Rewards credit cards can help you maximize the value of your everyday purchases, earning you miles, points, cash back, and more on every purchase you make. Don’t automatically rule out cards with an annual fee, as the best rewards programs will often balance out the cost.

Cash back credit cards keep rewards simple, putting money back in your pocket every time you use your card to make a purchase. Cash back cards typically earn 1% - 2% on your everyday purchases, with some cards offering a higher percentage on category specific spending like gas or groceries.

Want to earn a vacation or be rewarded for all your travel? Want to avoid foreign transaction fees? The best travel credit cards offer you flexible rewards to redeem for flights and accommodation, as well as a bevy of travel benefits, so you’re always covered, no matter where in the world you are.

Balance transfer cards can have a 0% APR (or low APR) transfer period of 6-18 months, helping you pay down debt from other cards and saving you hundreds or even thousands in interest.

If you’re prone to carrying a balance on your credit cards, opting for a low interest card can help you avoid incurring huge amounts of interest. Some low interest cards will even offer you a year with a 0% APR when you sign up, which can help you further offset your financial burden.

If a big purchase is in your future, a credit card that offers a 0% intro APR might be a good idea. The 0% intro rate usually lasts anywhere between 6-18 months, allowing you to buy the time you need to pay off your debt, without accruing a large amount of interest.

If you need help establishing your credit history, secured credit cards are a great way to do it. Secured cards let you put down a certain amount of money that you draw against offering you a safe, worry-free way to build your credit.

Student credit cards can help students just starting out establish a solid credit history. Many student credit cards come with no annual fee and low interest rates. Keep in mind, however, that these cards usually cap your available credit (at a reasonable amount, of course).