Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.3 |
5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
2x on all other travel purchases.
1x on all other purchases.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$95
20.74% – 27.74% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a top choice for travel rewards enthusiasts. With a $95 annual fee, it offers great value through excellent rewards on travel and dining purchases. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer them to one of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel partners for even more flexibility.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers impressive earning potential:
Highlights:
This card is a fantastic option for frequent travelers looking for value and peace of mind.
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Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, redeemable for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery) and drugstore purchases.
1.5% cashback on all other purchases.
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
$0
19.74% – 28.49% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a versatile card that earns cash back on every purchase. Its value increases significantly when paired with a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, allowing you to unlock even greater redemption options like travel transfers and premium rewards.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
$695
Pay Over Time APR
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Amex Platinum Card stands out for its unparalleled travel perks and benefits. With access to exclusive lounges, automatic hotel elite status, and valuable annual statement credits, this card is a top choice for travelers who prioritize luxury and convenience, making it worth the higher annual fee.
The Amex Platinum Card offers incredible value, starting with a lucrative welcome offer valued at $1,600.
Key Benefits:
With its extensive benefits, the Amex Platinum Card is perfect for travelers seeking luxury and convenience.
The Amex Platinum Card’s $695 annual fee is best suited for frequent travelers who can fully utilize its benefits.
Considerations:
Make sure the card’s benefits align with your spending habits and travel frequency before committing to the annual fee.
The American Express Platinum Card offers an extensive array of benefits and credits designed for travelers and luxury lifestyle enthusiasts. Here’s a breakdown:
With these perks, the card is ideal for frequent travelers and those who can maximize the credits. However, the $695 annual fee makes it best suited for those who value and actively use its premium benefits. Terms apply.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
Earn 5X Miles per dollar on vacation rentals, hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
$95
19.99% – 29.24% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
$395
19.99% – 29.24% Variable
740-850 (Excellent)
If you fully utilize the $300 credit for Capital One Travel, the Venture X’s annual fee effectively drops to $95, matching the fee of the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. Additionally, you’ll earn a 10,000-mile bonus each account anniversary (valued at $185 by Lone Travellers) and enjoy lounge access. These benefits make the Venture X an exceptional choice for many travelers seeking value and premium perks.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4 |
Enjoy 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal, available until December 31, 2025.
Get 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Enjoy $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$0
18.24% – 28.24% Variable
580-850 (Fair/Good/Excellent)
The Citi Double Cash Card is perfect for those just starting to build good credit habits. You’ll earn 2% cash back, 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. It’s a great choice for anyone who values simplicity and wants straightforward cash back rewards.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4 |
Enjoy 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
Enjoy 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Get 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
Get 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
Enjoy 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
You could qualify for a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening your account. Apply confidently, and if approved, you’ll see your welcome offer before choosing to accept the card. Keep in mind, you might not qualify for the full welcome bonus amount.
$0 for 1st year & then $95
18.24%-29.24% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
This Amex credit card is one of the best cash-back rewards credit cards on the market. You’ll get a amazing return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee.
With a rewards credit card, you can earn points, miles, or cash back for every dollar you spend. These rewards can be used for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more.
Credit card companies started offering rewards cards in the 1980s. Airlines created these programs to reward frequent flyers and build customer loyalty. Now, rewards cards are a popular way for issuers to encourage people to use their cards regularly.
A rewards credit card is a good option if you plan to use it for everyday purchases and usually pay off your balance in full. However, if your goal is to build credit, make a big purchase, or pay off debt, other types of cards like a secured card, 0% intro APR card, or balance transfer card might be better.
Remember, the right credit card should save you money. If the annual fee is too high or if you’re carrying a balance just to earn a sign-up bonus, the card probably isn’t worth it.
There isn’t one “best” rewards credit card for everyone, but you can find the right one for you by considering a few key factors. Look at the type of rewards, how much you can earn, the annual fee, and the benefits the card offers to see if it fits your lifestyle. The best card for you should not only offer a solid welcome bonus but also provide ongoing value over time.
Here are three important things to think about:
1. Sign-Up Bonuses
A welcome bonus can be one of the most valuable features of a credit card. These bonuses are often much larger than the rewards you’d earn through regular spending. If you’re confident you can meet the spending requirement, signing up for a card with a strong bonus could be a smart move.
2. Reward Categories
Many credit cards offer extra rewards for spending in specific categories, like dining, travel, or groceries. To make the most of your spending, look for a card that aligns with your lifestyle and maximizes the rewards you’ll earn in the areas where you spend the most.
3. Annual fee
Many cards on the best cards list feature a premium annual fee, but that means they also come with premium benefits. Choose the best credit card for you by selecting cards that have benefits that would be worth more than the card’s annual fee.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to credit cards. The best card for you depends on your unique spending habits, financial goals, budget, and credit access. What suits one person may not suit another—and that’s perfectly fine. Ultimately, the ideal credit card is the one that aligns with your priorities and lifestyle.
How you can redeem your rewards depends on the type of rewards card you have. For cash-back cards, you can usually redeem your rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
If you have a points or miles card, you can redeem them for things like flights or hotel stays. While you can also redeem them for gift cards or merchandise, using them for travel often gives you the best value, especially with travel-focused cards.
Credit cards can boost your credit score if used responsibly. The two most important factors are your payment history and the amount you borrow. For those with a poor credit history, secured credit cards can be a great option to start rebuilding credit.
In most cases, credit card rewards don’t expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. However, it’s always a good idea to review the terms and conditions of your specific card to confirm if there are any expiration policies. If you plan to close your card, be sure to redeem your rewards before doing so, as you may lose them otherwise.
Getting a credit card generally takes anywhere from 5 to 14 days after approval. Some issuers offer instant approval right after completing online applications, and many provide virtual card numbers so you can start using the card right away while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
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At Lone Travellers, we believe credit cards can open up incredible opportunities for travelers, turning everyday expenses into cash back or unforgettable trips. That’s why we share helpful guides and honest comparisons to help you pick the right card for your adventures.
When you apply for a credit card through our links, we may earn a commission, which can influence how products are displayed. However, our reviews are always independent and based on thorough analysis—never controlled by banks or card issuers.
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