Picking the right rewards credit card can be challenging because they vary a lot in how you earn rewards, the types of rewards available, and the rules attached. Missing out on choosing the right card might mean you lose some valuable perks and extra cash. Here are our top 10 picks for the best rewards cards:
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED CARD
For those who spend a lot on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is an excellent choice. It combines high reward rates with flexible redemption options. The card also has a reasonable annual fee, generous sign-up bonuses, various travel benefits, insurance coverage, and consumer protections.
AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM CARD
The American Express Platinum Card is great for frequent travelers who enjoy luxury. It offers premium travel perks, access to airport lounges, and a variety of rewards including Membership Rewards points. However, it does come with a high annual fee and requires a good-to-excellent credit score.
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
The Capital One Venture Card stands out with its simple reward structure. It’s one of the best premium travel cards, offering a big initial points bonus and the ability to earn two to five miles per dollar spent.
CITI PREMIER CARD
The Citi Premier Card is perfect for earning rewards on both travel and non-travel expenses. It offers bonus points for spending on hotels, air travel, dining, and gas stations, making it particularly beneficial for frequent travelers.
DISCOVER IT CASH BACK
The Discover It Cash Back card is for those comfortable with tracking quarterly spending caps and activating 5% rotating categories. The lack of an annual fee helps offset some limitations in its bonus rewards rate.
BANK OF AMERICA PREMIUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD
This card has an excellent rewards system and travel benefits, including credits for airline incidentals. If you’re already a Bank of America customer, this card can be a particularly good fit, offering a solid rewards program and added perks for frequent travelers.
WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH CARD
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers a straightforward 2% cash return rate on purchases. It’s a top choice for a flat-rate cash back card without an annual fee.
HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS CARD
If you frequently stay at Hilton hotels, this card could be very rewarding. It offers lots of points on Hilton purchases and other benefits that come with complimentary Diamond status.
CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is perfect for a simple cash back program. It has a flat reward rate on all purchases and no annual fee, making it an easy option to consider.
SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PREMIER CREDIT CARD
This card is ideal for regular Southwest Airlines travelers, offering benefits like bonus points and annual bonuses.
BOTTOM LINE
Before you pick any card, think about your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals. Make sure the card’s features match your needs. Keep in mind that reward structures, terms, and conditions can change, so always check the most recent details on the card issuer’s website.