Picking the right rewards credit card can be pretty tricky because there are so many options with all kinds of earning and redemption rules. But not getting a good rewards card could mean you’re missing out on some great perks or cash rewards. Here’s our rundown of the top 10 rewards credit cards:
1. **CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED CARD:** This one’s great if you spend a lot on travel and dining. It offers a mix of solid rewards and flexibility in how you redeem them, plus a nice sign-up bonus. The good stuff includes high reward potential and great travel and shopping protections. The downside is the annual fee and no intro APR offer.
2. **AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM CARD:** Perfect for frequent travelers who like a touch of luxury. You get lots of rewards, including Membership Rewards points and access to airport lounges. The perks are the bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxurious extras. The drawbacks are the $695 annual fee, complex rewards, and the need for good to excellent credit.
3. **CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD:** This premium card gives you 2 – 5 miles per dollar spent and an initial bonus of 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. It’s popular because of its straightforward rewards structure, letting you earn miles on all purchases. Pros include a lower annual fee compared to other cards and easy mileage earning and redemption. Cons are limited domestic airline and upscale hotel partnerships and no hotel status benefits.
4. **CITI PREMIER CARD:** A solid choice for earning rewards on both travel and everyday expenses. You get 3X points in various categories like restaurants, supermarkets, air travel, and hotel stays. The pros are the bonus categories and non-expiring rewards. The cons include an annual fee and the need for good/excellent credit.
5. **DISCOVER IT CASH BACK:** Good for moderate spenders who can take advantage of the 5% rotating categories and keep track of the quarterly spending cap. Highlights are the automatic year-end cash back match and no minimum cash back redemptions. Downsides include the capped 5% bonus cash back rate and having to activate bonus categories each quarter.
6. **BANK OF AMERICA PREMIUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD:** Ideal for frequent travelers and Bank of America customers with high account balances. It offers a strong rewards program, travel benefits, and airline incidental fee credits. Pros include a good sign-up bonus, extra points on travel and dining, and advanced travel protections. Cons are the annual fee and the requirement for good/excellent credit.
7. **WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH CARD:** This card is great for offering unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. The upsides are the high rewards rate and no annual fee, while the downside is the lack of bonus categories.
8. **HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS CARD:** Best for frequent Hilton hotel guests. It offers lots of points on Hilton purchases and extra benefits. Pros include over $600 in annual statement credits and free standard night awards at participating properties. Cons are the high annual fee, high regular and penalty APRs, and lower point value compared to other rewards programs.
9. **CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED:** This card has a straightforward cash back program with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee. The pros are no annual fee and a solid rewards rate. The con is the need for good/excellent credit.
10. **SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PREMIER CREDIT CARD:** Best for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers. Cardholders get perks like bonus points and anniversary bonuses. Pluses include no foreign transaction fees and earnings towards A-list status. Minuses are the high regular APR, no intro APR offer, and an annual fee.
Before deciding on a credit card, consider your spending habits and financial goals to pick the best one for you. Always check the terms and reward structures on the issuer’s official website.