3 Major Types of Credit Cards - NerdWallet (2024)

With thousands of credit cards on the market, understanding which one is right for you can be overwhelming. Fortunately, most cards can be classified into three major categories based on the features they offer: rewards credit cards, low interest and balance transfer cards, and credit-building cards. This classification can help you narrow down your choices.

It’s important to note, however, that these three categories aren't rigid or mutually exclusive. For example, a card that saves you money on interest can also earn rewards or help you build credit. Also, the best type of credit card for you will depend on what you need from a card, your spending habits and sometimes your card-holding and credit histories.

But to better understand what to look for in a card and what certain categories might generally offer you, here are the three major types of credit cards.

1. Rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards give you a little something back with each purchase. Such cards generally include cash-back cards, which earn back a percentage of your spending, and travel rewards credit cards, which typically give you points or miles for purchases you make.

Cash-back credit cards

Cash back cards earn flat-rate rewards, tiered rewards or rotating bonus rewards.

Flat-rate cards earn a fixed rewards rate regardless of what you purchase with your card, which makes them easy to use. The industry standard is 1.5% back, though several 2%-back cards exist now. The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, for example, earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases.

Tiered-rewards cards require a little more effort because they earn different rates in different spending categories. This means that if you tend to spend more in certain areas, you’ll want to opt for a card that earns bonus rewards in categories that match up with your spending. For instance, if you’re an avid grocery spender, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express might be a good pick. It earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in spending per year and then 1% thereafter); 6% on U.S. streaming services; 3% on eligible transit and at U.S. gas stations; and 1% on all other spending. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

Rotating bonus cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex®, tend to be even more complex. That’s because they feature different bonus categories that rotate monthly or quarterly. And for most of these cards, you’ll have to activate the new bonus categories when they rotate to earn elevated rewards.

Travel rewards credit cards

If you’re looking for a card that rewards you for travel-related spending, you can consider a general travel rewards card or a co-branded travel credit card.

General travel cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, get you cash back for travel related purchases you make, and are typically more flexible with how you can redeem those rewards. With that specific Capital One card, you’ll earn an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on everything, which can be redeemed for any travel expense.

Co-branded cards, on the other hand, are valuable if you're already a frequent customer of a particular airline or hotel. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, for example, might be a good option for Delta loyalists. It earns double miles on eligible Delta spending, and on purchases made at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus, you'll earn 1X mile on all other eligible purchases. New cardholders are eligible for the following welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. It charges an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $150. Terms apply (see rates and fees).

2. Low-interest and balance transfer cards

If you pay your credit card bill in full every month, then the interest rate on your card doesn't really matter. That's because interest is charged only when you roll debt over from one month to the next. But not everyone can pay in full, and there are cards specifically designed for people who are carrying debt.

Low-interest or 0% cards save you money by reducing the amount of interest charged on your purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited®, for example, offers 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 20.49%-29.24% Variable APR. It has a $0 annual fee.

Balance-transfer cards let you move high-interest debt onto a card with a lower interest rate. For instance, the Citi Double Cash® Card gives new cardholders 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-29.24% Variable APR for a $0 annual fee.

There are also 0% cards that offer intro APR periods on both purchases and balance transfers, which typically offer interest-free windows of 15 to 18 months — although some offer longer promotional periods. The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card, for instance, features a 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.74%-29.74% Variable APR.

Note that the best 0% intro APR and balance-transfer card offers are usually available only to people with good to excellent credit (a score of at least 690 on the FICO scale). To qualify for the aforementioned US Bank card, for example, applicants will need a credit score of 690 or more.

3. Credit-building cards

Consumers with poor credit scores, or who are new to credit cards entirely, may find a card that can help to build or improve their credit useful.

Secured credit cards are one of the best ways to build credit. They require a security deposit, which is usually equal to your credit limit. The deposit makes the card less difficult to get since it reduces the risk to the credit card company. And with responsible use, you’ll be able to get the deposit back when your score has improved enough. In some cases, you’ll also be able to upgrade to an unsecured card that offers more benefits or rewards. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a good secured card option for those looking to build credit. The $0-annual-fee card requires a minimum deposit of $200 and offers the option to upgrade to a regular credit card with responsible use. And unlike many such card options, it also offers ongoing rewards: Cardholders can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. All other purchases earn 1%.

Student credit cards are for college students looking to get started on their credit journeys. Such cards work like regular credit cards, minus the perks and incentives, and generally require proof of college enrollment to qualify. The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Student Chrome, for instance, has no FICO credit history requirement and comes with ongoing rewards — the latter of which is uncommon for such cards. It also comes with a potentially lucrative sign-up bonus.

Alternative cards, now offered by a number of issuers, look beyond credit scores during the approval process. This makes it easier for those without established credit histories to apply and get approved. Such alternative credit card options use nontraditional underwriting methods, based on factors like income, employment and bank account information, to determine eligibility. For example, those who apply for the Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card (issued by WebBank) might have their spending and income evaluated rather than their credit scores or histories.

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