Best Credit Cards for People With Excellent Credit in 2024

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MoneyGeek experts compared the best credit cards for people with excellent credit to find options that offer value that exceeds the fees they charge (if they charge any at all). The Chase Freedom Unlimited Card, for example, charges no annual fees and makes it to the top of the list. But the top card for you depends on your personal spending habits, and there are also several other great cards to choose from on our list.

We compared card offerings based on their rewards, their initial bonus offers and the benefits they offer cardholders.

The best credit cards for excellent credit that made this ranking are worth considering if you have a "good" credit score, or a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. However, you're most likely to get approved with a score over 740.

As you compare the different credit cards available for those with excellent credit, make sure to note the differences between travel credit cards, cash back credit cards, balance transfer credit cards and other types of offers since these will each have their individual benefits.

More about Excellent Credit

Credit CardAnnual FeeRewards SummaryRecommended CreditBest for
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95*
Earn 1%–6% cash back
670–850 (Good to Excellent)A strong cash back card for gas and groceries
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn 1% – 8% cash back
670-850 (Good to Excellent)A great no-annual-fee card for diverse spenders
On Issuer's Site
$0
Earn 1%–3% cash back
670–850 (Good to Excellent)N/A
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn 1.5%–5% cash back
670–850 (good to excellent)An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
670-850 (Good to Excellent)Flat cash back with a lengthy intro 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn 1%–5% cash back
670-850 (Good to Excellent)5% cash back on your highest qualifying spend category up to $500 per month
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards
670-850 (Good to Excellent)The best 2% unlimited cash back credit card to date.
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn 1.25 miles on every purchase
670-850 (Good to Excellent)N/A
On Issuer's Site
$0Earn 1X–5X ThankYou® Points
670-850 (Good to Excellent)An excellent no-annual-fee rewards card with a 0% introductory APR offer
On Issuer's Site

The links in the table above will take you to one of our partner's sites, where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.

On This Page:

Best Credit Cards for Excellent Credit in 2024

The best credit card offers for excellent credit stand out in terms of their perks and rewards, although your credit must be exceptional to qualify. Read on to find out which cards we can suggest, their pros and cons and who they're best for.

Credit Score
Credit Cards

670 to 739 (Good)

  • Citi Rewards+® Card
  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

740+ (Very Good to Exceptional)

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best Rewards Credit Cards for Excellent Credit

We’ve selected the top rewards cards for excellent credit based on different parameters. While factors such as reward rates and annual fees play important roles, we also pay due attention to the additional features and benefits you stand to enjoy. For example, the Amex Platinum Card offers statement credit toward payments made to several service providers.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Best for international travelers

You may apply for the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card if you have excellent creditworthiness with a credit score of 780 or higher. This card comes with no annual fees. You earn 5X miles per dollar on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel and unlimited 1.25X miles per dollar on all other purchases. You may redeem the miles you earn in different ways, which include paying for travel. Transferring your miles to any of over 15 travel partners is an option. Using this card outside of the U.S. comes with no foreign transaction fees.

Citi Rewards+® Card - Best for earning bonus rewards

You may qualify for the Citi Rewards+® Card with a good credit score of over 670, although an excellent credit score of 760 or higher will increase the odds of approval. This no-annual-fee card offers 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,500 in the first three months. You earn 5X ThankYou Points per dollar on spending of up to $6,000 at restaurants during the first 12 months. You get 2X points per dollar at supermarkets and gas stations on combined spending of up to $6,000 per year. All other purchases earn an unlimited 1X points per dollar. You may redeem your points in different ways, which include paying for travel.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
On Issuer's Site

Balance Transfer Offer
0% for 15 months on balance transfers
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional AP...
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Citi Rewards+® Card

Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–5X ThankYou® Points
APR
17.99% - 27.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Excellent Credit

The excellent credit score credit cards we profile below let you earn cash back or points on your spending. Decide which card is for you by comparing the type of rewards they offer, the benefits you receive, annual fees and other card details.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express - Ideal for earning high cash back at supermarkets

You need a good credit score of over 670 to qualify for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, although you stand a better chance of approval with a score of over 700. As part of the card's welcome offer, you earn $250 cash back as a statement credit if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first six months. You earn 6% cash back on spending up to $6,000 per year on groceries at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. You earn 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations as well as on U.S. transit. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. You may get $10 in monthly statement credits toward your Equinox+ membership each year. This card comes with a $95 annual fee. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card - Best for earning cash back at grocery stores and on dining and entertainment

People with excellent credit scores of 780 or higher may qualify for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. New cardholders may earn a $250 early spend cash bonus by spending $500 on purchases in the first three months. You earn 3% cash back at grocery stores as well as on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. All other purchases come with 1% cash back. You may redeem your cash back in different ways, one of which includes making travel bookings through Capital One Travel. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it charges no foreign transaction fees. This card comes with no annual fees.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express - Ideal for earning cash back on gas, grocery stores, and online retail purchases in the U.S.

You may expect to qualify for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express if you have a very good credit score of 700 or higher. This no-annual-fee card comes with a welcome offer that lets you earn $200 back as a statement credit by spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. You earn 3% cash back on spending of up to $6,000 on groceries at U.S. supermarkets each year. The same also applies to online retail purchases in the U.S. and on gas purchases at U.S. gas stations, then 1%. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. If you spend at least $13.99 per month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, you get $7 back each month. Cardholders who purchase Home Chef meal solutions online get up to $15 in statement credits per month. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Chase Freedom Unlimited - Perfect for people who use Chase Ultimate Rewards

You may think about getting the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited Card if you have a good credit score of 670 or higher, although you stand a better chance with a score of over 700. This card comes with a spend-based welcome offer and also gives you the ability to earn higher cash back during the first year. You earn 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards. You get 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) and on drugstore purchases. All other purchases earn 1.5% cash back. Using your cash back to make travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards is an option.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card - Perfect for earning unlimited cash back on every purchase

You may qualify for the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card with an excellent credit score of 780 or higher. Spending $500 on purchases in the first three months comes with a $200 early spend cash bonus. All purchases earn unlimited 1.5% cash back. You may use your cash back to make travel bookings through Capital One Travel. Using this card to make purchases outside of the U.S. is ideal because it comes with no foreign transaction fees. This card does not charge any annual fees.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card - Great for earning high cash back in your top spending category

While you might qualify for the no-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card with a good credit score of 670 or higher, there's a better chance of approval if your score is over 720. If you spend $750 on purchases in the first three months, you get $200 cash back. You earn 5% cash back on spending of up to $500 in your highest eligible spend category every billing cycle. The categories include grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, drugstores, live entertainment, fitness clubs, home improvement stores, select travel, select transit, and select streaming services. All other purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back. You may redeem your cash back in different ways through the Citi ThankYou rewards program.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card - Perfect for earning high cash back on all purchases

Wells Fargo makes the Active Cash Card available to people with good credit scores of over 670, and you stand a better chance of qualifying if your score is over 700. Spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months comes with a $200 cash rewards bonus. You earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. You may redeem your cash back in different ways, which includes cash redemptions at ATMs.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express

Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–6% cash back
APR
18.49%–29.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95*
Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent)
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Issuer's Site

Balance Transfer Offer
Earn 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment pur...
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Balance Transfer Fee
5% of each transfer ($5 minimum)
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express

Rewards Summary
Earn 1%–3% cash back
APR
18.49%–29.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent)
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
APR
19.74% - 29.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Rewards Summary
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards
APR
19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Tips for Comparing New Cards & Offers When You Have Exceptional Credit

When your credit score is in great shape, you can usually have your pick of the best credit cards for people with excellent credit. Still, you should decide what you hope to accomplish so that you can figure out which type of credit card might serve you best.

Factors to compare include:

  1. 1
    Annual Fee

    Not all credit cards for excellent credit charge an annual fee, but many with lucrative cardholder benefits do. Make sure you compare the best credit cards for excellent credit in terms of the fees they charge, and only pay an annual fee if the perks are worth it.

  2. 2
    Type of rewards

    Whether you want to earn flexible rewards, travel rewards points or cash back is a personal decision. Compare rewards programs among the best credit cards for people with excellent credit until you find the right fit.

  3. 3
    Earning rate

    Rewards credit cards often dole out bonus points in specific categories, and these bonus earning rates can help you maximize your rewards. Make sure you pick a rewards credit card with an earning rate that aligns with your spending.

  4. 4
    Sign-up bonus

    Many credit cards for excellent credit offer generous bonuses worth $500 or more when you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening.

  5. 5
    Cardholder benefits

    Check for cardholder perks you might care about, which could include annual travel credits, airport lounge membership, elite status at hotels and more.

  6. 6
    Introductory APR

    Finally, check which cards offer introductory rates for purchases, balance transfers or both. Introductory APR offers can help you save on interest if you use them wisely.

excellentCredit icon
MONEYGEEK QUICK TIP:

If you're eager to learn more about the best credit card offers for excellent credit, the internet provides a treasure trove of data. You can:

  • Check individual card issuers' websites for detailed information on card offerings.
  • Click on the “terms, rates and fees apply” links under the card images in our informational boxes.
  • Or turn to the credit card agreement database maintained by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for more information on specific credit cards.

The Perks of Having Excellent Credit History

Having good or excellent credit makes managing your finances significantly easier. People with great credit don't have to struggle to borrow money when they need it, and they get their pick of the top rewards credit cards. Not only that, but consumers with excellent credit also qualify for better credit card fees and interest rates, as well as targeted credit card offers the general public never sees.

HOW CREDIT IMPACTS FINANCIAL DECISIONS

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What better credit means for credit cards

The best credit cards for people with excellent credit come with more lucrative rewards rates and sign-up bonuses, but that's not all. These cards may also extend 0% APR on purchases, balance transfers or both for a limited time, and they tend to come with the most generous travel benefits and insurance protections.

By contrast, credit cards for fair credit or bad credit tend to offer fewer benefits — or no benefits at all. They also tend to charge higher annual fees and interest rates that can make having poor credit expensive and stressful.

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Other impacts of excellent credit

Excellent credit also paves the way to better terms on other financial products, such as mortgages, auto loans and personal loans. Individuals with excellent credit are more likely to be approved when they seek to borrow money, and they get overall lower interest rates and better loan terms.

Excellent credit can help individuals qualify for preferential insurance rates and may even help them land a job if an employer asks to see a modified version of their credit report for hiring purposes.

How Credit Card Options Change By Credit Score & History

The selection of credit cards you're eligible for will depend largely on your credit score and your credit history. However, it's not surprising that cards with the best rewards and terms go to those with excellent credit scores. This includes cards with the most lucrative rewards schemes, sign-up bonus offers and cardholder perks.

According to the Federal Reserve, the average credit card interest rate was 14.75% as of February 2021. However, individuals with fair credit are typically eligible for offers with considerably higher rates.

For example, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is marketed to people with "fair" credit, and thus it comes with a variable APR of 29.99%. Meanwhile, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card for people with excellent credit comes with an introductory APR offer, followed by a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74%.

How to Maximize/Take Advantage of Your Excellent Credit Score

Having excellent credit takes time and work, but you'll reap plenty of benefits once you reach the threshold for good credit or an exceptional credit score. Here's how you can maximize the status you have worked so hard to earn.

    signupBonus icon

    Negotiate better rates on current cards, loans or other policies

    When you have good credit or better, you may be in the position to negotiate better loan rates and terms. For example, you can call your credit card issuer and ask for a lower interest rate, and it's possible they'll say "yes."

    housePapers icon

    Refinance your home mortgage and other loans you have

    Not getting the answers you want? Having excellent credit puts you in the position to refinance loans you have into new ones with better rates and terms. With excellent credit, you may be able to refinance your mortgage and score a much lower interest rate, a lower monthly payment or both. The same is true for personal loans, auto loans and other loan products you have.

    balanceTransfer icon

    Pair credit cards for excellent credit to maximize rewards

    When it comes to the best credit cards for people with excellent credit, there are no rules that limit you to just one. Many people with great credit and solid incomes pair several different rewards credit cards so they can rack up more points on their spending and qualify for more cardholder perks in the process.

    graphCard icon

    Consolidate high-interest debts

    Finally, you'll need excellent credit to qualify for a balance transfer credit card or a personal loan with the best rates and terms. Either of these options can help you consolidate high-interest debt and pay it down faster, saving money along the way.

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MONEYGEEK QUICK TIP:

According to Nationwide Insurance, 92% of U.S. insurers use credit scores when calculating auto insurance premiums. MoneyGeek’s analysis on how credit scores impact insurance premiums revealed that average insurance premiums among people with poor credit and good credit can differ by more than $1,000 per year.

How to Get an Excellent Credit Score

Individuals with excellent credit don't need to reach a specific income threshold or come from a certain type of background. To get an excellent credit score, all you need to do is take on a handful of habits that let the credit bureaus know you take your financial health — and your credit — seriously. For example, you should strive to pay your bills early or on time, keep revolving debt at a minimum and refrain from opening or closing too many accounts.

Generally speaking, people who have made credit mistakes in the past may need to spend a year or longer fixing their credit. Picking up a credit card for fair or poor credit or even a secured credit card can help in that effort since monthly payments and overall credit history will be reported to the three credit bureaus, thus helping to boost your score. Ideally, you will use an inferior credit card until your credit has improved enough to qualify for one of the best credit cards for excellent credit.

If you have a thin credit profile, on the other hand, you may be able to begin working toward good credit over the span of several months. Once again, a credit card for fair credit or a secured credit card can help you build your credit history so you can qualify for better rewards credit cards later on.

4 Habits of a Person with Excellent Credit

 

People with excellent credit have quite a bit in common, which may include the following credit-building behaviors:

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They never pay bills late — The most important factor that makes up your FICO credit score is your payment history, and people with excellent credit never, ever pay late. If you want excellent credit, you need to follow their lead.

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They keep old credit card accounts open — Another factor that makes up your FICO score is the length of your credit history. People with great credit know this, so they keep older accounts open longer — even if they're not using them.

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They pay attention to their credit utilization rate — The second most important factor that makes up a FICO score is credit utilization, or the amount someone owes in relation to their credit limits. People with great credit keep their utilization below 10%, or at least below 30% at the absolute maximum.

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They keep an eye on their credit reports — Checking your credit reports for errors is a great way to avoid unnecessary damage to your score, and people with good credit do this religiously. Fortunately, you can check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.

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MONEYGEEKQUICK TIP:

Need help improving your credit score? A credit card can help, but only if you pick the right one and use it wisely. Read about the best credit card do's and don'ts for people with average or "fair" credit or poor credit.

Maintaining an Excellent Credit Score

Once you have great credit, most of the hard work has already been done. At this point, all you have to do is stay the course, treat your credit with care and avoid common credit mishaps that can cause your score to plummet.

How do you maintain excellent credit once you get there? These tips can help:

  • Pay all credit cards and other bills early or on time, with no exceptions.
  • Set bills up for automatic payment so that the minimum payment is paid even if you forget.
  • Avoid carrying more than $3,000 in debt for every $10,000 in available credit you have.
  • Keep old credit cards open — even if you just stick them in a drawer or a safe.
  • Instead of canceling old credit cards with fees, downgrade them to a no-fee version and keep them open instead.
  • Avoid applying for more than a handful of new credit cards each year.
  • Utilize different types of credit, including credit cards, a mortgage, an auto loan, personal loans and more.
  • Keep an eagle eye on your credit report for errors, and dispute any you find.
  • Keep a list of credit cards you have and when their annual fees are due (if applicable) so that you won't be surprised with an annual fee on a card you're not using.
  • Use a monthly budget that helps you stay on top of credit card spending and avoid long-term debt.
  • Sign up for a credit monitoring service that lets you know when new accounts are open or when changes occur to your credit score.

How We Rank Credit Cards for Excellent Credit

Our lists of the best credit cards are based on publicly available data from card issuers and other reputable sources like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. We review each card's fees, interest rates, rewards, benefits and more to assign a rating for each feature. These ratings are stack ranked and weighted for each card category to determine our top selections for each type of user. Because card details change regularly, we revisit our data each month to update our ratings, recommendations and other card information as needed. Learn more about our data collection and ranking process.

Credit Ranking Factors

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Signup Bonus

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Annual Earnings

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Annual Fee

FAQs About Credit Cards for Excellent Credit

The best credit cards for excellent credit offer exceptional rewards and perks you can use, but that's not all. They can also help you build or maintain great credit you can benefit from for the rest of your life.

The following questions and answers can help you learn more about building and maintaining excellent credit, as well as finding the right credit card.

Why is my credit score different in TransUnion, Equifax and Experian?
Is Credit Karma an accurate credit reporting company?
Do I have to maintain an excellent credit score to keep my card?
Is there a higher tier than excellent credit?
Is it smart to have more than one credit card?
How many credit cards should I have for excellent credit?
Do credit cards for those with excellent credit have a lower or higher interest rate?
Can your excellent credit score be impacted negatively by identity theft?
Can your credit score be impacted by divorce?
How badly does bankruptcy impact your credit score?
Why do credit scores fluctuate so much?

Wrapping Up

The best credit cards for people with excellent credit are constantly changing and evolving. With that in mind, you should check this page frequently for updated information on new cardholder perks, rewards rates and bonus offers.

Also make sure you take special care to maintain the excellent credit you have worked so hard to earn. By paying bills on time, avoiding too much debt and keeping an eye on your credit reports, you can benefit from your excellent credit for years or decades to come.

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Next Steps

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

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express, please click here.

About Holly D. Johnson


Holly D. Johnson headshot

Holly Johnson is an award-winning insurance writer, a financial expert and the co-founder of Club Thrifty, a platform that helps people use their money wisely. Her works have been featured in the Business Insider, Forbes, Policy Genius and Fox Business. She also contributes financial content to MoneyGeek.

Johnson attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.


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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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