Money Management
U.S. News & World Report Reveals 2026 Credit Card Awards
This week, U.S. News & World Report announced its 2026 credit card picks — including a unique category inclusion.
About U.S. News & World Report’s Credit Card Awards for 2026:
With so many credit cards on the market, U.S. News & World Report is weighing in with its 2026 award picks. In addition to common categories such as Travel, Cash Back, No Annual Fee, and more, the outlet also selected the “Best Credit Card for Essential Spending in Uncertain Times.”
That Editors’ Choice pick was the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card. With the Customized Cash Rewards card, customers can pick one of six eligible categories to earn 3% back on. Additionally, the card earns 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus 1% back on all other purchases. For a limited time, new cardholders can increase the cashback in their select category up to 6% for their first year.
Elsewhere, the Discover It card was named the best Cash Back card. It earns 5% back in rotating quarterly bonus categories plus 1% back on all other purchases. Famously, Discover also doubles all of the cashback cardholders earn in their first year and applies it as a bonus upon renewal.
Best Travel card went to the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card. Although this card’s core categories may not have an emphasis on travel outside of prepaid hotels and car rentals made via U.S. Bank Travel Center, the card offers up to four complimentary airport lounge visits per year via Priority Pass Select — a unique perk for a no-annual-fee card. Also notable is that the card earns 4x on gas/EV Charging, 2x on dining, streaming services, and grocery stores, and 1x on all other purchases.
Speaking of No Annual Fee cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited was honored in that category. Freedom Unlimited offers 1.5% back on all purchases, as well as 3% on dining, 3% on drug store purchases, and 5% on Chase Travel purchases.
Rounding up some of the other categories, Best Rewards went to the Prime Visa card, Best Airline card was the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, and the Wells Fargo Reflect Card was named the Best Balance Transfer option.
What They’re Saying:
Discussing the awards and, specifically, the Editors’ Choice category, U.S. News consumer credit analyst at Adriana Ocañas said, “The cost of everyday expenses has been steadily increasing while job markets across industries and American unemployment rates continue to experience turbulence. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows cardholders to select cash back categories that work best for them.” Ocañas added, “Whether it’s groceries, gas, dining, pharmacy needs or something else, this unique feature provides the cardholder with a little more financial support where they need it most.”
My Thoughts:
Per usual with these types of awards, I think there are some good picks. In particular, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card perfectly fits the selected category as it evolves with consumers’ needs. Elsewhere, while I wouldn’t say the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card is the best travel card overall, I do think it’s an inspired and off-the-beaten-path selection.
As always, though, the best credit card for you will depend on your needs, spending, and tolerance for annual fees. That’s why I recommend assessing any potential card for yourself in order to find the best option.
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