Best Rewards Credit Cards 2024 #

Rewards credit cards offer a fantastic way to earn points, miles, or cash back on everyday purchases. The best rewards credit cards of 2024 cater to various spending habits, whether you prefer earning travel rewards, cash back, or flexible points. Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks for the best rewards credit cards, each with its own unique strengths.

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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, rewards programs, and thorough independent research. Credit card issuers do not have any input or control over our ratings.

Rewards
5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
3x points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services
2x points on other travel purchases
1x point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
bonus_miles_full
Intro APR:
Not available
Regular APR:
Variable APR of 21.24% – 28.24%
Annual fee:
$95
Credit Required:
Good to Excellent (700+)

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 a standout choice for travelers seeking flexible rewards and valuable perks.

Why we recommend it

This card offers elevated rewards on travel and dining, with points that can be transferred to a variety of travel partners or redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal for increased value.

What could be better

The annual fee may deter some, and those who don’t spend heavily on travel and dining might find less value.

Ideal for

Travel enthusiasts who want flexibility in redeeming points and value transferring points to airline and hotel partners.

Expert's Opinion ...

Our editorial team highly recommends the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for its robust rewards program and flexibility. The ability to earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ and 3x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, allows cardholders to accumulate points quickly. The points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio to several airline and hotel partners, providing opportunities for exceptional value.

The card’s $95 annual fee is reasonable considering the benefits, including travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and primary rental car coverage. However, the lack of an intro APR offer means it’s less suited for those seeking to finance large purchases over time.

In summary, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is ideal for travelers who value flexibility and are looking to maximize their rewards potential.

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Best Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Rewards
10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Intro APR:
Not available
Regular APR:
Variable APR of 21.99% – 28.99%
Annual fee:
$395
Credit Required:
Excellent (750+)

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

High earning rates on travel bookings
$300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Airport lounge access
Strong welcome bonus

Cons ✘

High annual fee
Maximum rewards require booking through Capital One Travel
Less established lounge network compared to competitors

Expert's Summary ...

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers premium travel benefits and high rewards rates for frequent travelers.

Why we recommend it

This card provides substantial rewards on travel bookings and comes with valuable perks like airport lounge access and annual travel credits that can offset the annual fee.

What could be better

The high annual fee and reliance on the Capital One Travel portal for maximum rewards may not suit everyone.

Ideal for

Frequent travelers who can take advantage of the card’s premium benefits and who prefer booking through Capital One’s travel platform.

Expert's Opinion ...

Our experts consider the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card a strong contender in the premium travel card market. The 10x miles on hotels and rental cars and 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel offer significant earning potential. The card also provides a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and access to Capital One Lounges, enhancing the travel experience.

However, the card’s premium benefits come with a $395 annual fee, which is offset if you fully utilize the travel credits and perks. The lounge network is growing but currently smaller than some competitors.

In conclusion, this card is best suited for travelers who can maximize the benefits and are comfortable using Capital One’s travel booking platform.

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Best Flexible Rewards Credit Card for Travel Protections

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

5.0 ★★★★★ ⓘ

Rewards
10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
5x points on flights purchased through Chase Travel℠
3x points on other travel worldwide after earning your $300 annual travel credit
3x points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services
1x point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Intro APR:
Not available
Regular APR:
Variable APR of 22.99% – 29.99%
Annual fee:
$550
Credit Required:
Excellent (750+)

Pros & Cons ...

Pros ✓

Extensive travel protections and insurance
$300 annual travel credit
Access to Priority Pass™ lounges
High rewards on travel and dining

Cons ✘

Very high annual fee
Maximum rewards require booking through Chase Travel℠
Rewards structure may be complex for some users

Expert's Summary ...

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card offering top-tier rewards and comprehensive travel protections.

Why we recommend it

This card is ideal for frequent travelers who value travel perks, protections, and high rewards rates on travel and dining.

What could be better

The high annual fee may not be justifiable for those who don’t travel frequently enough to utilize the benefits.

Ideal for

Travelers seeking luxury benefits, extensive travel protections, and high rewards on travel and dining expenses.

Expert's Opinion ...

Our experts view the Chase Sapphire Reserve® as one of the leading premium travel cards. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee to $250 if fully utilized. The card’s robust travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance and primary rental car coverage, provide peace of mind.

The ability to earn 3x points on travel and dining, coupled with the flexibility of Chase Travel℠, makes this card highly rewarding. However, the high annual fee and complex rewards structure may not suit everyone.

In summary, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is best for frequent travelers who can take full advantage of its premium benefits and protections.

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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 rewards credit card? #

When selecting a rewards 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 rewards credit card? #

Credit score requirements vary by card, but rewards credit 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.

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.