Top Credit Cards for Seniors and Retirees

We often discuss travel and the best credit cards that offer no foreign transaction fees, rewards for dining, grocery shopping, and more. We also provide guides on the best credit cards for students. However, seniors and retirees deserve dedicated attention due to their unique lifestyles.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top credit cards tailored for retirees and seniors, helping you manage your finances in your later years with a credit card portfolio designed just for you. We’ll categorize these cards into two groups—everyday spending cards and premium travel cards—to address varying needs.

The Best Everyday Credit Cards for Seniors and Retirees

These cards feature excellent earning structures, low annual percentage rates, and various benefits that appeal to those in their later years, who may have limited disposable income after retirement. Let’s examine the best everyday credit cards for seniors and retirees.

AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard by Barclays

Sign-up bonus: Receive a $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 or more within 90 days of opening your account.

Annual fee: $0

Why we recommend it: If you face significant medical expenses, you may have noticed a scarcity of cards offering bonus points for such spending. The AARP Essential Rewards card provides 2% cash back on eligible medical expenses, along with 3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases. Additionally, you'll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You can use your rewards as cash back or to cover the cost of an AARP membership for yourself or someone else. There are no limits on earnings in any category, and there’s no annual fee. If you're looking for a card that rewards medical expenses without an annual fee, this card could be the perfect fit.

The details for the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information presented on this page has not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Sign-up bonus: Receive a $200 bonus after spending a minimum of $1,000 on the card within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Why we recommend it: The Customized Cash Rewards card comes with no annual fee and lets you select a category to earn 3% back on the first $2,500 spent each quarter, along with 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 combined in those categories (then 1%). You’ll earn 1% back on all other purchases.

Cardholders also benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and any balance transfers made within the first 60 days. Once the introductory period ends, a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% introductory balance transfer fee is applicable for the first 60 days; thereafter, the fee increases to 4%.

This card shines for members of Bank of America Preferred Rewards. Eligible participants can earn a bonus of up to 75% on credit card rewards, effectively boosting the earning rates of the Customized Cash Rewards card from 3%, 2%, and 1% to 5.25%, %, and 1.75%, respectively.

Check out our Customized Cash Rewards card review for complete information.

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Receive $200 as a statement credit after spending $2,000 on your new card within the first six months.

Annual fee: $0 (refer to rates and fees)

Why we recommend it: This card comes with no annual fee, offers earning categories that align with everyday spending, and features introductory APR rates plus "buy now, pay later" options that can save you money on big purchases. Members benefit from $0 Plan It® fees for plans set up within the first 15 months of account activation. This is great for managing upcoming large expenses, after which plan fees will be 1.33% of the purchase total, alongside the regular purchase APR.

Members also receive an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the initial 15 months, transitioning to a variable APR of 18.74% to 29.74%.

Another appealing feature of this card is its rewards structure. Cardmembers earn 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and U.S. gas stations, each capped at 3% on the first $6,000 in purchases, with 1% cash back thereafter. All other transactions earn 1% cash back.

Check out our Blue Cash Everyday card review for comprehensive information.

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Welcome bonus: Receive a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases with your new card within the first six months.

Annual fee: Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, followed by a fee of $95 (see rates and fees).

Why we recommend it: This card is excellent for common spending categories, has a reasonable annual fee, and the rewards you earn should easily offset that cost. Additionally, you can take advantage of $0 in Amex Plan It "buy now, pay later" fees for plans initiated within the first year of card membership (after which fees may be up to 1.33% monthly), and a 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months (then a variable APR of 18.74% to 29.74% applies).

Cardmembers receive 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual spending (then 1% cash back thereafter). If maximized, this could result in $360 in cash back each year. Additionally, members earn 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit expenses (including taxis, ride-hailing apps, parking, tolls, trains, and other commuting costs), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

For complete information, check out our Blue Cash Preferred card review.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Why we recommend it: The standout feature of the Venture card is its straightforwardness. You earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on almost everything. The only exceptions are when you earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

Capital One miles have appreciated in value recently, thanks to an expanding network of transfer partners. According to TPG's August 2024 valuation, these miles are worth 1.85 cents each. This makes the sign-up bonus equivalent to $1,388, resulting in a 3.7% return on everyday spending.

In addition to miles, the card comes with a variety of attractive benefits. These include a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, two complimentary passes to Capital One lounges or Plaza Premium lounges (note that lounge access will end for Capital One Venture Rewards starting January 1, 2025), as well as benefits like travel accident insurance, secondary auto rental coverage, extended warranty protection, and no foreign transaction fees.

For more details, check out our Venture card review.

Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Chase Freedom Flex

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Why we recommend it: This card has no annual fee yet offers excellent cash back earning categories. Additionally, you can convert your cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you or a family member holds a card that earns these points and incurs an annual fee, unlocking access to all of Chase's transfer partners. The card also includes valuable World Elite Mastercard benefits, such as cellphone protection.

Cardmembers receive 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter on rotating bonus categories (enrollment is required each quarter) and 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠. Additionally, members earn 3% cash back on purchases made at drugstores and dining establishments, including restaurants, takeout, and delivery. For all other purchases, you earn 1% cash back.

Cardmembers can also benefit from a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from account opening, followed by a variable APR between 19.99% and 28.74%.

For comprehensive details, read our Freedom Flex card review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus a $300 statement credit for Chase Travel℠ purchases made in the first year.

Annual fee: $95

Why we recommend it: Besides being a top choice for anyone starting their points and miles collection, this card is more than just a basic option. It offers attractive benefits, including a $50 annual hotel credit, a 10% annual points bonus, a year of complimentary DoorDash DashPass for food delivery (activate by Dec. 31, 2027), and extensive travel protections, along with no foreign transaction fees. This card is ideal if you want a travel card without a high annual fee for your future adventures.

Its earning structure is impressive compared to other cards with an annual fee under $100. You can earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal, 5 points per dollar on Lyft (until March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked via the Chase portal, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which this card earns, are highly valuable due to their versatility, and this card has the lowest annual fee that grants access to all of Chase's transfer partners.

For complete information, check out our Sapphire Preferred review.

Citi Custom Cash Card

Sign-up bonus: Receive $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening. This bonus is provided as 20,000 Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Annual fee: $0

Why we recommend it: Unlike many cards that require you to select your preferred earning categories in advance or track changing categories each quarter, the Citi Custom Cash® Card (see rates and fees) automatically grants bonus earnings in the category where you spend the most each month. There's no tracking needed, and you don’t have to sign up for the additional earnings.

Cardmembers earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in their top spending category each billing cycle. This includes categories where you're likely to spend regularly, such as dining out, drugstores, gas, groceries, transit, and travel.

Additionally, you can earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases, including any spending beyond the $500 limit in your top category each billing cycle. Members can redeem their cash back as a statement credit, deposit, check, for Amazon purchases, gift cards, and select travel expenses.

For comprehensive details, read our Custom Cash card review.

Citi Double Cash Card

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of opening your account, along with an introductory APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers only; thereafter, the variable APR will range from 18.74% to 28.74%, depending on your creditworthiness.

Annual fee: $0

Why we recommend it: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) offers a straightforward way to earn rewards. You earn 1 Citi ThankYou point for every dollar spent and another 1 point when you pay your bill.

Previously, converting cash back into ThankYou points required an extra step. This process has been simplified, enhancing usability. Moreover, if you have another Citi credit card, like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees), you gain access to Citi's full range of hotel and airline transfer partners.

With no annual fee, this card lacks extensive perks. However, it does provide access to Citi Entertainment, which offers special opportunities to purchase tickets for thousands of events and includes ID theft protection.

While you won’t receive a large sign-up bonus, the introductory APR offer is beneficial for financing significant purchases. Additionally, you earn 2 points per dollar spent (1 point when you make the purchase and another when you pay the bill), and TPG's August 2024 valuation estimates those points to be worth 1.8 cents each.

For more information, read our Double Cash card review.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Sign-up bonus: None

Annual fee: $0, but a Costco membership is necessary

Why we recommend it: For seniors who frequently shop at Costco or spend significantly on gas, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (see rates and fees) is an excellent choice, offering 2% cash back on Costco purchases made online and in-store, as well as 4% back on gas purchases that extend beyond Costco stations, including EV charging. Note, however, that the 4% rate is capped at the first $7,000 spent annually.

Cardmembers earn 3% back on qualifying travel and dining expenses, though other cards may offer higher rates in these categories. Nevertheless, if gas is a significant part of your spending or if you're a regular Costco shopper, this card could be a great fit for you.

For comprehensive details, check out our Costco Visa card review.

Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card

Sign-up bonus: None

Annual fee: $0

Why we recommend it: It's rare to find a card that allows you to earn rewards which can be deposited into a retirement account, health savings account, or college savings account. The Fidelity Rewards Visa enables you to do all three, making it an appealing option for seniors and retirees who wish to enhance their retirement savings, plan for medical expenses, or assist their children and grandchildren with the rising costs of tuition.

Cardmembers earn an unlimited 2% cash back on their purchases, with the option to deposit these earnings into various types of eligible Fidelity accounts. As suggested by its name, a Fidelity account is required to complement this credit card. With no annual fee, no limits on earnings, and no reward categories to monitor, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to use credit card rewards to plan for their future.

The details for the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

U.S. Bank Visa Platinum Credit Card

Sign-up bonus: No bonus points are offered. However, there is an introductory 0% APR for purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening and for purchases during the first 21 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR ranging from 18.74% to 29.74% will apply.

Annual fee: $0

Why we like it: One common motivation for getting a new credit card is to escape the high interest rates of an existing card with a balance. Another reason might be a significant upcoming purchase where you wish to avoid accruing interest while paying it off over time. The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum addresses both issues by offering an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers. Keep in mind that a balance transfer fee of 5% applies (with a minimum of $5).

If you're looking to benefit from the introductory APR to decrease interest on existing debt or to finance a major purchase, it's crucial to be aware that the variable APR after the introductory period ranges from 18.74% to 29.74%. Thus, if you don't clear your balance by then, you might find yourself back where you started.

Nevertheless, this card could be an excellent choice for those who can leverage the introductory APR to save money while making payments during the initial 21 billing cycles. This duration is longer than most introductory APR offers currently available.

The information for the US Bank Visa Platinum Card has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The top premium travel cards for seniors and retirees

Any conversation about the best credit cards should include those that offer travel rewards. The cards listed above are excellent options for everyday spending. However, age doesn't necessarily put an end to travel plans.

In fact, retirement can often provide more opportunities for travel, free from the constraints of needing approval from an employer. Let's explore the finest credit cards for retirees and seniors seeking premium travel benefits, as these perks are available at any age.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Welcome offer: Receive 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

Annual fee: $395

Why we like it: The Venture X card has the lowest annual fee among its peers while still providing solid everyday benefits, an attractive earning rate, and travel features that enhance your travel experience.

This card includes a $300 annual travel credit for reservations made through Capital One Travel, 10,000 bonus miles each year on your anniversary, reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, Priority Pass Select membership, and access to Capital One lounges and Plaza Premium lounges for you and two guests.

You will also receive Hertz President's Circle status for exclusive rental car benefits*, along with cellphone protection and the option to add up to four authorized users at no extra cost. These users will also enjoy various perks.

Cardmembers accumulate Capital One miles, valued at 1.85 cents each according to TPG's August 2024 valuation, which can be redeemed with over 15 travel partners. The card earns 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other expenses. Additionally, there are no foreign transaction fees.

Check out our comprehensive Venture X review for complete details.

*Eligible cardholders can enroll through the Capital One website or mobile app to maintain this status level for the duration of the offer. Note that enrolling via the standard Hertz Gold Plus Rewards process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically recognize cardholders as eligible, nor will they be upgraded to the applicable status tier without further action. Additional terms apply.

Learn more: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $550

Why we like it: Although it comes with a higher annual fee, the extensive perks and benefits of this card are well worth it for frequent travelers. Highlights include an automatic $300 annual travel credit applicable to various travel expenses, access to Priority Pass Select lounges, enhanced redemption rates through Pay Yourself Back and the travel portal, fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or Nexus, and a host of travel and shopping protections. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees.

This card rewards you with Ultimate Rewards points valued at 2.05 cents each, according to TPG's August 2024 valuation. You can earn 10 points per dollar for hotels and car rentals booked via Chase Travel℠, 10 points per dollar on Lyft rides (until March 2025), 5 points per dollar on airfare purchased through the Chase travel portal, 3 points per dollar on dining and other travel-related expenses, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. (Keep in mind that purchases covered by the $300 travel credit do not earn bonus points.)

For those who take advantage of its benefits, the annual fee is justifiable, and the travel protections offer valuable peace of mind in case of unforeseen issues.

Check out our Chase Sapphire Reserve review for comprehensive details.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Why we like it: While the annual fee might initially be surprising, the Platinum Card provides luxurious travel benefits and everyday lifestyle credits that can easily exceed the cost of the fee if utilized effectively.

These perks include up to $200 in prepaid hotel credits annually, up to $240 in streaming service credits each year, reimbursement for a Walmart+ membership, up to $200 in airline incidental credits, up to $200 in Uber Cash (which can also be used for Uber Eats). Note that Uber Cash is credited to a single Uber account when the Amex Platinum is added as a payment method, along with Clear membership fee reimbursement and access to various airport lounges (for up to two guests, depending on the lounge), among other advantages. Please note that some benefits require prior enrollment. The card also includes various travel protections and shopping protections.

The card earns Membership Rewards points, valued at 2 cents each according to TPG's August 2024 valuation: earn 5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline, 5 points per dollar on prepaid flights and hotels through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 annually, then 1 point per dollar), and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. While this may not be the top card for daily expenses, leveraging it for travel and taking advantage of the perks can significantly enhance your travel experience.

Check out our comprehensive Platinum Card review for complete details.

Bottom line

There's no universal solution here. Seniors and retirees have diverse needs, and you might find that one card from our recommendations doesn't cover all your requirements. It's important to evaluate your spending habits and personal objectives (including travel) at this stage of life to choose a card that rewards your frequent purchases and offers perks that truly outweigh the annual fee.

Whether you want cash back, a 0% APR for upcoming large purchases, a card that caters to specific spending categories, or one that provides premium travel benefits, you're likely to discover a card or two that deserve a spot in your wallet.

For Capital One products mentioned on this page, some benefits may be offered by Visa® or Mastercard® and could differ by product. Refer to the corresponding Guide to Benefits for specifics, as terms and exclusions may apply.

Last updated on 10/2/24