TPG’s editors’ choice award for the best stand-alone credit card
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The world of travel rewards credit cards can be complicated.
Sign-up bonuses rise and fall, benefits are added and removed, new cards launch, others become unavailable to applicants, and some even change names.
It's a lot to keep track of, especially if you try to juggle several rewards cards at the same time.
That’s why, as part of the 2021 TPG Awards, our credit cards team wanted to give out an editors’ choice award that recognizes the best stand-alone credit card. This one is for folks who might want to focus their time and energy on a single card that meets most, if not all, of their rewards and travel needs.
Read on for more details on what we looked at ... and which rewards credit card came out on top.
The framework
First, let’s highlight precisely how we approached this award since, in an increasingly competitive credit card market, consumers now have plenty of fantastic card options.
Hardcore points and miles enthusiasts might want a slate of cards with rotating bonus categories, or might like to open multiple cards with complementary bonus categories that they can cycle through to maximize each and every purchase.
Others might want to pick up several cards that offer outstanding annual statement credit perks to save hundreds or thousands of dollars per year.
But the more cards you carry, the more time and energy you have to spend leveraging their potential.
Instead, some folks might prefer to have just a single rewards card as their mainstay. After all, one of the questions we get the most at TPG (from readers, friends and family members) is, "What's the best travel credit card?"
While the answer to that question will vary from person to person based on their travel needs and habits, our editorial team did seek to single out a card that offers valuable yet straightforward earning rates, easy-to-understand rewards and lucrative, value-added perks that don’t require a Ph.D. to utilize.
And when all these factors were combined, one product rose to the top as the best stand-alone credit card in our estimation.
The winner is …
It was a very close race, but our editors’ choice award winner for best stand-alone credit card at the 2021 TPG Awards is … the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Not only does this card provide a simple rewards structure while simultaneously offering above-average value for the everyday cardholder, but the issuer has also made some incredible strides in 2021 to improve the Capital One miles program dramatically while keeping some key elements that make it very simple to use.
The issuer added several new travel partners (for a total of 14 airline and three hotel partners) and simplified the transfer ratio to 1:1 for almost all of them, spurring TPG to increase its valuation of Capital One miles from 1.7 to 1.85 cents per mile in October.
If you don’t want to manage multiple cards but still want to earn rewards that can unlock travel benefits, this card is a great fit. The Venture card is currently offering a sign-up bonus of 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Read on for our take on why the Venture card took home this honor.
Related: 7 reasons to get the Capital One Venture Rewards card
Why we chose it
For starters, the Capital One Venture is among the easiest-to-understand rewards cards out there. You’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend on purchases (plus 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel).
With this card, you don’t really need to worry about bonus categories or other complicated offers. Whether at the grocery store, gas station or a restaurant — you’re taking home 2 miles per dollar spent.
For those who value simplicity, you can redeem your miles for travel purchases either via Capital One Travel or on your statement.
Whenever you swipe your card for a travel purchase — be it a flight, hotel, rental car or virtually any other travel expense — you can use your miles to “pay” for that purchase at a rate of 1 cent per mile. A $200 flight would require 20,000 miles, while a $500 hotel stay would take 50,000 miles.
The best part of that approach? There’s no need to search for award availability and no deciphering of airline or hotel award charts. You make the purchase on your card, then use your miles to cover it. This simple redemption scheme gives you a 2% return on every single purchase you make. Not only that, but it can also unlock types of travel that frequent flyer miles or hotel points might not be redeemable for, making Venture miles extra versatile.
Of course, other cards offer a similar return on purchases, but what sets the Venture card apart is the additional value it provides. There are a few key ways it accomplishes this:
- 17 total transfer partners: Capital One added four new transfer partners (British Airways Avios, Choice Privileges Hotels, TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go and Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles) to its program in 2021. An issuer rarely adds this many new programs in such a short time, providing the potential for more-valuable rewards.
- Improved 1:1 transfer ratio: To simplify miles transfers, Capital One has improved its transfer ratio to 1:1 for all but two of its loyalty programs. That means 75,000 Capital One miles get you 75,000 airline miles or hotel points that participate in Capital One's transfer program (with the two exceptions of EVA Infinity MileageLands and Accor Live Limitless).
- Two free visits per year to the new Capital One Lounges: As a new (and exciting) benefit that launched this year, Venture cardholders will now get two free visits to the new Capital One Lounges every year. The first lounge just launched at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and we're looking forward to more down the pipeline.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit: Cardholders get a statement credit of up to $100 once every four years for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application.
- Rewards-sharing: Capital One allows you to share your miles with other cardholders — and not just members of your household. This valuable flexibility allows you to pool your rewards for pricier redemptions.
- Additional perks: Beyond the earning and redemption options, the Venture card includes benefits such as extended warranty coverage and travel accident insurance.
- No foreign transaction fees: Finally, the card is ideal for use both in the U.S. and abroad, as you’ll pay no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the country.
This all comes with a relatively low annual fee of just $95 — a far cry from the hundreds of dollars you’d fork over for some other popular premium travel cards.
Honorable mention
Of course, there are a lot of other great rewards cards that might deserve that front spot in your wallet. Our other top contender was the perennially popular Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. Like the Venture, its annual fee is $95. It is currently offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Recently, the Chase Sapphire Preferred improved its earning rates to include 5 points per dollar on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3 per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 per dollar on all other travel and dining; and 1 per dollar on other purchases.
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are also ultra-useful, transferring to 11 airline frequent-flyer programs (including newly added partner Air Canada Aeroplan) and three hotel points programs (including World of Hyatt and Marriott Bonvoy). You can also redeem points earned with this card at a rate of 1.25 cents apiece through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Cardholders now receive a $50 annual statement credit toward a hotel booking made through Chase Ultimate Rewards, too, and an annual 10% points bonus based on their total spending at the end of the account anniversary year.
In short, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is another points powerhouse, and certainly a great fit for many travelers. You also really can't go wrong if you decide to make this your single card choice.
That said, a lot of folks might just prefer the simplicity of the Venture card's rewards structure and all the other travel possibilities it opens up ... not to mention access to those snazzy new lounges and that Global Entry/TSA PreCheck perk.
Bottom line
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card combines an easy-to-understand structure for earning and redeeming miles with the potential for more lucrative, valuable perks.
To tie it all together, the card's simplicity along with the improvements that we saw in the Capital One miles program this year tipped the editorial team's decision to crown the Venture with the 2021 TPG Award for best stand-alone credit card.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Additional reporting by Nick Ewen.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.