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.
Chase Sapphire Reserve card
Last reviewed: October 29, 2018
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.
Hilton Honors Aspire card from American Express
Last reviewed: November 8, 2018
The Hilton Honors Aspire card — though laden with great hotel perks — is probably too pricey for the average rewards cardholder.
Discover it® Balance Transfer
Last reviewed: October 29, 2018
Though not as valuable as some points-based rewards cards, the Discover it Balance Transfer card’s cash back program is one of the best options for cardholders who prefer cash back rewards, thanks to its cash back match in the first year and rotating quarterly categories.
Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card
Last reviewed: October 25, 2018
A good value for Hilton hotel fans, the Honors Ascend card makes it easy to quickly earn free night’s stays by offering a substantial introductory bonus and an ample point bonus on gas, restaurant, airfare and hotel purchases. (Terms apply)
The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Last reviewed: October 29, 2018
The World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase offers an outstanding amount of value for frequent travelers: New cardholders are awarded ample points on a variety of travel purchases, including airfare and restaurant purchases.
Club Carlson Premier Rewards Visa Signature card
Last reviewed: October 30, 2018
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.
American Express Gold Card
Last reviewed: October 25, 2018
The annual fee is pricey, but if you’re searching for the most rewarding card for food purchases, the American Express Gold Card may be your best option.
Club Carlson Rewards Visa Signature card
Last reviewed: October 30, 2018
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.
British Airways Visa Signature Card
Last reviewed: October 29, 2018
One of the best airline cards on the market, this super charged premium card offers frequent transatlantic flyers 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.
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
Last reviewed: October 25, 2018
The AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard is an excellent means for collecting bonus AAdvantage miles. It offers up a 60,000-mile bonus for simply paying the annual fee and making one qualifying purchase.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Last reviewed: November 13, 2018
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card doesn’t have as much heft as most elite airline cards, but it does offer enough value to justify paying the higher fee.
IHG Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
Last reviewed: October 29, 2018
With a large sign-up bonus and other valuable rewards — including a free hotel night each year — the IHG Rewards Club Premier card is packed with value.