Best Visa credit cards of November 2023

Robin Saks Frankel

BLUEPRINT

Updated 10:37 a.m. UTC Nov. 14, 2023

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The Visa network is one of the most popular card networks and for good reason. The payment network is widespread and the cards provide a selection of perks and benefits such as auto rental collision damage waiver, fraud protection, roadside assistance, purchase protections and more (though specific benefits available will depend on the bank issuing your Visa credit card).

We analyzed a broad swath of Visa credit cards, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best. Know that when comparing the Visa credit cards on our list, the star ratings for these cards have been awarded based on how each card ranks in its respective category. These categories include rewards cards, travel cards, 0% APR cards and more.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
: Best luxury travel Visa card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
: Best no-annual-fee Visa card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
: Best mid-priced travel rewards Visa
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
: Best flat-rate Visa cash-back card
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
: Best Visa card for transit
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card *

The information for the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best 0% introductory APR Visa card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card *

The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best travel rewards Visa card
United℠ Explorer Card *

The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

: Best Visa airline card
Methodology
What is a payment network and how does it work?
What is a credit card issuer?
Common credit card networks
Common benefits of Visa credit cards
How to get a Visa credit card
Comparing Visa credit cards
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

250+ cards analyzed.
10+ data points considered.
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our partner

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

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On Bank of America’s Secure Website

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice – now with expanded categories, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Lengthy intro APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
Flexibility to choose your preferred cash-back category.
Solid welcome bonus after meeting spend requirements.

Cons

Elevated cash-back rates have a quarterly spending cap.
Few benefits.
There’s a foreign transaction fee.

This card’s unique rewards structure lets you choose each month which spending category from a list of six where you want to earn elevated cash back. It’s sure to be a favorite for consumers who need flexibility.

Card Details

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice – now with expanded categories, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Newly expanded categories based on Bank of America customer feedback! 3% cash back on Gas (to now include Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations) and Online Shopping (to now include Cable, Streaming, Internet and Phone Services).
If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best Visa credit cards of November 2023

Best luxury travel Visa card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access.
Redeem points for 50% more value to book travel through Chase’s portal.
Transfer points 1:1 to partners such as United Airlines and World of Hyatt.

Cons

High annual fee.
Not ideal if you aren’t interested in transferring points.
May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the most premium travel credit cards available. It charges a hefty annual fee, but in exchange comes with an up to $300 annual travel credit, a top-notch list of travel partners you can transfer points to, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required) and a long list of travel benefits and protections.

Card Details

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Member FDIC

Best no-annual-fee Visa card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

No annual fee.
Introductory APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
Generous welcome bonus.

Cons

Can’t transfer points to travel partners unless paired with another card.
Charges foreign transaction fees.
There’s a balance transfer fee.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® charges no annual fee and comes with a robust rewards program, a generous welcome bonus and a useful list of benefits.

Card Details

SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You’ll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Best mid-priced travel rewards Visa

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus more.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at 1.25 cents each.
$50 annual statement credit toward Ultimate Rewards hotel bookings.
Valuable travel protections.

Cons

$95 annual fee.
Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have a premium fee but it comes packed with enough benefits to stand tall in a crowded field of travel cards. It earns rewards at generous rates on travel purchased through Chase and on dining, and offers the same lineup of transfer partners as the more expensive Chase Sapphire Reserve®, plus a robust selection of travel protections.

Card Details

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy beneﬁts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Member FDIC

Best flat-rate Visa cash-back card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On Wells Fargo’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

15 months of introductory APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Cons

No purchase protection policies, other than cell phone protection.
No travel redemption options.
Other cards earn more cash back in specific categories.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers easy, generous and unlimited flat-rate reward on spending with no categories or spending caps to keep track of, Plus a low intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.

Card Details

Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

Best Visa card for transit

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On Wells Fargo’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
No annual fee.
Introductory APR period on purchases.

Cons

Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with a generous rewards program likely to entice commuters — particularly those who use transit services — as well as foodies. It’s somewhat light on benefits, but for no annual fee, there’s a lot to love about the Autograph.

Card Details

Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Limited time offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value.
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best multi-purpose Visa card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Apply Now

On Bank of America’s Secure Website

BLUEPRINT RATING

Editor’s Take

Pros

Lengthy intro APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
Flexibility to choose your preferred cash-back category.
Solid welcome bonus after meeting spend requirements.

Cons

Elevated cash-back rates have a quarterly spending cap.
Few benefits.
There’s a foreign transaction fee.

Card Details

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice – now with expanded categories, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Newly expanded categories based on Bank of America customer feedback! 3% cash back on Gas (to now include Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations) and Online Shopping (to now include Cable, Streaming, Internet and Phone Services).
If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Best 0% introductory APR Visa card

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Editor’s Take

Pros

Get 21 months of intro APR financing on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Benefits include cell phone protection, access to roadside dispatch and My Wells Fargo Deals.

Cons

You miss out on the full 21 months of intro APR financing if you make a late payment.
Qualifying balance transfers must be made within 120 days of account opening.
No cash back or other rewards offered.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers a long, low APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers making it a great choice to tame high-interest debt or get some breathing room on a big buy.

Card Details

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and on balance transfers made within the first 120 days, afterwards a 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 5% with a $5 minimum.
Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The card also offers up to $600 in cellphone protection against damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible, up to two paid claims per 12-month period). While the card doesn’t offer rewards on every purchase, you can get cash back with select merchants with My Wells Fargo Deals.

Best travel rewards Visa card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases and 5 miles per dollar on flights and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel.

Editor’s Take

Pros

High reward potential.
Wide selection of statement credits.
No foreign transaction fees.

Cons

No hotel or airline-specific benefits.
Requires excellent credit.
High annual fee.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium benefits at a lower annual fee than competing premium cards. With over a dozen airline transfer partners and over $400 in annual recurring perks, it’s well worth the annual fee.

Card Details

Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 19.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Other perks and benefits: No foreign transaction fees, 10,000 mile card ownership anniversary bonus, $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement credit, airport lounge access benefits, cellphone protection benefit, transfer miles to travel and hotel partners, Hertz President’s Circle Status.

Best Visa airline card

United℠ Explorer Card

BLUEPRINT RATING

Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays and United® purchases. 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros

Reasonable annual fee.
Ability to earn elite status via credit card spending.
Access to United Saver awards.

Cons

United miles are more limited in use than transferable rewards like Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Benefits are not useful for those who don’t often fly United.
Very limited airport lounge access.

The United℠ Explorer Card is hard to beat if you want an airline card tied to a domestic legacy carrier. Whether you’re looking to travel abroad or domestically, United miles can get you there, while the card’s various perks can improve your journey, like a free checked bag for you and one companion on your reservation.

Card Details

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR: 21.99% to 28.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Perks and benefits: Free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and one travel companion, priority boarding for the primary cardmember and travel companions on the same reservation, two annual United Club passes, complimentary Premier Upgrades on award tickets for MileagePlus Premier members and one companion on the same reservation, earn 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) for every $12,000 spent, up to a maximum of 1,000 PQP per calendar year, 25% back on United in-flight purchases, up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.

Compare the best credit cards for Visa credit cards:

Credit Card

Credit score

Best For

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Excellent (750 – 850)

Best luxury travel Visa card

$550

60,000 bonus points

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best no-annual-fee Visa card

Matched Cash Back

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best mid-priced travel rewards Visa

$95

60,000 bonus points

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best flat-rate Visa cash-back card

$200 Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best Visa card for transit

30,000 bonus points

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best multi-purpose Visa card

$200

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best 0% introductory APR Visa card

N/A

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Excellent Credit (750 – 850)

Best travel rewards Visa card

$395

75,000 miles

United℠ Explorer Card

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)

Best Visa airline card

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Earn 60,000 bonus miles

Best Visa credit cards of November 2023

Best luxury travel Visa card: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card offers best-in-class rewards and luxurious perks that make it a top choice for frequent travelers. With its robust array of benefits, it’s a heavy-duty travel card without much use for non-travelers.

Annual fee: $550, plus $75 per authorized user.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a range of valuable travel and protection benefits for cardholders. These include a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, Visa Infinite Concierge, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, emergency evacuation and transportation, primary rental car coverage, purchase protection, return protection, extended warranty and more. The high annual fee is offset with an up to $300 travel credit and other benefits that make it likely to be a worthwhile deal for those who travel often.

Best no-annual-fee Visa card: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers elevated rewards on dining and drugstore purchases and a solid lineup of benefits for a credit card that charges no annual fee.

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Chase will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers an excellent array of protections and perks for a no-annual-fee-card. With extended warranty protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, cellphone protection and auto rental collision damage waiver, cardholders can enjoy peace of mind. Plus, get three months of complimentary DashPass membership followed by 50% off DashPass for the next nine months, three months of complimentary Instacart+ and 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.

Best mid-priced travel rewards Visa: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers high-value benefits in a mid-priced travel card. Its reasonable $95 annual fee, long list of protections and perks and excellent rewards program make it a valuable Visa credit card for the frequent traveler.

Annual fee: $95.
Rewards: Earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers significant value for travelers who want a premium travel card but don’t want to fork over the hefty annual fee for the ultra-premium Chase Sapphire Reserve. The Sapphire Preferred offers a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards hotel credit and a host of travel protection and convenience benefits, such as trip cancellation/interruption coverage of up to $10,000 per person/$20,000 per trip, primary auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance of up to $100 per day for five days, trip delay reimbursement of $500 per ticket for lodging and meals on delays over 12 hours, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

Best flat-rate Visa cash-back card: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers generous flat-rate cashback rewards and includes an intro APR offer, plus a cellphone protection benefit.

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers only a handful of benefits, but does offer cellphone protection for those who pay their monthly phone bill with the card. Cardholders can use Credit Close-Up for ongoing credit monitoring and receive FICO Score access, updated monthly. Though the card does not offer a comprehensive suite of benefits, cash-back rewards may be redeemed in several ways and do not expire.

Best Visa card for transit: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card rewards commuters while charging no annual fee. With a small batch of features and benefits to make your travel easier, its main attraction is its broad range of reward categories.

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 points after spending $1,500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Wells Fargo Autograph Card provides a rewards program geared toward commuters and a somewhat short list of benefits. Travel benefits include emergency services assistance, auto rental collision damage waiver, emergency cash disbursement and card replacement services, as well as 24/7 concierge service and access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection. Additionally, cardholders get cellphone protection by paying their phone bill with the Autograph Card and zero liability protection for unauthorized purchases, and are eligible for special offers and discounts through My Wells Fargo Deals.

Best multi-purpose Visa card: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers a multi-purpose Visa card with generous, choose-your-own adventure cash-back rewards. Its intro APR periods for purchases and balance transfers are lengthy, but the card lacks substantial benefits beyond the standard Bank of America convenience features.

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers convenience features like $0 fraud liability and FICO Score access when you opt in and up to 75% bonus rewards through the Preferred Rewards program.

Best 0% introductory APR Visa card: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card * The information for the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers a top-of-the-line introductory APR deal on balance transfers and purchases. With that, plus no annual fee, it’s a powerful tool for anyone seeking to finance a big-ticket purchase or pay down debt transferred from a high-interest card.

Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: None.
Welcome bonus: None.
Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The main draw of the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card * The information for the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is the extraordinary 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and on balance transfers made within the first 120 days, afterwards a 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable APR applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 5% with a $5 minimum. Although the card offers no rewards or cash back, it does include cell phone protection, zero liability protection and access to my Wells Fargo Deals.

Best travel rewards Visa card: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is a premium Visa travel card with a more affordable price tag than many competitors. Its combination of generous rewards, flexible redemption options and a $300 annual travel credit on bookings via Capital One Travel make it one of the top travel credit cards on the market.

Annual fee: $395.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on purchases, 5 miles per $1 on flights booked through Capital One Travel and 10 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The Capital One Venture X offers great value for a lower annual fee than most other premium travel rewards cards. Cardholders can receive a 10,000-mile card ownership anniversary bonus as well as a $300 annual credit reimbursement for travel bookings made through Capital One Travel. Additionally, an up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application reimbursement credit and access to airport lounges makes the airport less of a “how long do I have to put up with this?” and more of a “is it time to go to the gate already?” experience. Cardholders have the ability to transfer miles to airline and hotel partners while benefiting from services such as an online travel booking portal, dining deals, fraud liability protection, cellphone protection and more*.

Best Visa airline card: United℠ Explorer Card

The United℠ Explorer Card * The information for the United℠ Explorer Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is a rewarding choice for those seeking a Visa card with which to earn airline miles and enjoy travel perks. It provides extensive travel benefits and rewards that will be appreciated by frequent United Airlines customers—but won’t be particularly useful for anyone who flies with another airline.

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards: Earn 2 miles per $1 on dining including eligible delivery services, hotel stays and United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: $0.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The United Explorer Card offers a number of benefits to cardholders including free first checked bag when flying United, statement credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck/NEXUS every four years, 25% back as statement credit on purchases made onboard United-operated flights, priority boarding with United, two, one-time United Club passes each year, access to Chase’s Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection, access to exclusive events through the MileagePlus program and a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for one year.

Methodology

Our team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.

What is a payment network and how does it work?

A payment network is an electronic system connecting the various entities party to a payment transaction. Payment networks allow individuals and businesses to securely send and receive payments for goods or services, facilitating the process of communicating banking and account details, amounts and more.

Operated by financial institutions, such as Visa and Mastercard, payment networks can extend to both in-person and online transactions and may involve several other financial institutions in each transaction. These networks use a variety of technologies, such as encryption and authentication, to ensure the security and accuracy of transaction information.

When a consumer makes a purchase by swiping, tapping or inserting a card or using a card stored in a digital wallet, the user’s card or phone provides the vendor with account information. The vendor’s payment processor uses this information to authenticate a request using the payment network, which regulates the purchasing process. Once approved via the payment network, a purchase can be completed in a matter of seconds.

Along the path of a transaction, several institutions collect a fee. The payment processor typically charges the vendor a transaction fee, often ranging from 1.5% to 3.5%. The vendor typically passes this onto the consumer via an increase in the cost of services or goods, but may charge the fee directly to the consumer for use of a credit card, in some cases. The payment processor only takes a cut of this fee. Other financial institutions, such as the payment network and the card issuer also each take a cut of the processing fee.

What is a credit card issuer?

A credit card issuer is a financial institution that provides credit cards and credit to consumers. Credit card issuers typically partner with payment networks, such as Visa and Mastercard, to provide consumers with network-enabled cards. Credit card issuers remain responsible for approving applications for credit cards and setting credit limits for cardholders, as these institutions lend or hold the money involved in transacting.

Common credit card networks

The two most common payment networks are Visa and Mastercard. Issuers using the Visa and Mastercard networks offer a variety of different credit cards, each with different features and rewards. Most credit cards on the Visa or Mastercard networks are accepted at millions of businesses worldwide, making them ideal for online purchases and international travel.

Other major card networks include Discover and American Express, both of which operate as both payment networks and card issuers.

Common benefits of Visa credit cards

Visa credit cards offer a variety of benefits for cardholders, but many of these benefits are issuer-specific. Card benefits may include rewards programs, purchase or travel protections and various other convenience benefits such as fraud protection and various financial or credit management tools.

How to get a Visa credit card

To obtain a Visa credit card, you must first apply for a card through a credit card issuer—which is not Visa, but a bank or credit union. You will need to provide personal information, such as your name, address and income figures, as well as a valid government-issued ID.

If your application is approved, you will receive your Visa credit card in the mail, typically after about five to 10 business days. Some card issuers also provide instant-use cards via digital wallets, which you may be able to use before your physical card arrives in the mail.

Comparing Visa credit cards

Before selecting a Visa credit card and applying via an issuer’s website, recognize that there will be quite a range of rewards, benefits and fees among cards on the Visa network. The fact that a credit card is a Visa tells you it will probably be widely accepted, but doesn’t necessarily tell you much else about what the card offers. Compare factors such as interest rates, annual fees, rewards programs and other benefits both issuer vs. issuer and card vs. card.

Additionally, you should read the terms and conditions of each card that you’re considering to make sure you understand precisely what you are signing up for, how and when interest is charged on purchases and what your responsibilities under the cardholder agreement are.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

If your Visa credit card earns rewards, keep in mind it will be through the issuing financial institution and not through Visa (which is the payment network). So, you’ll need to log in with your account on the issuer’s website and follow the instructions to redeem your rewards.

A Visa credit card will have 16 digits printed across the front (or back, for some issuers) of the card. There will also be a three-digit security code located on the back.

A CVV (Card Verification Value) is a three- or four-digit security code typically printed on the back of a credit card. The CVV is known by several names, including CVC (Card Verification Code) and CSC (Card Security Code).

Both the Visa and Mastercard payment networks are widely accepted in the United States and worldwide. And it’s possible to find Visa and Mastercard credit cards from a variety of issuers with attractive features such as rewards or benefits—whether a Visa or Mastercard is best for you will depend on what each specific card offers and what you plan to use your card for.

Some issuers have been known to partner with both payment networks, so certain products from a single issuer may be Visa credit cards and others may be Mastercard credit cards.

The minimum credit score required to qualify for a Visa card will depend on the issuer and the specific product. Generally, a credit score of 670 or higher on the FICO scale is recommended for approval for the best unsecured credit cards—meaning cards that don’t require you to provide a security deposit to the issuer. Some issuers may require an even higher credit score for their most premium products.

^{For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.}

^{Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.}

*The information for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, United℠ Explorer Card and Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Robin Saks Frankel

BLUEPRINT

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Megan Horner

BLUEPRINT

Megan Horner is editorial director at USA TODAY Blueprint. She has over 10 years of experience in online publishing, mostly focused on credit cards and banking. Previously, she was the head of publishing at Finder.com where she led the team to publish personal finance content on credit cards, banking, loans, mortgages and more. Prior to that, she was an editor at Credit Karma. Megan has been featured in CreditCards.com, American Banker, Lifehacker and news broadcasts across the country. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and editing.