Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
If you're retired, you finally have the time to set off on that once-in-a-lifetime trip you've been dreaming about, splurge on some new home decor or tackle those home improvement projects you've been meaning to do.
You're the boss of your retirement adventure, and it's up to you how to best spend your time, money and energy.
CNBC Select has picked the best credit cards for seniors and retirees, looking at options with benefits for traveling, dining, shopping and more. To learn how we made our selections, read our methodology.
Best credit cards for seniors and retirees
- Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (See rates and fees)
- Best for road trips: U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- Best for grocery shopping: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for health care expenses: AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
- Best for no annual fee: Chase Freedom Flex®
- Best introductory 0% APR: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
- Best for retirement savings: Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Best for cash back
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a low-fee card with generous cash-back rewards and useful ongoing benefits, such as a monthly Disney Bundle credit. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don't have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you'll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars
Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great cash-back card because you'll earn extra rewards on the grocery, gas and online shopping you're likely doing anyway, especially if you (or your grandchildren) are also a fan of streaming services.
Benefits for seniors: Cardmembers receive statement credits for subscriptions such as the Disney Bundle (up to $120 annually after you purchase an eligible subscription to the Disney Bundle using your enrolled card; subject to autorenewal; enrollment required. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com in the U.S.) and *purchase protection, return protection, car rental loss and damage insurance and more.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Best for travel
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Who's this for? With a modest annual fee and a robust array of travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card makes a great choice for seniors and retirees looking to spend their golden years traveling.
Benefits for seniors: Whether you're visiting friends and family in other cities or venturing abroad, this card has your back with no foreign transaction fees, primary rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and other protections meant to provide peace of mind during your travels.
Best for road trips
Who's this for? If you're planning to spend some time road-tripping around the country, you can earn points to put toward even more travel with the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card.
Benefits for seniors: Cardholders can enjoy perks such as no foreign transaction fees, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, travel accident insurance, trip delay reimbursement, cell phone protection and up to $100 in statement credits toward your TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry® membership.
Best for grocery shopping
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
Who's this for? If you can swing the $325 annual fee (see rates and fees), the American Express® Gold Card is a great option for seniors and retirees who tend to spend most of their money at grocery stores and restaurants. Its large welcome bonus also provides a great head start if travel is among your retirement goals.
Benefits for seniors: The card includes a variety of travel and dining perks. You'll get up to $120 worth of *Uber Cash annually (up to $10 per month) and up to $120 worth of annual dining credits (up to $10 in statement credits monthly) when you pay for dining via Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. (Enrollment required).
*You must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States. An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Best for health care expenses
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
Rewards
3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases (except for Target and Walmart), 2% back on eligible medical expenses, 1% back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 cash-back bonus when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee
None.
Intro APR
0% for the first 15 billing cycles after each balance transfer that is made within 45 days of account opening.
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Balance transfer fee
Introductory fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Who's this for? If you have medical expenses or drugstore purchases to navigate, the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays could be a good fit.
Benefits for seniors: Medications and medical expenses can quickly add up, and this is one of the few cards to offer bonus rewards for both of these types of purchases.
Best for no annual fee
The Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent cash-back card for maximizing your spending in a variety of categories.
Rewards
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%)
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex is a great pick if you're interested in a no-annual-fee card that also lets you earn cash back on certain categories each quarter — think grocery shopping, gas stations and select online retailers. Check Chase's quarterly cash-back calendar for details before using your card so you don't miss out.
Benefits for seniors: The card offers perks such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection, auto rental collision damage waivers, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, cell phone protection and travel and emergency assistance.
Best introductory 0% APR
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card can help you save on interest charges thanks to its extra generous intro-APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can get access to personalized deals from a variety of merchants. It's an easy way to earn cash back as an account credit when you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using an eligible Wells Fargo credit card.
Balance transfer fee
5%, min: $5
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Who's this for? If you've been putting off an especially large purchase (think major home repairs, new furniture or pricey electronics), the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is a good choice, with one of the longest introductory 0% APR offers available on the market.
Benefits for seniors: As long as you continue to make your monthly payments on time, the card provides a whopping 21 months from account opening with 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, a variable 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% APR applies afterward. Balance transfers you make within 120 days from account opening qualify for the intro rate, the balance transfer fee is 5% ($5 minimum).
Best for retirement savings
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Rewards
2% cash back on every eligible net purchase (when deposited into an eligible Fidelity account)
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
16.49% to 26.49% based on your creditworthiness
Balance transfer fee
Either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Foreign transaction fee
None
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply.
Who's this for? The Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card is for anyone hoping to add to their current retirement savings balance.
Benefits for seniors: The Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card has a simple premise: You earn 2% back on every purchase, which is deposited into any eligible Fidelity account, including brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, HSAs or 529 College Savings plans.
What to consider before applying for a new card
Credit card issuers usually require good credit or excellent credit (670+), so it's important to check your credit score before applying. They'll also be keeping a close eye on the number of cards you already have or have recently applied for.
It's also worth doing the math and making sure you'll use enough of the card's benefits to justify the annual fee. And keep an eye on your budget to ensure you can hit any minimum-spending requirements responsibly.
Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
More on the best cards for seniors
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has some of the highest cash-back rates for purchases at U.S. supermarkets and eligible U.S. streaming services.
Rewards
- 6% back on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases per year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%)
- 6% back on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% back on transit
- 3% back at eligible U.S. gas stations
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees).
Notable perks
Cash-back rewards are the name of the game with this card — they're awarded as "reward dollars," which you can then redeem for statement credits.
To sweeten the deal, this card has an introductory 0% APR for 12 months from account opening for purchases and balance transfers (after, a 19.49% - 28.49% variable APR applies*), making it a solid choice if you've got some major purchases coming up. To qualify for the intro APR, balance transfers must be completed within 60 days of account opening and a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% applies (whichever is greater)*.
Cardholders can also take advantage of ongoing statement credit offers:
- Up to $120 in Disney bundle credit ($10 a month, enrollment required, subject to auto-renewal Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Stream.ESPN.com in the U.S.)
*See rates and fees
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the top travel and rewards credit cards available with an annual fee under $100.
Rewards
- 5X points on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining
- 3X points on select streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on travel
- 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$95
Notable perks
Cardholders receive a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, which applies to hotels you book through the Chase Travel℠. Every card anniversary, you'll also receive a 10% bonus on the points you earn from purchases the previous year. Card members are also eligible for various travel and shopping protections, as well as special deals with DoorDash.
Chase Ultimate rewards points can be redeemed for cash back or gift cards. You may be able to get even more value by transferring your points to any of Chase's hotel or airline partners, such as Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United Airlines MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is especially rewarding for gas and EV charging purchases. It also has benefits normally associated with cards with much higher annual fees.
Rewards
- 5X points for rental cars and prepaid hotels booked through the Altitude Rewards Center
- 4X points on travel
- 4X at gas stations and EV charging stations on your first $1,000 each quarter (wholesale clubs and discount stores/supercenters excluded)
- 2X points at grocery stores and on grocery delivery (discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs excluded)
- 2X points on dining
- 2X points on streaming services
- 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days from account opening.
Annual fee
$0 annual fee
Notable perks
Other perks include up to four free visits to Priority Pass airport lounges each year, various travel protections, cell phone protection and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
The points you earn with this card can be redeemed at a rate of one cent each toward travel, statement credits, gift cards or merchandise through the Altitude Rewards Center. You'll also have access to Visa Signature benefits, including complimentary concierge services and special perks at luxury hotels.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for earning travel rewards on dining at restaurants, on groceries and flights.
Rewards
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- 4X points on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year at restaurants worldwide, then 1X.
- 4X points on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets, then 1X.
- 3X points per dollar spent on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- 1X points on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$325 (see rates and fees)
Notable perks
Cardholders can receive two monthly statement credits when you enroll. There's an up to $120 dining credit to use through partner vendors (up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder), plus an up to $10 monthly Uber Cash, which can be used for rides or food orders in the U.S. (you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.) An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
Cardholders also have access to other perks, such as *car rental loss and damage insurance and baggage insurance.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc
You'll get the most value from the Membership Rewards® points you earn with the Amex Gold card when you transfer them to one of American Express' many airline and hotel partners, such as JetBlue TrueBlue, Delta SkyMiles, Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. You can also redeem them for statement credits, gift cards, or travel through the Amex Travel portal, but they'll generally be worth less this way.
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays is one of the only cards that offers additional rewards for medical expenses.
Rewards
- 3% back at gas stations and drugstores (excluding Target and Walmart)
- 2% back on eligible medical expenses
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $100 cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of card membership.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Rewards earned with this card can be redeemed for cash back or an AARP membership — whether for yourself or as a gift. This card also offers an intro 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers completed within the first 45 days of opening the account, after a variable 21.99%, 25.99%, or 29.99% APR applies. The balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount you transfer with a $5 minimum.
Chase Freedom Flex
The Chase Freedom Flex is a top-tier cash-back card if you enjoy making the most of rotating bonus categories.
Rewards
- 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating quarterly categories
- 5% back on travel purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 3% back on dining
- 3% back at drugstores
- 1% back on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Cardholders receive an intro 0% APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable 18.24% - 27.74% APR applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum) for transfers you make within 60 days of opening the account. After that, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% of the amount transferred ($5 minimum).
While this card is ideal if you're seeking cash back, you can also redeem points for travel or gift cards. If you have another card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), you can convert your cash back into transferable Ultimate Rewards® points. That opens a plethora of redemption opportunities with the Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners.
Cardholders can also enroll to take advantage of special partner deals with DoorDash. These cardholders can receive three months of free DashPass, then nine months at 50% off. New enrollees starting February 1, 2025 will receive six free months of DashPass.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card stands out for having one of the most generous intro-APR offers available with any credit card.
Rewards
None
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
The Wells Fargo Reflect® offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months for purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then, a variable 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% APR applies). To qualify for the intro balance transfer period, you need to complete any balance transfers within 120 days from account opening, BT fee of 5%, min $5.
Cardholders also receive perks such as cell phone protection ($25 deductible, up to $600 per claim and two claims per 12 months) and access to 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, though service charges apply.
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
The Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card provides a solid flat-rate return for all purchases, which makes it a great card to use for transactions that don't earn bonus rewards.
Rewards
- 2% back on all purchases
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Additional perks include roadside dispatch, purchase security and lost luggage reimbursement. Cardholders can also take advantage of special benefits with Avis, Budget and hotels that are part of the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection.
You can earn additional cash back on all purchases (up to 1% more) if you qualify for Fidelity Rewards+. To enroll in Fidelity Rewards+, you need at least $250,000 in professionally managed assets with Fidelity.
FAQs
Can I get a credit card if I'm retired?
Retirees can certainly qualify for credit cards. Social Security benefits, retirement account disbursements and other funds count as income, just like a regular paycheck. The credit card issuer will also consider your credit score, outstanding debts and other factors besides employment.
What is the best credit card for seniors?
There really isn't a single card that's best for older consumers. The best option is to decide what your goals are — whether that's travel, dining out, getting cash back or something else — and find a card with rewards that support that goal.
How can I improve my chances of getting approved for a credit card as a senior?
The two areas to shore up are your credit and your income stream. Retirement income counts, including Social Security and investment income, so be sure to list every source fully. You can lower your credit utilization ratio by not using more than 30% of your available credit limit. In addition, check your credit reports for errors or signs of identity theft. If you're still unable to get approved, consider applying for a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to help them make informed financial decisions. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for seniors.
Our methodology
To determine which cards offer the best value for seniors and retirees, CNBC Select analyzed over 230 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S.
We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.
Read more
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For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
Information about the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
