Best Overall Flexible Rewards Chase Sapphire Reserve

Earn 60,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $550 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

$300 annual travel credit is valuable.

The 60k signup bonus is worth $900 in value when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Earn 5 points per dollar on travel through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on other travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Complimentary airport lounge access in 1,300+ lounges worldwide through Priority Pass.

Premium travel protection benefits: trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.

🔻 Cons

$550 annual fee.

Not as valuable if you don’t travel as much.

Best Cashback Credit Card Discover it Cash Back Credit Card

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

No annual fee too.

✅ Pros

Earn 5% cash back on spending categories that rotate each quarter 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 requirement for cashback redemption.

No annual fee.

🔻 Cons

The 5% bonus cashback rate is capped at $1,500 per quarter for spending in specific categories.

Quarterly activation is required to unlock the bonus categories and maximize your rewards.

All other purchases outside the bonus categories earn a low base reward rate of 1%.

Best Overall Hotels Card The Hilton Aspire Card by American Express

Earn a reward of 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points once you spend $4,000 on purchases with the Card during your initial 3 months of Card Membership. The Annual Fee is $450.

✅ Pros

Enrolling in the card comes with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

Cardholders can enjoy up to $600 in statement credits.

Instant Hilton Diamond status is granted, providing a wealth of benefits.

Big bonus of 14x points on hotels & resorts for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.

$250 Airline Fee Credit for incidental charges that are charged by the airline to your Card.

$100 in credits for qualifying charges at participating Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts

🔻 Cons

The card carries a high annual fee without a first-year waiver.

Both the regular APR and penalty APR are high.

There is no introductory APR offer available.

Points earned through the card have a lower value compared to most other rewards programs.

Best Overall Hyatt Hotels Card The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. The Annual Fee is $95.

✅ Pros

On the cardmember anniversary, you receive an annual free night certificate.

Complimentary Discoverist status in the World of Hyatt program is included.

The points redemption values are high.

9 points total per $1 spent for Hyatt stays and experiences including restaurants and spas.

There is a generous welcome bonus.

🔻 Cons

The number of properties available for redemption is limited.

Redemption options outside of Hyatt properties may not be worthwhile.

The regular APR is high.

There is no introductory APR offer.

Best Overall Marriot Hotels Card Chase Marriot Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

Earn 75,000 Bonus Points once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months from your account opening. The Annual Fee is $95.

✅ Pros

Every year, you receive a complimentary night certificate valued at 35,000 points.

You are granted 15 Elite Night Credits annually.

Automatic Silver Elite status is provided as a benefit.

Up to 17X total points at Marriott.

🔻 Cons

The earnings structure is not very generous.

The APR is high.

There is a $95 annual fee.

Best Credit Card for United Flyers Chase United Club Infinite Card

Earn 80,000 bonus miles and 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) when you open an account. Annual Fee is $525.

✅ Pros

No foreign transaction fees.

Earn rewards faster with 4x miles on United purchases.

The value of United Club membership exceeds the annual fee (membership is $650).

Complimentary first and second checked bags when purchasing your flight with the card.

🔻 Cons

Very high annual fee of $525.

Lack of introductory APR offer.

High regular APR.

Best For Grocery Market Rewards Chase Freedom Flex

Earn a $200 bonus once you meet the $500 spending requirement within the initial 3 months of account opening. Enjoy a $0 annual fee.

✅ Pros

No annual fee.

Earn 5% rewards on rotating quarterly categories when activated, up to a combined quarterly maximum of $1,500

Competitive travel rewards rate comparable to top-tier travel cards.

Generous rewards rate offered in various other categories.

🔻 Cons

Cash back is limited to travel bookings made exclusively through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Best for Delta Flyers Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Earn 85,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months. Annual Fee $550.

✅ Pros

Enjoy valuable Delta benefits such as complimentary first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights.

Access exclusive Delta Sky Club airport lounges during your Delta travels.

Earn 3x points on Delta purchases.

Receive an annual companion certificate that can be used for both economy and first-class travel.

🔻 Cons

Be cautious of the high regular APR for carrying balances on the card.

The earning rates for rewards may not be as competitive as other options.

The Companion Certificate can only be used for domestic flights, limiting its versatility.

Note that complimentary Sky Club access is provided for a single individual, not for multiple people.

Best for JetBlue Rewards Barclays JetBlue Plus Card

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full within the first 90 days.
Annual Fee: $99.

✅ Pros

Earn 6x points for every dollar spent on JetBlue purchases.

Enjoy unlimited point earnings with no expiration date.

No additional fees for foreign transactions.

Receive a complimentary checked bag for yourself and up to 3 companions on the same reservation.

🔻 Cons

Redemption options are limited beyond JetBlue flights.

Charge for balance transfers.

Annual fee applies.

High standard APR.

Best for American Airlines Flyers Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles from account opening. Annual Fee: of $450.

✅ Pros

Up to 8 companions on the same reservation can enjoy a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights.

Points never expire.

Get Admirals Club access for you and up to two guests or family members traveling with you.

Annual $100 credit statement.

When flying on American Airlines, up to 10 authorized users can access the Admirals Club® lounge.

🔻 Cons

There is a high annual fee without a first-year waiver.

In certain cases, blackout dates may apply.

An excellent credit score is required.

Best for Southwest Airlines Rewards Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Earn 60,000 bonus points and receive a 30% off promo code when you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. The annual fee for this card is $149.

✅ Pros
No fees for transactions made outside the country.

$75 Southwest annual travel credit each year.

Earn points that count towards achieving A-list status.

Enjoy the benefit of unlimited rewards seats.

🔻 Cons
The regular APR is relatively high.

Rewards flights are limited to Southwest Airlines only, without the option to redeem on partner airlines.

There is no introductory APR offer available.

The card carries an annual fee.

Best Medium-Priced Delta Card Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Earn 85,000 bonus miles from account opening once you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card within your first 6 months. The Annual Fee is $250.

✅ Pros

Enjoy an annual companion certificate for a qualifying domestic flight.

3x points on Delta purchases.

Receive priority boarding and a complimentary checked bag when traveling on Delta flights.

🔻 Cons

Some tickets issued in Europe may have booking fees associated with them.

The companion certificate, although beneficial, is subject to taxes and additional fees.

The standard APR for this card is relatively high.

Best For Earning Miles Overall Capital One Venture Rewards

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $95 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles.

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases (no need to remember bonus categories)

Earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.

Versatile rewards: Redeem for any hotel or airline purchase as a statement credit or transfer to 15+ travel partners.

🔻 Cons

Some partner transfer ratios are below 1:1, affecting value

Capital One's airline partners exclude major U.S. airlines.

Best Premium Travel Credit Card Capital One Venture X Rewards

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. $395 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

75,000 bonus miles for spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.

Receive up to $300 back as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel.

Receive up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA Pre Check

10,000 bonus miles annually on account anniversary.

🔻 Cons

Annual fee: $395

Receive up to $300 in statement credit per year (applies to bookings through Capital One Travel portal only which can be limiting)

Best For Business Purchases Chase Ink Business Preferred

Earn 100,000 bonus miles once you spend $15,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $95 Annual Fee.

 ✅ Pros

Exceptional sign-up bonus: 100,000 bonus points for $15,000 spend in the first three months.

Chase Ultimate Rewards portal access for points redemption.

Reasonable $95 annual fee.

Business-focused bonus categories and primary car insurance.

Additional perks: cellphone and purchase protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement.

🔻 Cons

No travel perks included.

Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule for card applications.

High spending requirement for 100,000-point sign-up bonus.

Best For Business Travel Business Platinum Card From American Express

Earn 130,000 bonus miles once you spend $15,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $695 Annual Fee.

 ✅ Pros

Lucrative welcome offer valued at $1,600 (of total spend through points).

Abundance of benefits: Centurion Lounge access, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, over $1,400 in annual statement credits, and more

Premium concierge service for assistance with reservations, destination guides, and trip planning.

🔻 Cons

$695 annual fee justified by maximizing card benefits; infrequent travelers may not find sufficient value

Limited bonus rewards on airfare and hotel purchases; not ideal for other spending categories

Complexity in utilizing annual airline fee credit and other statement credits compared to competing premium cards with broader travel credits.

Best For Beginner Travelers Chase Sapphire Preferred

Earn 60,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $95 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Earn 5 points per dollar on travel through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases, 2 points per dollar on other travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

New $50 hotel statement credit when booked through Ultimate Rewards annually.

Premium travel protection benefits: trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.

🔻 Cons

$95 annual fee.

Best for Dining at Restaurants American Express Gold Card

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 6 months from account opening. $0 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

4x points per dollar on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year; then 1 point per dollar)

3x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel

Welcome bonus: 60,000 points for spending $4,000 in the first six months.

🔻 Cons

Weak travel and everyday spending bonus categories

Less effective for international users

Potential challenges with using Uber/food credits

Limited travel perks and protections

Best for Freelancer Rewards Chase Ink Business Unlimited

Earn $750 Bonus Cash Back once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $0 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

$750 cash-back sign-up bonus is high.

No annual fee.

🔻 Cons

Sign-up bonus requires significant spending.

Chase points conversion limited to Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred holders.

Best for Citi Rewards Citi Premier Card

Earn 60,000 bonus points once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. $95 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Earn 3 points per dollar on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and select hotels.

Transfer points to 16 airline programs, including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic.

Access World Elite Mastercard benefits, such as extended warranty and damage/theft protection.

🔻 Cons

$95 annual fee.

No travel protections offered by other travel rewards cards.

Best for US Grocery Stores Blue Cash Preferred from American Express

Earn a $250 statement credit once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months from account opening. $0 Annual Fee for the first year; $95 Annual Fee after.

✅ Pros

Exceptional earning structure compared to other cash-back credit cards.

6% cashback on groceries up to 6k.

3% cashback on transit.

Access to Amex Offers for additional savings on specific purchases.

🔻 Cons

$6,000 spending cap on supermarket bonus category, limiting suitability for large grocery budgets.

Foreign transaction fees apply to international purchases, making it less favorable for travel abroad.

Best for Entertainment Rewards Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Get rewarded with a $200 cash bonus after making $1,000 in purchases within the initial 3 months of opening your account. Plus, enjoy the advantage of a $0 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding Walmart® and Target®); 1% on all other purchases.

Easier approval for beginners compared to Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Solid choice for financing large purchases with a 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after, 3% fee for balance transfers).

🔻 Cons

Savor card offers better value for those with significant spending on dining and entertainment, thanks to higher rewards.

The sign-up bonus, while easy to earn, is not particularly noteworthy.

Best for General Business Spending Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Earn a bonus of 50,000 miles, which is equivalent to $500 in travel, when you achieve a minimum spending of $4,500 within the first 3 months from account opening. Take advantage of a $0 Annual Fee during the initial year, and tan annual fee of $95 after.

✅ Pros

Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, eliminating the need to manage multiple bonus categories.

Employee cards are complimentary and earn 2 miles per dollar on all expenses.

Affordable card with a $95 annual fee, waived for the first year.

🔻 Cons

Limited additional perks for travel purposes.

Best for General Cash Back Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Earn $200 cash bonus upon spending $500 on purchases within the initial 3 months from account opening. Enjoy a $0 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Cash back does not expire.

No annual fee.

🔻 Cons

Limited card perks and benefits.

Other cards provide greater potential and advantages for cash back redemption.

Best for Flexible Rewards Cash Back Citi Custom Cash Card

Earn 20,000 ThankYou® Points once you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first 6 months from account opening. These points can be redeemed for $200 cash back. Enjoy a $0 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Earn 5% cash back on your highest eligible spend category, up to $500 per billing cycle.

No annual fee.

🔻 Cons

Up to $500 cash back on the top eligible spend category per billing cycle, then 1%.

3% foreign transaction fee.

Best Secured Card Discover it Secured Credit Card

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Annual Fee $0

✅ Pros

No annual fee and offers cash back rewards, which is uncommon for this type of card.

Cashback Match feature doubles the cash back rewards earned at the end of the first year.

Cardholders can enjoy free monthly access to their FICO score.

🔻 Cons

Bonus category rewards on this card have a cap or limit.

Secured cards require a refundable deposit as part of the application process.

Secured cards typically lack many of the perks and benefits offered by unsecured cards.

Best for Amazon Rewards Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Earn a valuable Amazon gift card bonus upon account opening. No spending requirement is needed to qualify. Enjoy a $0 Annual Fee with a Prime membership.

✅ Pros

Earn a bonus Amazon Gift Card without having to meet a specific spending requirement.

No foreign transaction fees.

Unlimited 5% cash back on purchases made at Amazon and Whole Foods.

5% cash back at Amazon Fresh.

Visa Signature benefits.

🔻 Cons

5% cash back offer excludes non-U.S. Amazon websites.

APR can be high, depending on your creditworthiness.

Rewards on non-Amazon family spending may be surpassed by other credit cards.

Best Student Rewards Card Discover it Student Cash Back

Earn a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases as a welcome bonus. Enjoy the benefit of no annual fee.

✅ Pros

Earn 5% cashback on rotating bonus categories after enrolling in the program.

Enjoy a first-year cash-back match.

🔻 Cons

The base reward rate is low at 1%.

The 5% bonus cashback rate is limited to $1,500 per quarter in spending and requires activation on a quarterly basis.

Best 0% APR Rewards Credit Card Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus upon spending $500 on purchases within the initial 3 months. Enjoy a $0 Annual Fee.

✅ Pros

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

No annual fee.

Enjoy the benefit of cell phone protection.

🔻 Cons

Balance transfer fee applies.

No available travel transfer partners.

Foreign transaction fee is charged.