Figuring out the best rewards credit cards can be really tough because they come in so many forms with different earning rates and types of rewards. If you don’t choose the right one, you could miss out on some great perks and potential savings. Here are the top 10 reward cards that we think are worth your attention:
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is great for people who spend a lot on travel and dining. It offers high rewards rates and flexible redemption options, plus a generous sign-up bonus and travel perks, though it does have a small annual fee.
**Pros:**
– High rewards on various spending categories
– Lots of travel and shopping protections
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– No introductory APR offer
**American Express Platinum Card**
Perfect for frequent travelers who appreciate luxury, this card offers elite travel benefits, airport lounge access, and a variety of rewards, but it comes with a hefty annual fee of $695.
**Pros:**
– Exceptional rewards in certain categories
– Wide range of transfer partners
– Luxurious perks
**Cons:**
– High annual fee
– Complex rewards structure
– Requires a high credit score
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
This card is a top choice for travel rewards, offering 2 – 5 miles per dollar spent and a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. It’s known for its easy-to-understand rewards structure.
**Pros:**
– Lower annual fee compared to competitors
– Annual travel credit and anniversary mile rewards
– Simple earning and redemption of miles
**Cons:**
– Lacks domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
– No hotel status benefits
**Citi Premier Card**
A great option for travelers and everyday spending, offering 3X points on hotels, air travel, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.
**Pros:**
– Strong bonus categories
– Points never expire
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– Requires good to excellent credit
**Discover it Cash Back**
This card is perfect for people who don’t mind tracking rotating quarterly categories. There’s no annual fee, and it offers substantial rewards beyond a standard 1% earning rate.
**Pros:**
– 5% cash back in rotating categories (with activation)
– Matches all cash back at the end of the first year
– No minimum redemption amount for cash back
**Cons:**
– Limit of $1,500 per quarter for 5% bonus
– Must activate bonus categories each quarter
– Lower 1% base reward rate on other purchases
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
A strong option for frequent travelers, especially if you’re a Bank of America customer. It has a robust rewards program and handy travel benefits.
**Pros:**
– Generous sign-up bonus
– Extra points on travel and dining
– Premium travel protections
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– High credit score needed
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
Offering a solid 2% cash rewards rate on purchases with no annual fee, this card is competitive among cash-back cards.
**Pros:**
– High rewards rate
– No annual fee
– Introductory APR period
**Cons:**
– No bonus categories
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Ideal for frequent Hilton guests, this card offers significant points on Hilton purchases and extra perks.
**Pros:**
– Over $600 in annual statement credits
– Free standard night award with no restrictions at participating locations
**Cons:**
– High annual fee without waiver in the first year
– High regular and penalty APR
– Points have lower value compared to other programs
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card offers a straightforward cash-back program with flat-rate rewards on all purchases and no annual fee. It’s backed by helpful bonus categories and a flexible, lucrative welcome offer.
**Pros:**
– No annual fee
– Introductory APR period
– High rewards rate
**Cons:**
– Excellent credit score needed
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Great for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, this card offers bonus points, anniversary bonuses, and more benefits that easily offset the annual fee.
**Pros:**
– No foreign transaction fees
– Earn points toward A-list status
– No blackout dates with unlimited reward seats
**Cons:**
– High regular APR
– No intro APR offer
– Annual fee
Before applying for any of these cards, make sure to evaluate your spending habits, travel needs, and financial goals to find the one that fits you best. It’s also a good idea to check the latest details on the card issuer’s website, as terms and reward structures can change.