The 6 Best Credit Cards for March 2021

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For some of us, 2020 passed in the blink of an eye — spending so much time at home, it can be hard to remember it’s been a full year since the pandemic upended everything.

So it’s easy to miss where the financial landscape has changed, or to forget to revisit your financial situation. Has your credit score improved? Are you getting the best rewards on your spending?

It may be time for a credit makeover. Take a look at these cards, which we think are the best out there right now:

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Why we like it: With no annual fee to worry about, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a top-tier choice for grocery or general cash-back rewards, offering at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase and more in certain categories. You also earn an extra 1.5% cash back on every purchase on up to $20,000 spent in the first year. For example, that extra 1.5% would boost the 5% cash back normally available for travel up to 6.5%.

What to know:

• 5% cash back on travel-related purchases through Chase.
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases.
• 1.5% cash back on every other purchase.
• No expiration on cash-back rewards.
• 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months, then a variable rate of 17.24% to 25.99%.
• No annual fee.

Note: This card has a foreign transaction fee, so plan accordingly for international travel.

Blue Cash Everyday from American Express

Why we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday card lives up to its name as a great value all the time — but especially for new cardholders. You can earn $100 back by making $2,000 in purchases in the first six months. You can also earn 20% back on purchases made through PayPal in the first six months for up to $150 back.

What to know:

• 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, and 1% cash back after that amount.
• 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in U.S. online retail purchases per year, and 1% cash back after.
• 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases per year at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back after.
• 1% cash back on other purchases.
• 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months. (See rates and fees)
• No annual fee. (See rates and fees)

Note: Cash back is redeemed as statement credits.

Chase Freedom Flex

Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Flex card offers strong cash-back rewards in several categories and turbo-charges your rewards in seasonal bonus categories. You get a 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for 15 months, plus earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months with the card. It’s a solid card on its own, but also pairs well with the rewards of Chase Freedom Unlimited.

What to know:

• 5% cash back on travel-related purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, including hotels, flights, car rentals and cruises.
• 5% cash back on purchases in seasonal bonus categories, up to $1,500 each quarter.
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery).
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee.

Citi Premier

Why we like it: You’ll earn 80,000 bonus points with the Citi Premier card after spending $4,000 on purchases in your first three months of card membership, redeemable for travel or for $800 in gift cards.

What to know:

• 80,000 bonus ThankYou Points after making $4,000 in purchases within three months of signing up.
• 3 points per $1 for spending at restaurants and supermarkets.
• 3 points per $1 for spending at gas stations, hotels and on air travel.
• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
• $100 off a hotel stay of $500 or more, once per year, when booked through Citi’s rewards website.
• $95 annual fee.

Note: This card has no foreign transaction fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Why we like it: Like its cousin the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this card offers great bang for your buck on travel rewards and currently has a compelling introductory offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, worth $750 toward travel. Combined with all the other high reward points opportunities, this card more than pays for itself.

What to know:

• Get 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 60,000 bonus points are worth $750 toward travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Get a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit.
• Get a 10% anniversary points boost each year.
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining.
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on other travel.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
• Get trip cancellation insurance if your trip is canceled due to sickness or severe weather conditions.
• Get complimentary DashPass for a year or more for $0 delivery fees on DoorDash.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• $95 annual fee.

See rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday from American Express.