10 Must-Have Credit Cards Offering Exceptional Rewards
When it comes to rewards credit cards, there are plenty to choose from, each with its own perks and rules. Sorting through them can be tough, and picking the wrong card might mean missing out on some great benefits and cash rewards. To help you out, here are our top 10 recommendations for the best rewards cards.
**Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**
This card is great for combining high rewards with flexible options to use them. Travelers and diners will find it especially useful due to its generous sign-up bonus and travel perks, all for a reasonable annual fee.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: High rewards on a range of purchases and extra travel and shopping protections.
– Cons: An annual fee and no introductory APR offer.
**American Express Platinum Card**
Perfect for those who enjoy luxury travel, this card provides airport lounge access and premium travel perks, plus lots of rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: Bonus reward categories, partner transfer options, luxurious perks.
– Cons: High annual fee of $695, complex rewards structure, and requires a high credit score.
**Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**
Ideal for frequent travelers, this card offers huge rewards, including 75,000 bonus miles for spending $4,000 within the first three months. It’s known for its straightforward rewards system, allowing users to earn miles on all purchases.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: Lower annual fee compared to rivals, generous travel credit, easy mile earning and redeemings.
– Cons: Limited airline and hotel partners, no hotel status benefits.
**Citi Premier Card**
Great for earning rewards on regular expenses, this card gives triple points for travel, dining, groceries, and gas.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: Rewarding bonus categories, points don’t expire.
– Cons: Annual fee and requires good or excellent credit.
**Discover It Cash Back**
Ideal for moderate spenders who keep track of and activate the 5% rotating categories, this no-annual-fee card offers notable rewards apart from its steady 1% earning rate.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: 5% cash back on select categories, cash back match in the first year, no minimum for redemption.
– Cons: Spending caps on bonus categories, quarterly activation needed, lower overall reward rate.
**Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**
Great for frequent travelers needing flexible rewards, this card also benefits existing Bank of America customers with its travel perks and solid rewards structure.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: Sign-up bonus, extra points for travel and dining, premium travel protections.
– Cons: Annual fee, good or excellent credit required.
**Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**
Offers a straightforward 2% cash rewards rate with no annual fee.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: High rewards rate, no annual fee, introductory APR offer.
– Cons: No bonus categories.
**Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**
Perfect for regular Hilton hotel guests, this card provides loads of points for Hilton purchases and extra benefits.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: Annual statement credits worth over $600, free standard night at some properties.
– Cons: High annual fee without a first-year waiver, high APR rates, less valuable points.
**Chase Freedom Unlimited**
This card provides a flat-rate cash back on all spending with no annual fee. It stands out for its flexible rewards and great welcome offer.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: No annual fee, introductory APR period, high rewards rate.
– Cons: Requires good or excellent credit.
**Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**
Great for frequent fliers of Southwest Airlines, it offers perks like bonus points and anniversary bonuses.
**Pros and Cons:**
– Pros: No foreign transaction fees, points for A-list status, unlimited reward seats without blackout dates.
– Cons: High standard APR, no introductory APR offer, annual fee.
Before jumping into getting a credit card, it’s important to think about your spending pattern, travel habits, and financial aims. Make sure to check the issuer’s website for any changes to the terms and reward structures.
