.*
• $12.95 monthly statement credit to offset Walmart+ membership.*

For a frequent traveler, many of those credits can be nearly as good as cash. With little effort, you should be able to squeeze more than $700 from the above list.

But there’s more to the card_name than just statement credits. This card offers the most comprehensive airport lounge access you can find. You’ll receive Priority Pass Select membership* , access to Centurion Lounges, access to Delta Sky Clubs (when you’ve got a same-day Delta ticket), and more. You’ll also get access to the exclusive Fine Hotels & Resorts benefit, which provides elite-like benefits such as room upgrades (when available) and free breakfast when staying at fancy hotels.

The card earns Amex Membership Rewards points, some of the most valuable in the travel game. You can transfer them to 20 different airline and hotel loyalty programs. This is handy if you’re not loyal to a single brand. You can convert your rewards into British Airways Avios, Delta SkyMiles , Hilton points , and many more.

* Enrollment is required for some benefits.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

• 1.5% cash back on every business-related purchase
• 5% cash back on Lyft (through March 2025)

The card_name doesn’t offer a lot of variety in its rewards earnings (a flat 1.5% everywhere), but that’s part of its charm. Those who find bonus categories appealing should stay away, but anyone valuing simplicity has found their new daily driver. A minimum of 1.5% back on everything is above average.

Why we chose it : The annual_fees annual fee card_name doesn’t earn the most rewards of any small business card out there. But it does something that most others don’t: It earns a flat 1.5% back on all purchases. If the bulk of your small business spending falls into categories outside shipping, online advertising, computer hardware, etc., the card_name is a great option for you.

While this card is marketed to be a cash back credit card, it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. And as with its sibling, the card_name , you can receive outsized value for your rewards if you’ve got either the card_name , card_name , or card_name . Holding one of these cards unlocks the ability to convert your rewards into Southwest Airlines miles , United miles , and more.

One great benefit that this card offers which is virtually nonexistent on no-annual-fee credit cards is primary rental car insurance. This will save you from paying the exorbitant daily fee for the privilege of being covered by the rental agency’s in-house insurance. The only catch is that you must be renting the car for business purposes.

Best for hotel stays: card_name

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Why we chose it : The card_name may be the best deal in the credit card world. Even if you only stay at a hotel once or twice per year, this card’s annual_fees annual fee could be worth it.

Here’s a quick rundown of Hilton-specific benefits:

• Automatic top-tier Diamond elite status, which includes perks like suite upgrades when available, free breakfast (or food vouchers) at the majority of Hilton hotels, 100% bonus points, etc.
• Annual free night certificate worth up to 150,000 points, valid at (nearly) every Hilton hotel.
• A second free night certificate of equal value after spending $60,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
• Up to $250 in credits at Hilton resorts to be used toward room rate, food, spa, etc.

The 150,000-point certificate alone is enough to offset the card’s annual fee, depending on where you use it. I used a free night certificate at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives earlier this year for a room that otherwise cost more than $2,000 per night.

This card also comes with a few dynamite non-Hilton benefits, including Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (worth more than $400 per year) * and up to $250 in airline incidental credits each calendar year. *

United℠ Explorer Card

Why we chose it : The card_name is a jack of all trades for those desirous to upgrade their travel experience, both on the ground and in the air.

The card begins enhancing your travel before you even leave the house. Cardholders get more access to United’s “Saver” award seats (the cheapest ones) than those without the card. This perk is otherwise reserved for those with elite status, and it can potentially save you many tens of thousands of miles during a single trip.

The card even comes with one free checked bag for you and a companion on your reservation. You must pay with the card to receive this benefit. Checked bags cost $30 each way, meaning you and a travel buddy could save up to $120 per round-trip.

You’ll receive up to $100 in credits to reimburse you for the application fee of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck , or NEXUS. These programs offer varying degrees of expedited airport security. All three allow you to speed through TSA security checkpoints without removing your shoes or jacket. You even get to keep your laptop in your bag.

Once inside security, you can use the card’s two annual United Club one-time passes to enter a United Club lounge when traveling on United Airlines (or a partner).

The card confers preferred boarding, too. This means you’ll be one of the first to board—guaranteeing you’ll have plenty of overhead bin space for your carry-on. And once the plane is in the air, you’ll get 25% back on any inflight purchases as long as you pay with your card.

You’ll also be privy to plenty of other worthwhile benefits, including excellent travel insurance and primary rental car insurance. Not bad for a card that charges a annual_fees .

Citi Double Cash® Card

Why we chose it : There are other credit cards that offer a longer 0% intro APR window than the Citi Double Cash® Card . However, those other cards become all but useless after that window closes. They don’t collect rewards, and have virtually no useful ongoing benefits.

The $0 (Rates & Fees) annual fee gives you an excellent balance of lengthy 0% APR terms (no interest for 18 months on balance transfers followed by reg_apr,reg_apr_type ) and return rate. You’ll earn 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay off your purchase—effectively 2% back on all purchases.

Even better, this card earns Citi ThankYou points (which can be redeemed at 1 cent per point) instead of cash. That means if you’ve got either the Citi Premier or Citi Prestige, you can convert your rewards into airline and hotel rewards currencies like Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, and Wyndham.

Learn more from our full review here .

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why we chose it : The annual_fees annual fee card_name isn’t just the best student credit card; it’s also one of the best cash back credit cards in general.

Take a look at its almost unbelievable earning rate:

• 10% cash back for Uber & Uber Eats purchases (through Nov. 14, 2024).
• 8% cash back via Capital One Entertainment.
• 5% cash back for hotel stays and car rentals reserved through Capital One Travel.
• 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores (not including Target or Walmart), entertainment and popular streaming services.
• 1% cash back for all other eligible purchases.

That’s a wild combination of bonus categories that could capture much of your spending. To boot, the card offers waived foreign transaction fees and statement credits to reimburse the cost of Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024.

To open a Capital One student credit card, you must be enrolled in a higher education institution (think an accredited university or community college)—or at the very least admitted with intent to enroll within the next three months.

Once you’ve built the credit necessary to open one of Capital One’s travel credit cards, such as the card_name , you can even turn your cash back into Capital One miles at a rate of 1 point per cent. You can then transfer these points to airline and hotel partners such as Singapore Airlines, Avianca, and Choice Privileges for free travel.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer : This card does not currently offer a bonus.

Why we chose it : If you’re hunting for a credit card that’ll help you build credit, earning rewards shouldn’t be your main concern. The charm of a starter credit card is that those with poor (or zero) credit can be approved. It’s only a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

Many starter credit cards don’t earn anything from spending. But there are a few exceptions—the card_name being the best fit for most. It earns:

• 5% back for hotel stays and rental cars reserved through Capital One Travel
• 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases.

The card does charge a annual_fees annual fee which will eat into your yearly return. But you’ll also benefit from the card’s ongoing benefits such as waived foreign transaction fees and up to six months of free Uber One membership (promo ends Nov. 14, 2024).

The card also reviews your credit usage and considers you for an automatic credit line increase in as little as six months.

You can convert the cash back you earn with this card into Capital One miles , which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for free travel. But to do it, you must also hold a Capital One miles-earning credit card such as the card_name .

Capital One® SavorOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why we chose it : Admittedly, there are credit cards with lower interest rates than the card_name . But for a balance of ongoing benefits and a reasonable APR, it’s the best choice.

Many rewards credit cards don’t offer an interest rate below 20%. This card comes with a reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR, depending on your creditworthiness. Just realize that APR only triggers if you fail to pay your full statement balance each month. If you’re not carrying a balance, it won’t affect you at all. In fact, if you’re worried about high interest rates, you probably shouldn’t be using credit cards.

The card_name provides a return rate that outpaces most other credit cards:

• 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (through Nov. 14, 2024).
• 8% back for Capital One Entertainment purchases.
• 5% back on hotels and rental cars reserved through Capital One Travel.
• 3% back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, and for grocery store purchases (except at Walmart and Target).
• 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

The card offers free Uber One membership in the form of monthly statement credits through Nov. 14, 2024.

As with the card_name , this earns cash back that you can convert into travel rewards–but you must also have a card that earns Capital One miles (such as the card_name ). You can then transfer your rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs that partner with Capital One.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Why we chose it : There are a lot of Visa credit cards out there. If you’re looking for the absolute best, you’ll have to pay for it. The annual_fees annual fee card_name is a Visa Infinite credit card– the highest-tier Visa card you can get.

This particular Visa Infinite card comes with:

• Higher-octane travel insurance than almost any other credit card.
• $300 in annual travel credit when booking airfare, hotels, and more through Capital One Travel.
• 10,000 bonus Capital One miles each year (worth at least $100 in travel).
• Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges between Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One Lounges.

As you can see, this card justifies its annual fee better than just about any other Visa card out there.

Its earning rates are noteworthy, too. You’ll earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on airfare booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

You can use Capital One miles for free flights and hotel stays by transferring to partners such as Avianca, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. With some strategy, it’s possible to get well over 2 cents per point in value with partners like these.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Why we chose it : The card_name earns 4% back on spending at both gas stations and EV charging stations around the world, up to $7,000 in spending per year (then 1%). Whether you fill up at Costco or somewhere else, you’ll get 4%. The only exception is gas purchased at a supermarket, superstore, convenience store, or warehouse club (except Costco). For these purchases, you’ll get just 1% back.

The annual_fees annual fee is valuable for other spending, too:

• 3% cash back with restaurants.
• 3% cash back for eligible travel purchases worldwide.
• 2% cash back for all other purchases from Costco (in-store and online).
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Here’s the catch: You can’t redeem your cash back throughout the year as you can with other cards. Once per year, after your February closing date, you’ll have the option to receive a lump sum of cash or spend it on merchandise in-store at Costco U.S. warehouses.

Citi Premier® Card

Why we chose it : Whether you’re trying to earn hotel points or airline miles, you need a card that does two things:

• Earns flexible rewards that can transfer to multiple different airline and hotel loyalty programs. This way, you don’t pigeon-hole yourself into a single program. You can convert your rewards into the currency that best suits each travel situation.
• Earns bonus points for everyday spending.

The $95 (Rates & Fees) annual fee does both of these things very, very well. You’ll earn:

• 3 points per dollar on travel and hotels.
• 3 points per dollar on gas stations.
• 3 points per dollar at restaurants.
• 3 points per dollar at supermarkets.
• 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases

That covers the bases for most cardholders. You can get 3x points on nearly everything. And you can convert these points to 16 airline and hotel currencies including Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, and Wyndham. If you know how to wield them, you could receive a value around 2 cents per point (or more).

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Why we chose it : When it comes to groceries , no other credit card offers a comparable return to the card_name . You’ll receive 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%). The only caveat is that not all stores that sell groceries are considered supermarkets. Superstores, convenience stores, warehouse clubs, and meal-kit delivery services will not qualify for this 6% bonus.

If you were to max out this card’s bonus potential at supermarkets, you’d earn $360 in cash back each year. However, the card charges a annual_fees ( Rates & Fees ). Keep that in mind when tallying up your yearly earnings.

The card_name also earns:

• 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% back at U.S. gas stations (you’ll earn 1% back at superstores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline).
• 3% back on transit.
• 1% back on all other purchases.

This card even comes with two monthly statement credits: A $7 credit to reimburse a subscription to the Disney Bundle costing $12.99 or more per month, and a $10 credit toward the Equinox fitness app, Equinox+ (which costs $40 per month). Enrollment is required for both of these benefits.

Best rewards credit cards comparison chart

Our methodology.

When selecting the top rewards credit cards, we first identified the most popular credit card categories:

• No annual fee.
• Premium benefits.
• Small business.
• Balance transfer.
• Bad/no credit.
• Low interest.
• Points and miles.

In each of these categories, we weighed the highest-performing options against each other to determine which products offered the best mix of return rate, welcome bonus, ongoing benefits, and annual fee. If you’re searching for a credit card in any of the above categories, the best card for you is almost certainly on our list.

Who should apply for a rewards credit card?

We generally recommend anyone with a credit score below 700 not apply for rewards credit cards. There are two reasons:

• While it is possible to open a credit card with a sub-700 credit score, your chances of approval aren’t nearly as high.
• If your credit score is below 700, you may not yet have demonstrated to yourself a streak of healthy credit habits that indicate you’re ready for a rewards credit card with sky-high interest rates. Rewards credit cards can be dangerous if they’re used carelessly.

All this to say, if you’ve got a good history with credit and you’re confident you won’t spend beyond your means, you should absolutely open a rewards credit card. Any money you spend that doesn’t offer some sort of return is equivalent to flushing money down the commode.

How to compare rewards credit cards and select the best one for you

To choose the perfect credit card for your situation, there are four big factors to consider.

Pinpoint your goals

Don’t open the first credit card that comes along with an alluring welcome bonus. Figure out what you want it to accomplish for you.

Is your primary goal to earn cash back? Do you want to travel to Europe for pennies on the dollar? Do you have a small business with expenses that you want to sequester from your personal expenses? Do you simply want to build credit? No matter the answer, there’s a credit card specifically tailored for you.

Assess your spending habits

You’d be astounded by how quickly you can rack up credit card rewards due to bonus spending categories. Examine your spending to identify the things you spend most on and then open a card that complements those expenses.

If the majority of your monthly spending is restaurants and gas stations, open a card that offers bonus points for those categories. If you spend a lot on utilities and groceries, open a card that earns bonus rewards for those categories. If your spending is all over the place, open a card that earns a respectable flat rate on all purchases.

Weigh the annual fee

Even if your points earning is gangbusters, it hardly matters if it’s negated by an annual fee.If you’re opening a credit card with an annual fee, make sure you can organically use the card’s ongoing benefits to offset that fee.

For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card incurs a $395 annual fee. But it also comes with:

• Up to $300 in annual credit for travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
• 10,000 bonus Capital One miles after each account anniversary (worth at least $100 in travel).
• Airport lounge access worth over $400 per year (Priority Pass Select membership and Capital One lounge access).
• Excellent travel insurance.

If you regularly spend at least $400 per year on travel, you can quite effortlessly negate the Capital One Venture X annual fee. Then you can enjoy the card’s other benefits and earning rates for effectively zero cost.

Submit realistic applications

If your credit score is in the low 500s, applying for a premium rewards credit card will all but guarantee a rejection letter. Don’t apply outside your league; instead, spend time cultivating your credit score and wait to apply for that tantalizing stainless steel card a little later.

Alternatives to rewards credit cards

There are more ways than just credit cards to earn rewards.

For example, some debit cards give you the ability to earn cash back for your spending (though you’ll have a tough time finding anything more generous than 1%). If you’re not ready to enter the world of credit just yet, a rewards debit card can be a good substitute.

Alternatively, you could open a high yield checking and/ or savings account . It’s not difficult to receive as much as 4% APY just for parking your money in the right account. You can even earn travel rewards with Bask Bank, which awards American Airlines miles instead of cash back.

Finally, you can search for banks that are offering welcome bonuses for opening checking or savings accounts and completing various steps. You’ll occasionally stumble upon a bonus of several hundred dollars.

TIME Stamp: Choose a card that fits your lifestyle

The right rewards credit card can mean the difference between a Red Roof Inn and a five-star hotel on your next vacation. It can also mean hundreds of dollars in cash back each year. Other perks can include free grocery delivery, discounts with your favorite restaurants, exclusive access to sought-after music and sports events, and more.

Your credit card will work the hardest if you open one that fits perfectly with your lifestyle. For example, it rewards you for your everyday spending. And its statement credits reimburse you for purchases you planned to make, anyway.

For rates and fees of the card_name , please visit this URL .

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Pros and cons of rewards credit cards.

Rewards credit cards are an easy way to earn cash back or travel rewards. They often come with enormous welcome bonuses. And it’s not difficult to earn hundreds of dollars simply by optimizing your credit card strategy to match your spending.

The big downside of rewards credit cards is their offensively high APR. By carrying a balance month-to-month, you could quite easily negate any rewards you earn on spending. And if you let your balances get out of control, your cards can become extremely difficult to pay off.

Do credit card rewards expire?

Credit card rewards such as cash back, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles don’t expire as long as you hold a card that earns these points.

However, cards that accrue airline miles or hotel points may expire, depending on the loyalty program. For example, Hilton Honors points expire after 24 consecutive months with no account activity. But you can extend this expiration simply by swiping your Hilton card and earning even a single point every 24 months.

Are credit card rewards taxable?

In general, credit card rewards aren’t taxable. They’re considered a rebate instead of income.

But there are known to be exceptions. For example, if you refer a friend to a credit card and receive rewards, the IRS will likely send you a 1099-MISC form.

On the other hand, some credit cards can also be valuable tools for those who prepare their own tax services , helping them save more money during tax season.

What are the most popular rewards programs?

Cash back is far and away the most popular rewards “program.”

For those interested in free travel, the most popular rewards programs are Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, and Capital One miles. These programs allow you to convert your points to many different airline and hotel programs. That’s great if you’re not sure what your upcoming travel plans will entail.

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• Key Features
• How Credit Karma Credit Builder Works
• User Experiences and Reviews

Who Is Credit Karma Credit Builder For?

Comparing to other credit building tools, credit karma credit builder review 2024.

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Introduction to Credit Karma

Operating since 2007, Credit Karma provides free credit analysis and financial literacy and management tools to clients online. Based in Oakland, California, the company claims over 130 million members in the United States, Canada, and United Kingdom. While best known for offering free credit scores , Credit Karma's services extend through its partnerships to identity monitoring, credit cards, insurance, banking, and credit building.

The qualification requirements for the Credit Karma Credit Builder account are mostly straightforward. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid United States address and Social Security number. The one uncommon requirement is that only applicants with TransUnion credit scores below 619 are eligible, since in that case your score is high enough that the Credit Builder may not improve it. There are no minimum credit or income requirements, and applying won't result in a hard inquiry on your credit report.

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No interest or fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can skip up to two months
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Reports to all three bureaus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Flexible payments
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Poor customer service
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Maximum credit score requirements
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Deposited money is locked in account until you save $500

Credit Karma Credit Builder Details

Credit Karma Credit Builder is a credit builder tool that helps you build credit by impacting some of the largest factors in determining your credit score: payment history, credit utilization, age and type of credit, and balances. Credit Builder utilizes a revolving Line of Credit to help you save money. Every payment you make to pay off the balance on your line of credit is reported as an on-time payment to the credit bureaus.

If you have a limited or negative credit history, Credit Karma's Credit Builder account can help you establish or repair your credit when you make consistent, on-time payments. The account doesn't require a credit check for approval and has no fees or interest charge, making it an inexpensive and accessible option compared to the best credit builder loans .

However, you'll need to be comfortable locking up your funds until you reach the savings threshold. Read on to see whether Credit Karma's Credit builder account is a good fit for you.

Key Features of Credit Karma Credit Builder

There is no credit check required for signup. No worries about a hard inquiry on your credit report. You only need to be 18 or older with a valid Social Security number and United States address. 

Credit Karma reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) and with continuous reporting of on-time payments, on-time payments make up 35% of your credit score, you will see improvement in your credit score over time.

There is also a user-friendly app for credit monitoring. If you wanted to you could check your credit score daily through the use of the Credit Karma app. Users are encouraged to use the app to monitor their financial progress and the app is free to download on your IOS or Android device. 

How Credit Karma Works

Setting up an account and starting your credit journey.

To open a Credit Builder account, you'll first need to enroll in a Credit Karma Money Spend Account . This online checking account is serviced by MVB Bank instead of Credit Karma itself, but it has no fees, offers a debit card that earns cash back rewards, and is FDIC-insured . You don't have to use the checking account; you just need to open it in order to proceed. Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements, you can then enroll in the Credit Builder.

Upon enrollment, Credit Karma will open a Credit Builder Savings account and a line of credit in your name. Once again, both accounts are serviced externally, this time by Cross River Bank. Each month, you can transfer funds (automatically or manually) from your line of credit to your Credit Builder savings account. You can transfer any amount from $10 up to your entire line of credit, though you won't build credit faster by transferring larger amounts. You can also elect not to transfer for up to two months, but you must initiate a transfer at least once every three months to keep your account active.

The process of building credit with Credit Karma

When your monthly statement closes, you'll repay the amount you transferred from your line of credit into savings. That on-time payment is reported to the three major credit bureaus , which adds positive data points to your credit history and can improve your credit score over time. You'll also benefit from the line of credit increasing your reported credit limit . However, Credit Karma does not guarantee that using the Credit Builder account will improve your credit .

When the balance in your savings account reaches $500, you can transfer it to your Credit Karma Money Spend account. While leaving that savings with Credit Karma is an option, you're better off transferring it elsewhere, since the Credit Karma Money Spend account does not earn interest. You can continue this cycle indefinitely to continue building credit , or you can close your Credit Builder account at any time with no fee.

Benefits of Using Credit Karma Credit Builder

Credit Karma offers an affordable and flexible way to build credit, but you'll need to be comfortable parking your funds for a while, and the company comes up short in the customer service department.

Credit Karma Credit Builder Pros

• No fees — The Credit Karma Credit Builder has no setup fees, no monthly fees, and no interest charges. The opportunity to build credit at no cost creates a massive advantage over competing products
• Flexible payments — You decide how much you contribute to your Credit Builder each month, even if it's nothing. That flexibility is helpful if you're on a tight budget and don't want to be locked into monthly payments.
• Reporting to all three credit bureaus — Credit Karma reports your payments to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), so you can improve your credit score across the board.

Credit Karma Credit Builder Cons

• Payout threshold on savings — Contributions to your Credit Karma Credit Builder savings account are locked until they total $500. You may be able to access those funds earlier by calling Credit Karma (or by closing your account). Otherwise, you'll need to plan on being without that money until you hit the threshold.
• Abysmal customer service — Credit Karma's customer service was contacted multiple times during the writing of this review, and the experience substantiated the extensive negative feedback the company has received from customers. Obtaining basic information about Credit Builder accounts required multiple contacts by phone and online.
• Maximum credit score requirements — Unlike most credit products that require a minimum credit score for eligibility, Credit Karma requires your credit score be under 619 to apply.

Credit Karma User Experiences and Reviews

Credit Karma has received largely negative reviews online, The company has a Trustpilot rating of 1.5 stars out of five based on over 550 reviews, of which 57% are only one star. Credit Karma's Better Business Bureau profile has a rating of 1.14 stars out of five based on over 275 reviews, and shows over 2,200 complaints filed in the past three years and nearly 900 in the past 12 months. 

Common complaints from Credit Karma users include IT problems; frozen accounts (without cause or notice); and low-quality, unresponsive customer service. While this feedback pertains to Credit Karma generally and is not specific to the Credit Builder account, the extent of negative reviews is noteworthy.

Credit Karma's Credit Builder account is a useful option for anyone with limited or negative credit history who is looking to build (or rebuild) their credit profile. Unlike most credit builder loans, there are no fees or interest charges and no term limit, so you can continue using it at no cost as long as it has a positive impact on your credit score.

Also unlike other credit builder loans , Credit Karma is a viable solution even if you can't commit to making monthly payments. Once you transfer funds to your Credit Builder savings account, you'll need to pay off your line of credit on time and in full. Late or delinquent payments may be detrimental to your credit, defeating the purpose of opening the account in the first place. However, you don't have to initiate that transfer every month if your funds are needed elsewhere

While Credit Karma's credit builder loan can improve your credit score, it doesn't have to be exclusive. You should also explore other ways to build and repair credit, such as rent reporting or a secured credit card . Many of the best secured credit cards allow you to earn rewards on purchases, but require a hard credit check. 

Credit Karma Credit Builder vs. MoneyLion Credit Builder

The Credit Builder Plus package with MoneyLion is a good alternative to Credit Karma. It reports positive payment history to all three credit bureaus, but where it will differ is the cost, MoneyLion has a monthly fee ($19.99) in addition to the monthly payment for the loan, which together can make MoneyLion much more expensive than Credit Karma. 

Read our MoneyLion Credit Builder review to learn more.

Credit Karma Credit Builder vs. Kikoff Credit Builder

Kikoff is an online lender that offers a revolving line of credit of up to $500 to help users improve their credit score. You can use the line of credit to make purchases, but only in Kikoff's online store. Kikoff only reports to two credit bureaus (Experian and Equifax), while Credit Karma reports to all three. There is also a monthly fee of $2 each month while Credit Karma has no monthly fees. 

Read our Kikoff Credit Builder review to learn more.

Credit Karma Credit Builder Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Your regular on-time payments will be reported to the credit bureaus, building positive credit history, which can  impact your credit score over time.

Credit Karma's Credit Builder account has no fees or interest charges, making it a good fit for anyone looking to build credit by establishing a track record of on-time payments without going into debt. 

Credit Karma's only credit requirement is that if you do have credit history or a credit score, that the credit score be below 619. Reason being that if you have a credit score of 619 0r above, your score is high enough that the credit builder may not improve it. 

The Credit Builder savings account, line of credit, and Credit Karma Money Spend account are all administered by FDIC-insured banks. While Credit Karma itself is not insured or accredited, the funds in your Credit Builder account are protected.

Yes. You have to commit to making all payments on time, or late and delinquent payments can negatively impact your credit score.

Credit Karma doesn't check your credit when you apply for a Credit Builder account. As long as you meet the other eligibility requirements, you can be approved even with bad credit .

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

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