10 Best Rewards Credit Cards is a post originally published on: Everything Finance - Everything Finance - Its all about Money!
Rewards credit cards come in many forms, making it more challenging to determine how they compare. They earn at different rates and reward you in different currencies, not to mention the rules that may come with earning or redemptions. But failing to choose one of the best rewards credit cards might mean leaving benefits and even cold, hard cash on the table. Here are our picks for the 10 best rewards cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Pros & Cons of a Sapphire Preferred Card
- Earn high rewards in several areas of spending
- Many travel and shopping protections
Cons
- Annual fee
- No intro APR offer
American Express Platinum Card
If you travel frequently and want to do so in style, American Express Platinum Card deserves a place in your wallet. Offers premium travel benefits, airport lounge access, and a range of rewards, including Membership Rewards points.
Pros & Cons of a American Express Platinum Card
- Bonus categories
- Transfer partners
- Luxury perks
Cons
- Has annual fee of $695
- Complicated rewards
- Requires good/excellent credit
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Card is one of most premium travel cards. It offers 2 – 5 miles per $1 spent on purchases and has an initial bonus of 75,000 miles for spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards. Popular for its straightforward rewards structure, allowing users to earn miles on every purchase.
- Annual fee lower than others in its category
- Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
- Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
- Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
- Lack of hotel status benefits
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier® Card is a solid travel credit card, especially if you’re also looking to earn rewards on non-travel purchases. The card earns 3X points on hotel and air travel, as well as on other favored categories, including restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations.
Pros & Cons of a Citi Premier Card
- Bonus categories
- Rewards don’t expire
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Requires good/excellent credit
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Discover it Cash Back
The Discover It Cash Back card is for the moderate spenders who are willing to activate the 5% rotating categories and track the quarterly spending cap, this no-annual-fee card can deliver tidy rewards outside of its ongoing 1% earning rate.
Pros & Cons of a Discover it Cash Back Card
- 5% cash back on quarterly rotating spending categories throughout the year (activation required)
- Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
- No minimum cashback redemption
- 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending
- Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
- Low 1% base reward rate on everything else
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
Frequent travelers looking for flexibility in credit card rewards ought to take a look at the Bank of America Premium Rewards credit card especially if they’re already Bank of America customers with significant balances in their accounts. Card offers a solid rewards program, airline incidental fee credits, and travel benefits.
Pros & Cons of a Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
- Sign-up bonus
- Earn more points on travel and dining
- Premium travel protections
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Requires good/excellent credit
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Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an unlimited 2% cash rewards rate on purchases and charges no annual fee. This puts it in competition with the best flat-rate cash back cards on the market.
Pros & Cons of a Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
Cons
-
No bonus categories
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
Ideal for those who frequent Hilton hotels, offering substantial points on Hilton purchases and additional benefits. The flagship card from Hilton, the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a price tag to match its top-tier status and perks. It’s a perfect fit for big spenders who haunt Hilton properties enough to leverage the rich suite of benefits that come with the complimentary Diamond status.
Pros & Cons of a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
- Over $600 in statement credits annually
- Free standard night award with no category limits at participating properties
Cons:
- High annual fee with no first-year waiver
- High regular APR and penalty APR
- Points have a lower value than most rewards programs
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Features a simple cash back program with a flat rate on all purchases and no annual fee. Its useful bonus categories, flexible rewards and outstanding welcome offer makes the Chase Freedom Unlimited a top contender among cash-back cards.
Pros & Cons of a Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- High rewards rate
Cons
-
Requires good/excellent credit
Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
A Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card is perfect for those who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, offering perks like bonus points and anniversary bonuses. Its set of rewards and perks, including a $75 annual travel credit on Southwest, easily helps justify the annual fee plus your purchases earn tier qualifying points toward A-list status.
Pros & Cons of a Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card
- No foreign transaction fee
- Earn points toward A-list status
- Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates
Cons
- High regular APR
- No intro APR offer
- Annual fee
Bottom Line
Before applying for any credit card, it’s crucial to evaluate your spending habits, travel preferences, and financial goals to determine which card aligns best with your needs. Additionally, terms and conditions, as well as reward structures, may have changed, so always check the latest details on the respective credit card issuer’s website.
10 Best Rewards Credit Cards is a post originally published on: Everything Finance - Everything Finance - Its all about Money!
