Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card --[Reported by Umva mag]

Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

A common question we get here at TPG is, “What is the best credit card?”

And you might be here searching for an answer to that same question. If that’s the case, we can help by telling you that no one card is the “best.” Hear us out.

The good news is that this relieves the pressure to find the single best credit card among the myriad options available. Another plus is that you essentially get a customizable experience when choosing a credit card because you can select one based on your specific needs and spending habits.

The bad news is that if you were hoping to simplify the search for the elusive best credit card overall, we can’t provide you with a straightforward answer because, well, a singular ‘best’ card doesn’t really exist.

Your financial goals, priorities, and budget are factors to consider when finding the best credit card for your specific needs. Because of this, we recommend credit cards with varying annual fees, earning structures and benefits.

The cards on this list are great thanks to the different perks and ways to earn cash back, miles and other rewards that they offer, but there isn’t a blanket card that stands alone as the perfect choice for everyone. Here’s how to decide which card is just right for you.

Different cards for different habits

It’s easy to get caught up in this idea that a select number of cards — typically high annual fee cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (see rates and fees) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® — are better than their lower-annual-fee counterparts such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) or the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees). In reality, however, that’s not the case.

Ultimately, “the best credit card” for you depends on your current habits, priorities and needs.

For example, a frequent traveler might love their Amex Platinum for its unmatched lounge access and other travel benefits, including elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required).

But that same person may reach more for their Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express to save money on groceries (at U.S. supermarkets) and to earn cash back on select streaming services in the U.S. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Even those with similar hobbies and habits may be divided on which card is the best. One frequent traveler may argue that the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best because of its lounge access and flat earning rate, while another will argue that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best because they prefer its transfer partners and much lower annual fee.

Find the ‘right’ card, not the ‘best’ card

Instead of looking for the best credit card, focus on finding the right credit card for you. You can start by asking yourself some simple questions:

What’s your credit score?

This is a good base question because it will help establish what cards you’ll most likely be approved for. If you’re focused on building your credit, you’ll want to start with a card that’s good for beginners.

But if you have established credit and excellent credit score, you’re more likely to be approved for some top rewards cards.

Related: How to check your credit score for free 

What are your spending habits?

Your spending habits will inform which bonus categories you look for in your credit cards.

Do you spend a lot on groceries and dining at restaurants? If yes, then a card like the American Express® Gold Card, which earns 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1 point per dollar spent after) and on the first $25,000 spent each calendar year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1 point per dollar spent after), could be the right card for you.

Similarly, if you spend a lot of your budget on items that don’t fall into most card bonus categories, you’ll do better with a card that has a solid flat earning rate, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

Related: The best credit cards for each bonus category

What are you looking to get out of your card?

Do you want to earn rewards like free flights, seat upgrades and hotel stays? If so, a card that earns transferable points is a great starting point. Alternatively, if you’re loyal to a hotel chain, a cobranded card with that hotel can unlock perks like elite status and free nights that you’ll appreciate.

Or you might be focused on saving money on everyday expenses. If that is the case, there are a ton of cash-back credit cards out there that can help you accomplish just that.

Once you’ve gone through these baseline questions, you can start digging into things like which rewards program is best suited to your travel goals, what your annual fee budget is, which sign-up bonuses you want to hit and more.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Bottom line

There’s no one “best” credit card for everyone. To determine which card is the best fit for you, consider factors such as your credit score, financial priorities and goals and the types of credit card perks you.

Related: Best travel cards

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash preferred, click here.

The following news has been carefully analyzed, curated, and compiled by Umva Mag from a diverse range of people, sources, and reputable platforms. Our editorial team strives to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information we provide. By combining insights from multiple perspectives, we aim to offer a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of the events and stories that shape our world. Umva Mag values transparency, accountability, and journalistic integrity, ensuring that each piece of content is delivered with the utmost professionalism.