The Best Credit Cards for Summer 2022

In a normal year, there are many people counting down the days until the summer months so they can travel while enjoying some beautiful weather. In 2023, people are more eager than ever as there are more opportunities to travel and enjoy events and activities than there were in the last few years combined. Whether you’re planning on spending the summer traveling or simply enjoying the place where you live, these credit cards can be great options for you this coming summer.

If you’re looking for a new credit card and aren’t sure where to start, here are a few options to consider:

Best for Travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is easily one of the best travel reward cards out there and people are taking notice. It offers many perks that are similar to Chase’s Sapphire Reserve card but without the $550 annual fee. The Preferred Card is $95 yearly and although it may seem like a lot, you are getting quite a few perks when you utilize their service. For example, you may receive a hotel credit every year and the sign up bonus can be quite generous – right now, you can get 60,000 points when you spend a certain amount within three months of opening your account.

Sign Up Bonuses	60,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months after opening your accountOne free year of DoorDash
Credit Score Needed	675+
Annual Cost	$95
Perks	Travel insurance includedLost luggage insurance includedCar rental discountsHotel creditNo foregin transaction fees
Downsides	Annual fee

Best for Students: Journey Student Rewards from Capital One

If you are a college student and you haven’t started building your credit, you should consider opening a student credit card. The Journey Student Rewards card from Capital One is one of the best for individuals in this exact situation and can help you boost your credit score as long as you pay off the balance every month and manage it responsibly. There is no annual fee with this credit card but you still get some great security benefits including $0 fraud liability which means that you won’t have to pay for transactions you did not approve. And although this card is not specifically a credit card, you will not have to pay a fee on foreign transactions which can be a huge benefit if you are planning on traveling anytime soon.

Sign Up Bonuses	Up to a $60 credit for streaming services
Credit Score Needed	620+
Annual Cost	No annual fee
Perks	$0 Fraud LiabilityNo annual fee1% cash back on all purchasesNo balance transfer fee
Downsides	APR may be high, especially if you don’t have a credit score or a good credit score when you apply

Best Secured Card for Building Your Credit: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

If you’re in the process of building your credit and aren’t sure exactly which card you should go for, consider the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. Not only does it come with no annual fees, but the way the program is set up you could get the opportunity to upgrade to a standard credit card after you have proven you can responsibly manage this one. Many credit cards that you receive when you have a low credit score or no credit score will have high interest rates and fees and could ultimately cost you more in the end. But with this card, you’ll be able to build your credit safely and enjoy a professional experience with Capital One.

Credit Score Needed	N/A
Annual Cost	$0
Perks	No annual feeRewards do not expireLow credit scores may be acceptedThey report to the three major credit bureaus so you will build your credit score
Downsides	No introductory bonus available at this timeHigh APR

Best for Cash Back Rewards: Citi® Double Cash Card

The Citi® Double Cash Card is a great reliable credit card with no annual fee and a competitive 2% cash back rate. While there aren’t any flashy perks that come with this card, you’ll get a reliable credit card with a fantastic cash back rate that is hugely beneficial in the long run. If you’re looking for a trustworthy card that you’ll be able to use for a long time, this credit card is your best bet.

Credit Score Needed	690+
Annual Cost	No annual fee
Perks	Earn 2% cash back on every purchase when you pay your bill on time0% balance transfer fees for the first 18 months from account openingAccess to Citi Entertainment, which gives access to tickets for concerts and more
Downsides	There are no sign up bonuses right nowYou need great credit to qualify and receive a decent APR

Whenever you get a new credit card, you should make sure you use it responsibly. Although the benefits of the cards listed here might make them tempting to use regularly, you should only use funds that you can afford to pay back within a reasonable time.

The cards listed here are ideal for the coming summer and have a range of benefits that you can enjoy daily and can help you increase your credit health.

To maximize your rewards, you should take into account how much you spend each month and whether it’s best to go for a credit card with an annual fee that can be offset with purchases or one with no annual fee. Plus, there may be additional benefits such as air miles and travel rewards.