There are tons of credit cards out there, each with its own perks and reward systems. With so many options, it can be tough to figure out which one is best for you. They vary in how you earn rewards and what kind of rewards you get, plus each card has its unique rules for earning and redeeming those rewards. If you don’t choose one of the top rewards credit cards, you might miss out on some great benefits and even extra cash. Here are our top 10 rewards credit cards for you to consider:
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is great for big spenders, especially if you spend a lot on travel and dining. It has a reasonable annual fee and offers a generous sign-up bonus, multiple ways to redeem your points, and useful travel perks. The main benefits include high rewards in several spending categories and various protections for travel and shopping. The drawbacks are an annual fee and no introductory APR offer.
**American Express Platinum Card**
Perfect for frequent travelers who love comfort, this card offers luxurious travel benefits, access to airport lounges, and various rewards, including Membership Rewards points. Its benefits include bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxurious perks. The downsides are a high annual fee of $695, complex rewards, and the need for good to excellent credit.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
This premium travel card offers 2-5 miles per dollar on purchases and a significant initial bonus. It competes well with other luxury credit cards thanks to its extra features and straightforward rewards structure. Benefits are a lower annual fee compared to similar cards, annual travel credit, anniversary miles, and simple earning and usage of miles. However, it lacks domestic airline and high-end hotel partners and hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier® Card**
A standout among travel cards, particularly for earning rewards on non-travel spending. It offers multiple points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. Benefits include bonus categories and rewards that never expire. The drawbacks are an annual fee and the need for good to excellent credit.
**Discover It Cash Back**
Great for moderate spenders who can utilize the 5% rotating categories and monitor the quarterly spending limit. With no annual fee and a 1% ongoing earning rate, it’s fantastic for maximizing rewards. The pros are 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (with activation), an automatic match of earned cash back at the end of the first year, and no minimum cashback redemption. The cons include a cap on the 5% bonus cashback rate at $1500 per quarter, quarterly activation required for bonus categories, and a 1% base reward rate on other purchases.
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Ideal for frequent travelers who want flexible rewards and have significant balances with Bank of America. It offers a strong rewards program, airline fee credits, and travel perks. Benefits include a sign-up bonus, greater points earned on travel and dining, and premium travel protection. Drawbacks are an annual fee and the need for good to excellent credit.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
This card stands out with an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and no annual fee. The main benefits are a high rewards rate, no annual fee, and an introductory APR period. The cons are no bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Great for Hilton regulars, this card offers substantial points on Hilton purchases and other amenities. Designed for big spenders who frequent Hilton, it provides benefits like complimentary Diamond status. The advantages include more than $600 in yearly statement credits and a free standard night reward with no category limits at participating properties. The downsides are a high annual fee with no waiver for the first year, high regular APR and penalty APR, and lower reward point value compared to other programs.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card offers a straightforward cash back scheme with a uniform rate on all spending and no annual fee. Its highlights include useful bonus categories, versatile rewards, and an attractive welcome offer. Benefits are no annual fee, an intro APR period, and a high rewards rate. The drawbacks are the need for good to excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Perfect for Southwest Airlines regulars, this card offers benefits like bonus points, anniversary bonuses, a $75 annual travel credit on Southwest, and the ability to earn qualifying points for A-list status. Benefits include no foreign transaction fee, points earned towards A-list status, and unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates. The cons are a higher regular APR, no introductory APR, and an annual fee.
**Final Thoughts**
Before applying for any credit card, think about your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the card that fits you best. Always check the most recent details on the credit card issuer’s website as reward structures and terms can change.