What are the benefits of having a credit card?

Credit cards are a convenient way to make purchases, pay bills, and book travel arrangements. As an added benefit, many credit cards offer cash back, points, or miles on your spending, which can save you money. A credit card can also help with establishing and building a good credit score .

What are the best credit cards?

Chase is arguably the top credit card issuer in the U.S., both in terms of purchase volume and card volume. Chase holds the largest share of the market in purchases, and comes in second for number of cards. See our list of Best Chase credit cards. Why we like them: Chase really excels when it comes to rewards.

How do I apply for a credit card?

You can apply for most credit cards either by completing a paper application and mailing it or by filling out an equivalent form online. The advantage of applying online is that you usually get a decision in minutes, rather than weeks. Either way, be prepared to provide: Your signature (actual or electronic) and the date.