credit-and-loans

10 Credit Cards That Offer the Best Rewards

10 Credit Cards That Offer the Best Rewards

There are many rewards credit cards out there, each one having its unique rewards rate, type, and rules for earning or redeeming points. Picking the right card is important because you could miss out on benefits or extra cash otherwise. Here are our top 10 rewards cards:

1. **Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card boasts high reward rates and flexible ways to redeem your points. It’s great for people who frequently spend on travel and dining. With a reasonable annual fee, a generous sign-up bonus, and a host of travel perks, it’s a top choice.
*Pros:* High rewards for various spending, with lots of protections for travel and shopping.
*Cons:* Has an annual fee and no introductory APR.

2. **American Express Platinum Card**
This is a great fit for those who travel a lot and appreciate luxury. The American Express Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits, access to airport lounges, and Membership Rewards points.
*Pros:* Excellent bonus categories, transfer partners, and luxury perks.
*Cons:* High annual fee of $695, complex rewards system, and requires good/excellent credit.

3. **Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
Known for its simple rewards structure, this card lets you earn 2 – 5 miles per dollar and offers a 75,000-mile bonus for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. It’s packed with travel benefits.
*Pros:* Lower annual fee compared to other premium cards, annual travel credit, and easy-to-earn miles.
*Cons:* Limited local airline and upscale hotel travel partners, no hotel status benefits.

4. **Citi Premier Card**
A great option not just for travel but also for other purchases, letting you earn 3X points on hotels, air travel, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.
*Pros:* Bonus categories and non-expiring rewards.
*Cons:* Has an annual fee and requires good/excellent credit.

5. **Discover it Cash Back**
Perfect for moderate spenders who keep track of and activate the 5% rotating categories. It doesn’t have an annual fee and offers noteworthy rewards beyond the standard 1% earning rate.
*Pros:* Quarterly 5% cash back, end-of-year matched cash back, and no minimum cash back redemption.
*Cons:* $1,500 spending limit on 5% cash back, categories to be activated quarterly, and only 1% earning rate for non-bonus categories.

6. **Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Great for regular travelers who need reward flexibility, especially those who already bank with Bank of America. It offers a strong rewards program, airline fee credits, and travel benefits.
*Pros:* Sign-up bonus, high points on travel and dining, and thorough travel protections.
*Cons:* Has an annual fee and requires good/excellent credit.

7. **Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
With a straightforward 2% cash reward rate and no annual fee, it competes well with other top flat-rate cash back cards.
*Pros:* High rewards rate, no annual fee, and has an introductory APR period.
*Cons:* No bonus categories.

8. **Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Tailored for regular Hilton guests, this card offers ample points on Hilton spending and distinct advantages. Its high fee is offset by significant benefits for frequent Hilton visitors.
*Pros:* Over $600 in annual statement credits and a free standard night at select hotels.
*Cons:* High annual fees without a first-year waiver, high APRs, and lower point value compared to other programs.

9. **Chase Freedom Unlimited**
It features a simple cash-back program with consistent rates on purchases and no annual fee, with appealing bonus categories and flexible rewards.
*Pros:* No annual fee, introductory APR period, and high rewards rate.
*Cons:* Requires good/excellent credit.

10. **Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Ideal for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, offering benefits like bonus points and an annual travel credit. It helps earn points towards A-list status, justifying the annual fee.
*Pros:* No foreign transaction fees, points accumulation towards A-list status, and unlimited reward seats.
*Cons:* High standard APR, no introductory APR offer, and has an annual fee.

In summary, evaluate your spending, travel habits, and financial goals before picking a credit card. Always stay informed about the terms, conditions, and reward structures from the card issuer’s website.