top rated credit cards for points
Top-rated credit cards for points typically offer exceptional rewards programs, allowing cardholders to earn points on their everyday purchases which can then be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even cash back. These cards often come with valuable sign-up bonuses, robust earning rates, and additional perks such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.
A standout example is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which is highly regarded for its flexible points system and generous travel rewards. Cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards® at a higher value, particularly when used for travel bookings. Another top contender is the American Express® Gold Card, known for its lucrative rewards on dining and groceries, earning 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets up to a certain limit. Furthermore, the Citi Premier® Card offers 3x points on air travel, hotels, and everyday expenses like gas and groceries, making it a versatile option for both frequent travelers and those with substantial day-to-day spending. Each of these cards also provides substantial sign-up bonuses and a suite of travel and purchase protections, making them valuable assets for maximizing points and benefits.
- Chase Sapphire PreferredView All
Chase Sapphire Preferred - Travel rewards credit card with premium benefits and bonuses.
- American Express PlatinumView All
American Express Platinum - Elite travel perks and premium financial services.
- Citi PrestigeView All
Citi Prestige - Luxury travel rewards credit card by Citibank.
- Capital One VentureView All
Capital One Venture - Travel rewards credit card with flexible earning and redemption.
- Chase Freedom UnlimitedView All
Chase Freedom Unlimited - Cash-back credit card with versatile rewards and no annual fee.
- Discover it MilesView All
Discover it Miles - Travel rewards credit card with unlimited mile-earning potential.
- Bank of America Travel RewardsView All
Bank of America Travel Rewards - Bank of America Travel Rewards: Earn travel points, no annual fee.
- Wells Fargo Propel American ExpressView All
Wells Fargo Propel American Express - Wells Fargo Propel American Express: Versatile rewards, no annual fee.
- U.S. Bank Altitude ReserveView All
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve - Luxury travel rewards credit card with premium benefits.
- Hilton Honors American Express AspireView All
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire - Hilton's premium rewards card with luxury travel benefits.
top rated credit cards for points
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Pros
Generous rewards
Travel benefits
No foreign transaction fees
Strong sign-up bonus
Flexible points redemption.
Cons
Annual fee
High credit score requirement
Limited lounge access
Complex rewards system
No introductory APR offer.
2.
American Express Platinum
Pros
Premium rewards
extensive travel benefits
luxury concierge service
global lounge access
comprehensive purchase protection
Cons
High annual fee
limited acceptance
complex rewards system
requires excellent credit
potential for high interest rates
3.
Citi Prestige
Pros
High rewards rate
Travel perks
Airport lounge access
Complimentary 4th-night hotel stay
Flexible redemption options
Cons
High annual fee
Limited bonus categories
Complex rewards program
Strict approval criteria
Limited domestic travel benefits
4.
Capital One Venture
Pros
Flexible rewards
No foreign transaction fees
Travel benefits
Easy redemption
High sign-up bonus.
Cons
Annual fee
Limited lounge access
Higher APR
Good credit needed
Penalty APR.
5.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Pros
Cash back rewards
No annual fee
Flexible redemption options
Sign-up bonus
Purchase protection.
Cons
Foreign transaction fees
High APR
Limited travel benefits
Requires good credit
Balance transfer fee.
6.
Discover it Miles
Pros
No annual fee
1.5x miles on all purchases
first-year mile match
no foreign transaction fees
flexible redemption options
Cons
Limited travel benefits
higher APR
minimal travel insurance
no airport lounge access
limited acceptance outside the US
7.
Bank of America Travel Rewards
Pros
No annual fee
Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar
No foreign transaction fees
Flexible redemption options
Online banking integration.
Cons
No bonus categories
Requires good credit
Limited transfer partners
Points not as valuable as some programs
No travel insurance benefits.
8.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express
Pros
No annual fee
Generous rewards categories
Cell phone protection
Travel benefits
Purchase protection.
Cons
Limited acceptance
Foreign transaction fee
Requires good credit
No intro APR on balance transfers
No premium travel perks.
9.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
Pros
Generous rewards program
Valuable travel credits
Access to airport lounges
Extensive travel insurance
No foreign transaction fees
Cons
High annual fee
Limited transfer partners
Requires good credit
Rewards redemption can be complex
Limited lounge network
10.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire
Pros
High rewards rate
Complimentary Diamond status
Annual free weekend night
Travel and resort credits
Priority pass access
Cons
High annual fee
Complex rewards redemption
Limited lounge access
High spending requirements
Not widely accepted internationally