Its logo is featured nearly everywhere, with acceptance at most retailers both in the U.S. and abroad. The standard benefits of a Mastercard include zero liability protection, Mastercard Global Service, and Mastercard ID Theft Protection. Upgraded cards with World and World Elite privileges have benefits like Lyft discounts, travel packages and concierge service, and entertainment perks. But, with so many to choose from, which Mastercard is the best? We have the latest information on the best Mastercard credit cards in 2022 for your family. *All information about the Deserve EDU Mastercard for Students has been collected independently by ZDNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer. Pros
No annual or foreign transaction feesBonus offerIntro APR
Cons
Excellent credit requiredNo luxury travel upgradesLimited bonus rewards
After establishing a history of responsible payments, Capital One could refund your deposit and allow you to move to the unsecured Platinum card. Automatic credit line reviews can occur as soon as six months after you open your account. Pros
Flat APRNo annual or foreign transaction feesExcellent for credit building
Cons
Requires a depositHigher APRNo rewards
There is an annual fee that is under $100. However, the welcome bonus eases the sting with a one-time $300 cash bonus when you spend $3,000 within three months. Pros
No transfer feeRewards don’t expireWelcome rewards
Cons
Requires excellent creditNo intro APRAnnual fee
There is also a low starting APR of 18.74%, making it the second-lowest starting APR on our list. Pros
2% cashback rewards (1% at the time of purchase and 1% when you pay)Unlimited rewardsIntro balance transfer APR
Cons
No welcome rewardsNo intro APRStaggered rewards
While there is a $95 annual fee, there are no foreign transaction fees to help when you are a regular traveler. The APR starts higher than others with a purchase APR that starts at 20.74%, but it is not the highest APR on our list at 28.74% for poor credit. Pros
Annual feeWelcome rewardsAnnual hotel credit
Cons
Annual feeNo intro APRMust have good credit
The card does come with 1% cashback on all purchases, plus cell phone protection. Pros
Accepts international studentsOne-year Prime Student membershipNo annual or foreign transaction fees
Cons
No balance transfersNo cash advancesNo intro offers
However, with no rewards program, this is not the card you want when you are looking for rewards. There are no bonus points or cashback rewards to offer redemption options like travel miles or cash value, so it really is best when your goal is to make multiple balance transfers. Pros
Intro purchase APRIntro transfer APRNo annual fee
Cons
No rewardsNo cash backForeign transaction fee
To find the best Mastercard credit cards, we analyzed today’s top offerings using specific factors, including these:
Introductory offer: credit cards may welcome your business with a special APR for the first few months that you have the card. Often, a company will offer a 0% APR for a certain period, such as a year or more, until the normal APR kicks in.APR: Your APR determines how much interest you will pay on your purchases. We recommend that you shop and compare multiple Mastercard credit cards to find the best rate for your qualifications.Rewards: cards can differ in the types of rewards they offer, such as unlimited or restricted cashback, while some cards do not offer anything at all.Perks: Some credit card issuers offer extra benefits, such as shopping discounts or travel insurance. These can help you save extra money, funds you may need if you choose a card with extra fees. Annual fee: credit cards typically include an annual membership fee. While some credit cards cost nothing, others could cost up to $100 or more.
These are all factors you can use to aid you in your search for the best Mastercard credit cards.
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards: A great pick for bad creditCiti® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Premium benefits Chase Freedom Flex℠: Choose for bonus categoriesDiscover it® Cash Back: Best for everyday purchases
To help you find the right credit card for you, consider some of our other expert picks, like the best cashback credit card, the best credit card for good credit, and the best travel business credit card.
