The Best Credit Cards for Families

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Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Family life may look different for everyone, from soccer games and ballet recitals to family dinners and other everyday necessities. One thing is for sure: a family should be taken care of, and having the right credit card can help better manage expenses to meet their needs. Here are our picks for the best family credit cards:

At a Glance

The Best Family Credit Cards 

Here are our top family credit cards:

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
American Express Processing Network
$0 for the first year. Then $95 Annual Fee

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

  • 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 12 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

Through the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can earn sizable cash back rewards on purchases in common categories, including 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on all other purchases. You can also earn $300 back in the form of a statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases using your new card in the first six months of the account being open.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an Equinox+ membership at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $0 for the first year. Then $95
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You budget for family spending and want a credit card that earns significant cash back
  • You’ll spend a lot of money on groceries to take advantage 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1% after that)
  • You’re excited at the prospect of earning 6% cash back with select streaming services
  • You want to capitalize on your commute with 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (and select U.S. department stores)
  • You’ll take advantage of 3% cash back on transit (taxis/rideshare, parking and tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% on all other purchases
  • You’re likely to make $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of the account opening to qualify for a one-time $300 statement credit
  • You cook at home often and commute to work and school regularly, or make use of public transit regularly
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Rates & Fees

You must feed the family! Get dinner started with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. With this card, you will earn 6% cash back (on the first $6,000 of eligible purchases) the next time you go grocery shopping. The same goes for streaming services from select providers, like Netflix or HBO Max, so don’t forget to buy some popcorn at the grocery store for your next family movie night.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has other ways to gain rewards, including 3% cash back at U.S gas stations and on transit, plus 1% cash back on other purchases. Your earned cash back is received as Reward Dollars which you can then redeem for statement credits. If you’re looking to apply for this card, you should also know new cardmembers can earn $350 back after spending $3,000 within six months of the account opening.

Furthermore, you can get exclusive access to entertainment tickets through American Express Experiences and enjoy taking your family out for some fun to the next ball game or whatever the next family event is. Another featured benefit is the annual $120 Equinox+ credit, which can help balance the yearly fee if you plan to use the health and fitness app. The also card features a $0 annual fee for the first year. After that you’ll pay $95 each year you remain a cardmember. If you’re not a fan of the annual fee, however, check out the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$0 Annual Fee

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months on Purchases Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Citi Custom Cash? Card is a generous cash back credit card that offers up to 5% back on eligible purchases. The card, from Citi, does not charge an annual fee and rewards 5% back on the top spending category each month, with options including transit, travel, gas, groceries, dining, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months on Purchases
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on Balance Transfers
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You want to earn 5% back but do’t want quarterly categories
  • You plan on spending $1,500 within the first 90 days
  • You have a large purchase in mind that you want to pay down over time
  • You plan on transferring an existing balance within the first four months
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee

If your family spending changes from month to month, consider the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card. With this card you can earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category (up to $500 spent each billing cycle). There are 10 different eligible categories, ranging from grocery stores and restaurants to home improvement stores, live entertainment, and more.

In other words, you do not have to worry about keeping up with rotating categories or enrolling in them to earn rewards. Additionally, you can earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases. Then, redeem your ThankYou® points with flexibility – as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.

And if you are thinking of applying for the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card because it’s the right fit for your family’s needs, you will be happy to know there is a bonus offer. With the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, you can earn $200 cash back after spending $750 in the first three months. To break it down into smaller numbers, making $250 worth in purchases each month (in the first three months) will earn you the $200 cash back bonus. Not too bad if you already spend that amount on something like groceries – or any of the eligible spend categories.

Prime Visa

Prime Visa
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Prime Visa

  • 19.49% to 27.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.49% to 27.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Prime Visa offers cardholders impressive rewards on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, as well as elevated cash back at gas stations, drug stores, restaurants, transit, commuting, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Instant Amazon.com gift card on approval
  • Earn 5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, plus 5% Back on purchases made through Chase Travel.
  • Earn 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, plus 2% Back on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
  • Earn 1% Back on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.49% to 27.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.49% to 27.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
  • Minimum Deposit Required: N/A
  • You frequently shop at Amazon or Whole Foods
  • You have an existing Amazon Prime membership
  • You want a card with no foreign transaction fees and Visa concierge services for your travel plans
  • You want a flexible rewards program, including savings at gas stations dining
  • You want the excellent customer service Amazon is known for

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is for the family that takes online shopping to the next level. When Amazon.com is your go-to online shop, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card can go a long way. The credit card allows cardholders to earn 5% back when shopping on Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market.

The best part is your rewards are not limited to online shopping. You can earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. This is a nice benefit to have when you want to treat the family out for dinner or need to take care of a handy drugstore purchase. In addition, you earn 1% back on all other purchases, wherever your shopping takes you.

A surprising feature of the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is it has no foreign transaction fees. This perk makes it an excellent credit card option to take on your next family vacation – especially if it’s abroad. And upon approval, you will instantly receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card Bonus.

A Prime membership is required for this credit card. However, if you don’t have a Prime membership, you could qualify for the Amazon Rewards Visa Card.

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$0 Annual Fee

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards on the market today, thanks to impressive, flat-rate cash back, lucrative introductory 0% APR offers, and more. Cardholders earn 2% back on every eligible purchase: 1% back at the time of sale and an additional 1% back when they pay their statement balance. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or converted as ThankYou® points.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You prefer earning cash back at a flat rate rather than in rotating categories
  • You’re looking to either consolidate existing balances or pay down a large purchase with no interest charges for an extended period of time
  • You like to have the flexibility of converting cash back into lucrative rewards points
  • You’re considering a credit card without an annual fee
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Terms & Conditions

If you would rather keep it simple, instead of keeping track of reward categories and such, the Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer is another option to consider for the family. With this card, you can earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Essentially, you will earn double the rewards on all your family purchases in the form of ThankYou® Points, which you can then redeem in many convenient ways, such as statement credits, gift cards, and more – all for no annual fee. Furthermore, chip away at some family credit card debt with the card’s balance transfer offer: 0% intro APR for 18 months after opening an account.

The lengthy introductory BT offer is a juicy find. Other credit cards to consider with even longer balance transfer offers – in case you have plenty of outstanding debt you’d rather pay off over an extended time – include the Citi Simplicity® Card and the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card.

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About: Jeannyn Gomez
Jeannyn Gomez

Jeannyn is the Content Management Assistant for BestCards.com. In addition to serving on all aspects of social media and spreading the word on expert credit and personal finance advice, Jeannyn finds herself on quests for humor, supernatural phenomena, and conspiracy theories for fun.

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