The 5 Best Credit Cards of 2022: Best Cards Compared

While all of the cards collected here are great options, the best overall credit card for consumers is Blue Cash Preferred from American Express. It’s incredibly rewarding and covers essential purchases like gas and groceries. It has an annual fee, but you’ll hardly notice it due to its high repayment rate. It might not have the most impressive collection of perks, but the cash back rate for necessary purchases is too good to pass up.

Considering that the cost of gas and food is rising, having a card that can put cash back in your pocket for the purchases you need to make regardless of the cost is very valuable. And with a little extra work, you can earn 5% cash back at your favorite retailers just by buying gift cards from your local grocery store.

Its benefits, while not as impressive as those of the Platinum Card, will still prove useful to cardholders. Your new purchases will be covered against damage and theft for 90 days, you can keep tabs on your VantageScore 3.0 credit score, and enjoy free two-day shipping with eligible merchants through the card’s ShopRunner membership.

However, if you’re still not sold, second place would be the Chase Sapphire Preferred. It’s a lucrative card with tons to offer, but it takes work to get the best value and is primarily travel-focused, making it less accessible to the average consumer.

No matter which card you choose, however, you’ll find plenty of value and utility. Take a look at all the best credit cards, side by side, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Card name	Best for	Awards
Favorite Blue Money	Essential expenses	6% cash back (on the first $6,000 spent, then 1%) at US supermarkets 6% for select US streaming services 3% at gas stations and public transport in the United States 1% for everything else
American bank Altitude Connect	Gas	5x points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly through the Altitude Rewards Center. 4x points for gas, travel and EV charging stations 2x points for groceries, dining and streaming 1x point for everything else
The Amex Platinum Card	Travel	5x points per dollar (on the first $500,000 spent) for flights booked directly with the airlines or with Amex Travel 5x points for prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel 1x point for everything else
Favorite Chase Sapphire	Awards	5x points per dollar for travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards 3x points for meals and takeaway 3x points for online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs) 3x points for some streaming services 2x points for all other trips 1x point for everything else
Chase Ink Business Cash	Company	5% cash back (on the first $25,000 spent on combined purchases) at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services 2% (on the first $25,000 spent on combined purchases) at gas stations and restaurants 1% for everything else