Ten Reward Credit Cards You Should Know About

Choosing the perfect rewards credit card can be a bit overwhelming with so many options out there. These cards differ in how they give rewards, the kinds of rewards they offer, and the rules for earning and using them. Picking the wrong one could mean missing out on great benefits or savings. Here are our top 10 picks for the best rewards cards:

1. **Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**: This card is great if you spend a lot on travel and dining. It offers high rewards rates and flexibility in how you use your rewards. While there’s an annual fee, it comes with a big initial bonus and useful travel benefits.
– **Pros**: High rewards on many purchases, various travel and shopping protections.
– **Cons**: Annual fee, no introductory APR.

2. **American Express Platinum Card**: Ideal for luxury travelers, it offers top-tier travel perks, airport lounge access, and comes with Membership Rewards points.
– **Pros**: Bonus categories, transfer partners, luxury perks.
– **Cons**: High annual fee of $695, complex rewards, needs a good credit score.

3. **Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**: A leading travel card that earns up to 5 miles per dollar spent, plus a big bonus if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. It’s straightforward with earning miles on every purchase.
– **Pros**: Lower annual fee than similar cards, travel credits, easy miles redemption.
– **Cons**: Lacks domestic airline and luxury hotel partnerships, no hotel status benefits.

4. **Citi Premier Card**: A strong travel card, it also rewards non-travel purchases, offering 3X points on travel and hotels and points on categories like dining and groceries.
– **Pros**: Various bonus categories, points don’t expire.
– **Cons**: Annual fees, requires good to excellent credit.

5. **Discover It Cash Back**: Good for moderate spenders who use the 5% rotating categories and track quarterly limits. No annual fee and great for earning rewards on every purchase.
– **Pros**: 5% cash back on rotating categories (with activation), cash back match after the first year, no minimum redemption.
– **Cons**: 5% cash back capped at $1,500 per quarter, requires quarterly activation, basic reward rate is only 1%.

6. **Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**: Best for frequent travelers who want flexibility in rewards, offering useful travel perks.
– **Pros**: Introductory reward, extra points on travel and dining, premium travel benefits.
– **Cons**: Annual fee, needs solid credit.

7. **Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**: Offers a consistent 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. Competes with other top flat-rate cash back cards.
– **Pros**: High rewards rate, no annual charges, intro APR period.
– **Cons**: No bonus categories.

8. **Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**: Perfect for frequent Hilton guests, offering many points on Hilton stays with extra perks. Targeted at high spenders who often stay at Hilton properties.
– **Pros**: Over $600 in yearly statement credits, free nights without category restrictions.
– **Cons**: High annual fee with no initial waiver, high APRs, less valuable points.

9. **Chase Freedom Unlimited**: Provides straightforward cash back with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee. Features excellent bonus categories and a strong welcome offer.
– **Pros**: No annual fee, intro APR period, high rewards rate.
– **Cons**: Requires good credit score.

10. **Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**: Great for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, offering bonuses and anniversary bonuses that outweigh the annual fee and earn qualifying points for A-list status.
– **Pros**: No foreign transaction fees, earns points towards A-list status, unlimited reward seats.
– **Cons**: High regular APR, no intro APR, annual fees.

In conclusion, when choosing a credit card, consider your spending habits, travel needs, and financial goals to find the right match. Always check the latest details on the card issuer’s website as terms and conditions might change.