A good card for people who are frequent Hilton guests (7x points on Hilton) or who spend on dining, groceries, and gas (5x), which has a welcome bonus of 80K points (after spending $1K w/in 3 months), and no annual fee.
$417/yr
total value to you
Issuer
American Express
American Express
Network
American Express
American Express
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 7x points at Hilton hotels. 5x points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. 3x points on everything else.
- Welcome bonus of 80K points (after spending $1,000 w/in 3 months).
- Plus an additional 50K points if you spend a total of $5,000 w/in 6 months.
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver Status.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Each point is worth just 0.5 cents on average, which is low compared to other credit cards.
Rewards & Perks
- 7x points at Hilton properties.
- 5x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
- 3x points everywhere else.
- Welcome bonus of 80K points (after spending $1,000 w/in 3 months).
- Plus an additional 50K points if you spend a total of $5,000 w/in 6 months.
- Hilton Honors Silver status: Includes 15% points bonus, fifth night free on award stays, and two complimentary bottles of water per stay.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases: 15.74-24.74%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,084
A mediocre airline rewards card (1.25 miles per dollar), with a 20K miles early spend bonus and no annual fee.
$406/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 20,000 Bonus Miles: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 1.25 miles for every dollar you spend on purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- The miles earn rate is pretty mediocre.
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, the Capital One Venture Rewards card offers even better rewards.
Rewards & Perks
- 20,000 Bonus Miles: One-time bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 1.25 miles per dollar for all purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.49-25.49% (0% for the first year).
- APR for balance transfers: 15.49-25.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,031
A decent credit card offering cash back on dining and entertainment, a $200 early spend bonus, and no annual fee.
$395/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Mastercard
Mastercard
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- If most of your purchases will be on things outside of the 3% cash back categories, then the 1% cash back rate isn't as good as cards that offer 1.5% cash back on all spending.
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, the Capital One Savor Rewards card offers even better rewards.
Rewards & Perks
- $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
- 3% cash back on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.49-25.49% (0% for the first 15 months).
- APR for balance transfers: 15.49-25.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,977
A great no annual fee card if you're an Amazon Prime member (5% at amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, as well as a $70 signup bonus).
$394/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $50 off instantly upon approval.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: An additional $20 ($70 instead of $50) will be instantly loaded onto your Amazon.com Gift Card upon the approval of your credit card application.
- 3% cash back at amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: Earn an additional 2% cash back (in other words, 5% cash back instead of 3% cash back) at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Good APR.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- You need to be an Amazon Prime member to earn the 5% cash back rate at amazon.com and Whole Foods. (Otherwise, you'll only earn 3% on those types of spending.)
Rewards & Perks
- $50 off instantly upon approval.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: An additional $20 ($70 instead of $50) will be instantly loaded onto your Amazon.com Gift Card upon the approval of your credit card application.
- 3% cash back at amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- If you're an Amazon Prime member: Earn an additional 2% cash back (in other words, 5% cash back instead of 3% cash back) at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection privileges: Enjoy a premium set of benefits when you use your Premium Rewards card to book through the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection.
- Personal concierge service (via Visa Signature Concierge): Visa Signature concierge service gives you access to concierges who can help with travel planning, restaurant recommendations, and event reservations.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 14.24-22.24%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,970
A no annual fee card, which offers 5x points on gas, 3x at supermarkets, restaurants, TV/cable/radio, and streaming, 1x on everything else, plus a signup bonus of 15,000 points (if you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days).
$391/yr
total value to you
Issuer
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 5x points on gas.
- 3x points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV/radio/cable, and streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- 15,000 points signup bonus (after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days).
- No annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 5x points on gas.
- 3x points at supermarkets (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV/radio/cable, and streaming services.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
- 15,000 points signup bonus (after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Purchase APR: 14.49-17.99% (variable)
Total savings over 5 years: $1,955
Official Card Description (from card issuer):
- Get Rewarded on Everyday Purchases
- 5x Points** on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations
- 3x Points** at the supermarket (including most Target and Walmart locations†), restaurants, and TV, radio, cable, streaming services
- 1x Points** on all other purchases
- 15,000 Bonus Pointsƚ when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval.
- Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. On transfers made from now until September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 17.99%. A 3% balance transfer fee applies to each transfer. This transaction is subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Purchase Variable APR*: 14.49% to 17.99%
- Refer to PenFed.org for Terms/Conditions
A good travel rewards card, which offers 3-4x points on travel (4x if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Members, or 3x if not), 1.5x on everything else, and a 50K points signup bonus (if you spend $3K in the first 90 days), for an annual fee of $95 (or $0, if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member).
$381/yr
total value to you
Issuer
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 4x points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member. (If you're not, then it's 3x points on travel purchases.)
- 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- 50,000 points signup bonus (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days).
- Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership.
Cons
- Annual fee of $95 (or $0, if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member).
Rewards & Perks
- 4x points on travel purchases if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member. (If you're not, then it's 3x points on travel purchases.)
- 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- 50,000 points signup bonus (when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days).
- Complimentary Priority Pass Airport Lounge Annual Membership.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $95 (but $0 if you're a PenFed Honors Advantage Member)
- Purchase APR: 15.99-17.99% (variable)
Total savings over 5 years: $1,906
Official Card Description (from card issuer):
- Earn more everywhere you go!
- 50,000 Bonus Pointsƚ when you spend $3000 in the first 90 days
- Up to $799^ total Travel value
- 4X Points** on all Travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Membersƚƚ
- 3X Points** on all Travel categories
- 1.5X Points** on all other purchases
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval.
- Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months, 3% fee applies to each transaction. Subject to credit approval. On transfers made from now until September 30, 2022. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 17.99%. A 3% balance transfer fee applies to each transfer. This transaction is subject to credit approval. If you take advantage of this balance transfer, you will immediately be charged interest on all purchases made with your credit card unless you pay the entire account balance, including balance transfers, in full each month by the payment due date.
- Annual Fee: $95 (waived for existing PenFed Honors Advantage Membersƚƚ)***
- Purchase Variable APR*: 15.99% to 17.99%
- Refer to PenFed.org for Terms/Conditions
A good cash back card or dining, entertainment, and grocery spending (4% on dining, entertainment, and streaming services, 3% on groceries, 1% elsewhere), with a $300 early spend bonus, but a $95 annual fee.
$370/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Capital One
Capital One
Network
Mastercard
Mastercard
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- $300 Cash Bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of $300 once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats using your Savor card.
- 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 3% cash back on groceries.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Not a great cash back rate for categories outside of dining, entertainment/streaming, and groceries.
- $95 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- $300 Cash Bonus: Earn a one-time bonus of $300 once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats using your Savor card.
- 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
- 2% cash back on groceries.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- $95 annual fee.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-24.99%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,848
A good card for frequent Delta flyers, with a welcome bonus (after spending $2K within 3 months) of 50K miles plus 5K MQMs (Medallion® Qualification Miles) and an ongoing 3x miles on Delta and hotels, but a $250 annual fee.
$365/yr
total value to you
Issuer
American Express
American Express
Network
American Express
American Express
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- A welcome bonus (after spending $2K within 3 months) of 50K miles plus 5K MQMs (Medallion® Qualification Miles). (Offer expires 11/10/2021.)
- 3x miles on Delta purchases (Delta flights and Delta Vacations) and hotel purchases. 2x miles at restaurants and supermarkets. 1x miles on everything else.
- Other travel benefits such as first checked bag free, priority boarding, and an annual companion certificate.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Annual fee: $250.
Rewards & Perks
- A welcome bonus (after spending $2K within 3 months) of 50K miles plus 5K MQMs (Medallion® Qualification Miles). (Offer expires 11/10/2021.)
- 3x miles on Delta purchases (Delta flights and Delta Vacations) and hotel purchases. 2x miles at restaurants and supermarkets. 1x miles on everything else.
- Status Boost: Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to two times. (Note: MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.)
- Additional MQMs: Earn an additional 2,500 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) each time you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Platinum Card (up to 2 times).
- Free checked bag: First checked bag is free.
- Annual companion airplane ticket: One round-trip airplane ticket per year for a travelling companion.
- $39 Delta Sky Club Access: Enjoy an exclusive rate of $39 per person per visit to enter the Delta Sky Club for you and up to two guests when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Priority boarding: Priority boarding allows you to board the plane sooner, stow your bag and settle in your seat before takeoff.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $250.
- APR on purchases: 15.74-24.74%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,826
A good card for Southwest frequent flyers (2x on SWA purchases, 40K points signup bonus), but has a $69 annual fee.
$365/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- For the first year: 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
- 2x points on Southwest purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Receive 3,000 bonus points each year (on your card member anniversary date).
- $0 1st & 2nd checked bags.
Cons
- $69 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- For the first year: 3x points on dining purchases at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
- 2x points on Southwest purchases.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- 3,000 bonus points each year (on your card member anniversary date).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $69.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-22.99%.
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,827
A mediocre card for frequent United Airlines flyers, offering 2x miles on spending at United Airlines, gas stations, and public transit, as well as a 30K miles signup bonus and no annual fee.
$348/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 2x miles on spending at United Airlines, gas stations, and public transit.
- For the first year: 3x miles on spending at grocery stores (on up to $15,000 in grocery spending).
- 15,000 miles signup bonus (after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months).
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- If you're willing to pay an annual fee, there are other United credit cards that offer higher miles earn rates and better signup bonuses, such as the Chase United Explorer card and the Chase United Club Infinite card.
Rewards & Perks
- For the first year: 3x miles on spending at grocery stores (on up to $15,000 in grocery spending).
- 2x miles on spending at United Airlines, gas stations, and public transit/commuting.
- 1 mile per dollar for all other purchases.
- 15,000 miles signup bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases and balance transfers: 16.49-23.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,740