Combine Points, Cash Back, No Annual Fees, Free Balance Transfers

In truth, there is no one-size-fits-all credit card. Your most ideal card will depend upon your range of needs, goals, and lifestyle. The subsequent list includes a few of the many benefits you should look for in a credit card:

• Improves your Credit Score – If you don’t have the best credit, looking for a card that will help you rebuild your score is a great option.
• Offers Cash Back – Most cards offer cash rebates from the purchases you make.
• Gives Travel and Airline Rewards – If you’re a traveler, cards that offer zero foreign transaction fees may gauge your interest or cards that accumulate travel points to reduce your overall costs for your next trip. There are also great deals offered by most travel and airline rewards credit cards from partner hotels and restaurants.
• No Annual Fee – Credit card fees are disheartening, but like all things, convenience comes with a price. If you need a card, you can avoid additional charges by getting a credit card with no annual fee.
• Has a Low Annual Percentage Rate (APR) – Many people are discouraged from getting a credit card because of their fear of the fees that come with it. However, if you choose a card with a low APR, you can end up saving money on other debt.
• Bonus Points Earning – With credit card points, you can generally redeem these bonuses for travel, merchandise, cashback, or gift cards.

To help you select a card that would be the best fit for you, we have narrowed your options down to 7 of the top credit cards of 2019 that meet all or some of the criteria above.

1. Bank of America Travel Rewards

This card is the best option for those with excellent credit and wants a travel credit card with no annual fees or foreign transaction fees. You may also gain 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on purchases everywhere, at any time. What makes this card great is that the points have no expiration date. By purchasing at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your new account, you will receive 25,000 bonus points. This Travel Rewards credit card is best for frequent travelers who wish to have flexible rewards. It is not in partnership with any particular airline or hotel chain, which means you can book and travel with your chosen establishment and airline without restrictions or blackout dates. You may also use your points to get credit for not only airfare, hotel accommodations, cruises, and car rentals, but also for campgrounds, art galleries, amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums, and zoos.

2. Chase Freedom Unlimited

If you’re new to acquiring points and miles, this is a fantastic starter card. It’s easy to get approved for it, and it also allows you to build a relationship with Chase, so you can get some of the issuer’s more valuable offers in the future. If you are in search of a card that you can keep open for years without paying a penny for it (e.g., annual fees), then this is the right credit card for you. The rewards you earn never expire as long as your account is open and active. The Chase Freedom Unlimited is also great for big spenders because there is a 3% (or 3x points) return on the first $20,000 you spend in your first year and an unlimited 1.5% (or 1.5x points) return on all other purchases. It also offers a 120-day purchase protection coverage and extended warranty protection that covers eligible manufacturer’s warranties by an additional year.

3. Chase Sapphire Preferred

This credit card still stands as one of the best all-around points and miles card. If you are a beginner and a frequent traveler, this is a viable choice. With its flexibility, it gives you more options from the way you earn points to how you redeem them. It has not only superb travel benefits but also double points on specific purchases. The CSP is considered as one of the less expensive cards because it only comes with a $95-annual fee. You can receive a 60,000 point-bonus after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening the account. This credit card also offers 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide. There is also a point-per-dollar spent on all other purchases.

4. Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus

Southwest Airlines, one of the most popular airlines in the United States, is known for its no cancellation fee policy, free checked bags, and zero change fees. If you fly with them often, it might be worth looking at their credit card. You will also earn points from your flights with Southwest Airlines, which is determined by the price of your ticket. The biggest perk that the Southwest card offers is its welcome bonus. After spending $1,000 on your card within the first three months of opening your account, you will receive 40,000 Rapid Rewards points. One of the popular perks is the Southwest Companion Pass. You can earn this benefit even faster and select a person to accompany you on your flights for merely the cost of taxes and fees. There is also an annual bonus of 3,000 points when your cardmember anniversary hits. If the unfortunate happens, which it often does, and you are unable to use your points in a timely manner, don’t sweat it. Your points will not expire. 

5. Marriott Bonvoy Bold

Beginner travelers will surely enjoy the perks that come with the Marriot Bonvoy Bold. It provides you with just the right combination of features, bonuses, and benefits that makes this an exceptional card. With no annual fee, it can act as training wheels for someone who is just getting into the travel game. Within three months, spend $2,000, and you will earn 50,000 Bonvoy points. This bonus will land you up to two nights at a four-star hotel. This card also earns 3x points at Bonvoy hotels, 2x points on general travel purchases, and 1x points on everything else.

As far as other perks, this no-fee credit card has a few primary rewards. First, you get 15 elite night credits annually. There is also baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and trip delay reimbursement. Lastly, purchase protection covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft. A 24-hour visa concierge is also available to help you with booking tickets and in making reservations.

6. Wells Fargo Platinum Card

With the lowest yearly percentage rate of 18-month 0% introductory APR on balance transfers and purchases, it makes this credit card stand out from the others. During the initial introductory period, the balance transfer charged is only 3% or $5, whichever is greater.

There is no annual fee, which is a great benefit highlight of this card. This card also has additional features, namely an auto rental collision damage waiver, roadside dispatch, travel accident insurance, and emergency assistance services. 

7. Wells Fargo Wise Visa Card

Scouting for a flat-rate cashback credit card? Consider this no-annual-fee and great all-around credit card. A 1.5% cash back guaranteed from all purchases, a 0% Introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. From account opening, if you spend $500 in the first three months, you will get a $150 cash rewards bonus. If you prefer using digital payments such as Google pay or Apple pay, this credit card will give you 1.8% cashback on purchases made with your card through these networks for the first 12 months. If you are new to Google Pay or Apple Pay, that could be a nice incentive to sign-up for. There are also significant features that this competitive rewards card has, such as purchase protection and rental car damage insurance coverage. The 24/7 fraud monitoring and zero-liability programs also protect the customers from unauthorized charges are made on their cards. Choosing the right credit card that will suit your needs is not an easy task. Remember to carefully evaluate all of the criteria and benefits before getting one.