Choosing the right rewards credit card can be challenging because there are so many options, each with different earning rates and reward systems. To make the most out of your card, it’s important to pick a top-tier rewards card; otherwise, you might lose out on valuable benefits or cash payouts. Here, we’ve selected our top 10 credit cards for the best perks.
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is great for frequent travelers and food lovers due to its high reward rates and flexible redemption choices. It also comes with a nice sign-up bonus and various travel perks, with a moderate annual fee.
– **Pros:** High rewards in multiple spending areas, many travel and shopping protections.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, no introductory APR offer.
**American Express Platinum Card**
Perfect for those who often travel and enjoy premium experiences, this card offers top travel perks, airport lounge access, and unique rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
– **Pros:** Exclusive bonus categories, valuable transfer partners, luxury benefits.
– **Cons:** High annual fee, complex rewards structure, requires good to excellent credit.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
Ideal for globe-trotters, offering between 2 to 5 miles per $1 spent on purchases after meeting initial bonus criteria. Its straightforward rewards system and benefits compete with top-tier cards.
– **Pros:** Lower annual fee than some competitors, valuable annual travel credit, easy mile earning/redemption.
– **Cons:** Limited domestic airline and luxury hotel partners, no hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier Card**
Great for earning rewards in various categories beyond just travel, the Citi Premier Card offers three times the points on lodging, flights, dining, supermarkets, and gas.
– **Pros:** Diverse bonus categories, extensive rewards.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, requires good to excellent credit.
**Discover It Cash Back**
Ideal for moderate spenders willing to activate 5% rotating categories, this card offers significant rewards with a 1% ongoing earning rate and no annual fee.
– **Pros:** 5% cash back on select rotating categories, automatic cash-back match at year-end, no redemption minimum.
– **Cons:** Requires quarterly activation, spending cap on 5% bonus, low 1% base rate.
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
This card is tailored for frequent travelers wanting flexible credit card rewards, with a strong rewards program and credits for airline fees.
– **Pros:** Attractive sign-up bonus, more points on travel and dining, strong travel protections.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, requires good to excellent credit.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
Competes with top flat-rate cash back cards, offering an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases without an annual fee.
– **Pros:** High rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR period.
– **Cons:** No bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Designed for frequent Hilton guests, this card provides substantial points on Hilton purchases along with extra perks.
– **Pros:** Over $600 in yearly statement credits, a free standard night award with no category limits.
– **Cons:** High annual fee with no first-year waiver, high regular and penalty APRs, lower point value than other programs.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
Offers a seamless rewards process with a consistent rate on all purchases and no annual fee, known for its flexible rewards and strong welcome offer.
– **Pros:** No annual fee, introductory APR period, high rewards rate.
– **Cons:** Requires good/excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Perfect for Southwest Airlines regulars, offering exclusive perks and anniversary bonuses that justify the annual fee.
– **Pros:** No foreign transaction fee, earn points towards A-list status, unlimited reward seats.
– **Cons:** High regular APR, no introductory APR offer, annual fee.
Before choosing a credit card, consider your spending, travel habits, and financial goals. Make sure the card’s terms and rewards match your lifestyle. Always check for the latest updates from the credit card issuer, as terms and rewards can change.