Best Mastercard® Credit Cards of 2025

The Citi Double Cash^® Card is our choice as the best Mastercard because it offers a solid rewards rate on every purchase for a $0 annual fee. You’ll earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards and more, or you can transfer to a limited number of airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Plus, it’s a great option to pay off high-interest credit card debt with a balance transfer. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then a 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR applies.

There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

The Chase Freedom Flex^℠ is an excellent Mastercard with rewards, offering a winning mix of spending categories sure to match many consumers’ spending habits. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Cardholders should be fine earning the card’s generous sign-up bonus, thanks to its low spending threshold. Its lengthy 0% intro APR offer also makes it a great option if you want to finance a large purchase or pay off existing credit card debt without interest. You’ll get a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months and a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months — after that, a 18.99% - 28.49% variable APR applies.

On the downside, however, it does carry a 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside of the U.S.

The Citi Strata Premier^® Card earns our top pick for travel rewards, thanks to its great sign-up bonus. The card also features a credit off select hotel stays booked through CitiTravel.com, and that alone is enough to offset the card’s $95 annual fee. It earns high rewards on a wide variety of categories, including gas, air travel, hotels and restaurants. It also offers flexible redemption options and solid travel protections.

The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards with cash back that helps build credit without an annual fee. Geared toward consumers with limited / poor credit, this secured card reports payments to the three major credit bureaus and offers opportunities for automatic credit line increases. You may even be able to upgrade to an unsecured card and have your deposit refunded with responsible use.

Like many secured cards, the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card features a high APR and requires a refundable security deposit. But it also has a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, so it may be a more affordable option in the long run. Plus, you can see if you qualify for the card before applying without negatively affecting your credit score.

The Navy Federal nRewards® Secured Credit Card is a solid choice for people who want to earn rewards while building credit. Security deposits start at $200 and can go as high as $5,000 if you want more spending power. This card offers an automatic credit limit increase in as little as three months and a possible upgrade to an unsecured card after six months.

While it doesn’t offer bonus categories, this card earns a flat rate of 1X points per dollar spent on every purchase. Redeem your rewards frequently because points expire four years after earning them, with no way to extend their expiration.

You’ll avoid many fees charged by other cards, including card renewals, balance transfers, foreign transactions and cash advances. Plus, the card offers a highly competitive APR that is lower than many unsecured cards.

The Bank of America^® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard^® credit card offers simple, flat-rate cash back on all your spending, letting you focus on your small business. Business owners earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases everywhere, every time with no spending caps or manual activations. While the card doesn’t offer bonus categories, this flat rewards rate can increase up to 2.62% when they qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business.

New cardholders can earn a generous welcome bonus and qualify for a modest intro APR offer. With its 0% Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles (followed by a 17.49%-27.49% Variable APR), this $0-annual-fee card is a top choice for businesses that want to finance large business purchases without interest.

With a $595 annual fee, the Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Executive World Elite Mastercard^® probably isn’t a fit for everyone. But for frequent American Airlines travelers, the card offers premium airline perks that make it well worth its annual fee. Its showcase perk is Admirals Club membership, the airline’s airport lounge network — annual memberships cost at least $850 per person, much higher than the card’s annual fee.

You’ll also enjoy priority treatment at the airport and a free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights for yourself and up to eight companions. The card is a perfect travel companion, with 0% foreign transaction fees and discounted in-flight purchases for those who enjoy a beverage or meal while flying. Plus, cardholders also receive a credit every four years for application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, perfect for expedited security lines at the airport.

The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card doesn’t necessarily come with benefits geared specifically toward college students, but it does offer a fantastic cash rewards program. You’ll earn elevated cash back rates in categories that align with college life, including dining, grocery stores, streaming and entertainment.

It’s a great starter card for students with limited credit history: With no annual fee, it’s a low-cost way to build your credit profile, provided you pay your balance on time each month. It also doesn’t have foreign transaction fees, so it’s a good option for a semester abroad or spending spring break in the Caribbean.

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a must-have for foodies who love cash back rewards, as well as a good option when traveling abroad. It includes no foreign transaction fees and bonus cash back rates on travel-friendly spending categories like dining, entertainment, streaming services and groceries.

And yet, the cash back card’s benefits even extend beyond its fee structure and rewards rates. Card features include travel and purchase benefits that save money and protect you in case of problems. Plus, new customers can save on interest with an intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers (a balance transfer fee applies).

While the Capital One Platinum Credit Card doesn’t offer a rewards program or sign-up bonus offer, it is excellent if you’re building or rebuilding your credit profile. One feature that sets it apart from competitors is that it doesn’t charge a ton of fees. In fact, it has a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Use your card responsibly and you may get rewarded with enhanced purchasing power. Capital One automatically reviews accounts for higher credit limits as early as six months. Track your progress with CreditWise, which offers complimentary credit score monitoring.

Getting out of debt can be challenging when credit card interest rates are so high. While many balance transfer cards offer intro APRs of 12 to 18 months, the Citi Simplicity^® Card gives cardholders a 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers (followed by a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR). Additionally, you’ll get a 0% intro APR for 12 months on Purchases (followed by a 18.24% - 28.99% (Variable) APR).

This card also avoids many fees and keeps your costs low. There is a $0 annual fee and no late fees, and if you miss a payment, you won’t get hit with a penalty APR. It doesn’t offer a welcome bonus or earn rewards and has few benefits, so it has limited value once the promo APRs expire. However, if you need extra time to pay off your debt, the Citi Simplicity^® Card is an excellent choice.