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2024's Best Credit Cards For Average Credit Scores
December 11, 2024
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Navigating the world of credit cards with an average credit score doesn't mean you have to miss out on great benefits. The right card can offer not only the chance to improve your credit rating but also provide valuable rewards that make everyday spending more rewarding.
Below, we explore the best options for those with average credit scores.
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Best for: Versatile Rewards
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The [Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card] (https://www.joinkudos.com/card-offer?cardId=509&trackingContext=BLOG)offersoffers) a range of benefits that are rare to find in cards available to those with average credit. It provides 3X at restaurants, including takeout & delivery, 3X on online grocery purchases, 3X on streaming services, and 1X on all other purchases. This card is an excellent choice for those looking to step up their credit card game without stepping into premium card price point.
Best for: Travel Enthusiasts
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The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is accessible to those with average credit and offers a straightforward 2X miles on every purchase. It's ideal for those who travel occasionally but consistently, as it simplifies earning and redeeming travel rewards without any complex rotating categories (see rates & fees).
Best for: Flat-Rate Cash Back
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The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a steady 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a reliable option for those who prefer simplicity in their reward structure. This card is perfect for everyday use, from grocery shopping to fueling up, ensuring you get rewarded for every dollar spent (see rates & fees).
Best for: Flexible Spending
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "49", "bestForText": "Flexible Spending", "headerHint" : "MAXIMIZE EVERY PURCHASE" } ]]
The [Chase Freedom Unlimited®] (https://www.joinkudos.com/card-offer?cardId=497&trackingContext=BLOG)notnot) only offers a good return on general purchases with a 1.5% cash back rate but also steps it up with additional categories. You can earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% at drugstores, making it versatile for a variety of spending habits.
Best for: Dining and Entertainment
[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3041", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "50", "bestForText": "Dining and Entertainment", "headerHint" : "ENJOY MORE, SPEND LESS" } ]]
The [Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card] (https://www.joinkudos.com/card-offer?cardId=3041&trackingContext=BLOG)excelsexcels) in rewarding social spenders, offering 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases. This card is ideal for those who enjoy a night out or ordering in, making every entertainment expense more rewarding (see rates & fees).
Best for: Grocery Rewards
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The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out in the grocery category, offering a significant 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). Additionally, it earns 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% Cash Back on other purchases. This card is great for families or anyone who spends a substantial amount on groceries and other essential purchases, turning regular shopping trips into opportunities for impressive cash back.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Comparing Top Credit Cards for Average Credit Scores
When deciding among the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Freedom Unlimited, it's important to consider how each card aligns with your spending habits and credit improvement goals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining, making it ideal for those who regularly spend in these categories and wish to leverage rewards for travel. The Cap One Venture Rewards simplifies earning with 2X miles on all purchases, perfect for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free approach to accumulating travel rewards. Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers exceptional flexibility with added bonuses for travel booked through Chase, dining, and drugstore purchases, which can benefit a broader range of spending patterns, especially if you diversify your purchases across multiple categories.
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Conclusion
For those with average credit scores, these credit cards offer an excellent opportunity to not only improve your credit status but also maximize rewards on everyday spending. By selecting a card that aligns well with your spending patterns, you can enhance your financial flexibility while steadily working towards a better credit rating.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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