Choosing the right rewards credit card can be challenging given the numerous options out there. The terms, rewards, and earning rates vary widely, and picking the wrong one could mean missing out on potential perks or cash. Here are our top 10 recommendations for the best rewards credit cards.
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
If you often spend on travel and dining, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great choice. It offers a high rewards rate, flexible redemption options, and a generous sign-up bonus for a reasonable annual fee.
**Pros:**
– High rewards in multiple categories
– Comprehensive travel and shopping protections
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– No introductory APR offer
**American Express Platinum Card**
For frequent travelers who appreciate luxury, the American Express Platinum Card offers excellent travel benefits, airport lounge access, and various rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
**Pros:**
– Lucrative bonus categories and transfer partners
– Luxury perks
**Cons:**
– High annual fee
– Complex rewards system
– Requires good or excellent credit
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
This card is straightforward, with a simple rewards structure that earns 2-5 miles per dollar spent. It also offers a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
**Pros:**
– Lower annual fee
– Generous travel credit
– Easy-to-earn and redeem miles
**Cons:**
– Limited domestic airline and hotel partners
– Limited hotel status benefits
**Citi Premier Card**
Ideal for earning rewards on non-travel spending, the Citi Premier Card provides 3X points on hotels and air travel and rewards on dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.
**Pros:**
– Lucrative bonus categories
– Points don’t expire
**Cons:**
– Annual fee
– Requires good to excellent credit
**Discover It Cash Back**
Best for moderate spenders who keep track of rotating 5% cash back categories, this no-annual-fee card can deliver significant rewards.
**Pros:**
– 5% cash back on rotating categories (activation required)
– Automatic cashback match at the end of the first year
– No minimum for cashback redemption
**Cons:**
– 5% cash back limited to $1,500 per quarter
– Categories must be activated quarterly
– Low basic rewards rate for other purchases
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
With a flat 2% cash reward rate on purchases and no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is highly competitive among flat-rate cash back cards.
**Pros:**
– High rewards rate
– No annual fee
– Introductory APR period
**Cons:**
– No bonus categories
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Perfect for frequent Hilton customers, this card offers significant points on Hilton purchases along with various perks.
**Pros:**
– Over $600 in annual statement credits
– Free standard night awards at participating properties
**Cons:**
– High annual fee without a first-year waiver
– High regular and penalty APR
– Lower points value compared to other programs
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card provides a simple cashback program with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee, along with bonus categories and a flexible rewards system.
**Pros:**
– No annual fee
– Introductory APR period
– High rewards rate
**Cons:**
– Requires good or excellent credit
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Ideal for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, this card offers rewarding bonuses and perks with no foreign transaction fees.
**Pros:**
– No foreign transaction fees
– Points earned towards A-list status
– Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates
**Cons:**
– High standard APR
– No introductory APR offer
– Annual fee
In conclusion, it’s important to evaluate your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals before applying for any credit card to find one that best fits your needs. Always check the latest details on the credit card issuer’s website, as terms and reward structures can change.