A good card for people who often fly on American Airlines (2x miles on AA spending, as well as restaurants and gas), with a 50K miles signup bonus, but also a $99 annual fee.
$436/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Citi
Citi
Network
Mastercard
Mastercard
Credit Score Required
Above Average (740-799)
Above Average (740-799)
X
Pros
- Earn 50,000 miles (American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles) after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- $125 American Airlines flight discount each year that you spend $20,000 or more.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $99 annual fee. ($0 in the first year.)
Rewards & Perks
- 50,000 bonus miles (American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles) after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, restaurants, and gas.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
- $125 American Airlines flight discount each year that you spend $20,000 or more.
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to four companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
- 25% savings on eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases when you use your card on American Airlines flights.
- Preferred boarding on American Airlines domestic flights.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $99. ($0 in the first year.)
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-24.99%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,182
An excellent card for cash back on groceries (6%) and gas (3%), with a $200 welcome bonus (plus 20% cash back on Amazon.com purchases for the first 6 months, for up to $200 back), which outweigh the $95 annual fee for most people.
$434/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
- Very high cash back rate (6%) on groceries, as well as U.S. streaming services (e.g., Netflix).
- Good cash back rate (3%) on gas and transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, and buses).
- $200 welcome bonus (after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months).
- Plus, 20% cash back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months, for up to $200 back.
- 0% intro APR.
Cons
- $95 annual fee. (But $0 for the first year.)
Rewards & Perks
- 6% cash back on groceries and U.S. streaming services (e.g., Netflix), 3% on gas and transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses), 1% everywhere else.
- $200 welcome bonus (after spending $3,000 in first 6 months).
- Plus, 20% cash back on Amazon.com purchases on the Card within the first 6 months, for up to $200 back.
Rates & Fees
- $95 annual fee. ($0 for the first year.)
- APR on purchases: 13.99-23.99% (but 0% for the first 12 months).
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
Total savings over 5 years: $2,170
A mediocre travel rewards cards with a good 50K points signup bonus, and with 2x points on travel and dining and 1.5x on everything else, but a $95 annual fee.
$429/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Bank of America
Bank of America
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- 50K bonus points after you spend $3K within the first 3 months.
- 2x points on travel and dining purchases.
- 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Get up to a $100 Airline Incidental Statement Credit annually for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services, and airline lounge fees - automatically applied to your card statement.
- 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.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $95 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 50,000 bonus points after you spend $3K within the first 3 months.
- 2x points on travel and dining purchases.
- 1.5 points per dollar for all other purchases.
- Get up to a $100 Airline Incidental Statement Credit annually for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services, and airline lounge fees - automatically applied to your card statement.
- 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
- $95 annual fee.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 15.99-22.99%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,144
A surprisingly good card for travel and general spending, with a good signup bonus (75K points) and no annual fee.
$426/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Barclays
Barclays
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Above Average (740-799)
Above Average (740-799)
X
Pros
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 180 days. (50K points after spending $1K in the first 90 days, and another 25K points after spending $2K in the first 180 days.)
- Earn 8,000 anniversary bonus points every year you spend $10,000 or more on purchases with your card by your account anniversary date.
- 15x points at eligible Choice Privileges locations with your Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card and Choice Privileges membership.
- 5x points on purchases of Choice Privileges points or Choice Hotels gift card purchases.
- 2 points per eligible $1 spent on everyday purchases.
- Barclays Elite Gold status: Earn 10% in bonus points on qualifying stays, and get access to dedicated reservations, customer serivce numbers, and exclusive offers.
- No annual fee.
Cons
- Each point is worth just 0.6 cents on average, which is low compared to other credit cards.
Rewards & Perks
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 180 days. (50K points after spending $1K in the first 90 days, and another 25K points after spending $2K in the first 180 days.)
- Earn 8,000 anniversary bonus points every year you spend $10,000 or more on purchases with your card by your account anniversary date.
- 15 points per dollar spent at eligible Choice Privileges locations with your Choice Privileges Visa Signature Card and Choice Privileges membership.
- 5 points per dollar spent on the purchase of Choice Privileges points or Choice Hotels gift card purchases.
- 2 points per dollar spent on everyday purchases.
- Barclays Elite Gold status: Earn 10% in bonus points on qualifying stays, and get access to dedicated reservations, customer serivce numbers, and exclusive offers.
Rates & Fees
- No annual fee.
- APR for purchases: 15.74-24.99%.
- APR for balance transfers: 15.74-24.99% (0% for the first 15 months on BTs posted within the first 45 days).
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,130
A decent points card for spending on hotels and car rentals (5x points) and restaurants (3x), with a 30K points signup bonus, but also an $85 annual fee.
$420/yr
total value to you
Issuer
US Bank
US Bank
Network
American Express
American Express
Credit Score Required
Average (670-739)
Average (670-739)
X
Pros
- Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first 4 months.
- 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals (when booked directly in the FlexPerks Rewards Center).
- 3x points at restaurants.
- 2x points at airlines and gas stations.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $85 annual fee.
Rewards & Perks
- 30,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first 4 months.
- 5x points on prepaid hotels and car rentals (when booked directly in the FlexPerks Rewards Center).
- 3x points at restaurants.
- 2x points at airlines and gas stations.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $85.
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 14.49-24.49%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $2,101
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
An excellent travel rewards card (3x on travel and dining, $300 travel credit each year, 50K points signup bonus) with a high annual fee ($550) for people who travel a lot.
$398/yr
total value to you
Issuer
Chase
Chase
Network
Visa
Visa
Credit Score Required
Above Average (740-799)
Above Average (740-799)
X
Pros
- 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Through December 2021: Earn up to $120 in statement credits on DoorDash purchases. (That's $60 in statement credits through December 2020 and another $60 in statement credits through December 2021.)
- $300 credit for travel each year: Automatically receive up to $300 in statement credits as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. (From June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, gas station and grocery store purchases will also count toward earning your Travel Credit.)
- 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out).
- 3x points on travel (after earning your $300 annual travel credit).
- From November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021: 3x points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month. (This also includes eligible pick-up and delivery services.)
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel (via Chase Ultimate Rewards) and/or (for at least a limited time) for statement credits in select rotating categories (via "Pay Yourself Back").
- Priority Pass Select membership: Rest and revive before your flight at one of the 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide.
- Sleek metal card design.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $550 annual fee (plus $75 per year for each additional authorized user).
Rewards & Perks
- 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Through March 2022: 10x points on Lyft rides.
- Complimentary Lyft Membership (for 1 year): Receive up to 15% off every car ride, plus other benefits, such as priority airport pickups, relaxed cancellations, and exclusive saving opportunities with one year of complimentary Lyft Pink, a $199 minimum value. (You or your authorized user will need to activate this benefit with a Sapphire Reserve card by March 31, 2022. Lyft Pink will be registered in the name of the cardmember who first activates the benefits.)
- Through December 2021: Get up to $120 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app.
- For the first year: Complimentary DoorDash "DashPass" membership, which offers unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on orders over $12 on qualifying food purchases.
- Through December 2021: Earn up to $120 in statement credits on DoorDash purchases. (That's $60 in statement credits through December 2020 and another $60 in statement credits through December 2021.)
- $300 credit for travel each year: Automatically receive up to $300 in statement credits as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year. (From June 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, gas station and grocery store purchases will also count toward earning your Travel Credit.)
- 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out).
- 3x points on travel (after earning your $300 annual travel credit).
- From November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021: 3x points on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month. (This also includes eligible pick-up and delivery services.)
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel (via Chase Ultimate Rewards) and/or (for at least a limited time) for statement credits in select rotating categories (via "Pay Yourself Back").
- Priority Pass Select membership: Rest and revive before your flight at one of the 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide.
- Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection benefits: Provides the following benefits at over 1,000 luxury hotels, resorts, lodges, and spas: Daily breakfast for two, a room upgrade (if available), early check-in and late check-out (if available), complimentary wi-fi, and a special benefit unique to each property (e.g., lunch or dinner for two, a spa treatment, waivers of golf greens fees, welcome gift, or airport transfers).
Rates & Fees
- Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 for each additional authorized user).
- APR on purchases and balance transfers: 16.99-23.99%.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Total savings over 5 years: $1,988
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