10 Best Points Credit Cards

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3x points on dining at restaurants
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other spending

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Credit Required: Good to excellent credit

Key Benefits:

• $50 annual hotel credit
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Primary rental car insurance
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed through Chase Travel for 1.25 cents each. Points can also transfer to partners like United, Southwest, and Hyatt for better value.

Credit Requirements:

Good to excellent credit is generally needed, usually a FICO score of at least 670, with 700+ preferred for better approval chances.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The bonus requires a minimum spend of $5,000.

Why it Works for Beginners:

This card is easy to use and offers many perks without a high fee. It helps new users learn how to earn and use points effectively.

Earning Structure

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus

As high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $325
• No foreign transaction fees
• Monthly dining credits included

Key Benefits:

• Monthly dining credits to offset restaurant spending
• Strong points return on food and travel
• Access to exclusive events and offers
• Points flexibility through transfer partners

Redemption Options:

You can redeem points for flights, hotel stays, or gift cards, offering flexible travel and shopping rewards. For greater value, points can also be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs, potentially maximizing your redemption power.

Credit Requirements:

The card requires a good to excellent credit score.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee might not be suitable for occasional users who don’t spend enough to make it worthwhile. Additionally, there is a cap on the number of points you can earn from supermarket spending, which may limit rewards for high-volume grocery shoppers.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers clear rewards on common spending categories like food and groceries. This makes it easy to earn points without changing habits. The meal credits help save money regularly, adding extra value for new cardholders.

Earning Structure

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel
• 1x point on other purchases

Welcome Bonus

• Up to 175,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $695
• APR: 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR on eligible charges
• Credit Required: Excellent to good (usually 720+)

Key Benefits:

• Access to the Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges
• Up to $200 airline fee credit per year
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credits annually
• Hotel status upgrades with select brands
• Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protections

Redemption Options:

Points can be used for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs for more value.

Credit Requirements:

To qualify for the card, you typically need good to excellent credit, usually a FICO score of 670–739 or higher. A score above 700 increases your chances of approval significantly.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee makes it less suitable for casual travelers. Some benefits require enrollment or activation each year to be fully utilized.

Why It Works for Beginners:

While the card targets experienced travelers, beginners who travel occasionally can start benefiting by using the credits and earning points on flights and hotels. It helps build travel rewards while enjoying premium perks.

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel, including The EditSM
• 4x points on flights booked directly with airlines
• 4x points on hotels booked directly
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 points and a $500 Chase TravelSM credit after spending $5,000 within 3 months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $795† | $195 for each authorized user
• Travel Credit: $300 per year
• Lounge Access: Priority Pass™ Select
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Key Benefits:

• $300 annual travel credit offsets part of the fee
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Purchase protection and extended warranty

Redemption Options:

Points can be used for travel bookings through Chase with a 50% bonus, transferred to airline or hotel partners, or redeemed for cashback and gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants need excellent credit (typically 720+ FICO score).

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for people who travel less often. The best rewards come with travel and dining spending.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It suits new rewards card users who plan to travel frequently. The travel credit and perks help offset the cost and provide useful benefits. Its points system is easy to understand and flexible.

Earning Structure:

• 5x miles per dollar on hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per dollar on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

You can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from when your account is opened. This one-time offer gives a strong head start toward travel rewards for new cardholders.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None
• Credit Required: Good to excellent credit

Key Benefits:

• Miles can be used to cover past travel purchases or book new ones
• No blackout dates or seat restrictions when redeeming through Capital One Travel
• Access to Capital One transfer partners for added flexibility
• Complimentary Hertz Five Star® status for rental car upgrades and perks
• No foreign transaction fees, making it travel-friendly worldwide

Redemption Options:

Points can be used for travel, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or exchanged for gift cards and statement credits.

Credit Requirements:

The card typically requires good to excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 670 or higher, for approval.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

There are no specific spending limits, but the card requires good to excellent credit to qualify. The $95 annual fee is moderate compared to similar travel cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The Venture card is perfect for beginners, boasting an uncomplicated rewards system and an impressive welcome bonus. New users don’t need to track spending categories to maximize rewards, making it easier to earn miles.

Earning Structure

• 2x miles on every purchase
• 10x miles on bookings through Capital One’s Premier Hotel Collection
• Unlimited miles that never expire

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $395
• Travel Credit: $300 annual travel credit
• Bonus Miles Anniversary: 10,000 miles per year
• Airport Lounge Access: Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass

Key Benefits:

• $300 travel credit each year
• Access to airport lounges worldwide
• 10x miles at luxury hotels
• No blackout dates on travel rewards

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or gift cards. The card suits travelers who want flexible redemption options.

Credit Requirements:

It is best for those with good to excellent credit scores.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee is higher than many cards, so it works best if the travel benefits are used regularly.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The card’s straightforward rewards and solid perks make it an easy choice for beginners wanting to build travel rewards without confusing terms.

Welcome Bonus:

• Earn up to 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $20,000 in the first 3 months.
• Offers may vary, and cardholders should check for the current offer.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $695
• Points Earning: 5X on flights and prepaid hotels; lower rates on other purchases
• Credit Score Requirement: Good to excellent
• Primary Use: Business travel and expenses

Key Benefits:

• Up to $200 in airline fee credits per year.
• Up to $150 in Dell Technologies statement credits annually.
• Access to exclusive airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges.
• Hotel and car rental elite status upgrades.
• Various business statement credits and travel protections.

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel through the Amex portal, transferred to airline and hotel partners, or used for merchandise and gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

It typically requires good to excellent credit, usually with a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

This card is best suited for business owners with high travel and spending needs. Those who spend less or are just starting out may struggle to take full advantage of the perks. The high annual fee and significant spending requirement for the welcome bonus are hard to justify unless benefits are used regularly.

Earning Structure:

• 3X points per $1 on travel, advertising, internet, cable, and phone services (up to $150,000 combined annually)
• 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months after account opening. This sizable bonus offers strong value for businesses looking to boost rewards early on.

Card Details:

• $95 annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Points do not expire as long as the account is open

Key Benefits:

• High points on common business categories
• Flexible point transfers to travel partners
• Cell phone protection when paid with the card
• Expense management tools for businesses

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, or products. Transferring points to travel partners often yields the best value.

Credit Requirements:

Good to excellent credit is usually needed to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The 3X points rate caps at $150,000 per year in those categories. After that, points earn at 1X.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The Ink Business Preferred® offers easy-to-understand rewards and perks. Its mix of earning power and usability makes it a strong option for business owners new to credit card rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSM
• 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on social media and search engine advertising
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus

Earn 200,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $30,000 in the first 6 months.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $795
• Points Currency: Ultimate Rewards
• Foreign Transaction: No fees
• Airport Lounge Access: Yes, including Chase Sapphire Lounges

Key Benefits:

• Up to $2,500 of annual credits for travel and business services
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
• Travel protections like trip delay and cancellation coverage
• Credits for Google Workspace, Zoom, and advertising tools

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, or transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel partners for better value.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants need good to excellent credit, typically a score above 700.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not be worth it for small businesses with lower travel or advertising expenses. The $30,000 spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus is also high.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It suits business owners ready to invest in premium travel benefits and who can maximize credits. The rewards and perks help offset the fee when used effectively.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points on your top 2 eligible spending categories each billing cycle (points cap applies)
• 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1x point on all other eligible purchases made with the Business Gold Card

Welcome Bonus:

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months.

Card Details:

• Annual Fee: $375
• Reward Type: Membership Rewards points
• Points per $1 Spent: Up to 4x
• Intro Bonus: 100,000 points

Key Benefits:

• Flexible rewards tailored to spending habits
• No preset spending limit, which adjusts based on business needs
• Access to various business tools and expense management features

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or through Amex’s travel partners. Transferring points to airline and hotel partners often provides more value.

Credit Requirements:

This card is best suited for businesses with good to excellent credit scores.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The $375 annual fee is on the higher side, which may not suit all small businesses. Also, earning 4x points applies only to two categories, limiting rewards on other types of spending.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers straightforward rewards and flexible categories. New business owners can focus on where they spend the most without needing to track multiple cards.