There are tons of rewards credit cards out there, each with different benefits, reward rates, and rules on how you can earn or redeem those rewards. Picking the right one is crucial because you don’t want to miss out on benefits or extra cash. Here are our top 10 rewards cards.
1. **Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**: This card is great for people who often spend on travel and dining. It has a modest annual fee, a generous sign-up bonus, and various travel benefits, making it a top choice.
– **Pros**: High rewards for different spending categories and lots of travel and shopping protections.
– **Cons**: Annual fee and no introductory APR.
2. **American Express Platinum Card**: Perfect for frequent travelers who love luxury. It comes with premium travel benefits, airport lounge access, and rewards like Membership Rewards points.
– **Pros**: Good bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury perks.
– **Cons**: High annual fee of $695, complicated rewards system, and needs good/excellent credit.
3. **Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**: This card offers great travel benefits, earning between 2 – 5 miles per dollar spent, and a 75,000 miles bonus if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months.
– **Pros**: Lower annual fee than other premium cards, annual travel credit, and easy-to-earn miles.
– **Cons**: Limited local airline and upscale hotel partners, no hotel status benefits.
4. **Citi Premier Card**: A solid pick for travel and everyday purchases, offering 3X points on hotels, air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
– **Pros**: Good bonus categories and rewards that don’t expire.
– **Cons**: Annual fee and requires good/excellent credit.
5. **Discover It Cash Back**: Best for moderate spenders willing to track and activate 5% rotating categories. It has no annual fee and offers significant rewards.
– **Pros**: Quarterly 5% cash back, end-of-year matched cash back, and no minimum on cash back redemption.
– **Cons**: $1,500 spending limit for the 5% cash back, categories must be activated quarterly, and 1% earning rate for non-bonus categories.
6. **Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**: Ideal for frequent travelers who want reward flexibility, especially if they’re already Bank of America customers.
– **Pros**: Sign-up bonus, high points on travel and dining, and comprehensive travel protections.
– **Cons**: Annual fee and requires good/excellent credit.
7. **Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**: Offers unlimited 2% cash rewards and no annual fee, making it a strong contender among flat-rate cash back cards.
– **Pros**: High rewards rate, no annual fee, and introductory APR period.
– **Cons**: No bonus categories.
8. **Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**: Great for frequent Hilton customers, offering high points on Hilton spending and other perks. High annual fee, but it provides significant benefits for regular Hilton users.
– **Pros**: Over $600 in annual statement credits, free standard night at select properties.
– **Cons**: High annual fees with no first-year waiver, high APRs, and lower value points compared to other programs.
9. **Chase Freedom Unlimited**: Offers a straightforward cash back program with no annual fee, bonus categories, flexible rewards, and a solid welcome offer.
– **Pros**: No annual fee, introductory APR period, and high rewards rate.
– **Cons**: Requires good/excellent credit.
10. **Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**: Best for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers, with features like bonus points, yearly bonuses, and a $75 annual travel credit on Southwest.
– **Pros**: No foreign transaction fees, earns points towards A-list status, and unlimited reward seats.
– **Cons**: High standard APR, no intro APR offer, and has an annual fee.
In conclusion, consider your spending habits, travel needs, and financial goals before picking a credit card. Always keep up with the terms, conditions, and reward structures from the credit card issuer’s website.