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According to a 2026 Bank of America report, 89% of Americans set financial resolutions for 2026, the highest in the past two years. Both Gen Z and millennials are prioritizing saving more money as their most important financial resolution, and people are generally prioritizing their financial health about as much as their physical health.
Whether you resolve to bulk up your wallet, body or brain, CNBC Select compiled the top cards to help you reach your new year goals — and save you money while doing it.
Best credit cards to meet your New Year's resolutions
- Best for eating healthy: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Best for fitness: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature Card
- Best for travel: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
- Best for paying down debt: U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card
- Best for reading more: Prime Visa (see rates and fees)
- Best for new experiences: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
- Best for self-care: Wells Fargo Attune℠ World Elite Mastercard®
- Best for building credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Best for eating healthy
How it supports your goal: The Blue Cash Everyday offers up to $180 in annual Home Chef credits, a meal delivery service that offers calorie-conscious meals (up to $15 in monthly credits; enrollment required). If you prefer a more hands-on approach when picking your menu, the card also earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%).
Other great perks: With the Blue Cash Everyday, you also receive up to $84 in annual Disney streaming credits (up to $7 per month; subject to auto-renewal) after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday for a subscription purchase (enrollment required). Plus, get access to both purchase and return protection.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee and you may be eligible for bonus rewards on a wide range of common expenditures.
- Up to $264 in streaming service and meal kit credits every year (subject to auto renewal)
- High cash-back rates in popular spending categories
- No annual fee
- The best bonus cash-back categories are capped
- Has a foreign transaction fee
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 $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 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 $2,000 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.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 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 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 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 $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® 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
Best for fitness
How it supports your goal: With the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, you earn 5% cash back each quarter in two of 12 categories of your choice (up to $2,000 in combined purchases, then 1%). One category is gyms and fitness centers, and another is sporting goods stores, both of which are ideal if you're looking to get into better shape.
Other great perks: The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature also offers 2% cash back in one everyday category you choose and comes with a great intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Rewarding and versatile quarterly bonus categories
- Generous intro-APR offer
- Quarterly limits on the card's top bonus spending categories
- No statement credit offers or other ongoing benefits outside of the cash rewards
Best for travel
How it supports your goal: For those hoping to explore more in 2026, the Capital One Venture X offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, a credit for either a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee and airport lounge access. Plus, the card earns points that transfer to 20 different airline and hotel partners for even greater value.
Other great perks: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. As a Visa Infinite® card, the Venture X also includes several helpful travel insurance perks.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card with a myriad of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
- Annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles after every card anniversary
- Unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations
- Long list of valuable travel and shopping protections, including return protection, rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement (Benefit(s) only available to accounts approved for the Visa Infinite card. Terms apply.)
- Limited bonus spending categories compared to other premium credit cards
- High annual fee
- High credit score requirement (excellent credit)
Highlights
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Foreign transaction fees
$0
Best for paying down debt
How it supports your goal: If you're looking to pay down credit card debt, the U.S. Bank Shield offers a long 0% intro APR on balance transfers (and purchases) within 60 days of account opening (16.99% to 27.99% variable APR thereafter). This can help you temporarily pause interest payments for 21 billing cycles, allowing you to pay down your balance more effectively.
Other great perks: The U.S. Bank Shield is primarily geared toward helping you manage debt, but it also offers up to $600 in cellphone protection if your phone is stolen or damaged and a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.
- Best-in-class intro-APR offers for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Annual statement credit
- Cell phone protection
- Rewards limited to eligible travel purchases made through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center
- No welcome bonus
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- No intro balance transfer fee
Best for reading more
How it supports your goal: While the Prime Visa does require an Amazon Prime membership, you can earn 5% back at Amazon.com — including any books you purchase through the site. Plus, Prime membership includes Prime Reading (a rotating library of thousands of ebooks and more), and each month, Prime members can choose one Kindle book from Prime's editors' picks for free.
Other great perks: The Prime Visa also earns an unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and local transit and commuting (including rideshare). There are a surprising number of travel protections, to boot, especially for a card with strong shopping perks.
The Prime Visa is only available to Amazon Prime members ($139 for an annual membership and $14.99 for a monthly membership) but is very rewarding for Amazon purchases.
- High rate of return at Amazon and Whole Foods
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- Requires an Amazon Prime membership
- If you choose the promo APR you won't earn rewards on those purchases
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for new experiences
How it supports your goal: The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers you access to new and exclusive events each year, from behind-the-scenes experiences to preferred seating at major sporting events. The card also grants access to the Sapphire Exclusive Tables collection on OpenTable for some of the hardest-to-book restaurants in major cities.
Other great perks: The Sapphire Reserve is a great card for world travelers, offering over $3,000 in value each year. Enjoy Apple TV+ and Apple Music subscriptions, a DoorDash membership, StubHub and Lyft credits and much more.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $288 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for self-care
How it supports your goal: If you're looking to treat yourself in the new year, the Wells Fargo Attune earns an unlimited 4% cash rewards across three categories, one being self-care. This includes beauty and barber shops, gym and fitness studios, health and beauty spas and massage parlors — perfect for de-stressing after the holidays.
Other great perks: In addition to self-care, the Wells Fargo Attune earns 4% cash rewards on select sports, recreation and entertainment, as well as on planet-friendly purchases. You can redeem your rewards for gift cards, statement credits and more.
Wells Fargo Attune℠ World Elite Mastercard®
Rewards
Earn 4% cash rewards on fitness and wellness; 4% cash rewards on select sports, recreation, and entertainment (including live shows and sporting events); 4% cash rewards on gardening and floral stores, as well as pet supplies, boarding and grooming; 4% cash rewards on public transit, EV charging stations, and select thrift stores. Plus earn 1% cash rewards on other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn $100 in cash rewards when you spend $500 in qualifying purchases during the first 3 months after account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Intro APR
0% on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening
Regular APR
18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable based on your creditworthiness
Balance transfer fee
Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5.
Foreign transaction fee
3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars
Credit needed
Excellent/Good
Terms apply
Pros
- Earns bonus rewards in categories not typically seen in rewards cards
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR on purchases
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- No introductory APR on balance transfers
Best for building credit
How it supports your goal: The Discover it® Secured Card is great if you're aiming to boost your finances. It has no annual fee, it doesn't require a credit score for approval and the security deposit is refundable. Discover will report your activity to the three major credit bureaus, so using it responsibly will likely improve your credit score.
Other great perks: Starting in month seven and beyond, your account will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for an unsecured card. Plus, at the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned in the first 365 days of card ownership.
Information about Discover cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication.
How to set achievable New Year's resolutions
While everyone's exact New Year's resolutions will vary, the framework for setting an achievable goal is fairly consistent. One thing that often helps is focusing on making your goal "SMART," which stands for:
- Specific: What action will actually take place?
- Measurable: You can track progress, whether in time, money or weight.
- Achievable: You set a realistic and reachable primary goal.
- Realistic: The goal is reachable with the resources you have.
- Timely: You can set a timeline for expected outcomes.
If you typically work better with a visual cue, consider creating a calendar with dates that mark important steps toward your goal and, if applicable, when you expect to finish.
If you're making small but meaningful changes, like cutting down on weekly coffee orders, consider pairing your goals with other good habits. For instance, if you grab a free coffee from work, also fill up your water bottle to help form a new hydration habit.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card list 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. We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for your New Year's resolutions.
Our methodology
To determine which cards would best support common New Year's resolutions, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards, focusing on those with meaningful perks, benefits, or rewards categories.
We compared each card on a range of features, including the application process, available rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APRs and balance transfer and foreign transaction fees.
We considered how easy it was to redeem points, additional benefits like ongoing travel or merchant statement credits, and available cardholder protections, including, purchase protection and travel insurance.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
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