Choosing the right rewards credit card can be challenging because they come in various forms and offer different earning rates and rewards, each with its own set of rules. Not selecting the best one means you could miss out on significant benefits or even tangible cash rewards. Here’s a rundown of our top 10 picks for rewards credit cards:
**1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is great for frequent travelers and diners, offering high rewards rates and flexible redemption options. It comes with a generous sign-up bonus and various travel benefits, all for a reasonable annual fee.
– **Pros:** High rewards on various spending categories, travel and shopping protections.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, no introductory APR offer.
**2. American Express Platinum Card**
Perfect for frequent travelers seeking luxury travel perks, the American Express Platinum Card offers premium benefits, access to airport lounges, and multiple rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
– **Pros:** Valuable rewards categories, transfer partners, luxury benefits.
– **Cons:** High annual fee, complicated rewards system, requires excellent credit.
**3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
The Capital One Venture Card is a top travel card, offering 2-5 miles per $1 spent and a 75,000-mile bonus for spending $4,000 in the first three months. It has a straightforward rewards structure, making it easy to earn miles on all purchases.
– **Pros:** Lower annual fee compared to similar cards, simple rewards system.
– **Cons:** Limited domestic travel partners and no hotel status benefits.
**4. Citi Premier Card**
The Citi Premier® Card is dependable for earning rewards on non-travel expenses, giving 3X points on travel and popular categories like dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.
– **Pros:** Rewarding categories, lasting points.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, requires excellent credit.
**5. Discover It Cash Back**
A great option for moderate spenders, the Discover It Cash Back card offers 5% cashback on rotating categories each quarter, plus a cashback match at the end of the first year.
– **Pros:** 5% cashback on various categories, automatic first-year cashback match, no primary cashback redemption.
– **Cons:** Cashback limited to $1,500 per quarter, requires activation of bonus categories, low 1% standard rate.
**6. Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Ideal for frequent travelers who are Bank of America customers, this card offers a solid rewards program, airline incidental fee credits, and additional travel perks.
– **Pros:** Sign-up bonus, higher points on travel and dining, enhanced travel protections.
– **Cons:** Annual fee, requires excellent credit.
**7. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card gives unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee, making it competitive with top flat-rate cashback cards.
– **Pros:** High rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR offer.
– **Cons:** No additional reward categories.
**8. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Best for Hilton hotel enthusiasts, this card provides high points on Hilton purchases and extra benefits.
– **Pros:** Over $600 in yearly statement credits, free night award with no category restrictions at participating properties.
– **Cons:** High annual fee, no first-year fee waiver, high regular and penalty APR, lower point value for rewards.
**9. Chase Freedom Unlimited**
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card offers a simple, straightforward cashback program with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee.
– **Pros:** No annual fee, introductory APR offer, high rewards rate.
– **Cons:** Requires good to excellent credit.
**10. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Excellent for Southwest Airlines travelers, this card provides perks like bonus points and anniversary bonuses.
– **Pros:** No foreign transaction fees, earn points toward A-list status, unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates.
– **Cons:** High regular APR, no introductory APR offer, annual fee.
Before choosing a credit card, think about your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the one that suits you best. Keep in mind that terms and reward structures can change, so always check the latest details on the issuer’s website.