Early in my rewards journey, I believed I needed to be loyal to a single airline or hotel program, but transferable credit card rewards changed that assumption entirely.
These currencies can be more flexible than points earned directly through a single airline or hotel program. Combined with regular transfer bonuses to select partners, they allow me to hold rewards until I'm ready to use them and choose among multiple partners based on which offers the best value at the time.
That said, use any rewards card responsibly. Pay your balance in full each month; otherwise, interest and penalties will exceed the value of any rewards.
Whether you're a beginning or experienced traveler, business owner or renter, here are our best rewards credit cards.
The best rewards credit cards- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- American Express Platinum Card®
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (see rates and fees)
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees)
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- American Express® Gold Card
Here are TPG's top recommendations for the best rewards credit cards.
CardBest forWelcome offerEarning ratesAnnual fee<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22125056?pid=22125056&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Chase Sapphire Preferred</a></strong>Beginner travelersEarn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li>Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠</li> <li>Earn 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft rides (through Sept. 30, 2027)</li> <li>Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through Dec. 31, 2027; limit of 25,000 bonus points)</li> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar spent on gas and electric vehicle charging</li> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar spent on select vacation homes (Airbnb, Vrbo, Plum Guide, HomeAway, Homestay.com and Vacasa)</li> <li>Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs)</li> <li>Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel</li> <li>Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>$95<a href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card</b></a>Earning milesEarn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.<ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase, every day</li> </ul>$95<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">American Express Platinum</a></strong>Lounge accessFind out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)<ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel® (on up to $500,000 of airfare purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 5 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>$895 (see <a href="/tc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/221211974?pid=221211974&name=Ink%20Business%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Ink Business Preferred</a></strong>Maximizing business purchasesEarn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel and select business categories (on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>$95<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6218?pid=6218&name=Ink%20Business%20Unlimited%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Ink Business Unlimited</a></strong>FreelancersEarn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li>Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase</li> </ul>None<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/10652?pid=10652&name=Citi%20Strata%20Premier%C2%AE%20Card&issuer=Citi" target="_blank">Citi Strata Premier</a></strong>Starter travelEarn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, on gas and EV charging stations</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases</li> </ul>$95<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/221211281?pid=221211281&name=Chase%20Freedom%20Unlimited%C2%AE&issuer=Chase" target="_blank">Chase Freedom Unlimited</a></strong>Flexible cash rewardsEarn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.<ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases</li> </ul>None<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22036110?pid=22036110&name=Blue%20Cash%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">American Express Blue Cash Preferred</a></strong>Gas and supermarketsFind out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.) <p>(Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.)</p><ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 3% cash back on transit (including taxis and ride-hailing services, parking, tolls, trains and buses)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.</li> </ul> <p>(Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.)</p>$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter (see <a href="/tc/22036110?pid=22036110&name=Blue%20Cash%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)<strong><a href="https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6344?pid=6344&name=American%20Express%C2%AE%20Gold%20Card&issuer=American%20Express" target="_blank">American Express Gold</a></strong>Dining at restaurantsFind out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)<ul> <li aria-level="1">Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 4 points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point for the rest of the year)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 4 points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent for the rest of the year)</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines, on the Amex Travel App or on AmexTravel.com</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid car rentals booked on AmexTravel.com and the Amex Travel App</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 2 points per dollar spent on cruises on AmexTravel.com</li> <li aria-level="1">Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases</li> </ul>$325 (see <a href="/tc/6344?pid=6344&name=American%20Express%C2%AE%20Gold%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>)Pointers from The Points GuyHere's why TPG's Brian Kelly recommends rewards credit cards.
Chase Sapphire PreferredWelcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: The Sapphire Preferred makes it easy to earn lots of valuable Ultimate Rewards points for a low annual fee. You can boost your earnings with bonus earning rates across travel, dining and several everyday categories.
Why it's great for rewards: When friends ask which card I recommend for beginning to collect rewards, I usually suggest this one.
I've redeemed most of my Ultimate Rewards through World of Hyatt because its award charts offer solid value. I once booked four nights at The Grayson, an Unbound Collection property in New York, with no resort fees or out-of-pocket costs — and my husband gasped at the Empire State Building view from our window.
I've also transferred 100,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points (1:1 with Ultimate Rewards) for a 10.5-hour Lufthansa first-class flight from Frankfurt to Houston on the Boeing 747-8. The experience included tarmac service from the First Class Terminal, caviar, Champagne and an 81-inch bed that beat my own.
BEN SMITHSON/THE POINTS GUYThis is the card I've held longest and still love. For beginners who want transferable rewards without a premium annual fee, it's one of my go-to recommendations.
For more details, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Capital One Venture RewardsWelcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Annual fee: $95
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: This card pairs industry-leading at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases with a low annual fee, rental car insurance and up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four years.
Why it's great for rewards: With no foreign transaction fees and broad Mastercard acceptance, the Venture can also be a useful option for international purchases.
At $95 annually, the fee is reasonable — especially if the $395 annual fee on the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card feels steep.
I love the 15-plus transfer partner options, especially transferring my Capital One miles to Air Canada's Aeroplan program to book business-class flights to Europe in lie-flat seats for as little as 60,000 points, or domestic flights on United for just 6,000 points in economy.
You can also redeem directly through Capital One Travel at 1 cent per mile if your desired flight or hotel isn't available through a partner. This perk has helped me return home from some of the more unusual destinations I've visited.
For more details, see our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
American Express PlatinumWelcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
Annual fee: $895
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: The Amex Platinum earns bonus rewards on flights booked both directly and through American Express Travel as well as prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel. It's also packed with credits that can easily cover the annual fee.
Why it's great for rewards: No personal card matches the Amex Platinum's perks density. Yes, the annual fee is steep, but the travel benefits justify it even for infrequent travelers.
I love accessing the Centurion Lounges with my Amex Platinum. These spaces feature food and drinks from award-winning chefs and top mixologists and are worth arriving early to enjoy before your next flight.
I also value the complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite statuses (enrollment required). The Hilton status for eligible stays outside the United States is especially great as it provides complimentary breakfast for me and any registered guests (a food and beverage credit is offered at eligible properties in the United States).
I don't use every credit on the Amex Platinum every year, but Global Entry (Up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry once every four years, or an up to $85 statement credit for a five-year TSA PreCheck membership) is such a time-saver for beating long lines at TSA security screening and immigration on arrival. Plus, through regular travel and shopping each year, I know I'll easily use several of the credits that come with this card.
For more details, see our full review of the American Express Platinum.
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
Ink Business PreferredWelcome offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: This card lets you earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points for a low annual fee. It's a great choice for travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines.
Why it's great for rewards: Ultimate Rewards are some of the best credit card points you can earn. Over the years, I've found so many great uses for them, especially the ability to transfer them to World of Hyatt for great-value hotel stays.
I'm also a big fan of KLM's premium economy product, which I rate as one of the world's best, and I can transfer my Ultimate Rewards to Air France-KLM's Flying Blue program at a 1:1 rate to book flights to Europe from 40,000 miles.
The 3-point-per-dollar earning rate across so many categories where the average business owner spends regularly makes it easy to rack up Ultimate Rewards points.
For more details, see our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Ink Business UnlimitedWelcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: This card offers a solid earning rate on everyday purchases as well as an auto rental collision damage waiver, extended warranty and purchase protection.
Why it's great for rewards: If running your business is complicated enough, this card offers a simple way to earn at least 1.5% on every business expense charged to the card with its straightforward cash-back offer.
If you have employees with business expenses, you can issue them cards as authorized users at no extra cost and collect the cashback they spend on the card. Just be aware you'll be responsible for all charges, though.
For more details, see our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Citi Strata PremierWelcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $95
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: The Citi Strata Premier offers $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees, once per calendar year when you book through Citi Travel). This is an easy way to help offset the annual fee.
Why it's great for rewards: The Strata Premier earns 3 points per dollar spent across popular categories — flights, hotels, dining, supermarkets, gas and EV charging — a rare breadth that makes it one of my most valuable cards.
I transfer my Citi ThankYou Rewards to JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, where Saver fares to London run as low as 6,000 points (plus fees and surcharges).
When I book travel through the Citi Travel portal, I earn an incredible 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rental and attractions.
For more details, see our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Chase Freedom UnlimitedWelcome offer: Earn $200 bonus cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
THE POINTS GUYStandout benefits: You'll earn at least 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make with the card, increasing to 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel.
Why it's great for rewards: I recommend this as a great option if you're looking for a card that earns more than 1% cash back on all purchases without an annual fee. The welcome offer can also provide additional value during the first year.
If you love to travel, then consider the convenience of booking flights, hotels, cars, cruises and more through Chase Travel.