All Credit cards are not created equally. So if you are struggling to figure out how all of your friends manage to rack up rewards points, while you aimlessly swipe, we’re here to tell you that you are simply doing it wrong.
As a savvy, responsible adult, earning rewards for your everyday purchases seems like the obvious way to spend money, but how do you decide which credit is right for you? Decide whether gaining travel rewards or getting cash back is your top priority, then choose one of these rewards credit cards to start spending your hard-earned money the smart way.
1. Capital One Venture Rewards — convenient travel rewards
Capital One Venture Rewards | Capital One- Zero annual fee for the first year ($95/year after)
- Earn 50,000 points if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
When it comes to conveniently using travel rewards, Capital One Venture is the way to go. The card’s online app interface is extremely user-friendly, making cashing in on those 50,000 bonus points (equivalent to $500 of travel rewards) extremely simple. When it comes to earning points, cardholders will accrue two points for every single dollar spent, plus 10 points for every dollar spent booking hotels through Venture’s site.
Next: A card for travelers
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred — for the travelers
Chase Sapphire Preferred | Chase- Zero annual fee for the first year ($95/year after)
- Earn 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
For the travelers, Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card is a no-brainer. But before you open an account, be sure you are prepared to spend $4,000 within the first three months, otherwise, you may miss out on the stellar 50,000 points. According to Chase, that translates to an automatic $625 worth of travel rewards. While most purchases are equivalent to one point per every dollar spent, travel and restaurant purchases earn members twice as many points per dollar.
Next: Pick this card if you want cash back rewards.
3. Citi Double Cash — straightforward cash-back rewards
Citi Double Cash | Citi- Earn 2% cash back for every single purchase
- No annual fee
Not everyone is lured in by travel rewards, and for those individuals, Citi Double Cash is the ideal choice. Every single purchase earns cash back for cardholders without any caps on how much can actually be earned. For every dollar swiped on the Citi card, one percent cash back is earned. Then, for every dollar paid an additional one percent cash back is recouped. Plus, no annual fees makes this card an obvious winner.
Next: The best airline rewards card
4. United MileagePlus Explorer — the airline winner
United MileagePlus Explorer | Chase- Earn 40,000 miles if you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months
- Zero annual fee for the first year ($95/year after)
If United isn’t your go-to airline, consider opening an account with your preferred airline, but by all means, do not lose out on the mileage rewards. When it comes to United’s MileagePlus perks, cardholders get one free checked bag, priority boarding, and two one-time passes to the United’s lounges. Additionally, two miles are accrued for every single United airline ticket booked, along with one mile for every other purchase made with the card. You’ll be surprised how fast those miles add up.
Next: Luxury travelers will want this card.
5. American Express Platinum — for the luxury travelers
American Express Platinum | American Express- Earn 60,000 points if you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
- $550 annual fee
For the more high-end traveler, the America Express Platinum card is a clear choice. While the annual fee is steep, it pales in comparison to the benefits that come with the membership. Every single year, cardholders get $200 in Uber rides, $550 worth of fine hotels and resorts benefits, and $200 in airline fee benefits — think free baggage. Plus, cardholders rack up five times the points when booking travel directly with American Express.
Next: The family-friendly card
6. American Express Blue Cash Preferred — the family card
American Express Blue Cash Preferred | American Express- Earn $200 in statement credits if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
- $95 annual fee
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred card boasts 6% rewards for the first $6,000 spent annually, then an additional 1% on everything else purchased on the card. What’s even cooler is that 6% can be redeemed at grocery stores, restaurants, or any other retail store of preference. To boot, any purchases made at a gas station or a department store in the U.S. will earn you 3% back.
Next: The perfect card for foodies
7. Capital One Savor — for the foodies
Capital One Savor | Capital One- Earn $150 cash bonus if you spend $500 in the first 3 months
- No annual fee
If you get your kicks by indulging in delicious fare, the Capital One Savor is the card for you. Cardholders can earn a one-time $150 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first three months. Moving forward, every single dining purchase will earn you 3% cash back. Groceries earn 2% cash back, and everything else earns 1%. Plus, there is no annual fee.
Next: Even those with less-than-stellar credit can get rewards
8. Discover It Cashback Match — for those with not-so-great credit
Discover It Cashback Match | Discover- No annual fee
- Perfect card to establish good credit
Not everyone is rolling around in perfect (or even decent) credit, which is what makes the Discover It Cashback Match card a good place to start. Here is how it works. Once approved, cardholders provide Discover with a refundable security deposit equal to the approved credit line amount. From that point, every single purchase provides cash back rewards.
