MasterCard Credit Cards

By updated on May 23, 2013

Looking for a new credit card? Compare the credit card choices offered by MasterCard to see which one meets your needs. MasterCard offers nearly every type of credit card desired, including many with options for various rewards as well as cards issued by a variety of banks. Expert ratings and reviews can be used to find the best credit card offers and to make credit card comparisons.  MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted and offer many benefits. 

What is MasterCard?

For four decades, MasterCard has functioned as link between financial institutions and customers, providing a wide range of credit card products to meet every customer's needs. MasterCard processes more than 23 billion transactions every year around the globe, so it is more than likely that you can find a MasterCard credit card offer that meets your needs. There are MasterCard credit cards for consumers with limited credit, bad credit, good credit and credit cards for excellent credit, along with credit cards designed to meet the needs of students, small business owners and travelers.

What types of credit cards are offered by MasterCard?

MasterCard offers nearly any type of credit card that consumers today are looking for, including cash back cards, cards with low introductory rates, balance transfer cards and rewards cards that offer a variety of points to be used for items such as airline miles or gift cards to various merchants.

If you usually carry a balance on your credit card, you want to pay off your credit card debt with a balance transfer offer or you are planning to make a big purchase with your new credit card, you should look for credit card offers with a low introductory rate. You will need good or excellent credit to qualify for a credit card with a low interest rate.

For example, with the Citi Thank You Preferred Card, you'll pay zero percent APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. You can earn 6,000 bonus ThankYou points when you spend $300 during your first three months of using the card, along with five points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores and drugstores during your first year. The balance transfer fee for this card is 3 percent.

How do I choose the MasterCard that works best for me?

Before completing a new credit card application, consumers should consider how they use their credit cards. Those who choose to pay their balance in full each month may be more interested in comparing MasterCard credit card offers for rewards points, while those who carry a balance should be most concerned about the interest rate. Once you decide which type of card you need, you can read credit card reviews to compare the best credit cards.

What can I do to make sure I am approved for a new MasterCard?

If you are getting back on solid financial footing and you're ready to apply for a credit card or upgrade an old card, the first thing you need to do is to find out your credit score. Credit card companies like MasterCard base credit card offers on an evaluation of your ability to pay your credit card bill. If you have bad credit, you will have fewer choices for a credit card.

If you are trying to establish credit for the first time or rebuild your credit history, you may need to start with a secured credit card. Expect a high interest rate, and plan to pay off the card every month. The Capital One Secured MasterCard offers an interest rate of 22.9 percent APR and you'll need to deposit $49 to $200.

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See How Your Card Stacks Up

Could you be getting better rewards and rates with another card? Find out.

Ink Bold(R) Business Charge Card

Editor's Rating

  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
  • No interest charges because it's a pay in full charge card
  • Earn 5X points per dollar in select business categories
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Direct access to a live service advisor anytime
  • $0 Intro Annual Fee for the first year, then $95
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

0%

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$0 max. 

Ink Cash® Business Card

Editor's Rating

  • Earn $200 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 in 3 months from account opening
  • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services
  • 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
  • 0% introductory APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: 6 months

Purchase APR

13.24% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

0%

Balance Transfer Intro Period

6 months

Annual Fee

$0 max. 

Capital One® Platinum Prestige Credit Card

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers with good to excellent credit looking to take advantage of a good 0 percent introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers.

Should you switch to Capital One Platinum Prestige?
Platinum Prestige offers a compelling teaser rate and a r... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: until August 2014

Purchase APR

10.90% - 18.90% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

0%

Balance Transfer Intro Period

until August 2014

Annual Fee

$0 max. 

LSU Tigers™ Platinum MasterCard® from Capital One®

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is for consumers with good to excellent credit and are loyal LSU fans that use their credit card to buy groceries at major grocery stores and at gas stations.

Should you switch to the LSU Tigers Platinum MasterCard?

You'll probably only want to switch to the... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: Until April 2014

Purchase APR

13.90% - 19.90% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

None 

Slate® MasterCard from Chase

Editor's Rating

  • Introductory Offer - No Balance Transfer Fee!*
  • Transfer a balance during the first 60 days your account is open, and as an introductory offer you will pay no balance transfer fee!*
  • After the first 60 days, the fee for future balance transfers is 3% of the amount transferred with a minimum of $5.*
  • 0% Introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers!*
  • Avoid interest and pay down balances faster with free Blueprint(R) features*
  • Patented Fraud Protection and zero liability on unauthorized purchases*
  • Add an additional card user to your Slate account at no extra cost*
  • No Annual Fee*
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: 15 months

Purchase APR

11.99% - 21.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

0%

Balance Transfer Intro Period

15 months

Annual Fee

None 

Capital One® Cash Rewards

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
The best cash back card for consumers rebuilding credit. With a reasonable annual fee, Capital One Cash Rewards Credit Card for Average Credit makes cash back rebates accessible for many consumers who might get rejected by the bank's competitors. Spend more than $4,000 on the card per year, and the ... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Average
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: until February 2014

Purchase APR

19.80% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$39 

Citi Simplicity® Card

Editor's Rating

  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 12.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness.
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
  • No late fees - EVER
  • No penalty rate - EVER
  • No annual fee - EVER
  • Save time when you call with fast, personal help, 24 hours a day.
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%*

Term: 18 months on Purchases*

Purchase APR

12.99% - 21.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

0%*

Balance Transfer Intro Period

18 months on Balance Transfers*

Annual Fee

$0 

Capital One® Classic Platinum Credit Card

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers with average credit looking for a Plain Jane card to use to further build credit that don't mind paying an annual fee.

Should you switch to Capital One Classic Platinum?

Because Capital One Classic Platinum doesn't include a balance tra... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Average
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: until February 2014

Purchase APR

19.80% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$39 

Capital One® Secured MasterCard®

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers with limited credit that do not qualify for an unsecured card and that never carry a balance.

Should you switch to a Capital One Secured MasterCard
You should really only consider switching to a Capital One Secured MasterCard if you're payin... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Limited
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

22.90% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$29 

AccountNow® Prepaid MasterCard®

Editor's Rating

  • 100% Guaranteed Approval* - No Credit Check
  • No Activation Fee
  • Free Direct Deposit and $25 cash back
  • Purchase Rewards Program
Apply Now Credit Needed: Limited
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

 

Capital One® Platinum Credit Card

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers with average credit looking for a Plain Jane card to use to further build credit who never carry a balance.

Should you switch to Capital One Platinum?
Because this card doesn't offer any balance transfer deals, you'll probably only want to s... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Average
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

24.90% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$19 

CapitalOne® Cash Rewards for Newcomers

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is best if you've been living and working in the U.S. for less than a year and you want the security and convenience of carrying a credit card from a trusted lender. This card is also ideal if you intend to remain loyal to Capital One, since the bank often allows customers to graduate from... >> Read More
Learn More Credit Needed: Average
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

24.90% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

None 

Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card

Editor's Rating

  • Get 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-21.99% based upon your creditworthiness.*
  • There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer.
  • Citi(R) Price Rewind searches for a lower price. Learn how you can get lower price after you purchase an item.
  • Let our 24/7 concierge service help book your hotel rooms, flights and more.
  • Enjoy special access to presale tickets, preferred seating, VIP packages, and unique entertainment experiences through Citi Private Pass(R).
  • $0 liability on unauthorized purchases and Citi(R) Identity Theft Solutions
  • No annual fee*
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%*

Term: 18 months on Purchases*

Purchase APR

11.99% - 21.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

0%*

Balance Transfer Intro Period

18 months on Balance Transfers*

Annual Fee

$0 

First Progress Platinum Prestige Secured MasterCard®

Editor's Rating

  • Get Approved Fast – Just Click Below to Start the Process!
  • No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
  • Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
  • Receive Your Card More Quickly with New Expedited Processing Option
  • Full-Feature Platinum MasterCard(R) Secured Credit Card
  • Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards are Accepted!
  • Credit Line Secured by Your Fully-Refundable Deposit of $300 -- $2,000 Submitted with Application
  • Just Pay Off Your Balance and Receive Your Deposit Back at Any Time
  • 24/7 Online Access to Your Account
  • Nationwide Program – though not yet available in NY, IA, AR, or WI
Apply Now Credit Needed: Bad
Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term: None

Purchase APR

11.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

None

Balance Transfer Intro Period

None

Annual Fee

$44 

Ink Plus® Business Card

Editor's Rating

  • Reward yourself with 50,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
  • With Ink Plus, you have the cash flow flexibility with the choice to pay over time or pay in full
  • Earn 5X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services
  • Earn 2X points per $1 on the first $50,000 spent annually at gas stations and for hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Free employee cards
  • 1:1 point transfer to participating travel programs with no transfer fees
  • Get 20% off travel redemptions when booked through Ultimate Rewards
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

13.24% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$0 max. 

Mutual of Omaha Bank Platinum Rewards MasterCard®

Editor's Rating

  • 5000 Reward Points bonus on first purchase
  • 2X Rewards for First 60 days
  • $1 purchase = 1 reward point
  • Points redemption in Merchandise, Travel, Cash Back
  • No Balance Transfer Fee
  • Low APR
  • No Annual Fee
  • No Penalty APR
  • No Overlimit Fee
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term: None

Purchase APR

9.99% - 20.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

None

Balance Transfer Intro Period

None

Annual Fee

$0 

First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card

Editor's Rating

  • Process your card more quickly by choosing our Expedited Processing Option (limitations and fee apply - see First Progress website)
  • No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
  • Quick, Easy and Complete Online Application
  • Full-Feature Platinum MasterCard(R) Secured Credit Card
  • Monthly Reporting to all 3 Major Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History
  • Credit Line Secured by Your Fully-Refundable Deposit of $300 -- $2,000
  • Free 24/7 Access to Your Account Online
  • * See Card Terms.
Apply Now Credit Needed: Limited
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

14.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

Annual Fee

$39 max. 

First Progress Platinum Elite MasterCard® Secured Credit Card

Editor's Rating

  • Submit Your Refundable Security Deposit of $300 - $2,000 at Time of Application
  • Just Pay Off Your Balance and Get Your Deposit Back at Any Time
  • Good for Car Rental, Hotels; Anywhere Credit Cards are Accepted!
  • Full-Feature Platinum MasterCard(R) Secured Credit Card
  • No Credit History or Minimum Credit Score Required for Approval
  • * See Card Terms.
Apply Now Credit Needed: Limited
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

19.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$39 max. 

CitiBusiness®/ AAdvantage® World MasterCard®

Editor's Rating

  • Designed for businesses with an established credit history
  • Earn 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage(R) bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of cardmembership*
  • First eligible checked bag free for you and up to 4 traveling companions*
  • Priority Boarding with Group 1 privileges*
  • Earn 2 AAdvantage(R) miles for every $1 you spend on eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at certain office supply, telecommunications and car rental merchants*
  • 25% Savings on eligible in-flight purchases
Apply Now Credit Needed: Excellent
Purchase Intro

APR: N/A

Term: N/A

Purchase APR

15.24% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

N/A

Balance Transfer Intro Period

N/A

Annual Fee

$95 

First PREMIER Bank MasterCard

Editor's Rating

Who uses this card?
This card is best for consumers with bad credit history who would like the convenience of a credit card.
Learn More Credit Needed: Limited
Purchase Intro

APR: None

Term: None

Purchase APR

36% Fixed

Balance Transfer Intro APR

None

Balance Transfer Intro Period

None

Annual Fee

$45 min. - $75 max. 

Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard - Average Credit

Editor's Rating

  • 0% Introductory APR for 6 months on purchases
  • 0% Introductory APR for 6 months on balance transfers
  • Earn 2 points per $1 on gas, grocery, and utility purchases
  • Earn 1 points per $1 everywhere else
Apply Now Credit Needed: None
Purchase Intro

APR: 0%

Term: 6 months

Purchase APR

24.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Intro APR

0%

Balance Transfer Intro Period

6 months

Annual Fee

$0 

These quotes are from credit card issuers which have paid for a link to their website. Offers are subject to change without notice and may not be the same for all consumers.