As shoppers continue searching for ways to stretch their grocery budgets, warehouse clubs and discount grocers are expanding across the country. Retailers including Costco, Aldi and Trader Joe's are adding new locations in 2026, bringing lower-cost shopping options to more communities as consumers remain focused on value.

Costco alone plans to open 26 new warehouses this year, including 10 in the second half of 2026. Aldi has announced plans to open more than 180 stores, while Trader Joe's continues its nationwide expansion after opening four new locations in April.

For shoppers, the expansion could mean more than just a shorter drive to the nearest store. As these retailers move into new markets, they often increase competition, giving consumers more choices and, in some cases, helping keep grocery prices in check. Here's where the biggest retailers are expanding and what it could mean for your wallet.

Which grocery chains are expanding in 2026

Discount grocers and warehouse clubs are growing across the country as demand for lower prices and value-focused shopping remains strong. Aldi, Costco, Trader Joe's, BJ's Wholesale, Walmart and Target have all announced plans to expand or invest in their grocery footprint in 2026.

Here's how some of the country's largest value retailers plan to grow this year:

Why value retailers keep growing

The expansion of warehouse clubs and discount grocers reflects a shift in how Americans are shopping. As grocery prices remain elevated and household budgets stay under pressure, more consumers are seeking retailers that offer lower prices, bulk savings and greater value. That growing demand is encouraging companies to invest in new stores and enter additional markets.

As shoppers look for bargains and better value for their money, they're increasingly turning to retailers like Aldi, which offers low-cost private-label groceries, and warehouse clubs like Costco, where buying in bulk can reduce the cost per item.

Membership warehouse clubs also continue attracting higher-income shoppers. According to the Acosta Group, four out of five club members shop their warehouse club at least once a month, and two out of three have increased how often they visit.

Population growth in the South and Mountain West is also fueling expansion, with Bloomberg reporting that those regions have the fastest-growing working-age populations and rising demand for additional retailers.

What this means for shoppers

The expansion of warehouse clubs and discount grocers could benefit shoppers in several ways. As retailers like Costco and Aldi enter new markets, they increase competition with existing grocery stores, which can help keep prices competitive and give consumers more places to shop.

More locations also make it easier for customers to access value-focused retailers. Whether you're looking to save on groceries, household essentials or bulk purchases, having additional stores nearby means more opportunities to compare prices and choose the retailer that best fits your budget. For warehouse club shoppers, it may also mean having multiple membership options within a reasonable driving distance instead of being limited to a single chain.

Fast-growing communities stand to benefit the most. As retailers expand into these areas, shoppers gain access to more grocery choices at a time when food prices remain elevated. According to USA Today, grocery prices have increased 1.5% since January 2025, making it even more important for consumers to compare prices and stretch their grocery budgets.

How to find out whether a new store is opening near you

If you're hoping a Costco, Aldi or another favorite retailer is opening nearby, there are several ways to stay informed. Start by checking the retailer's website, where store locator tools and news pages often list recently opened locations and upcoming stores.

You can also watch for announcements from your local government or local news outlets, which frequently report on new retail developments before stores open. Following retailers on social media or subscribing to their email newsletters can also help you stay up to date on expansion plans and grand opening announcements.

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We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We might not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers might impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently.Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment might be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

With gas station prices nearing historic highs and supermarket prices racing to do the same, the inflation we're dealing with today can make sticking to a budget difficult.

The best thing you can do as a consumer is get creative about how you spend, whether that's being more intentional about the frugal habits you choose to use or making sure you're getting the most value out of each purchase you make.

One of my favorite tricks for combatting rising prices is leveraging cash back credit cards. While I use travel rewards cards for all my travel spending, I've found that simple cash back is the easiest way to keep rising everyday prices at bay.

It took some time at the outset to research my different options and decide which credit card mix made the most sense for my spending. But now, all I have to do is make sure I'm swiping the right card at checkout to pocket an extra $315 per year on average.

The gas station and supermarket credit cards I use

As a personal finance writer, I'm all about maximizing rewards. I've got a credit card for just about every spending category, and a catch-all card that earns 2% across the board for any purchases that don't earn better rewards on any other card.

For gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, I use the American Express Blue Cash Preferred and the Costco Anywhere Visa Card. The Amex earns 6% at U.S. supermarkets and 3% at gas stations. It also comes with up to $120 per year in streaming statement credits (distributed as up to $10 monthly credits) that I use to get a Hulu and Disney+ streaming bundle almost for free after the credit. My Costco card earns 5% at gas stations and 2% on anything else I buy from the warehouse club.

Both cards come with more perks and rewards, but those are the primary ones I use.

The Amex also comes with a $95 annual fee(see rates and fees). The Costco card has no fee, but you do need to have an active Costco membership, which costs $65 per year (or more if you spring for the executive membership).

Still, with how much I earn in cash-back every year and the other savings I enjoy as a Costco member, I more than make up for those fees. It's important, however, to review your credit card mix regularly and make sure you're still getting enough value out of any card that carries an annual fee.

How I earn $315 per year with these credit cards

Like many households with a Costco membership, the warehouse club is where I get the bulk of my staples such as flour, meat, frozen veggies and household supplies such as toilet paper and laundry detergent.

It's also the only place I buy fuel because I live a few minutes away from a Costco Business Center, where gas prices are consistently 10 to 20 cents cheaper than neighboring stations.

Whenever I'm shopping at Costco, I swipe my Costco card to get the 5% back on gas or 2% on everything I buy in store. For all my other staples — such as fresh produce, spices and anything else that's not available at Costco or not available in a quantity I can reasonably use quickly enough — I swipe my Amex card.

It's as simple as that. Just by being a little more intentional about which credit card I pull out at the cash register, I earned $315 last year. It was an almost even split of a little more than $150 in cash back from each card. That doesn't include the additional up to $120 in streaming credits I get on the Amex card.

Credit cards can also help with organizing your finances

An unintended benefit of having multiple credit cards for everyday spending is that it makes it easy to see at a glance how much I've spent on different categories of my budget. I only use my Amex and Costco credit cards for fuel and supermarkets. I know whatever the combined balance of those two cards is reflects the total amount I've spent so far on those two things.

For my two-person household, I typically try to keep our gas station and supermarket budget under $800 per month. That's roughly $200 per week.

Each week, I can just glance at the current balance on my Amex and Costco cards and see if I'm on track. If our expenses went above $200 last week, I know this week I'll be looking through the pantry to plan a menu that requires as few new ingredients as possible.

The key to any credit card strategy is avoiding interest

While credit cards can be powerful financial tools, they also carry some of the highest interest rates of any debt instrument you can get. For any of these cash back perks to matter, it's extremely important that you avoid spending more than you can afford to pay off in full at the end of the month.

That's why I have that $800 limit in place and why I check the balance weekly to see how well I'm sticking to it.

If you struggle with impulse buying or get overwhelmed when reviewing your finances, a credit card can be more risk than it's worth. A single month of paying interest might be enough to offset any rewards you would earn for an entire year. Make sure you have a plan and budget in place before you try to leverage a credit card rewards program.

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If you’re a Bilt cardholder, you’ve probably seen the headlines about the company’s breakup with Wells Fargo, and maybe wondered what it actually means for your points, your rent rewards and your credit card in 2026. The truth is, this transition is a pretty big deal, not just for renters who love earning points on monthly payments, but for anyone who’s built Bilt into their rewards strategy.

Over the next few months, the original Wells Fargo-issued Bilt Mastercard will wind down, a brand-new lineup of Bilt cards will roll out and every current cardholder will need to make a choice about how they want to move forward. The good news? Your points are safe. The catch?

You’ll want a clear plan before the February deadline so you don’t accidentally end up with a completely different credit card, or lose out on earning opportunities you’ve come to depend on.

Why Bilt and Wells Fargo are parting ways

If you’ve been using the Bilt Mastercard to earn points on rent, you may have noticed some big changes brewing. Bilt and Wells Fargo are parting ways after several years of running the card together. Wells Fargo handled the card issuing, while Bilt focused on its rewards program and partnerships.

Behind the scenes, this partnership turned out to be expensive for Wells Fargo. Industry reporting suggests the bank was losing money on the portfolio, thanks in part to rich rewards and high customer incentives.

At the same time, Bilt’s plans were getting bigger. The company wants to expand beyond renters and eventually let homeowners earn points on mortgage payments.

To make this happen, Bilt is moving to a new issuing partner (Cardless, backed by Column Bank). With that, the card itself is getting an overhaul under something Bilt calls "Bilt Card 2.0."

The result is one of the biggest reward-card overhauls in years, and cardholders will soon have choices to make.

Key dates and the transition timeline

The timeline is tight, so Bilt members should mark their calendars now.

Wells Fargo stopped accepting new Bilt card applications on November 5, 2025, effectively freezing the old program. Existing Wells Fargo-issued Bilt cards will keep working normally through February 6, 2026.

On February 7, two things happen: the Wells Fargo Bilt card becomes inactive and Wells Fargo automatically converts accounts into a Wells Fargo Autograph Visa, unless a cardholder opts into the new Bilt Card 2.0 beforehand.

If you do nothing, you’ll simply wake up to an Autograph Visa, meaning you’ll no longer earn Bilt points on purchases. But the credit line and account history will remain with Wells Fargo.

What happens to your points

The good news is that your Bilt Rewards points are safe. Points are tied to your Bilt Rewards membership and not to your Wells Fargo-issued credit card. So balances will stay intact throughout the transition.

You’ll continue managing and redeeming your points exclusively through the Bilt app, not through Wells Fargo. Whether you switch to a Bilt 2.0 card or keep the new Autograph Visa, your existing points remain available to access through your Built app for travel partners, rent-payment redemptions, shopping portals and Bilt Experiences.

What changes is how you earn new points: only Bilt’s next-generation cards will continue rewarding rent and mortgage payments.

Your options as a cardholder

When the dust settles, you’ll have three main paths to choose from.

Option 1: Move to Bilt Card 2.0

Bilt is launching three new cards: a no-fee card, a mid-tier ($95), and a premium version ($495). These will continue earning Bilt points and will eventually plug into Bilt’s expanded rent-and-mortgage rewards program.

If staying within the Bilt ecosystem matters to you, especially if you’re interested in the future mortgage-rewards idea, this is the option to explore.

Option 2: Stick with the Wells Fargo Autograph Visa

If you don’t opt in to the new Bilt lineup, Wells Fargo will hand you an Autograph Visa. It’s a solid everyday rewards card, but it earns Wells Fargo Rewards, not Bilt points and it won’t give rewards for rent.

This could be a good option if you want to keep your Wells Fargo account open and don’t need Bilt-specific perks anymore.

Option 3: Close the account

You can close your account entirely, though you’ll want to think through how that affects your credit, especially account age and available credit. If you go this route, make a clean exit: redeem any Wells Fargo Rewards and ensure all autopays are moved elsewhere.

New rewards opportunities

One of the most interesting parts of Bilt’s evolution is its goal to reward mortgage payments, not just rent. For renters, nothing really changes. You’ll still be able to earn points on rent with no fees. But for homeowners, this could be a big deal, since mortgage payments are one of the few major expenses that typically don’t earn rewards.

Bilt hasn’t revealed all the details yet, but the direction is clear: the company wants to grow into a more all-purpose rewards platform rather than just “the rent card.” If you’re planning to buy a home in the next few years, this could be something worth keeping on your radar.

Bilt’s new card also comes with a temporary interest-rate cap

In addition to changes in issuers and rewards, Bilt recently announced that its new credit cards will feature a temporary interest-rate cap of 10% APR on purchases for the first year.

This introductory cap applies to the three new Bilt cards launching under the Bilt 2.0 program and is intended to help ease borrowing costs for cardholders, particularly at a time when nationwide credit card rates remain significantly higher.

The move follows a recent proposal by President Trump to cap credit card interest at 10% for one year. This policy is a response to ongoing concerns about high borrowing costs, and signals Bilt’s willingness to align with broader market discussions on affordability.

While this capped APR is promotional and limited to the first 12 months, it differentiates Bilt’s new offerings from many competitors and could be especially appealing to cardholders who carry balances from month to month.

Practical tips for managing the transition

A little prep now can save headaches later.

• Max out your current Bilt earnings before Feb. 6. Use your card for rent and your usual purchases to collect any last-minute points.
• Review the Bilt 2.0 card options in early January. This is when you’ll be able to compare perks, fees, travel benefits and potential mortgage rewards to decide what fits your lifestyle.
• Expect new card numbers. Whether you shift to Bilt 2.0 or get rolled into the Autograph Visa, your credit-card details will change. That means updating your recurring bills, streaming subscriptions, digital wallet and your rent platform.
• Monitor February statements closely. Transition months always cause a little friction, so be on the lookout for duplicate charges, declines or missing payments.

Credit score and account management considerations

Cardholders worried about credit score impacts can breathe easier. Bilt says no hard inquiry is required to move into the Bilt 2.0 lineup.

If you keep the Autograph Visa, your credit line stays with Wells Fargo and your account age remains intact. That’s helpful because account age makes up an important part of your credit score.

The only scenario that could ding your credit is closing accounts or opening additional new cards without a plan. Think through how each choice affects your utilization and long-term strategy.

What cardholders should do now

This transition isn’t as scary as it sounds, but it does require a little attention. Your points are secure, you won’t lose your Bilt membership and you have multiple paths forward depending on your goals.

If you love earning rewards on rent payments(or hope one day to earn them on mortgage payments), exploring Bilt’s new card lineup will likely give you the most continuity. If you’d prefer to keep things simple with Wells Fargo, the Autograph Visa will handle your everyday purchases without much disruption.

For now, the best move is to keep earning points through early February, review your options now and make a thoughtful choice before the automatic switch kicks in.

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Rewards credit cards can be a powerful way to get more value from your everyday spending. Each purchase can earn you points, miles or cash back that you can redeem for travel, statement credits, gift cards and more.

However, simply having a rewards credit card is not enough to unlock its full potential. The way you use your card and the strategy behind it determine how much value you actually receive from your rewards.

To help you get the most from your credit card, we’ve highlighted six common mistakes that could be holding back your rewards strategy and offer tips on how to avoid them.

Choosing the wrong rewards credit card

You can choose from many rewards credit cards designed for different types of customers. It’s important to carefully review the card’s rewards program to make sure you choose a card that’s right for you. If you don’t, you’ll find it difficult to earn decent rewards based on your regular spending.

As you shop around for a rewards card, carefully review how the rewards are structured and look for a program that aligns with your lifestyle. If you’re a frequent traveler who often purchases airfare and hotel stays, a travel rewards card can help you earn rewards on those travel-related purchases.

But if you rarely travel and instead use your card mostly for online shopping, groceries and gas, you’ll want to find a card that allows you to earn on those types of purchases.

Avoiding rewards credit cards with annual fees

Rewards credit cards are available with and without annual fees. It might seem logical to avoid cards with any annual fees, but in doing so you could miss out on some valuable rewards. Credit cards with annual fees often offer some of the most generous rewards programs, so you might miss out by avoiding these cards.

That said, it’s important to do some math to make sure a card with an annual fee makes sense, especially since some fees can cost $500 per year or more. Review your credit card statements for the past 12 months to see where you spend the most, then calculate what you would have earned on those purchases when using the rewards card.

If the rewards are close to or less than the fee, then the card may not be the right fit for you. But if you find that your rewards would be substantially more valuable than the annual fee, then it might make sense to apply for the card.

If you’ve had your card for a while and feel the fee is too high, you can always apply for a different card with a lower fee. Before you do, contact your current credit card provider. The provider may be willing to negotiate a lower annual fee to keep you as a customer.

Missing out on an initial bonus

Many rewards credit cards offer initial bonuses if you spend a certain amount of money within a designated period.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers new cardholders 75,000 bonus points if they spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months after they’ve opened their account.

These initial bonuses can be lucrative, so as part of your credit-card rewards strategy, avoid missing out on them. Plan out your spending and read all of the fine print to make sure that you’ll qualify for the bonus.

You’ll need to understand which purchases qualify toward the bonus so you can be sure that your usual spending will help you meet the bonus spending requirement on time.

Overspending with your card

The more you spend with your card, the more you’ll maximize your credit card rewards, but overspending will cost you, too. You’ll get the most value out of a rewards credit card if you pay off your balance in full each month, avoiding paying interest on your purchases.

But if you spend so much that you can’t pay that balance down, your interest payments could outweigh the rewards you earn. In the third quarter of 2024, U.S. consumers carried an average of $6,730 in credit card debt, according to Experian.

You could also be paying steep interest on your purchases. The average APR on a new credit card was 24.19% in October, LendingTree reports. Once you begin carrying a balance from month to month, those interest charges can add up quickly, making it harder to pay off your debt in full.

While you’re at it, make sure to avoid any purchases that require a credit card purchasing fee. Credit card purchase fees are often about 3% of the total purchase, and while retailers usually cover those fees, you could be responsible for them in certain instances.

If you pay bills with a credit card, like your utility bills, the vendor may add on a processing fee, sometimes called a convenience fee. Check with the vendor to see if there are any fees associated with credit card payments before deciding to put the charge on your card.

Letting your rewards pile up too long

Watching your credit card rewards accumulate can be satisfying, but don’t leave those rewards to sit for too long. Depending on your credit card, those rewards might expire after a certain amount of time or if your account remains inactive for a certain period.

Your rewards can also lose value over time. For example, if you’re accumulating points, your credit card issuer could change the value of your points whenever they choose, and you could lose out on value. To make the most of your credit card rewards, redeem them frequently to solidify their value.

Sticking with the same rewards credit card too long

Even if you initially chose a rewards credit card that was a good fit for your lifestyle and spending habits, chances are that your lifestyle will change over time. If you’ve had the same rewards credit card for five or 10 years, it may be time for a change.

Review your rewards program and consider whether you’re getting the best value for your spending. If you’ve been making your credit card payments on time, your credit score has probably increased, so you just might qualify for a new card with a better rewards program that will help you earn more on your everyday purchases.

How to make your rewards credit card work harder for you

A well-planned credit card rewards strategy can turn your everyday spending into meaningful perks, such as free flights or extra cash back.

To get the most from your rewards, choose the right card, use it wisely, and review it regularly to make sure it still fits your lifestyle. By avoiding common mistakes like missing bonuses, letting points expire, or keeping a card that no longer works for you, you can ensure your rewards deliver real value.

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It's nice to be in a strong relationship — not just in your personal life, but in your financial life, too.

Some banks and credit unions offer extra benefits on their credit cards to customers who have a broader banking or investment relationship with the institution. In some cases, you could earn hundreds of dollars in additional rewards each year.

Here’s how it works: Most credit card issuers also offer deposit accounts, and they may have investment accounts, too. Some of these institutions grant additional rewards or fee waivers on their credit cards to customers who also hold investment or deposit accounts.

In most cases, you must maintain a specified average monthly balance to qualify for the increased rewards. Or, with some issuers, certain credit cards are available only to applicants who hold a qualifying account with the card issuer or a partner.

The decision of where to hold your cash and investments depends on many other factors besides the potential to boost your rewards on a credit card.

But if one of these programs is available to you because of your existing status with a card issuer or one of its partners, it’s worth exploring whether you could be reaping the benefits.

Below, we’ve outlined the relationship programs from some well-known issuers.

Bank of America Preferred Rewards

One of the most long-standing and generous relationship bonuses is for Bank of America customers who are part of the bank’s Preferred Rewards program.

The program has four tiers, based on your combined average daily balance over three months in both Bank of America deposit accounts and Merrill investment accounts:

• Gold ($20,000 to less than $50,000)
• Platinum ($50,000 to less than $100,000)
• Platinum Honors ($100,000 to less than $1 million)
• Diamond Honors ($1 million or more)

Members of each tier receive increased rewards for their spending on eligible Bank of America credit cards. Those in the Gold tier get a 25% bonus on their spending rewards, those in the Platinum tier get a 50% bonus, and customers in the Platinum Honors and Diamond Honors tiers get a 75% bonus.

Most Bank of America personal and small-business credit cards are eligible, except for those that are co-branded with partners, such as the Alaska Airlines card. (Preferred Rewards customers enjoy other benefits, too, including waived or reduced fees on deposit accounts and lower interest rates on loans.

Thanks to the Preferred Rewards program, we deemed Bank of America a top choice for high-net-worth clients.)

Especially for those who qualify for the 75% bonus, the rewards can be exceptional. For example, the no-fee Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card offers a standard 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which isn’t noteworthy.

But with the 75% bonus, you’ll earn 2.62% cash back, with no limits — a better rate on unlimited spending than you can get with other cards available from major issuers.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards, which also has no annual fee, offers a standard 3% cash back on a category of your choice (you select among categories such as gas, dining and travel) and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; the 3% and 2% rewards apply to the first $2,500 in combined spending in those categories each quarter.

You get an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. With the 75% bonus, the cash-back rates rise to 5.25%, 3.5% and 1.75%, respectively.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite cardholders who qualify for the 75% bonus earn 3.5 points per dollar on travel and dining purchases and 2.62 points per dollar spent on all other purchases, compared with standard rates of 2 points and 1.5 points per dollar, respectively.

The points can be worth as much as 1.25 cents each toward airfare booked through Bank of America.

The card’s annual fee is $550, but it comes with a number of perks, including a credit of up to $300 annually for airline incidental fees (such as for baggage and seat upgrades), up to $150 annually for lifestyle conveniences (such as video-streaming services, food delivery, fitness subscriptions and ride-share services), and up to $120 to reimburse the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

U.S. Bank Smartly Card

With U.S. Bank’s Smartly card, all cardholders earn an unlimited 2% cash back. Those who have a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account plus qualifying balances in a U.S. Bank Smartly Checking or Safe Debit account, however, earn extra cash back on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle. (After your spending surpasses that threshold, you earn the standard 2% rate.)

You get a total 2.5% cash back if your qualifying balance is between $10,000 and $49,999, 3% if your qualifying balance is between $50,000 and $99,999, and 4% if your qualifying balance is $100,000 or more.

If you hold at least $100,000 in eligible balances and spend $10,000 per month on the Smartly credit card, you could earn $4,800 in cash back each year.

The interest rate on the Smartly Checking account tops out at a negligible 0.005%. The Smartly Savings account offers a standard rate of 0.05%, but if you also have a Smartly Checking account, a Safe Debit account or the Smartly credit card, your savings can earn a more enticing yield.

By maintaining a combined balance of at least $100,000 in qualifying U.S. Bank deposit and investment accounts, for example, you could recently get a 3.5% yield with Smartly Savings.

PenFed Honors Advantage

PenFed Credit Union offers two credit cards with benefits for members of its Honors Advantage program. To be eligible for the program, you must maintain a qualifying Access America or Free Checking account or be an active duty, reserve, honorably discharged or retired member of the military.

Honors Advantage members who have the no-fee PenFed Power Cash Rewards card receive 2% cash back on all purchases, with no limits, instead of the standard 1.5%. And for those who have the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards card, PenFed waives the $95 annual fee.

This card offers 4 points per dollar on travel purchases and 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases. Points are worth about 0.85 cent apiece if you exchange them for gift cards; if you use points to make hotel reservations, they’re worth a more attractive 1.25 cents each.

Other Pathfinder perks include auto-rental insurance coverage, trip-delay reimbursement, a credit of up to $120 to reimburse the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, complimentary access to airport lounges in the Priority Pass Select network and a credit of up to $100 annually for ancillary fees with 10 domestic airlines.

Citigold and Citigold Private Client

Citibank recently introduced the Citi Strata Elite card ($595 annual fee), and those who are members of the bank’s premium relationship program get extra benefits. If you qualify for Citigold, which requires a minimum combined average monthly balance of $200,000 in eligible linked deposit, retirement and investment accounts, you get a $145 annual credit on the card.

And Citigold Private Client customers, who must maintain $1 million or more in qualifying account balances, get a $595 credit the first year they have the card and $145 yearly thereafter. The bank offers the same annual credits to Citigold and Citigold Private Client customers who have the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which has a $595 annual fee. (We recently named Citi one of the top banks for high-net-worth clients.)

Among Strata Elite’s perks are free airport-lounge access through a Priority Pass Select membership, four yearly passes to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges, $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more booked through Citi Travel, and up to $120 in reimbursement for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

The AAdvantage Executive World Elite card offers free access to Admirals Club lounges, a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights, and a credit of up to $120 for a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.

Benefits Through Brokers

The Platinum Card from American Express exclusively for Charles Schwab. If you have an eligible investment account with Charles Schwab (including an IRA or a Schwab One brokerage account), you can get this version of the American Express Platinum card, which has a $695 annual fee. Besides the standard benefits that Amex Platinum offers (more on those below), the Schwab card comes with an annual bonus, depending on the amount of your Schwab holdings.

You’ll receive a $100 card statement credit if your qualifying Schwab holdings are $250,000 to less than $1 million, a $200 statement credit if your holdings are from $1 million up to $10 million, or a $1,000 credit if you have $10 million or more in your Schwab accounts.

Among the plentiful benefits for all holders of American Express Platinum are a $200 annual airline-fee credit, a $200 annual hotel credit, a $199 credit toward a CLEAR Plus membership (which provides expedited security screening at the airport), reimbursement for a Walmart+ membership (which provides free shipping from Walmart and other perks), $200 yearly in Uber Cash (for Uber rides and Uber Eats deliveries), and access to Priority Pass and American Express Centurion airport lounges, among other lounge networks.

Morgan Stanley Blue Cash Preferred American Express Card. Customers who have a brokerage account with Morgan Stanley or E*Trade can sign up for this card, which is a version of the standard Amex Blue Cash Preferred card. Brokerage customers get a $100 statement credit after they spend $15,000 a year on the card, which has a $95 annual fee (waived the first year).

Blue Cash Preferred provides an outstanding 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions as well as on up to $6,000 spent yearly at the supermarket. It also offers 3% back for spending at gas stations and on transit (such as taxis, tolls and train fares) and 1% on other spending.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Before I became editor of Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, I spent many years writing about credit card rewards, and it was one of my favorite topics to cover. I enjoyed tracking the newest offers from issuers and gauging whether various cards were worthy of consideration.

My time on the credit card beat also informed my own strategy as a rewards card user. I charge most purchases on a card that has no annual fee and offers 2% cash back on all spending. (And, practicing what we at Kiplinger preach, I don’t charge more on it than I can afford to pay off each month.)

My husband, Tom, is also on the account, and together, we earn hundreds of dollars in cash back each year, which we deposit into our checking account.

Otherwise, I put restaurant and travel purchases on a card that offers extra points on each dollar spent in those categories. When I’m ready to exchange the points for rewards, I check the redemption values to make sure I’m getting a healthy return.

Many cards offer varying point values depending on how you redeem the rewards, so it’s worth doing the math.

My advice: Aim to get a value of at least 1 cent per point. Or, in other words, each 100 points should be worth at least $1. American Express Membership Rewards points, for example, are worth a penny each if you use them to book flights through Amex Travel, but only 0.6 cents each if you exchange them for statement credits.

Although rewards rates drive most of my decisions on which card to use for a purchase, I consider the card’s additional benefits, too.

When buying electronics or appliances, for example, I often charge them to a card that offers an extended warranty, in case the item breaks down shortly after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Premium rewards credit cards

I keep a couple of premium travel cards in my wallet, too. Thanks to Tom’s status as an active-duty military member, he qualifies for a waiver of the annual fee on some credit cards, and the benefit extends to me as an authorized user on his accounts.

For us, taking advantage of the many perks premium cards offer while bypassing annual fees in the hundreds of dollars is a no-brainer. (After Tom retires from military service, however, we’ll have to assess whether the annual fee is worth paying.)

One of the best benefits has been complimentary entry into airport lounges. Along with offering access to lounge networks such as Escape and Priority Pass Select, some card issuers are opening their own lounges, too.

Chase, for example, has been expanding its network of Sapphire lounges. Over the summer, I visited the sleek, expansive lounge Chase recently opened at Philadelphia International Airport. I ordered a fresh bowl of noodles with vegetables, which a server delivered to my table restaurant-style, and my kids played arcade games and shuffleboard while we waited out a three-hour flight delay.

Free wine, beer and cocktails, shower rooms, and private rest pods are other amenities you’ll find at many lounges run by issuers such as Amex, Capital One and Chase.

Judging by the responses to our annual Readers’ Choice Awards, many of you use rewards cards, too. If you’d like to share your strategies to maximize rewards or highlight your favorite perks, feel free to drop me a line.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

Related content

• Best Travel Cards of 2025
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2025
• Credit Card Bonuses Up to $1,750 for New Cardholders

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

The American Express Platinum Card® has long been a favorite among frequent travelers and heavy spenders, thanks to its premium rewards and lifestyle perks. American Express recently refreshed the card, adding new benefits valued at up to $3,500 a year.

But those perks are paired with a fee increase; American Express increased the current annual fee of $695 to $895 per year. See Rates & Fees.

For some cardholders, the new and expanded perks make the fee increase worth it, but for others, the Platinum Card is no longer the great value it once was.

Breaking down the new benefits

The Platinum Card® includes new and expanded benefits across dining, travel, wellness and entertainment categories. Beginning September 18, 2025, cardholders will enjoy new benefits, including:

• Dining and Resy credits. Platinum Card® holders can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. As a Platinum Card® Member you have special access to reservations on select nights at participating sought after Resy restaurants in select cities through Platinum Nights™ by Resy. Simply add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile to book your reservation.
• Expanded hotel credits and luxury travel perks. Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM late check-out.
• Lifestyle and wellness benefits. The new perks include up to $120 in statement credits each year for auto-renewing Uber One memberships when paid with the Platinum Card® (enrollment required). Cardholders can also receive up to $300 in Lululemon credits annually (up to $75 per quarter) for eligible purchases made at U.S. Lululemon stores or online, excluding outlet locations. In addition, Platinum Card members who purchase an Oura Ring through ouraring.com using their card can earn up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year — though the credit applies only to the ring itself, not to subscription or membership fees.
• Digital entertainment credits. Cardholders can also receive numerous credits for digital entertainment subscriptions. Subscribers to Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium and YouTube TV can receive up to $25 in statement credits each month when they use their Platinum Card to make eligible purchases.

Lounge access and status perks are still in place. American Express will be expanding its Centurion Lounge Network to include a Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, and a Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges.

The math on $3,500 in perks

In total, the card offers up to $3,500 in annual perks. If you’re able to use the full amount, the higher annual fee could be worthwhile. But in reality, most cardholders will capture only a portion of that value.

For example, a casual spender might take advantage of the $300 Lululemon credit and, in their first year, the $200 Oura Ring credit. Add in the $155 Walmart+ benefit and a few digital entertainment credits, and their total value may just meet — or slightly exceed — the $895 fee. Still, it’s unlikely those perks will deliver significant value beyond the cost of the card.

By contrast, a frequent traveler could come out far ahead. They might use the $600 in hotel credits, the $120 Uber One benefit, and the $400 Resy dining credit, on top of earning 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels. Combine those with upgrades and Centurion Lounge access, and the Platinum Card’s value can easily outweigh its $895 price tag.

When evaluating the perks that you might get from the card, pay close attention to the requirements for each perk. For example, some credit card perks, like the digital entertainment credit, require you to enroll to receive the reward.

Other perks require quarterly use; the Resy credit is issued in up to $100 statement credits each quarter. The Lululemon credit is also issued quarterly when you make in-store purchases. You’ll need to read the fine print to make sure you’ll get the most value from the credit card perks.

Who comes out ahead

The American Express Platinum Card® offers the greatest value to cardholders who are frequent travelers, diners and lifestyle spenders. Individuals who have multiple streaming subscriptions, who frequently book flights and hotel stays and who shop at retailers like Walmart+ and Lululemon are best positioned to take advantage of the card’s perks.

Cardholders who aren’t large spenders or who don’t frequently travel will use fewer perks and may find it harder to justify the higher annual fee.

Our take on the new Platinum

The card's refresh delivers some appealing benefits, but they come at a cost. The Uber One, Resy and hotel credits are particularly appealing to travelers, while the digital entertainment and Lululemon credits are enticing lifestyle additions that many cardholders may be able to use.

That said, the Platinum Card® is a top-tier rewards credit card, and its fee increase is steep. Cardholders will see that the fee increase goes into effect at their next renewal date on or after January 2, 2026, for consumers. (The increase will take effect on or after December 2, 2025, for business cardholders.)

If you’re considering applying or renewing the Platinum Card, you’ll need to carefully consider how much value you’re likely to get from it, and whether that value outweighs the annual fee.

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Kiplinger readers are a savvy bunch, especially when it comes to making smart choices with their money. So for the third year running, we asked you to rate financial providers based on your experiences with them. More than 2,700 readers completed our survey earlier this year, judging the products and services they use in 13 categories, from brokers and wealth managers to annuity providers, tax software, and home and auto insurance companies.

In the survey, respondents scored providers on certain criteria, such as their experience with the company’s customer service team, the likelihood they would recommend the product or service to others, and their overall satisfaction with it. Readers also had the option to leave comments about their experience, and we have shared some of them in the full category guides (remarks may be lightly edited for length and clarity).

For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest total score. We’ve also listed other products and services that earned above-average scores for the various criteria we asked readers to assess. Many thanks to all of you who participated in the survey.

Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards Categories

Best Full-Service Brokers

We asked readers to evaluate brokerage firms whose offerings run the gamut of services to customers, whether online, by phone, through in-person assistance at brick-and-mortar branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker’s customer service, how likely they are to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.

The overall winner is Fidelity Investments.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best full-service brokers.

Best Wealth Management

These firms take a holistic look at your finances and offer advice tailored to you. Beyond assisting with investment strategies, advisers may help you manage credit and debt, savings, estate and tax planning, and more. Readers rated wealth managers based on the quality of financial advice they received, the trustworthiness of the advisers, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the wealth manager.

The overall winner is Fidelity Wealth Management.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best wealth management services.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back cards usually offer simple terms and the opportunity to earn rewards on everyday purchases. We asked readers to rate cash back cards on the responsiveness of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and their overall satisfaction with the card.

The overall winner is Fidelity Rewards Visa.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best cash back credit card.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards typically offer extra points or miles on travel spending. And many heap on additional perks, such as statement credits for hotel, airline or dining purchases. Readers rated travel rewards cards on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the card to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best travel rewards credit card.

Best Airline Card Rewards Programs

Airline credit cards reward brand loyalty. You’ll get miles or points for every flight you book with the airline, and with some programs, you can earn free airline tickets, access to airport lounges and other travel perks. We surveyed readers in three areas: strength of customer service, whether they would recommend the credit card program to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Southwest Airlines credit card rewards program.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, airline credit card rewards programs.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Rewards Programs

As with airline card programs, hotel credit card programs reward you for being loyal to a particular hotel chain. The more you stay, the more perks you can receive, such as free nights, upgraded rooms, late checkouts and more. These hotel credit card programs earned top marks from our readers, who rated the programs on the strength of customer service, the likelihood they’d recommend the program to others and overall satisfaction.

The overall winner is the Marriott Bonvoy credit card program.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice 2025, Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs.

Best National Banks

These large institutions have a presence in many states and offer branches where you can conduct transactions. We assessed readers’ overall satis­faction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service and the like­lihood they would recommend the bank to others.

The overall winner is Chase Bank.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best national banks.

Best Internet Banks

Internet banks often provide higher yields than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. The reason? Internet banks don’t have physical locations, so their overhead costs are lower, allowing them to pay out better rates. Survey respondents judged these institutions on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the bank to others and how satisfied they are overall with the bank.

The overall winner is Charles Schwab Bank.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best internet banks.

Best Auto Insurance Companies

We asked readers to weigh in on auto insurance, judging their primary provider based on how competitive the rates are, their experience with filing claims and how likely they are to recommend the insurer to others. The following companies stood out from the rest in our survey.

The overall winner is USAA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, auto insurance companies.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Readers rated their homeowners insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, how positive the experience is when filing a claim and how likely they would be to recommend the insurance company to others. Most of the providers that collected accolades for homeowners insurance are also honorees for their auto insurance services.

The overall winner is USAA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, homeowners insurance companies.

Best Annuity Providers

Annuities are contracts that allow you to pay an amount up front or over time in exchange for the opportunity to create a steady stream of income in retirement; they may be fixed or variable, and they may provide income immediately or in the future. We asked readers to assess their annuity provider based on customer service, their overall satisfaction with the company and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

The overall winner is New York Life.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best annuity providers.

Best Tax Software

These programs guide taxpayers through the ins and outs of preparing and filing a tax return. The offerings vary depending on your return’s complexity and whether you want help from a tax pro. We asked readers to rate their preferred tax-filing software based on ease of use, how likely they are to recommend the service to others and overall satisfaction with it.

The overall winner is FreeTaxUSA.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, tax software.

Best Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer payment apps allow you to digitally send and receive money with friends and family from your smartphone. We asked readers to evaluate their preferred payment app’s ease of use, their overall satisfaction with it and how likely they are to recommend it to others.

The overall winner is Apple Cash.

Read our full guide: Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2025, best peer-to-peer payment apps.

How Readers Chose Their Winners

Kiplinger readers were invited to take the Readers’ Choice Awards survey on Kiplinger.com between February 20 and March 21, 2025. The survey asked respondents to choose the financial product or service that they most frequently use in 13 categories: full-service brokerage firms, wealth managers, cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, airline credit card rewards programs, hotel credit card rewards programs, national banks, internet banks, auto insurers, homeowners insurers, annuity providers, tax software and peer-to-peer payment services.

We asked readers to rate each provider they selected on a scale of one to 10 based on a few criteria. In many categories, readers rated the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the product or service to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the provider.

In some categories, we included more-nuanced criteria. With wealth management firms, we asked respondents to rate the trustworthiness of a firm’s advisers and the quality of its financial advice. For peer-to-peer payment apps and tax software, respondents evaluated ease of use, and for auto and home insurance companies, readers judged the competitiveness of rates and strength of the claims experience.

We calculated an average (mean) score for each criterion with each provider. We also calculated an overall mean score for all providers for each criterion we asked readers to judge. We compared individual provider mean scores with the overall mean, and the three highest-scoring pro­viders that had a score above the overall mean won an “outstanding” accolade; in cases of a tie, more than three providers are named, and if fewer than three qualifying providers achieved an above-average score, only those providers are named “outstanding.”

In each category, providers are generally listed in descending order by the number of criteria for which they received the “outstanding” designation — so a product or company that is deemed “outstanding” in three areas, for example, is listed before a provider with one or two “outstanding” awards.

To choose an overall winner in each category, we added together the mean scores for each criterion rated for each product or service. The provider with the highest total score in each category took the prize for overall winner.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Readers' Choice Full-Service Brokers
• Readers' Choice Wealth Management
• Readers' Choice Cash Back Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Readers' Choice Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs
• Readers' Choice National Banks
• Readers' Choice Internet Banks
• Readers' Choice Auto Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Homeowners Insurance Companies
• Readers' Choice Annuity Providers
• Readers' Choice Tax Software
• Readers' Choice Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

If you're looking to save on your everyday expenses, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is an excellent option to consider. You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months.

Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.

On top of that, it's a great option if you want a credit card with no annual fees and features a ton of perks. Here's a glance at some of the many cost-saving benefits this card offers you.

The perfect dinner and a movie credit card

One of the better perks is for streamers. Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.

It brings the cost of a standalone service like Hulu with ads down from $11.99 to $4.99 plus taxes, making it an incredible deal.

On top of that, the card supports your cooking habits. Cardholders can receive a $15 monthly statement credit when you charge your Home Chef membership with your card. This gives you a $180 annual discount.

Home Chef is a meal delivery service. How it works is each week you'll choose from over 35 meals and 18 extras. The pre-portioned ingredients arrive with specific cooking instructions. It allows you to make fresh, healthier meals quickly.

Save on everyday items

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card helps you save on the things you do the most. Cardholders earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, and on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

To put it into perspective, you can save up to $180 in each of these categories at the 3% rate annually. That's a savings of up to $540 per year with no annual fees.

It's important to note there are some exclusions that apply. American Express doesn't consider super stores, meal delivery kit services or warehouse clubs as grocery stores, so purchases at any would only qualify for the 1% back.

Meanwhile, the retail cash back doesn't apply in every case. If you made an online purchase from a restaurant, grocery store, travel website or automotive dealer, it won't qualify for the 3% back. You can see other exclusions in the terms section.

Redemption options

Each point you earn equals one cent with no minimum redemption limits. You can take your points and use them as statement credit.

Or, you can use your cash back at Amazon.com for purchases. And if you're a Prime member, you can save even more with free shipping on millions of items.

The bottom line

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is a fantastic card for everyday purchases. Streamers can earn a sizable discount on the Disney Bundle, while you can also earn 3% back at grocery stores, gas stations and U.S. online retailers.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The $6,000 cap on the 3% category will limit grocery shoppers with higher budgets. If this is the case, consider the American Express^® Gold Card, where you'll earn 4 points per dollar spent at supermarkets up to $25,000 annually.

Also, not every online purchase will qualify for the 3% back. Those obstacles aside, this is an excellent card that includes a lot of perks with no annual fee.

Related content

• Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards With These Simple Tips
• Which Credit Cards Offer The Best Cash Back Incentives?
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We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

What's in your wallet? It could hold one of the worst credit cards if you haven't been paying attention. The terms of rewards credit cards change over time; that card that seemed great a few years ago could now be a dog. While nabbing a card with a big bonus for new customers is tempting, you must also be sure it's the right card for the long haul. And with interest rates soaring and annual fees trending up over the past few years, you should take a close look at your cards. Here, we have rounded up a list of the Worst Credit Cards of the year thanks to a WalletHub study.

As a first step, cull any of these cards from your wallet, and then shop for a card with better terms or a compelling bonus offer. But if you have more than one lousy card, don't close your cards all at once. Canceling a card will lower your credit score — albeit temporarily. You can protect your score by closing bad cards and opening a new card over time. The goal is to hold on to the best cards and, even if you don't use them daily, keep your credit cards active to protect your credit score.

We're pairing the worst credit cards with our picks for the best cards in four categories: overall rewards, long-term financing, balance transfer and small business. If you haven't applied for a new card in a while, you should review how to pick a rewards credit card.

Four worst credit cards of 2024

The worst credit cards typically charge high interest rates and fees, but offer few (if any) rewards or other perks in return. So, if you’re one of the 57% of Americans who say their finances are a horror show, check out these credit cards that the experts at WalletHub consider among the worst. If you’re holding one in your pocket right now, we also offer alternatives.

1. Mastercard® Gold Card: worst for rewards

The Mastercard® Gold Card comes with an astounding $995 annual fee. For that, you get a 24K gold plated card, a $200 airfare credit each year, access to a concierge, the promise of luxury gifts and one point for each $1 spent on most purchases. Many other credit cards (like the alternative below) offer better rewards bonuses and higher ongoing rewards earning rates for hundreds of dollars less per year.

Card details. Transfer intro APR: 0% for 15 months Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5) Regular APR: 20.74% - 28.74% (V) Annual Fee: $995 Rewards Rate: 1 point for each $1 spent.

Best alternative credit card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card has an annual fee of only a tenth of the Mastercard® Gold Card but with a great sign-up bonus and rewards.

2. Amalgamated Bank Maximum Rewards: worst for financing

Although the Amalgamated Bank Maximum Rewards® World Mastercard® offers 0% introductory rates, the terms are poor if you hope to finance a big purchase over time. You only get 0% for six months, which is relatively short for most credit cards. And for a cash back card, Amalgamated's 1.5 points for every dollar spent can't compete with the best flat-rate cash back credit cards. These cards offer between 2% and even 3% back (for a limited time) with no annual fee.

Card details. Purchase intro APR: 0% for 6 months Transfer intro APR: 0% for 6 months Transfer Fee: 5% (min $10) Regular APR: 24.99% - 29.99% (V) Annual Fee: $0

Many customers are drawn to Amalgamated Bank because of its progressive banking policies. The bank is a recognized B Corp-certified business, meaning it adheres to transparency and sustainability beyond legal requirements for banks. For example, almost a third of its loan portfolio is dedicated to climate solutions. It's too bad that its maximum rewards credit card doesn't have better terms.

Best alternative credit card for long-term financing. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers 21 months of 0% interest.

3. Community Bank Maximum Rewards: worst for balance transfer

The Community Bank Maximum Rewards® Visa Signature® Card made WalletHub's list of the worst cards this year (for the first time) because it is expensive for people who want to reduce the burden of existing debt. The card charges a 5% (min $10) balance transfer fee and a regular APR of 24.99% - 29.99%, which kicks in after an introductory offer of just 0% for 6 months. It does offer 1.5 points for every $1 spent to be redeemed on cash back, gift cards, travel or merchandise, but the short intro rate makes it an expensive option to use long-term.

Card details. Purchase intro APR: 0% for 6 months Transfer intro APR: 0% for 6 months Transfer Fee: 5% (min $10) Regular APR: 24.99% - 29.99% Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1.5 points / $1 Bonus Offer: 10,000 points.

Best alternative credit card: Citi Simplicity Card.

4. CorTrust Bank Visa Business Card - worst for business cards

The CorTrust Bank Visa Business card comes with a $0 annual fee, but doesn’t offer rewards or low introductory interest rates. Since many (probably most) small business cards come with business-oriented rewards programs, if you opt for this card, you are leaving a lot of money on the table. By the way, this is the 10th year this card made it on the Worst Credit Cards list.

Card details. Regular APR: 19.49% Annual Fee: $0.

Best alternative credit card: Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.

Other key findings from the study

• Credit card debt hit a record $1.14 trillion in August of this year.
• 64% of people have nightmares about money
• Some of the worst credit cards charge fees up to $995 and have APRs as high as 36%.
• 46% of people are very fearful of this economy.
• 28% of Americans say an unplanned emergency is their biggest financial fear, 20% say it's not having enough retirement savings and 17% say it’s job loss.
  

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Earning rewards based on your credit card spending can be thrilling. After all, who doesn’t love to get more bang for their buck? 

Used strategically, “rewards are free money,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst for CreditCards.com and Bankrate. For instance, Rossman earned more than $2,300 in cash back last year by paying for everyday expenses such as food, gas and streaming services for his family of four using three cash back credit cards: American Express Blue Cash Preferred ($95 annual fee, waived the first year), Chase Freedom Flex and Wells Fargo Active Cash. “That’s meaningful,” he says. “Credit card rewards are an inflation buster.”

As the holiday season approaches, this is an ideal time to get some extra cash back in your bank account, as well as to capitalize on credit card perks that can make everything from gift buying to travel more affordable and enjoyable. (Just make sure you pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid interest charges).

Ready to get more out of your credit card rewards? Here’s what to do. 

Understand your current credit card's rewards

Familiarize yourself with the rewards that each of your credit cards provide. Rewards typically come in one of three forms: cash back as a percentage of your purchases; points, which can be redeemed for items and services such as merchandise, gift cards, cash and travel; or miles, which are mainly exchangeable for travel-related awards, such as flights or hotel stays. 

To get details, call your credit card issuer’s customer service line or look up your benefits on its website or app. When you review rewards information online or on paper, pay attention to the asterisks and plus signs that designate footnotes, as they often list additional perks and restrictions. “Read the fine print,” advises Daisy Hernandez, credit cards editor at The Points Guy, a website that provides tips and tools for managing rewards. There may be limits, for example, on the total amount of rewards you can earn in a certain category or over a specific period. 

Then make a list of which cards are best to use for specific spending situations, such as buying groceries, getting gas and dining out. For instance, you may get 6% cash back on groceries with one card and 2% cash back with another. In that case, you’ll want to pull out the former when you shop for food. Or, if you are planning to travel abroad, bring a card with no foreign transaction fees. “Know the ins and outs of your program, and match your lifestyle to your card,” says Rossman.

If memorization isn’t your strong suit, create a quick-reference guide that lists which cards to use for different purposes. Keep it in a handy place, such as in your wallet or the notes app on your phone. You can even jot down details directly on your credit cards in permanent marker or wrap the card in a sticky note that specifies where to use it. 

Keeping track may feel daunting at first, but you’ll eventually develop a routine, says Hernandez. “It can take a little while to get there, but once it’s set in your head, you’ll automatically know what to reach for,” she says. 

Explore other credit card options

If you’re still using a credit card that you opened decades ago, it’s likely time for an upgrade. In fact, all of your low- or no-reward cards might need a refresh. “If you have old cards languishing, there’s probably something better out there for you,” says Rossman. 

But be aware that if you close any of your existing cards, eventually they’ll stop contributing to the length of your credit history — and a long credit history boosts your credit score. (Accounts that are closed in good standing, however, remain on your credit report and contribute to your credit-history length for up to 10 years). In addition, your overall credit limit among all the cards you have will decrease when you close a card. If you have balances on other cards that you keep open, your credit-utilization ratio — the percentage of available credit that you use on your cards — could rise, and a high utilization ratio hurts your credit score. It’s often best to leave a card open even if you don’t plan to use it much, unless you’re paying an annual fee.  

Alternatively, you could ask your issuer about a “product upgrade,” which allows you to switch to a different card from the same provider while keeping your account history and available credit. You can also explore getting a completely new card that matches your spending patterns and goals. We've rounded up the best rewards credit cards in a dozen categories to help you choose. 

Avoid applying for several credit cards at once. Each application creates a “hard” inquiry from the lender on your credit report, and multiple card inquiries that appear in a short period can ding your credit score. The general advice is to apply for credit no more than once every six months or so, says Rossman. 

The holiday season can be an ideal time to apply for a new card. Many come with sign-up bonuses of extra cash or other perks, which can offset gift-buying bills or help with travel expenses. In addition, you often need to spend a certain amount to earn those bonuses, which can tie in nicely during a period when most people naturally increase their spending. 

Before applying, carefully assess a card’s advantages and restrictions. Check to see whether it has an annual fee. If so, make sure the rewards will outweigh the cost for you. As an example, Hernandez says that one of her credit cards has a $95 annual fee. Yet she’s earned more than five times that amount back in rewards within a year. “That card is more than worth it,” she says. “That’s money back in my pocket.”

Both she and Rossman caution that you should sign up for a new card only if you can pay off the balance in full each month. Also, prioritize paying off any existing credit card debt before opening a new card. “If you have credit card debt, don’t play the rewards game,” says Rossman. “It’s not worth paying 20% interest to get 1%, 2% or even 5% in cash back.”

When choosing the card that’s best for you, use a “know thyself” approach, he adds. Find one that matches your preferences, spending style and comfort level. 

If juggling multiple rewards cards feels overwhelming, you can still reap significant value from a basic card that offers 2% cash back on all spending. In fact, for many people, a 2% card could outperform a card that gives you, say, 5% in one category and 1% on everything else. Consider Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash, which both offer 2% back on everything you buy. 

Supercharge your credit card rewards

In general, you’ll get the most value if you redeem your rewards in a way that aligns with your card’s primary purpose, says Rossman. If you have a travel card, it’s usually best to redeem points or miles that you earn with it for travel-related perks. With Chase Sapphire Preferred ($95 annual fee), for example, points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when you use them to book reservations through Chase Travel; otherwise, you get a value of 1 cent per point if you redeem them for cash back or gift cards. With many American Express cards, point values are often strongest if you trade points for certain travel-related purchases, such as flights booked through American Express Travel. 

If you have a standard cash-back card, resist the urge to redeem your rewards when shopping online or paying at a store checkout counter; the redemption value is usually weaker than what you’ll get if you exchange the rewards for a statement credit or a check. “Normally, when you redeem at Amazon or another retailer, you’ll get a rate of something like 0.8 cent per point,” Rossman says. (Some cash-back cards issue rewards as points, which can be redeemed for cash or other options.) “Whereas with a statement credit, you’re going to get a full cent per point. So if you have a 2% cash back card and you redeem your rewards at Amazon, you’re probably getting the equivalent of about 1.6% cash back.” 

But there is a method to get better value out of points or miles when you redeem them with retailers, airlines and hotels that you frequently patronize: Use a co-branded credit card. Co-branded cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card ($150 annual fee, waived the first year) and the Amazon Visa and Prime Visa cards, often offer the best rates when you use rewards to make purchases from the corresponding brand.

Another way you can earn extra rewards and score discounts is by shopping through your credit card’s online portal, which may offer everything from beauty products and electronics to travel-related purchases. Keep an eye out for notifications about special offers and promotions through which you can get additional benefits during a certain period, such as the holiday season. In general, you’ll have to opt in for these deals. 

While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of maximizing rewards, it’s also critical to make decisions based on your needs and desires. “Consider your financial goals,” Hernandez says. Do you want cash back to use on gifts? Are you aiming to earn enough miles for a free flight to your friend’s New Year’s Eve extravaganza? Or do you desire enough points for a free night at a hotel, so you have somewhere to stay when attending family get-togethers? These decisions should all factor into which cards you choose to prioritize.

Access exclusive experiences and events

Certain credit cards can grant you early, exclusive and even free entry to a wide range of experiences, from concerts and music festivals to theater performances, museums and sporting events.

For instance, holders of Capital One Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards were able to access an allocation of presale tickets for Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. And Bank of America credit and debit card holders get free general admission during the first full weekend of every month to more than 225 U.S. cultural institutions, which include space and science museums, botanical gardens, and cultural centers. 

In addition, your cards may snag you hard-to-get reservations at some of the world’s top restaurants, better seats on a flight, or access to more-convenient parking areas at events. You may also enjoy entry into airport and venue lounges that often have Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and free or discounted drinks. At hotels, you may get free breakfast, late check-out, and dining and spa credits. “It’s the whole champagne-travel-on-a-beer-budget kind of thing,” says Rossman.

If you’re planning to catch any shows, be sure to check out your card’s perks. For instance, Chase cardholders who plan to attend the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes in New York City can get preferred seating and 20% off food and nonalcoholic beverages. 

You may even come across perks that benefit the kids. For instance, families who have the Disney Visa card can get special access to Disney and Star Wars characters at Walt Disney World.

And if the holidays are a time when you give back to others, your rewards can help there as well: Many credit card issuers allow you to exchange rewards for charitable donations.

Monitor and manage your rewards

Staying on top of your credit card rewards takes some effort, but you’ll make the most of what you have coming to you if you’re organized. For starters, make sure you know whether your rewards will expire. Most credit card programs don’t impose expiration dates on rewards you earn while your account remains in good standing. But there are exceptions, so check your card’s terms. 

Along with staying on top of the cash back, points or miles you’ve earned, it’s important to track one-time or yearly perks such as a free night at a hotel, complimentary streaming-service subscriptions, or shopping credits at select retailers. Also monitor annual fee amounts and their renewal dates, and check your issuer’s policies on account inactivity if you rarely use a card; the issuer may lower your credit limit or close the card if you don’t use it much.

Many credit card issuers have apps and online dashboards where you can track rewards, view your benefits and activate offers. Third-party apps, such as those from AwardWallet, MaxRewards, CardPointers and The Points Guy, can help you to monitor your rewards, too.

For Hernandez’s part, she keeps tabs on her seven personal credit cards in a more traditional, hands-on way. “I track everything on a spreadsheet,” she says. This approach helps her stay on top of perks, annual fees and more. “I want to make sure I’m getting the most value out of my cards.”

Don't overlook these extras

Many credit cards offer even more perks and protections than you might realize. “Certain cards will give you everything from rental car insurance to trip cancellation and interruption protection to coverage for lost or delayed luggage,” says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst for CreditCards.com and Bankrate. “Some airline cards will give you a free checked bag for each member of your family when you travel, which can save you a ton of money.”

Here are some of the many benefits to check into:

• A credit to cover the cost of an application for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry or CLEAR Plus, all of which provide expedited security screening at the airport. If you already have these services or don’t need them, you can use the credit to pay for someone else’s application and still get reimbursed, says Daisy Hernandez, credit cards editor at The Points Guy, a website that provides tips and tools for managing rewards.
• Extended-warranty coverage and purchase protection, which provide a repair, replacement or reimbursement if eligible merchandise is damaged or stolen. These benefits, which usually provide coverage within a certain window of time, often apply to items such as TVs, appliances and cell phones. Note that you typically need to pay for the item with the credit card to get coverage. (In the case of your cell phone, you usually must pay the monthly bill with that card, and a deductible may apply if you have to replace the phone.)
• Limited roadside-assistance services, such as tire changes, jump starts and short-distance towing. These benefits vary, and fees may apply.
• Credit-score updates and identity theft protection, which may include monitoring of your credit reports for signs of fraudulent activity and assistance with recovery if you become an ID theft victim.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Checking your credit card statement every month is an important financial task. The statement holds key information about your card’s balance, interest rate and payment due date. 

Plus, by monitoring transactions, you can get a sense of where your money is going — and detect any fraudulent purchases quickly. Here’s how to read the fine print. 

Account summary

The account summary shows activity during the most recent billing period. At the top, you’ll see the balance from the end of your card’s previous billing cycle, which may be called the previous balance. Then you’ll see the amount you made in payments, which is subtracted from the previous balance. 

The account summary also includes the total amount of purchases and credits (for example, refunds for items you returned to a merchant), balance transfers, cash advances, any past due amount, fees charged, and interest that has accrued since the last billing cycle. Additionally, you’ll see the starting and closing dates of the billing cycle, which usually lasts 28 to 31 days. Transactions occurring after the closing date will show up on your next bill. 

Your statement balance (which may be called the new balance) shows the amount you owe at the end of the billing cycle. Your credit limit, as well as the amount of credit available to you after subtracting your card’s balance, appears in the account summary, too. 

Payment information

Perhaps the most important line in this section is your payment due date. Your payment is usually considered to be on time if you submit it by 5 p.m. in your time zone on the due date shown, if it’s a weekday; if the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, then you have until the next weekday to pay your balance. 

If you send your credit card payment by mail, try to mail it well before the due date so you won’t incur late fees. Your credit card bill provides a payment coupon to include with your check or money order.

The payment section also lists the minimum payment due, which is the amount required to avoid a penalty, as well as a warning that explains how much you’ll owe in fees and higher interest if you fail to pay by the due date. In addition, this section explains the number of months or years it will take to pay off the balance if you make only minimum payments. By paying your balance on time and in full every month, you can avoid a lengthy repayment time, interest charges and late fees. 

Changes to your account

If your account terms change, those differences are listed here. For example, if your card company increases your interest rate or adds more fees, you’ll be informed in this section and given at least 45 days’ notice before the changes take effect. If you trigger a penalty interest rate by paying late or exceeding your credit limit, you’ll see the rate increase here.

Transactions

This section provides a summary of your purchases and other transactions since your last statement, showing exactly where your money is going, says Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate. Every purchase you made is listed, along with the date of the purchase and identity of the merchant. 

Inspect this part of your statement closely for any unfamiliar or forgotten charges, such as free-trial subscriptions that turned into paid services after the trial ended, Rossman says. You should also scrutinize the list for transactions you don’t recognize, which could indicate fraud. If you see a purchase you don’t recall making, contact the merchant first. If you can’t resolve the issue with the merchant, write a letter to your credit card company to dispute the charge. 

Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have 60 days after the date the billing statement was sent to you to dispute an erroneous charge. Your credit card provider must investigate and resolve the dispute within two complete billing cycles — but no more than 90 days — of receiving the letter. 

If the card provider determines that the charges were unauthorized, the law limits your liability to $50, no matter how much was charged to your card. Many card companies offer zero-liability protection as long as you notify them of suspected fraud within 30 days of receiving your statement and noticing the error. 

Fees and interest charges

This section tells you the total amount you’ve been charged in interest and fees for the current year. If you’ve been paying fees, look for ways to avoid them, Rossman says. For example, setting up automatic payments of your credit card bill will ensure that your payments arrive on time.

Keep in mind that you can ask your card provider to lower your interest rate or waive fees, too. A recent survey by LendingTree found that three-fourths of consumers who requested a lower interest rate on one of their credit cards in the past year were successful.

Interest charge calculations

At the bottom of your credit card statement, you’ll see how interest on your payments is calculated. This section includes the annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases, balance transfers and cash advances. 

It also details the balances subject to the current APR and any changes in your interest rate. For example, if you had an introductory purchase APR of 0%, you’ll see when that rate will expire. 

Credit card rewards

If you have a rewards credit card, this section shows the amount of cash back, points or miles you’ve earned and redeemed. This is useful if you’re planning to use your rewards to take a trip or pay for another big expense. 

How long to keep your credit card statement

Jim Droske, owner of Illinois Credit Services, a credit-repair company, says it’s important to have access to your credit card statements in case you want to dispute a fraudulent charge or need them for tax documentation. 

If you receive paper statements, store them in a safe place for at least 60 days to dispute a fraudulent charge or for up to six years if you need them for your taxes. If you manage your account online, consider downloading electronic copies of your statements to a password-protected file on your computer.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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Airport lounges are becoming more and more popular, and lounge operators are responding to the surge in popularity by cracking down on their admission policies.

This year, Delta added new restrictions to SkyClub access for certain American Express cardholders. Next year, Capital One is planning new, stricter lounge access rules for its own cardholders.

Even as the entrance rules get stricter, there are still ways for travelers to get into these increasingly exclusive and luxurious spaces. From travel credit cards that still offer complimentary lounge access to day passes for less frequent flyers, here are the various ways to get access to airport lounges right now.

Are airport lounges worth it?

Unless you’re dealing with an extensive layover or flight delay, many people try to spend as little time as possible in the airport before their flight. But even a short stay in a lounge is vastly more appealing than sitting in an uncomfortable seat at your gate and dragging your carry-on around to find a reasonably priced snack.

Not only do lounges offer better WiFi, tons of comfortable seating options, and televisions – they also usually provide free food and drinks, including alcoholic options. (Considering how much food and beverages cost in an airport, you may save money this way alone.)

In fact, some even have showers, for those coming off long-haul flights or running to an important destination on their next flight.

Simply put, amenity-packed lounges are quieter, cleaner, and more relaxing places to be before a flight.

6 ways to get access to airport lounges

Travelers have many different options for gaining airport lounge access, including:

1. Buy a first class or business ticket

A higher-class ticket comes with many perks — including lounge access. Travel websites like Skyscanner help you filter plane tickets based on cabin class.

However, some airlines don't have lounges or offer complimentary access for specific ticket classes or specific routes (think Delta and American Airlines), so confirm the airline's lounge access policy before buying a ticket.

2. Gain elite status with an airline

Joining an airline's loyalty program is one of the most sure-fire ways to get access to an airport lounge. While you typically need to reach one of the higher tiers, some loyalty programs make it easier than others to get complimentary lounge access. Compare different programs to find the best fit and choose an airline that has lounge locations at the airports you visit most.

For example, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan grants complimentary lounge access to MVP Gold, Gold 75K, and Gold 100K members traveling internationally, while American Airlines AAdvantage gives lounge access to Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members traveling internationally.

3. Sign up for the right credit card

Many credit cards will offer you lounge access as a perk, especially if you sign up for a travel rewards card. Some of these cards are directly partnered with specific lounges (think the Delta SkyMiles American Express cards), while others offer more flexible perks like a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership to access lounges across different networks.

The only downside is that these rewards cards typically have high annual fees and some may require a certain spending limit to get this benefit. It's important to calculate the overall value of the perks you'll actually use to make sure the annual fee for the card makes sense.

4. Buy a day pass

Many lounges allow you to purchase a pass so you can access all the amenities, either for a single visit or for 24 hours, so you can hit lounges during any layovers along the way.

Costs usually range between $35 to $80. If you don't fly often enough to justify a loyalty program or lounge membership, buying day passes as needed is going to be the most cost-effective option. Of course, not every lounge offers day passes, so check online in advance to see what your options are at the airport.

5. Get an annual membership

If you really like a certain lounge network, you can usually buy an annual pass or membership that grants unlimited access for the year. Several offer annual membership programs, including Delta ($695) and American Airlines ($850).

Just do the math on how many visits it would take to make up for the annual fee. If you don't think you'll visit lounges often enough to make the annual membership worth it, stick to buying day passes.

6. Enroll in Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a program that grants members access to over 1,700 lounges all around the world. As mentioned above, some credit cards offer a complimentary Priority Pass membership as a perk.

If you don’t get it for free through your credit card, you can simply enroll in a membership on your own. There are different tiers with different benefits, ranging from $99 to $469 a year.

Is Priority Pass worth it?

Priority Pass, like any option, has its pros and cons. If you travel quite a bit, like the idea of spending time in an airport lounge, and want to avoid high fees, Priority Pass is a smart option, offering 1,800 lounges all over the globe (including 150-plus in the United States).

There are three tiers of membership:

• Standard, $99. You pay $35 to get into a lounge, and it’s $35 to bring in a guest.
• Standard Plus, $329. You get 10 free visits a year. After that, you pay $35 for each additional visit. A guest is $35.
• Prestige, $469. You get unlimited free visits throughout the year, and a guest is $35 for each visit.

While it comes with a large network of lounges, there are certainly downsides to Priority Pass. For one, it’s not a given you’ll actually get into a lounge, even with a membership. They have limited spaces set aside for Priority Pass members.

The quality, size, and amenities offered also vary significantly between locations. So, it's important to check out the locations you're likely to visit most to see whether enrolling is worth it.

Another important downside of Priority Pass is that no tier allows you to bring in a guest for free. If you often travel with your spouse or a friend, those $35 guest passes will add up.

Finally, for the price of a higher-tier membership, you can usually find a travel rewards card that includes Priority Pass Select or another lounge access perk. For about the same annual cost as a Priority Pass membership, you can get lounge access along with all the other perks that the credit card includes.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards card, for instance, is Kiplinger readers' favorite travel rewards credit card, has a $395 annual fee. For that, you get complimentary access to Capital One lounges and a Priority Pass Select.

It may also be more economical to sign up for a day pass each time you want to use a lounge. This largely depends on how much you’re traveling and your travel habits.

Let's say, for example, you typically travel out of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport. There, you can get a day pass to The Club for $50.

If you planned to travel three times in a year, using the lounge each time, that would cost $150. Meanwhile, if you used Priority Pass at the Standard level, those same three visits would cost about $200 (the $99 annual fee plus $35 for each visit).

The costs even out around your sixth lounge visit, and the standard tier Priority Pass is more economical after your seventh visit.

The bottom line on accessing airport lounges

Airport lounges aren’t just for first-class travelers. Research your credit cards and frequent flier programs to make sure you aren’t missing out on any lounge perks you may already have.

If you don’t get free lounge access already, there are plenty of other options so you can make your airport experience as comfortable as possible. Just do the math to figure out which option makes the most sense for the way you travel.

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We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

This Chase Ink business card could line your pocket with a welcome bonus worth $900, or more. With the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first three months. That's $900 cash back, $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, or up to $1,845 value when transferring points to some Chase partners.

Before you pull the trigger on this card, be sure to check out its closest competitor, the Capital One Venture X Business Card, now offering 150,000 bonus points for new cardholders.

And be sure your business really needs a credit card and not a small business loan, as we explain in the section "Should you get a business card?"

Chase Ink Business Card

• Other cardholder perks

What can you spend the bonus points on?

You may use the 90,000 bonus points in several ways.

Cash Back ($900 value) – By logging into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, you will see options for cash back at the rate of one penny for each point. You may redeem any amount for deposit into your checking or savings account – at Chase or other major banks – or as a statement credit on your Chase Ink account. And with the Chase Pay Yourself Back program, you can get 1.25 cents back per point when donating to certain charities through December 31, 2024.

Transfer points to a partner airline frequent flyer or hotel program ($900 to $1,845 variable value) – Chase Travel℠ partners with eleven airlines and three hotel chains, so you can easily transfer your Chase points to your preferred partner program at a one-penny-per-point ratio. Since the points on these partner programs may vary in value depending on how and when you use them, the actual value of your transferred Chase points may be more or less than 1:1.

According to The Points Guy, the value of 90,000 points you'll earn from the Ink card offer is worth $1,845 (or 2.05 cents per point) when used strategically with travel partners. I wouldn't count on getting that value; not everyone has the time or energy to maximize their points.

Purchase airfare, hotel or other travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal ($1,125 value) – You may redeem the points through the Chase Travel portal at a 25% higher value.

Once you’ve spent at least $8,000 in the first three months of owning the card, you will need to wait an additional six to eight weeks for the bonus points to post to your account, so don’t plan on redeeming the bonus points immediately.

Let’s say you have a frequent flyer account with United Airlines. You may transfer the bonus 90,000 points to your United account, adding the equivalent of 90,000 miles. However, if you book your flight through the Chase Travel portal, you may redeem them at a 1:25 rate, rather than 1:1.

If anything goes wrong on your trip, you will interact with customer service agents from Chase Travel rather than United. That’s why understanding how credit card travel portals work is important. Chase tends to get average to high marks for its travel portal customer service.

Should you get a business card?

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited. Be sure you understand the details of what makes up a good credit score.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Read More

• $2,775 Capital One Business Card Intro Offer
• United Airlines Card Launches $900 Offer
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses With a Free Ticket
• Five Best U.S. Airport Lounges for Your Money

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer. Rate and fees updated as of April 30, 2026.

American Express announced major changes to its popular American Express® Gold Card recently, sending shockwaves through the credit card fanatics community (yes, that exists). If you are a current cardholder, you should decide to keep or cancel the card soon.

Based on its annual fee, the Gold is something of a mid-tier card — it's not a no-fee everyday card, but it's also not the Platinum Card, which has a whopping annual fee of nearly $700. The Amex Gold Card is a rewards credit card popular for the valuable points you can rack up via restaurants and grocery shopping and convert into flights and hotel stays.

In fact, Kiplinger rates it as one of the best travel rewards credit cards, based on the ease with which you earn points and their value when you use them. I myself am a Gold Card user and evangelist; a bulk of my spending is on food anyways, and I used Amex points from that spending to pay for my honeymoon flight to New Zealand.

But I also recognize that Amex Gold has some drawbacks, primarily that I can use it to book travel, but then struggle to use it on my travels because many stores and restaurants abroad don't accept American Express cards. Because of that, I also have other credit cards to use.

So when American Express notified Gold Card customers recently that the annual fee was going up, I paused for a moment to consider if I should keep it. Here's how I thought about that fee increase.

Is the Amex Gold Card still worth it after the membership fee increased?

The annual fee for the American Express Gold Card is now $325, up from $250. For existing customers, the new annual fee will take effect on a rolling basis beginning on the Card Members’ annual renewal date.

If you decide it's not worth the additional $75, you must cancel the card at least 30 days before your annual membership fee is due (on your cardholder signup anniversary). See rates and fees.

But in addition to the new membership fee, Amex announced the Gold Card has some new perks. Based on my very basic calculations, these perks easily offset the new membership fee — arguably even better than before.

When I consider offsetting the membership fee, I think in pure dollar signs: Taking points out of the equation, what cash do I get back in return for the membership fee?

The Gold Card perks include:

• $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required. 
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. 

Now, add those to the existing perks, which are continuing:

• Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. 

You can also get a $100 credit towards eligible charges if you book two or more nights with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com, but personally speaking, I'm not always sure it's easy to use hotel credits or if I'd just be spending for the sake of using the $100 in credits. But if, say, you love hotel room service and would be spending money on that whether you were given a credit or not, factor that into your own decision tree.

I've found that the two credits above, in particular, are easy to use. I order from Grubhub at least once a month, so I get that $10, which comes in the form of a credit on my Amex statement every month.

Meanwhile, the Uber credit is deposited directly and automatically into my Uber account. I don't have a car, so I tend to use Uber at least once a month, making use of that $10 directly.

If you don't use Uber rides a lot, the credit can also be used for Uber Eats, so maybe if you order food twice a month, one time you use Grubhub and one time you use Uber Eats; there's your $20 from Amex.

So, on a very basic dollar-to-dollar basis, is the new membership fee worth it? Check my math on annual costs and returns:

Based on these calculations, the previous membership fee and the perks it provided left me at a net negative of $10 (I received $240 annually on a $250 annual fee). Now, the new $325 membership fee would leave me with a net positive of $99 (I receive $424 annually on a $325 annual fee), making it a huge improvement.

But that equation comes with some caveats.

First, this is assuming you spend at least $10 via Uber every month, as previously discussed, and purchase something from Grubhub or the other participating "dining credit" options at least once a month.

Next, there's the Resy credit. Resy is a website and app you can use to make reservations at restaurants. At least where I live, in New York City, Resy is fairly widespread, with many restaurants using it as their primary way of making reservations.

To get this Amex Gold Card credit, you actually don't even need to use Resy, you just need to pay at a restaurant that uses Resy. Again, I appreciate that simplicity. But, if you avoid eating out at restaurants or live in a place where Resy isn't very common, you may miss out on this reward.

Then, this assumes you buy something at Dunkin' every month. For me personally, Dunkin' is not part of my regular routine, so there might be some months I miss out on this credit. But even if I were to not get Dunkin' at all in a calendar year, I'm still up a net positive $15 on the annual membership fee.

Please also note that you have to "enroll" to get some of these rewards, which basically means you have to click a button to say you want it.

Here's a summary of the new perks and the welcome offer.

What else does the Amex Gold Card get you?

Now, what I did here was just a basic dollar-to-dollar calculation of what you get from the Amex Gold Card. But the card offers more.

First, the Gold Card periodically provides limited-time "offers" that give money back or accrue additional points if you shop at certain stores throughout the year. Make sure to keep an eye on the "Offers" tab on the American Express app, as you have to "enroll" for those, too.

Finally, there are those points. You earn them just by going through your daily life and you can use them to book flights and hotels. I'm always a little wary of the rates you get through the booking portal, but you can also transfer points to hotel or airline partner programs and then book directly. I'm not nearly as savvy at points tricks as others, but I can't deny that it is a really nice feeling to let the points pile up and then book a flight to the other side of the world for $0.

I would tell you if the numbers didn't pass the sniff test here, but for me at least, the new perks are fairly easily offsetting the increased membership fee.

At the end of the day, it comes down to your own lifestyle. If you'd be going out of your way to get Dunkin' or spending more on takeout just for the sake of the monthly credit, it might not be worth it. Do the simple math for yourself and see what makes sense.

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This article covers only some of our picks for best cash credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and terms checked as of July 19, 2024.

We've scoured our best rewards credit cards to find this "secret" credit card for Amazon shoppers. Whether you are an Amazon Prime member or not, you can maximize your savings. One card offers an instant $200 Amazon gift card, and another offers a $300 welcome offer, but you'll have to wait 120 days and $2,000 to unlock that benefit.

Best credit card for Amazon shopping

For those in the know, there are some great credit card options available to squeeze the most out of your Amazon shopping.

US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa (The "Secret" 6% Back Strategy)

Your first option is the US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® card. Why is it a "secret" strategy? Most credit card reviewers don't write about this card because it's not issued by one of the major banks, but it's still a deal. The card offers 6% cash back on the first $1,500 of combined quarterly spending at two big box retailers of your choice each quarter, including Amazon. Other retailers you can choose from include Home Depot, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart and others. You’ll also earn 3% back (on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending) in a category of your choice — wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, and bills and utilities — and a solid 1.5% on all other spending (most credit cards only offer 1% outside of their maximum-rebate categories).

One benefit of this card is its flexibility. For Prime Day, you can choose to earn 6% cash back at Amazon but then can change retailers afterward depending on where you typically spend the most. Plus, you can earn a $300 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. And the $95 annual fee is waived in the first year.

Amazon Prime Visa (The 5% Back Strategy)

Option two is, of course, the Amazon Prime Visa credit card, which just raised its instant bonus offer for new cardholders to $200. The card earns an unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com and affiliated stores. It also earns 5% back on Chase Travel purchases, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting, as well as 1% back on all other purchases. 

You’ll need to be a Prime member, however, to earn cash-back rewards. An Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. However, Amazon does offer a 30-day free trial if you’re still considering whether an Amazon Prime membership is worth it. 

You’ll also earn the card’s welcome bonus immediately, with no required spending. Upon approval of your credit card application, you’ll instantly receive a $200 Amazon Gift Card loaded into your Amazon account. The card also has no annual credit card fee (apart from the cost of an Amazon Prime membership).  

Can you pay for Amazon purchases with points?

We'd recommend not using credit card points to pay directly for Amazon purchases. While it may be convenient, you'll usually end up getting a lower value than if you redeemed those points elsewhere. However, according to The Points Guy, "The exception to this rule is the Prime Visa, because you’ll get the same redemption value whether you cash the points out through Amazon or for a statement credit."

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only reviews select Southwest business card offers. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.

Southwest business cards are currently offering their largest intro bonus yet. To get the full 120,000 Rapid Rewards Points, you'll need to spend $15,000 in purchases in your first nine months. That's a value of $1,800 when redeemed for travel; it's one of the best deals in the competitive world of rewards credit cards right now.

Plus, with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, you get 9,000 "anniversary points" each year (worth about $135). This yearly benefit softens the pain of a $199 annual fee, meaning you'll spend about $64 a year to own this card.

Southwest business card overview

• Sign-up bonus: Earn up to 120,000 points. Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.
• Rewards rates:
• Annual benefits: Four upgraded boardings when available and 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
• Other benefits: Add employee cards at no cost. There's no limit to the amount of employee cards you can request, and their cards also earn points.
• Redemption: Points may be redeemed for travel on Southwest Airlines or through its Rapid Rewards program; points may also be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, and entertainment.
• Interest rate: 20.74% to 27.74% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers.
• Annual fee: $199.
• Foreign transaction fee: None, so this is a good card to use abroad.
• Member FDIC

FAQs

Is the Rapid Rewards loyalty program free?

Yes, joining Southwest's loyalty program, Rapid Rewards, is free.

Do the points expire?

No, Rapid Rewards points do not expire. If you close your account, however, you'll forfeit the points.

Are there blackout dates?

There are no blackout dates or seat restrictions on Rapid Rewards points.

How much is a Rapid Rewards point worth?

A recent Bankrate valuation shows that each point is worth 1.5 cents when redeemed for travel. That means that 1,000 points are worth up to $15.

Where does Southwest fly?

Southwest flies throughout the U.S. (including Hawaii, but not Alaska), Mexico, the Caribbean and most of Central America. Southwest does not partner with other airlines, so these aren't the points that will get you a European vacation.

How far can I fly with the 120,000-point bonus?

The points required for each flight will vary according to distance, time of day and other factors. When you book with points, you must also pay taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges of at least $5.60 per one-way trip.

How is the program improving in 2024?

Southwest recently modified the Rapid Rewards program to make it easier for members to achieve elite status. You can earn A-List status by flying one-way 20 times in a year (down from 25) and A-List Preferred status by flying one-way 40 in a year (down from 50).

Is the Rapid Rewards travel app any good?

The Southwest Mobile App won the second-best airline travel app ranking in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Manufacturer Website Evaluation Study.

Other cards to consider

The intro offer on the Capital One Venture X Business card is 150,000 bonus miles, worth between $1,500 and $2,775 when redeemed for travel. To qualify for the offer, you'll need to spend $30,000 on the card in the first three months. Although Southwest is not one of Capital One's travel partners, the Capital One Miles are very flexible. You may get reimbursed for travel on any airline for up to 90 days after you have traveled.

If you want a co-branded Southwest card but don’t feel comfortable paying $199 per year for an airline credit card for your business, consider the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card. This card will cost you just $99 per year, yet you’ll earn the same sign-up bonus and a similar rewards rate.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $199 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $199 should be mostly offset if you travel enough to use the anniversary bonus points.

Reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely. However, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger. The last thing you want to do is chase credit card rewards when you're in debt.

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This article reviews our picks of the best rewards credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Fans of United Airlines should consider this limited-time offer from Chase. It is the best deal we've seen lately from the suite of four United cards, which have finally caught up to other lucrative sign-up bonuses that many competing cards now offer. We think you'll like the top-tier United Club℠ Infinite Card. It provides many high-end benefits, like lounge access. And Chase cards are known for being industry leaders in rental car insurance and travel insurance benefits.

New cardholders earn a bonus of up to 80,000 miles (worth about $900) in the United MileagePlus program after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. This offer more than offsets the $525 annual fee in the first year. You'll also get a United Club℠ membership, valued up to $650 per year from perks like free checked bags.

United Airlines: United Club℠ Infinite Card Overview

Travel benefits and fees

• Limited-time offer: Earn 80,000 bonus (worth about $900) miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Rewards rates:
  • Earn four miles per $1 spent on United® purchases.
  • Earn two miles per $1 spent on all other travel and dining.
  • Earn one mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Other benefits:
  • Free first and second checked bags — a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) — and Premier Access® travel services.
  • 10% United Economy Saver Award discount within the continental U.S. and Canada.
  • Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases).

• Limitations: This card is subject to the "Chase 05/24 rule." That means you will not qualify for this new Chase card if you have opened five new credit cards (from Chase or any other credit card company) in the past 24 months.
• Interest rates: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable APR
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Annual fee: $525
• Member FDIC

What does United Club℠ membership get you?

Are you a lounge lizard? (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) Then, this card should spark some joy in your wallet; the card gives you annual lounge access at a discount. If you were to purchase United Club access, you'd shell out $650 each year, or $125 more than the annual $525 fee of the Infinite card.

United Club gives you access to 45 United Club Lounge locations,  and participating Star Alliance lounges worldwide. One United Club lounge in the Denver airport made our list of the best airport lounges for your money.

To access a United Club lounge, present your same-day boarding pass and your membership status. The Infinite card allows you, the cardholder, and up to two adult companions to enter the lounge. Traveling with children? Then, you can enter a lounge with one adult guest and dependent children under 21. 

How much are miles worth?

Setting the valuation of airline rewards miles can be tricky, as there are often many ways to redeem or convert them for flights, hotels and other services. In the case of United Mileage Plus Miles, we've used the average value as calculated by The Points Guy (1.35 cents per mile) and Bankrate (0.9 cents per mile), or 1.125 cents per mile.

Airline Partners

United is a member of the Star Alliance network of 26 airlines.

Hotel partners

You can earn miles by staying in some MileagePlus partner hotel network properties. Although you can convert hotel points to MileagePlus miles, you likely won't get a good value for your trade. A better route is to book through IHG or Hyatt hotels for a miles bonus or reward.

• World of Hyatt: Earn 500 award miles per stay at the following World of Hyatt brands: Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt™, Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Ziva™ and Hyatt Zilara™. Just provide your MileagePlus number when you check in.
• IHG Hotels: Earn two award miles per dollar spent at Six Senses® Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, Intercontinental® Hotels & Resorts, Vignette™ Collection, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, and other brands. If you frequently stay at IHG hotels, consider the IHG One Rewards Premier Card.

Other United credit cards

If the annual fee is too much for your budget, Chase has several other United co-branded credit cards that could be a better fit. 

United Gateway℠ Card. This no-annual-fee card's limited-time offer: earn 20,000 bonus miles (worth about $225) after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. No annual fee. The standard APR is 21.99% - 28.99% variable.

United℠ Explorer Card: The card's limited-time offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles (worth about $563) after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. The annual fee is $0 Intro for the first year, then $95. The interest rate is 21.99% - 28.99% variable APR.

United Quest℠ Card. Limited-time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles (worth about  $675) and 500 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open. The annual fee is $250 and the interest rate is 21.99% - 28.99% variable APR.

For more about travel credit cards, check out our selection of the best travel rewards cards. See also Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Travel Rewards Credit Cards.

Travel rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $525 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $525 is a high annual fee but may be worth it for those who fly frequently on United or its partner airlines. That's especially true given that the complimentary United Club membership costs $650.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending. 

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And make sure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score. 

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As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Have time to kill before a flight? An airport lounge can provide a perfect place to relax. The best lounges pamper you with access to fast WiFi, fresh food, drinks, and other amenities while you wait for your boarding time.

Once a perk exclusively for business and first-class flyers, airport lounges have become havens for all types of travelers. What’s more, a growing number of credit cards offer airport lounge access to certain cardholders. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards and the Chase Sapphire Reserve include complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, a network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide. (You can find out more details about these cards and other credit cards with travel rewards below and in our roundup of the best travel credit cards.)

Don’t have a travel rewards credit card? Don’t worry — you can access many airport lounges by getting a day pass, with prices typically ranging from $40 to $100 a day, according to Kayak. But which lounges offer the best value?

5 Best Airport Lounges

Here are five airport lounges in the U.S. that are well worth your travel dollars.

1. Escape Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Day pass: $45, or $40 if you pre-book at least 24 hours in advance

Location: Terminal 3

Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

“It doesn’t get any more bang for the buck than this,” says Scott Leazemby, a San Diego-based travel blogger who chronicles his travel experiences at SANSpotter. Although it lacks private areas, the lounge’s selection of food is “excellent for a small independent lounge, featuring a variety of hot and cold entrées and plenty of snacks,” Leazemby says. The bar offers complimentary drinks including lattes, draft beer, and wines.

2. Admirals Club at Miami International Airport

Day pass: $79

Location: North Terminal, Concourse D

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily

This two-story lounge offers no shortage of ways for families to pass the time. It features Android tablets, where you can play games, catch up on the news, and browse the Web; an enclosed kids’ room, where the little ones can get their energy out; and a main sitting area with great views of the tarmac, according to a review on the travel site Upgraded Points.

3. Capital One Lounge at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport

Day pass: $65

Location: Terminal D

Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Featuring a cycling and yoga room with Peloton bikes, nap pods, shower suites, and luggage lockers, this buzzy airport lounge from Capital One almost feels like a wellness retreat. After a nap, shower, or workout, visitors can head to the bar which offers a wide assortment of beverages, including craft cocktails, local craft beer, and cold brew coffee on tap. There’s also a grab-and-go cooler with salads, sandwiches, juices, sparkling water, and desserts. Plus, “The décor is sleek and modern, and most areas offer a view of the runway,” writes Stacy Brooks, a Minneapolis-based blogger, in a review of the lounge on her travel and food blog Tangled Up In Food.

If you're considering a Capital One card with lounge access, the Capital One Venture X card, was voted the best airline credit card in the Kiplinger 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for best travel credit cards.

4. United Club B East at Denver International Airport

Day pass: $59

Location: Terminal B

Hours: 5:00 am to 9:30 pm.

This 35,000-square-foot, 600-seat lounge, unveiled in 2023, captures the essence of the Mile High City. Beer lovers can sip on a flight of beers from Colorado breweries in the second-floor bar, which has shuffleboard tables and an exposed ceiling for an industrial vibe. When you get hungry, the lounge offers three buffets, serving up unique dishes like maple-mustard chicken thighs, vegetarian green chili, and an egg frittata inspired by the Denver omelet.

Throughout the two-story space, you’ll find a wide array of furnishings and artwork from Denver artists, including photography, paintings, sculptures, and murals. Both levels feature floor-to-ceiling glass views of the airfield and a gas fireplace with neatly stacked logs.

5. Chase Sapphire Lounge at New York LaGuardia Airport

Day pass: $100

Location: Terminal B

Hours: 4:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily

This is the highest-priced lounge on our list, but it’s an all-around winner. Opened earlier this year, the 21,850-square-foot lounge offers two floors packed with amenities. The seasonal menu, from West Village bistro chef Joseph Leonard features fresh pastries, Korean fried chicken bites, vegan spinach bowls, and other dishes that you can have served directly to your seat using a QR code.

Ben Schlappig, of the One Mile at a Time travel blog, called the seared salmon and lentil ragout "phenomenal” in a review of the lounge. In addition, the lounge features private rest pods, wellness treatment rooms with complimentary facials, and a retro-inspired game room with a photo booth, pinball machines, a jukebox, and shuffleboard.

Tips for Saving on Lounge Access

Credit cards with lounge privileges and sign-on bonuses

If you plan to visit your favorite lounges often, some airlines offer discounted lounge memberships to frequent flyers or travelers who have the airline’s credit card. Below, we've listed a few of these cards that are also offering generous welcome bonuses to new cardholders. But not all cards provide lounge access and some require you to enroll in the benefit to activate it, so read the terms carefully.

For example, new cardholders can earn points worth up to $750 with a Chase Sapphire Preferred card, but they won't get lounge privileges. Only the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers lounge access.

And don't forget credit cards that are co-branded with hotels. For example, the Hilton Honors Surpass card offers premium airport lounge access in the form of a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership. Enrolled members get ten free airport lounge visits each Priority Pass Membership year. Just remember to enroll in the perk after you sign up.

Hot tip: Some of the best bonus and lounge offers are for business credit card customers.

• $1,500 to $3,000 Amex Card Intro Offer (for the Business Platinum Card)
• $2,775 Capital One Venture X Business Card Intro Offer
• Alaska Airlines Credit Card: $660 Bonus Offer
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $840 (note only the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card includes lounge privileges)
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket
• Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $780 Plus Free Night

Getting access through memberships

Frequently fly on a particular airline? A number of major carriers, including Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, and United, offer annual memberships that provide access to their network of lounges. This year, JetBlue is adding itself to that list, opening its first lounges and offering complimentary access to those with the airline's new JetBlue Premier Card.

Memberships typically cost anywhere from $400 to $850 per year. For example, a one-year Delta Sky Club membership, which offers access to more than 50 airport lounges, costs $695. A one-year United Club membership, with access to more than 45 locations, costs $650.

Compare the cost of the membership with the cost of a day pass to that airline's lounge network to figure out how many visits you need to make per year for the price of membership to be worth it.

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The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards Categories

Best Wealth Management

Readers rated wealth managers based on the quality of financial advice they received, the trustworthiness of the advisers, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the wealth manager. 

The overall winner was J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best wealth management services winners.

Best Donor-Advised Funds

We asked readers to assess the donor-advised funds they use based on how suitable the investment options are, the likelihood they would recommend the fund to others and their overall satisfaction with the fund.

The overall winner was Fidelity Charitable. Read our full guide to Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best donor-advised funds to see all of the winners.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Many of those who use a rewards credit card prefer simple, straightforward rewards in the form of cash back. That's no surprise, given that a cash back credit card is the simplest and most effective way to earn credit card rewards. We asked respondents to rate their cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall.

Our overall winner was Fidelity Rewards Visa. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best cash back credit card winners.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards provide the greatest value to frequent travelers, who can redeem points or miles for flights, hotel reservations, car rentals and more. Some come with perks such as rental car insurance and access to airport lounges. Readers judged travel rewards credit cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card. 

Our overall winner was Capital One Venture X. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best travel rewards credit card winners.

Best Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs

Airline cards provide miles or points on purchases, which passengers can put toward flights. Readers evaluated airline card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program 

Our overall winner was the Alaska Airlines credit card rewards program. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 airline credit card rewards programs winners.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Rewards Programs

Readers evaluated hotel card programs on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card program to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card program. 

The overall winner was the World of Hyatt credit card program. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice 2024 Hotel Credit Card Rewards Programs winners.

Best National Banks

These large brick-and-mortar institutions have a presence in many states, and they offer a range of products and services, including checking accounts, savings accounts, certificates of deposit and loans. We assessed readers’ overall satisfaction with their bank, their opinion of its customer service, and the likelihood they would recommend the bank to others. 

Our overall winner was KeyBank. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best national banks winners.

Best Internet Banks

Survey respondents judged these institutions on customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the bank to others and how satisfied they are overall with the bank.

Our overall winner was Discover Bank. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best internet banks winners.

Best Full-Service Brokers

We asked readers to assess brokerage firms that offer a breadth of services, whether online, by phone, through in-person assistance at branches, or some combination. Readers rated the strength of their broker’s customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the firm to others and their overall satisfaction with the broker.

Our overall winner was Fidelity Investments. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best full-service brokers.

Best Auto Insurance Companies

Readers weighed in on their auto insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, their experience with filing claims and how likely they would be to recommend the insurer to others.

Our overall winner was Erie Insurance. Read our full guide to see all the winners of the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 auto insurance companies.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Readers assessed their homeowners insurance provider based on how competitive the rates are, how positive the experience has been when filing a claim and how likely they would be to recommend the insurance company to others. Several of the winners here are also winners in auto insurance, making it easier for you to select a bundled service with one outstanding company.

The overall winner was USAA. See Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024: Homeowners Insurance Companies to learn more about the companies you chose as winners.

Best Peer-To-Peer Payment Apps

Peer-to-peer payment apps have developed a wide reach as they have become faster and easier to use. Readers rated the P2P service that they use most based on ease of use, the likelihood they would recommend it to others and their overall satisfaction with the service.

Our overall winner was Apple Cash. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 best peer-to-peer payment apps.

Best Tax Software

We asked readers to rate their preferred tax-filing software based on ease of use, how likely they would be to recommend the service to others and overall satisfaction with the software.

Our overall winner was FreeTaxUSA. Read our full guide to the Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards 2024 tax software winners.

How Readers Chose Their Winners

Kiplinger readers were invited to take the Readers’ Choice Awards survey on Kiplinger.com between February 20 and March 15, 2024. The survey was fully completed by 4,528 people. 

The survey asked respondents to choose the financial product or service that they most frequently use in 13 categories: full-service brokerage firms, wealth managers, donor-advised funds, cash-back credit cards, travel rewards credit cards, airline credit card rewards programs, hotel credit card rewards programs, national banks, internet banks, auto insurers, homeowners insurers, tax software and peer-to-peer payment services. (Because of a scripting error, the survey did not collect scores for Wells Fargo in the national banks category. We apologize for the omission.) 

We asked readers to rate each provider they selected on a scale of one to 10 based on a few criteria. In many categories, readers rated the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the product or service to others, and how satisfied they are overall with the provider. In some categories, we included more nuanced criteria. With wealth management firms, we asked respondents to rate the trustworthiness of a firm’s advisers and the quality of its financial advice. For donor-advised funds, respondents evaluated the suitability of investment options. For peer-to-peer payment apps and tax software, respondents evaluated ease of use, and for auto and home insurance companies, readers judged the competitiveness of rates and strength of the claims experience. 

We calculated an average (mean) score for each criterion with each provider. We also calculated an overall mean score for all providers for each criterion we asked readers to judge. We compared individual provider mean scores with the overall mean, and the three highest-scoring providers that had a score above the overall mean won an “outstanding” accolade; in cases of a tie, more than three providers are named, and if fewer than three qualifying providers achieved an above-average score, only those providers are named “outstanding.” In each category, providers are generally listed in descending order by the number of criteria for which they received the “outstanding” designation — so a product or company that is deemed “outstanding” in three areas, for example, is listed before a provider with one or two “outstanding” awards. 

To choose an overall winner in each category, we added together the mean scores for each criterion rated for each product or service. The provider with the highest total score in each category took the prize for overall winner.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Homeowners Insurance Companies 
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Best Cash Back Credit Cards Winners

Many of those who use a rewards credit card prefer simple, straightforward rewards in the form of cash back. That's no surprise, given that a cash back credit card is the simplest and most effective way to earn credit card rewards. We asked respondents to rate their cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall.

OVERALL WINNER: Fidelity Rewards Visa

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

This card from Fidelity Investments is a consistent reader favorite, winning best overall cash-back credit card for the second year in a row. Our readers praised the card’s simple reward structure. “Zero effort to get the reward,” says one respondent. 

Fidelity customers earn 2% cash back on each purchase with this card if they deposit rewards into qualifying Fidelity accounts, including brokerage and cash-management accounts, 529 college-savings plans, retirement accounts, and donor-advised funds. 

“It helps with funding my Roth IRA each year,” says one respondent. You can also direct your rewards to a friend’s or family member’s account (excluding donor-advised funds).

American Express Blue Cash Preferred

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended

The Blue Cash Preferred card from American Express ($95 annual fee, waived the first year) provides 6% cash back on supermarket spending (up to the first $6,000 spent annually; 1% thereafter), as well as select streaming subscriptions; 3% on transit and fuel purchases; and 1% on other spending. “Even with the $95 yearly fee,” remarks one reader, “we still come out way ahead every year.”

Citi Double Cash Mastercard 

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Many readers commented on this card’s ease of use and the simplicity of its rewards structure. “I have three different cards. This is my go-to 99% of the time,” says one respondent. The card offers a total of 2% cash back on all spending: 1% for each purchase you make and an additional 1% when you pay the bill

American Express EveryDay 

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Amex EveryDay earns kudos from our readers for customer service, with one respondent describing it as “always dependable.” Earn two Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent on the first $6,000 of supermarket purchases each year and one point per dollar on all other spending. If you use your card 20 or more times in a billing period, you get 20% more points on those purchases.

Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

Outstanding for:

• Overall satisfaction

Readers who are loyal Costco Wholesale customers like this card for its ability to provide substantial cash back. “We recently got back a little over $500 from last year’s purchases,” one respondent says. The card requires a Costco membership (starting at $60 annually).

Get 4% back on gas and electric vehicle charging on the first $7,000 spent per year and then 1% thereafter. You also get 3% back on dining and eligible travel; 2% on purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% back on all other purchases.

Discover It

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Readers singled out this card for excellent customer service. One wrote, “The folks who man the phones are so patient and kind.” The card provides 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent on rotating categories that change each quarter. Typical categories include grocery stores, gas and EV stations, and restaurants. Earn 1% back on all other purchases.

USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

USAA is a bank for current and former members of the military and their spouses and children. USAA members may apply for the card, which provides unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Our readers praise its customer service. “If you want 100% support, you want this card,” says one survey respondent.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Airline Credit Cards
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services
• Homeowners Insurance Companies

About the Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards

The Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards aim to recognize and celebrate the best products and services in the personal finance arena. We asked you, our Kiplinger community, to help us name the products and services you think have delivered excellent value in the past year.

The survey results, which we’re sharing here in our second annual Readers’ Choice Awards, offer valuable insight into which providers shine when it comes to your everyday interactions and experiences with them. Our Awards recognize excellence in everything from credit cards, banks and brokers to insurers, tax software and financial apps.  For each category, we’ve listed an overall winner that earned the highest score. We’ve also highlighted other products and services that earned above-average scores for various criteria we asked readers to assess.

By voting, our community has helped us form our guide to the very best financial products. These are the products and companies that you think stand out from the crowd.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Travel Rewards Credit Cards

These cards provide the greatest value to frequent travelers, who can redeem points or miles for flights, hotel reservations, car rentals and more. Some come with perks such as rental car insurance and access to airport lounges. Readers judged travel rewards credit cards on the strength of customer service, how likely they would be to recommend the card to others and how satisfied they are overall with the card.

OVERALL WINNER: Capital One Venture X

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

This card handily beats the competition for delivering many of the benefits you would expect from a premium travel card but with a relatively low annual fee of $395. “The annual fee pays for itself if you do almost any travel,” wrote one reader.

Earn 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, five miles per dollar for flights reserved through Capital One Travel, and two miles per dollar on all other spending. Cardholders also get a $300 annual credit toward travel bookings through Capital One, a bonus of 10,000 miles on each yearly account anniversary, reimbursement of the application fee for expedited airport security screening with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and free access to three lounge networks: Capital One’s airport lounges, Priority Pass and Plaza Premium.

To learn more or apply for this card, read our extended review.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Outstanding for:

• Customer service
• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

This travel card wins honors for each aspect readers judged. One respondent wrote that it offers the “best benefits, like primary car rental insurance and travel insurance.”

Chase Sapphire Preferred, which has a $95 annual fee, offers five Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel that you purchase through Chase Travel (two points per dollar on other travel spending); three points per dollar on restaurants, online grocery purchases and select streaming services; and one point per dollar on other spending. You can transfer points to the card’s travel transfer partners, including Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt. Or redeem points for travel bookings through Chase, among other options.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Outstanding for:

• Most recommended
• Overall satisfaction

Chase’s premium credit card, which charges a $550 annual fee, provides benefits including a $300 yearly statement credit for travel purchases, membership with Priority Pass Select for airport lounge access, credit of up to $100 every four years for a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application fee, and perks such as room upgrades at certain luxury hotels. “This card pays for itself,” one reader says.

Cardholders also get 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal and five points per dollar for flights booked through Chase Travel. These rewards kick in after you’ve spent $300 on travel. You also earn three points per dollar at restaurants and on other travel worldwide. As with Sapphire Preferred, you can transfer points to travel partners or redeem them for travel bookings.

American Express Gold

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Earn four points per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent per year; one point per dollar thereafter). Cardholders also earn four points per dollar on dining or food delivery, three points on air travel, and one point on other spending. The most lucrative way to redeem points is for airfare booked through Amex Travel or as transfers to hotel or airline partner programs. The annual fee is $250.

Capital One Venture Rewards

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Cardholders, who pay a $95 annual fee, get five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and two miles per dollar on all other spending. Redeem miles for statement credits on travel purchases or travel bookings through Capital One, or transfer miles to partner airline and hotel loyalty programs. 

“The website makes it easy to use rewards benefits to cover travel purchases,” one reader says. An additional perk: Reimbursement of the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

The Platinum Card from American Express

Outstanding for:

• Customer service

Readers especially appreciate this card for its excellent customer service. “You can always talk to a human who can help,” says one respondent. “In 30+ years, I have found that American Express always has my back!” says another.

Frequent travelers can offset the card’s $695 annual fee by taking advantage of its bountiful perks and valuable points structure. Travelers enjoy access to a range of airport lounges, including Amex’s Centurion lounges as well as those in the Airspace, Delta Sky Club, Escape, Plaza Premium and Priority Pass Select networks. “The lounge access is hard to beat,” says one survey respondent. 

You get up to $100 in application-fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, too. Plus, get yearly credits of up to $200 for incidental fees with one airline you choose, $200 for select hotel bookings through Amex, and $189 for membership with the CLEAR airport security screening program.

Cardholders earn extra points on various purchases, including five Membership Rewards points per dollar for flights booked with airlines or through Amex Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per year) and on prepaid hotel bookings through Amex. Exchanging points for flights booked through Amex or for certain gift cards are among the most favorable redemption options.

Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards Categories

• Wealth Managers
• Donor-Advised Funds
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Airline Rewards Credit Card Programs
• Hotel Rewards Credit Card Programs
• National Banks
• Internet Banks
• Full-Service Brokers
• Tax Software
• Auto Insurance Companies
• Peer-to-Peer Payment Services
• Homeowners Insurance Companies

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has the grandaddy of all intro rewards card offers.

Apply and find out your welcome offer: You might be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in your first three months of Membership. Terms apply. Welcome offers vary, and you might not be eligible for an offer.

Assessing the average value of American Express Membership Rewards® is tricky, because there are many ways to redeem them. American Express values each point between 0.6 cents and a penny. Bankrate and The Points Guy value each point at up to two cents, assuming cardholders employ the best redemption strategies. This article assumes each point is worth between one and two cents. We estimate that 300,000 points are worth from $3,000 to $5,000.

The intro offer requirement of $20,000 spent in the first three months is steep. Before you apply, make sure your business can easily spend this amount on purchases that can be made on a card.

Business Platinum Card Overview

The fine print

• Find out your offer: You might be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in your first three months of membership. Terms apply. Welcome offers vary, and you might not be eligible for an offer.
  • Earn five-times points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com. One-times points on other eligible purchases 
  • Two-times points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • One-times points on other eligible purchases
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal). 
• Hotel credits: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards aren't an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required. 
• Lounge access. The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting.
• Annual fee: $895.
• Interest rates: Variable APR based on your creditworthiness as determined at the time of account opening. See Rates & Fees.
• Terms Apply.
• If you want a cheaper card, try the American Express® Business Gold Card, with an annual fee of $375. See Gold Card rates and fees.

Platinum Card FAQs

How can I redeem points?
You can redeem points on travel, trips, gift cards, or shop via the amextravel.com platform. To get the best value, you should stick to travel or transit purchases and track the best redemption rates by category. If you redeem points at Amazon or other online retailers, for example, you will only get 0.7 cents per point, but buying a trip from a New York taxicab will get you the full one cent per point.

You might also transfer points to partner airlines or hotel chain rewards programs, typically for about one cent per point. Terms apply. The transfer partner airlines skew toward international carriers such as Air France, but three domestic carriers participate, including Delta, JetBlue and Hawaiian Airlines.

What is the value of a point?
Assessing the average value of American Express Membership Rewards® is tricky because there are many ways to redeem them. American Express values each point from 0.6 cents to a penny. Bankrate and The Points Guy value each point at up to two cents, assuming cardholders employ the best redemption strategies. This article assumes each point is worth between one and two cents. We estimate that 200,000 points are worth from $2,000 to $4,000. The final value of the points will depend on how dedicated you are to getting the most value from your rewards cards.

What are the travel benefits?
This card offers excellent travel benefits. For example, a WalletHub study found that American Express cards provided some of the best rental car insurance benefits. In addition to standard coverage, American Express offers Premium Car Rental Protection for a small fee per rental period, not per day. Unlike many other plans, this benefit also extends to SUVs and luxury cars.* Terms apply.

Insurance Disclaimer: Eligibility and Benefit level vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Are American Express cards good?
Amex cardholders are generally happy with their cards. The personal Platinum Card from American Express was named outstanding for customer service in the 2024 Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards. Terms apply.

Other Business Cards

If the Business Platinum Card's annual fee is too dear for your wallet, consider alternatives such as the American Express® Business Gold Card or the Capital One Spark Miles for Business card.

American Express Business Gold Card

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

What to Consider Before Getting a Business Card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you might want to consider a small business loan instead. Don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Related Content

• Best Business Credit Cards
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.*American Express Card disclaimer on insurance benefits. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers.

The Apple Card seems like a sweet deal for the iPhone crowd, with some caveats. To get the greatest value from this credit card, you'll need to pair it with the wallet app called Apple Pay and an Apple device to make purchases, such as an Apple Watch, iPhone or iPad.

In exchange for your fealty to Apple, you get 3% cash back on purchases of Apple and select other products, 2% back on most purchases, and 1% back if you use your card alone, without using Apple Pay. You'll also receive 3% unlimited daily cash when using Booking.com for prepaid travel or making ChargePoint purchases.

By linking your Apple Cash wallet with a high-yield Apple Savings account (with an attractive interest rate of 4.1%), you can start saving your cash back seamlessly at a competitive interest rate.

That said, the Apple Card has been grievously mismanaged by Apple and its issuing partner, Goldman Sachs. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently fined the companies $89 million for mishandling Apple Card transaction disputes. The Government agency also cited the companies for misleading iPhone purchasers about interest-free payment options.

So, should you get the Apple Card? I would recommend waiting until Apple unwinds its relationship with Goldman Sachs and institutes better internal safeguards for credit card customers. And though the Apple Card is attractive and extremely popular, it didn't make the cut in Kiplinger's analysis of the best rewards credit cards of 2024. I would instead recommend looking for a cash back or travel rewards credit card that delivers the best bang for your buck.

Apple Card overview

Pros

• Simplicity. With no points to track or travel miles to redeem, this card can save you time and brain cells.
• Encourages saving. Apple does a good job of helping you save money. When you elect to have cash back deposited in an Apple Savings account, your brain may be less likely to think of the cash as free money to spend. The Apple Savings account recently had an interest rate of 4.1% APY. While there are better high-yield savings accounts available, the rate is still well above the national average.
• No waiting for cash back. It's deposited every day into your Apple Cash or Apple Savings account.
• Travel rewards: If you use your Apple card with Apple Pay on prepaid travel through Booking.com, you earn an unlimited 3% Daily Cash. You'll also earn an unlimited 3% Daily Cash for all ChargePoint purchases.
• Rewards stacking. By combining your Apple Card with Apple Pay and the loyalty programs of participating merchants, you can score some great rewards. For example, get 3% cash back when you buy gas, car washes or convenience items at Exxon Mobil stations and earn Exxon Mobil Rewards+ points, which you can redeem against a future purchase.
• No fees. No annual fee, late fee or foreign transaction fee.
• Happy customers. The Apple Card won Best Co-Branded Credit Card for Customer Satisfaction with No Annual Fee in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. And the Apple Cash payment app won first in its category in the 2024 Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards.
• Security. The card and payment app are designed for enhanced security.
• Easy on the credit score. You can apply for the card and see your credit limit and interest rate without a hard pull on your credit. If you enroll, however, your credit score will be impacted, as is customary when applying for a card.

Cons

• Failure to follow consumer financial laws. Apple and bank issuer Goldman Sachs were fined $89 million in October 2024 for violations related to the Apple Card. This is a serious issue. Apple will likely improve its internal safeguards to avoid problems like this in the future, but is the card worth taking this gamble?
• No welcome or sign-up bonus. Some of the best credit card bonuses exceed $1,000 and other 2% flat rate cash back cards like Apple Card offer $200 bonuses.
• No purchase protection. Unlike other credit cards, like those in the Visa Signature line, this card does not come with purchase protection (typically 90 to 120 days of insurance against theft or damage, depending on the card). That's a real consideration if you plan to buy a laptop or iPhone with your card for the 3% back rate. iPhones, for example, come with a 90-day warranty. After 90 days, you can buy Apple Care insurance for up to $149 for two years of coverage. Credit cards like the Chase Freedom Flex, on the other hand, offer smartphone coverage up to $600 for free.
• Encourages spending. Yes, we just said that the card can help trick your brain into saving money, but it can also entice you to spend more. That's because people spend more money — almost 10% more on average — when using mobile payments than when paying a physical credit card. This type of "frictionless" payment is just so easy, you don't have as much time to pause and think about your spending.
• Not accepted everywhere. Most merchants accept Apple Pay. However, Walmart, Home Depot, Hobby Lobby, Applebee's and Arby's.
• Uncertain future banking partner. The Apple Card partners with Goldman Sachs, but that relationship soured back in 2023. It's unclear which, if any, financial institution will step in to sponsor the card, or if any rewards rates will change.

Current 3% back partners

Here are the recent merchants that pay 3% back when you pay with your Apple Card with Apple Pay. Note that these partners may change.

Who should get the Apple Card?

The card is best for people who have had an iPhone for a while and are committed to staying within the Apple product ecosystem. Better yet, if your spouse or family are also on iPhones, you can share the card with your family. You can share the card with another adult as a co-owner. And you can sign up anyone aged 13 to adult as a participant (similar to an authorized user). When used thoughtfully, credit cards for teens or young adults can help them build credit and learn the ropes of managing a credit card with some guardrails in place.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — although there are happily none in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to chase credit card rewards. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you understand what counts as a good credit score. You can also use this tool to find the best card for you.

Read More

• Get a Free iPhone 16 Pro With a New Line From Verizon
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Credit Card Bonuses up to $1,600 for New Cardholders
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• 30 Best Apple Deals Dropping Right Now

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Credit card bonuses really can get you a free airline ticket or line your pocket with some extra cash. But as is the case with many rewards credit cards, the devil is in the details. Since you want to keep your credit cards active and avoid having them closed by the issuer, you should only sign up for credit cards that you want for the long term.

Here are the personal cards that will land you the biggest sign-up bonuses as measured by cash back or the value of miles or points (as calculated by Bankrate). Each card offers the top value in the categories of general travel credit cards, hotel cards, airline cards and cash back cards.

Some cards have low annual fees, while others have high fees that we have deemed worth the cost.

Best general travel card bonus: Up to $1,750 for Amex Platinum

Best free stays: Earn three nights with Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

Best airline card bonus: $660 + free ticket from Alaska Air

Best cash back card bonus: $300 from Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Other sign-up bonus offers

• Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200
• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
• Hilton Honors Bonus Offer Worth $990 (also get an annual $200 credit)
• Jet Blue Credit Card Offer Worth over $650
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and ensure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, cardholders who max out a card's reward benefits may offset the annual fee.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

All information about the Platinum Card from American Express and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has been collected independently by Kiplinger. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Read more

• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How to Save on Booking a Cruise

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers.Rates and bonus offers checked as of September 15, 2024.

A Wyndham credit card is one of the latest rewards credit cards to offer tempting bonuses to new cardholders. Get a Wyndham Earner Plus Visa credit card, and you can earn up to ten free nights after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. The card also improved its earning rate and made other changes to stay competitive in the cut-throat travel rewards credit card space.

You will also receive 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after payment of the annual fee; that's enough for up to one free night every year and can offset the $75 annual fee.

If the Wyndham brand conjures up memories of budget hotels or dog-eared resorts, think again. Wyndham has over 60,000 properties worldwide. In addition to family-oriented brands, Wyndham offers an array of luxury hotels, such as Registry Collection Hotels and Dolce Hotels and Resorts. Mid-tier offerings include Vienna House locations in Europe and Tryp hotels. It also partners with Caesar's hotel brand; you can redeem points at Caesar's, Harrah's, Planet Hollywood and other locations.

Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus

The fine print

• Rewards earning rates: 
  • Six Wyndham Rewards points per dollar spent on gas and with Hotels by Wyndham.
  • Four points per dollar on dining and grocery-store purchases (excluding Walmart and Target).
  • One point per dollar on all other spending. 
• One free night per year: Cardholders get a 7,500-point bonus for each anniversary year.
• Other benefits: You’ll also get an additional discount on the best available rate when making reservations at participating properties, and automatic Platinum loyalty status.
• Redemption: Points may be redeemed at thousands of Wyndham properties worldwide, including hotels, resorts, casinos, vacation homes, and European parks; points expire if your Wyndham Rewards account is inactive for 18 months.
• Sign-up bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. That's typically enough for six nights at participating properties. According to Bankrate, the value of this offer is about $675. Free nights can require between 7,500 and 30,000 points per bedroom at participating properties and are subject to availability. Resort fees may apply and cannot be paid with points.
• Interest rate: The standard purchase rate is 20.99%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR.
  The card has two 0% APR offers. 
  • For purchases: get a 0% promotional APR for six billing cycles on all Wyndham Timeshare Purchases (see Terms and Conditions for details). After that, your APR will be 20.99%, 25.24% or 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. 
  • For balance transfers (not recommended): the card offers a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 20.99%, 25.24% or 29.99% variable APR on purchases, with 0% on purchases for 6 billing cycles on all Wyndham Timeshare Purchases. Given the high balance transfer fee, you should look for a different card if you hope to offload some credit card debt onto a balance transfer card.
• Balance transfer fee: 5% of the amount you transfer, which is higher than many other cards. For this reason, you should look for another card with a balance transfer fee of no more than 3%.
• Annual fee: $75; for a no-fee option, look to the Wyndham Rewards Earner Visa.
• Foreign Transaction fee: None.

FAQs

Is the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program free?

Yes, there is no fee to join the loyalty program, and members are currently offered 15% off their next stay.

Do Wyndham Rewards points expire?

Points will expire after 18 months of inactivity. One benefit of having a Wyndham credit card is that you can keep your loyalty account active with small purchases, even if you don’t travel for 18 months.

How much is a Wyndham Rewards point worth? 

According to Bankrate valuations, one point is worth 0.9 cents. That means the 75,000-point sign-up bonus is worth roughly $675 when redeemed. Reward hotel stays fall into three tiers: 7,500, 15,000, or 30,000 points per bedroom, depending on the property and location. 

Is the Wyndham Rewards travel app any good?

The Wyndham Mobile app is free to download and has good reviews. The app has a 4.6 out of 5 stars rating on Google Play and 4.8 stars in the Apple App Store. 

What is Status Match?

Status Match allows you to match your status from other hotel rewards programs to the corresponding Wyndham tier from lowest to highest: Gold, Platinum or Diamond. For example, if you have a top-tier World of Hyatt status of Globalist, Wyndham will bump you up to the top-tier Wyndham Diamond level.

Wyndham will honor the hotel loyalty program status from the following hotels: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Choice Privileges, Best Western Rewards, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, Radisson Rewards, Radisson Rewards Americas and Omni Select Guest. 

Can I transfer points from other credit cards to Wyndham?

Yes. You can transfer Capital One miles to your Wyndham Rewards account at a one-to-one ratio. Popular Capital One travel cards include the Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Should I buy a Wyndham timeshare?

We don't generally recommend timeshares. They may be difficult to book for your own use and hard to unload when you want to sell.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $75 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $75 may be more than offset by those maxing out the benefits. 

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf any rewards you earn. Don't change your spending habits to earn extra points. That's a slippery slope that can lead to overspending.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score. 

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• Marriott Bonvoy $875 Bonus Offer 
• Southwest Credit Cards Launch $750 Bonus Deal
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,200

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

We may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our site but our editorial selection of products is made independently. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. We calculate a typical annual reward for each card, assuming $36,000 spent annually and less any annual fee. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Summer travel season is underway, and airline credit cards can be one of the fastest ways to reduce the cost of your next trip. Many airline cards offer generous welcome bonuses, companion fares and perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding and in-flight discounts.

While premium travel rewards cards often get the spotlight, some airline-branded cards deliver valuable benefits without charging sky-high annual fees. For travelers who fly one carrier regularly, the right card can easily offset its annual cost through savings and rewards.

We've rounded up a few of the top airline credit card bonuses that currently include a companion fare, free flight certificate or enough bonus miles to help cover the cost of a future trip. Whether you're planning a summer getaway, holiday travel or next year's vacation, these offers can help stretch your travel budget further.

What are the best airline credit card bonuses? 

Here is a summary of two cards that will give new cardholders a solid boost in frequent flyer points or miles. Each card also comes with a free or discounted companion fare and other perks.

How do the cards' perks and fees compare?

Both cards offer solid miles bonuses to new cardholders. Your decision to sign up for one card over another may be based on which airline you use most frequently and whether you need access to a wide variety of partner airlines.

Hot tip: if you already hold a Bank of America or American Express Card, it's worth considering an airline card by the same issuer. In some cases, you may be able to share or transfer the points or miles from one card to another.

What additional perks do the cards offer?

Both cards provide a companion fare for every card anniversary.

Hot tip: Check out our reviews of the other airline credit card tiers offered by the Delta SkyMiles cards. You may find a card with annual fees and perks that are better for you than the cards profiled here.

What are the card rates and fees?

*Delta SkyMiles Platinum rates and fees.

Airline cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, the top annual fee of $350 should be offset if you travel enough to benefit from card perks.

Reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely. However, always pay them off in full and on time each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to meet the required spending amount for a given offer.

If this is your first foray into credit cards, or you just want a refresher, make sure you know how to choose a credit card. And ensure you are familiar with what counts as a good credit score.

Other travel cards to consider

• Capital One Venture Rewards Launches $1,020 Bonus Offer
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches $1,050 Bonus Offer
• Earn Delta SkyMiles Worth up to $1,500 Plus a Free Ticket
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

If you have a credit or debit card linked to the uChoose Rewards program, you can now use your rewards points to help pay for fuel directly at the pump at about 7,000 BP and Amoco gas stations nationwide.

Under the program, you'll need at least 1500 points available on the card. Those eligible can save up to 50 cents per gallon for up to 20 gallons, according to fintech payments firm Fiserv, which runs the uChoose loyalty program. About 4 million consumer credit or debit cards issued by financial institutions participate in the program, Fiserv said.

“Expanding our rewards redemption options to include uChoose Rewards gives our consumers different ways to save on their fuel purchases, and more reasons to choose our BP and Amoco brands,” Mukta Tandon, vice president of BP's US Mobility Marketing, said in a statement. “The ability to redeem rewards points directly at the pump is an added convenience when people are on the go.”

How do I redeem points at the pump?

Here's how you can redeem the points at the pump, a Fiserv spokesperson told Kiplinger in an email:

• When at a BP or Amoco gas station pump, insert your uChoose Rewards card.
• While the card is being authorized, the system will confirm your eligibility for the Pay with Points offer.
• Once it is authorized, you'll be told to remove the card.
• The system will check to see if you have at least 1500 points available to redeem and, if so, you'll see an offer on screen: “Do you want to spend 1500 uChoose Rewards points and save 50 cents per gallon up to 20 gallons?”
• You'll see a YES and NO option, and if you choose YES, the price on the pump will roll back 50 cents and you can begin to fuel up as usual.
• At the bottom of your receipt, you'll see acknowledgement that you paid with points and the amount that you saved on the transaction by using the points.

What else can I use my points on?

uChoose Rewards members can also redeem their points on gift cards, travel, activities, cash back and millions of merchandise items, Fiserv said. 

You can view the full list of uChoose Rewards offers here.

Best credit card rewards

Whether you’re looking for cash back or miles to put toward your next location, check out Kiplinger's latest review of the best rewards credit cards.

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This article only reviews BJ's credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers.

The BJ's credit card deal

New and existing BJ's One+ Mastercard cardholders will earn 15% back in rewards when purchasing a TV for $399 or more at BJ's Wholesale Clubs until February 23, 2025. While this is a short window for extra savings with a rewards credit card, it's worth checking out if you already shop at BJ's.

To get a card, you will need to be a BJ's member. The cards do not have annual fees, but you will need to pay BJ's club membership fees annually. They range from $60 (making you eligible for the BJ's One Mastercard) to $120 per year (making you eligible for the BJ's One+ Mastercard).

Rewards are in the form of credit for BJ's purchases, unlike a typical cash back credit card.

We recommend the higher tier, BJ's One+ Mastercard, especially if you fill your tank at BJ's gas stations. The card gives you 15 cents off per gallon year-round, not just during the promotion.

• Top rewards rate: 5% back in rewards on most purchases at BJ’s.
• Other rewards: 2% back in rewards on purchases everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted
• Gasoline reward: 15¢ off/gallon at BJ’s Gas®.
• Expiration: Rewards never expire.
• How to redeem rewards: Redeem in a physical store, on BJs.com or in the BJ’s app.
• Annual fee: None, but a $120 annual BJ's membership fee is required.
• Interest rates: 20.24% - 30.24% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers.

The fine print

• Members within their first year of membership will receive $40 in rewards when they apply and are approved for a new BJ's One® or BJ's One+® Credit Card.
• Rewards will be added to the membership account in approximately 7-10 business days after credit card account opening.
• Valid one time only.
• Offer valid for first time members only and excludes Business members, trial members, online-only members and vendor members.
• BJ’s One ^® Credit Card cardholders earn 3% back and BJ’s One+^® Credit Card cardholders earn 5% back in rewards on eligible purchases of goods and services in-club at BJ’s front-end registers, on BJs.com or in the BJ’s app.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $120 annual BJ's membership fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $120 is a relatively small price to pay if you max the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending.

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For our review of the best shopping cards, we may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Are you eyeing a new credit card for holiday shopping this year? Whether you’re a dedicated bargain-hunter or avoid the local mall like the plague, you’re probably going to get sucked into some heady holiday shopping. With the help of a new study by WalletHub on the six best cards for shopping, we’ve got you covered. We’ve whittled their list down to our top three picks, saving you time.

Quick List

In a hurry? Here's a few of the very best cards on our list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page to read more information on each card we feature.

Wells Fargo Active Cash: Best Overall

• Interest rate: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then 19.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
• Annual fee: None.
• Top rewards rate: 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• Sign-up bonus: $200 back if you spend $500 in the first three months.
• Redemption: Statement credit, cash at the ATM with a Wells Fargo debit or ATM card (in $20 increments), gift cards ($25 increments), or a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage.
• Other benefits: Up to $600 per claim of protection for your cell phone against damage or theft if you pay your monthly wireless bill with the card.

Amazon Prime Card: Best for Online Shopping

• Rewards rates: Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. And receive unlimited 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
• Welcome offer: The Prime Visa offers cardholders a $150 gift card for immediate use once the account is activated.
• APR: 19.74% to 28.49% variable for purchases.
• Redemption: Points are unlimited and never expire, as long as your account is open. You can use your points to redeem for any available reward options, including eligible purchases at Amazon.com, cash and gift cards and more. To get the 5% back on travel purchases, book your reservations using the Prime Visa card through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal. You may combine these points with those earned on other Chase travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for Travel Perks

• Interest rate: Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% to 28.49%.
• Annual fee: None.
• Foreign transaction fee: A hefty 3%, so for trips abroad, look to our other recommended travel rewards cards that charge no such fee.
• Rewards: Six and a half points per dollar spent on travel purchases through Chase, four and a half points on dining and drugstore purchases, and three points per dollar on other spending up to the first $20,000 charged; earn 5% total cash back on qualifying Lyft rides through March 2025.
• Redemption: Redeem points at a rate of a penny each for cash back, gift cards or travel; points do not expire. You may also redeem points through the Chase Pay Yourself Back program.
• Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 back if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Member FDIC

Check Your Wallet

Sometimes the credit card you already own is the best bet for shopping. If you haven’t been on the deals or rewards portion of your credit card’s website or app, take a moment to see if there’s an offer you find attractive.

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The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Are you craving a free iPhone, MacBook, iMac or AirPods? If you have a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, you can purchase select Apple products using your points with an added value boost. This limited-time offer expires on May 31, 2024, while supplies last.

So, is the iPhone genuinely free? Technically, no, because you had to pay an annual fee for your Chase Sapphire Preferred® ($99) or Sapphire Reserve® credit card ($550). Still, this is as close to free as possible, especially if you snagged a sweet sign-up bonus on your card.

How to score a free iPhone

Here's how the program works. 

Chase's Ultimate Rewards points are typically worth one cent each for cash back. So, if you wanted to buy an iPhone worth $999 (not through the rewards program), you could redeem 99,000 points and then use that $999 cash redemption to purchase your phone.

If you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, your Ultimate Rewards points are worth an additional 50% under the promotion. So, for example, instead of "buying" a $999 iPhone for 99,000 points, you could get that phone for 66,000 points when redeemed on the Chase rewards portal. 

If you are a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder or a Chase Ink Preferred or Chase Ink Plus Business cardholder, your Ultimate Rewards points are worth an additional 25%. So, a $999 iPhone 15 Pro would only require 79,920 points instead of 99,000 points.

Log in to the Ultimate Rewards portal through Chase's app or website to participate in this promotion. Click on the "benefits & travel" icon, and then under "more," find the Apple® Ultimate Rewards Store®. Select the product you wish to purchase, ensuring you have sufficient points in your account, and finalize the transaction.

Source: Chase Bank, The Points Guy. Not all participating cards are listed. *Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Plus cardholders are also eligible for the 25% boost.

Other Apple products

The program extends beyond the iPhone to AirPods, iMacs and other popular Apple products. The table below lists some examples. To see the full list of products, log in to the Ultimate Rewards portal. 

Source: Chase Bank. Not all participating cards are listed. *Chase Ink Business Preferred and Chase Ink Business Plus cardholders are also eligible for the 25% boost.

Is this really a good deal?

There are three potential downsides to this promotion.

First, you might be able to get more for your Ultimate Rewards points in other ways. For example, when you transfer your points to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program, you may get more than the 1.5 or 1.25 cents offered in this promotion. Some transfers will deliver over two cents per point, according to Bankrate. If you have a big trip coming up, you might pass on this promotion.

On the other hand, if you have accrued a lot of Ultimate Rewards points and don't plan to travel, this may be a great opportunity to spend your points on a tech gift for you or your family.

Second, could you purchase these new Apple products elsewhere for less? In some cases, you can come close. For example, the $29 AirTag is a helpful travel accessory that keeps track of your luggage. The AirTag one-pack is on sale at Target for $24.99. The "price" of an AirTag is still cheaper with the Chase deal; you pay the equivalent of $19.23 with a Reserve card and $23.20 with a Preferred card. 

However, you can't beat these Chase card deals for an unlocked iPhone or laptop. 

Finally, some customers have complained anecdotally that Chase uses a third party to finalize these sales, with poor customer service. There is no indication that this is a consistent problem, but it makes sense to purchase Apple Care with your product to be sure you are covered in case your product needs repair.

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Credit card rewards are safe for now, so consumers should consider how to get the most out of rewards credit cards. Kiplinger's Emma Patch sat down with Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst for CreditCards.com and Bankrate, to get an update on legislation and advice for maximizing your rewards.

Merchants pay “swipe fees” to transaction networks such as Mastercard and Visa each time a customer pays with a credit card. The Credit Card Competition Act, which is designed to lower swipe fees by giving merchants more choices among networks, was sidelined over the summer, but supporters say they’ll continue to push for passage. How would this legislation affect consumers? 

If the bill becomes law, the largest source of credit card rewards funding could dry up, diminishing consumers’ rewards. There’s also the possibility that customers’ data will be at risk because we don’t really know whether the nascent card-processing networks competing for merchants’ transaction business would be as secure as more established networks. Access to credit could be curtailed as well because if banks aren’t making as much money from credit cards, they may not be as willing to lend — especially to borrowers with lower incomes or lower credit scores. Banks may also raise fees in other areas. 

Maybe the current system isn’t perfect, but I think it’s the best for consumers, especially those who are able to avoid interest by paying off their balance every month and take advantage of credit card rewards. In our research, a little more than half of credit card users fit that description.

With so many rewards cards available, how can consumers choose the best credit card for them? 

I think it’s really important to evaluate your individual spending and usage habits because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this. Different cards give different rewards. Travel is often the most lucrative reward, but it’s also the most complicated. And not everybody has the flexibility to travel on the optimal dates (which typically fall outside of peak travel times) or wants to travel at all.

Cash back credit cards deliver America’s favorite type of credit card reward, according to our research. It’s very straightforward and transparent. Most people don’t want to juggle a whole bunch of cards. They’d rather use the same one or two cards as widely as possible. I think the best credit card is a very simple, no-annual-fee, 2% cash-back card, such as Citi Double Cash or Wells Fargo Active Cash.

As the holidays approach, how can credit card users maximize the rewards they earn for shopping and travel? 

You can stack discounts by using a rewards credit card on an online shopping portal offered by credit card brands. For instance, I use the Shop Through Chase portal a lot. Many airlines and some third-party brands, such as Rakuten, have them, too. Just log in to the portal and click the link to wherever you’re going to shop, and you may receive bonus rewards on your credit card. Combine that with a coupon for additional savings on the same purchase.

When is the best time to cash in on travel rewards? 

Oftentimes, airlines will release award tickets 11 or 12 months ahead of time, so in that case, the early bird gets the worm. Other deals come on and off the market periodically, and you may get a deal on short notice as well.

The biggest takeaway is to just use your rewards. A CreditCards.com study found that one-quarter of rewards cardholders didn’t use any rewards over the past year. Airline miles tend to lose value over time because of program changes. It may cost 50,000 miles for a free flight today, but in a year, the airline could change the rules and require 60,000 miles for a free trip. You don’t want to hoard rewards and become a points millionaire. It makes sense to earn and burn strategically.

Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, a monthly, trustworthy source of advice and guidance. Subscribe to help you make more money and keep more of the money you make here.

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This article only covers the business card offered by the Capital One Venture X business card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. Rates and fees checked as of February 18, 2026

The intro offer on the Capital One Venture X Business is excellent. Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.

Still, spending $30,000 in the first three months is a very high bar. Plenty of other good options exist if you want easier access to a bonus offer.

For example, the World of Hyatt Business card provides up to 60,000 Bonus Points by offering 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first three months and up to 30,000 Bonus Points by earning two Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first six months (on up to $15,000 spent).

Or, with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Venture X Business Card Overview

• Sign-up bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Interest rate: Since this is a charge card that must be paid in full every month, there is no interest rate. Any unpaid portion of your bill will be charged a 2.99% late payment fee. There isn't a rate for balance transfers since you can't use this card for them.
• Spending limit: With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards. This does not mean you have unlimited purchasing power on your card. The purchasing power adapts based on factors such as payment history, spending behavior, credit profile and other factors, which may be external.
• Annual fee: $395. This fee is about average for a premium card but may be mostly offset by the $300 annual credit on Capital One's travel booking site.
• Foreign transaction fee: None, so this card is ideal for travel abroad.
• Top rewards rate: Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Other rewards rate: Five miles back on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel. Two miles back on all other purchases.
• Annual rewards: Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel.
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them. Authorized users do not get airport lounge access.
• Travel lounges and benefits: Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass lounges, after enrollment
• Redemption: Miles earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for travel on the Capital One portal, or you may transfer them to participating partners, potentially delivering more value for your miles. The cash-back rate is only half a cent.
• Top-rated mobile app

What can you spend the Bonus Miles on?

You may use the 150,000 bonus miles in several ways.

• Book travel through Capital One’s portal ($1,500 value): redeem miles on the company’s travel portal on a 1:1 basis. This is the simplest way to get the full value of your bonus miles.
• Transfer miles to a partner frequent flyer or hotel program: Capital One partners with more than 15 airlines and three hotel chains at a one-penny-per-point ratio, so you can easily transfer your Capital One miles to your preferred partner program. Since the points on these partner programs may vary in value depending on how and when you use them, the actual value of your transferred Capital One miles may be more or less than 1:1. Before you transfer miles, make sure the travel you want to book is available.
  
  Two other transfer partners redeem less than on a 1:1 ratio. Taiwanese carrier EVA Air redeems at a 2:1.5 ratio, so you could redeem 10,000 Capital One miles for only $75 worth of EVA points. The French hotel chain Accor only offers a 2:1 ratio, meaning you only get fifty cents to the dollar on points transferred.
• Redeem miles for expenses on a past trip: Book your travel through your preferred travel website or travel agent using your Capital One Rewards card. Then, within 90 days from the date your travel purchase posts to your account, sign in to your account at capitalone.com and select Cover Your Travel Purchases. It may take a couple of months for the credit to post to your account.
• Shop at Amazon.com: You may redeem purchases at Amazon for 0.8 cents for each mile. Although this is slightly better than opting for cash back, it is still well below the redemption rate of many cash back credit cards.
• Cash Back: You should avoid redeeming your bonus for cash back, as it delivers the lowest value (0.5 cents per mile) of any redemption type. By logging into your Capital One reward account, you will see options for cash back at the rate of one-half penny for each mile. You may redeem any amount for a check in the mail or an account credit.

Capital One Transfer Partners

The Capital One Venture rewards program has partnerships with 15+ airlines, allowing cardholders to transfer Capital One Venture miles to the partner rewards programs. These partners cover destinations across much of the globe, including off-the-beaten-path destinations like Istanbul, Turkey and Barbados.

Capital One Venture rewards miles are worth one point on most of these carriers when you log in to your Capital One account, transfer Capital One miles to the frequent flyer account of a partner, and book your travel on the partner's website. These Capital One transfer partners are as follows:

When you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to any of these transfer partners, you’ll receive 1,000 miles or points with the following travel loyalty programs:

• Aeromexico Club Premier (based in Mexico)
• Air Canada - Aeroplan®
• Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles (based in Hong Kong)
• Avianca LifeMiles (based in Colombia)
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards (based in Dubai)
• Etihad Guest (based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
• Finnair Plus (based in Finland)
• Flying Blue (for Air France and for KLM, based in the Netherlands)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (Australia)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• TAP Miles&Go (based in Portugal)
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Virgin Red (based in the U.K. but partnered with Delta Airlines)
• Qatar
• EVA Air - Infinity MileageLands (based in Taiwan).
  This program carries a 2:1.5 transfer ratio, so 1,000 Capital One miles are only worth 750 miles when using this loyalty program.
• Jet Blue - The program offers a 5:3 transfer ratio. So if you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to Jet Blue, you'll receive 600 TrueBlue points.

The Capital One Ventures rewards program also partners with three hotel chains. Capital One miles are worth one point at each of these hotels, but are worth half as much if booked with Accor hotels chain.

• Choice Privileges^®
• Wyndham Rewards
• ALL - Accor Live Limitless, with a 2:1 transfer ratio. When you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to this transfer partner, you’ll receive 500 miles or points with its travel loyalty program.

Pros and cons of the Capital One Venture Rewards card

Pros:

• Generous bonus offer.
• Unlimited points that do not expire.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• Many perks are designed for travelers, including price match, price alert, up to $120 reimbursement for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck pass, and more.

Cons:

• Annual fee of $395 (though partially offset by $300 annual travel credit).
• Lack of flexibility when redeeming points.
• Most travel partners are based abroad.
• No balance transfer options.
• Low redemption value for cash back.
• Capital One and Discover may merge, which could change credit card terms for both companies' products.

How will the Discover merger impact cardholders?

Recently, Capital One's acquisition of Discover Financial Services was approved. The $35.3 billion merger positions Capital One as one the largest credit card issuers in the country.

How it will impact you moving forward? At this time, it's business as usual. You'll still rely on the same customer service, account and app access and there will be no changes to card terms, unless notified by Capital One.

What to consider before getting a business card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

Other credit card deals and perks

• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches Bonus Offer
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Delta Air Lines plans to launch premium lounges in Boston, Los Angeles and New York airports and add Sky Club lounges at Charlotte and Seattle this year.

The premium lounges will offer a "heightened level of service and hospitality” to travelers with each one including elements inspired by and unique to its host city, Delta says on its website. 

Details on access to the lounge are not yet finalized, said the airline, which was forced to modify rules to its SkyMiles loyalty program last October amid fierce customer backlash to previously announced program cutbacks.

The first premium lounge to open will be in New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport in June. It will feature a 38,000-square-foot space that includes a brasserie, a market with open kitchens and dedicated wellness areas.

Both the Boston and Los Angeles premium lounges are expected to be completed by year-end.

The airline’s plans also include expanding its Terminal C Sky Club at New York’s LaGuardia Airport by early summer 2024, as well as its Miami International Airport Club by June.

Last year, Delta added five Sky Clubs and expanded or reopened two more.

The move comes at a time when travel lovers face eroding credit card offers, with many credit card issuers reducing the points or miles sign-on bonuses.

Last October, following the backlash over loyalty program changes, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said that customers made it clear that the airline's previously announced changes “did not fully reflect the loyalty you have demonstrated to Delta. Based on your feedback, we are making program adjustments and adding new benefits to begin earning in 2024 toward your 2025 status."

Those updated changes include:

• Reducing the number Medallion Qualification Dollars needed to reach Medallion status tiers
• Increasing the number of visits per year to the Delta Sky Club for Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Card Members
• Adding an option to purchase access to the Sky Club on a per-visit basis for card members
• More options to rollover balances
• More recognition for frequent flyers, including upgraded annual complimentary Medallion status and enhanced prioritization for complimentary upgrades
• Enhanced rewards for Diamond and Platinum Medallion members

In September, Delta had announced it would start making a series of cuts to its rewards program on January 1, 2024, including denying Sky Club airport lounge access to Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Platinum Business American Express credit card holders as well as basic economy class passengers. Other changes included making annual memberships, including renewals, to the club only available to SkyMiles Medallion members. Medallion Qualifying Dollars would have become the only way to qualify for Medallion reward status.

News of those changes blew up on social media with many angry Delta loyalty program customers threatening to leave. That led to Bastian saying in a CNBC video interview that the company “went a bit too far” and that it needed to make some of the changes.

Overcrowded lounges a problem

According to a November 2022 post on its website, Delta said that its club lounges had become overcrowded and that it would be announcing updates in 2023.

“A byproduct of Delta Sky Club’s widespread popularity is visit growth that has outpaced club capacity — resulting in frustration for some customers who find themselves waiting in lines or searching for seating once inside,” the airline said at the time.

Travel rewards options

For those travelers weighing their options for airline and other travel rewards credit cards, Kiplinger has done some research. We asked you to help us name the products and services that you think have delivered excellent value and you responded. For details, check out Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards for Airline Credit Card Rewards Programs.

RELATED CONTENT

• Credit Card Offers Are Eroding
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• Kiplinger Readers' Choice Awards: Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Kiplinger's guide to the best rewards credit cards

When it comes to credit card offers and bonuses, the times they are a-changin’, and usually not for the better. Higher interest rates, inflation and other pressures have led card issuers to cut back on some offers. That means many credit cards have reduced the points or miles sign-on bonuses, or provide fewer months of no-interest charging or balance transfers.

Read on to learn which offers are still a good deal. 

Credit card offers on balance transfers

Over the past few weeks, many cards have decreased the amount of time for balance transfers promised to new cardholders. Cards that offered 21 months now may offer 18, while those that offered 18 now offer only 15. The BankAmericard credit card, for example, reduced the 0% balance transfer period from 21 months to 18 months. It is still an excellent option though for those looking to avoid late fees.

The exception? The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card upped its 0% APR for balance transfers and purchases from 18 months to 21 months. As with other credit card offers, this deal is just for a limited time. This card is now on Kiplinger's list of the best balance transfer credit cards.

The same trend holds true for cards that offer 0% APR (interest) for purchases, which are ideal for customers planning a big purchase or to pay off a large bill over time. For example, the Bank of America Custom Cash card used to provide 18 months of 0% APR for purchases, but now only offers 15. As a result, the card has fallen off Kiplinger's list of the best 0% APR credit cards.

Hidden fees or fee increases

If you search the internet for credit cards offering 21 months to pay back a balance transfer, you will find that many sites promote the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. Kiplinger, however, no longer includes this card in our roundup of the best balance transfer cards because the card recently raised the transfer fee from 3% to 5%. So, if you transferred $10,000 from a high-APR credit card to the Wells Fargo Reflect card, you would now pay a $500 balance transfer fee instead of $300. 

The card is still an excellent choice however for 0% APR for purchases.

Reduced or expiring welcome bonuses

The IHG One Rewards Premier Card announced the last call for its generous welcome bonus offer on Thursday. IHG is an umbrella brand for hotels like Holiday Inn, Even Hotels and Klimpton. New cardholders can earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account. That's worth about $980 when spent on travel. You can also earn up to $100 as an IHG statement credit for purchases you make at participating hotels.

This limited-time welcome bonus offer will be removed from the card’s online application page by 9:00 a.m. EDT on September 28, 2023. For more on this card, see our article Earn $1,000+ with IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Bonus. 

There are a number of offers that are reduced, but still worth it.

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card reduced its bonus offer over the summer from 80,000 points to 60,000 points. It is still one of the best rewards travel cards. For more on the welcome bonus, read our article on the current Chase Sapphire Preferred card's $750 bonus offer. The card is also useful when you need rental car insurance.
• Another excellent travel card with a bonus offer worth $750 is the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card. Kiplinger readers voted the Capital One Ventures Reward Credit Card a favorite for good customer service. The 2023 Kiplinger Readers’ Choice Awards also scored the card highly for overall satisfaction.

Cash back cards still shine

The good news? Cash back credit cards still offer strong rewards, up to 2% or even 3% back in some cases. For those who spend a lot on their cards, these rewards can add up to thousands of dollars a year. Just be sure you don't overspend in order to earn more cash back. And of course, pay your credit card bill on time to avoid racking up interest and fees.

Related Content

• Kiplinger's guide to the best travel credit cards
• Kiplinger's guide to the best student credit cards
• Kiplinger's guide to the best business credit cards

A recent study from J.D. Power ranked rewards credit cards by customer satisfaction, finding American Express the top card issuer for the fourth year in a row. The J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study℠ also reinforced that many Americans are struggling with credit card debt. 

Highest ranked credit cards

This is no small study; it tallies the responses of over 31,000 credit card customers. It measures seven areas of consumer satisfaction with credit cards, such as benefits, customer service and rewards earning and redemption.

These are the rankings for customer satisfaction. 

• Credit card issuers: American Express ranks highest in customer satisfaction among credit card issuers, followed by a tie for second between Bank of America and Discover. To learn more about Amex cards, see our article on American Express Credit Cards: The Best Pick for You.
• Bank rewards credit cards with no annual fee: Capital One SavorOne Rewards Card ranks highest. Discover it Student Cash Back ranks second and Blue Cash Everyday Card (American Express) ranks third.
• Bank rewards credit cards with an annual fee: Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite ranks highest. American Express Gold Card ranks second and The Platinum Card from American Express ranks third. 
• Co-branded credit cards with no annual fee: Apple Card (Goldman Sachs) ranks highest. This is the third year in a row in which Apple Card and issuer Goldman Sachs have collectively won a segment award. Hilton Honors American Express Card ranks second, while Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Chase) and PayPal Cashback Mastercard (Synchrony Bank) each rank third in a tie.

Credit card debt rises

The study found that just over half of U.S. credit cardholders carry revolving debt at an average interest rate of almost 15%. These findings reinforce government data showing that Americans' credit card debt is now over $1 Trillion.

“The pandemic-era savings cushions are gone, the economy is shaky and consumers are leaning more heavily than ever on their credit cards to cover day-to-day expenses,” said John Cabell, managing director of payments intelligence at J.D. Power.

Surprisingly, the study found that financially secure customers are more likely to use payment plans than financially stressed customers. J.D. Power recommends that issuers focus on outreach to customers who could most benefit from these plans; customers who use payment plans typically report higher satisfaction with their credit card.

Related Content

• American Express Credit Cards: The Best Pick for You
• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance

This article only reviews the IHG One Rewards Premier card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

The IHG One Rewards Premier credit card is offering a great sign-up bonus for new cardholders: earn 170,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account. That's worth about $1,190 when spent on travel.

You may never have heard of IHG, but chances are you have stayed in one of their 6,000 hotels if you travel frequently. Their brands include budget stays like Holiday Inn and luxury hotels like Kimpton, for example.

As bonuses for rewards credit cards go, this is one of the best Kiplinger editors have seen recently. Just be sure that you can spend at least $4,000 in three months and understand how travel rewards credit cards work. And be sure to compare this deal with other credit card offers. Still, with a value of about $1,190, the welcome bonus more than offsets the $99 annual fee.

IHG One Rewards Premier overview

• Best for: This card is best for frequent travelers with good to excellent credit. There is no foreign transaction fee, so the card is useful for international travel. There are hotel locations and amenities tailored to military servicemembers and contractors.
• Sign-up points bonus, limited time offer: Earn 170,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• Free hotel stays: Enjoy an "Anniversary Free Night" at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay. That means you can earn up to two free nights in a year.
• Membership status perk: Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member.
• Interest rate: 19.99% - 28.49% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers. The cash advance rate is 29.24% variable APR.
• Annual fee: $99
• Rewards rate: Earn up to 26 points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts. Earn five points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations and restaurants. Earn three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Travel benefits: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
• Redemption: Points don't expire, and there are no blackout dates. Redeem IHG points for hotel rewards nights, merchandise and gift cards, airfare, digital rewards and charity. You can convert IHG hotel points to frequent flyer miles on 41 different partner airlines, including Delta and United Airlines. But the redemption rate is only 2,000 miles for every 10,000 IHG points for most airlines.
• Limitations: There are two limitations on who can get the card. First, you are not eligible if you already have a personal IHG One Rewards credit card. Second, if you received a new cardmember bonus for any personal IHG One Rewards credit card in the last 24 months — even if you no longer are a cardmember — you’re also ineligible.

What is the value of IHG rewards points? 

Valuing rewards program points or miles is rarely cut and dry, but it is useful to understand how much you can expect from points.

According to WalletHub, you'll need on average 37,500 points for a free night in an IHG hotel, and each point is worth about 0.7 cents. In this case, the bonus reward will get you on average four free nights at a hotel, or it is worth about $1,190. You can, of course, get more nights by staying at more affordable hotels.

Although points are worth less than a dollar, they are easy to earn if you are a frequent traveler. You can earn up to 26 points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn five points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations and restaurants. And earn three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

New cardholders are upgraded to Platinum Elite Status, which includes free room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and free internet. And Platinum Elite members earn an extra 60% worth of bonus points on qualified hotel stays. Allow up to eight weeks for your Platinum Elite Status to go into effect.

Where can you stay with IHG points? 

There are 19 IHG hotel brands, including budget hotels like Holiday Inn and Avid Hotels. IHG also includes luxury resorts like Intercontinental, Kimpton, and Six Senses and mid-tier properties like Even hotels.

IHG hotels have properties in over 6,000 locations worldwide. The card has no foreign transaction fee, so it is ideal for travel abroad.

Military travelers

Are you or someone in your immediate family an active duty servicemember? IHG Army Hotels provide hotel rooms for military and contractor personnel near or on Army bases. And as a Platinum Elite member, you'll earn an extra 4.8 points for each hotel stay.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $99 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $99 is a relatively small price to pay if you max the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest, which can dwarf the gain. And don't spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending.

How to apply for the card

If you decide to apply for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card and you are uncertain how it might affect your credit score, be sure to think through your strategy. Applying for a new credit card may temporarily lower your credit score, so if you plan to take out a mortgage or car loan in the next few months, you might want to skip this offer.

On the other hand, if you have a good credit score and are likely to book several hotel stays a year, then this may be the credit card for you. Read through the credit terms, compare the card to its competitors and follow the prompts on the card offer page.

Other cards to check out

If you are looking for a more flexible travel card, a few other offers are worth checking out. See our review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, which provides a bonus worth $750 when redeemed for air, hotel and other travel. And the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card, which also offers a bonus worth $750 when redeemed for travel.

If you own a small business or travel frequently for work, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Card provides a 170,000 bonus point offer. Just keep in mind that cardholders are limited to only one bonus deal within a 24-month period.

Bottom line

If you travel frequently, this card might be a great fit for you, especially with the current bonus offer. Just make sure you can qualify for the bonus with adequate spending, and be sure to review how to get the most out of a travel rewards credit card.

Related Content

• Best Places to Visit Where the Dollar is Strong
• American Express Credit Cards: The Best Pick for You
• The 10 Safest Countries to Visit

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independent of our relationship with advertisers

Getting credit cards for kids can age you. I should know; even though I write about credit cards for a living, the idea of sharing my carefully curated credit score with my kids was harrowing. And that's essentially what you do when you sign a child up as an authorized user on your account.

They are good kids, but recently, one told me she could feel her frontal lobe finally kicking in. That's the point, really. A child's brain doesn't finish developing, especially in terms of judgment, until around age 25.

Authorized user cards can serve as financial training wheels; they allow your child to feel the heady freedom of credit with some supervision and guidance from you, the parent with the fully-formed brain.

I researched the risks and benefits of credit cards for kids before signing my children up as authorized users. Here's what I learned.

Generation Z has different spending habits from their Gen X or Millennial parents. Gen Z kids are decidedly digital, embracing peer-to-peer payment apps, for example.

Still, many are loyal to cash, thanks partly to TikTok influencers. But by budgeting solely with cash, they miss out on high-yield savings accounts and other banking benefits. It's a good idea to teach them the pros and cons of banking and credit products.

Many kids, however, can succumb to temptation without guidance on how to use a credit card. According to LendingTree, almost half of parents surveyed said they had caught their child using their credit card without permission. One of our kids went online and charged $100 worth of video games to our card when she was four! So, kids need to learn about credit cards from an early age.

Parents are understandably hesitant to let their children access credit cards, but having a credit card could be beneficial with the right guidance. Facilitating your child’s financial success in adulthood means teaching them about concepts like credit and responsible spending habits now.

What is an authorized user?

Adding an authorized user to your credit card allows someone (typically a family member or child) secondary access to your card, which helps them build a credit history.

Authorized users can make purchases on the credit card, however, the responsibility of making payments still falls on the primary cardholder. After adding a secondary user to the credit card, your account activity begins reporting on their credit profile which includes:

• The credit limit
• Balance
• Payment history
• Credit utilization (how much of the credit line is used)

Think of an authorized user card as a credit card with training wheels. You’ll be right behind them in case something goes wrong, and you’re teaching them to use credit responsibly while fostering independence.

The thought of granting your child access to your credit card may ignite new anxieties for some parents, but it’s important to note the backbone of this strategy is hands-on guidance and oversight.

Pros of making your child an authorized user

Adding your kid as an authorized user may pose some drawbacks, but it could give them a significant leg up when applying for their first apartment to rent, getting a loan for a used car, or even signing up for a new cellphone plan.

• Better consumer protections: As your child gets used to making purchases online and keeping track of their card, there will likely be instances of fraudulent purchases. Compared to a debit card, you won’t have to be concerned with liability for costly fraud. Under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), your fraud liability on an open-end credit account is limited to $50.
• Build credit early: Putting your teen ahead of the curve with credit habits and a good credit score pays off. A good credit score could equal lower security deposits, lower interest rates on borrowing, and even better job opportunities. Not all card issuers report the data from an under-18 authorized user to credit bureaus, so check the issuer's policy before signing up.
• Teach responsible credit use: In a 2021 TIAA Institute study, 29% of Gen Z students agreed that debt payments prevented them from addressing other financial priorities. Teaching your child how to borrow responsibly by using credit cards could help them avoid these financial issues in the future.
• Earn extra rewards: Even though you’ve likely limited their ability to spend, their purchases can still add to the credit card rewards you earn. And some credit cards will give you a bonus for adding an authorized user.
• Personal safety: I feel better knowing my kid has a surefire way to get home or buy a meal. Even if they lose their wallet, kids these days link their credit cards to payment apps, so they will always have a way to access funds in an emergency.

Cons of making your child an authorized user

Adding your child as an authorized user has advantages, but on the downside, most authorized user cards allow the user to access the primary cardholder's full credit limit.

If your child lacks financial discipline, this could result in excessive spending, and as the primary cardholder, you're responsible for paying the bill.

• You’re responsible for what they spend: If spending gets excessive and they can’t cover what they spent, you’re still stuck with the bill.
• Access to your full credit limit: Most credit cards give authorized users access to the full credit limit you’ve been approved for and there’s no way to lower it. One exception to this is American Express which lets you set the limit as low as $200.
• Fees for authorized users: Some higher-end credit cards charge an annual fee for each authorized user added. These fees can be as high as $175 per user.
• Negative credit activity hurts: If you have a secondary user on your credit card, negative actions like missing a payment or keeping high balances could hurt both of your credit scores.
• Your child may not have good security practices: A distracted kid may lose their credit card, or they may fall prey to scams more easily than adults.

Credit card companies and age requirements

There is no consistent guideline on the minimum age credit card companies accept for authorized users; each company sets its own standard. Sometimes, a credit card may charge an annual fee for adding an authorized user, but that’s not the case for most.

We’ve broken down the minimum age requirement and authorized user fees for ten major banks. These terms often change, so it's a good idea to check with a card issuer first in case any authorized user fees have changed.

Sharing your card's account

Getting your child signed up as an authorized user on one of your current cards is simple. Just decide which card you want to share, sign in to your account, and fill out a short form.

In some cases, as noted above, your account may be charged a fee, or it may be free. Here are a few things to consider when selecting which card you want to share.

Foreign transaction fees: If your teen plans to travel abroad, select a card with no foreign transaction fee. Our young teen was headed to Europe with a student travel program, so I decided to share the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with her.

My reasoning? The card has no fee for adding an authorized user, and I knew she would be using the card primarily for dining out, which gets three points per dollar. I figured we could redeem her extra points for a family vacation, and I liked that the card has excellent travel insurance.

Keeping track of 529 plan expenses: If your child is or will soon be in college, an authorized card can help you track and document expenses you can reimburse from their 529 plan.

We sent our older teen to college with an authorized card linked to my Discover It card. There was no fee for adding her to my account, and I've been able to log 529 expenses like books, food and other payments. The extra cash back is a nice side benefit.

Hook them up with a solid card: If you’re looking for a card that provides good cash back rewards for users of all ages, see our guide to the best cash back credit cards. And if you’d like to open a card that offers points or miles for travelers, see the best travel rewards credit cards.

Credit card options for kids

Adding your child as an authorized user on your own credit card can help them build credit while you maintain control over the account.

Another option is a debit card designed specifically for kids, such as the Greenlight debit card, which offers 1% cash back and allows parents to set spending limits. The Greenlight app also includes features for tracking chores, managing allowances and teaching financial responsibility.

Other kid-focused debit cards worth considering include the Acorns Early debit card (formerly the GoHenry card), which provides parental controls and financial education features.

Another option to explore is the BusyKid Visa Prepaid Spend Card, which links allowances directly to spending and savings. These cards can be a practical way to introduce kids to money management without the risk of accumulating credit card debt.

Explain credit scores

You've picked out a card to share with your child and explained how credit cards work. Is that enough preparation?

Not if they don't understand credit scores.

If they have a bank account or other easy way to check their credit score, show them how to do so. Ask them to put a monthly reminder in their calendar to check their score. Explain what a good credit score is and how to maintain one. Finally, you should also monitor their spending and credit score for the first few months just to be sure they are getting the hang of using the card responsibly.

Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service, like LifeLock, that sends alerts for any significant changes or suspicious activity. Some services also offer identity theft protection, which can be valuable as your child begins building their credit history.

Regularly reviewing these reports together can help reinforce good habits and catch potential issues early.

Making it worth it

I wish I could say that our family meets weekly financial check-ins, as most experts advise. “Include teenagers in family budgeting discussions to give them a real-world perspective on managing household finances," advised finance controller Manoj Kumar Vandanapu to Kiplinger. "This exposure helps them understand income, expenses and the importance of financial planning.”

Maybe your family is that organized and disciplined, but mine is a different animal altogether. So, having our kids as authorized users has given us a window into their financial habits, and we can rein in overspending when necessary.

By involving them in the application process and explaining how credit cards work, they now understand the importance of protecting their credit scores.

You could even say their frontal lobes have grown just a bit more.

Related Content

• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Kids and Money: Boost Your Child's Future Credit Score
• Best Cash Back Credit Cards
• What Kids Need To Know About Finances

This article reviews the Pay Yourself Back program only. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Chase recently extended its popular Pay Yourself Back program, which provides a 25% or 50% bump over standard cash back options on Chase Ultimate Rewards points. While this value is still likely below what you could get by redeeming points for travel, it’s an attractive option for those who aren’t traveling as much as they had planned or who need a bit of cash quickly. 

Best yet? Pay Yourself Back is also a great way to donate to certain charities, giving you 1.25 to 1.50 cents back for every dollar you donate.

But Pay Yourself Back is only worth it for certain purchases, and the payback rate varies by credit card.

What is Pay Yourself Back?

Chase’s travel credit cards are known for being some of the best rewards credit cards available, offering valuable and flexible points for travel purchases. In fact, each point is worth about two cents, according to The Points Guy. 

Chase launched the Pay Yourself Back program in 2020 to encourage customers to hold onto their travel cards during the Covid pandemic shutdown. The program provides up to 25% more cash back on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and several other cards, and up to 50% more on the Chase Sapphire Reserve®  card. For example, a Sapphire Preferred customer could redeem 10,000 points for $125, and a Sapphire Reserve card member could redeem 10,000 points for $150 cash back.

The catch? Only specific categories can earn extra cash back. The program only makes sense if you plan to make a donation to one of the approved charities. Or, if you are a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder, gas or grocery purchases through the end of September will also get you more cash back. 

Here's the breakdown by card.

How does Pay Yourself Back work?

To redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards for Pay Yourself Back cash, log into your Chase rewards accounts and follow the prompts.

• After logging in, go to the "Ultimate Rewards" page linked to your account.
• From the menu bar on the left side of the page, choose "Pay Yourself Back."
• Choose between one and 12 recent eligible purchases listed.
• The system will tell you how many days you have left to redeem points toward each transaction. After 90 days, you will no longer be able to use points for that purchase.
• Choose how many of your available Ultimate Rewards points you want to apply to each purchase. Finalize the request to redeem your points for a statement credit.

Which charities are eligible?

You get 1.25 cents back per point as a statement credit (or 1.5 cents back with a Chase Sapphire Reserve card) when you donate to the following charities using your eligible credit card. Note that donations made to local or state chapters may not qualify, so be sure to donate to the national office.

• American Red Cross
• Equal Justice Initiative
• Feeding America
• GLSEN
• Habitat for Humanity
• International Medical Corps (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)
• International Rescue Committee (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)
• Leadership Conference Education Fund
• NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
• National Urban League
• Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
• SAGE
• Thurgood Marshall College Fund
• UNICEF USA (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)
• United Way
• World Central Kitchen (including support for relief efforts in Ukraine)

When does Pay Yourself Back expire?

The added flexibility of Pay Yourself Back has been popular, and the company extends the program from time-to-time. This latest version of the program expires at the end of September 2023 for Chase Sapphire Reserve gas and grocery purchases, or for payment toward the annual fee. For donations on the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you have until the end of 2023.

For the Chase Sapphire Preferred and other cards, the program expires after December 31, 2023.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities. 

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Amazon and payments processor Fiserv have teamed up to allow Fiserv’s uChoose debit and credit cardholders to shop on Amazon.

To participate, uChoose members must be enrolled in the Amazon Shop with Points program to redeem rewards during checkout. There is no fee to use uChoose Rewards points.

The deal is available through more than 200 financial institutions enrolled in uChoose, with cardholders at hundreds more institutions expected to be able to redeem rewards on Amazon by year-end, Fiserv said.

A 2022 Fiserv study showed that 71% of consumers with multiple credit cards choose the one they will use based on the opportunity to accumulate rewards, the payments processor said.

Other credit card link ups announced this week include Walmart and Expedia, which launched travel perks for Walmart+ subscribers.

Meanwhile, Fiserv reported second-quarter revenue last week up 7%, to $4.76 billion, on net income up 14%, to $683 million, compared with the same year-ago period.

In a statement announcing the results, Fiserv CEO Frank Bisignano noted that economists’ expectations for GDP and consumer spending have improved since the start of the year for the remainder of 2023.

“Among our financial institution customers, spending and spending intentions remain healthy even as net interest margins narrow and lending activity eases,” he said. However, he added, demand is high for card and non-card payment services, digital banking, IT modernization and data analytics, “and financial institutions are looking to us to deliver."

•  Time to Change Your Credit Card Now to Bag Huge Bonuses
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• Washington Takes Aim at Credit Card Processing Fees 

A credit card can be a beneficial addition to your wallet, as long as you choose the right one and use it wisely. Therefore, it’s important to know how to choose a credit card that’s right for you. There are several types of credit cards available, from rewards credit cards that let you earn cash back or points, travel rewards cards that can save you cash on your next vacation or even student credit cards designed for those with limited credit history. 

Here’s a breakdown of the types of credit cards. 

Types of credit cards  

Rewards cards

A rewards credit card is a card that allows you to earn points, cash back or airline miles on purchases. Some cards have a flat-rate cash back rewards rate, while others offer higher points on purchases made in specific spending categories. 

Flat rate rewards cards offer a set percentage of cash back or points on all purchases, making them a good option for cardholders who prefer a straight-forward rewards structure. On the other hand, tiered rewards cards offer varying percentages of cash back or points for spending in specific categories, like supermarkets or dining. Regardless of which type you choose, these cards can help you earn on the purchases you’re already making. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best rewards cards of 2023. 

Balance transfer and 0% APR cards

A balance transfer card is a credit card that allows you to transfer balances from other accounts to the new card in order to avoid paying a high APR (annual percentage rate). Most balance transfer cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a set period of time to help cardholders avoid expensive interest payments on existing debt. 

However, balance transfers almost always charge a balance transfer fee of around 3% to 5% of the total amount of debt you are transferring. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best balance transfer cards of 2023.  

Travel cards

The right travel card can be a valuable tool for frequent travelers. Travel cards are designed to earn cardholders points or miles that can be used to pay for travel expenses. They also come with additional benefits that appeal to travelers as well, such as free checked baggage, rental protections, lounge access and priority boarding. Many also have no foreign transaction fees. Some travel cards allow you to redeem points or miles through airline and hotel partners, while others are co-branded to a specific airline, like Delta or United. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best travel rewards cards of 2023. 

Student cards

Student credit cards are a form of “starter card” for college students with limited credit history. Since they’re designed as a way for young adults to start building credit, they don’t usually have as strict requirements for approval as other cards, or carry annual fees. Many student cards also offer rewards in categories that appeal to students, like dining and entertainment, while others make earning rewards easy with flat-rate cash back for cardholders as they begin their credit journey. 

Check out Kiplinger’s picks for best student credit cards of 2023.  

Secured cards

Secured cards are available for those with little to no credit history or overall bad credit. When using a secured card, your credit limit is determined by the size of the cash deposit you make upfront. You’ll still be able to start building a credit history, but the lender won’t have to take a risk on you. These cards typically won’t have the same lending power as most cards, but they’re a great place to start if you’re looking to build credit from the ground up or improve your poor credit score. In fact, some secured cards will automatically upgrade you to an unsecured card if you show a history of good credit management.

Small business credit cards

As the name suggests, small business credit cards are used to make purchases and help keep your business and personal expenses separate. To qualify for a business credit card, you’ll need to provide basic financial information about your business; even if your business is in great shape financially, the card issuer will likely want additional assurance that you and your business are a good credit risk. For this reason, most small business cards require a personal guarantee, meaning that you as the business owner will have a hard inquiry pulled on your personal credit report, likely lowering your credit score for a time 

The best business credit cards come with valuable benefits, such as employee cards, spending reports and in some cases, cash back rewards that let you earn on purchases your business is already making.  

Store credit cards

Some retailers offer co-branded credit cards. Depending on the card, these can be used only at the associated store, while others can be used anywhere. Store credit cards allow cardholders to access in-store discounts as well as earn points or cash back when shopping at specific places. Consumers will typically have an easier time getting approved for store credit cards than for other credit cards, but be careful — store credit cards usually have higher interest rates. Opening a store credit card where you shop often can be an easy way to save cash, just as long as you repay your balance right away. 

Related Content

• Best Rewards Credit Cards
• How To Choose a Credit Card for You
• How Do Credit Cards Work? APR, Interest and Fees Explained

This article reviews Amazon credit cards, including Prime Visa and Amazon Visa. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Rates and terms checked as of January 3, 2025.

If you're looking to save money on your holiday shopping, this is a deal too good to pass up. Prime Visa, an Amazon credit card from Chase Bank, offers a welcome bonus of $100.

All you have to do is have an Amazon Prime account, apply through their website and upon approval, you'll receive a $100 gift card loaded onto your Amazon account. Use this gift card for holiday shopping or to treat yourself.

Prime Visa: An Amazon credit card

In addition, the card now enables cardholders to earn 10% back on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership.

Prime Visa is a solid rewards credit card for those who frequently shop at Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or Amazon.com. Amazon recently sweetened the deal for its Prime members, offering 10 cents off every gallon of gas.

Amazon credit card rewards breakdown

With the Prime Visa card, you earn on purchases made through Chase Travel, as well as on local transit and commuting. Here’s a breakdown of the Prime Visa card’s rewards structure.

• Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members. You can use this gift card for holiday shopping or to treat yourself.
• Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership.
• Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership.
• Earn unlimited 5% back on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
• Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
• Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.

The fine print

• Welcome offer: Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.
• APR: 19.49% - 28.24% variable for purchases.
• Redemption: Points are unlimited and never expire as long as your account is open. You can use your points to redeem for any available reward options, including eligible purchases at Amazon.com, cash and gift cards and more. To get the 5% back on travel purchases, book your reservations using the Prime Visa card through Chase Travel℠. You may combine these points with those earned on other Chase travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Prime members can boost their savings
If you are a dedicated Amazon Prime shopper, there are several ways you can leverage this credit card for further savings. Check out our list of the best Amazon Prime benefits.

Don't want to pay for Prime?
There's a card for consumers who enjoy shopping at Amazon, Whole Foods, and related companies but don't want to pay for a Prime membership. Chase's Amazon Visa credit card will give you up to 3% cash back at Amazon.com, slightly more than the 2% back offered by a typical cash back credit card. The welcome offer for this card, however, is only $50. The Amazon Visa credit card's variable APR is 19.49%–28.24% and there is no annual fee. While this might sound like a good deal, you should check out our roundup of the best cash back cards for groceries and shopping.

Related content

• How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost (And Is It Worth It?)
• The Best Credit Card Bonuses for New Cardholders
• Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article only reviews the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers.

Rates and bonus offers checked as of January 23, 2025.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is offering a great sign-up bonus for new cardholders: earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account. And the card has another sweetener. New cardholders can enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG^® hotel stay.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business overview

As bonuses for rewards credit cards go, this is one of the best Kiplinger editors have seen recently. Just be sure that your small business can spend at least $4,000 in three months, and that you understand how business credit cards work and what other offers are out there. Still, with a value of almost $1,000, the welcome bonus more than offsets the $99 annual fee.

• Interest rate: 19.99% - 28.49% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers. A rate of 29.24% variable APR is available for cash advances.
• Annual fee: $99
• Rewards rate: Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts. Earn five points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, select advertising and restaurants. Earn three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Other benefits: Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG^® hotel stay.
• Ample point redemption opportunities: IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at hotels such as InterContinental^®, Crowne Plaza^®, Kimpton^®, EVEN^® Hotels, Indigo^® Hotels & Holiday Inn^®.
• Travel benefits: Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $120 every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
• Sign-up bonus: Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

What is the value of IHG rewards points?

Valuing rewards program points or miles is rarely cut and dry, but it is useful to understand how much you can expect from points.

According to WalletHub, you'll need on average 37,500 points for a free night in an IHG hotel, and each point is worth about 0.7 cents. In this case, the bonus reward will get you on average three free nights at a hotel — or it is worth about $980. You can, of course, get more free nights by staying at more affordable hotels.

Although points are worth less than a dollar, they are easy to earn if you are a frequent traveler. You can earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at an IHG hotel. Earn five points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants. And earn three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

And the bonus qualifies new cardholders for automatic Platinum Elite status, which comes with benefits like free room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and free internet. Platinum Elite members earn an extra 60% worth of bonus points on qualified hotel stays. Allow up to eight weeks for your Platinum Elite Status to go into effect.

Where can you stay with IHG rewards points?

There are 18 IHG hotel brands, including budget hotels like Holiday Inn and Avid Hotels. IHG also includes luxury resorts, such as Intercontinental, Klimpton and Six Senses, and mid-tier properties like Even hotels.

IHG hotels have properties in over 6,000 locations worldwide. As the card has no foreign transaction fee, it is ideal for travel abroad.

Are you or someone in your immediate family an active-duty service member? IHG Army Hotels provide hotel rooms for military and contractor personnel near or on Army bases. And as a Platinum Elite member, you'll earn an extra 4.8 points for each hotel stay.

Bottom line

If you travel frequently for work, this card might be a great fit for you, especially with the current bonus offer. Just make sure you can qualify for the bonus with adequate spending, and be sure to review the risks and rewards of owning a small business credit card.

Other business card deals

• Capital One Business Card Intro Offer
• World of Hyatt Launches Offer
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

This article evaluates the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card bonus offer. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers.
Rates updated as of April 16, 2026.

Overview: Capital One Venture Rewards Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has launched a notable deal: Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

You can redeem bonus miles through the Capital One travel portal, or you can swap them on a 1:1 basis for several airline frequent flyer programs.

This intro bonus equals, or bests, most of its competition among rival rewards credit cards. Once you’ve hit the trigger spend, you then earn two or five miles per dollar spent so you keep on earning. Moreover, it’s a good card to take abroad as there are no foreign transaction fees.

Kiplinger’s Opinion: Capital One Ventures Reward card

The Capital One Venture Reward card is an ideal card for consumers who want simplicity and flexibility, not the bother of following complicated earning and redemption rules.

In addition to the generous bonus offer, cardholders can accrue miles quickly, especially if they use the card to book hotels or car rentals through the Capital One travel portal.

There is no limit to the reward miles you can earn, and they never expire as long as you have an open Capital One rewards tier credit card.

How will the merger with Discover impact cardholders?

It was announced that Capital One Financial Corporation would acquire Discover Financial Services, resulting in two giant credit card companies becoming one.

What does this mean for cardholders moving forward? It will remain business as usual in the interim. The $35.3 billion dollar deal is expected to finalize on May 18.

Once the merger goes through, Capital One cardholders shouldn't expect any changes to customer service, account access or any changes to their card terms, unless notified by Capital One.

How does Capital One compare to other card programs?

The Capital One Venture Rewards program outperforms many of its competitors for ease of use and the value of its miles. In fact, a recent study comparing credit card rewards programs by WalletHub named the Capital One program best overall for the seventh year in a row.

Capital One’s one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Capital One revamped its credit card travel portal in 2021 by partnering with the tech start-up Hopper. This move added helpful features to the portal, like predictive pricing and price comparisons using artificial intelligence.

If you book a flight on Capital One’s portal and the price drops within ten days, you can request a $50 credit to your account. If you find a better price for your trip within 24 hours of booking, Capital One will match the price. You can also set a price alert, allowing you to jump on cheaper fares as soon as possible.

One of the travel card's biggest perks is flexibility. You can transfer your Capital One miles to any of its fourteen airline partners and two hotel chains at a one-to-one rate. That way, you can shop around for the best travel deals, without worrying about remaining loyal to a single airline or hotel chain.

How to spend your bonus miles

You may use the 75,000 bonus miles in several ways.

• Book travel through Capital One’s portal ($750 value): redeem miles on the company’s travel portal on a 1:1 basis. This is the simplest way to get the full value of your bonus miles.
• Transfer miles to a partner frequent flyer or hotel program ($750+ variable value): Capital One partners with 16 airlines and three hotel chains at a 1:1 ratio, so you can easily transfer your bonus miles to your preferred partner program. Since miles and points on these partner programs may vary in value depending on how and when you use them, the actual value of your transferred Capital One miles may be more or less than 1:1. Before you transfer miles, make sure the travel you want to book is available.
  
  Two other transfer partners redeem Capital One miles at less than a 1:1 ratio. The French hotel chain, Accor, only offers a 2:1 ratio, meaning you only get fifty cents to the dollar on miles transferred.
• Redeem miles for expenses on a past trip ($750 value): Book your travel through your preferred travel website or travel agent using your Capital One Rewards card. Then, within 90 days from the date your travel purchase posts to your account, sign in to your account at capitalone.com and select Cover Your Travel Purchases. It may take a couple of months for the credit to post to your account.
• Shop at Amazon.com ($600 value): You may redeem purchases at Amazon for 0.8 cents for each mile. Although this is slightly better than opting for cash back, it is still well below the redemption rate of many cash back credit cards.
• Cash Back ($375 value): You should avoid redeeming your bonus for cash back, as it delivers the lowest value of any redemption type. By logging into your Capital One reward account, you will see options for cash back at the rate of one-half penny for each mile. You may redeem any amount for a check in the mail or an account credit.

Where to go with your bonus miles

A scenario for using the bonus miles:
Imagine you are planning to use the 75,000-mile bonus on an upcoming trip. Once you’ve spent at least $4,000 in the first three months of owning the card, you may need to wait several weeks for the bonus miles to post to your account, so don’t plan on redeeming them immediately.

Let’s say you have a frequent flyer account with British Airways, where miles or points are called “Avios.” You may transfer the bonus 75,000 miles to your British Airways account, adding the equivalent of 75,000 Avios. Or you book your flight through the Capital One Rewards portal, with the added benefit of price protection and price alerts. You could also use your 75,000 Avios to book travel on one of British Airways' partners, such as American Airlines.

Could you find cheaper hotels and flights than those offered on the Capital One portal? Quite possibly.

You’d also find more variation in hotels, and be more likely to get off the beaten tourist track if you find a small hotel or B&B that’s not affiliated with a credit card brand.

But still, you just got yourself a vacation for the card’s annual fee of $95, and that’s a good deal anyway you look at it.

Downsides

There are a few limitations to the card you should consider before you apply.

Limited and lower value redemption. You only get 5x miles when booking rental cars, vacation rentals and hotels through the travel portal. Airfare doesn't earn the same elevated rate. Neither does travel booked outside the portal. So this redemption level is difficult to attain. That said, the 1.25x miles earned on all other purchases is slightly higher than most competitor cards.

Limited transfer partners for air travel and hotel. Although there are a good number of transfer partners, there are no big-brand domestic airline or hotel companies, such as United Airlines, Hilton or Marriott. The exception is Wyndham properties. That doesn’t mean you won’t find good deals on air and hotel travel, but if you have already racked up miles or points on one of these better-known brands, you likely won’t be able to transfer Capital One miles to them. That said, some of the transfer partners are valuable to U.S. customers. The Virgin Red program, for example, partners with Delta Airlines, and British Airways partners with American Airlines.

Weak cash back options. If you decide not to travel, your cash back options have a lower redemption value, at only 0.5 cents per mile. So, if you have 10,000 miles to redeem, you will get only $50 in cash back, compared to $100 for travel.

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Generous bonus offer
• Unlimited miles that do not expire
• Flexibility (transfer miles to partner loyalty programs or redeem miles for past travel purchases)
• No foreign transaction fee
• Many perks designed for travelers, including price match, price alert, and more

Cons:

• Annual fee of $95 (unless pre-approved for the $0 annual fee for good or excellent credit)
• Most travel partners are based abroad
• Low redemption value when redeeming miles for cash
• Capital One and Discover are merging, which could change credit card terms for both companies' products.

Capital One Rewards transfer partners

The Capital One Venture rewards program has partnerships with 16 airlines, allowing cardholders to transfer Capital One Venture miles to the partner rewards programs. These partners cover destinations across much of the globe, including off-the-beaten-path destinations like Istanbul, Turkey and Barbados.

Capital One Venture rewards miles are worth one point on most of these carriers when you log in to your Capital One account, transfer Capital One miles to the frequent flyer account of a partner, and book your travel on the partner's website. These Capital One transfer partners are as follows:

When you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to any of these transfer partners, you’ll receive 1,000 miles or points with the following travel loyalty programs:

• Aeromexico Club Premier (based in Mexico)
• Air Canada - Aeroplan^®
• Cathay Pacific - Asia Miles (based in Hong Kong)
• Avianca LifeMiles (based in Colombia)
• British Airways Executive Club
• Emirates Skywards (based in Dubai)
• Etihad Guest (based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)
• Finnair Plus (based in Finland)
• Flying Blue (for Air France and for KLM, based in the Netherlands)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (Australia)
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• TAP Miles&Go (based in Portugal)
• Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
• Virgin Red (based in the U.K. but partnered with Delta Airlines)
• EVA Air - Infinity MileageLands (based in Taiwan).
  This program carries a 2:1.5 transfer ratio, so 1,000 Capital One miles are only worth only 750 miles when using this loyalty program.
• Jet Blue - You'll earna 5:3 ratio. It means if you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles, you'll receive 600 TrueBlue points.

The Capital One Venture rewards program also partners with three hotel chains. Capital One miles are worth one point at each of these hotels, but are worth half as much if booked with Accor hotels chain.

• Choice Privileges^®
• Wyndham Rewards
• ALL - Accor Live Limitless, with a 2:1 transfer ratio. When you transfer 1,000 Capital One miles to this transfer partner, you’ll receive 500 points with its travel loyalty program.

Overview of fees and terms

• Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
• Interest rate: 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
• Annual fee: $95
• Foreign transaction fee: None.
• Rewards: Five miles per dollar spent on hotel stays, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; three miles per dollar spent on dining; all other spending earns two miles per dollar; limited airport lounge access and other benefits apply.
• Redemption: Redeem miles at a rate of a penny each for statement credits on travel purchases or to book a new travel reservation through Capital One; or transfer miles to any of more than 15 travel loyalty programs.
• Perks: Price match within 24 hours of booking if you find a cheaper fare, and a top-rated mobile app

How green is the card?

The Capital One Venture Rewards card sponsors two new tree plantings through each qualified travel booking made on its travel portal, Hopper. In this way, each booking benefits the non-profit Eden Reforestation Projects, which works with local communities to plant native trees.

In Madagascar, for example, Eden planted millions of mangroves to offset the loss of these key members of the wetlands ecosystem.

So, will these efforts offset your greenhouse gas emissions when traveling? Probably not, as many offset programs have been disparaged for promoting this approach. Critics argue that offset programs fail to lessen emissions in the near term, may prolong the use of dirtier technology and are difficult to measure and monitor.

Still, when done properly, these programs, including Eden’s, can increase biodiversity, lessen erosion and bring community benefits. Bottom line, this is a nice-to-have perk when booking your trip, but should not be a major consideration.

Rewards cards dos and don'ts

As with any rewards credit card, be sure to weigh these benefits against fees — a $95 annual fee in this case — and make sure you understand how to use the card effectively. That said, $95 is a relatively small price to pay if you max out the benefits.

In addition, while reward credit cards are great if you use them wisely, always pay them off in full each month to avoid interest which can quickly dwarf the rewards. And only spend any more than usual to hit any trigger; otherwise, rewards cards can be a false economy as you’d be overspending.

Related Content

• What the Capital One and Discover Merger Means for Your Wallet
• Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Launches Bonus Offer
• Credit Cards That Cover Rental Car Insurance
• How to Save on Booking a Cruise

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Getting pre-approved for a credit card is a great way to protect your credit. Applying for a credit card can be as easy as choosing one of the best rewards credit cards and filling out a short form online. But getting approved for the card you want may be trickier, even for an experienced credit card owner. It pays to think through your application strategy.

Follow these steps to get approved or pre-approved for the credit card you want.

1. Check Your Credit Score

A credit score measures your creditworthiness, usually on a scale from 300 to 850, where a higher score is better. Two companies measure your credit. FICO, which considers a score of 670 to 739 as good, and VantageScore, which considers a score of 661 to 780 to be good.  Major banks, credit card companies, and credit unions often provide a free FICO score to their customers. If you can’t find a FICO score there, you may access one for free at the credit bureau Experian. Remember: checking your FICO or VantageScore will not lower your credit score.

2. Choose a Credit Card that Meets Your Needs

Once you know your credit score, you will have a realistic idea of how to choose a credit card for you. For those with excellent credit, you will have more options, like cashback and other rewards cards.

Even if you have bad credit or are a student, you can still identify cards that will help you build your creditworthiness. Students may even qualify for rewards cards. If that interests you.

For those hoping to get out of credit card debt, consider a balance-transfer credit card. 

Finally, you should take action if your credit score is below 670 on FICO or below 661 on VantageScore. A low credit score will limit your credit card choices and penalize you if you apply for a mortgage or car insurance. We've outlined six proven ways to boost your credit score.

3. Pause before you apply

Don't cut up old cards. Before you apply for a new card, think through your strategy for any existing cards you may have. Even if you don't want to use them, it's in your interest to keep old credit cards active. 

The Chase 5/24 rule. If you own a few cards offered by Chase, be aware of the 5/24 rule. Chase will not issue you a new card if you exceed five new cards in a 24-month period. 

Dynamic pricing. If you have good to excellent credit, you may qualify for some pretty sweet sign-up bonus offers worth hundreds, even thousands of dollars. American Express cards often vary the amount of welcome points in online offers. You may get offered 60,000 free points on one site and 75,000 on another. Try searching for the card in an incognito window, and you may score a higher welcome offer. To open an incognito window from a Chrome browser, click on the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Click on "new incognito window," which is the third option. Enter your search terms in that window.

4. Get Pre-approved or Pre-qualified for the Card You Want 

Once you have your eye on a card that is within reach of your credit score, you’ll want to maximize your chances of approval. Why? Every time you apply for a new credit card, the bank issuing the card will request your credit report (called a “hard inquiry” or a “hard pull,”) which will lower your FICO or VantageScore by a few points. So, if you apply for a card and are turned down or decide you want a different card, you will have to reapply with a lower credit score.

There are two ways to avoid a hard pull when applying for a credit card: pre-approval or pre-qualification. Each method assures the bank offering the card you want that you are sufficiently creditworthy. When a bank sends credit card offers, often by email or regular mail, they have usually pre-approved you for that card. If, by serendipity, it is the card you most want, then you only have to fill out the application. 

For cards not offered to you, the issuer may be willing to check if you qualify for the card before you submit a formal application. Contact the bank or credit union issuing the card and ask for “pre-qualification with no hard inquiry.”

If you're applying to an American Express credit card, look for the "Apply With Confidence" button to get pre-approval with no ding to your credit score.

You can also use the CardMatch tool (see below) to see a list of credit cards available to you, without affecting your credit score.

CardMatch doesn't partner with every credit card issuer, so you may want to check the bank or issuer's website. For example, the Apple Card does not access your credit report until you accept the sign-up terms.

5. Become an Authorized User if You Need a Credit Boost 

If you are brand-new to the world of credit or trying to repair a poor credit history, you may want to become an authorized user on someone else’s credit card account. This arrangement usually occurs between a parent with good credit and a child or young adult. The parent’s longer credit history and positive credit score are essentially shared with the child. By the same token, missed payments or other negative credit information are shared by both account owners, so avoid this option if there is any doubt about either party’s ability to use credit wisely and pay bills on time.

6. Fill out the Application Form

The fastest way to fill out an online application form at the bank’s website. Forms will typically require your legal name, date of birth, address, annual income, and social security number. You may also be asked about your monthly rent or mortgage payments. 

Answer all questions truthfully. If you lie about your income, for example, you may be charged with credit card fraud.

Enjoy Your New Credit Card

If you followed the steps above, you are likely to soon be approved for your new credit card. Make sure you keep track of the balance on your account, note any suspicious activity, and pay your bills in full and on time. Doing so will help boost your credit score and make you eligible for the best credit cards available.

Green rewards credit cards and debit cards are having a moment. The promise of a tree planted for every dollar spent or cash back for sustainable purchases is enticing. And innovations in financial technology and carbon measurement are making it easier than ever for companies to link consumer spending to climate change. But don’t be fooled into thinking you can spend your way to saving planet Earth. The real impact lies in the bank issuing the card. 

Types of Green Credit Cards and Rewards

There are four categories of green credit cards, with some overlap in a number of instances. 

First, cards that promise to help the environment by buying carbon offsets are evolving. Where these cards used to promise to plant a tree for every purchase or amount spent, they are starting to use more sophisticated methods to engage consumers. A number offer apps that calculate the carbon footprint of purchases, and others offer cash back for shopping for sustainable products or from environmentally conscious companies. 

Whenever a card pledges to plant thousands or even millions of trees to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, be wary. Poor reforestation projects may do more harm than good, by planting the wrong tree species, failing to work with local communities, or providing little monitoring. Still, there are a number of reputable tree planting or conservation programs, and some offset programs include developing renewable energy projects or other measures besides tree planting. The best projects work with third-party monitors like 3Degrees or Native Energy.

One of the most effective ways to green your credit card is by focusing on the banking institution offering the credit. “A lot of people try to shop and live green but don't think about their banking, including credit cards,” according to Todd Larsen of non-profit Green America. “It has a big impact on the world.” 

Larsen first recommends avoiding credit cards from banks profiled in Banking on Climate Chaos, a report on total fossil fuel investments by major financial institutions. According to the report, the top four banks supporting fossil fuels are all based in the U.S.: JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America. 

Instead of relying on these mega-banks, Larsen thinks it is best to bank with smaller financial institutions or credit unions that are working to build community wealth. For example, Amalgamated Bank supports clean energy and local communities. Others include Beneficial State Bank, Sunrise, and Aspiration. Many of these banks are “B Corps,” meaning they have embedded social and environmental benefits into their business model. 

One of the oldest types of eco-conscious credit cards is affiliate cards that donate a percentage (usually 0.5%) of a monthly bill to an environmental charity. On the positive side, these cards make donating easy. However, cardholders are not able to deduct donations come tax time, and many cards do not disclose how much is actually donated to charity or how the money is spent.

According to Ted Rossman of CreditCards.com, “it would be better to earn as much cash back as possible, then donate to a cause of your choosing. Why get only 1% on an eco-friendly card when you can get 2% on another?” But he has come to realize that consumers like the reminder that they are aligned with a non-profit whenever they pull out their card. “People like identifying with causes they care about,” explains Rossman. “Some people would ‘sacrifice’ rewards for a cause.”

Finally, some banks are swapping out the usual plastic cards with cards made from recycled content. Bank of America and American Express are issuing such recycled cards. But don’t fall for this gimmick. The financial practices of the banking institution issuing these cards are far more important than what materials make up the physical cards.

What to Look for in a Green Credit Card

As with any new card, when you think about how to choose a credit card, pay attention to the card’s interest rate and fees. If you typically carry a balance, make sure you focus first on cards with low interest rates. And if you have had a card for many years you may want to hold onto it, as older cards help boost your credit score.

The best green cards will offer low fees and interest rates in addition to a clear explanation of environmental benefits. These credit card issuers should report annually on carbon offsets and should partner with reputable organizations. 

Some green card issuers also offer debit cards with better rewards, so be sure to check out all the options at a given bank.

Here are some of the best green credit and debit cards available.

Amalgamated Bank Maximum Rewards World Mastercard

• Green credentials: B Corp certified
• Website: www.amalgamatedbank.com
• Interest rate APR: 18.49% to 24.49%
• Introductory rate: 0% on purchases and balances transfers for the first twelve billing cycles.
• Annual fee: None
• Sign-up bonus: $30 after spending $600 in the first three billing cycles
• Carbon offsets: None
• Cash back or rewards: 1.5% cash back

Amalgamated offers a solid rewards credit card with no green marketing or offsets. The real impact is in putting your dollars to work in a mission-driven bank. Founded almost 100 years ago by a garment workers union, the bank does not invest in fossil fuel companies, and almost a third of its lending is dedicated to investing in climate solutions. The bank has excellent reporting and policies across environmental, social and governance issues. This card is ideal for people who want to keep their credit card simple but also support goals like affordable housing and renewable energy.

Aspiration "Zero"

• Green credentials: B Corp certified.
• Website: www.aspiration.com
• Interest rate APR: 13.90% to 23.70%
• Introductory rate: none
• Annual fee: $60
• Sign-up bonus: $300 back if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
• Carbon offsets: One tree planted each time you use your card
• Cash back or rewards: 1% cash back if you use your card enough times to offset your carbon footprint.

At first blush, the Aspiration Zero card looks like an exciting way to plant trees and earn cash back at the same time. The bank has put sustainability front and center in its products and messaging, helping customers measure and offset their carbon footprint. In fact, Aspiration recently acquired a tech company that helps customers measure the carbon footprints of their purchases. Aspiration partners with reputable offset certification companies like 3Degrees. 

Every time a customer uses the card, Aspiration will work with its conservation partners to plant a tree. The company estimates that planting 30 trees in a month would offset the carbon emissions of a typical American household, so consumers who use the card this often will be rewarded with 1% cash back, or the option to plant more trees. 

Aspiration lacks robust reporting on environmental impact, likely due to growing pains. The company launched in 2015, and the Zero card is only a year old. The CEO stepped down on October 13, 2022 as the company struggled to go public. 

Aspiration also offers two green debit cards that provide up to 10% cash back on purchases from affiliated sustainable companies, called the Conscience Coalition. The coalition includes companies like the sustainable footwear manufacturer Allbirds, but lacks rewards for reducing consumption, such as by using public transportation.

Futurecard Visa Debit Card 

• Green credentials: None
• Website: www.future.green 
• Interest rate APR: N/A
• Annual fee: None 
• Carbon offsets: None, but the card helps consumers track their carbon footprint.
• Cash back or rewards: 1% for standard purchases, up to 6% back for sustainable purchases.

With the recent launch of the Future debit card, consumers finally have access to a card that rewards reduced consumption. Cardholders earn up to 6% cash back for taking the subway or charging an electric vehicle, purchasing used clothing from The North Face or Goodwill, or buying affiliated ebikes or standard bikes. The company’s mission is to make sustainable choices more affordable to U.S. consumers. 

According to the Futurecard’s website, planting trees alone is not the best way to address a family’s carbon emissions. In order to offset their emissions, “[e]very average American family would need to plant their own forest with thousands of trees each.” It is much simpler to “figure out how to make climate smart choices to lower their family’s carbon emissions in the first place.”

Atmos Debit Card

• Green credentials: B Corp
• Website: www.joinatmos.com 
• Interest rate APR: N/A
• Annual fee: None 
• Carbon offsets: None, but the card helps consumers track how their deposits are reducing carbon emissions.
• Cash back or rewards: 1% to 5% cash back for shopping with affiliated companies.

Like the Futurecard, Atmos is a recent fintech start-up that offers cash back for certain purchases from affiliated companies, like charging your electric vehicle at a Tesla charging station. Futurecard has a greater emphasis on reducing consumption through affiliates than does Atmos. 

With each charge Atmos customers can donate “loose change” to the climate non-profit of their choice, or deposit the change in a savings account. 

Atmos will use capital deposited by customers in their checking accounts to lend to renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture and similar green projects, as long as they do not displace local people. Atmos plans to launch a credit card sometime in the next year.

The Green America Visa Card

• Green credentials: Affiliated with Green America
• Website: www.greenamerica.org
• Interest rate APR: 12.24% to 22.24%
• Introductory rate: 0% Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
• Annual fee: None 
• Sign-up bonus: None
• Carbon offsets: None
• Cash back rate: 1% for each reward point that may be redeemed for goods through a third party.

The Green America card is a bit of a holdover from the days when affiliate cards were the only option available to eco-minded consumers. With each swipe of the card, a small amount is donated to Green America for its work promoting renewable energy, fair trade, and holding corporations accountable. The card is managed by community-oriented TCM Bank.

Similar affiliate cards include those that benefit Ducks Unlimited and Salmon Nation.

Rates checked as of October 31, 2023.

This article only highlights our picks for the best balance transfer credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship with advertisers.

If you have high-rate credit card debt, consider refinancing it with a balance transfer credit card. Especially as interest rates tick up, carrying a balance on a credit card becomes more burdensome. Average annual percentage rates on credit cards run from about 15% to 20%, and some cards have rates of nearly 30%.

While you may be tempted by cash back or other offers made by rewards credit cards, it is better to stay focused on paying off your debt first.

With a balance transfer card, you can take advantage of a 0% APR interest rate for as long as the first 21 months. That could shave hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your interest payments, enough to offset the balance transfer fee of 3% to 5% and save you money.

But to make the most of a balance transfer — and to make your investment in that transfer fee pay off — you need to pay off the debt before the 0% window expires. After the 0% period ends, the APR on the remaining balance typically jumps into the double digits.

We’ve rounded up the best credit cards for balance transfers. All of them feature extended 0% introductory windows, and they charge reasonable balance-transfer fees of 3%. (With some cards, you must promptly make the balance transfer after opening the card to capture the 0% rate or the 3% fee — otherwise, you pay a higher APR or fee.) If you’re looking for a great rewards credit card instead, see our guides to the best cash back credit cards and the best travel rewards credit cards.

We select balance transfer cards with 0% introductory windows and balance-transfer fees of 3%. (With some cards, you must promptly make the balance transfer after opening the card to capture the 0% rate or the 3% fee–otherwise, you pay a higher APR or fee.) Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

0% APR for 21 Months

• Interest rate: 0% for 21 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.74% to 29.74% variable APR.
• Balance transfer fee: 3% ($5 minimum).
• Annual fee: None.
• Penalty APR: None.
• Late payment fee: Up to $41.
• Perks: This card offers up to $600 reimbursement if your cell phone is stolen or damaged and you use the card to pay your wireless bill; the deductible is $25, and you get up to two claims paid per 12 months.

• Interest rate: Balance transfer 0% introductory APR for 21 months from date of first transfer when transfers are completed within 4 months from date of account opening. After that, your APR will be 19.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness. For purchases, 0% introductory APR for 12 months from date of account opening. After that, your APR will be 19.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance transfer fee: 3% ($5 minimum); after four months of opening the account, it is 5% with a $5 minimum.
• Annual fee: None.
• Penalty APR: If you make a late payment during the introductory period you may lose the 0% interest rate.
• Late payment fee: Up to $41.
• Perks: Rather than offer cash back or other rewards, this card focuses on giving you a long balance transfer period for a 3% fee.

18 Months 0% APR

• Interest rate: Balance transfers: 0% intro APR only on Balance Transfers for 18 months; after that, the variable APR will be 19.24% to 29.24% variable, based on your creditworthiness. The ongoing variable APR for purchases is 19.24% to 29.24%. If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• Balance transfer fee: 3% ($5 minimum) within the first 4 months of account opening, then 5% ($5 minimum).
• Annual fee: None
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% if you pay your bill late.
• Credit rating: Solid cash back cards usually require a good to excellent credit rating; Citi recently announced that it will also approve qualified applicants with "fair" credit ratings for this card.
• Late payment fee: Up to $41; returned payments may also be charged up to this amount.
• Perks: total 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% at the time of purchase and 1% when you pay for those purchases.
  

• Interest rate: 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers; variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
• Annual fee: None.
• Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% if you fail to make the minimum payment on time or make a payment that is returned unpaid to Chase.
• Late payment fee: Up to $40.
• Perks: If you pay your bill on time and spend $500 in the first six months, Chase automatically reviews whether you are eligible for a higher credit limit. If you make purchases of at least $1,000 in an account anniversary year and make all payments on time, you may get a 2% reduction of the standard APR for purchases and balance transfers (your APR cannot be lower than the prime rate plus 9.74%).
• Additional perks: Cardholders enjoy three free months of membership with DashPass — which provides reduced fees on orders from delivery service DoorDash — and 50% off DashPass for the following nine months. Activate your DashPass membership by December 31, 2024 to be eligible. . Chase credit cards also offer excellent rental car insurance.
• Member FDIC

• Interest rate: 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers, as long as the transfer is made within 60 days of opening your account. After 18 months, you pay the standard variable rate — recently, it was 16.24% to 26.24%.
• Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred ($10 minimum).
• Annual fee: None.
• Penalty APR: None; paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR).
• Late payment fee: Up to $40.
• Perks: Free FICO score.

How Do Balance Transfers Work?

A balance transfer is a credit card feature that allows you to move debt from one credit card account to another. While most credit cards allow you to request a balance transfer at any time, some offer introductory 0% APR promotions to make it worth your while.

These promotions typically last between 12 and 21 months and often come with an upfront fee of 3% to 5% of your transferred balance. Once the transfer has been completed, the fee will be tacked onto the balance on the new card.

Then, you can pay down the debt interest-free until the promotional period expires, at which point any remaining balance will be subject to the card's regular balance transfer APR.

Balance transfer credit cards offer 0% APR balance transfer promotions to new cardholders. But in many cases, credit card issuers may also offer low or 0% APR promotions to existing customers.

Keep in mind, though, that you typically can't transfer a balance from one card to another if they're issued by the same bank. Also, unless your card also has a 0% APR promotion on purchases, your card issuer will typically start charging interest on those transactions immediately instead of giving you a grace period — that is, until you pay off your balance transfer debt.

In addition to credit card debt, some card issuers may also allow you to use a balance transfer to pay off medical bills, auto loans and more.

How to Perform a Balance Transfer

Depending on your situation and needs, you can complete a balance transfer in a few different ways.

When you apply for a new credit card

If you're applying for a credit card, you may be able to request the transfer during the application process. If this is the case, you can provide the account number and the amount you want to transfer for each debt — in some cases, the card issuer may limit how many accounts you can pay off at once.

Then, complete the rest of the application. If you're approved, the card issuer will process the request.

Through your online account

Sometimes, credit card issuers offer balance transfer promotions to existing customers, which you can activate through your online account. Log in to your account, select the card you want to use, then search for current promotions.

Then, provide the required information, such as an account number and amount, to complete the request. If your card issuer approves your transfer, it'll handle the payment to your other card or loan.

Use a balance transfer check

From time to time, card issuers will send out balance transfer checks to customers in the mail — some may even allow you to request a check through your online account. You can use the check to pay off your desired balance or even address it to yourself and deposit the funds into your checking account, then make an online payment.

With this option, you don't need to provide your account numbers to your card issuer.

Call your card issuer

If you prefer personal service, call the number on the back of your credit card or your card issuer's main customer service line to request a transfer over the phone. Be sure to have your account numbers on hand and the amount you want to pay off.

How Long Does a Balance Transfer Take?

There's no hard-and-fast rule for how long a balance transfer will take — the timeline can vary for each credit card company. In general, though, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Here's what you can expect from the top credit card companies:

• American Express: Typically five to seven days, but it can take up to six weeks in certain circumstances
• Bank of America: Typically two to 14 days
• Barclays: Up to four weeks
• Capital One: Typically three to 14 days
• Chase: Up to 21 days
• Discover: Typically four days, but newly opened cards take 14 days before a balance transfer will begin processing
• U.S. Bank: Up to 14 days
• Wells Fargo: Up to 14 days

Pros and Cons of a Balance Transfer

A balance transfer may help you save money and simplify your debt situation, but there's no guarantee you'll get what you need, and there are other potential roadblocks you'll encounter during the process.

Pros

• You can save hundreds on interest: Depending on how much debt you're transferring and the original interest rate, you could save hundreds of dollars in interest charges by using a 0% APR promotion.
• It consolidates multiple balances into one: Using a balance transfer credit card to pay off multiple balances can help simplify your debt payoff plan, making it easier to keep track of your monthly payments and progress.
• You may benefit from other card features: Some balance transfer credit cards also offer welcome bonuses, 0% APR promotions on purchases, ongoing rewards and other valuable features you can enjoy.

Cons

• There are no guarantees: If you're applying for a new credit card, there's no assurance that the card's credit limit will be high enough to cover your full debt balance. You'll also typically need good credit to get approved — according to FICO, that's a credit score of 670 or higher — and even then, other factors may get in the way of approval.
• It could damage your credit temporarily: If you transfer balances from multiple credit cards to a single account, it could cause your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your available credit that you're using at a given time — to spike, damaging your credit until you pay down the balance.
• It's not without costs: You'll usually have to pay a balance transfer fee, which can be hundreds of dollars, depending on how much debt you're transferring. Additionally, if you're not diligent with your payoff plan or you have too much debt to pay off, you may end up paying interest on at least some of the balance after the introductory period expires.

Is a Balance Transfer Right for Me?

A balance transfer isn't the right move for everyone, so it's important to understand your situation and goals to determine whether to use one. Here are some situations where it might make sense to request a balance transfer:

• You have a lot of high-interest credit card debt.
• You expect to be able to pay off the debt within a year or two.
• You have great credit (if you plan to apply for a new card).
• You have your spending under control and aren't in danger of racking up more debt after you make the transfer.

Alternatively, you may want to think twice about using a balance transfer to pay off debt if:

• You don't have a lot of credit card debt.
• You could pay off the debt in a handful of months.
• Your credit is in less-than-stellar shape (if you're applying for a new card).
• You're not planning to pay off most or all of the debt within the promotional period.

Remember, a balance transfer doesn't fix the behavior that got you into debt in the first place. If emergency expenses blindsided you and you didn't have enough savings to cover them, try to focus on building your emergency fund. If you've racked up debt with overspending, consider taking a break from credit cards until you can get your spending habits under control, so you can avoid repeating the process.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

For our review of the best business credit cards, we may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Rates checked as of November, 19 2024.

Business credit cards that offer rewards can be a handy tool for small business owners. Rather than rely on personal rewards credit cards, small businesses can enjoy benefits more tailored to their needs.

Business credit cards may offer maximum rewards on travel purchases, gas, office supplies, or other key spending areas for businesses, or they may provide a solid flat rate of cash back, miles, or points on every purchase. Business cards often come with special features, such as employee cards and spending reports that break down cash flow. And business credit cards provide a way for business owners to separate business spending from personal spending.

Whatever the size of your business, be prepared to hand over information such as your business’s name and location, tax identification number (or Social Security number for a sole proprietor), and annual revenue when you apply.

The credit cards below provide ample rewards for business owners. For each card, we’ve calculated a typical annual reward that assumes $31,000 spent annually on the card. A couple of the cards offer 0% introductory interest rates, too, which can be helpful for business owners who want to finance a large purchase interest-free.

If you’re instead looking for a card that provides strong cash back rewards for users of all ages, see our guide to the best cash back credit cards. And if you’d like to open a card that offers points or miles for travelers, see our guide to the best travel rewards credit cards.

Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

Chase Ink Business Cash

• APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases, then 18.49% to 24.49% variable
• Annual fee: None
• Top rewards rate: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services
• Other benefits: 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year at gas stations and restaurants; 1% back on all other purchases
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them; integrate your Chase Ink card with bookkeeping software
• Redemption: Points earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for cash back, gift cards, or travel
• Sign-up bonus: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening.

Amex Express Blue Business Cash

• Purchases Intro APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74% variable, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99% (See Rates and Fees).
• Annual fee: None (See Rates and Fees).
• Top rewards rate: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
• Scalable limits: The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• Other benefits: 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after the $50,000 threshold is met. American Express also offers solid car rental insurance* and other travel benefits.
• Business-friendly benefits: Add employee cards to your account, designate an account manager who has access to the account, and receive a year-end summary that charts your annual spending
• Intro bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first 3 months.
• Terms apply

Capital One Spark Miles Mastercard

• APR: 26.24% variable APR for purchases. Be sure to make your payments on time, as the late payment APR is higher than many competitors, at 34.4%. Balance transfers are not available with this card.
• Annual fee: $95, waived the first year.
• Top rewards rate: Two miles per dollar on every purchase, plus five miles per dollar on hotel and rental-car bookings through Capital One Travel.
• Other benefits: Credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse the application fee for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck airport-screening programs and two free yearly visits to Capital One’s airport lounges.
• Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards and controls to set spending limits on them, plus the ability to download purchase records into various formats (such as Excel or Quicken) and assign an account manager.
• Redemption: Exchange miles at a rate of a penny each for account credits on travel purchases or for travel bookings through Capital One; or transfer them to any of Capital One’s partner airline and hotel loyalty programs, including those of British Airways and Choice Hotels.
• Sign-up bonus: 50,000 miles (worth $500 in travel) if you spend $4,500 in the first three months.

Why get a business credit card?

There are many reasons to use a business credit card, even if you're just starting out or you have a sole proprietorship. Here are some benefits to consider.

It can help build business credit

Business credit card issuers typically report your account activity to some of the commercial credit bureaus. If you have aspirations to grow your business over time, establishing a positive business credit history can make it easier to qualify for other financing options down the road.

It usually won't have a big impact on your personal credit score

Most business credit cards require a personal credit check when you apply, but the account typically won't show up on your personal credit reports. As a result, you won't have to worry about a large balance damaging your personal credit score — though late payments may be reported.

Note that Capital One is an exception to that rule — the card issuer may report account activity to both the commercial and consumer credit bureaus with some of its business credit cards, which can impact your personal credit score.

Separate business and personal expenses

Using a separate account for your business expenses will make it easier for you to keep track of them for accounting and tax purposes. If you mingle your personal and business expenses together, it can be difficult to remember which ones are eligible for a tax deduction and which aren't.

What's more, if you carry a balance on your credit card, calculating how much interest you can deduct for the portion of your balance attributable to business expenses can be incredibly difficult.

Get rewards and other benefits for business owners

Business credit cards often offer rewards on common business costs, such as office supplies, cable, internet and phone services, advertising, shipping and more. You may also benefit from other perks, such as employee cards with spending controls, integration with popular accounting software, spending reports and more.

Can improve your cash flow

If you pay your bill on time and in full every month, you can enjoy a grace period on your purchases, giving you several weeks before you have to pay for your transactions while avoiding interest charges.

This flexibility may be particularly important when you're just starting out, and it's challenging to get approved for other forms of small business financing.

Can you use a business credit card for personal expenses?

Technically, no. Business credit card issuers usually put in the terms that you agree to only use the account for business expenses. That said, they're not looking over your shoulder, so an occasional personal transaction won't set off alarm bells.

Remember, though, that mixing personal and business expenses can make accounting and tax planning more difficult. Also, if your account becomes delinquent, you may be under tighter scrutiny by your card issuer, and violating the card agreement could result in an account closure.

One thing to note is that while it's best to avoid using your business credit card for personal expenses, you can use the rewards you earn for business or personal use. In fact, many card issuers allow you to pool your points earned with both personal and business credit cards — some may even do it automatically. This can make it easier for you to make the most of the cash back, points or miles you earn with your business credit card.

What to consider before getting a business credit card

Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:

• Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
• Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
• Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
• Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
• Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.

How to pick the right business credit card for you

No business credit card is best for everyone, so it's important to think about your needs and preferences to find the right one for you. Here are some factors to consider:

• Credit requirements: Check your credit score to get an idea of your potential options. Then, search for credit cards that may be a good match based on your credit profile. Unfortunately, credit card companies don't specify minimum credit scores, but you can reach out to the card issuer or research online before applying to get an idea of what to expect.
• Welcome bonus and rewards: Many business credit cards offer welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards on your purchases. Make sure you can spend enough to earn a welcome bonus, and also consider whether the card's rewards program aligns with your company's spending. For example, if you spend a lot on office supplies, consider a card that offers bonus cash back, points or miles on that spending category.
• Other features: Some business credit cards may offer introductory 0% APR promotions, travel benefits and more. Think about what you want out of your business credit card and try to find a card that aligns with those preferences.
• Annual fee: Think about how you feel about paying for an annual fee. If you're considering a card that charges one, look at the rewards program and benefits to assess whether the cost is worth what you get in return.

Whatever you do, take your time to research and compare several options to determine which one is the best fit for you.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Other Best Buy Credit Cards

Kiplinger's guide to the best rewards credit cards

Kiplinger's guide to the best cash back credit cards

Kiplinger's guide to the best balance transfer credit cards

Kiplinger's guide to the best travel rewards cards

Kiplinger's guide to the best student credit cards

Kiplinger's guide to the best 0% APR credit cards

This article highlights our picks for the best student credit cards. We may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independent of our relationship with advertisers.Rates checked September 7, 2023.

Student credit cards often provide high rewards in common spending categories for college students, such as dining out or gas. Or they may pay a healthy flat rate of cash back on every purchase. College students who are on the hunt for a rewards credit card will find that many issuers have designed cards aimed toward their age group and if you plan to study abroad, these cards are good choices as they don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

To help you select a student card, we’ve listed some great options. For each one, we’ve calculated a typical annual reward that assumes $3,000 charged to the card annually.

If you’re looking for a card that provides good cash-back rewards for users of all ages, see our guide to the best cash back credit cards. And if you’d like to open a card that offers points or miles for travelers, see the best travel rewards credit cards.

Quick List

In a hurry? Here's a brief overview of the cards on our list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page to read more information on each card we feature.

Capital One Quicksilver Rewards for Students

• Interest rate: 19.99%, 25.99% or 29.99% variable APR for purchases.
• Balance transfer fee: $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you.
• Annual fee: None.
• Pre-approval available: Yes.
• Top rewards rate: Get 5% cash back on hotel and rental-car bookings through Capital One Travel; through November 14, 2024, you also get 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases.
• Other benefits: All other spending earns 1.5% cash back. Through November 14, 2024, cardholders get a complimentary membership to Uber One, which provides discounts on Uber Eats orders and Uber rides
• Redemption: Redeem cash back in any amount as a check or statement credit, or use rewards to book travel through Capital One
• Sign-up bonus: $50 back if you spend $100 in the first three months

Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students Mastercard

• Interest rate: 19.99%, 25.99% or 29.99% variable APR for purchases.
• Balance transfer fee: $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you.
• Annual fee: None.
• Pre-approval available: Yes.
• Top rewards rate: 3% cash back on restaurant, entertainment, streaming and grocery purchases. Plus, get 8% back on purchases through the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform and 5% back on hotel and rental-car bookings through Capital One Travel; through November 14, 2024, you also get 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases.
• Other benefits: All other spending earns 1% back. Through November 14, 2024, cardholders enjoy a complimentary membership to Uber One, which provides discounts on Uber Eats orders and Uber rides.
• Redemption: Redeem cash back in any amount as a check or statement credit, or use rewards to book travel through Capital One.
• Sign-up bonus: $50 back if you spend $100 in the first three months.

Discover it Student Chrome

• Interest rate: 0% on purchases for six months, then 18.24% to 27.24% APR.
• Annual fee: None.
• Pre-approval available: Yes.
• Top rewards rate: 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined quarterly spending) and 1% on other purchases.
• Other benefits: The card is forgiving to young folks who are getting the hang of managing a credit card: It never charges a penalty interest rate after a late payment, and it waives the late fee for the first missed payment; you get one strike – not three – but it’s better than zero.
• Redemption: Cash back is redeemable in any amount as an account credit, bank-account deposit or charitable gift; you can also apply cash back to make purchases with select merchants, such as Amazon, or to buy gift cards.
• Sign-up bonus: A match of cash back earned after one year, doubling your rewards; most other cards require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months to capture a bonus, which may be a steep hill to climb (and also encourage less-prudent spending).

As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.

Our review comparison criteria

For each card below, we’ve calculated typical annual rewards that assume $3,000 is charged to the card annually.

Interest rates, fees, rewards, and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.

What Makes Student Credit Cards Different?

For the most part, student credit cards work in the same way as traditional credit cards. However, they typically offer features that make them more beneficial to college students, including the following characteristics.

• Don't require great credit to get approved: You may be able to get approved for a student credit card with a limited credit history or even no credit history at all.
• Low credit limits: You likely won't rack up a sizable amount of credit card debt with a student credit card because your credit limit may only be a few hundred dollars.
• Credit-building benefits: Like most traditional credit cards, student cards usually report your account activity to all three credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You may also get certain benefits when you practice good credit behaviors, such as a credit line increase with responsible use.

How to build credit with a student card

If you can qualify, using a credit card wisely can be a great way for a college student to build a credit history. You may have already taken out student loans, but that debt may not contribute much to your credit history until you start making payments after graduation. Opening and managing a credit card is new territory for most college students, so it’s especially important to make sure that you understand how to avoid paying interest and how you can boost your credit score. To protect your credit and steer clear of late fees, make sure to pay your bill on time each month. And to sidestep hefty interest charges, pay your bill in full rather than making only the minimum payment.

In the meantime, you can build credit with a student credit card when you use the card responsibly and pay your bill every month. What's more, you can avoid interest charges if you pay your monthly statement balance in full. You may also be able to earn rewards along the way.

If you're not sure about getting your own credit card or you don't qualify to get one on your own, consider asking a parent to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. If they've used the account responsibly, it can help you establish a positive credit history.

How To Qualify for a Student Card

Once you have selected a card, make sure that you are well-positioned to get approved for credit. Opening a new credit card account will temporarily lower your credit score, so you want to be sure you can get approved for the credit card you want. One way to avoid this ding to your credit score is to get pre-approved first. We have noted in each card description if pre-approval is an option.

The Credit CARD Act limits credit card options for college students, so it's important to know what's required to get approved:

• You generally need to be a college student: Whether you're an undergraduate or graduate student, some card issuers may ask you to provide your school's name during the application process.
• You may need some credit history: Some student credit cards require that you have at least some credit history to get approved. Check with the card issuer before you apply to understand the requirements.
• You may need a co-signer: If you're under the age of 21 and you don't have independent income, you may need a co-signer to get approved. Unfortunately, most of the major credit card issuers don't allow co-signers.
• Allowable income depends on your age: If you're under the age of 21, you'll need to prove that you have sufficient independent income to repay any debt you incur. If you're 21 or older, you may include a variety of income sources that you have reasonable access to, such as personal income, spousal income, scholarships, grants, trust fund distributions and more.

How to Pick the Right Card

Before you choose a student credit card, it's important to research and compare multiple options to determine which one is the best fit for you. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Eligibility criteria: If you haven't had the chance to build a credit history yet, some cards may be out of reach.
• Rewards: Many student credit cards offer rewards on your everyday purchases. Look at the rewards rates for each card you're considering and determine which one aligns best with your spending habits.
• Annual percentage rate (APR): Student credit card interest rates are generally high, but it's still a good idea to try to limit your potential costs if you carry a balance. Remember, too, that you can avoid interest altogether if you pay your balance in full each month.
• Annual fee: Student credit cards typically don't charge annual fees, but there are some other credit cards designed for people with little or no credit that may charge an annual or even a monthly fee. Try to avoid these costly options.
• Other features: Look at other features each card may offer. For example, a card may be more attractive to you if you can get a credit line increase after a handful of months or enjoy an introductory 0% APR on purchases for a short period after you open the account.

Tips for Building Credit With Student Cards

Once you've been approved for a student credit card, here are some tips to help you make the most of your card and build a positive credit history:

• Always pay on time: Your payment history is the most influential factor in your FICO credit score, so it's critical that you pay your bill on time every month. If you accidentally miss a payment, get current as soon as possible — late payments aren't reported until you're 30 days past due. To avoid forgetting, consider setting up automatic payments.
• Avoid racking up a high balance: Your credit utilization ratio is the percentage of your available credit that you're using at a given time. For example, if you have a $150 balance and a $300 credit limit, your utilization ratio is 50%. The lower your ratio, the better it is for your credit score, so try to keep it low by using the card sparingly or making multiple payments throughout the month.
• Avoid opening multiple accounts at once: Having more than one credit card can help you establish a broader credit profile, but opening multiple accounts in a short period can hurt your credit, especially when you're just starting out.

As you use your student credit card responsibly, you'll be in a much better position to build and maintain a good credit score over time.

When you’re searching for a new bank account or credit card, your wireless carrier probably isn’t the first place you’d check. But a couple of major cell-phone companies offer options that are worth a look.

The Verizon Visa Card debuted over the summer, and Verizon Wireless customers may find good value in the card’s rewards. To start, you get 4% back on grocery store and gas purchases—competitive paybacks for a card that has no annual fee. Cardholders also earn 3% back on restaurant spending (including takeout), 2% on Verizon purchases (including devices and wireless bills) and 1% on all other spending. Rewards are in the form of Verizon Dollars, which you can redeem for Verizon purchases, such as monthly bills, smartphones and accessories. (Verizon Dollars are forfeited if your account is inactive for two years.)

Another perk: You qualify to get up to $10 off per phone line on your Verizon bill if you use the card to make automatic payments. If you use any other credit card, you won’t get the auto-pay discount, but you are eligible if you use a debit card or bank account instead.

High-yield checking for T-Mobile customers. The T-Mobile Money online checking account is available to those who are not customers of the wireless company. But customers get a better yield: 4% on balances of up to $3,000 and 1% on the portion higher than that threshold, compared with 1% on all balances for noncustomers. To earn the 4% rate, you must deposit at least $200 in the account monthly. If you meet the deposit requirement, you can also overdraw your account by up to $50 with no fee—but you must make the balance positive within 30 days. The account has no monthly fee or minimum-balance requirement and provides fee-free access to more than 55,000 ATMs in the Allpoint network.

T-Mobile issues the account in partnership with BankMobile, a division of Customers Bank. Bank services are not available in T-Mobile stores—you manage your account online or through an app, and you can call customer service for help.