10 Credit Cards That Offer Exceptional Benefits

Picking the best rewards credit card can be tough because there are so many options, each with unique earning rates, reward types, and conditions for earning or using those rewards. To really benefit from your credit card, it’s important to go for a high-performing rewards card; otherwise, you might miss out on big benefits or cash rewards. Here are our top 10 picks for the best credit cards in terms of benefits.

**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is a great pick for frequent travelers and foodies, thanks to its high reward rates and flexible redemption choices. It also comes with a nice sign-up bonus and various travel perks, all for a reasonable annual fee.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Offers high earning potential in several spending categories and provides many travel and shopping protections.
– Cons: Has an annual fee and doesn’t offer an introductory APR.

**American Express Platinum Card**
Best suited for regular travelers who love premium experiences, this card offers elite travel benefits, access to airport lounges, and unique rewards like Membership Rewards points.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Offers exclusive bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury perks.
– Cons: Comes with a hefty annual fee, has a complicated rewards system, and requires good to excellent credit.

**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
A valuable choice for travelers, this card offers 2 to 5 miles per dollar spent once you meet the initial earnings requirements. It has a straightforward rewards structure with competitive benefits similar to other premium cards.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Lower annual fee than competitors, valuable annual travel credit, easy miles earning and redemption.
– Cons: Limited partnerships with domestic airlines and upscale hotels, lacks hotel status perks.

**Citi Premier Card**
Perfect for those wanting rewards beyond just travel, the Citi Premier Card gives three times the points on travel, dining, supermarkets, and gas stations.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Offers many bonus categories and endless rewards.
– Cons: Comes with an annual fee and needs good to excellent credit.

**Discover It Cash Back**
Ideal for moderate spenders who activate the 5% rotating categories and keep track of quarterly spending limits to earn significant rewards. The card does not have an annual fee.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Gives 5% cash back on specific quarterly categories, automatic first-year cash-back match, no minimum for redeeming cashback.
– Cons: Requires quarterly activation for bonus categories and has a spending limit for the 5% bonus rate, with a low 1% base rate.

**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Great for frequent travelers who want flexibility in rewards. This card has an impressive rewards program and credits for airline incidental fees, along with various travel perks.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Includes a sign-up bonus and higher points on travel and dining, along with enhanced travel protections.
– Cons: Has an annual fee and needs good to excellent credit.

**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
This card offers a 2% cash rewards rate on all purchases with no annual fee, competing with other top flat-rate cash back cards.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: High rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR period.
– Cons: Lacks bonus categories.

**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Built for Hilton enthusiasts, this card offers substantial points on Hilton purchases with added benefits.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: Over $600 in annual statement credits and an unrestricted free night award.
– Cons: High annual fee without a first-year waiver, high regular and penalty APR, lower value points compared to other programs.

**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
Offering an easy rewards process, this card provides a constant rate on all purchases with no annual fee. It’s known for its bonus categories, flexible rewards, and a great welcome offer.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: No annual fee, introductory APR period, high rewards rate.
– Cons: Requires good to excellent credit.

**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Perfect for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, this card delivers exclusive perks and anniversary bonuses that justify its annual fee.

**Pros & Cons:**
– Pros: No foreign transaction fee, points that count toward A-list status, unlimited reward seats.
– Cons: High regular APR, no introductory APR offer, annual fee.

Before choosing a credit card, take a close look at your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals. Make sure to pick cards with terms and rewards that fit your lifestyle. Check the latest information on the card issuer’s website as terms and reward structures might have changed.