2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST CREDIT CARD COMPARISON
Time to Compare Credit Cards
You know that the old credit card that’s been in your wallet for years – the one that has interest rates that are too high and no incentives for you to spend more on it? It’s time to let that old account go and start attempting to compare credit card options for the future.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Credit Cards (Comparison & Reviews)
When you get right down to it, it’s clear to see that there are a lot of nuances in a credit card comparison that can be challenging to keep straight. Applying for a new card means that you should have already worked hard to compare credit cards for all of the pertinent features that you need:
- Low interest rates and annual fees
- Low balance transfer fees
- Introductory offers
- Rewards programs
While those are just the top features that most consumers will consider when they compare cards, there are so many more. Some credit cards have certain specialties or programs that are completely unique to their brand.
AdvisoryHQ is going to help you to sort through all of the information that you need to compare credit cards accurately. If you know it’s time to compare credit cards, take a look at our detailed reviews here to find out which one is the best fit for you.
AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best Credit Cards Comparison
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):
- BB&T Bright® Card
- Chase Slate® Credit Card
- Citi Simplicity® Card
- Discover it® Miles Card
- PNC Core℠ Visa®
- SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card
Top 6 Best Credit Cards Comparison| Brief Comparison & Ranking
Credit Card Names | Annual Fee | APR | Balance Transfer |
BB&T Bright® Card | None | 8.4% | 3% |
Chase Slate® Credit Card | None | 13.24%–23.24% | Waived for |
Citi Simplicity® Card | None | 13.24%–23.24% | 3% |
Discover it® Miles Card | None | 11.24% | 3% |
PNC Core℠ Visa® | None | 10.24%–20.24% | 3% |
SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card | None | 10.49%–21.49% | 3% |
Table: Top 6 Best Credit Cards Comparison | Above list is sorted alphabetically
How Do I Compare Credit Cards?
We’ve already taken a brief look at some of the key features you’ll need to be paying attention to when it comes time to compare credit cards. In this section, we want to take a closer look at exactly what those items mean and how they should stack up in a good credit card comparison.
First, you should consider the cost in a credit card comparison. Underestimating how much you will be paying towards maintaining your new plastic can put you underwater in a hurry. You may not be able to afford the interest rates or budget accordingly for the annual fees.
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You can typically compare credit cards on two items to determine their true cost:
- APR: Your APR (annual percentage rate) is the amount of interest you will be charged throughout the year on the remaining balance on your card. Consumers who pay off their credit card at the end of every month may not need to concern themselves with this. However, it is important to at least take a look at APR in a credit card comparison.
- Annual Fee: Your annual fee is how much the credit card company is going to charge each year in exchange for your membership. When we compare credit card choices, you’ll see that many do not have an annual fee at all.
After the cost, the other items you will consider in a credit card comparison are based more on preference than on necessity. Everyone will differ slightly on what benefits and features they hope their cards will have. Here are the primary programs to keep an eye out for when you compare credit cards:
- Introductory Offers: You’ll notice when you compare credit cards that many options have an introductory offer. This may include waiving your annual fee for the first year or a lowered APR for a specific time. Don’t forget the importance of introductory offers when you compare credit card deals.
- Rewards Programs: Rewards programs generally take two paths: cash back rewards and travel rewards. In this category, it’s important to compare credit cards based on the rate at which you can earn points, how quickly you can redeem them, and how likely you are to accumulate points. After the basics, you can compare credit cards based on what type of program you would prefer to have.
While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the features and fees you could consider when you compare credit cards, it does give you a basic starting point. You can compare credit cards quickly and efficiently just based on these criteria if you would like to. However, you can also take a more in-depth look through a credit card comparison to view each individual fee and program they have to offer.
See Also: Top Best Credit Card Companies | Ranking & Reviews | Best Card Providers
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Credit Card Comparison
Below, please find the detailed review of each credit card on our list of credit card offer comparison choices. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these credit cards to score so high in our selection ranking.
BB&T Bright® Card Review
For some of the lowest APRs that you’ll find in a credit card comparison, the BB&T Bright® Card may be a top choice for you.
Source: BB&T Bright® Card
Rates and Fees
The BB&T Bright® Card easily ranks near the top in a credit card comparison because of its extremely low rates and fees. While it may not have as many advanced features or be able to compete in a cash back credit card comparison, the BB&T Bright® Card can certainly hold its own when it comes to standard or basic options.
Taking a closer look at a credit card offer comparison, you’ll quickly notice that the BB&T Bright® Card has one of the longest introductory offers available. You’ll receive a 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen months your account is open. This applies to both purchases and balance transfers, making it a great way to purchase a big ticket item or pay down some debt.
Balance transfers are accompanied by a fairly standard fee when you compare cards: 3% or a $10 minimum.
When it expires, you’ll find variable APRs that range from 8.4% to 17.4% based on your creditworthiness, with no annual fee.
Account Features
Unlike many “standard” credit cards you would view in a credit cards comparison, this BB&T Bright® Card has a handful of perks not often included. You can compare credit cards and see that most will offer zero liability for fraudulent transactions, and this card doesn’t disappoint. However, it also includes:
- Warranty manager service
- Purchase security
- Travel and emergency assistance services
- Travel accident insurance
You get the benefits of a few upgraded services in combination with the low rates and fees. Together, those items make the BB&T Bright® Card shine when you compare credit cards to one another.
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Chase Slate® Credit Card Review
See the top winner in a credit card transfer comparison with this Chase Slate® Credit Card. You’ll find no balance transfer fees, a lengthy 0% APR period, and no annual fee.
Source: Chase Slate® Credit Card
Rates and Fees
When you compare credit card deals, the Chase Slate® Credit Card easily comes in at the top of our credit card comparison. Most appealing to consumers who have accrued quite a bit of debt on a high interest credit card, the Chase Slate® Credit Card can help to pay it off quickly. This card ranks highest in a credit card transfer comparison.
Unlike many of the other cards that are noted in our credit card comparison, you’ll find that there is no balance transfer fee on this option.
When you transfer a balance to the Chase Slate® Credit Card within the first sixty days of opening your account, the fee is waived. Afterward, you’ll pay a balance transfer fee in line with others when you compare credit cards: $5 minimum or 5% of the balance.
You also receive a 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen months on purchases and balance transfers. In a credit cards comparison, it’s important to note that this makes it easy to pay down your balance quickly without added cost.
Regular APRs range from 13.24% to 23.24% with no annual fee.
Account Features
In a comparison of credit cards, you’ll find that the Chase Slate® Credit Card wins at a credit card transfer comparison. However, it also has a few basic features that are worth noting to help you better compare credit card options.
Consumers who are looking to build their credit can benefit from the monthly FICO score they will receive. For no additional cost, the Chase Slate® Credit Card provides this on a monthly basis to help you monitor and understand the rating.
Also important to note in a credit card comparison, the Chase Slate® Credit Card takes away penalty APRs for making late payments. This could be a nice security feature to have in the event that you forget to make a payment once or twice. You’ll still be subject to a late payment fee (maximum of $37) though.
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Citi Simplicity® Card Review
Consumers will love the one-of-a-kind features of the Citi Simplicity® Card. When you compare cards, this one features great introductory offers, competitive rates, and no penalty fees or late fees.
Rates and Fees
Another worthwhile competitor in our credit cards comparison, the Citi Simplicity® Card has competitive rates and noteworthy introductory offers. When you first open an account with the Citi Simplicity® Card, expect the longest introductory period offered when we compare credit cards.
You’ll receive 0% APR for the first 21 months of your membership on purchases and balance transfers.
Afterwards, its interest rates are still competitive in a credit card comparison. You can view a more detailed breakdown of the rates and fees below:
- 13.24% to 23.24% APR on purchases and balance transfers (based on your creditworthiness)
- 3% or a $5 minimum balance transfer fee
- No annual fee
As you can see, the Citi Simplicity® Card is an easy winner when it comes to a credit card offer comparison. Those competitive rates and extremely low introductory offers are important to take note of.
Program Details
Besides its rates, what makes the Citi Simplicity® Card stand out in a credit cards comparison? Its unique approach to draw in consumers is hard to miss. It advertises itself as the only card without late fees and penalty rates.
Do you have a habit of missing your payment due date? Maybe your paycheck was just a day late, and it prevented you from paying your credit card bill. The Citi Simplicity® Card can assist consumers who make this mistake frequently.
By waiving your penalty fee and late fee, you won’t be incurring any additional cost.
Of course, you still receive many of the other benefits often associated with Citibank credit cards. Some of these are fairly common among a comparison of credit cards in general:
- $0 liability of fraudulent transactions
- Worldwide car rental insurance
- Travel and emergency assistance
- Extended warranty
Discover it® Miles Card Review
For consumers who want to compare credit cards to find a top travel card, the Discover it® Miles Card won’t disappoint. It has a flexible rewards program, low rates, and no annual fee.
Rewards Program
The Discover it® Miles Card comes up quickly when you want to compare credit cards, particularly for a travel card comparison. Your miles accrue almost effortlessly, with a high return on each purchase that you make. For each dollar you spend, you earn 1.5 miles, with no cap on how many you can earn.
Even better, the Discover it® Miles Card will match the miles you earn over the course of your first year. This only applies for new cardholders and to miles accrued during the first year. This is a relatively unique feature to mention in a travel card comparison.
When you travel, you also receive a nice set of benefits:
- No blackout dates on any airline or at anytime
- Reimbursement for up to $30 of in-flight Wi-Fi
- No foreign transaction fee
- Ability to get cash instead of travel accommodations
When you compare credit cards, the ability to cash out your miles makes the Discover it® Miles Card a top contender in both a travel card comparison and a cash back credit card comparison.
Rates and Fees
In a credit card comparison, it is critical to take note of the real cost of the card you are considering. When we compare credit cards, we find that the Discover it® Miles Card had some of the lowest rates and fees.
For the first year, you’ll receive an introductory offer of 0% APR on purchases and 10.99% APR on balance transfers. Keep in mind that there is still a 3% balance transfer associated with the Discover it® Miles Card.
After your initial offer expires, you’ll face interest rates that can range from 11.24% to 23.24% APR. These rates are very competitive and even slightly lower than some of those featured in our credit card comparison. When you compare cards, you’ll also see that the Discover it® Miles Card has no annual fee.
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PNC Core℠ Visa® Review
Let the PNC Core℠ Visa® into your wallet, and you can enjoy a simplified credit card with low rates and great benefits.
Source: PNC Core℠ Visa®
Rates and Fees
The PNC Core℠ Visa® is worth mentioning in a credit card comparison due to its extremely low rates and fees. It may not stack up in a rewards credit cards comparison situation, but it can hold its own among standard credit cards.
In a credit card offer comparison, the PNC Core℠ Visa® offers a fifteen-month reduced interest rate. You’ll receive 0% APR for a little over a year on both your purchases and on balance transfers. The introductory offers related to balance transfers are only applicable on those balances transferred in the first ninety days.
The balance transfer fee, important to note when you compare credit cards, is 3% or a $5 minimum.
It’s impossible to compare credit cards without noting what the interest rates will resume to when the introductory period ends. In the case of the PNC Core℠ Visa®, you can expect rates ranging from 10.24% to 20.24% APR based on your creditworthiness, with no annual fee.
Program Details
What does the PNC Core℠ Visa® have to offer that allows it to rank so highly in a comparison of credit cards? The primary benefit when you compare cards is the convenience that is built into each and every one of its features.
You receive electronic bill payment and online account tools to help you manage your transactions better from the comfort of your home. If you have any questions, you can call into a U.S.-based customer service department any time, day or night. Of course, there are also standard security features that you’ll often find when you compare credit cards:
- $0 fraud liability
- Protection from credit or identity fraud
- Travel and emergency protection (at home or on vacation)
The PNC Core℠ Visa® may not have a cash back rewards program, but its low rates and great basic features allow it to rank highly in our credit cards comparison.
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SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card Review
The SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top contender based on its credit card offer comparison and its low rates and fees.
Rewards Program
In a rewards credit cards comparison, the SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card has an incredibly generous offer for consumers. It’s important to compare credit card deals based on how quickly you will be able to maximize those rewards. With spending categories that apply to everyone, the SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card makes it easy to compare credit card deals quickly.
The rewards program is broken down into tiers that makes its cash back credit card comparison easier to visualize:
- 1% cash back base rate on all purchases
- 2% cash back on gas and grocery purchases
- 5% cash back on the first $6,000 spent on grocery purchases in the first year
You can also make those bonuses even bigger with its client-exclusive cash back bonus. It’s important to mention this in a rewards credit cards comparison because you can add an additional 10% to 25% cash back into your pocket. All you need to do is deposit the cash back you receive into a SunTrust checking, savings or money market account.
Cash back can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel, and more.
You will also receive access to your monthly FICO credit score, a great feature when you compare credit cards. This allows you to monitor your growth over time and review the insights shared for how to improve.
Rates and Fees
In addition to ranking near the top in a cash back credit card comparison, the SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card is also a winner based on its fees. For the first fifteen months, you’ll receive an introductory offer of 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers. This gives you a large window to make a big purchase or pay down some of your debt.
Balance transfers will cost you 3% or a minimum of $10.
You can also benefit from competitive interest rates when this introductory period ends. Expect to see rates close to others in our credit card comparison, with numbers ranging from 10.49% APR to 21.49% APR.
You’ll also pay no annual fee on this SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Conclusion—Top 6 Best Credit Card Comparison
Making an attempt to compare credit cards accurately is critical to ensuring that you receive the best possible offer on your next card. You should pay close attention to every detail, from a card’s cash back or travel rewards program to its interest rates and introductory offers.
Every detail matters in a thorough credit card comparison.
You’ll need to examine your own interests to determine which of the cards featured in our credit card comparison is going to be the best fit for you. While some might opt for the ease of 0% APR on balance transfers, others may still prefer a generous cash back program. Determining the “best” card can only be determined on a case-by-case scenario.
Let our guide of the top contenders in our credit card comparison put you on the path to considering your next credit card. You can compare credit cards listed in this article to get a better idea of what you would want for your wallet.
AdvisoryHQ (AHQ) Disclaimer: Reasonable efforts have been made by AdvisoryHQ to present accurate information, however all info is presented without warranty. Review AdvisoryHQ’s Terms for details. Also review each firm’s site for the most updated data, rates and info. Note: Firms and products, including the one(s) reviewed above, may be AdvisoryHQ's affiliates. Click to view AdvisoryHQ's advertiser disclosures.
