Updated: August 4, 2016
Now is the perfect time to assess your situation credit card and enjoy the fantastic deals available. In the past year, credit card issuers have presented some of the best benefits that we've ever seen, including massive introductory bonus (up to $ 625!), 21 month 0% intro APRs and other generous ongoing rewards to potential customers. Get the right card can not only help you save money in interest charges, but it can also save you many rewards in equal cash in your wallet. It makes sense to take a look at what is out there, but with all the cards on the market it can be difficult to restrict the search to the map you need. We studied all the major credit cards available, and determined the best credit cards for 2016. Our list of categories is below.
Best Cash Back Card: Blue Cash Card from American Express preferred
Our cash back card champion analysis, Preferred Blue Cash card from American Express (a advertiser NextAdvisor) begins with a generous bonus $ 150 intro after you spend $ 1,000 in the first 3 months. You will also receive a huge cash 6% return in supermarkets (a maximum of $ 6K purchases per year), 5% back on eligible travel in the first 6 months of ownership of the card (up to $ 200 return), 3% back at gas stations, 3% back at some department stores like Macy's, Kohl's and Sears, and 1% back on everything else. The more 12 months 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (note the balance transfer fee is 3%), which can help pay for purchases without interest over a year. There is an annual fee of $ 95, but if you spend most of your money on groceries and gas, you'll win more new every year. Or if you prefer a card with a cash back single rate for all, take a look at Citi Cash Card Double -. BT offers 18 months that provides an effective 2% cash back across the board
Best Intro Bonus Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Do not bury their heads here. Chase Sapphire Preferred offers incredible introductory bonus 50,000 points - equal to $ 625 in travel or $ 500 cash back - after spending $ 4,000 within the first 3 months. It's a pretty terrible intro bonus! You will also have 2 points per dollar on travel and eating in restaurants and 1 point per dollar on everything else. The beauty of this card is in the flexibility of the point. You can use them for travel, cash back, meals, or even transfer them to a free 1: 1 value to other frequent travel programs. Moreover there are no foreign transaction fees. Although there is an annual fee of $ 95 is waived the first year.
The best balance transfer card: Chase Slate
If you are carrying balances on high interest credit cards, moving them to Chase Slate might make you save money. This is the only major map that we know to offer the combination of no fee balance transfer and a long 0% introductory April so when you move your balance over the first 60 days you do not pay a dime. With 15 months 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases, you can consolidate your other balances on the card and not pay any interest until 2017. In addition, the card is available for those with good (rather than "excellent") credit, so if you have an above 670 credit score, your chances are pretty good. All this, and there is no annual fee to worry.
The best low card in April Citi favorite Diamond
with the longest introductory period 0% APR we have ever found, Citi preferred Diamant (a NextAdvisor seller) is our top-rated Low card in April with a 21 months 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases you will sail away in 2017 without interest, giving you plenty of time to help pay your balance. There is a 3% balance transfer fee, but depending on your situation the tax could be worth it. To be sure check out our free balance transfer calculator, or take a look at the Chase Slate mentioned above that not charging balance transfer fees for transfers made within the first 60 days. Citi Diamond Preferred also provides benefits such as access to special events, staff and extended warranty Concierge Service. Also there is no annual fee.
The best card for a good (but not great) Credit: Chase Freedom
If you have some dings your credit report and are not eligible for cards that require great credit, Chase Freedom is a smart choice. Designed for those with just good credit (generally considered a credit score above 670), this card begins with a bonus $ 150 after spending $ 500 within the first 3 months - equal 30% return on the first $ 500 you spend! Additionally, you earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate every quarter and 1% back on everything else. Add to that a 15 months 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (there are 5% balance transfer fee) and no annual fee, and you are a smart choice.
The best travel card: Barclaycard arrival more World Elite MasterCard
The winner in our annual analysis of credit card travel rewards, Barclaycard arrival more World Elite MasterCard offers generous rewards and great redemption flexibility. You will earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $ 3,000 within the first 3 months, equal to a bonus $ 420 - if you choose to use it on travel or cash back. In addition, you earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. Not to mention, when you redeem your rewards, you earn miles over 5% additional reward to use on your next redemption. Using your miles for travel is easy - simply book your travel as you wish, use your card to pay, and then redeem your rewards as a statement credit against the travel. There are no foreign transaction fee, but there is an annual fee of $ 89 which waived the first year.
The best business card: Ink Cash Business Credit Card
Both startups and established businesses should take note of this cash back card. Business Credit Card Ink Cash has a heavy $ 200 cash back bonus after spending $ 3,000 within the first 3 months. You also earn 5% cash back at the office supply stores and cell phone, landline, internet and cable television (on the first $ 25K shopping combined per year). Moreover, you will get 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on the first $ 25K shopping combined per year), and unlimited 1% cash back on everything else. You can redeem your cash rewards through a credit instruction or electronic filing in a control / savings account. Other options include exchange gift cards and travel. As an added benefit, you will enjoy a 12 months 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases (there is a 5% balance transfer fee). Moreover there is absolutely no annual fee.
The best card for Average Credit: Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard
The best credit card Reconstruction: Capital One Mastercard Secured
Best card for students: Discover student
want to know more about the best credit cards for 2016? Check our credit card reviews and use our finder free credit card to see what the best card for you.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This content was accurate at the time of this post, but the terms and conditions of card can change at any time. This site may be compensated by the sending credit card affiliate program.