Does closing a credit card hurt your credit?
It's a common question; unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, how much of an impact canceling a credit card has depends on your credit history and what other accounts you have open.Closing a credit card can hurt your credit in three ways:
Your credit utilization is the percentage of your total available credit that you use. For example, if you have a credit limit of $1,500 and a $750 balance, your credit utilization ratio is 50% — you're using half of your available credit.
If you use a large percentage of your available amount of credit, creditors worry you may take on too much debt, which can lower your score.
When you close a credit card, you can no longer access that credit limit, and your credit utilization increases. As a result, your credit score will likely decrease.
Creditors like to see that you can manage various types of credit, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgage debt — this is your credit mix.
If you only have one credit card and close it to avoid the temptation of spending beyond your means, you'll close the only revolving credit account on your credit limit, damaging your score.
If you're worried about overspending, consider keeping a card open solely for automated monthly payments. You can keep it out of sight, but the automated payments on your regular spending (utilities, streaming services, other subscriptions) will keep your account and credit mix active. Here are some examples of cash rewards cards that could be useful for automating monthly payments:
Read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card
Read our full review of the Freedom Unlimited card
Read our full review of the Savor Cash Rewards card
If the card you want to close is one of your oldest accounts, closing it will significantly impact your credit. Closing the account will reduce the average age of your accounts, and your score could decrease.
Alternatively, you may ask your issuer for a product change rather than opening a new credit card if your oldest credit card no longer suits your needs. For example, you may have opened the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card while building credit. But now you have an excellent credit score and would prefer a cash-back card without the $39 annual fee.
Instead of closing the card outright, call and ask whether you qualify to upgrade to the regular Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card with no annual fee. Or even a travel rewards card that may offer more value for its cost, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card with a $95 annual fee. That way, you can keep your existing account but still get your preferred card.Keeping a credit card can make sense in the following scenarios:
It's your only credit card account: Credit mix is a key factor in determining your credit score. Your credit score can increase with a good mix of credit products, such as credit cards and loans. If you only have one credit card account and you close it, your score could go down.
It's your oldest credit card account: Your credit history length also affects your credit score. The longer your credit accounts have been open, the better. Closing one of your oldest accounts could significantly impact your average length of credit history.
You have a high credit limit: Closing a credit card with a high credit limit could increase your credit utilization, which could impact your credit score.
You can switch to a different credit card product: In some situations, you don't have to close your account to switch to another credit card product. This can keep your account active while letting you choose a card that's better for you.
Closing a credit card can make sense in the following scenarios:
You have a card for users with bad credit: Cards for people with no credit history or poor credit often have very high rates and monthly or annual fees. As your credit improves and you can qualify for cards with better terms, you can save money by closing the old cards.
You have a joint card, and your relationship ends: Joint credit cards are typically used by married couples, and you're responsible for any charges your partner makes. If you separate or divorce, you're still responsible for charges to the account; the only way to end your obligation is to close the account.
You are trying to limit credit card debt: For some people, credit cards make it too easy to rack up debt. Switching to only using cash or debit can help them control their spending, and canceling the card can help them resist the temptation to use it.
Closing a card can have a negative impact on your credit, but your score can recover if you follow other good credit habits. To improve and maintain your credit score, make all your required payments on time, limit new credit applications, and pay down existing balances.If you don't think it's worth keeping a credit card, consider asking your credit card company for a retention offer. Telling a customer service representative that you're thinking about canceling your account can typically start the conversation.
Switching to a different credit card product keeps your current card account active and gives you a more favorable card. For example, you could switch to a no-annual-fee credit card to avoid an annual cost. However, being able to downgrade or change credit card products depends on your card and card issuer.
Contact your credit card issuer by phone or chat to close your credit card account. Here are a few actions to take before closing your credit card:
Move recurring payments: You don't want to miss any bill or subscription payments, so moving them to another card or bank account is essential.
Pay off any remaining balance: Canceling a credit card doesn't cancel any attached debt. Pay off your credit card balance to avoid late fees, high interest rate charges, and your credit score taking a hit because of a negative payment history.
Use or transfer rewards: Closing a credit card can forfeit any remaining rewards, so it's best to use or transfer them first.Unless there's a specific reason to close an account, such as getting rid of a high annual fee, it's typically better to hang on to credit cards, even if you don't use them much. Keeping your credit cards active by using them occasionally on small purchases can help build your credit history by increasing the overall age of your credit accounts.
Closing a credit card can hurt your credit score if it reduces your credit mix, lowers the average age of your credit accounts, or increases your credit utilization. To avoid further impact on your credit, stop all recurring payments and pay off your balance in full before contacting your lender to close your account.
Closed credit card accounts in good standing typically stay on your report for up to 10 years, while closed accounts with negative information usually remain on your report for up to seven years. Both types of accounts stop affecting your credit history after they fall off your credit file.
If your cards have low or no annual fees, consider keeping them open by occasionally using them for small purchases. Active credit card accounts can help improve your credit score by lowering your overall credit utilization and increasing the length of your credit history.
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to the Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
The best balance transfer credit cards for 2025: Don't pay any interest until 2026
Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is another cash-back credit card with a competitive introductory 0% APR period on both balance transfers and new purchases. You'll have 15 months before interest kicks in, with an ongoing variable APR of 20.49%–29.24% when the intro period ends. There's a 3% fee ($5 minimum) for balances you transfer within 60 days of account opening; after that, the fee goes up to 5% ($5 minimum). Like the other cash-back cards on this list, you can still get plenty of value from the Chase Freedom Unlimited after the introductory period ends. You'll earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel℠ purchases, 3% back on dining and at drugstores, and 1.5% back on everything else. This card can make a great choice if you already have a Chase card, too. You can use the rewards you earn to book travel through Chase Travel and even combine them with other Chase cards that may get added multipliers on travel redemptions (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®).Given the Chase Freedom Unlimited's high ongoing APR though, it's important to make sure you don't fall into old habits of racking up revolving balances. One of this card's best features is its first-year welcome offer, for example. But if you're not able to pay down your debt balance quickly enough to take advantage of it, or you're worried it'll encourage overspending that could lead you back into debt, you may want to consider another we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday from American Express is one of our favorite cash-back credit cards today. It can also be a helpful tool for paying down existing credit card debt. The card's introductory 0% APR on balance transfers lasts for 15 months after account opening, with a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.24% thereafter (see rates & fees). The balance transfer fee is 3% ($5 minimum) of the amount you transfer. But the Blue Cash Everyday shines for its long-term savings once you've paid off your existing debt. You'll earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases, each up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1% back (and 1% cash back on everything else). Plus, annual benefits can help you save even if you don't want to charge many new purchases to your card during the promotional period. You can get $7 in monthly statement credits (up to $84 annually; with enrollment) when you spend at least $9.99 on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle we like it: The Citi Double Cash Card is our overall pick for anyone looking to pay down debt with a balance transfer. With a long 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months (18.24%-28.24% variable APR after that), it's an excellent option for debt payoff. You'll pay a 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) for each balance you transfer within the first four months of account opening, which increases to 5% ($5 minimum) after four months. Throughout the extended intro period, you can make major progress on existing balances or even commit to paying the amount you transfer in full. There's plenty to like about this card after you pay down your balance, too. You'll earn up to 2% on every purchase you make with the Citi Double Cash: 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay it off. That rewards structure may even add some incentive to avoid carrying a balance once you've paid down your debt, since you won't earn the total cash rewards until you pay in full. Unlike other balance transfer credit cards, the Citi Double Cash Card does not offer an introductory 0% APR on new purchases — the only detail that kept it from a perfect score in our methodology. However, if you're planning to use this card primarily to pay down debt (and then for its cash-back benefits after the intro period), we don't think that holds this card back from being a top choice among balance transfer offers we like it: The Citi Rewards+ Card is another rewards credit card with a solid 15-month introductory 0% APR period, which applies to both new purchases and balance transfers. After the intro period ends, you'll pay a 17.74%-27.74% variable APR. That's still very high for any balance you carry, but it is one of the lowest you'll find among balance transfer credit cards today. After the intro period ends, you can earn Citi ThankYou® Points on your purchases: 5x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel through the end of 2025; 2x points at supermarkets and gas stations (up to the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1x); and 1x on all other purchases. For each purchase you make, your rewards are rounded up to the nearest 10 — so you could get 30 points from a $24 purchase — and for each redemption you make, you'll get 10% points back (up to the first 100,000 points you redeem per year). Each of these can help you maximize points to use on travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more. The Citi Rewards+ Card isn't the only rewards card from Citi with a competitive intro period and a lower ongoing APR, but it took the edge over the potentially higher-earning Citi Custom Cash® Card for its slightly lower balance transfer fee. When you transfer a balance to the Citi Rewards+ within the first four months of account opening, you'll pay a 3% fee ($5 minimum). After that, the fee goes up to 5% of your transfer ($5 minimum), which is the same as the Citi Custom Cash Card's we like it: Discover it Cash Back similarly offers great ongoing rewards alongside a useful 0% APR. It has an introductory 0% APR period for 15 months after account opening for new purchases and balance transfers (as long as you make your transfer within a given time period). The ongoing variable APR after the intro period is 18.24%-27.24%, and there's a standard balance transfer fee that's in line with other balance transfer credit cards. The Discover it Cash Back also has great long-term value with revolving 5% cash back Discover rewards categories. You'll earn 5% back on the first $1,500 spent across the revolving categories — which may include grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, streaming services, and more — each quarter when you activate and 1% on everything else. Like some other cards on our list, one of the Discover it Cash Back card's top features is its welcome offer: a Cashback Match on all the rewards you earn in your first year. Of course, maximizing this offer depends on earning rewards on your purchases throughout the year. If you want to take advantage of the bonus offer (and the card's revolving bonus rewards categories), make sure you can balance your spending with your debt payoff plan so you don't end up back where you started when the balance transfer intro period you're looking for the absolute longest 0% APR promotional period on balance transfers, here are a few more of our top-rated cards with long intro periods. Why we like it: BankAmericard has a solid combination of long introductory 0% APR and relatively low ongoing APR, which can be great for people solely focused on debt payoff. The introductory period for balance transfers is 18 billing cycles and applies to balances you transfer within 60 days of account opening. The same 0% APR intro period applies for new purchases. After that, you'll pay a variable 15.24%-25.24% APR on any remaining balance. While that can easily add up over time, it's significantly less than you'll find from many credit cards today. There's an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 60 days, then it goes up to 4%. There's also no penalty APR; while you should always make your credit card payment on time (especially while carrying a balance), paying late or having a payment returned won't automatically increase your BankAmericard APR. Why we like it: The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is an excellent choice for balance transfers primarily because of its extraordinarily long 0% APR offer of 21 months. This feature allows cardholders to transfer existing balances and enjoy a prolonged period without incurring interest, providing ample time for debt management and reduction. The 5% balance transfer fee needs to be considered, but for many, the benefit of the extended interest-free period outweighs this cost. This card is particularly advantageous for those who anticipate needing more time to pay off their balances and want to avoid the rapid accumulation of interest we like it: The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Card also has one of today's longest intro periods, with an introductory 0% APR for 21 billing cycles. That intro offer applies to new purchases and to balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, your remaining balances will earn a variable 17.74%-28.74% APR. In exchange for the long intro period, you'll again earn no rewards and pay a slightly higher balance transfer fee than other cards on our list: 5% of your transferred balance or $5, whichever is greater. Why we like it: The primary appeal of the Citi Simplicity Card for balance transfers lies in its extended 0% APR offer, lasting an impressive 21 months. This length of time is one of the longest available, providing cardholders with a substantial period to manage and pay off transferred balances without accruing interest. The 0% APR offer for 12 months on purchases also adds flexibility, allowing cardholders to make new purchases without immediate interest concerns. While the card does not offer cash-back rewards or a welcome bonus, its strength is its simplicity and the potential for significant interest savings. The balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, is a standard rate and should be considered when evaluating the overall benefit of transferring balances to this card. The Citi Simplicity Card is particularly well-suited for those prioritizing a lengthy interest-free period for their balance transfer needs, offering a straightforward and cost-effective approach to managing debt. Not only is credit card interest expensive, but it's as high as it's ever been. Today's average credit card interest rate is over 21% — higher than at any other point since the Federal Reserve began tracking rates in the 1990s. For those who carry a balance on their card, the average is more than 23%. Credit cards with 0% APR on balance transfers can offer significant savings compared to standard double-digit interest rates. Maximize your balance transfer savings by paying your balance in full before the intro period ends. If you can't pay the balance within the 0% APR period, you can still shave months and potentially thousands of dollars from your debt payoff. Your total savings will depend on a few details, including the length of your intro period and how much you can pay each month. Let's say you have a credit card balance of $5,500 today — just below the average balance for U.S. households with credit card debt, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. That balance is all on a credit card earning 21% APR. Here's what your journey to pay down debt could look like over a few different scenarios: Minimum payments: This is by far the most costly option. Making only minimum payments, you would add nearly $9,000 in interest over more than two decades before paying your balance off in full. Total paid: $14,499 Fixed monthly payment: You can minimize costs by paying more than your monthly minimum, even if you cannot pay your balance in full. Maybe you can afford to contribute a fixed payment of $200 each month toward your debt. In this case, you'll pay your balance in full after three years, but still add more than $2,000 to your total balance. Total paid: $7,566 Now, let's see how a balance transfer credit card could make a difference in your $5,500 debt. This card comes with an 18-month 0% introductory APR and a 3% balance transfer fee (more on that below). After the intro period, you'll take on the same 21% APR. Pay in full: If you can put at least $314 toward your credit card bill each month, you could wipe out your balance in full by the end of the intro period without paying any additional interest. The only payment added to your principal is the 3% fee when you transfer, equal to $165. Total paid: $5,665 Fixed monthly payment: If the amount you need to pay in full is out of your budget, you can still save with a balance transfer offer. Maybe you can afford the same $200 monthly payment as before the transfer. Over the introductory period, you would pay down $3,600 of your principal balance, lowering your debt to $2,065. Once the APR starts to accrue, you could cover the remainder in one year with only $235 in added interest. Transferring your balance would allow you to pay your balance in full over 30 months and with about $400 in added interest and fees. Total paid: $5,900 There are many factors to consider for a balance transfer credit card, most notably whether this is the right tool to help with your debt repayment journey. Make sure you're considering balance transfer credit cards that match your financial goals. Here are a few details to look for: Introductory APR: Credit cards offer introductory APRs for new cardholders, either on new purchases or balance transfers (or both). The introductory rate for many balance transfer cards is 0% over a given intro period, which can help you pay down your existing balance without interest. Regular APR: APR stands for annual percentage rate, the percentage you get charged by the credit lender each payment period you carry a balance. This will likely be different than your intro rate. Credit cards typically have variable APRs, which means your rate goes up and down over time. Transfer period: On some cards, balance transfers are only eligible for 0% APR offers when you transfer your balance within a given time frame: within 60 days of account opening or 120 days of account opening, for example. While it makes sense to transfer your debt as soon as possible to take advantage of the full intro period, you'll also want to keep any time limits like this in mind, so you don't miss out on the offer. Issuer: You generally won't be able to transfer a balance from one card account to another card account with the same bank. Look for balance transfer offers from different credit card issuers than the card on which you have an existing debt balance. Annual fees: Your issuing bank might charge an annual fee for your card, though annual fees aren't common among top balance transfer cards. If you do choose a card with an annual fee, you should make sure you're getting enough value to offset the yearly cost. Balance transfer fees: If you want to transfer debt to an existing balance from one credit card to another, the new card issuer can charge you a fee. This is usually a percentage of your transfer amount ranging from 3% to 5% with at least a $5 minimum. Your credit score: Balance transfer credit cards generally require a good credit score. A credit score is a number that represents your credit health, and is based on the information in your credit report. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) These reports contain your credit history, like how many credit card accounts you've had. Credit scores range from 300-850. Above around 700 is considered good, and above 800 is considered excellent — the higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for great loan terms and rewarding credit cards in the future.A balance transfer credit card can save you money, but you should still prepare for the potential costs you'll incur. Balance transfer cards don't typically carry an annual fee. However, there is often a fee for transferring your balance. Balance transfer fees can range from 3%-5% of your overall balance, usually with a minimum of around $5 or $10. Say you want to transfer a $3,000 balance to a card with a 0% intro APR and a 3% balance transfer fee. The balance transfer would cost you $90 in total. The larger your balance, the more you'll pay for the balance transfer. Still, these fees are likely only a small fraction of the interest you would otherwise pay. Some balance transfer credit cards waive this fee. If you have a very high balance that could lead to a costly fee — or you want to avoid any added cost altogether — you may want to focus on balance transfer cards with no fee. Balance transfers have pros and cons. While benefits include the intro APR offer for debt payoff, cons include balance transfer fees and potentially few. 0% introductory APR: With no-interest balance transfer credit cards, any payments you make throughout the intro period will go directly toward your principal balance. Instead of interest making it more challenging to pay off your debt, you can use this tool to eliminate the underlying balance. No annual fee: The best balance transfer cards available today have no annual fee, so you don't have to worry about any additional cost of owning the card. Debt consolidation: If you have balances spread across multiple credit cards, you may be able to consolidate them onto a single balance transfer card. Not only can you benefit from the period of interest-free payments, but you'll also minimize the number of individual monthly payments you need to remember. Just make sure the total transferred balance is less than your card's credit limit. Risk of not paying your balance off in full: You may not be able to maximize your balance transfer if you cannot prioritize your monthly payments over the intro period. These cards work best if you can commit to paying down a significant portion of your balance over the 0% APR offer. Otherwise, you'll be left with a growing balance once again when your regular interest rate begins. Balance transfer fees: The fees issuers charge to make your transfer can add to your overall balance. But for most cardholders, a 3% or 5% fee will still be far less than the amount you would otherwise accrue in interest charges. Credit limits: Make sure you know the credit limit of your balance transfer credit card before you attempt to make your transfer. If your existing debt is more than the limit, you won't be able to transfer the entire balance. Take advantage of your new card. Not only is a balance transfer credit card a great way to pay down debt, but it can also set you up for a better financial future. Here are three things you should do when you open up a new card: The introductory period on your balance transfer card only lasts so long. Take full advantage by transferring your balance as soon as possible after approval. If your new credit card offers an 18-month 0% APR intro period but you wait two months to make your transfer, paying down your debt in that shorter time frame will be more difficult. Some balance transfer cards even require you to transfer your balance within a specific timeframe. For example, your card agreement may specify that the 0% APR offer applies to transfers made within the first 30 days of account opening. Alternatively, you could take on a more significant balance transfer fee the longer you wait. For example, there may only be a 3% fee for balances transferred within 60 days of account opening, but a 5% fee for balances transferred after that time. Always read the fine print of an introductory balance transfer offer before opening your account so you can avoid any surprises that may set you back. Throughout the intro period, prioritize paying down your debt without making new purchases that increase your balance. If you're adding to your balance throughout the 0% APR period, you'll only leave yourself with more to pay off. Instead, focus on buying only what you can afford to pay in full. Whether you make purchases with another credit card, use your debit card, or pay with cash, ensure you have enough money in the bank to cover your spending. This may also help you become more aware of any spending habits that led to taking on the debt in the first place, so you can avoid ending up in the same place again. If debt payoff is your priority, long-term rewards or benefits may not be the biggest concern when choosing your balance transfer card, but they are worth considering. Balance transfer credit cards with the longest introductory 0% APR periods (up to 21 months) typically offer few ongoing benefits. They are designed for cardholders looking to pay off as much debt as possible over a more extended period. On the other hand, credit cards with balance transfer offers and ongoing rewards or other benefits tend to have slightly shorter intro periods of around 12 to 15 months. Even after you pay down your debt, these cards can offer long-term value on your everyday purchases. Just make sure you plan to avoid overspending and taking on debt you can decide if opening a new account is right for you. A balance transfer credit card can help if you're in debt or have high-interest debt. But you should always consider all the options that could help you pay down debt balances and know the potential risks involved. Think about these things before you make your decision: A balance transfer isn't your only option for debt payoff. Consolidating debt with a personal loan may be a better option for some people. If your debt far exceeds the credit limit on a new balance transfer card or you need more time than 0% APR intro periods offer today, opting for a personal loan with a fixed APR lower than your current credit card could be a good solution. Not only do you need good credit to qualify for a balance transfer card, but a balance transfer itself can also potentially affect your credit. For one, when you open any new credit card (including a balance transfer card), the required hard inquiry on your credit could lead to a small, temporary credit score drop. To keep multiple applications from sinking your score, only apply for cards you're confident you'll qualify for or get prequalified before applying. Another potential credit impact involves your credit limit. If you transfer a debt balance that makes up nearly your entire credit line, you could increase your credit utilization ratio — the amount of credit you're using compared to the amount you have available. This is one of the most influential factors in your credit score; the lower it is, the better. However, if you can keep up with your payments and begin to quickly bring down your balance over the intro period, you can mitigate the negative effect and balance the ratio.A good plan is the most important thing you can have before opening a balance transfer credit card. Using your card details (length of intro period, balance transfer fee, etc.), determine precisely how much you need to pay each month to eliminate your balance in full before the 0% APR period ends. If necessary, look at your budget and spending before you apply to find areas where you can reduce spending to dedicate more toward your monthly payments. If you can't pay off your balance completely, think about what next steps you'll take once interest kicks in to keep the remainder from growing out of your control. And don't forget to rethink your spending over the long term to ensure you don't wind up with another debt balance in the future. Practicing good credit habits and spending only what you can afford is the best way to take advantage of the rewards and benefits of credit cards without paying the price tag of high interest rates. Balance transfer cards can be a savvy financial move if you're looking to tackle high-interest debt. By transferring your existing debt to a card with a 0% introductory APR, you stop accruing interest and only make payments toward the principal balance. However, if you can't clear the balance before the introductory period ends, you'll face the card's standard APR on the remainder. You should be confident you can make a significant difference in your balance before this ongoing interest kicks in to make the balance transfer worth it. It's also important to note that most balance transfer credit cards come with a transfer fee — usually 3%-5% of the amount transferred — which adds to your costs. Navigating a balance transfer can be tricky; you need a solid strategy to maximize it. First, find a balance transfer card that offers a long 0% introductory APR period — ideally, 15 to 21 months. The longer this no-interest period lasts, the more time you have to pay down your balance without worrying about interest charges. Also pay attention to the balance transfer fee; most balance transfer cards will have at least a 3% fee that you should be prepared to add to your total amount due. Once you've opened your new card, transfer the balances from your highest-interest credit cards first to maximize savings over the 0% APR period. Double-check your balance transfer limit before you start so you don't attempt to transfer more than the card allows. Prioritize paying more than the minimum payment each month. To truly take advantage of the 0% APR, calculate how much you must pay monthly to clear the debt before the introductory period ends. If you just stick to the minimum, you likely won't reduce the balance by much. Never make a late payment on your balance transfer card. One missed payment could mean losing your 0% APR and being hit with a much higher penalty APR, along with late fees. Set up autopay or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date. Avoid using your new card for new purchases while you pay down the balance. Keep your spending in check and focus solely on paying off the debt you transferred. Finally, don't get caught off guard when the 0% APR period expires. If you think you won't be able to pay off the full balance by then, start planning ahead for how you'll continue paying down your debt. A balance transfer can temporarily lower your credit score because it triggers a hard inquiry by the card issuer on your credit report. This is true for all new credit applications, not just balance transfer cards. A balance transfer can also affect your credit utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score if the balance transferred to your new card represents a large percentage of its limit. Credit utilization, which measures how much credit you're using compared to your total available credit, is a major factor in calculating your credit score. your credit score. It's best to keep this ratio under 30%. The good news is that if you use a balance transfer card wisely — by paying down your balance and avoiding more debt — your credit score should improve over time. Like most credit cards, the higher your score is, the better your chances of getting the best available balance transfer offers with long 0% APR periods and other benefits. In general, you're most likely to qualify for a balance transfer card with a good-to-excellent credit score. According to FICO, that means a score of at least 670 and up to the maximum 850 credit score. With a solid credit score (especially one closer to the 'excellent' end of the range around 750 or higher), you can usually score the best balance transfer terms, a relatively lower interest rate after the intro period, and additional perks like cash-back rewards and a sign-up bonus. To create our list of the best balance transfer credit cards, we prioritized a holistic look at what these cards offer cardholders, even after the intro period ends. First and foremost, though, we analyzed the details of each card's balance transfer offer. This includes the length of the intro period for balance transfers, the balance transfer fee, and whether it also has an intro period for new purchases. We also rated each card on other features that may apply throughout the intro period and beyond: the ongoing variable APR, any rewards on spending, annual fee cost, and credit score access. Finally, we reviewed customer service, security, and accessibility features that apply to any of our card rankings. These include mobile app reviews, fraud monitoring, number of ways to contact the issuer, and more. Using this system, we evaluated more than two dozen credit cards from major issuers with balance transfer offers available today. The cards we looked at are widely available for American consumers (with the credit to qualify), no matter where you're located or what institution you bank with. Of course, not everyone looking for a balance transfer credit card is interested in long-term rewards and benefits. For some, finding the longest intro period available to begin paying down debt is more important than any ongoing card features. While the cards with today's longest intro periods (typically 18 to 21 months) generally scored lower in our overall ranking system because of their lack of ongoing value, we did want to include them on our list. In the 'more cards to consider' section, we include these cards, which offer the longest introductory periods and next-best overall scores after those cards that made the primary bring down your balance over the intro period quickly This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank's website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
CNN
5 days ago
- CNN
The best American Express credit cards, picked by a frequent traveler
CNN Underscored reviews financial products based on their overall value. We may receive a commission through our affiliate partners if you apply and are approved for a product, but our reporting is always independent and objective. This may impact how links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit to learn more. All information about the American Express® Green Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card and Centurion Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. If you're looking for the best American Express credit cards, you've come to the right place. Amex is renowned for offering premium travel rewards, high-end travel perks, benefits to enhance hotel stays and solid customer service. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a foodie or someone who simply wants to earn rewards on everyday purchases, Amex has a card for you. With options ranging from no-annual-fee cash-back cards to luxury travel rewards, American Express continues to be a top choice for consumers. I've been an Amex card member for years and have learned the ins and outs of its portfolio. Let's take a look at the best American Express credit cards available today, so you can select the best Amex card (or cards) for you. Best no-annual-fee card: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card Best for luxury travel benefits: The Platinum Card® from American Express Best for free checked bags: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Best for free hotel nights: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card Best for hotel elite status: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Best for leisure travelers: American Express® Green Card Best for business owners: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Welcome offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 Rewards highlights: 3% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% cash back on US online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% cash back at US gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% cash back on other purchases. This card is ideal for everyday spending without the burden of an annual fee. With elevated rewards on groceries, gas and online shopping, it's a great starter card or secondary card for maximizing rewards in key spending categories. The one downside of the Blue Cash Everyday is that you should only use it on purchases made within the US, as you'll incur a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases (see rates and fees). Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 6% cash back on select US streaming subscriptions. 3% cash back at US gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% cash back on other purchases. The Blue Cash Preferred is one of the most rewarding cash-back cards on the market, especially for families or individuals who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services. Despite the annual fee, the card easily pays for itself if you use it strategically. As with the Blue Cash Everyday card, you'll incur a 2.7% foreign transaction fee for overseas purchases (see rates and fees). Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 4X points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 4X points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on 2X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on 1X point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. The Amex Gold also comes with several credits. $120 Uber Cash: Receive $10 in Uber Cash each month when you use add your card to your account and use your card for rides or orders in the US. $84 Dunkin' credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits at US Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required. $100 Resy credit: Earn up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year when you use your Gold card for eligible purchases at US restaurants booked through Resy. Credits are received semiannually — up to $50 in statement credits between January and June and another $50 in statement credits between July and December. Enrollment required. $120 dining credit: Earn up to $10 in monthly statement credits — up to $120 a year — when you use your Amex Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, and Five Guys. Enrollment required. The Amex Gold is one of the cards I use most as a foodie and frequent traveler. Its elevated points on dining and groceries are incredibly useful, and the annual credits help offset the annual fee. It also has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees). Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. 5X points on prepaid hotels booked on 1X point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Some of the credits and perks on the Platinum card include the following. $200 hotel credit: Receive up to $200 in statement credits each year when you use your Platinum card to book prepaid stays through American Express Travel at Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection properties. A minimum two-night stay is required for The Hotel Collection. $240 digital entertainment credit: Get up to $20 back each month in statement credits when you use your Platinum card for eligible purchases with select providers, including Disney+, the Disney+ bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, the New York Times, Peacock and the Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. Lounge access: All card members receive access to American Express Centurion lounges, as well as Delta Sky Club (when flying eligible Delta flights, subject to visit limits), select Lufthansa lounges (when flying Lufthansa), Plaza Premium lounges and Escape Lounges, and the opportunity to enroll in Priority Pass Select for even more lounge access. Terms apply. Walmart+: When you use your Platinum card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (auto-renewal applies), you'll receive a statement credit of up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes each month. Note: Plus Ups are not eligible. Membership also includes access to the Paramount+ Essential plan; separate registration required. $200 airline fee credit: Choose one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged to your Platinum card. These may include seat selection, baggage fees and more. Terms and conditions apply. $200 Uber Cash: Add your card to your Uber account and receive $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus an extra $20 bonus in December. Uber Cash can be used on rides and food orders in the US when you choose your eligible Amex card at checkout. $199 CLEAR® Plus credit: Pay for your CLEAR Plus membership with your Platinum card and receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year. CLEAR Pass uses unique facial recognition at over 50 airports worldwide, allowing you to clear security faster. Membership auto-renews. Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Pay your Global Entry application fee with your Platinum card and receive a $120 statement credit every four years. Alternatively, get up to an $85 statement credit every four and a half years for your TSA PreCheck application fee when paid through an official TSA enrollment provider. Approved Global Entry members also enjoy TSA PreCheck benefits at no extra cost. Shop Saks with Platinum: Enjoy up to $100 in statement credits each year on purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue stores or online at Receive up to $50 in credits semiannually — January through June, and then again July through December. Enrollment is required. The Platinum card is a premium travel powerhouse with unmatched airport lounge access, hotel elite status and travel protections. It's best for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of the annual credits and luxury perks. Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 2X miles on Delta purchases, at US supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. 1X mile on all other eligible purchases. Other perks and benefits include the following. 15% off award travel: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card members get 15% off when using miles to book award travel on Delta flights through and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. $200 Delta flight credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta flight credit to use toward future travel. First checked bag free: You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four, that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight. Priority boarding: Receive Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner. $100 Delta Stays credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on Pay with miles: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on 20% back on in-flight purchases: Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your card. For Delta flyers, this card provides excellent value, especially if you check bags. The waived baggage fees and priority boarding easily cover the cost of the card if you fly Delta a few times a year. Welcome offer: Earn up to 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points. Earn 100,000 points after you spend $6,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $2,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. 3X Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X Marriott Bonvoy points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Additional perks and benefits include the following. $300 Brilliant dining credit: Receive up to $25 in statement credits each month on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide when you use your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status: Card members receive Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite Status, which offers many benefits, such as space-available room upgrades (including enhanced views or suites), bonus points on paid stays, welcome gift and more. These perks are available when the stay is booked with a qualifying rate at hotels that participate in Marriott Bonvoy, subject to availability upon check-in. Free night award: Receive one free night award every year after your card renewal month. The award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Certain hotels have resort fees. Choice award: Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Brilliant Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See for award options. $100 Marriott Bonvoy property credit: Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your card. Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck: Get a statement credit every four years for your Global Entry application fee ($120) or every four and a half years for your TSA PreCheck five-year membership fee (up to $85 when paid through an official TSA PreCheck enrollment provider) when you use your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card. Approved Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck access at no extra cost. Airport lounge access: Enroll in Priority Pass Select, which offers an unlimited number of visits to over 1,200 airport lounges in over 130 countries. This premium hotel card delivers a lot of value for frequent Marriott guests. The annual free night, elite status and $300 in dining credits make this a strong choice if you stay at Marriott properties regularly. Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card within your first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $550 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 14X points on hotels and resorts for eligible purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. 7X points on select travel including flights booked directly with airlines or and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies. 7X points on dining at US restaurants, including takeout and delivery. 3X points for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases. Some of the perks and benefits include the following. Complimentary Diamond status: All card members receive complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, which offers benefits such as: 100% bonus on base points for every stay, premium Wi-Fi at select hotels, space-available room upgrades, access to executive lounges at participating properties and much more. $400 Hilton resort credit: Receive up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semiannually) on eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton resorts using your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. No minimum purchase necessary. Free night reward: Receive a free night reward each year during your first year of membership and every year upon card renewal. Plus, earn an extra free night reward after spending $30,000 in a calendar year and another one after reaching $60,000 in purchases on your card within the same year. $200 flight credit: Receive up to $200 back per year (up to $50 in statement credits each quarter) on eligible flight purchases. $199 CLEAR Plus credit: Use your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card to cover the cost of CLEAR Plus Membership and get up to $199 back in statement credits per calendar year (subject to auto-renewal). This is the top-tier Hilton card, which provides Diamond status (top-tier elite benefits), generous point earnings and valuable travel credits. I've had this card for the last five years. It's ideal for loyal Hilton travelers who want premium perks without needing to stay often to qualify for them. Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on the card in your first six months of card membership. Annual fee: $150 (see rates and fees) Rewards highlights: 3X points on travel, including airfare, hotels, tours, campgrounds, car rentals, cruises, vacation rentals and more. 3X points on transit including trains, taxis, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses and subways. 3X points dining at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US. 1X point on other purchases (terms and limitations apply). The Green Card is a great all-around travel and dining card, especially for younger professionals or digital nomads. With elevated points in both travel and dining, it hits the sweet spot for casual and leisure travel without the high annual fee of other Amex travel cards. It also includes an annual $199 CLEAR Plus credit. Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership. Annual fee: $0 Rewards highlights: 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply. This is one of the most straightforward and valuable business cards available. It offers strong flat-rate rewards on all purchases, making it ideal for small business owners who want to earn Membership Rewards without worrying about rotating categories. When choosing an American Express card, it's important to understand the different types of rewards each card earns. Some earn Membership Rewards points, which are flexible and can be transferred to over 20 airline and hotel partners. These offer the most versatility, though maximizing their value takes some know-how. Other cards earn points or miles in a single airline or hotel loyalty program, which aren't as flexible but often come with valuable perks when you use that brand. If you're not planning to travel soon, cash-back Amex cards let you earn straight-up cash on your purchases, though you'll typically give up the chance for outsized travel redemptions. One key rule to remember: Amex has a 'once-per-lifetime' welcome bonus policy, meaning you can only earn the sign-up bonus on a specific card once. That's why it pays to apply when the offer is especially strong. With so many highly rated American Express cards, there isn't a 'best' card, as the answer depends on your personal goals. All the Amex cards on our list are strong in their own way, offering unique benefits that cater to different people. If you're looking for a card that's simple and earns cash back, then you'll want to consider either the Blue Cash Everyday or the Blue Cash Preferred. With so many similarities between the two, the best option for you depends on how much you spend each year in certain categories, especially at US supermarkets. For those looking for travel perks, you can't go wrong with the Amex Platinum. But if you don't think you'll fully utilize all the benefits that come along with this pricey card, you might want to instead consider the Amex Green. Alternatively, the Amex Gold might serve as a happy medium between the two with a balance of perks, points and a moderate annual fee. On the other hand, those who want a card that earns points or miles in a specific airline or hotel program and comes with perks tied to that airline or hotel will want to think about one of the Amex co-branded cards. If earning hotel rewards is important to you, then the Hilton Honors Aspire or Marriott Brilliant Amex is the way to go. And for the frequent or even leisure flyer, the Delta Gold Amex is a great go-to card for saving money on those pesky baggage fees. Last but not least, if you're a small business owner, you might enjoy the easy-to-use, no-annual-fee Blue Business Plus, as it can help you rack up travel rewards when spending money on your business expenses and also finance some purchases at a low cost if your business needs help to make ends meet right now. The following FAQs have been answered by CNN Underscored travel editor and credit card expert Kyle Olsen. Is Amex Gold or Amex Platinum better? Is Amex Gold or Amex Platinum better? Choosing between the Amex Gold and Amex Platinum comes down to how you spend and what you value. The Amex Gold is best for those who spend heavily on dining and US supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide. It also has a more approachable $325 annual fee. On the other hand, the Amex Platinum is built for frequent premium travelers, justifying its $695 annual fee with extra points for flight purchases and premium perks like lounge access, hotel elite status and a suite of valuable travel credits. If everyday rewards and a lower fee matter most, go with the Gold. If luxury travel benefits are your priority, the Platinum is worth it. Is American Express accepted everywhere? Is American Express accepted everywhere? In the US, American Express is now accepted at 99% of merchants that take credit cards. This is a major improvement driven by initiatives like the OptBlue program, which made Amex more accessible for small businesses. However, international acceptance still lags, and you may find fewer places abroad that take Amex. While you're unlikely to run into issues using it domestically, it's smart to carry a backup card when traveling overseas. What is the highest level American Express card? What is the highest level American Express card? The highest-level American Express card is the Centurion® Card, often called the 'Amex Black Card.' This invite-only, ultra-premium card is reserved for long-time Amex clients with exceptionally high annual spending. For most consumers, however, the Platinum Card® from American Express represents the top tier of Amex offerings. With a $695 annual fee, it delivers extensive luxury travel benefits, including access to over 1,400 airport lounges, elite hotel and rental car status and a range of valuable annual statement credits. While the Centurion Card remains an exclusive symbol of ultra wealth, the Platinum Card is widely seen as the flagship option available to the public. Our mission is to help readers make informed decisions through thorough, unbiased reporting. Our credit card recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing, expert analysis and deep knowledge of the travel and financial industries. We evaluate cards based on overall value, not just flashy welcome offers by focusing on long-term benefits like rewards rates, perks, fees and customer experience. Our editors, like Kyle Olsen, are frequent travelers and card holders themselves who offer firsthand insights you can trust. Click here for rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday here for rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred here for rates and fees of the American Express Gold here for rates and fees of the American Express Platinum here for rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold here for rates and fees of the Marriott Brilliant here for rates and fees of the Blue Business Plus card. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Forbes
30-04-2025
- Forbes
Maximize Your Wallet: Best Cards To Use With Chase Sapphire Preferred
Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly—some things are just better in pairs, including the best credit card combinations. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one that, while powerful on its own, can give you next-level value when coupled with the right partner. There's a long list of attributes that make the Sapphire Preferred such a stellar product and one of the best rewards cards on the market, so let's get into it: For all the Sapphire Preferred's strengths, there's still room for improvement. For example: This is where pairing the Sapphire Preferred with another credit card can take your points earning to the next level. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no annual fee card with simple yet versatile rewards earning: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases. It's a solid card on its own, but when paired with the Sapphire Preferred, it becomes a powerful tool for maximizing every dollar you spend. What makes this pairing so effective is how well the two cards complement each other. The Sapphire Preferred shines in categories like travel and dining, while the Freedom Unlimited picks up everything else with a minimum above-average return of 1.5X. Instead of settling for the Sapphire Preferred's underwhelming 1X on nonbonus purchases, you can route that spending through the Freedom Unlimited and boost your base earnings by 50%. Since both cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, combining them means you not only earn more, you also unlock better redemption value through the Sapphire Preferred's 25% travel portal boost or its valuable airline and hotel transfer partners. The no annual fee Chase Freedom Flex® brings rotating 5% bonus categories to the table, making it a trusty sidekick for your Sapphire Preferred. While it earns just 1% back on most purchases, the real value lies in its quarterly bonus categories, where you can earn 5% back on things like gas, grocery stores and online shopping. You'll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases. The Sapphire Preferred doesn't offer rotating categories, so the Flex fills a valuable gap, especially if your spending habits shift throughout the year. And like the Freedom Unlimited, it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that become far more valuable once moved to the Sapphire Preferred. That means you can earn 5X points on select categories and redeem those points at a boosted 1.25 cents through Chase Travel—or transfer them to travel partners for even bigger wins. On the surface, the Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees) may look like competitors, but together they cover nearly every rewards gap. While the Sapphire Preferred focuses on bonus categories and point transfers, the Venture X offers flat-rate simplicity with 2X miles on every purchase—plus premium travel perks like lounge access and annual credits. Where the Sapphire Preferred lacks luxury travel features, the Venture X delivers: Partner Lounge Network access, Capital One Lounge access and a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. That travel credit, plus a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, help make up for the $395 annual fee (rates & fees). Access to Capital One's transfer partners means you have even more options when it's time to book your dream trip. If you don't mind managing two issuers, this duo gives you premium travel perks, solid base earnings on every purchase and access to two of the most valuable rewards ecosystems. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an impressive standalone travel card, but it becomes far more powerful when paired with the right partner—or two. Whether you want to earn more on everyday spending, take advantage of rotating bonus categories or enjoy premium travel perks, combining it with cards like the Freedom Unlimited, Freedom Flex or Venture X can help you earn more, redeem better and get the most from every dollar. Find the best Chase credit card for your needs. As long as you pay your cards on time, avoid carrying a balance and practice good credit habits, having multiple credit cards will not negatively impact your credit score. It can even help your score over time. You don't have to stop at two cards to maximize your rewards and benefits. Take the Chase Trifecta, for example, where you can combine some of Chase's best cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Preferred, with the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Unlimited. Having a premium Ultimate Rewards card paired with no-annual-fee cash-back cards can unlock better earnings and more valuable redemption options. Chase doesn't publish the exact score needed to be eligible for the Sapphire Preferred, but as a premium credit card, you'll need at least a good credit score (at least 670 on the FICO scoring scale).
