Navigating the world of rewards credit cards can feel overwhelming because there are so many choices, each with their own rewards rates, types, and rules. Picking the right one is important; otherwise, you might miss out on great benefits or lose money. Here are our top ten recommendations:
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED CARD
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is perfect for frequent travelers and diners, offering high rewards rates and flexible redemption options with an affordable annual fee. It also boasts a generous sign-up bonus and travel perks.
Pros: High rewards on various spending categories, travel, and shopping protections.
Cons: Annual fee, no intro APR offer.
AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM CARD
The American Express Platinum Card is great for frequent travelers seeking luxury, offering exclusive travel benefits, airport lounge access, and Membership Rewards points.
Pros: Bonus categories, transfer partners, luxury benefits.
Cons: High annual fee of $695, complex reward scheme, requires good/excellent credit rating.
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
The Capital One Venture Card is a top travel card, offering 2-5 miles per dollar spent and a 75,000-mile bonus for spending $4,000 in the first three months. It’s known for its straightforward rewards structure.
Pros: Lower annual fee, easy to earn and use miles.
Cons: Limited domestic airline and hotel partnerships, lack of hotel status benefits.
CITI PREMIER CARD
For those looking to earn rewards on a variety of purchases, the Citi Premier Card is a good option. It offers triple points on hotels, air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Pros: Bonus categories, rewards don’t expire.
Cons: Annual fee, requires good/excellent credit rating.
DISCOVER IT CASH BACK
Ideal for modest spenders who keep track of quarterly spending categories, the Discover It Cash Back card offers significant rewards and has no annual fee.
Pros: 5% cash back on rotating categories, year-end cash back match, no minimum for redemption.
Cons: Requires quarterly activation, low 1% base reward rate.
BANK OF AMERICA PREMIUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD
A great choice for frequent travelers and Bank of America customers, this card offers flexible rewards, a sign-up bonus, and high earning rates for travel and dining.
Pros: Sign-up bonus, premium travel protections.
Cons: Annual fee, requires good/excellent credit rating.
WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH CARD
Competing with top flat-rate cash back cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate with no annual fee.
Pros: Attractive rewards rate, no annual fee, intro APR period.
Cons: No bonus categories.
HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS CARD
Designed for Hilton fans, this card provides substantial points on Hilton purchases and additional benefits, making it perfect for frequent Hilton guests.
Pros: Over $600 in annual statement credits, free night awards with no category limits.
Cons: High annual fee, high base and penalty APRs.
CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED
This card is known for its simple cash-back program and no annual fee, offering bonus categories, easy-to-use rewards, and a great welcome offer.
Pros: No annual fee, intro APR period, high rewards rate.
Cons: Requires good/excellent credit.
SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PREMIER CREDIT CARD
Ideal for Southwest Airlines regulars, this card offers bonus points and anniversary bonuses, making up for its annual fee with rewards and special perks.
Pros: No foreign transaction fees, earns points towards A-list status, unlimited reward seats.
Cons: High base APR, no intro APR offer, annual fee.
Before choosing a credit card, consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the best fit for you. Always check the latest details on the credit card issuer’s website, as terms, conditions, and rewards structures may change.