Credit card rewards can be pretty diverse, which makes comparing them a bit tricky. The differences come from various earning rates and reward redemption rules. If you don’t choose the best rewards credit cards, you might miss out on some great perks or even actual cash benefits. Here’s our list of the top ten rewards cards we recommend.
1. **Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**:
Perfect for frequent travelers and diners due to its high rewards rates and flexible redemption options, all for a reasonable annual fee. It also offers a great sign-up bonus and travel perks.
– **Pros**: Lots of spending rewards, various shopping and travel protections.
– **Cons**: Has an annual fee, no introductory APR offer.
2. **American Express Platinum Card**:
Great for travel lovers who want a luxurious experience, offering premium perks like airport lounge access and Membership Rewards points.
– **Pros**: Fantastic bonus categories, many transfer partners, and luxury benefits.
– **Cons**: $695 annual fee, complex reward system, requires good/excellent credit.
3. **Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**:
Known for its simplicity, it offers 2-5 miles per dollar spent. The welcome bonus of 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 in the first three months is very attractive.
– **Pros**: Reasonable annual fee, annual travel credit, easy-to-earn miles.
– **Cons**: Few domestic airline and high-end hotel travel partners, no hotel status benefits.
4. **Citi Premier Card**:
A solid choice for travelers and a variety of other spending categories, offering 3X points on hotels and airfare, and also on dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.
– **Pros**: Attractive bonus categories, points never expire.
– **Cons**: Has an annual fee, requires a high credit score.
5. **Discover It Cash Back Card**:
Good for moderate spenders willing to activate 5% rotating categories and manage quarterly spending caps, offering decent rewards with no annual fee.
– **Pros**: 5% cash back on various categories, automatic cash back matching at the end of the first year, no minimum for cash back redemption.
– **Cons**: Must activate bonus categories every quarter, $1,500 spending cap per quarter for 5% cashback, low base reward rate.
6. **Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**:
Ideal for frequent travelers who have significant balances in Bank of America accounts, providing a strong rewards program and travel benefits.
– **Pros**: Attractive sign-up bonus, higher points on travel and dining, premium travel protections.
– **Cons**: Annual fee, requires good/excellent credit.
7. **Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**:
Offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee, making it competitive with the best flat-rate cash-back cards.
– **Pros**: Excellent rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR period.
– **Cons**: No bonus categories.
8. **Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**:
Great for frequent Hilton visitors, offering substantial points on Hilton purchases and other perks. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card adds even more benefits and Diamond status but comes with a high price.
– **Pros**: Over $600 in yearly statement credits, no category restrictions for free night awards.
– **Cons**: High annual fee without a first-year waiver, high regular and penalty APR, points value less than other rewards programs.
9. **Chase Freedom Unlimited Card**:
Provides a straightforward cash back program with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee. Its bonus categories, flexible rewards, and welcome offer make it a top pick.
– **Pros**: No annual fee, introductory APR period, high rewards rate.
– **Cons**: Requires good/excellent credit.
10. **Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**:
Ideal for Southwest Airlines patrons, offering perks like bonus points, anniversary bonuses, and a $75 annual travel credit on Southwest.
– **Pros**: No foreign transaction fees, points qualifying for A-list status, unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates.
– **Cons**: High regular APR, no introductory APR offer, annual fee.
**Final Advice**:
Before choosing any credit card, consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the best match. Always check the latest details on the credit card issuer’s website, as terms and conditions often change.