Picking the right rewards credit card can be tricky because there are so many options, each with their own rules for earning and redeeming rewards. But not choosing a top rewards card could mean missing out on valuable benefits or cash rewards. Here are our top 10 choices for the best rewards credit cards:
1. **Chase Sapphire Preferred Card**: Great for those who spend a lot on travel and dining. It offers excellent rewards and flexible redemption, along with a moderate annual fee and a generous sign-up bonus. Pros include high reward potential and solid travel and shopping protections, but it has an annual fee and no introductory APR offer.
2. **American Express Platinum Card**: Ideal for frequent travelers who like a touch of luxury, offering Membership Rewards points and airport lounge access. It has bonus categories and luxurious perks, but a $695 annual fee and complex rewards.
3. **Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card**: A high-end card that awards 2–5 miles per dollar on purchases, plus a 75,000-mile bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. It’s popular for its simple rewards system but lacks domestic airline and upscale hotel partnerships and doesn’t offer hotel status benefits.
4. **Citi Premier Card**: Good for earning rewards on both travel and everyday spending, giving 3X points on categories like dining, groceries, travel, and hotels. It has bonus categories and non-expiring rewards but comes with an annual fee and requires good/excellent credit.
5. **Discover It Cash Back**: Best for moderate spenders who use the 5% rotating categories and track quarterly spending limits. Highlights include automatic year-end cash back matching and no minimum redemption. Downsides: capped 5% bonus rate and quarterly activation required.
6. **Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card**: Great for frequent travelers and Bank of America clients with high balances, featuring a strong rewards program and travel benefits. It has a good sign-up bonus and extra travel points but requires good/excellent credit and comes with an annual fee.
7. **Wells Fargo Active Cash Card**: Offers unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. High rewards rate is a plus, but there are no bonus categories.
8. **Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card**: Best for regular Hilton hotel users, offering significant points and additional perks. Pros include over $600 in annual credits and free night awards, but it has a high annual fee and lower point value.
9. **Chase Freedom Unlimited**: Features easy cash back with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee. Benefits include a high rewards rate but requires good/excellent credit.
10. **Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card**: Perfect for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers, with perks like bonus points and anniversary bonuses. It has no foreign transaction fees, but there’s a high regular APR, no intro offer, and an annual fee.
Before choosing a credit card, consider your spending habits and financial goals to find the best fit for you. Always review the terms and reward structures on the issuer’s official website.