- 5%Points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 2%Points on other travel
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months.
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on travel worldwide.
19.49%-27.74% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card stands out as the top choice because it offers a robust rewards structure with 5x points on travel booked through Chase, making it ideal for frequent travelers. Its low annual fee combined with valuable travel protections and a generous welcome bonus earns it the #1 spot.
Pros:
- Strong earning rates on travel and dining
- Valuable travel protections
Cons:
- Annual fee may be high for some
- Requires good credit for approval
2.Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo
- 2%Cash rewards on all purchases
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $500 in purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card apart is its simplicity, offering unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases without the hassle of tracking categories. This straightforward approach makes it a strong contender for those looking for easy cash back.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Straightforward cash back rewards
Cons:
- Limited bonus categories
- Requires good credit for approval
3.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
- 6%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- 6%Cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3%Cash back on gas
- 3%Cash back on transit
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the Blue Cash Preferred Card's high cash back rates on groceries and streaming, making it an excellent choice for households that spend significantly in these categories. Its initial fee waiver adds to its appeal, providing substantial value.
Pros:
- High cash back on groceries and streaming
- Introductory fee waived for the first year
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- Requires good credit for approval
4.Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn $300 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.
18.49%-27.99% Variable APR
This card shines for its straightforward cash back rewards structure, offering 5% on travel booked through Chase and 3% on dining, making it a versatile option for everyday spending. Its lack of an annual fee enhances its attractiveness.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible redemption options
Cons:
- Lower base cash back rate compared to some competitors
- Requires good credit for approval
5.U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
U.S. Bank
- 4%Cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and rental cars booked in the U.S. Bank Travel Center
N/A
Earn 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and rental cars booked in the U.S. Bank Travel Center.
16.99%-27.99% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card's extended 0% intro APR for 24 billing cycles, making it ideal for those looking to finance large purchases or consolidate debt without interest. Its cash back on travel bookings adds further value.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Long 0% intro APR period
Cons:
- Limited rewards structure
- Requires good credit for approval
6.Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 5%Miles on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, 5X miles on travel booked via Capital One Travel.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The standout feature of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is its unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, making it a simple and effective choice for earning travel rewards. Its flexibility in redeeming miles adds to its appeal for frequent travelers.
Pros:
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Requires good credit for approval
7.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Points on flights booked directly
- 2%Points on prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights, and 1x on other purchases.
21.99%-28.49% Variable APR
The American Express Gold Card is the best option for food-focused individuals, offering 4x points on dining and groceries, which can quickly add up. Its substantial dining credits help offset the annual fee, making it a valuable choice for those who dine out frequently.
Pros:
- High points earning on dining and groceries
- Valuable monthly credits
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires good credit for approval
8.Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase
- 8%Points on Chase Travel
- 4%Points on flights and hotels booked directly
- 3%Points on dining
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Earn 8x points on Chase Travel, 4x on flights/hotels booked direct, and 3x on dining.
19.74%-28.24% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium travel rewards card that offers unparalleled benefits, including 8x points on Chase Travel and a $300 annual travel credit. Its extensive perks make it ideal for frequent travelers who can maximize its value.
Pros:
- Extensive travel rewards and perks
- High earning potential on travel and dining
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Requires excellent credit for approval
Final Words
As you consider the best credit cards for your good credit this January, remember to evaluate your spending habits and priorities, such as rewards, fees, and benefits. Take time to compare your options to find the card that best suits your financial goals and maximizes your rewards potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months. Additionally, you earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
Look for cards that match your spending habits, such as those offering higher rewards in categories where you spend the most. Additionally, consider the annual fee, interest rates, and any additional perks or benefits.
Yes, many credit cards designed for good credit offer no annual fee, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. These cards can provide valuable rewards without the cost of an annual fee.
The average APR for credit cards for good credit typically ranges from 18.49% to 28.49%, depending on the specific card and your creditworthiness. It's important to compare rates to find the best option for you.
To improve your chances of approval, ensure your credit score is solid, check your credit report for errors, and maintain a low credit utilization ratio. Additionally, applying for cards that match your credit profile can also enhance your chances.
