Credit card rewards can be really different from one card to another, and that can make it tricky to compare them. The earning rates, reward currencies, and rules for earning and spending rewards vary a lot, so finding the right card can be tough. Picking the wrong card might mean you miss out on great rewards or even lose money. Here are our picks for the top 10 reward cards.
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED CARD
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is great for frequent travelers and those who love dining out. It comes with generous rewards, flexible ways to redeem them, and a fair annual fee. There’s also a sizeable sign-up bonus and useful travel benefits.
PROS & CONS OF A SAPPHIRE PREFERRED CARD
PROS
– High rewards in various spending categories
– Lots of travel and shopping protections
CONS
– Annual fee
– No introductory APR offer
AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM CARD
The American Express Platinum Card is ideal for luxury travelers. It offers lots of travel perks, airport lounge access, and plenty of Membership Rewards points.
PROS & CONS OF AN AMERICAN EXPRESS PLATINUM CARD
PROS
– Great bonus categories
– Many transfer partners
– Luxury privileges
CONS
– High annual fee
– Complex reward system
– Requires good to excellent credit
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
The Capital One Venture Card is impressive among premium travel cards. It offers 2 – 5 miles per dollar spent and a big initial bonus of 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. Its simple rewards system makes it competitive.
PROS & CONS OF A CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
PROS
– Good bonus categories
– Valuable rewards
CONS
– Annual fee
– Excellent credit needed
DISCOVER IT CASH BACK
The Discover It Cash Back card is good for moderate spenders who can follow the 5% rotating categories and manage the quarterly spending cap. It also gives good rewards beyond the usual 1% earning rate, and it doesn’t have an annual fee.
BANK OF AMERICA PREMIUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD
The Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card is great for those who travel often and want flexible reward options, especially if you already have a significant balance with Bank of America. This card comes with a strong rewards program, airline fee credits, and travel perks.
WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH CARD
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is appealing because it offers 2% cash rewards on purchases without an annual fee.
HILTON HONORS AMERICAN EXPRESS SURPASS CARD
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is perfect for people who often stay at Hilton hotels, offering high points on Hilton purchases and additional perks.
CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a solid cash-back card with its easy-to-understand cash back program and bonus categories, all with no annual fee.
SOUTHWEST RAPID REWARDS PREMIUM CREDIT CARD
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is a great choice for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, offering compelling bonuses and rewards.
Before you apply for any credit card, it’s important to consider your spending habits, preferences, and financial goals to find the best one for you. Always check the latest details on the card issuer’s website since terms, conditions, and reward structures can change.