Alright, credit card enthusiasts, let’s clear up the confusion and find out which card is best for those with a good credit score. If you’ve been wondering, “When is the best time to apply for a credit card?” or “What is the best credit score to have?” you’re in the right place. Stick with us as we breakdown some of the best credit cards for good credit so you can make an informed choice.
MoneyLion can help you discover some of the best credit cards for good credit, tailored to maximize your rewards and benefits.
8 Best credit cards for good credit
So you’ve got a good credit score — congratulations, you’re in the big leagues! Here are the top picks for the best credit cards for good credit that’ll have you reap the rewards in no time.
1. Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is your go-to for cash back on every purchase. It’s like getting a little kickback every time you swipe. You earn a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. Plus, there’s a sweet intro APR and a nifty bonus to get you started.
| Credit score needed: 690-850 | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
| Intro bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater |
| Regular APR: 20.49% — 29.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
2. Best for travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Planning your next getaway? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card will help you rack up miles faster than you can say “Bon voyage.” You get 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it a fantastic choice for frequent travelers. The generous intro bonus can cover a significant part of your trip expenses.
| Credit score needed: 700-850 | Purchases intro APR: N/A |
| Intro bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $95 | Balance transfer fee: $0 at the regular APR |
| Regular APR: 19.99% — 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
3. Best for balance transfers: Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card
Got high-interest debt? The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card is here to save the day with its unbeatable balance transfer offer. It offers one of the longest 0% APR periods on balance transfers, giving ample time to pay down your debt without interest piling up.
| Credit score needed: 700-850 | Purchases intro APR:0% for 12 months |
| Intro bonus: N/A | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Regular APR: 18.24%- 28.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
4. Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a foodie or entertainment junkie, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card serves up sweet rewards for every bite and show. Earn 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases. It’s perfect for those who love eating out and hitting the latest concerts.
| Credit score needed: 700-850 | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
| Intro bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first three months | Cash advance fee: $10 or 3%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $0 |
| Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
5. Best for low interest: U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Looking for low interest? The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card is the low-APR hero you’ve been searching for. With an impressively long 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers, it’s ideal for those looking to save on interest and pay off balances over time.
| Credit score needed: 690-850 | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 21 billing cycles |
| Intro bonus: N/A | Cash advance fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% |
| Regular APR: 18.74%-29.74% variable | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
6. Best for rotating categories: Discover it® Cash Back
For those who love keeping things fresh, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories like gas stations, restaurants, and Amazon.com, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, making it a rewarding option for strategic spenders.
| Credit score needed: 690-850 | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
| Intro bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee:$0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% |
| Regular APR: 18.24% — 28.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
7. Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
Students, this one’s for you. The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is a fantastic starter card with rewards to boot. You get 5% cash back in rotating categories, just like the regular Discover it® Cash Back card, and an intro APR period perfect for managing school expenses.
| Credit score needed: Fair to good (580-740) | Purchases intro APR: 0% for six months |
| Intro bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of your first year | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: 3% |
| Regular APR: 18.24% — 27.24% variable | Foreign transaction fee: None |
8. Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card
Hate annual fees? The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card gives you stellar cash back without the yearly charge. Earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, with no categories to worry about, and enjoy a generous intro APR period.
| Credit score needed: 700-850 | Purchases intro APR: 0% for 15 months |
| Intro bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first three months plus unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases | Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Annual fee: $0 | Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3%, whichever is greater |
| Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% | Foreign transaction fee: 3% |
What is considered good credit?
In FICO scores, good credit falls between 700 and 799. If you’re in this range, congrats! You’ve got the green light for some pretty sweet credit card deals.
How to get good credit
Getting good credit doesn’t have to be a herculean task. Here’s how to climb the credit ladder:
- Pay your bills on time: Late payments are credit score kryptonite.
- Keep your credit utilization low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit.
- Don’t close old accounts: The length of your credit history matters.
- Check your credit report: Errors can drag your score down, so dispute inaccuracies.
Considering a way to build your credit? MoneyLion offers a free and convenient way to find offers from our trusted partners to help you improve your credit — such as credit monitoring, credit report disputes, and getting credit by paying bills. A good credit score can lead to lower interest rates and increased borrowing power on loans and credit cards.
What benefits can you get from cards for good credit?
When your credit score is solid, you gain access to credit cards with better perks, lower costs, and more flexibility. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits you can enjoy:
- Lower interest rates: A good credit score usually means snagging credit cards with lower APRs, which helps you save money on any balances you carry.
- Reduced fees: High credit scores often unlock cards with fewer fees keeping more money in your wallet.
- Premium perks: With good credit, you qualify for cards offering perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties. These extras can really come in handy.
- Better rewards: Whether it’s cash back, travel miles, or points, good credit opens the door to cards with more generous rewards. You’re essentially getting paid back for your everyday spending.
How to compare credit cards
To make an effective comparison:
- Determine your spending habits and financial goals: Know what you want from your card.
- Use online comparison tools: View multiple offers side-by-side to see which fits best.
- Read the fine print carefully: Pay close attention to rewards, fees, and APRs.
- Consider how each card aligns with your lifestyle: Choose a card that matches your spending patterns.
How to get approved for a credit card
Follow these steps to improve your odds:
- Know your credit score: Before applying, check your credit score. Knowing where you stand can help you target cards that match your credit profile, whether you’re aiming for a beginner card or a top-tier rewards option.
- Pay down existing debt: A high debt-to-income ratio can be a red flag for lenders. If you’ve got outstanding balances, work on reducing them to show you can handle additional credit responsibly.
- Keep your application clean and accurate: Typos, incorrect income details, or outdated information can lead to instant rejections. Double-check every field before submitting your application.
- Don’t apply for multiple cards at once: Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit, which can temporarily lower your score. Be strategic and apply for cards you’re most likely to get approved for, rather than casting a wide net.
- Show consistent income: Lenders want to see that you can pay back what you borrow. Having a steady income stream, even if it’s from multiple sources, can boost your approval odds.
Maximize your good credit
With a solid credit score, you’re in a prime position to choose a credit card that truly fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel perks, or low interest rates, the right card can unlock valuable benefits. By leveraging your good credit, you can access better rewards, save on fees, and enjoy premium perks that make every swipe work harder for you. So take the time to find the card that aligns with your goals, it’s one of the easiest ways to make your good credit work even better for you.
FAQs
What types of travel perks are available with good credit cards?
Good credit cards offer travel perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, airport lounge access, and travel insurance. These perks can make your trips smoother and more enjoyable.
What kind of sign-up bonuses are typically offered for good credit cards?
Sign-up bonuses for good credit cards can include cash back, reward points, or miles. These bonuses often require spending a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account.
How quickly can I be approved for a credit card if I have good credit?
Approval times can vary, but you could be approved instantly or within a few days with good credit. Some issuers may require additional verification, but generally, good credit speeds up the process.
