Finding the right rewards credit card can be tricky because of all the options, earning rates, and rewards to choose from. Picking the wrong one can mean missing out on some great benefits or cash rewards. Here are our top 10 recommendations for rewards credit cards.
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is great for those who often spend on travel and dining due to its high rewards rates and flexible redemption options. It also includes a nice sign-up bonus and various travel perks.
**Pros:**
– Strong rewards for various spending areas
– Good travel and shopping protections
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– No introductory APR offer
**American Express Platinum Card**
A good pick for frequent travelers seeking luxury, this card offers exclusive travel benefits, airport lounge access, and various rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
**Pros:**
– Bonus categories
– Transfer partners
– Luxury benefits
**Cons:**
– $695 annual fee
– Complicated rewards system
– Requires good to excellent credit
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
This travel card offers between 2 to 5 miles per dollar spent and a 75,000 miles bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months. It’s easy to earn and redeem miles.
**Pros:**
– Comparatively low annual fee
– Annual travel credit and anniversary miles
– Easy to earn and use miles
**Cons:**
– No partnerships with domestic airlines or luxury hotels
– No hotel status benefits
**Citi Premier Card**
This card is ideal for earning travel rewards on everyday purchases. It also offers benefits for spending at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
**Pros:**
– Bonus categories
– Points that never expire
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– Requires good to excellent credit
**Discover It Cash Back**
Perfect for average spenders who don’t mind tracking 5% rotating categories and spending caps. There’s no annual fee and it offers good rewards beyond a constant 1% earning rate.
**Pros:**
– 5% cash back on rotating categories (requires activation)
– Matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year
– No minimum redemption for cash back
**Cons:**
– 5% cash back is capped at $1,500 per quarter
– Must activate bonus categories each quarter
– Base reward rate is only 1%
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Great for frequent travelers, especially for those who are already Bank of America customers. It provides a strong rewards program, credits for airline incidental fees, and various travel benefits.
**Pros:**
– Sign-up bonus
– High points for travel and dining
– Premium travel protections
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– Requires good to excellent credit
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
This card provides an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and has no annual fee, making it very competitive.
**Pros:**
– High reward rate
– No annual fee
– Introductory APR period
**Cons:**
– No bonus category rewards
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Ideal for regular Hilton guests, this card offers significant points on Hilton purchases along with other perks. Despite its high annual fee, the benefits like complimentary Diamond status are worth it for frequent Hilton stayers.
**Pros:**
– Over $600 in annual statement credits
– Free standard night award at participating properties
**Cons:**
– High annual fee
– High regular and penalty APR
– Points are lower in value compared to other rewards programs
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
With a flat cash back rate on all purchases and no annual fee, this card is very user-friendly and offers flexible rewards and a solid welcome offer.
**Pros:**
– No annual fee
– Introductory APR period
– High rewards rate
**Cons:**
– Requires good to excellent credit
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
This card is great for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, offering bonuses and anniversary perks. The annual fee is offset by rewards and additional benefits, including a $75 annual travel credit from Southwest.
**Pros:**
– No foreign transaction fee
– Earn points toward A-list status
– Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates
**Cons:**
– High regular APR
– No intro APR offer
– Annual fee
**Conclusion**
Before signing up for any credit card, think about your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to find the best fit. Always check the card issuer’s website for the latest terms and reward details.