Navigating the world of rewards credit cards can be a lot to handle since they come with different reward rates, programs, and rules for earning or using points. Picking the right rewards card is important because the wrong choice might mean missing out on potential benefits and savings. Here’s our list of the top 10 rewards cards:
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
If you tend to spend on dining and travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card could be a great pick. It offers excellent rewards rates and a variety of redemption options at a reasonable annual fee. People appreciate its generous sign-up bonus, flexible ways to use points, and travel perks.
Pros: High rewards on different spending categories and various travel and shopping protections.
Cons: Annual fee applies, and there’s no introductory APR.
**American Express Platinum Card**
Aimed at frequent travelers looking for premium benefits, the American Express Platinum Card offers things like airport lounge access and rewards through Membership Rewards points.
Pros: Includes additional bonuses and luxury perks.
Cons: Steep $695 annual fee, complex rewards system, and requires a good/excellent credit score.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
Known for its straightforward rewards plan, this card offers 2 – 5 miles per $1 spent and a bonus of 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Pros: Easy mile earnings and low annual fee.
Cons: Lacks domestic airline and hotel perks.
**Citi Premier Card**
Great for travel, this card is beneficial for everyday spending as well, rewarding three times the points on hotels, air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
Pros: Has a wide range of bonuses and no expiration on rewards.
Cons: Annual fee and a good/excellent credit score needed.
**Discover It Cash Back**
Ideal for moderate spenders comfortable with activating 5% rotating categories, this no-annual-fee card offers impressive rewards beyond the usual 1% rate.
Pros: 5% cash back on rotating categories, no minimum redemption.
Cons: Bonuses require quarterly activation, and the base rate is 1%.
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Ideal for frequent travelers, particularly Bank of America account holders, offering loyalty programs, airline fee credits, and travel benefits.
Pros: Sign-up bonus, earns more points on travel and dining, premium protections.
Cons: Annual fee and requires a good/excellent credit score.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
Competes with top flat-rate cash back cards by providing a 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and no annual fees.
Pros: High rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR period.
Cons: No bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Perfect for regular Hilton visitors, it offers high points on Hilton purchases and additional perks.
Pros: Over $600 in yearly credits and a free night award.
Cons: High annual fee without a first-year waiver and lower points value.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card is simple, with a steady cash back rate on all purchases, plus handy bonus categories and an attractive welcome offer.
Pros: No annual fees, introductory APR, high rewards rate.
Cons: Requires a good/excellent credit score.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Great for Southwest Airlines frequent flyers, it offers bonus points and travel credits that make the annual fee worthwhile, plus chances to earn qualifying points toward A-list status.
Pros: No foreign transaction fees, unlimited reward seats without blackout dates.
Cons: High regular APR, no introductory APR, and an annual fee.
When choosing a credit card, it’s crucial to think about your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the card that suits you the best. Always check the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information as terms and rewards can change.