Top 10 Points Rewards Credit Cards
Points rewards credit cards are a type of credit card that allows cardholders to earn points for every dollar they spend. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, such as travel, merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits.
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The value proposition of points rewards credit cards lies in their flexibility and potential for high-value redemptions. Cardholders can often accumulate points through regular purchases, as well as through bonus categories that offer higher earning rates for specific types of spending, such as dining, groceries, or travel. Some cards also provide sign-up bonuses, where new cardholders can earn a large number of points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. Additionally, many points rewards cards come with perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, and access to exclusive events. However, these cards often carry annual fees and higher interest rates, so it’s crucial for users to weigh the benefits against the costs and ensure they can pay off their balances in full each month to truly maximize the rewards.
Chase Sapphire PreferredView AllChase Sapphire Preferred - Travel rewards card with valuable points and benefits.
American Express Membership RewardsView AllAmerican Express Membership Rewards - Loyalty program offering points for purchases, redeemable for rewards.
Citi ThankYouView AllCiti ThankYou - Citi ThankYou: Rewards program for Citi credit cardholders.
Capital One VentureView AllCapital One Venture - Capital One Venture: Travel rewards card with flexible redemption options.
Wells Fargo PropelView AllWells Fargo Propel - Rewards credit card with no annual fee.
U.S. Bank Altitude ReserveView AllU.S. Bank Altitude Reserve - U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve: premier travel rewards credit card.
Barclays Arrival PlusView AllBarclays Arrival Plus - Travel rewards credit card with flexible redemption options.
Bank of America Travel RewardsView AllBank of America Travel Rewards - No-fee card; unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on purchases.
Discover it MilesView AllDiscover it Miles - Travel rewards card with unlimited 1.5x miles on purchases.
Hilton Honors American ExpressView AllHilton Honors American Express - Rewards card for Hilton stays and travel perks.
Top 10 Points Rewards Credit Cards
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its valuable points system and flexible redemption options. Cardholders earn 2X points on travel and dining, and 1X on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, often at an enhanced value. The card offers a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and various travel protections, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
Pros
Generous sign-up bonus- 2x points on dining/travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Flexible rewards redemption.
Cons
$95 annual fee- Requires good/excellent credit
- Limited lounge access
- No 0% intro APR
- Higher points value with Chase portal only.
2.
American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards is a loyalty program that allows cardholders to earn points on eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and statement credits. The program offers flexibility and value, with no expiration on points as long as the account is in good standing. Additionally, members can transfer points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs, enhancing the travel benefits of American Express cards.
Pros
- Flexible redemption options
- Transfer to airline partners
- No expiration of points
- Valuable travel perks
- Access to exclusive events
Cons
- High annual fees
- Limited acceptance by merchants
- Complicated rewards structure
- Potential for high interest rates
- Some rewards have blackout dates
3.
Citi ThankYou
Citi ThankYou is a rewards program offered by Citibank that allows cardholders to earn points on eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and statement credits. The program is designed to enhance the value of Citi credit cards by providing flexible redemption options and exclusive benefits. Points can also be transferred to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering additional flexibility for travelers.
Pros
- Flexible redemption options
- Transfer to travel partners
- No expiration on points
- Variety of earning opportunities
- Comprehensive travel protections.
Cons
- Limited high-value transfer partners
- Complicated rewards structure
- Potential for devaluation
- Annual fees on some cards
- Limited hotel transfer options.
4.
Capital One Venture
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular travel rewards card that offers 2X miles on every purchase, with no blackout dates or restrictions. Cardholders can redeem miles for travel expenses such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. The card often comes with a generous sign-up bonus, travel benefits like travel accident insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. It has a $95 annual fee, waived for the first year, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers.
Pros
- Unlimited 2x miles
- Easy redemption process
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible transfer partners
- Travel insurance benefits
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Limited travel perks
- No introductory 0% APR
- Requires good credit
- Limited premium benefits
5.
Wells Fargo Propel
The Wells Fargo Propel is a popular no-annual-fee credit card that offers generous rewards and benefits. Cardholders earn 3X points on dining, travel, transit, and popular streaming services, and 1X points on other purchases. It also features a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months. With no foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel and purchase protections, the Wells Fargo Propel is a versatile and valuable option for everyday spending and travel.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3x points on various categories
- intro APR on purchases
- cell phone protection
- no foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Limited travel transfer partners
- points value varies
- requires good credit
- no sign-up bonus
- limited premium benefits.
6.
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve
The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a premium travel rewards credit card offering high-value benefits. It provides 3x points on travel and mobile wallet purchases, a $325 annual travel credit, and access to Priority Pass airport lounges. Cardholders also enjoy TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee reimbursement, luxury hotel benefits, and no foreign transaction fees. While it carries a $400 annual fee, the extensive travel perks and rewards can significantly offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Pros
- High rewards on travel
- $325 annual travel credit
- Priority Pass Select membership
- TSA PreCheck fee credit
- Real-Time Mobile Rewards.
Cons
- $400 annual fee
- Limited transfer partners
- High APR
- No intro APR offer
- Requires excellent credit.
7.
Barclays Arrival Plus
The Barclays Arrival Plus World Elite Mastercard is a travel rewards credit card offering 2X miles on all purchases. Cardholders can redeem miles for travel-related expenses, statement credits, and more. The card features a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees, and an annual fee that is waived for the first year. Additional perks include chip technology for global acceptance and complimentary online FICO credit score access, making it a versatile choice for frequent travelers.
Pros
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
- Chip-and-PIN capability
- 2X miles on all purchases.
Cons
- Annual fee
- Limited transfer partners
- No luxury travel perks
- High APR
- Requires excellent credit.
8.
Bank of America Travel Rewards
The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a straightforward rewards program, earning 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases without any annual fee. Points can be redeemed for travel expenses, such as flights, hotels, vacation packages, and more. The card also features no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travelers. New cardholders can benefit from a generous sign-up bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement, enhancing its appeal for frequent travelers.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1.5 points per dollar
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options
- Introductory APR offer.
Cons
- No travel partners
- Limited travel perks
- High APR after intro period
- Requires good credit
- Limited bonus categories.
9.
Discover it Miles
The Discover it® Miles credit card is a travel rewards card that offers unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent on purchases. Ideal for frequent travelers, the card features no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and an easy-to-use rewards system. New cardholders benefit from an introductory offer where Discover matches all miles earned in the first year. Additional perks include flexible redemption options and access to FICO® credit scores for better financial management.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5x miles
- No annual fee
- First-year miles match
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options.
Cons
- Limited travel perks
- No airport lounge access
- Limited transfer partners
- No introductory APR on purchases
- Requires good credit.
10.
Hilton Honors American Express
The Hilton Honors American Express Card is a rewards credit card tailored for frequent travelers who stay at Hilton properties. Cardholders earn Hilton Honors points on everyday purchases, with boosted points for spending at Hilton hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations. Benefits include complimentary Silver status in the Hilton Honors program, no foreign transaction fees, and various travel protections. Ideal for loyal Hilton guests, it offers opportunities to redeem points for hotel stays, experiences, and more.
Pros
- Earns Hilton Honors points
- Free night reward
- Complimentary Silver status
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel and purchase protections
Cons
- Annual fee
- Limited airline transfer partners
- Points expire after inactivity
- Restricted redemption options
- Rewards limited to Hilton properties