WASHINGTON — U.S. News & World Report has released its 2026 Credit Card Awards, recognizing top credit cards across 10 categories and highlighting offerings from major issuers including Bank of America, Discover Financial Services, American Express and JPMorgan Chase.
The awards are based on a data-driven methodology evaluating factors such as rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, annual and foreign transaction fees, balance-transfer costs, and introductory and ongoing annual percentage rates, according to U.S. News.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card received the publication’s Editors’ Choice Award for Best Credit Card for Essential Spending in Uncertain Times.
According to U.S. News, the card earned top scores for having no annual fee and allowing cardholders to select cash-back categories such as groceries, gas, dining and pharmacy purchases.
The report noted the card’s customizable rewards categories can help consumers direct cash-back benefits toward their most common spending needs.
Facts Vs. Reality in Fin Ed
The awards announcement was released alongside findings from a March 2026 U.S. News consumer survey that examined Americans’ financial literacy and attitudes toward credit.
According to the survey, 51% of U.S. consumers say they consider themselves “very knowledgeable” about personal finance. However, 53% said they were unaware that lenders typically use a borrower’s FICO score to evaluate creditworthiness.
