Best Overall Credit Cards 2024 #

Choosing the right credit card can make a significant difference in maximizing your rewards and benefits. Whether you’re looking for travel perks, cash back, or flexible rewards, the best credit cards of 2024 offer a variety of options to suit your financial goals.

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At Credit Card Guide, our mission is to assist you in finding the best credit cards that align with your financial needs. We independently review and compare the top credit cards in each category, focusing on rewards, fees, and additional perks. Our recommendations are based on unbiased research to ensure that you can trust our advice. Please note that Credit Card Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our credit card coverage, and we may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, but it does not affect our evaluations.

Best Rewards Card for Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Our team of writers, editors, and industry experts evaluates credit cards using various criteria, such as card benefits, bonus offers, and thorough independent research. Credit card issuers do not have any input or control over our ratings.

Rewards
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3x on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
2x on all other travel purchases
1x on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Intro APR:
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR:
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fee:
annual_fees
Credit Required:
credit_score_needed

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

High rewards on travel and dining
Points transfer to many travel partners
No foreign transaction fees
Strong welcome bonus

Cons ✘

Annual fee
Best rewards are tied to travel and dining
Points are worth less if not redeemed for travel

Expert's Summary ...

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an ideal choice for those who want to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, particularly if you frequently dine out or travel.

Why we recommend it

This card offers impressive value for travelers who enjoy the flexibility of transferring points to various travel partners, along with solid earning potential.

What could be better

The card’s best value is realized when redeeming points for travel, which may limit its appeal to those with different spending priorities.

Perfect for

Travel enthusiasts who value flexible, high-value points redemption.

Expert's Opinion ...

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has long been a favorite among travel enthusiasts, and for good reason. Our editorial team recognizes its robust rewards structure, which not only offers high earning rates on travel and dining but also provides flexibility through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. The ability to transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to numerous airline and hotel partners significantly amplifies the value of your rewards, allowing savvy travelers to unlock premium experiences at a fraction of the cost.

One standout feature is the card’s comprehensive travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and baggage delay insurance. These benefits offer peace of mind when unexpected events occur, making the card not just a rewards powerhouse but also a reliable travel companion.

While the annual fee is modest compared to premium travel cards, it’s essential to assess whether your spending habits align with the card’s rewards structure. If you don’t frequently spend on travel or dining, you might not fully capitalize on its benefits. Additionally, the points are most valuable when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® or transferred to partners; cash-back redemptions yield a lower value per point.

In summary, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a versatile and rewarding option for those who prioritize travel and dining in their spending. Its combination of high rewards rates, valuable transfer partners, and travel protections make it a strong contender for your wallet if you seek to elevate your travel experiences without breaking the bank.

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Best Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Rewards
2x miles on all purchases
10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Intro APR:
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR:
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fee:
annual_fees
Credit Required:
credit_score_needed

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

High earning rates on all purchases
Access to premium travel benefits
Strong welcome bonus
No foreign transaction fees

Cons ✘

High annual fee
Best rewards are tied to travel bookings
Complex rewards program for beginners

Expert's Summary ...

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is perfect for frequent travelers who seek premium benefits and high earning potential across all spending categories.

Why we recommend it

With exceptional rewards on all purchases and access to premium travel perks, this card is a must-have for frequent flyers.

What could be better

The high annual fee may not be justifiable for those who don’t maximize the travel benefits.

Ideal for

Frequent travelers looking for a premium, all-in-one rewards experience.

Expert's Opinion ...

Our team regards the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card as a game-changer in the premium travel credit card arena. Unlike some of its competitors, this card offers a straightforward yet lucrative rewards structure—earning 2x miles on every purchase simplifies the process of accumulating rewards without the need to juggle multiple cards or track spending categories.

One of the card’s standout features is the generous welcome bonus, which can significantly offset the annual fee in the first year. Additionally, cardholders enjoy a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel, effectively reducing the net annual fee and enhancing the card’s value proposition.

Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass™ lounges elevates the travel experience, providing comfort and amenities that frequent travelers appreciate. The card also includes valuable travel protections such as trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and primary rental car insurance, adding a layer of security to your journeys.

However, to truly capitalize on the card’s benefits, you need to book travel through Capital One’s portal or transfer miles to partner airlines and hotels. While the portal offers competitive rates, it may not always provide the best deals available elsewhere. Additionally, the card’s premium benefits and high annual fee may be excessive for casual travelers who might not utilize all the perks.

In conclusion, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is an excellent option for those who travel frequently and can leverage its extensive benefits. Its combination of high earning rates, premium perks, and travel credits makes it a compelling choice for individuals seeking a top-tier travel rewards card.

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Best Flexible Rewards Credit Card for Travel Protections

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Rewards
3x points on travel (after earning your $300 travel credit)
3x on dining
1x on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Intro APR:
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR:
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fee:
annual_fees
Credit Required:
credit_score_needed

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

High rewards on travel and dining
Excellent travel protections
Access to Priority Pass™ lounges
Strong welcome bonus

Cons ✘

High annual fee
Best rewards are tied to travel and dining
Complex rewards structure

Expert's Summary ...

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an excellent choice for travelers who prioritize flexibility in rewards and top-tier travel protections.

Why we recommend it

This card offers a high combination of rewards rates, travel benefits, and protections, making it a standout option for frequent travelers.

What could be better

The high annual fee may be a barrier for those who don’t fully utilize the card’s travel benefits.

Perfect for

Travelers seeking a premium card with flexible rewards and strong travel protections.

Expert's Opinion ...

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has set a high bar in the premium travel credit card segment. Our experts appreciate its comprehensive suite of travel benefits and protections that go beyond standard offerings. The card provides a $300 annual travel credit, effectively reducing the net annual fee and making it more palatable for cardholders.

One of the card’s most significant advantages is its extensive travel protection package. Cardholders receive trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, lost luggage reimbursement, and primary auto rental collision damage waiver. These protections can save you thousands of dollars in unforeseen circumstances, offering substantial peace of mind.

The rewards structure is also competitive, with 3x points on travel and dining worldwide, allowing you to accumulate points quickly. When redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, points are worth 50% more, enhancing the value of your rewards. Additionally, the ability to transfer points to a wide array of airline and hotel partners adds flexibility for those who prefer booking directly with travel providers.

Access to Priority Pass™ Select lounges elevates your airport experience, providing comfort and amenities during layovers. The card also offers special benefits with luxury hotels and resorts, adding value for those who enjoy upscale accommodations.

However, the card’s high annual fee requires careful consideration. To justify the cost, you should be a frequent traveler who can fully utilize the travel credits, lounge access, and other premium benefits. If your travel is more occasional, you might find better value with a card that has a lower annual fee and a rewards structure more aligned with your spending habits.

In essence, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is tailored for the discerning traveler who values both rewards flexibility and robust travel protections. Its premium benefits can significantly enhance your travel experiences if you’re able to maximize what the card has to offer.

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Best Premium Travel Rewards Card for Lounge Access

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Rewards
5x Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel®
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Intro APR:
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR:
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fee:
annual_fees (See Rates and Fees; terms apply)
Credit Required:
credit_score_needed

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

High rewards on flights and hotels
Extensive lounge access, including Centurion Lounges
Strong travel and purchase protections
Concierge service and exclusive offers

Cons ✘

Very high annual fee
Best suited for frequent travelers
Rewards are most valuable when redeemed for travel

Expert's Summary ...

The Platinum Card® from American Express (See Rates and Fees; terms apply) is a top choice for frequent travelers who want premium perks, especially those who value lounge access.

Why we recommend it

With unparalleled access to airport lounges and exceptional rewards on travel, this card is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and luxury.

What could be better

The high annual fee can be a deterrent for those who don’t travel frequently enough to maximize the benefits.

Perfect for

Frequent travelers who value premium benefits and extensive lounge access.

Expert's Opinion ...

Our editorial team views The Platinum Card® from American Express as the pinnacle of luxury travel credit cards. Its extensive lounge access program is unmatched, offering entry to the exclusive American Express Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs® (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass™ Select lounges. This comprehensive network ensures that no matter where you travel, a comfortable and premium lounge experience awaits you.

The card’s rewards structure is heavily weighted towards travel, with 5x Membership Rewards® Points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel. For frequent flyers, these accelerated earning rates can accumulate points rapidly, leading to substantial rewards that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or transferred to various airline and hotel partners.

Beyond rewards, the card offers an array of premium benefits, including up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, up to $200 airline fee credit, and up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits. These perks, when fully utilized, can significantly offset the high annual fee, making the card’s value proposition more appealing.

The Platinum Card® also provides comprehensive travel protections and purchase warranties, adding an extra layer of security to your expenditures. The concierge service is another highlight, assisting with everything from dining reservations to event tickets, enhancing your overall lifestyle experience.

However, the card’s high annual fee necessitates that you actively engage with its benefits to justify the cost. If your travel is infrequent or you don’t foresee taking advantage of the various credits and lounge access, the card may not offer sufficient value. Additionally, everyday spending outside of travel doesn’t earn elevated rewards, which might limit its appeal for some users.

In summary, The Platinum Card® from American Express is best suited for those who travel extensively and can leverage its premium benefits and lounge access to the fullest. It’s a card that not only enhances your travel experience but also complements a luxury lifestyle. Enrollment is required for select benefits. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.

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Best Rewards Card for Dining and Groceries

American Express^® Gold Card

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases each year
Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per year in purchases
Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
Earn 2X points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Intro APR:
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR:
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fee:
annual_fees See Rates and Fees; terms apply
Credit Required:
credit_score_needed

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

High rewards on dining and groceries
Strong welcome bonus offer
No foreign transaction fees
Flexible points redemption options

Cons ✘

Annual fee
Rewards are best when used for travel
U.S. supermarket cap on high rewards rate

Expert's Summary ...

The American Express® Gold Card (See Rates and Fees; terms apply) is the best choice for those who frequently dine out or spend heavily on groceries, offering unmatched rewards in these categories.

Why we recommend it

This card is perfect for foodies and families alike, with its high rewards rates on dining and groceries.

What could be better

The rewards structure may not be as appealing for those who don’t spend heavily on dining or groceries, particularly outside the U.S.

Perfect for

Individuals and families looking to maximize rewards on everyday dining and grocery expenses.

Expert's Opinion ...

Our team highly regards the American Express® Gold Card as an exceptional option for maximizing rewards on dining and grocery purchases. Earning 4X Membership Rewards® points in these categories allows cardholders to accumulate points rapidly on everyday spending. This is particularly beneficial for families and individuals who allocate a significant portion of their budget to food-related expenses.

The card also provides valuable annual credits, including up to $120 in dining credits at select restaurants. Additionally, by adding your American Express® Gold Card as a payment method on your Uber account, you can earn up to $120 in Uber Cash. This Uber Cash can be used for rides or Uber Eats orders within the U.S. It’s distributed in monthly increments of $10. When fully utilized, these credits can significantly offset the card’s annual fee.

When it comes to redeeming rewards, the flexibility of the Membership Rewards® program shines. Points can be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, often at a 1:1 ratio, providing opportunities for outsized value when booking travel. This makes the card not just a powerhouse for earning but also for redeeming rewards.

However, it’s important to note that the elevated rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets is capped at $25,000 in purchases per year, after which the rate drops to 1X. Additionally, the card’s benefits are optimized when you can leverage the travel redemption options; otherwise, you might not extract maximum value from your points.

In conclusion, the American Express® Gold Card is ideal for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries and are looking to translate that spending into valuable travel rewards. Its combination of high earning rates and flexible redemption options makes it a compelling choice for everyday use. Enrollment is required for select benefits. For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.

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Our Methodology #

Our recommendations for the best rewards credit cards are based on a comprehensive review of each card’s rewards program, fees, interest rates, and other benefits. We also consider the flexibility of redemption options, the value of welcome bonuses, and any additional perks that enhance the cardholder’s experience. Our goal is to help you find the card that best fits your spending habits and financial goals.

FAQs #

What factors should I consider when choosing a credit card? #

When selecting a credit card, consider your spending habits, financial goals, and the type of rewards you value most. Evaluate the card’s annual fee, interest rates, rewards program, and any additional perks such as travel protections or purchase insurances.

How do I maximize my credit card rewards? #

To maximize rewards, use your card for purchases in high-reward categories, take advantage of welcome bonuses, and pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. Additionally, consider pairing multiple cards to optimize rewards in different spending categories.

What is a welcome bonus, and how can I qualify for one? #

A welcome bonus is a promotional offer that provides extra rewards if you meet specific spending requirements within a set period after opening the account. To qualify, make sure you meet the spending threshold and timing outlined in the card’s terms.

How does a credit card’s APR impact my finances? #

The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) determines the interest you’ll pay if you carry a balance on your credit card. A lower APR is preferable, especially if you plan to carry a balance. Paying off your balance in full each month can help you avoid interest charges altogether.

What credit score do I need to get approved for a top-tier credit card? #

Credit score requirements vary by card, but top-tier cards typically require a good to excellent credit score (700+). Maintaining a strong credit history and managing your finances responsibly can improve your chances of approval.

Buyer’s Guide #

How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Your Needs #

Choosing the best credit card depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals. Start by identifying what you value most in a card—whether it’s travel rewards, cash back, or low-interest rates. Next, consider the following:

Annual Fees: Some cards offer premium benefits that justify a high annual fee, while others provide solid rewards with no fee.
Rewards Structure: Look at the rewards rate for your primary spending categories. Cards with higher rewards on travel, dining, or groceries might be more beneficial based on your spending habits.
Interest Rates: If you plan to carry a balance, prioritize cards with low APRs or 0% intro APR offers.
Additional Perks: Consider travel protections, purchase protections, and other benefits that align with your lifestyle.

By understanding your financial priorities, you can choose a card that offers the most value for your unique situation.

Expert Opinions #

The Importance of Matching a Credit Card to Your Lifestyle #

Experts agree that the best credit card is one that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle and spending habits. For example, a frequent traveler may benefit from a card that offers high rewards on travel purchases, airport lounge access, and comprehensive travel protections. On the other hand, someone focused on everyday savings might prefer a card with elevated rewards on groceries, dining, and no annual fee.

Matching your credit card to your lifestyle ensures that you get the most value out of your spending, maximizing rewards while minimizing costs. Additionally, using a card that aligns with your financial goals can help you build credit and manage your finances more effectively.

Credit Card Guide has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Credit Card Guide and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.