Choosing the best rewards credit card can be tough because there are so many options out there. Terms, rewards, and earning rates can vary a lot. Picking the wrong card could mean missing out on perks or even cash. Here are our top 10 recommendations for the best rewards credit cards:
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is popular for its high rewards rate and flexible redemption options, making it perfect for frequent travelers and diners. It has a reasonable annual fee, a generous sign-up bonus, and numerous travel benefits.
*Pros & Cons of Chase Sapphire Preferred Card*
Pros: High rewards in various spending categories and strong travel and shopping protections.
Cons: Annual fee and no introductory APR.
**American Express Platinum Card**
The American Express Platinum Card is ideal for the frequent traveler who enjoys luxury. It offers premium travel perks, airport lounge access, and a range of rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
*Pros & Cons of American Express Platinum Card*
Pros: Bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury perks.
Cons: High annual fee, complicated rewards system, and requires good or excellent credit.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
The Capital One Venture Card is a premium travel card that gives 2-5 miles per dollar spent. It also offers a bonus of 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 in the first three months. With a straightforward rewards system, it makes earning miles easy.
*Pros & Cons of Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card*
Pros: Lower annual fee, generous travel credits, and easy-to-redeem miles.
Cons: Limited domestic airline and high-end hotel partners, and few hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier Card**
The Citi Premier Card is a strong choice for earning rewards on non-travel purchases. It offers 3X points on hotel and air travel as well as rewards for dining, groceries, and gas.
*Pros & Cons of Citi Premier Card*
Pros: Multiple bonus categories and non-expiring rewards.
Cons: Annual fee and requires good to excellent credit.
**Discover It Cash Back**
The Discover It Cash Back card is great for moderate spenders who stay on top of the 5% rotating categories. With no annual fee, it offers significant rewards if you activate each quarter’s categories.
*Pros & Cons of Discover It Cash Back Card*
Pros: 5% cash back in rotating categories (activation needed), automatic cash back match at the end of the first year, and no minimum for redemption.
Cons: 5% cashback is limited to $1,500 per quarter. Categories need quarterly activation, and basic rewards rate is low for other purchases.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card provides a flat 2% cash reward on all purchases and has no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those looking for straightforward cash back.
*Pros & Cons of Wells Fargo Active Cash Card*
Pros: High rewards rate, no annual fee, and an introductory APR period.
Cons: No bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is aimed at frequent Hilton guests, offering significant points on Hilton purchases and other perks.
*Pros & Cons of Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card*
Pros: Over $600 in annual statement credits and free night awards at select properties.
Cons: High annual fee (no first-year waiver), high regular and penalty APR, and lower value points compared to other programs.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card is popular for its straightforward cashback program, offering a flat rate on all purchases with no annual fee. It features bonus categories and a flexible rewards program.
*Pros & Cons of Chase Freedom Unlimited*
Pros: No annual fee, introductory APR period, and high rewards rate.
Cons: Requires good or excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Perfect for Southwest Airlines frequent flyers, this card offers substantial bonuses and perks for loyal customers.
*Pros & Cons of Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card*
Pros: No foreign transaction fee, points towards A-list status, and unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates.
Cons: High standard APR, no introductory APR, and annual fee.
In conclusion, before applying for any credit card, take the time to assess your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the best fit. Remember that terms and reward structures can change, so always check the latest details on the card issuer’s website.