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The 9 Best Visa Credit Cards to Use in 2019
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    The 9 Best Visa Credit Cards to Use in 2019

    One of the most trusted names in the credit networks

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    By LaToya Irby
    Updated February 13, 2019

    Visa is one of four major U.S. credit card processing networks. Visa credit cards are among the most widely accepted credit cards worldwide. And while Visa credit cards are issued by different credit card issuers, every Visa credit card comes with certain benefits, including emergency card replacement and emergency cash disbursement, auto collision damage waiver, zero liability, and roadside assistance.

    On top of the standard Visa perks, Visa credit cards offer other benefits depending on the credit card issuer. Some offer travel rewards while others offer cash rewards or even a zero percent introductory promotional interest rate. With that said, let’s take a look at the best Visa credit cards.

  • 01
    Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred

    Chase Sapphire Preferred

    Courtesy of Chase

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you the opportunity to earn 50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. If you use the Chase Ultimate Rewards booking too to redeem your rewards, the bonus is worth $625.

    Ongoing, you’ll earn two points for every dollar you spend on travel and dining at restaurants and one point for every dollar you spend on everything else. You can redeem your rewards for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises. Your rewards are worth 25 percent more any time you use Chase Ultimate Rewards to redeem.​

    Important Pricing: The regular APR is 18.24 to 25.24 percent variable APR. There’s a $95 annual fee is waived in the first year.

  • 02
    Best Flat Rate Rewards: Chase Freedom Unlimited

    Chase Freedom Unlimited

    Courtesy of Chase 

    The regular Chase Freedom caps the amount of five percent rewards you can receive at $1,500 per quarter, which is about $500 per month. If you’re a big spender or you want a less complicated rewards program, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a better option.

    Purchases automatically earn 1.5 percent cash back. There are no categories to activate and you don’t have to alter your spending to maximize your rewards.

    New cardholders are eligible for a $150 signup bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

    Enjoy zero percent APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after opening your account.

    Important Pricing: After the introductory rate expires, the regular APR is 17.24 to 25.99 percent. There’s no annual fee.

  • 03
    Best Travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

    Bank of America Travel Rewards

    Courtesy of Bank of America

    New cardholders can earn 25,000 bonus points after making at least $1,000 in credit card purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. The sign-up bonus can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

    Ongoing, you’ll earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every dollar you spend on purchases. If you’re already a Bank of America customer, you can earn additional points. For example, if you have an active checking or savings account with Bank of America, you’ll get a 10 percent customer points bonus on all purchases. And if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards client, the bonus increases up to 75 percent.

    Enjoy zero percent introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles for purchases. 

    Important Pricing: After the introductory rate expires, the regular APR is 17.24 to 25.24 percent. There’s no annual fee.

  • 04
    Best Rewards Bonus: Chase Freedom

    Chase Freedom

    Courtesy of Chase

    Chase Freedom offers a $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

    You can earn up to five percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter. You must activate the bonus categories for the five percent bonus rate to expire. All other purchases earn one percent cash back. You can redeem rewards in any amount and your rewards won’t expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.

    Enjoy zero percent introductory APR for the first 15 from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers are charged a fee of three percent of the amount transferred or $5 whichever is greater.

    Important Pricing: After the introductory period expires, the regular APR of 17.24 to 25.99 percent applies. There’s no annual fee.

  • 05
    Best for Military: USAA Visa Platinum

    USAA Visa Platinum

    Courtesy of USAA

    The USAA Visa Platinum credit card offers zero percent introductory APR on purchases, balance transfers, and convenience checks made in the first six months. The promotional rate applies until these balances are paid off. Most credit cards don’t offer promotions rates on convenience checks — a type of cash advance — and the introductory rate expires after six to twelve months.

    Earn 2,500 bonus points with your first purchase. There’s no minimum spending requirement and no timeframe for earning the bonus. Ongoing, you’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend on everyday purchases. You can redeem points for cash, merchandise, gift cards or travel.

    You must be a member of USAA to apply for the credit card. You can join if you are an active or retired member of the military or if you’re the spouse or family member of someone in the military.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR is a low 9.75 percent. There’s no annual fee.

  • 06
    Best Airline: Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa

    Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa

    Courtesy of Southwest

    Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Ongoing, you’ll earn two points for every dollar you spend on Southwest purchases and one point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases. You’ll also get 20 percent back on in-flight drinks, Wi-Fi, messaging and movies, plus four upgraded boarding each year (when available). Other cardmember benefits include a $75 Annual Southwest Travel credit and 7,500 anniversary bonus points.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR for purchases and balance transfers is 18.24 to 25.24 percent. The $149 annual fee is applied to the first billing statement.

  • 07
    Best for Small Businesses: Chase Ink Business Preferred

    Chase Ink Business Preferred

    Courtesy of Chase

    Earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account. If you use Chase Ultimate Rewards to redeem your bonus points, they’re worth up to $1,000. Not too bad, for only spending $5,000 on purchases.

    Ongoing, you’ll earn top rewards on business purchases. You’ll receive three points for every dollar you spend on the first $150,000 you spend in designated business categories, including travel, Internet, cable and phone, shipping, and social media/search engine advertising. All other purchases earn one point per dollar.

    If you max out your rewards each year and redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards in the business categories alone, you’ll earn 450,000 in rewards. Book through Chase Ultimate Book and your points are with 25 percent more: $5,625. Purchases outside the designated business categories will earn one point per dollar.

    Have employees that make company purchases? You can add employee cards at no additional cost. You’ll also have access to other benefits, including auto rental collision damage waiver, cell phone protection when you pay your bill with your credit card, and trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR is 18.24 to 23.24 percent. There’s a $95 annual fee.

  • 08
    Best for Balance Transfers: U.S. Bank Visa Platinum

    U.S. Bank Visa Platinum

    Courtesy of U.S. Bank

    A credit card with a long promotional period is the best for transferring balances. The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum offers a special zero percent APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles.

    There’s no rewards program, but the card does come with a few other perks. Receive cell phone protection when you pay your bill with your U.S. Bank Visa Platinum. You can choose your own payment due date based on ​what works best with your budget. And you can enjoy fraud protection and online banking.

    Important Pricing: After the promotional period ends, the regular APR is 12.24 to 24.24 percent. There is no annual fee.

  • 09
    Best for Rebuilding Credit: Credit One Bank Visa

    Credit One Bank Visa

    Courtesy of Credit One Bank

    The Credit One Bank Visa is a good option for people who have trouble getting approved for other credit cards but need to rebuild their credit. The credit card is easier to get approved for and reports to the three major credit bureaus. Using your credit card responsibly will help you get approved for other credit cards.

    Eligible purchases earn one percent can back. Your card comes with access to a free copy of your Experian credit score and a credit report summary each month. Plus, you may be eligible for automatic credit increases depending on your credit card usage.

    Important Pricing: The regular APR is 19.99 to 25.99 percent, depending on your creditworthiness. The annual fee for the first year is up to $75 and up to $99 each year after that.

  • Our Process

    Our writers spent 4 hours researching the most popular Visa credit cards on the market. Before making their final recommendations, they considered 16 different credit cards overall. All of this research adds up to recommendations you can trust.
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