They say to turn something you like into a job. I talk about credit cards, points and miles every day and get paid for it, so I say I’ve been successful in that. Anyone who knows me knows that I like to praise reward credit cards whenever I have the chance.
The credit card industry offers a wide variety of credit cards, which is difficult for even experts like me to master. That’s why I love helping my friends and family sift through all available options to find the one that best suits their lifestyle and travel needs.
Usually, whenever I give a Ted speech about credit cards, points, and miles, there are some reward cards. There is a good reason for this: these cards are flexible, easy to use, and have enough benefits to justify the annual fees they may charge.
They are here.
Compare the best reward credit card I chose
Here is a quick overview of the features that each of my favorite reward cards offers.
| card | Welcome offer | Rate of return |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex® (See rates and fees)
(No annual fee) |
You can get a $200 bonus if you spend $500 within three months after opening an account. |
|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (See rates and fees)
(According to $95) |
Earn 75,000 bonus points by spending $5,000 in the first three months after opening an account. |
|
| Citi Strata Premier® Card (See rates and fees)
(According to $95) |
Earn 60,000 reward points by spending over US$4,000 in the first three months after opening an account. |
|
| American Express Platinum Card®
(According to USD 895; see rates and fees) |
New American Express Platinum members can check out their offers to see if they are eligible for up to 175,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of their card entry. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for the offer. |
|
Chasing for freedom and flexibility
Highlights: The biggest benefit of this card is its quarterly bonus category rotation. Spend up to $1,500 in these categories each quarter and you will receive a 5% rebate (and then a 1% rebate; need to be activated). In addition, cardholders can enjoy a free six-month DoorDash DashPass membership (activated on December 31, 2027).
Freedom Flex is one of Chase’s most underrated cards in my opinion. It is often covered up by its big brothers Chase Sapphire’s first choice and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (See rates and fees).
This card is best for beginners and those looking for affordable, flexible products. This is my first official reward card, and it is also a card that really makes me fascinated by this hobby.
To learn more, check out our full review of Freedom Flex.
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Apply here: Chasing for freedom and flexibility
Chase Sapphire’s first choice
Highlights: This card allows you to reach Chase Bank’s money transfer partners, a key component of maximizing your rewards. If you have a qualifying free annual Chase card, e.g. Free and flexibleyou can use Sapphire Preferred to convert the card’s rewards into transferable ultimate reward points.
Sapphire Preferred is highly praised by TPG, and there is a good reason. This is an affordable card that earns valuable, transferable ultimate reward points. Additionally, with Sapphire Preferred’s DoorDash DashPass membership (activated on December 31, 2027), you can easily recover your money (or even some of it) through Sapphire Preferred’s annual fee.
Cardholders will also receive $50 points per year when booking eligible hotels through Chase Travel, plus a 10% increase in anniversary points. These approachable benefits make this card a great introduction to the world of points and miles – it’s even my first transferable rewards card.
To learn more, check out our full review of Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire’s preferred card
Citi strata advanced
Highlights: The card covers a variety of daily consumption categories and is perfect for single card wallets. If you prefer to book using the issuing agency’s travel portal, you can enjoy a $100 discount on this card for a single hotel reservation with Citi Travel for $500 or more (excluding tax).
Ask enough people at TPG and you will soon find that some people agree with me that Strata Premier is a dark horse in the mid-range credit card space. With this card, you will be able to earn extra rewards on most of your daily expenses, including groceries, gasoline, electric car charging and dining. You can also visit Citigroup’s 22 connection partners, including airlines that are popular with award-winning enthusiasts, such as American Airlines and Air France KLM Blue Sky Flight.
I don’t have a Strata Premier myself, but if I have the desire (and willpower) to just use one card, I would definitely choose it.
To learn more, check out our full review of Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
American Express Platinum Card
Highlights: It is almost impossible to try to condense the outstanding benefits of this card into a few sentences. It has a long list of declared points, elite identity and a lounge you can use, among other benefits. Its annual fee may be the highest of any card on the market, but it is well worth it for the right cardholder.
The American Express Platinum card is my most expensive card, but due to its various benefits, I was able to justify it. I just used Resy* statement points up to $100 per quarter, and Lululemon** statement points up to $75 per quarter, which means I’ve already been about $175 to break even on the annual fee of this card.
I also value the lounge access rights of this card, which is the widest range of influence among all cards available at present. If you have the ability to pay a credit card of $895 in one billing cycle, the Amex Platinum is definitely worth considering.
To learn more, check out our full review of American Express Platinum Card.
*U.S. restaurants only; registration required
**Only available for US stores and online stores; except outlets; registration required
Apply here: American Express Platinum Card
How do I choose my top reward card
The best reward cards offer flexibility and a lot of value. They may or do not charge annual fees, but they all have at least several proven ways to prove their place in your wallet. They all offer bonus categories related to shared spending, reliable lifestyle points, brand benefits, or some combination of these.
I recommend these cards time and time again because I believe they are best for most travelers. You don’t need all four cards to have a comprehensive wallet, but if you do, your trip will certainly improve.
Bottom line
If you ask me what my advice for the best reward cards, you will hear about them. I have three quarters of my wallet and I don’t regret opening any of them. Strata Premier, while not quite suitable for my personal card strategy, is still in the same competitive environment as the other cards on this list.
Interested in reward credit cards, not being intimidated. All of these options unlock travel opportunities you never thought you could afford.
Related: Best Credit Cards: These 4 Credit Cards keep me busy for about 180 days a year
For rates and fees for American Express platinum cards, click here.
