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What's the Best Everyday Credit Card?

5 min read

Last Updated: November 13, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Using a credit card for everyday spending may help you build credit history and earn rewards.
To find the best credit cards for your everyday purchases, you can compare rewards, interest rates, and fees.
If you want to use your everyday credit card to build credit history, keep your balance low and pay bills on time each month.

To make the most of your daily spending, you need the right tools. The credit card you reach for at the coffee shop every morning or the grocery store every weekend may help you build a strong credit history and earn rewards. The right everyday credit card for you should offer features that align with your credit needs, spending habits, and financial goals.

Should you use a credit card for everyday purchases?

Using a credit card for everyday purchases may have advantages, depending on your credit habits and preferences. Some people prefer using their credit cards only in emergencies or reserving them for specific types of purchases, like flights.

However, using a card for daily expenses—like gas, groceries, food, and entertainment—may help you earn rewards and build credit history, as long as you pay on time each month and keep your balance low.

Consider your spending habits

Before you choose an everyday credit card, consider your habits and needs. You may have to shop around to find the best credit card for your lifestyle. For example, if you have trouble managing your bills and budget, you might research credit cards with alerts and built-in expense-tracking tools.

Your best credit card for everyday spending may be a cash back credit card that rewards you for the types of purchases you frequently make. If you spend a lot of time on the road, for example, a gas and restaurant credit card may be the best fit.

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Review interest rates

Your credit card’s interest rate is important, but how much it affects you depends on your financial behaviors and preferences. You won't owe interest if you pay off your credit card statement balance in full before the due date each month, so a higher interest rate may not be much of a concern. If you think you may occasionally carry a balance, however, seeking out a credit card with a low interest rate may minimize your costs.

Remember to keep your spending under control, even if your card has a low interest rate. Overspending may leave you with more debt than you can handle and hurt your credit score.

Think about your credit history

Your credit history influences the types of credit cards you qualify for. If you’ve worked to build a good or excellent credit score, you may qualify for a premium rewards card that offers you cash back or miles for your daily spending.

If you’ve never had a credit card before or want to improve a low credit score, a secured credit card may better fit your needs. Secured cards require a refundable security deposit, which typically equals your credit limit. Because the deposit for a secured card acts as collateral, you may not need an extensive credit history to qualify.

If you pay your statement balance in full on time each month, using a secured card for everyday expenses may gradually improve your credit score.

Some secured credit cards may also offer rewards on eligible purchases. For example, with the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, you may earn 2% Cashback Bonus^® at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.¹

Check for fees

Before applying for a credit card, check the terms and conditions for fees. Some credit card issuers charge an annual fee to keep your account in good standing. High fees may offset the value of your credit card rewards. Discover^® has no annual fee on any of our cards.

Annual fees aren’t the only additional costs to look out for. If you often travel internationally, a card with foreign transaction fees may cost you more. Note: Discover^® has no foreign transaction fee. Other charges to consider include cash advance and balance transfer fees.

The best rewards credit cards for everyday spending

One benefit of using a credit card for daily spending is the potential to earn rewards more quickly. To find the best everyday credit card for you, consider how you’d prefer to earn rewards.

Some credit cards award cash back or miles at a low flat rate across all purchases. Others may offer a higher award rate in specific bonus categories, like grocery stores or restaurants.

A cash back card with bonus categories that rotate monthly or quarterly may help you maximize your rewards if you don’t mind keeping track of the changes. But if you prefer a lower maintenance option, a flat-rate card may be a better fit.

You should also consider your credit card rewards redemption options. For example, you may be able to redeem rewards from a cash back card as a statement credit or gift card. A travel reward card, on the other hand, might offer miles that you may redeem for travel purchases.

Did you know?

With the Discover it^® Miles credit card, you get an unlimited Mile-for-Mile match of all the Miles you earn at the end of your first year, automatically. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.³

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If you value flexibility, you may prefer cash back credit cards. But if you want your everyday spending to help you pay for airfare or a hotel room, then travel cards may be the right fit.

The bottom line

A great everyday credit card may help you build a credit history, improve your credit score with responsible use, and earn rewards. Look for an everyday card that meets your financial needs and matches your spending habits. Whatever card you choose, your daily credit card purchases may have a positive effect on your credit score if you keep your balance low and pay your bill on time each month.

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