As we have noted from time to time, the right credit card in your wallet can be a powerful financial tool, not only providing convenience but also saving you money.
The right card, of course, can depend on your particular circumstance and where you could use a little extra help.
The folks at personal finance site NerdWallet have reviewed the current card offerings and have come up with what they believe to be the 10 best cards for 2017, each offering a different advantage.
Best flat-rate travel rewards – Capital One Venture Rewards
You earn two miles for every dollar spent, with 100 miles equaling $1 in travel rewards. There is a $59 annual fee that is waived the first year. Details
Best bonus travel rewards – Chase Sapphire Preferred
Cardholders get double points on travel, from airfare and hotels to taxis and trains. You get double points on restaurant purchases and one point per dollar spent on other purchases. There is a $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year. Details
Best for flat-rate cash back – Citi Double Cash Card
With this card, you earn cash back twice. You get 1% cash back on purchases, then another 1% cash back as you pay for them. There is no annual fee. Details
Best bonus category cash back – Chase Freedom
Cardholders get 5% cash back on $1,500 in quarterly purchases at gas stations and local commuter transportation. A minimum of 2,000 points is needed to redeem for cash back. There is no annual fee. Details
Best for everyday spending – Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
For a limited time, this card pays 10% back for purchases at Amazon.com, but the offer expires soon. Plus, you get $150 cash back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on the card within your first three months of Card Membership. There is a $95 annual fee. Details
Best for balance transfers – Chase Slate
This card is ideal for transferring a large balance from a high-interest credit card. While most balance transfer cards charge a fee of 3% of the transferred balance, the Chase Slate waives the fee if the transfer is made in the first 60 days the account is open. There is no annual fee. Details
Longest 0% introductory rate – Citi Simplicity Card
You get a 0% intro APR for 21 months on both balance transfers and purchases. There are no late fees, no penalty rates, and no annual fee. Details
Best card for fair credit – Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards
Not everyone has excellent credit. For people with fair credit, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card offer 1.5% cash back on every purchase. However, there is a $39 annual fee. Details
Best for small business – Capital One Spark Cash for Business
Cardholders earn unlimited 2% cash back from Spark Cash on all purchases. There is no minimum to redeem rewards. There is a $59 annual fee, which is waived the first year. Details
Best for college students – Discover it for Students
Students get $20 cash back each school year that their GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years. Beyond that, the card earns 2% at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, along with 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee. Details