Category: Bank

Capital One offers several variants of its flagship 1.5% cash back credit cards, two of which are the card_name and card_name. The card_name is for customers with established credit who want a card with no annual fee that offers good rewards on all purchases. Customers working on building their credit may be offered the card_name, which offers the same rewards but charges a annual_fees annual fee.

If you qualify for the card_name, picking it is the obvious choice.

In this overview, we’ll point out the differences between the cards, how the benefits and rewards stack up, and why you might still want to get the card_name if you don’t qualify for the card_name.

How the cards stack up

Here’s how the card_name and card_name stack up:

*See spending examples below to compare earning points from each card (“Which Card Earns the Most”).

Welcome bonus winner

bonus_miles_full. This welcome bonus represents an effective 40% cash back on your first $500 in spending. The card_name does not offer a welcome bonus.

Winner: card_name

Rewards winner

Both the card_name and the card_name offer 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no cap on the amount of rewards you can earn. Both cards also offer unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the bank’s travel portal, Capital One Travel.

Winner: Tie — Both cards offer the same ongoing rewards.

Annual fee winner

The card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee, while the card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee.

Winner: card_name

APR winner

Many credit cards offer a range of APRs based on creditworthiness. The card_name offers a reg_apr,reg_apr_type. Because card_name is offered to customers with fair credit, it comes with a higher reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR. Of course, if you pay off your balance in full every month, you won’t pay interest on your credit card charges.

In addition to a lower ongoing APR, the card_name offers a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration. Transferring a balance will cost you balance_transfer_fees of the amount transferred, which is in line with what most major credit card issuers charge.

Winner: card_name

Foreign Transaction Fee Winner

Capital One charges no foreign transaction fees across all of its cards issued in the United States. This means you won’t have to worry about paying a fee to use your card outside the U.S. Cards issued by Capital One are a great option for traveling abroad.

Winner: Tie — Capital One credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees.

Extended warranty

Both the card_name and card_name offer extended warranty protection on items you purchase using your card. The extended warranty protection offered by both Capital One cards doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 24 months. Coverage is limited to repair or replacement, certain items are excluded, and the benefit only applies to warranties of 24 months or less.

Winner: Tie — Both cards offer a similar extended warranty benefit.

Which card earns the most

Both the card_name and card_name rewards cards earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase. However, the card_name also comes with a bonus_miles_full welcome bonus and has a annual_fees annual fee, making it the obvious winner.

If you spend $2,000 a month on either card, you’ll end up with $360 in cash back every year. In the first year, you’ll earn an additional $200 if you qualify for the welcome bonus, bringing your cash back earnings to $560 with the card_name.

Our Take

Why we recommend card_name

If you qualify for the card_name, getting that card is the obvious choice. It offers a lower annual fee, a better ongoing APR and a bonus_miles_full welcome bonus if you spend $500 in the first three months.

Why you would still opt for card_name

If the card_name offers the same cash back rewards, annual_fees annual fee, a better APR and a welcome bonus, why might you still opt for the card_name? The answer is simple: You are working on building your credit and do not yet have a good enough credit score to qualify for the card_name.

Typically, card_name is for people with excellent credit, meaning you’ve never declared bankruptcy, defaulted on a loan, or had late payments on a loan in the past year. The bank also suggests having an existing credit card with a credit limit above $5,000. If you have limited credit history or have defaulted on a loan in the last five years, you probably won’t qualify for the card_name, but you may be able to get the card_name.

With a middling credit rating, it may be difficult to get approved for any credit card, much less a card that offers rewards. For a annual_fees annual fee, the card_name gives you access to a rewards card that can help you build or rebuild your credit. The card offers automatic credit line reviews, so with responsible use you might be able to get a higher credit line in as little as six months.

Bottome Line

Both thecard_name and the card_name offer 1.5% cash back rewards on every purchase. However, the card_name also offers a welcome bonus, annual_fees annual fee and a lower interest rate for some cardmembers. If you qualify for the card_name, that card is the obvious choice. Alternatively, if you don’t have a decent credit rating, the card_name is worth considering as it can help you improve your credit while earning rewards.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the card_name credit limit?

The credit limit offered on the card_name depends on several factors, including your credit score and the amount of credit Capital One has extended to you. Some people have gotten credit limits as low as $750 and as high as $10,000 on the card_name.

How can I get a card_name cash advance?

You can get a cash advance from your card_name at a physical bank or an ATM using your PIN. You can also get a cash advance from Capital One’s 24-hour travel assistance service. Keep in mind that you will be charged interest on your cash advance and will have to pay cash_advance_fee.

How does card_name rental car insurance work?

To get the MasterRental insurance included with card_names, you must charge your entire car rental charge to your card and decline any collision/damage waiver offered by the rental car company. If your car is damaged, you’ll need to file a claim online or over the phone and provide requested documentation.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards are two travel credit cards offering loads of value in exchange for a small annual fee. Both include a generous welcome bonus and hefty earning potential. Plus, the added perks are too good to overlook. However, card_name takes the top spot, as its points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through card_name.

How the cards stack up

Here’s an overview of what to expect from each card:

Welcome bonus

You’ll bonus_miles_full with the card_name. The welcome bonus with card_name is higher: you’ll bonus_miles_full.

When you convert those points to dollars by booking through each card’s program, the advantage of the card_name is more obvious: The welcome bonus is the equivalent of $1,000 at Chase but only $750 for card_name.

Welcome bonus winner: card_name

Rewards

Frequent travelers can rack up a hefty sum of rewards points with either card. card_name offers five points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding lodging purchases that count towards the annual $50 hotel statement credit). You’ll get five miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked using card_name.

Still, card_name comes out on top as you’ll earn:

• Three points per dollar spent on dining, online grocery purchases, and qualifying streaming service payments
• Two points per dollar spent on all other travel purchases booked outside of Chase Ultimate Rewards
• One point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Plus, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. So, 50,000 points equals $625 in travel credit.

With card_name, you’ll only earn two miles per dollar spent outside of lodging and rental booked through the Capital One travel platform. And every point is worth 1 cent, making the 50,000 points mentioned above worth $500 in travel credit. However, you can transfer your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs to make them go further, a feature not available from card_name.

Rewards winner: card_name

Annual fee

Both credit card issuers charge a $95 annual fee.

Annual fee winner: tie

APR

A slight edge here for card_name. While both cards offer the same minimum APR, the maximum rate of the card_name is lower than that of the card_name.

APR winner: card_name

Foreign transaction fee

Neither card imposes foreign transaction fees.

Foreign transaction fee winner: tie

Additional perks

card_name offers the following added benefits:

• A $50 annual hotel statement credit
• Up to 2,500 annual bonus points if you spend $25,000 on purchases
• 1:1 point transfers
• Extensive travel and purchase protections
• Ridesharing and food delivery service incentives

You’ll also enjoy a host of perks with card_name, including:

• Travel miles transfers
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Hertz Five Star status
• Travel lounge access
• Dining and entertainment perks
• Flight price drop protection

Additional perks winner: tie

Which card earns the most?

card_name’s bonus categories make it the top pick for points earned.

To illustrate, if you spent $500 in each category, here’s how much you’d earn:

If you booked a hotel and rental car through Chase Ultimate Rewards or Capital One Travel, you’d earn five points per dollar spent. But if you tacked airfare on to the purchase, your earning potential would be greater with card_name since card_name only offers two miles per dollar spent on travel purchases outside of rentals and lodging.

Our recommendations

Why we recommend card_name

‌card_name is our top pick because its points hold 25% more value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You also get more points up front if you spend enough to claim the welcome bonus. Plus, you can transfer points to other popular frequent travel programs, like JetBlue True Blue, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy.

The extensive travel and purchase protections are also worth noting. card_name does offer some of these, but they don’t quite stack up to what you’ll get with card_name.

Why you would still opt for card_name

card_name makes it easy to earn points without keeping tabs on spending categories. You’ll earn two miles for every dollar you spend, period.

Rewards points are also transferable to select travel partners. However, the list is mainly of international airline loyalty programs, which may only be beneficial if you travel abroad often.

TIME Stamp: Preferred wins for travel

If you’re a frequent traveler, card_name is the obvious choice. Your points will go further if used for travel, and you can transfer them to popular lodging and airfare loyalty programs. But if you prefer a more straightforward rewards program, card_name could be a better fit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Are card_name or card_name points worth more?

card_name points are worth more if you use them for travel. However, travel must be booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards to increase the point value by 25%.

Is it worth paying for card_name?

Yes, the annual fee on card_name is well worth it, considering the generous welcome bonus, rewards program, and added perks.

Who might benefit more from the card_name card?

Someone who prefers the simplicity of two points for everything, appreciates the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, and regularly rents from Hertz.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

If you are looking to build your credit, you must often accept fewer credit card benefits and perks until you’ve established a healthy credit history. In the meantime, you may miss out on valuable perks, such as cash-back rewards. The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card, issued by WebBank, hopes to change that, offering cash back on every purchase and no annual fee, among other benefits.

The Petal 2’s perks are otherwise limited and its rewards structure might be confusing for some. Even so, it might be the right choice if you want to earn some cash back while you build your credit. Learn more about the Petal 2’s rewards and other perks to find out if it might be the right card for you.

TIME’s Take

The Petal 2 Visa Credit Card provides 1% to 1.5% cash back on every purchase—a perk that is uncommon among cards for credit builders. It also earns 2% to 10% cash back from select merchants. While it’s light on other benefits, it’s worth a look if you are still working to improve your credit.

Petal 2 Visa: Pros and Cons

Pros

• Earns cash back on every purchase.
• No annual fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees, or returned payment fees.
• No minimum security deposit.

Cons

• No welcome bonus or intro APR offer.
• No balance transfers or cash advances.
• Complicated rewards structure.

Who is the card for?

The Petal 2 Visa is ideal for someone with a limited credit history, as no credit score is required to apply. Petal uses its proprietary Cash Score in its approval decision—an alternative measure that considers your income, savings, and spending history. However, your approval odds may approve if your credit score is above the subprime range (620 and above).

You also need to meet basic eligibility requirements, such as being 18 or older and having a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It’s also a good choice if you don’t want to put down a security deposit, as is typically required for secured credit cards.

This card is also for you if you want to avoid paying lots of fees. There are no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, returned payment fees, or late payment fees. Its variable annual percentage rate (APR) may not be the lowest of the low, but it’s still better than some we’ve seen for credit cards in this category.

Features

Features the Petal 2 Visa offers include:

Reports to credit bureaus

The Petal 2 Visa reports your activity to the three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. This allows you to establish a healthy credit profile with on-time payments and raise your credit score in the process.

Cheaper than most

Credit cards for credit builders often come with excessive program fees and enrollment fees. As mentioned, the Petal 2 Visa does away with all fees, aside from its purchase APR. This means you can use it without paying any fees, provided that you pay your balance in full. For credit builders, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper option than the Petal 2.

Generous rewards

Those who want to earn rewards will like this card, as it earns cash back on every purchase. At first, you’ll earn a flat 1% cash back. That rate increases to 1.25% with six on-time monthly payments and 1.5% with 12 on-time payments. In addition to flat-rate cash back, you might also receive personalized offers for 2% to 10% cash back from select merchants. Lastly, you might be able to earn Bonus Cash Back Points, which accrue at a higher rate than other cash-back points on this card. Petal will notify you if and when these points become available.

High maximum credit limit

The Petal 2 Visa has credit limits ranging from $300 to $10,000. That’s exactly double the maximum for the Petal 1, and it’s among the highest limits you are likely to see for credit-builder cards. Of course, this isn’t helpful if you end up carrying a balance, but it’s nice that you might be able to cover larger purchases with this card.

Note that you probably won’t start with a $10,000 credit limit right away. However, with the Leap program, you can increase your credit limit by making six consecutive minimum monthly payments or 15% of your statement balance, whichever is greater. To be eligible for an increase, you must also prevent your VantageScore from dropping by 25 points or more.

The fine print

• Annual fee: $0
• Purchase intro APR: N/A
• Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
• Regular APR: 18.24% to 32.24% (variable)
• Cash advance fee: N/A
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Late fees: $0
• Returned payment fee: $0

Additional Hidden Perks

The Petal 2 Visa’s main benefits are its cash-back rewards and lack of added fees. The card is light on other perks, but it does have a few extra benefits as a Visa card:

• Cardholder inquiry service
• Lost or stolen card reporting
• Emergency card replacement and emergency cash disbursement
• Dovly Uplift
• ID Navigator by NortonLifeLock
• Zero liability
• Roadside Dispatch®

In addition to these benefits, cardholders can earn Uber credits through Visa Local Offers. All you have to do is pay with your card in the Uber app, and you can earn credits when you shop at eligible merchants.

What Could Be Improved

The Petal 2 Visa is an excellent credit-builder card overall, but there are still some things about it that could be improved. For instance, while it earns cash back on every purchase, you can also earn cash back through periodic offers and bonus cash back. This can be a lot to track, especially for someone who is new to credit card rewards.

In addition, the card doesn’t have any intro offers, like low APR or a welcome bonus. Balance transfers and cash advances are also not possible with this card. These are mostly “nice to have” features, but adding them could make this card an even more attractive choice.

Card alternatives

The bottom line

If you have limited credit but are above the subprime range, the Petal 2 Visa could be a perfect card to help you build your credit. It earns 1% cash back on every purchase, which you can increase to 1.25% or 1.5% by making six or 12 on-time monthly payments. It also has no fees other than its ongoing APR. However, its rewards structure can be confusing for some, and the card doesn’t have perks like a welcome bonus or intro APR. Overall, it’s a strong choice for those who want to earn cash back and avoid fees while building their credit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the Petal 2 a secured or unsecured card?

The Petal 2 Visa is unsecured, and no security deposit is required. This card may be available to those with fair credit because Petal uses a metric called Cash Score in its approval decision. In addition to your credit score, this measure considers your income, savings, and spending history.

What’s the difference between Petal 1 and Petal 2?

These two cards have many similarities, such as no annual fees and the ability to earn cash back. However, it may be easier to qualify for the Petal 1 Card if you have subprime credit. While qualifying for the Petal 2 Card may be slightly tougher, it does away with fees like late fees and returned payment fees. In addition, the Petal 2 lets you earn cash back on every purchase—a privilege you don’t get with the Petal 1.

What’s the credit limit for the Petal 2?

The Petal 2 has credit limits ranging from $300 to $10,000. This is double the limit for the Petal 1, which ranges from $300 to $5,000.

Can you increase your Petal 2 card’s credit limit?

You may be able to increase your credit limit by making six consecutive on-time monthly payments or 15% of your statement balance, whichever is greater. You must also avoid a drop in your VantageScore of 25 points or more.

Don’t think of the card_name as a hotel credit card; think of it as a travel credit card with significant Marriott perks. The premium metal credit card can upgrade your travel experience as soon as you arrive at airport security.

Let’s look at the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your travel lifestyle.

TIME’s Take

The card_name is arguably the top Marriott credit card. Cardholders receive Platinum elite status, and its annual free night award is enough to single-handedly offset the card’s annual_fees annual fee.

The card isn’t great for spending outside of Marriott, and its annual dining credits (up to $300 value) are a bit clunky. Regardless, the card offers excellent value—and is worth its fee—for any frequent traveler.

Pros and cons

Who is the card for?

The card_name comes with a slew of Marriott-related benefits, but you can get up to $1,000 or more in annual value without stepping foot onto a Marriott property. Benefits include yearly dining credits, a complimentary airport lounge membership, and up to four types of travel-related insurance protection.

That said, the card is best suited for someone who stays with Marriott at least a couple of times per year. With the annual free night award and elite status benefits that rival the top hotel credit cards, you’ll want to consider Marriott over other hotel chains.

Rewards

Welcome bonus

The card_name comes with a generous welcome offer to bonus_miles_full. It’s possible to earn several hundred dollars in hotel stays from this offer alone.

Earning points

Here’s a closer look at the earning rates when you spend with the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card:

• 6 points per dollar at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.
• 3 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide.
• 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline.
• 2 points per dollar for all other eligible purchases.
• Terms Apply.

Redeeming points

Marriott award nights generally cost between 5,000 points (for a roadside hotel) and 120,000 points (for a luxury five-star resort). With more than 8,500 properties in over 130 countries, Marriott is one of the most recognizable hotel chains in the world. Marriott brands include SpringHill Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Westin, Ritz-Carlton, and many more.

You’ll often get the best points value when booking the cheapest or the most expensive hotels. For example:

• A night at The Fairfield Inn & Suites Tulsa Southeast/Crossroads Village in February costs over $90 per night, but you can reserve it for as little as 6,000 points. That gives you a value of 1.5 cents per point.
• A night at The St. Regis Maldives in June costs over $2,200 per night, but you can reserve it for as little as 84,000 points. That gives you a value of 2.6 cents per point.

Marriott also partners with dozens of airline loyalty programs, allowing you to convert your points to airline miles at various rates. With most airlines, you’ll get a 3:1 transfer ratio (3 Marriott points equals 1 airline mile), with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000-point increment you transfer.

You’ll get more value using your points for hotel stays than for flights, but transferring your points could be worth it if you want to take a specific flight and you only need a few more miles to achieve it.

The fine print

The card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee. Other card fees include:

• Purchase APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type.
• Cash advance APR: cash_advance_apr.
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee.
• Late or returned payment fee: late_payment_fee.

The card does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Additional hidden perks

Discounted Marriott stays

The card_name allows you to save money during your Marriott stays.

Most notable is the card’s annual free night award worth up to 85,000 points. You can stay at nearly any global Marriott property with this award, including luxury resorts that cost thousands of dollars per night (such as the aforementioned St. Regis Maldives). As long as a standard room costs 85,000 points or less, you can stay there. You also have the option to combine the award with up to 15,000 Marriott points— allowing you to book a room worth up to 100,000 Marriott points.

You’ll also receive a $100 property credit when you book a two-night stay with Marriott’s top luxury brands: Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. Unfortunately, you must book a specific paid rate, which can sometimes cost more than the lowest available rate.

Finally, you’ll receive an “Earned Choice Award” each year that you spend $60,000 on the card. You can choose from a list of Marriott benefits you’d like to receive. Examples include a second free night award worth up to 85,000 points or five suite night awards (which you can use to upgrade your room).

Marriott elite status

As mentioned, the card_name includes Platinum elite status. Without the card, you would have to stay 50 nights in a year to qualify. Platinum status comes with the following benefits:

• Free breakfast.
• Suite upgrades (when available).
• 4 p.m. late checkout.
• 50% bonus points on stays.

The card offers an automatic 25 elite night credits each calendar year. This gives you a 25-night head start toward Marriott Titanium status, which normally kicks in at 75 nights. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® cardholders can achieve this status at 50 nights.

Up to $300 in annual dining credits

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes up to $25 per month in statement credits to offset restaurant spending. In other words, you can receive up to $300 in free food each year you hold the card— an impressive perk that goes a long way to offset the card’s $650 annual fee.

Elevated travel experience

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers two specific travel benefits unrelated to Marriott.

The first is a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, which gives you unlimited access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. Airport lounges often come with perks such as free food and alcohol, and comfortable seating. Some even offer showers. A Priority Pass Select membership is worth over $450.

Second, you’ll receive up to $100 in statement credits to offset the application fee for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years after you apply. These trusted traveler programs can significantly reduce your airport security wait times, potentially saving you hours during a single trip.

TSA PreCheck® gives members a dedicated security lane that moves faster than a standard lane. You won’t have to take off your jacket, belt, or shoes. You won’t even need to remove your laptop from your backpack.

Global Entry comes with TSA PreCheck® benefits, but it also lets you skip the immigration line when coming home from an international trip. Just find a Global Entry kiosk, enter a few details, and leave.

Travel and purchase insurance

The card_name includes the following travel-related insurance coverages:

• Rental car insurance¹: Decline the rental company’s proprietary CDW, and you’ll be covered against damage or theft. The protection is secondary, so you’ll only be insured for things not covered by your personal insurance.
• Trip delay insurance²: When your flight is delayed by at least six hours, you can receive up to $500 in reasonable expenses (paid for with your card), such as hotel, meals, and transportation. You’re capped at two claims per 12-month period.
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance²: If you purchase prepaid, nonrefundable travel that is either cut short or canceled altogether for a covered reason, you could be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip (max $20,000 per 12-month period).
• Lost luggage insurance³: You’re covered for up to $3,000 if the common carrier (cruise, airline, etc.) loses or damages your checked or carry-on bags.

The card squeezes in a few purchase-related coverages, too:

• Purchase protection³: Eligible purchases are covered for up to 120 days against theft and damage (up to $10,000 per claim, max. $50,000 per account).
• Return protection⁴: When you try to return an item and are refused by the merchant, you can be refunded up to $300 per item (max. $1,000 per calendar year).
• Extended warranty³: Eligible U.S. manufacturer’s warranties of five years or less will be extended up to one year.

Amex offers

As is the case with all American Express cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card includes Amex Offers, a program that provides statement credits and bonus rewards for a lot of your normal spending.

You can browse Amex Offers online in your credit card account. When you find an offer you can use (for example, a $10 statement credit after paying your phone bill), click on the offer to add it to your card. Once you’ve completed the terms of the offer, you’ll automatically receive the rewards.

What could be improved

At first glance, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card’s annual_fees annual fee is its biggest drawback. But the fee is easily justified for frequent travelers and those who stay with Marriott even a few nights each year.

The card’s monthly $25 dining credit is annoying to use and could be made more customer-friendly. Make no mistake, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant is nowhere close to being the best credit card for restaurants, and isn’t the first card you should reach for to pay for your dining.

It would better serve cardholders if the $300 in dining credits were offered as a lump sum to spend as you please.

Card alternatives

Bottom line

The card_name charges a annual_fees annual fee, which is expensive. But before you get spooked by the price tag, do some quick math. Will you use the $300 in annual dining credits the card offers? Will you use its airport lounge membership? Will you redeem its 85,000-point free night award each year? Is travel insurance important to you?

If you analyze your travel habits and determine that you’ll save more than annual_fees per year, the card’s annual fee is most likely worth it.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What credit score is needed for the card_name?

To qualify for the card_name, you should possess a “good” credit score. According to FICO, this means a score of at least 670.

What is the annual fee for the Bonvoy Brilliant Card?

The card_name annual fee is annual_fees.

Is the card_name worth it?

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is worth it for those who travel regularly and stay with Marriott at least a few times each year. With its automatic Platinum elite status, a free night award after each card member anniversary, and valuable airport lounge membership, you could easily receive over $1,000 in value yearly.

Is Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant a metal card?

Yes, the card_name is made of metal.

¹ Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

² Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

³ Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company

⁴Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

It’s possible to get a secured credit card even if you have bad credit or no credit at all. The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is one option that may be worth considering. If your main purpose in having a secured card is to improve your credit, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card can help you get the job done.

This is not one of the better secured credit cards available. Some secured credit cards pay rewards on purchases—and it’s even possible to get an unsecured credit card if you have bad credit. But if you’re unable to qualify for those offers, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card might be worth considering.

Who is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card for?

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is an admittedly limited credit card. For example, your credit limit will be determined by the amount of your security deposit, and the card offers no sign-up bonus or rewards.

But if your mission is to build or rebuild your credit, the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card may be the right card for you.

First, OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card does not perform a credit check for qualification purposes. That means you may qualify for the card with poor credit or no credit at all. No credit check is required because you have to make a cash deposit to get the card and that sum functions as collateral. In other words, if you default, OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card can easily get back what it’s owed.

Another reason to consider the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is if you have no checking account. Most credit cards for bad credit require you to have a checking account in good standing. OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is one of the few credit card issuers with no such requirement.

If you apply and are accepted for an OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, plan on the card arrangement being temporary. Make your payments on time each month, and as you do your credit score should increase. You should think of this credit card as a tool to rehabilitate your credit until you are ready to apply for traditional credit cards.

Features and benefits

‌OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card offers two versions of its secured Visa card: OpenSky® and OpenSky® Plus. Both are secured credit cards, so the credit limit will be determined by the amount of your security deposit. There is no credit check performed when you apply for either card.

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card has a variable annual percentage rate(APR) of reg_apr,reg_apr_type and comes with a annual_fees annual fee. The minimum security deposit required is $200 and the maximum is $3,000.

The card_name has a higher variable APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type but charges annual_fees annual fee. The minimum security deposit is $300 and the maximum is $3,000.

Whichever card you choose, you’ll be evaluated for a credit line increase every six months. Though credit increases are not guaranteed, it’s a real possibility as you make your monthly payments on time. You can manage the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card either online or using the mobile app. Monthly payments can be made by check or on the online platform or mobile app.

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card and the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card now allow customers to earn up to 10% cash back on purchases at over 40,000 retailers.

Cards fees

The fee structure for the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is as follows:

• Annual fee: annual_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fees: cash_advance_apr
• Late payment: Up to late_payment_fee
• Returned payment: Up to $25

The fee structure for the card_name is slightly different:

• Annual fee: annual_fees
• Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
• Foreign transaction fees: foreign_transaction_fee
• Late payment: Up to late_payment_fee
• Returned payment: Up to $40

Alternatives

Is an OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card worth applying for?

‌OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card is a good secured credit card to apply for if you have poor or no credit and want to change that. That’s because the company does not require a credit check and will report your good behavior to the three major credit bureaus.

OpenSky® reports that over 85% of applicants have been approved over the past five years. The main reason for having credit declined seems to be the applicant’s current or previous history with OpenSky.

You must meet the following criteria to qualify for the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card:

• Be at least 18 years old, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien of the U.S.
• Have a valid Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Have a monthly income greater than your monthly expenses, which includes the estimated monthly payment on the credit card.
• Must not have applied for a Capital Bank credit card four or more times within the past 60 days.
• Must not have three or more open credit card accounts with Capital Bank.
• A payment history on any current or previous account with Capital Bank that is in good standing.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Will I get my deposit back with the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?

Your security deposit will be returned only when your account has been closed and the credit card balance has been fully paid. It can take up to eight weeks for a deposit to be returned, but less than four weeks is reported to be more common.

Can I upgrade the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card to an unsecured card?

OpenSky® may offer the OpenSky® Gold Visa® Unsecured Credit Card to its secured credit card customers after as few as six on-time monthly payments.

No guarantee is made that the unsecured card will be offered. But if it is, you’ll be qualified based on your payment history with an OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. No application, credit check, or security deposit will be required.

How fast can I build credit with the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?

It really depends on the credit level at which you start. If you have no credit at all, you should expect improvement after making at least six on-time monthly payments. But if you’re looking to repair a bad credit score, it can take a year or longer. To overcome a particularly low credit score, you may need one or two additional credit cards or loans—all of which, of course, must be paid on time each month.

RELATED: Best Loans for Bad Credit

How long does it take to be approved for theOpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?

The company reports average application processing times of between 24 and 48 hours. The credit decision will be provided by email. The card itself will be mailed to you after you’ve made your security deposit. You can expect delivery times of 12 to14 business days.

How can I get a cash advance with my OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?

You can use your secured credit card to get a cash advance at an ATM that accepts Visa cards. If you do, you’ll need to have sufficient credit available on your account to cover (1) the amount of the advance; (2) the cash advance fee, which is the greater of $6 or 5% of the amount withdrawn; and (3) any fees charged by the owner of the ATM.

Is the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card legit?

OpenSky® Secured Visa cards are issued by Rockville, Maryland-based Capital Bank. Capital Bank has been in business since 1999 and has a Better Business Bureau rating of “A” (on a scale of A+ to F).

Does OpenSky® run your credit?

No. OpenSky® is one of the few issuers of credit cards for bad credit that does not run a credit report at application. However, it does report your payment history to all three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Can you rent a car with an OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card?

The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. However, you’ll need to be sure your credit limit is high enough to cover the expected charges on the rental.

Car rental companies commonly add a security deposit at the time you rent the vehicle. Your credit limit will need to be sufficient to cover that security deposit, as well as the expected charges for the rental.

RELATED: Credit Card Rental Car Insurance

Before attempting to use the card for a car rental, you should verify the maximum charge the rental company is likely to place on the card.

What’s the OpenSky® phone number for customer service?

Customer contact is indicated on the website as being by mail. However, OpenSky® can also be contacted through the following toll-free phone number: 1 (800) 859-6412.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

While Chase offers a range of financial products and services, including mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, and checking and savings accounts, the bank may be best known for its incredible roster of rewards credit cards. Not only does the card issuer have several top cash back credit cards—including the card_name and the Chase Freedom Flex℠—but its premium travel credit cards are some of the most sought-after credit cards on the market today.

The card_name is the company’s cream-of-the-crop card. It offers the most luxury perks, the best travel protections, and the most lucrative rewards rate for many types of consumers. If you want a luxury metal credit card with all the bells and whistles, read on to learn more about the card_name and everything you get as a cardholder.

TIME’s Take

The card_name is a winner for frequent travelers. It requires a relatively high annual fee of annual_fees, yet its generous benefits make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits. This card also earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners at an impressive 1:1 ratio.

Pros & cons

Who is the card for?

The card_name is best for consumers who love to travel and do so on a regular basis. There are several reasons for this. First off, the card earns its best rewards rate on travel and dining purchases. Second, users earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points that transfer to various airline and hotel partners, or offer 50% more value if used to book travel through Chase. Last but not least, this card comes with a generous selection of benefits for travel, including airport lounge access, expedited airport security, a $300 annual travel credit, and travel insurance benefits.

The dining and travel-focused earning rate on the card_name make this card a solid choice for consumers who spend a lot in these categories. Signing up for the card_name gives consumers the chance to bonus_miles_full. From there, cardholders earn rewards with the following earning rates:

• Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning the $300 annual travel credit annually)
• Earn 10x total points on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning the $300 annual travel credit annually)
• Earn 3x points on other travel and dining (after earning the $300 annual travel credit annually)
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

In summary, the card_name is for jetsetters who want premium travel benefits and flexible rewards they can use to book free travel or make their travel plans more comfortable or luxurious. Individuals who spend a lot on travel and are willing to book airfare, car rentals, and hotels through the Chase Travel portal probably stand to benefit the most.

Rewards

Before you pick one of the best travel credit cards, you should find out about the different ways points can be redeemed in the end. When you start digging into various cards and rewards programs, you’ll quickly find that Chase Ultimate Rewards is the best program out there for most travelers.

Cardholders with the card_name can redeem their rewards in all kinds of ways, including non-travel options like cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. Users can also redeem their points for travel through the Chase portal and get 50% more value that way, or a rewards rate of 1.5 cents per point.

Finally, Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with this card transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners. These partners are probably the most useful out there when you compare to other flexible rewards programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Capital One Miles.

Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners all have the same 1:1 transfer ratio and include the following:

Airline travel partners

• Aer Lingus, AerClub
• Air Canada Aeroplan
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards®
• Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards®
• United MileagePlus®
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Hotel travel partners

• IHG® Rewards Club
• Marriott Bonvoy®
• World of Hyatt®

Features

Because the card_name has a annual_fees annual fee, it’s important to consider its benefits before you can decide if the fee is worth paying the first year or in subsequent years. Main cardholder features you should know about include the following:

• $300 annual travel credit: Use the card for travel purchases and get up to $300 in travel statement credits per year. This is one of the most flexible travel credits among any top travel credit card since you can use it to book nearly any type of travel directly or through discount travel sites.
• DoorDash benefits: Get a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership with $0 delivery fees and other benefits for a minimum of one year. Activation required by Dec. 31, 2024.
• Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck membership: Get a fee credit worth up to $100 for membership in any of these programs every four years when you charge membership fees to your card.
• Instacart benefits: Get one year of Instacart+ membership as a cardholder. Instacart+ members who pay for delivery with their card also earn up to $15 in statement credits each month through July 2024.
• Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership: This membership has a retail value of $469 and lets you enter more than 1,400 different airport lounges around the world.

The fine print

The card_name does charge a annual_fees annual fee, but it does not charge foreign transaction fees when you use it for purchases outside the United States.

Other fees and charges that can apply with this card include the following:

• Authorized users: In addition to this card’s annual_fees annual fee, each authorized user added to the card requires an additional annual fee of $75.

• Balance transfers: This card doesn’t have an intro APR offer, so you wouldn’t want to transfer balances to it anyway. If you did decide you needed to, you would pay a 5% (minimum $5) balance transfer fee upfront.

  RELATED: Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

• Carrying a balance: This card ranges from reg_apr,reg_apr_type, so carrying a balance will become extremely expensive over time.

• Cash advances: Using this card for a cash advance will also be pricey, so we don’t recommend it. The fee for cash advances is cash_advance_fee, and you’ll also pay a cash advance APR of cash_advance_apr of the transaction (minimum $10) variable.

• Late payments: Late payments and returned payments can both trigger a fee of late_payment_fee. A penalty APR up to 29.99% variable can also apply after late payments are made.

Additional hidden perks

While many of the benefits of the card_name are front and center, a lot of people don’t realize how many travel and consumer protections this card has built in. Overall, the card_name is the best credit card for travel insurance among all comparable cards on the market today.

Here’s a rundown of the main purchase and travel protections that come with this card automatically:

Purchase protections

• Purchase protection: Get covered against damage or theft for items you purchase for the first 120 days. Coverage is good for up to $10,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per year.
• Return protection: This coverage can help you get reimbursed for items a store won’t take back within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is good for up to $500 per item and up to $1,000 per year.
• Extended warranty protection: Get an extra year of extended warranty protection on items that come with a manufacturer’s warranty of three years or less.

Travel insurance benefits

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: This coverage applies to collision damage and theft for most rental cars in the U.S. and abroad, and coverage is worth up to $75,000. Also note that this coverage is primary, so you can use it in place of your own insurance.
• Baggage delay insurance: This coverage reimburses up to $100 per day for up to five days when bags are delayed by at least six hours and travelers have to buy toiletries and other essentials.
• Emergency evacuation and transportation coverage: This protection is worth up to $100,000 when the cardholder or an immediate family member becomes sick or injured and requires emergency evacuation.
• Emergency medical and dental benefit: This card also comes with up to $2,500 in protection per traveler for emergency medical and dental expenses that occur at least 100 miles from home.
• Lost luggage reimbursement: This coverage is good for up to $3,000 per passenger when luggage is lost or stolen while in the care of a common carrier.
• Roadside assistance: Call into a hotline 24/7 for help with fuel delivery, a flat tire change, and other services. The hotline is free, but cardholders pay for services they receive.
• Travel accident insurance: This coverage is worth up to $1 million for accidental death or dismemberment, and it applies when the cardholder pays for travel with a common carrier with their card.
• Travel and emergency assistance services: Call into this hotline 24/7 for emergency assistance when you need it. The hotline is free, but cardholders pay for services they receive.
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance: This coverage is worth up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip when a vacation must be canceled or cut short for a covered reason like a major illness or severe weather.
• Trip delay coverage: Get reimbursed up to $500 per ticket to cover unreimbursed expenses for meals and lodging when a trip is delayed by more than six hours or requires an unexpected overnight stay.

What could be improved

Considering all the perks and benefits you get with the card_name for its annual_fees annual fee, it’s hard to find too much to complain about. If the card has any downsides, it would probably be the fact that its bonus rewards categories are heavily tilted to dining and travel, but don’t include everyday spending categories like gas, groceries, or drugstores.

The high variable APR on the card_name can also become a problem for consumers who may want to carry a balance from time to time. In that case, it wouldn’t make sense to earn rewards with the card_name since the interest charged would cost a lot more than the value of the rewards earned. Our advice? If you’re hoping to carry a balance on your card when you need to, look for credit cards that offer 0% APR on purchases for a limited time instead.

Alternatives

Bottom line

Paying annual_fees per year for a travel credit card definitely seems like a lot, but the card_name can be worth considerably more than that based on its cardholder perks alone. When you add in all the rewards you can earn the first year and thereafter, it’s easy to see why this card is so popular.

That said, you don’t have to pay annual_fees per year to earn points that transfer to Chase airline and hotel partners. If you’re willing to go without luxury travel benefits, the card_name earns transferable points with an annual fee of just annual_fees.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How prestigious is card_name?

The card_name is a metal credit card that was built to impress. This card is definitely one of the more prestigious travel credit cards on the market today.

Is the card_name hard to get?

The card_name is geared to consumers with very good to excellent credit, so individuals whose credit isn’t stellar may not be approved.

Why is card_name so popular?

This travel credit card is popular due to its elevated travel benefits and affiliation with the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

First things first: The card_name will bonus_miles_full

That’s virtually unprecedented for a no annual fee credit card, and it’s a coup for anyone that can be approved — which isn’t everyone.

That’s because the card_name is a small business credit card, which means you must have a for-profit venture to qualify. But as we’ll discuss, the term “small business” includes more activities than you might imagine. You may even discover that you operate a small business without realizing it.

One feature that makes this one of the best credit cards of its category is that, while its rewards are marketed as cash back, they’re actually Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. If you’ve got another participating Ultimate Rewards card, you can magically turn those rewards into exponentially more value travel points.

Here’s everything you need to know about the card_name.

TIME’s Take

The card_name doesn’t offer a lot of variety in its rewards earnings (a flat 1.5% everywhere), but that’s part of its charm. Those who find bonus categories appealing should stay away, but anyone valuing simplicity has found their new daily driver. A minimum of 1.5% back on everything is above average.

Plus, you can count on zero hands the number of no annual fee credit cards that have a better welcome bonus than this card: bonus_miles_full

For any small business owner, it’s worth giving this card a try. Chase is effectively paying you $750 to kick the tires.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited vs Cash

Pros and cons

Who is the card for?

The card_name is a small business credit card. If you’re not a small business owner, you won’t qualify for the card.

The good news is that it’s common to participate in something that can be categorized as a small business. For example, if you occasionally dog sit with Rover, deliver food with DoorDash, babysit for money or sell items on eBay, you can get a business credit card.

The card is also very accessible thanks to its annual_fees annual fee. You can open and keep the card without paying any membership fees, which means it’s a good card to help build your credit history.

The big downfall of this card may be considered a strength by some. You’ll earn 1.5% back (1 Chase point per dollar) on all purchases with the card. Many small business cards offer a more generous return for specific spending categories, but the card_name’s flat earning rate means you’re guaranteed a respectable return for minimal brainpower.

Rewards structure

The card_name will bonus_miles_full

This card earns 1.5% back (1 Chase point per dollar) on all eligible purchases. You’ll also earn 5% (5 Chase points per dollar) on Lyft rides through March 2025.

A 1.5% return isn’t roof-shattering, but a significantly higher floor than most other credit cards on the market. The lowest return you’ll get with many other rewards credit cards is 1% (or 1 point per dollar). This makes the card_name a go-to card for expenses that don’t fall into a bonus category, such as medical expenses, household maintenance, or car repairs.

This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points which can be redeemed at a rate of 1 cent per point. However, these rewards can be worth much more toward travel if you also hold either the card_name, card_name or card_name.

The secret is to transfer the points you earn with the card_name to one of these cards. This allows you to do things like:

• Purchase travel through the Chase Travel Portal for between 1.25 cents and 1.5 cents (depending on which card you have).
• Convert your rewards into hotel points for free accommodation.
• Convert your rewards into airline miles for (nearly) free flights.

The biggest potential value for your rewards comes specifically by transferring your points to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners, such as Hyatt, Singapore Airlines and British Airways. Here are a few examples of what you can do with the card_name’s current welcome bonus:

• Transfer 75,000 points to Hyatt for three nights at the Andaz Amsterdam. That’s a $2,000+ hotel stay (a value of 2.6 cents per point).
• Transfer 68,000 points to Iberia for a round-trip lie-flat business class flight between Washington, DC (IAD), and Madrid (MAD) on Iberia. That’s a $3,400+ fare (a value of 5 cents per point).
• Transfer 78,000 points to Singapore Airlines for two round-trip economy flights between Newark (EWR) and Kauai (LIH) on United Airlines. That’s $1,100 worth of airfare (a value of 1.4 cents per point).

You can also redeem your points for things like gift cards and your Amazon cart, but these options aren’t nearly as valuable as your travel options.

The fine print

The card_name does not charge an annual fee. However, you’ll be subject to various fees that you can expect with just about any card, namely:

• Balance transfer fee: Pay $5 or 5% of your transaction when initiating a balance transfer, whichever is greater.
• Cash advance fees: Pay $15 or 5% of your cash advance, whichever is greater. You’ll also pay an increased 29.99% APR which begins accruing immediately.
• Returned payment fees: You’ll pay a $40 fee if your credit card payment doesn’t go through due to lack of funds (or another reason).
• Late payment fees: You’ll pay a $40 fee if you submit a payment past your due date. This is easily avoidable by setting your account on autopay for the minimum payment amount.

The card_name also charges a foreign_transaction_fee fee, making it a bad option to use when you’re outside the country or making any online purchases that’ll be processed outside the U.S., for that matter.

Additional hidden perks

Intro APR offer

card_name comes with intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration (followed by reg_apr,reg_apr_type). This is a solid offering for a no annual fee cash back credit card — solid enough that some other cards may consider it a “welcome bonus.”

If you’ve got a large business purchase (or a series of purchases) that you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off for several months, the card_name is an excellent card that has the potential to save you literally hundreds of dollars in interest, depending on how heavily you use it.

Primary rental car insurance

The card_name confers primary rental car insurance when you use the card to pay for your reservation and waive the rental agency’s in-house CDW. That’s a hyper-rare benefit among no annual fee credit cards.

There is one catch: You must be renting the car for business purposes. In other words, if you’re renting for your vacation, Chase is not obligated to cover you.

Purchase insurances

The card_name comes with two handy coverages for your purchases:

• Purchase protection: Eligible items purchased with the card are covered up to 120 days against theft or damage, up to $10,000 per claim (max $50,000 per account).
• Extended warranty protection: Eligible items purchased with the card will receive up to 1 additional year on U.S. manufacturer’s warranties of three years or less.

These perks further warrant the card as a good choice when buying expensive business items.

Travel and emergency assistance services

This benefit isn’t necessarily a money-saver, but it’s a good friend to have during your travels. If something goes awry, you have access to a hotline that will help you with medical and legal referrals, arranging emergency travel, assistance with a lost passport and more. While the advice is free, you’ll pay for anything else that would otherwise cost money.

Roadside Dispatch

When you experience trouble on the road, you can call a dedicated number to get help with things like towing, winching, a locksmith, jumpstarts and fuel delivery. Most of these services aren’t free, but they’re a great last resort when you’ve got nowhere to turn.

What could be improved

The card_name has a handful of travel-focused benefits. Its primary rental car insurance and Chase Ultimate Rewards structure make it a go-to credit card for those with travel aspirations. So it’s disappointing that it charges a foreign_transaction_fee fee.

Another welcome addition would be the addition of a bonus category or two, similar to its consumer counterpart, the card_name. This card offers a 1.5% minimum earning rate on all purchases, but it also offers:

• 5% back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Portal.
• 3% back on dining.
• 3% back at drugstores.

A 1.5% baseline is good, but it’s increasingly becoming not good enough.

Card alternatives

*Bonus rewards are earned on up to $25,000 in combined spending each year, then 1% (1 Chase point per dollar).

The card_name is one of the better no-annual-fee small business credit cards on the market. The fact that it earns rewards that can be used for travel separates it from much of the pack. If you don’t have the energy to pay attention to bonus categories, this card’s 1.5% return rate simplifies your earning strategy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is the card_name worth it?

The card_name has annual_fees annual fee, so there’s no financial risk in opening the card (unless you incur standard fees for activity such as late payments or carrying a balance month-to-month). The card is definitely worth it for most situations, as it earns a respectable 1.5% return for all purchases.

What is the annual fee for the card_name?

The card_name has a annual_fees annual fee.

Does Chase pull personal credit for business cards?

Chase will perform a hard credit inquiry on your personal credit to approve you for its business cards, including the card_name. However, your activity on the card_name doesn’t report to your personal credit.

Travelers are back in the skies and on the roads, airplanes are taking off full, and there is likely a good chance you’re planning to travel this year or thinking about it. Whether you’re heading off on a much-deserved vacation or just getting away for a weekend, you may be looking to earn rewards on your travel spending.

But most travel credit cards come with an annual fee. That might make sense for road-warrior business travelers who are on a first-name basis with the airport check-in agent, but what if you don’t travel as often? If you’re an occasional traveler, paying an annual fee might not make sense.

In this article, we’ll cover the best travel credit cards with no annual fee.

Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards: Summary

Our recommendations

Best for ThankYou Points: Citi Rewards+® Card

The Citi Rewards+® Card wouldn’t normally make a list of great travel cards, but it currently offers bonus points on some travel. Cardmembers can earn a total of five ThankYou Points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal through December 31, 2025.

If you’re invested in the Citi ThankYou Points ecosystem, the card is a must-have, not for its travel benefits, but for its point bonus on redemptions. The card offers a 10% rebate on point redemptions when you redeem your ThankYou Points. If you hold multiple ThankYou Point-earning cards and combine your ThankYou Points accounts, you get this rebate on any redemption, up to 100,000 points redeemed per year.

Here are the details of the Citi Rewards+® Card:

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Special offer: Earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025 (airfare is not included).
• 2 ThankYou Points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent per year at supermarkets and gas stations for first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
• 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on all other purchases.
• ‌foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee.
• ‌$0 (Rates & Fees) annual fee.

Best for cash back on travel: card_name

If you want a no-annual-fee card that offers cash back on travel and are a Costco member, the card_name simply can’t be beat. The Costco Anywhere Visa offers 3% cash back on travel categories including airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel agencies, cruise lines and Costco Travel. You must be a Costco member to get this card, but if you’re looking for cash back on travel, few other cards offer as much cash back on as many travel categories as the Costco Anywhere Visa.

The one quirk of the rewards earned by the Costco Anywhere Visa Credit Card is that you earn your rewards as Costco Cash. Costco Cash rewards get distributed once your February billing statement closes in the form of a credit card reward certificate. This certificate must be redeemed at Costco for merchandise or cash.

Here are the details of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card:

• 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent each year on eligible gas and EV charging purchases worldwide and then 1% thereafter.
• 3% cash back at restaurants worldwide.
• 3% cash back on eligible travel purchases.
• 2% cash back on all other purchases at Costco and at Costco.com.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• ‌foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee.
• ‌annual_fees annual fee.

Best for Hilton stays: card_name

If your travel plans have you staying within Hilton’s family of hotel brands, consider picking up the card_name. The card earns seven Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar spent at hotel properties within the Hilton portfolio. And you’ll get Hilton points for your everyday purchases like gas and groceries. The card earns five Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations as well. The card is also a great choice if you’re planning to travel abroad as it does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Here are the details of the Hilton Honors American Express Card:

• 7 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at any participating hotel within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
• 3 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee (Rates & Fees).
• annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).

Best for United miles: card_name

United MileagePlus aficionados wanting to pad their mileage balances without paying an annual fee should take a look at the card_name. The card earns two United miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting.

The benefits of the card_name don’t stop with earning miles. The card also offers 25% back on United inflight and United Club premium drink purchases. And the card offers essential travel insurance coverage such as auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and purchase protection.

Here are the details of the United Gateway Card:

• 2 United miles per dollar spent on United purchases.
• 2 United miles per dollar spent at gas stations.
• 2 United miles per dollar spent on local transit and commuting.
• 1 United mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
• foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
• annual_fees annual fee.
• Member FDIC.

Best for American miles: card_name

If you want to earn American Airlines miles on your purchases with the airline, there may be no better card than the American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard®. The card earns two miles per dollar spent with American Airlines—an earning rate that matches even the airline’s most premium card_name, which carries a annual_fees annual fee. In addition to miles on American Airlines purchases, the card earns two miles per dollar spent at grocery stores.

The card_name has a unique feature among airline cards with no annual fee: The card can help you earn elite status with American Airlines. You earn one loyalty point for every one dollar you spend on purchases. Earning just 15,000 loyalty points in a year gets you Group 5 boarding privileges and a handful of preferred seat coupons. Once you earn 40,000 loyalty points in a year, you get AAdvantage Gold status, giving you access to complimentary upgrades.

Here are the details of thecard_name:

• 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services.
• 1 AAdvantage mile per dollar spent everywhere else.
• Earn 1 loyalty point for every AAdvantage mile earned from purchases.
• ‌foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee.
• ‌annual_fees annual fee.

Best for Delta miles: card_name

Delta Air Lines flyers can earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee if they hold the card_name. The card_name offers two SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and at restaurants, plus a 20% rebate on in-flight purchases. The card does not levy a foreign transaction fee (Rates & Fees), making it a solid option for international travelers who prefer SkyTeam.

Here are the details of the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card:

• 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
• 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent at restaurants.
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
• foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee (Rates & Fees).
• annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).

Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards Comparison Chart

Our methodology

To find the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, we looked at the offerings from banks, U.S.-based airlines, and the major hotel chains. To be included in our list, cash back cards had to earn greater than 2% cash rewards on travel. Co-branded hotel and airline cards needed to earn at least two points per dollar on purchases with the brand. In most cases, we found that holding the no-annual-fee card that aligns with your travel brand preferences will earn you the most miles and points.

TIME Stamp: Brand loyalty can be rewarding

If you are a Costco member, the card_name offers the best travel rewards across a variety of travel purchases. If you’re not a Costco member and want a travel credit card that offers the best rewards with no annual fee, go with the entry-level card of your most used travel brand.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.