How to use the table
Start with the reason you want the card. Rewards cards make sense when you pay in full. Balance transfer and 0% APR cards should be judged by the transfer fee, length of the promotional window, and your payoff plan. Credit-building cards should be judged by cost, reporting, deposit rules, and the habit of on-time payments.
Do not treat the richest welcome offer as the whole decision. A card with a lower annual fee, simpler rewards, or a shorter but cheaper balance-transfer period can be the better fit for a household budget.