The 10 Best Reward Credit Cards Worth Your Attention
Choosing the right rewards credit card can feel pretty daunting because there are so many choices out there. Each card has its own terms and rewards systems, and some are definitely better suited for certain spending habits than others. Picking the wrong card could mean missing out on some great perks or even cashback. Here are our top 10 picks for the best rewards credit cards:
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is popular for its big rewards on travel and dining. It’s got a reasonable annual fee, a nice sign-up bonus, and useful travel benefits.
Pros and Cons:
Pros include high rewards on various spending categories and strong travel and shopping protections. On the downside, there is an annual fee and no introductory APR offer.
**American Express Platinum Card**
Ideal for frequent and stylish travelers, it offers premium travel perks, lounge access, and Membership Rewards points.
Pros and Cons:
It comes with bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury perks. However, it has a high annual fee and a complicated rewards system, plus it requires good or excellent credit.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
This travel card offers 2-5 miles per dollar spent and a big initial bonus. It’s known for a simple rewards structure, allowing you to earn miles on everything you buy.
Pros and Cons:
Pros include a lower annual fee, generous travel credit, and easy earning and redeeming of miles. Cons are limited airline and hotel partnerships and limited hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier Card**
A strong travel credit card, especially good for non-travel spending, offering 3X points on hotels and air travel, plus rewards on dining, groceries, and gas.
Pros and Cons:
Pros are the bonus categories and non-expiring rewards. The cons are an annual fee and the need for good to excellent credit.
**Discover It Cash Back**
Great for those who can keep up with rotating 5% cashback categories, it doesn’t charge an annual fee and can provide substantial rewards.
Pros and Cons:
Pros include 5% cash back on rotating categories after activation, a cashback match at the end of the first year, and no minimum for redemption. However, the 5% cashback is capped, categories must be activated quarterly, and the basic reward rate is low for other purchases.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
This card offers a flat 2% cash back on purchases with no annual fee, making it a competitive choice among flat-rate cash back cards.
Pros and Cons:
Its high rewards rate, no annual fee, and an introductory APR period are strong pros. However, it lacks bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Designed for loyal Hilton customers, it gives significant points and perks related to Hilton stays.
Pros and Cons:
Offers include over $600 in annual statement credits and free night awards at participating properties. Cons are its high annual fee, high APR, and lower points value compared to other programs.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card is known for its straightforward cashback program with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee.
Pros and Cons:
The pros are no annual fee, an introductory APR period, and a high rewards rate. It requires good or excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Perfect for frequent Southwest flyers, it offers great bonuses and perks.
Pros and Cons:
It has no foreign transaction fees and earns points toward A-list status with unlimited reward seats and no blackout dates. The cons include a high standard APR, no introductory APR offer, and an annual fee.
In short, before you apply for a new card, think about your spending habits and goals to find the best match for you. Remember that credit card details like terms and rewards can change, so always check the latest info from the card issuer.