Navigating through the numerous rewards credit cards can be overwhelming due to their different reward rates, types, and rules. Choosing the wrong card might mean you miss out on some great benefits and monetary rewards. Here are our top ten recommended rewards credit cards:
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is great for those who spend a lot on travel and dining. It stands out for its high rewards rates, flexible redemption options, reasonable annual fee, compelling sign-up bonus, and travel perks.
*Pros:*
– High reward rates in multiple categories and several travel/shopping protections.
*Cons:*
– Annual fee and no introductory APR offer.
**American Express Platinum Card**
Perfect for frequent, stylish travelers, this card offers premium travel benefits, airport lounge access, and various rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
*Pros:*
– Valuable bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury perks.
*Cons:*
– High annual fee ($695), complex reward system, and requires excellent credit.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
This card competes with top-tier credit cards by offering significant travel rewards between 2-5 miles per dollar spent. Its simple rewards structure is ideal for those who want to earn miles on every purchase.
*Pros:*
– Reasonable annual fee, travel credit, and straightforward reward system.
*Cons:*
– Limited domestic airline and high-end hotel partners and lacks hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier Card**
Designed for frequent travelers, the Citi Premier® Card rewards both travel and non-travel purchases.
*Pros:*
– Generous reward points in selected categories, with points that never expire.
*Cons:*
– Annual fee and good to excellent credit required.
**Discover it Cash Back**
This card is great for those who can keep track of rotating 5% cashback categories. Its standout feature is the automatic end-of-year cashback match.
*Pros:*
– Up to 5% cashback in rotating categories and no minimum cashback redemption.
*Cons:*
– Rotating categories need quarterly activation and a low base reward rate.
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
This flexible card benefits Bank of America account holders with high balances.
*Pros:*
– Sign-up bonus rewards, high points on travel and dining, and premium travel protections.
*Cons:*
– Annual fee and good to excellent credit required.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
A strong option among flat-rate cash back cards, offering 2% cashback with no annual fee.
*Pros:*
– High rewards rate and introductory APR period.
*Cons:*
– No bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Ideal for Hilton hotel regulars, offering substantial points on Hilton purchases and additional benefits.
*Pros:*
– Over $600 in annual statement credits and a free standard night award.
*Cons:*
– High annual fee with no initial waiver and lower reward point value compared to other programs.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card offers a straightforward cash back program, no annual fee, and flexible rewards.
*Pros:*
– No annual fee, introductory APR period, and a high rewards rate.
*Cons:*
– Requires good to excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Perfect for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, this card includes perks like bonus points, anniversary bonuses, and more.
*Pros:*
– No foreign transaction fees, attainable A-list status, and no blackout dates for reward seats.
*Cons:*
– High regular APR, no introductory APR offer, and annual fee.
**Conclusion**
Selecting the right credit card depends on your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals. Make sure to check all terms and reward structures on the respective card issuer’s website, as they might have changed.