The Ten Best Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards

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.