Best rewards credit cards of January 2026

This card is an ideal choice for someone who takes a few trips a year and wants to maximize their earning on travel and dining purchases.

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred has been in my wallet for 5-plus years and is the midlevel rewards credit card that I recommend to people. It usually has a pretty solid sign-up bonus, with points that can be transferred to some of my favorite loyalty programs, like British Airways Executive Club and World of Hyatt. The strong earn rate on dining and travel as well as streaming services makes it a good choice for a millennial like me. Finally, I like using this card when renting cars, as it provides primary car insurance and a little more piece of mind.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on most purchases, with bonus miles when booking hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars through Capital One’s travel portal. Both cards have the same $95 annual fee (see Venture rates and fees).

Fans of Capital One who frequently book travel via Capital One Business Travel and want a card the offers no foreign transaction fees.

In addition to a solid earning structure, the Venture X Business card provides you with a $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel in addition to 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary — starting with your first anniversary.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want to take advantage of a solid earning structure that provides them with easy to redeem miles. The Venture Rewards card earns an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase plus an unlimited 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You get similar benefits that come with the more premium Capital One Venture cards with a smaller annual fee of $95 (see rates and fees).

This card is a great addition to the wallets of those who want to earn a lot of points when dining out and grocery shopping.

"I love that the Amex Gold earns a healthy 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. supermarket purchases and at restaurants worldwide (up to $25,000 in spending at U.S. supermarkets and up to $50,000 in spending at restaurants worldwide, then 1 point per dollar thereafter) since those are some of my biggest spend categories." — Augusta Stone, associate credit cards writer

There are few direct competitors to this card, but it’s worth checking out the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

Frequent travelers and digital entertainment subscribers will enjoy travel perks like lounge access and an up to $209 Clear Plus statement credit in addition to an up to $300 digital entertainment credit (disbursed as up to $25 per month in statement credits). Enrollment may be required and you may be subject to auto-renewal.

Adding this card to your rotation makes sense if you can use its perks and statement credits to offset its $895 annual fee.

If you want a premium travel and lifestyle card that’s not nearly $900, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It features a $795 annual fee — which is still a big figure — but offers several similar perks and credits that offset this fee, and it earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, one of the most valuable reward currencies on the market.

Frequent diners, Citi loyalists and travelers who want American Airlines access without a full lounge membership.

If you want to earn American Airlines miles without flying, enjoy airport lounge access without a full Admirals Club membership and easily offset a high annual fee with versatile statement credits, the Citi Strata Elite deserves a spot in your wallet.

The American Express Platinum Card® offers more robust lounge access and flexible travel credits, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a more flexible annual travel credit and access to a broader range of travel partners.

This card is best suited to someone looking for a lot of cash back on groceries, gas, transit and streaming.

“The Blue Cash Preferred Card is the card I recommended to my parents when they were looking for a new cash-back rewards card for their groceries. My parents prefer the simplicity of cash-back rewards, and I knew they'd benefit from earning 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1% back after that. Compared to the 1.5% cash back they were earning on these purchases, the elevated earnings easily justified adding the Blue Cash Preferred to their wallet.” — Katie Genter, senior points and miles writer

Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

If you want a flat cash-back rate on all purchases, then the Citi Double Cash® Card is a great option, offering 2% back on every transaction — 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay your bill.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is best suited for travelers who can take full advantage of its elevated earning rates, statement credits and wide range of luxury benefits.

If you regularly spend on travel and lifestyle purchases, and want a premium reward card that delivers both luxury benefits and long-term value, the Sapphire Reserve is a card you should consider.

If you're looking for similar premium travel benefits but are an Amex loyalist, the American Express Platinum Card® is a strong competitor. It carries a comparable annual fee of $895 (see rates and fees) and offers extensive luxury perks, including access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection for eligible card members, complimentary Hilton and Marriott elite status (enrollment is required for select benefits), and annual statement credits across categories like airfare, hotels, ridesharing services, digital entertainment and more. Its rewards are also flexible to redeem for general travel, but are mostly focused on luxury experiences.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly entry point into travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular alternative — and one of our favorite beginner travel cards here at TPG. It has a much lower fee of $95, earns 3 points per dollar spent on dining, 2 points per dollar spent on travel and offers access to the same Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. While it lacks the premium perks of the Sapphire Reserve, it still provides solid travel protections and the ability to build up a stash of valuable points over time. It’s a great starter card for those new to travel rewards or not yet ready to commit to a premium card.

If you travel frequently and are looking for a card to help you rack up points you can redeem for future travel, this card is a decent option. Additionally, those looking for a way to fill gaps in their points earning strategy will benefit from the flat 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases outside of the main travel categories.

Another great perk the Autograph Journey features is an annual $50 statement credit triggered by an airline purchase of at least $50. This is on top of elevated earning rates in the certain travel categories and a solid welcome offer for new applicants. There's also no foreign transaction fees on the Autograph Journey card making it a good first travel card as well as a decent supplemental card to add to your travel credit card roster.

If you're looking for a more general use credit card with no annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It earns a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases making an excellent choice to help fill gaps in your reward earning strategy. The best part? Like the Autograph Journey card, the Active Cash Card doesn't put a cap on the amount of cash rewards you can earn.

This card is suited to frequent travelers who want lounge access and transferable miles for maximum-value travel redemptions.

“With an annual fee that is $500 less than the American Express Platinum Card® (see Amex Platinum rates and fees), the Capital One Venture X is my favorite travel credit card. The card comes with an annual $300 Capital One travel portal credit, which I use to book flights. That effectively brings the annual fee down to $95 per year. I use my Venture X to earn 2 miles per dollar (a 3.7% return, based on TPG's valuations) in spend categories where most cards would only accrue 1 point, such as auto maintenance, pharmacies and medical bills.” — Kyle Olsen, former points and miles reporter

The popular Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns more bonus points on travel and dining purchases but comes with a higher $795 annual fee. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth slightly more than Capital One miles.

This is a solid cash-back card for many, especially students and credit card beginners with low monthly budgets.

If groceries, gas and online shopping are among your largest spending categories, this is a great starter card to help you dip your toes into the world of credit card rewards.

If you want higher earning rates on a similar card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be a better choice. You’ll get expanded bonus spending categories and additional perks, though you’ll want to be sure the card’s $95 annual fee (see rates and fees) starting in year two is worth it.

If you’re relatively new to credit card rewards programs, the Freedom Unlimited is a solid card to get started with since its earning categories are pretty straightforward and there are no rotating categories you have to worry about tracking and activating.

“The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option, especially for anyone with a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. It has solid bonus categories but also gives 1.5% back on all other purchases. And, if you have a higher-end Chase card, you can effectively convert these cash-back earnings into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points.” — Nick Ewen, Director of Content

Those seeking a travel rewards card with no annual fee should consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees). It earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel in addition to 1.25 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. The VentureOne Rewards also has no foreign transaction fees making it an ideal travel companion, especially for starters.

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass card is an excellent choice for those seeking to accumulate and utilize Hilton points. This card offers attractive benefits for individuals aspiring to become loyal Hilton guests. Cardholders enjoy the privilege of complimentary Hilton Gold status, entailing a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels or a continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels. Additionally, they can take advantage of the fifth night free when booking with points, an 80% bonus on earnings during stays and the possibility of room upgrades to standard suites, subject to availability at select brands. The Hilton Honors Amex Surpass card also includes a complimentary night reward (after spending $15,000 each calendar year), no foreign transaction fees and the opportunity to attain top-tier Diamond status by spending $40,000 in a calendar year.

“Even if you only stay with Hilton a few times each year, having the Hilton Surpass Card can be worth it. It offers solid earnings at Hilton properties and automatic Hilton Gold elite status.  Hilton Gold is one of my favorite mid-tier hotel statuses as it gets you complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credits and space-available room upgrades.” — Benji Stawski, former senior reporter

The American Express Hilton Honors Aspire card is Hilton’s premier offering, granting automatic top-tier Diamond status as a valuable perk. Despite its annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees), the significant benefits of Diamond status, valued at over $3,000 annually by TPG, make this fee worthwhile. Cardholders are rewarded with a complimentary night on each account anniversary, and they have the opportunity to earn two additional free nights by spending $30,000 and $60,000 on their card during a calendar year. Additionally, the card provides statement credits for various expenses, including up to $200 in airline fees per year, up to $400 in Hilton resort credits and up to $100 in Hilton on-property credits. For a comprehensive analysis of the Amex Hilton Aspire card, refer to our detailed review.

The VentureOne is a strong card to have in your arsenal and great if you are budgeting. After all, there aren’t many no-annual-fee cards with the ability to transfer points and miles directly to travel partners, so it’s a big bonus that this card offers that.

“I wanted a credit card that earns Capital One miles without an annual fee, and this is a winner. It doesn’t have the bells and whistles of some other cards, but I’m happy earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases without paying a fee to keep this card year after year. I’ll never cancel this card.” — Ryan Smith, former credit cards writer

For a small annual fee, many travelers could benefit from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and receive a statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry membership.

Travelers who frequently stay at Hilton hotels and want luxury-level benefits without elite-qualifying stays. 

The combination of high-value credits, elite status and premium travel benefits can far outweigh the $550 annual fee if you maximize them.

For Marriott loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card delivers premium hotel perks within the Marriott portfolio, including an annual free night award and automatic Platinum Elite status, with a slightly higher annual fee. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is ideal for Hyatt loyalists, providing solid value through free nights, elite status and bonus points on Hyatt stays. For a mid-tier option within the same hotel family, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides valuable Hilton perks at a more moderate annual fee.

This card is ideal for business owners who travel frequently, want to earn valuable rewards on both business and everyday purchases and appreciate premium benefits like travel protections, airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees.

If you’re looking to turn business expenses into meaningful travel rewards — and want premium perks usually reserved for personal cards — the Sapphire Business Card’s strong earning power, flexible redemption options and travel-friendly benefits make it a standout choice.

If you want access to the Centurion Lounge and other top-tier travel perks, you might consider the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. While it carries a comparable annual fee at $895 (see rates and fees), it offers 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, access to thousands of lounges worldwide and 2 points per dollar on eligible purchases in select business categories (on up to $2 million per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).

Business owners who spend in the card’s bonus categories will love its up-to-8% return (based on TPG’s valuations). Bonus categories where you can earn up to 4 points per dollar each billing cycle (up to $150,000 spent annually, then 1 point per dollar) include transit purchases; U.S. purchases for online, TV and radio advertising; monthly wireless phone service charges made directly from U.S. service providers; U.S. purchases at gas stations; U.S. purchases at restaurants; and U.S. purchases from electronic goods retailers and cloud system providers. You’ll also enjoy perks like Amex Offers. 

“No other card provides the earning potential and adaptability this card has. Sure, its annual fee isn’t cheap, but I love the fact that I don’t need to think about what purchases I put on this card. It will automatically adapt and provide 4 points per dollar in my top two spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 of these purchases yearly, then 1 point per dollar).” — Ryan Smith, former credit cards writer

If you’re looking for a lower annual fee or a card that earns bonus points on more purchase categories (not just your top two per month), consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You’ll earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, shipping, select advertising purchases and internet, cable and phone services (on up to $150,000 in annual combined purchases, then 1 point per dollar). Its annual fee is just $95.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex offers great airline-specific perks and travel benefits without a high annual fee, which makes it great for new travelers and casual Delta flyers. 

“As someone who likes flying Delta but doesn’t fly often enough to earn elite status, my Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex still gives me elite-like perks to help upgrade my travel experience.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor

If you are looking for a Delta card with more perks, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card offers similar benefits as the Delta Gold Amex but also comes with a higher welcome bonus, better earning rates and a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year at renewal.

Marriott loyalists would get the most value out of having the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant. The annual free night award, worth up to 85,000 points, can be a great way to score a free night at any of these Marriott hotels.

“This card is an absolute no-brainer for those who stay at full-service Marriott brands multiple times a year but not quite enough to naturally earn the Marriott Platinum Elite status that unlocks perks like free breakfast, club access and suite upgrades. I’ve got the card so that I can enjoy hundreds of dollars in annual status perks, plus the annual 85,000-point award certificate that saves me hundreds of dollars on a night at higher-end Marriott hotels and resorts.” — Summer Hull, director of content

If you are looking for a premium hotel card at a lower cost but with similar perks, consider the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, which carries an annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees) and offers many premium benefits — just at participating Hilton Honors properties.

 Business travelers who can take advantage of this card’s statement credits and would benefit from perks like lounge access and hotel elite status.

If you’re often on the go for work trips, this Amex Business Platinum card is a solid choice. It’s packed with travel-related statement credits and benefits in addition to offering business-specific perks that are pretty straightforward to use.

If you’re in the market for a premium business card but don’t want to commit to the Amex Business Platinum, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠. Like its consumer counterpart, the Sapphire Reserve for Business earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points and also offers business-related statement credits and perks.

 The Prime Visa is a great option for Amazon Prime members who frequently shop on the site. It is also great for those who shop at grocers like Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods and will benefit from the card’s healthy cash back rates.

The Prime Visa should be in your wallet if you regularly shop at Amazon and can maximize reward earnings with shopping directly with Amazon, Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh and other retailers across other reward categories.

If you’re looking for a card that earns similar cash-back rates but don’t shop at Amazon enough to benefit from the Prime Visa’s exclusive perks, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. This no-annual-fee card still earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants — including takeout and eligible delivery services — and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.