12 Best Credit Cards for People With Excellent Credit

Earning Structure:

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

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of joining.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $695
• APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Airport lounge access, hotel status upgrades, annual travel credits
• Network: American Express
• Type: Charge card with Pay Over Time option
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Access to multiple airport lounge networks
• Hotel elite status with select brands
• Annual credits for travel and lifestyle purchases
• Strong purchase and travel protections
• Wide range of luxury-focused perks

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credits, with the best value typically in flights booked through Amex Travel.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher, to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a high annual fee, and you can get the best value by frequently using the travel and lifestyle credits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It may not be the easiest starter card, but beginners who travel often and want premium perks can benefit if they maximize the included credits and rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 4x points at restaurants
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year)
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel
• 2x points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1x point on other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

The card offers a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 within the first six months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $325
• APR: 20.74%–29.74% variable
• Other benefits: Monthly dining credits, airline fee credit
• Network: American Express
• Type: Rewards (points-based)
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Additional perks: Access to Amex Offers for extra savings

Key Benefits:

• Strong rewards for dining and groceries
• Flexible redemption options through Membership Rewards
• Useful travel protections
• Monthly statement credits for dining
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, shopping, or statement credits through the Membership Rewards program.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a high annual fee, and rewards categories may not fit all spending habits.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemption, making it easy for new cardholders to maximize rewards.

Earning Structure:

• 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
• 3x points on dining worldwide
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $795
• APR: Variable, typically around 20.24%–28.74%
• Other benefits: $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, travel protections
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• High rewards on travel and dining
• $300 annual travel credit
• Priority Pass lounge access
• Strong travel insurance coverage
• Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, often a FICO score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The high annual fee may not fit those who travel less often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It provides straightforward earning on travel and dining with simple redemption options, making it easier for new cardholders to use.

Earning Structure:

• 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
• 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Access to Capital One Entertainment, extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• Strong rewards on dining and entertainment
• No foreign transaction fees
• Simple cash back redemption process
• Travel and purchase protections
• Access to exclusive event tickets

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, checks, or to cover recent purchases.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Aside from its rewards rates, the card lacks additional perks for food or entertainment, such as annual dining credits or free delivery subscriptions.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers clear earning categories and easy redemption, making it simple to manage for first-time rewards cardholders.

Earning Structure:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3x points on dining, select streaming, and online grocery purchases
• 2x points on other travel purchases
• 1x point on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95
• APR: 19.99%–28.24% variable
• Other benefits: Travel protections, purchase protections, and extended warranty coverage
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Other relevant details: Points are worth more when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel

Key Benefits:

• Flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Strong earning rates on dining and travel
• No foreign transaction fees
• Built-in travel protections
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

Redemption Options:

Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify, with a FICO score of 670–850.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has an annual fee and fewer premium perks compared to higher-tier travel cards.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers a simple structure with valuable rewards that are easy to use, making it beginner-friendly.

Earning Structure:

• 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to the quarterly maximum, then 1% afterward)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders receive a Cashback Match™, which doubles all cash back earned at the end of the first year.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Variable, typically 18.24%–27.24%
• Other benefits: Free FICO credit score, fraud protection, U.S.-based customer service
• Network: Discover
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Rotating 5% categories for higher rewards
• Cashback Match™ at the end of the first year
• Free access to credit score monitoring
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or purchases with select retailers.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants typically need good to excellent credit, often a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Cardholders must track and activate quarterly categories, and rewards drop to 1% once the bonus cap is met.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple cash back rewards with no annual fee, while the first-year Cashback Match™ adds extra value without complexity.

Earning Structure:

• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a one-time cash bonus of $200 after spending $500 in the first three months of membership.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Extended warranty, travel accident insurance, virtual card numbers
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Cash back
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flat-rate rewards on every purchase
• Introductory 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
• Useful travel and purchase protections

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, often a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The flat 1.5% rate may not be as rewarding as cards with higher bonus categories.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple rewards structure and lack of an annual fee make it easy for first-time cardholders to manage.

Earning Structure:

• 1.25x miles on every purchase
• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 19.24%–29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
• Extra rewards on travel booked through Capital One
• Flexible redemption options
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, cash back, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–850) to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The base earning rate is lower than some other travel cards, which may limit rewards for heavy spenders.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its simple earning structure and no annual fee make it easy for new cardholders to start earning travel rewards without added costs.

Earning Structure:

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after)
• 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
• 1% cash back on other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first six months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $95 (waived the first year in some offers)
• APR: Variable, typically around 20.24%–29.24%
• Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, Amex Offers
• Network: American Express
• Type: Cashback credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
• Other relevant details: Contactless payment enabled

Key Benefits:

• High cash back at supermarkets
• Strong rewards for streaming services
• Useful perks for gas and transit spending
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits or applied toward purchases.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants usually need good to excellent credit, often a FICO score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The annual fee and foreign transaction fees may reduce value for some users.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It offers simple cash back categories that are easy to understand and use.

Earning Structure:

• 3x cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to a set yearly limit)
• 3x cash back at U.S. gas stations
• 3x cash back on U.S. online retail purchases
• 1x cash back on other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first six months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Variable, typically around 20.24%–29.24%
• Other benefits: Purchase protection, Amex Offers, fraud protection
• Network: American Express
• Type: Cash back credit card
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
• Additional perks: Access to Amex customer service and account management tools

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Strong rewards in everyday categories
• Simple structure for earning cash back
• Access to Amex Offers for extra savings
• Fraud and purchase protection included

Redemption Options:

Cash back can be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or at select retailers.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need a good to excellent FICO score, around 670–850, to qualify.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Foreign transaction fees and capped bonus categories may limit value for frequent travelers or high spenders.

Why it Works for Beginners:

Its no-annual-fee structure and simple rewards make it easy for beginners to manage and benefit from.

Earning Structure:

• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles on all other purchases

Welcome Bonus:

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $395
• APR: Variable, typically 19.99%–29.24%
• Other benefits: Up to $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, cell phone protection
• Network: Visa
• Type: Travel rewards
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• High earning rates on travel purchases
• Flexible redemption options for miles
• Airport lounge access included
• Annual travel credit helps offset fee
• No foreign transaction fees

Redemption Options:

Miles can be redeemed for travel through Capital One Travel, statement credits, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need excellent credit, which often means a score of 740 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

The card has a high annual fee, which may not be ideal for people who travel less often.

Why it Works for Beginners:

The flat 2x miles on everyday purchases makes it easy for beginners to earn rewards without tracking categories.

Earning Structure:

• 4% back on gas, EV charging, transit, taxis & rideshares on up to $300 in spend per month (then 1% thereafter)
• 3% back on dining
• 2% back on groceries
• 1% back on everything else

Welcome Bonus:

Earn $200 in cryptocurrency after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Card Details:

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 17.24%–29.24% variable
• Other benefits: Real-time crypto rewards, security features, mobile app integration
• Network: Mastercard
• Type: Rewards/crypto-focused card
• Foreign transaction fees: None

Key Benefits:

• No annual fee to maintain the card
• Earn crypto instantly with every purchase
• Wide merchant acceptance through Mastercard
• No foreign transaction fees
• Simple integration with Gemini exchange

Redemption Options:

Rewards are automatically redeemed as cryptocurrency and deposited into the user’s Gemini account.

Credit Requirements:

Applicants generally need good to excellent credit, typically a score of 670 or higher.

Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

Rewards are limited to crypto only, so users cannot redeem them for cash back or travel points.

Why it Works for Beginners:

It allows beginners to earn crypto passively without needing to trade or transfer funds manually.