Rewards Credit Cards - Reviews
Credit card rewards come in many forms -- from miles to cash back to points -- that can redeemed for a variety of goodies. Some cards offer large sign-up bonuses, others offer extra earnings on bonus categories. Some cards charge annual fees. All these differences can make it difficult to compare.
We've created a rating system to cut through the complicated details and compare cards on a similar basis. Our ratings take into account the estimated value of their rewards, the ease of redeeming rewards and special perks and benefits.
United MileagePlus Explorer card
Last reviewed: August 7, 2017
With a generous sign-up bonus, the Chase United Mileage Plus Explorer card makes it easy to earn a free flight quickly; but you’ll have to fly United often to make up for the card’s $95 annual fee.
Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature card
Last reviewed: June 12, 2017
One of our favorite travel cards, this premium hotel card was tailor made for fans of luxury hotel stays: for just $75 a year, it offers some of the generous rewards available on hotel stays and regular purchases as well as some the industry’s best bonuses.
Discover it Miles credit card
Last reviewed: August 2, 2017
The Discover it Miles card offers a range of high-end travel perks and an industry-leading rewards rate for the card’s first 12 months, but the benefits drop off significantly after the first year.
Chase Sapphire Preferred card
Last reviewed: August 17, 2017
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers valuable rewards for frequent travelers, as well as the potential for savvy rewards card users to glean some extra value out of their rewards.
The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
Last reviewed: June 28, 2017
For $95 a year, the perk-heavy American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card offers one of the most valuable rewards programs on the market, making it our go-to card for year-round travelers.
British Airways Visa Signature card
Last reviewed: August 7, 2017
One of the best airline cards on the market, this super charged premium card offers frequent transatlantic fliers an accessible sign-up bonus that amply rewards heavy spenders, a plentiful point bonus on airfare, valuable travel perks and generously priced rewards points that are worth more than twice the average credit card rewards point.
Capital One Venture Rewards credit card
Last reviewed: June 29, 2017
This is a flexible rewards card with a high rewards rate and valuable perks for frequent travelers.
Chase Sapphire Reserve card
Last reviewed: July 21, 2017
The price of admission for this luxury card from J.P. Morgan Chase is steep, but its large sign-up bonus and generous travel allowance more than make up for the card’s $450 annual fee.
Blue Cash Preferred card from American Express
Last reviewed: August 10, 2017
Despite its high annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred card is one of our favorite cards for families: It helps take the sting out of car pool lines and long commutes by offering a generous point bonus on gas station spending and it offers one of the highest cash back bonuses you can get when you use your card at U.S. supermarkets.
Club Carlson Rewards Visa Signature card
Last reviewed: May 30, 2017
For cardholders who prefer to stay at mid-tier hotels such as Country Inn and Suites or the Radisson, the Club Carlson Rewards Visa Signature card offers a fair amount of value, including a sizable sign-up and an above average rewards rate on regular purchases.
Best Western Rewards Premium MasterCard
Last reviewed: May 30, 2017
This premium hotel card offers a generous rewards rate on Best Western purchases and a tiered sign-up bonus that amply rewards moderate to heavy spenders; however, cardholders need to travel often to make up for the card’s $59 annual fee.
IHG Rewards Club Select credit card from Chase
Last reviewed: July 17, 2017
A good card to use for everyday purchases, the affordably priced IHG Rewards Club Select card offers double points on gas, restaurant and grocery store purchases, five points for every dollar spent on IHG hotels such as Holiday Inn or Crowne Plaza and a generous suite of benefits, including an annual free night’s stay at an IHG hotel.
