Comparing credit card rewards can be tricky since there are so many options with different earning rates and rules. If you don’t choose the best rewards credit cards, you might miss out on some great perks or even cash benefits. Here’s a rundown of our top ten recommended rewards cards.
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card:**
This card is great for frequent spenders, especially on travel and dining, because of its high rewards rates and flexible ways to redeem points, all for a reasonable annual fee. It also offers an attractive sign-up bonus and several travel benefits.
– **Pros:** Lots of rewards, good shopping, and travel protections.
– **Cons:** Has an annual fee, no introductory 0% APR offer.
**American Express Platinum Card:**
Perfect for travel lovers who want a luxurious experience, this card offers premium perks, airport lounge access, and a variety of rewards like Membership Rewards points.
– **Pros:** Great bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury benefits.
– **Cons:** $695 annual fee, complicated reward system, requires good/excellent credit.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:**
A top choice for travel, offering 2-5 miles per dollar spent. You can earn a 75,000-mile bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. The rewards structure is simple, with miles earned on every purchase.
– **Pros:** Reasonable annual fee, annual travel credit, easy to earn and use miles.
– **Cons:** Limited domestic airline and high-end hotel partners, no hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier Card:**
Great for travel and rewards across other categories. It offers 3X points on hotels, airfare, and other popular spending areas like dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.
– **Pros:** Attractive bonus categories, rewards don’t expire.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, high credit score required.
**Discover It Cash Back Card:**
Ideal for moderate spenders who don’t mind managing rotating 5% cashback categories each quarter. This card offers decent rewards beyond its standard 1% earning rate, with no annual fee.
– **Pros:** 5% cash back in various categories, automatic cashback matching at year’s end, no redemption threshold.
– **Cons:** Quarterly activation of bonus categories, $1,500 spending cap per quarter for 5% cashback, low base reward rate.
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card:**
Perfect for frequent travelers looking for flexible rewards, especially if you have significant balances in Bank of America accounts. It offers a solid rewards program and travel benefits.
– **Pros:** Sign-up bonus, higher points on travel and dining, premium travel protection.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, requires good/excellent credit.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card:**
Offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases without an annual fee, competing well with other top flat-rate cash-back cards.
– **Pros:** Great rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR period.
– **Cons:** No bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card:**
Good for frequent Hilton patrons, offering significant points on Hilton purchases and other perks. The Hilton Honors Aspire Card provides ample benefits and Diamond status for loyal customers, justifying its high fee.
– **Pros:** Over $600 in annual statement credits, no restrictions on free standard night awards.
– **Cons:** High annual fee with no first-year waiver, high regular and penalty APR, lower points value compared to other programs.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited Card:**
This card has a straightforward cashback program with a flat rate on all purchases, no annual fee, and appealing bonus categories, making it one of the top choices among cash-back cards.
– **Pros:** No annual fee, introductory APR period, high rewards rate.
– **Cons:** Requires good/excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card:**
Great for regular Southwest Airlines customers, it offers perks like bonus points, anniversary bonuses, a $75 annual travel credit, and tier-qualifying points for A-list status.
– **Pros:** No foreign transaction fee, points count towards A-list status, no blackout dates for reward seats.
– **Cons:** High regular APR, no introductory APR offer, annual fee.
**Final Advice:**
Before choosing a credit card, consider your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the best match. Always check the latest details on the credit card issuer’s website as terms and conditions frequently change.