As quickly as folks discover out that I work for The Factors Man, they virtually at all times observe up with one query: “What’s the most effective bank card?”
My reply is normally, “It relies upon” — as a result of there actually is not any one-size-fits-all bank card that is greatest for everybody. A number of components go into figuring out the most effective bank card to your state of affairs, together with your spending habits, your credit score rating and the kind of rewards you need to earn.
Some common contenders incessantly make the lower once I suggest new bank cards since they provide strong worth for a wide range of spenders and their life. I’ve had my fair proportion of them over my 20-plus years of accumulating factors and miles.
Listed below are my prime picks for the most effective bank cards you possibly can add to your pockets.
One of the best bank cards
*TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
**The data for the Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire has been collected independently by The Factors Man. The cardboard particulars on this web page haven’t been reviewed or supplied by the cardboard issuer.
Evaluating the most effective bank cards
Take a look at how my prime suggestions for the most effective bank cards stack up towards one another.
| Card | Greatest for | Welcome provide | Incomes charges | Annual price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Most popular | Newbie vacationers | Earn 75,000 factors after spending $5,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card | Premium journey | Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. |
|
$395 |
| Amex Gold | Groceries and eating at eating places | Discover out your provide and see if you’re eligible for as excessive as 100,000 Membership Rewards factors after spending $6,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership. Welcome provides range and also you will not be eligible for a suggestion |
|
$325 (see charges and charges) |
| Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card | Nonbonus spending | Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Amex Platinum | Luxurious advantages | Discover out your provide and see if you’re eligible for as excessive as 175,000 Membership Rewards factors after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome provides range, and also you will not be eligible for a suggestion. |
|
$695 (see charges and charges) |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex | Sky Membership entry and Medallion standing | Earn 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership. |
|
$650 (see charges and charges) |
| Chase Freedom Flex | Rotating bonus classes | Earn $200 after spending $500 on eligible purchases throughout the first three months of account opening. |
|
$0 |
| Ink Enterprise Most popular | Bonus-earning | Earn 90,000 factors after spending $8,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Bilt Mastercard | Renters | N/A |
†You need to use the cardboard 5 occasions every assertion interval to earn factors on lease and qualifying internet purchases. |
$0 (see charges and charges) |
| Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire Card | Free nights and resort standing | Earn 175,000 factors after spending $6,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. |
|
$550 |
Chase Sapphire Most popular Card
Standout advantages: The Chase Sapphire Most popular was one of many first playing cards I opened that carried an annual price. Initially, I bought the cardboard as a result of it did not cost overseas transaction charges, however I rapidly fell in love with the rewards I used to be incomes — each overseas and again within the U.S.
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Chase Final Rewards factors are among the many most respected currencies on the market, pegged at 2.05 cents every per TPG’s August 2025 valuations. As a Sapphire Most popular cardholder, you possibly can redeem your factors via Chase Journey at a fee of 1.25 cents apiece, however my favourite approach to make use of Chase factors is by transferring them to journey companions like Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt.
Hyatt is my go-to redemption possibility right here, as I virtually at all times get properly over 2 cents per level in worth from my award stays. For instance, I splurged for 4 nights on the Hyatt Centric Park Metropolis earlier this yr, and regardless that it set me again 180,000 factors, the paid fee would’ve been almost $6,000. I used to be even in a position to apply a collection improve as a Hyatt Globalist.
Associated: Why the Chase Sapphire Most popular ought to be your first card out of school
Past that, the cardboard provides an unbelievable set of journey protections if issues go fallacious in your journey, together with main automotive rental protection. You will additionally get pleasure from a $50 annual resort credit score for reservations made via Chase Journey.
I finally upgraded to the cardboard’s extra premium sibling — the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see charges and charges) — a couple of years in the past, however my spouse continues to carry her Sapphire Most popular and nonetheless will get unbelievable worth from it.
New candidates can earn 75,000 factors after spending $5,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. The Sapphire Most popular encompasses a $95 annual price.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Chase Sapphire Most popular.
Apply right here: Chase Sapphire Most popular Card
Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card
Standout advantages: I picked up the Capital One Enterprise X shortly after it launched in November 2021, and it rapidly grew to become a workhorse in my pockets as a result of it earns a minimum of 2 miles per greenback spent on each buy. I cost my utility payments and most of my on-line procuring to it, since these purchases typically aren’t eligible for bonuses on different playing cards.
The cardboard additionally provides a ton of premium perks with out a premium price ticket. You will get pleasure from entry to Capital One Lounges and a Precedence Go Choose membership, together with the power to get pleasure from value-added advantages on luxurious resort stays by way of the Premier Assortment and Life-style Assortment. All of this comes with an annual price of simply $395.
Nonetheless, even that’s tremendous simple to offset with different perks on the cardboard. You will get an annual $300 credit score for purchases by way of Capital One Journey — together with flights, accommodations and rental vehicles. You may also use the cardboard for as much as $120 in assertion credit to cowl the price of a International Entry or TSA PreCheck membership each 4 years.
Associated: Capital One Enterprise Rewards vs. Capital One Enterprise X
Lastly, if you renew your card, you will obtain 10,000 bonus miles in your account anniversary. These are value a minimum of $100 if used for journey, however they’ve the potential for much more worth if you redeem them with Capital One’s 15-plus switch companions.
I lately transferred 70,000 Capital One miles to Air Canada Aeroplan to e-book a one-way business-class flight to Europe for Thanksgiving — a visit that may’ve in any other case set me again over $3,000. And that is only one methodology of maximizing your Capital One miles.
New candidates can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. This card encompasses a $395 annual price.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Capital One Enterprise X.
Study extra: Capital One Enterprise X Rewards Credit score Card
American Categorical Gold Card
Standout advantages: Consider it or not, I first added the Amex Gold to my pockets with out incomes a welcome bonus. I held an earlier model of the cardboard, so I wasn’t eligible. Nonetheless, I nonetheless earn tens of hundreds of factors on the cardboard yearly — and final yr’s refresh made me find it irresistible much more.
I really like eating out and cooking in, and the Amex Gold rewards you in each classes. You will earn 4 factors per greenback spent at eating places worldwide (on as much as $50,000 in purchases every year, then 1 level per greenback) and 4 factors per greenback spent at U.S. supermarkets (on as much as $25,000 in purchases every year, then 1 level per greenback). Membership Rewards factors are tremendous precious — with companions like ANA Mileage Membership and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.
Associated: Find out how to maximize the Amex Gold’s advantages
Nonetheless, the cardboard may prevent cash on on a regular basis purchases as properly, due to the next advantages (enrollment required):
- Resy: Earn as much as $100 in assertion credit every calendar yr at Resy-affiliated eating places within the U.S. and on different eligible Resy purchases (as much as $50 January-June and as much as $50 July-December).
- Dunkin’: Earn as much as $7 in month-to-month assertion credit if you use the Amex Gold at U.S. Dunkin’ areas.
- Uber: Get $10 in Uber Money every month, legitimate for rides and Uber Eats orders within the U.S.***
- Eating: Earn as much as $10 in month-to-month assertion credit if you use the Amex Gold at choose eating companions, together with Grubhub and 5 Guys.
***Uber Money is legitimate on purchases within the U.S. and you will need to first add your Amex Gold to your Uber account. You may then redeem with any Amex card.
The truth is, I used to be getting a lot worth out of this card that my spouse was satisfied to get her personal Amex Gold card final yr — basically doubling the worth we are able to get from these assertion credit yearly.
With the Amex Gold, yow will discover out your provide and see if you’re eligible for as excessive as 100,000 Membership Rewards factors after spending $6,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership. Welcome provides range, and also you will not be eligible for a suggestion. This card’s annual price is $325.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Amex Gold Card.
Apply right here: American Categorical Gold Card
Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card
Standout advantages: Earlier than I bought the Capital One Enterprise X, I had the common Enterprise Card — which is a superb different for individuals who aren’t prepared to pay for a premium rewards card.
You will get pleasure from the identical base incomes fee of two miles per greenback spent on all purchases, and you will get pleasure from entry to Capital One’s Life-style Assortment of accommodations all over the world. The cardboard additionally contains as much as $120 in assertion credit for a International Entry or TSA PreCheck membership each 4 years — a rarity for a card with only a $95 annual price.
As well as, the Enterprise Card might be the right possibility for these simply getting began who worth simplicity however might want the choice of maximizing rewards sooner or later. Capital One miles can be utilized to offset any journey buy charged to the cardboard at a worth of 1 cent per level. Nonetheless, you even have the power to leverage Capital One’s switch companions for much more worth. This provides you an ideal place to begin — with the possibility to unlock extra rewards down the highway.
New candidates can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. This card encompasses a $95 annual price.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Capital One Enterprise Rewards.
Study extra: Capital One Enterprise Rewards Credit score Card
The Platinum Card from American Categorical
Standout advantages: I’ve held the Amex Platinum for years, and it is among the many priciest journey playing cards on the market, with an enormous $695 annual price. Nonetheless, every time my card comes up for renewal, I crunch the numbers and understand that I simply get that a lot in worth yearly — after which some.
For instance, if you add the Amex Platinum to your Uber account, you will obtain $15 a month in Uber Money plus a one-time bonus of $20 within the month of December (legitimate for rides and Uber Eats orders within the U.S.; will pay utilizing any Amex card). I additionally benefit from the as much as $20 a month in assertion credit I obtain for choose digital leisure suppliers, which I exploit to offset the price of my daughter’s Disney+ obsession (enrollment is required).
Then there’s the as much as $200 airline price assertion credit score every calendar yr — which I primarily use for Sky Membership visitor entry for my daughter. These three perks alone can provide me as much as $640 in annual advantages, almost masking the cardboard’s whole annual price. Enrollment is required.
Associated: Maximizing the Amex Platinum’s advantages
Past these assertion credit, the Amex Platinum provides unparalleled airport lounge entry, together with Centurion Lounges, Precedence Go lounges (enrollment is required) and Plaza Premium areas. You may also entry Delta Sky Golf equipment when flying Delta Air Traces, although you might be capped at 10 visits per yr until you spent $75,000 within the present (or earlier) calendar yr.
There’s nothing I really like greater than enjoyable in a quiet house previous to a flight — and the Platinum Card delivers simply that.
With the Amex Platinum, yow will discover out your provide and see if you’re eligible for as 175,000 Membership Rewards factors after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Welcome provides range, and also you will not be eligible for a suggestion. This card’s annual price is $695.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Amex Platinum Card.
Apply right here: Amex Platinum
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Categorical Card
Standout advantages: I have been a longtime Delta flyer. The truth is, I used to be a constitution Diamond Medallion member when that elite standing first launched in 2010 — qualifying totally on home segments, no much less. And regardless that I am not a highway warrior, I nonetheless love flying Delta. And the Delta Reserve Card helps make these journeys much more rewarding.
Despite the fact that it carries a hefty annual price, the perks are intensive. You will obtain 2,500 Medallion Qualification {Dollars} (MQDs) every year only for having the cardboard, placing you midway to Silver Medallion standing. You may then earn 1 MQD for each $10 spent on the cardboard, permitting you to spend your option to standing.
The cardboard additionally contains 15 visits to Sky Golf equipment yearly plus 4, one-time-use visitor passes — although you possibly can unlock limitless visits as the first cardmember if you spend $75,000 on purchases in a calendar yr.
However my favourite perk is the annual companion certificates you obtain upon renewal. This lets you carry a journey companion on choose Delta-operated flights simply by paying the taxes and charges. It is even legitimate on choose Consolation+ and first-class tickets. Final yr, I used this for a flight to Salt Lake Metropolis Worldwide Airport (SLC) for me and my daughter to go snowboarding, a ticket that may’ve in any other case been over $900.
New candidates can earn 70,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases throughout the first six months of card membership. This card’s annual price is $650.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve.
Apply right here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
Chase Freedom Flex
Standout advantages: It’s possible you’ll be shocked to see a cash-back bank card on this record, however the Freedom Flex is a lot extra — let’s begin with the incomes charges. Cardholders earn 5% money again on the primary $1,500 in mixed purchases you spend every quarter in rotating bonus classes (after activation).
With a spouse and 10-year-old daughter, I spend a ton at Amazon, in order that’s an ideal return on purchases I am already making.
Nonetheless, I am not simply incomes money again. As a substitute, since I even have the Chase Sapphire Reserve, I’ve the power to mix these rewards in my Sapphire account — which successfully converts them to completely transferable Final Rewards factors.
In different phrases, this card permits me to earn 5 Final Rewards factors per greenback spent on these rotating classes.
Associated: 4 causes I like to recommend the Chase Freedom Flex to freshmen
The truth is, I max out the quarterly bonus so incessantly that I’ve each this card and the previous Chase Freedom card (not out there to new candidates) — which suggests I’ve double the incomes potential every month.
With this no-annual-fee card, new candidates can earn $200 after spending $500 on eligible purchases throughout the first three months of account opening.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Chase Freedom Flex.
Apply right here: Chase Freedom Flex
Ink Enterprise Most popular Credit score Card
Standout advantages: The Ink Enterprise Most popular generally is a nice match for just about any small enterprise — however particularly these with an enormous on-line presence. That is due to the bonus classes on the cardboard.
Every year, you will earn 3 factors per greenback on as much as $150,000 in mixed spending throughout the next classes:
- Transport purchases
- Internet advertising with social media platforms and engines like google
- Web, cable and cellphone providers
- Journey
When you totally max out that bonus, you will take dwelling 450,000 Chase Final Rewards factors — which might then be used for money again, reward playing cards or journeys via Chase’s profitable switch companions.
It additionally has no overseas transaction charges if you’re exterior the nation, and with intensive journey and buy protections for enterprise journeys, it may give you precious peace of thoughts when on the highway.
New candidates can earn 90,000 factors after spending $8,000 on purchases throughout the first three months from account opening. This card encompasses a $95 annual price.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Ink Enterprise Most popular.
Apply right here: Ink Enterprise Most popular
Bilt Mastercard
Standout advantages: The Bilt Mastercard is the one card on this record that I’ve by no means had. Nonetheless, that is solely because of the truth that I personal my dwelling. When you’re a renter, and you are not presently incomes factors in your month-to-month lease, this card ought to completely be in your pockets.
That is as a result of you possibly can earn 1 level per greenback spent on lease (as much as 100,000 factors every calendar yr) with out paying any transaction charges (see charges and charges), so long as you cost a minimum of 5 purchases to the cardboard every month. This holds true even when your landlord or condominium administration firm is not a part of the Bilt Rewards program and would not settle for bank cards. You may log in to the Bilt Rewards app and use your Bilt Mastercard to ship a month-to-month lease examine or direct deposit, incomes factors within the course of.
Associated: Information to the Bilt Rewards program
Along with lease, you additionally earn 5 factors per greenback spent on Lyft (after you hyperlink your Bilt and Lyft accounts), 3 factors per greenback spent on eating, 2 factors per greenback spent on journey and 1 level per greenback spent on all different purchases. And Bilt Rewards Factors are extremely precious, with a wildly profitable record of switch companions — together with World of Hyatt and Alaska Airways Mileage Plan.
Plus, Bilt runs Lease Day promotions that can help you earn much more factors in your on a regular basis purchases — and probably get much more worth out of your redemptions.
The Bilt card doesn’t include a welcome provide and doesn’t cost an annual price (see charges and charges).
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Bilt Mastercard.
Apply right here: Bilt Mastercard
Hilton Honors American Categorical Aspire
Standout advantages: It is true that I’ve a lot of premium bank cards, however should you’re seeking to up your resort sport, the Hilton Aspire Card generally is a nice possibility. Past the hefty welcome bonus, it additionally unlocks a ton of perks — each when staying at Hilton properties and throughout different spending actions.
For starters, you will get pleasure from computerized top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond standing, simply by holding the cardboard. This grants you complimentary upgrades in addition to a every day food-and-beverage credit score at eligible properties within the U.S. (or complimentary breakfast at worldwide areas). This standing usually requires 60 nights to attain, so this can be a exceptional shortcut.
Associated: 7 causes to get the Hilton Amex Aspire card
As well as, you get a free evening certificates if you open the cardboard after which yearly after renewal, and this can be utilized at just about any Hilton property worldwide (with only a few exceptions). As well as, you will get pleasure from as much as $400 in annual assertion credit at Hilton resort properties — as much as $200 from January to June and as much as $200 from July to December.
Final yr, I used the certificates to e-book the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Seaside when the room charges have been over $800 per evening — and I used the $200 credit score for the second half of the yr to cowl most of a spa therapy for my spouse (it was her birthday). Discuss rewarding!
Lastly, I really like the as much as $200 in assertion credit for airline purchases every year, damaged up as $50 every quarter. I’ve used this for taxes and charges on award tickets in addition to inflight meals and beverage purchases.
New candidates can earn 175,000 factors after spending $6,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership. This card options an annual price of $550.
For extra info, try our evaluation of the Hilton Aspire Card.
What to contemplate when selecting the most effective card
There is not any denying that there are plenty of bank card choices from which to decide on. Nonetheless, there are a couple of essential issues to contemplate when making an attempt to choose the one which’s greatest for you.
Nonetheless, one of many nice issues about having so many playing cards at your disposal is that you simply’re not locked right into a long-term dedication. If you wish to strive a brand new card, you possibly can earn the welcome bonus and make the most of the perks for the primary yr. Then, if it is not value preserving, you possibly can cancel it. (Simply do not do it earlier than the primary yr is up.)
Most popular rewards
First, it is important to consider your most popular rewards foreign money. Would you like money again or journey factors? Are you curious about rewards in a particular airline or resort loyalty program? A part of this can be geographical. In any case, incomes American miles should you’re primarily based in Atlanta will not be worthwhile, given Delta’s hub. Nonetheless, should you reside in Charlotte or Philadelphia, American could also be a significantly better possibility.
Alternatively, think about incomes transferable rewards on playing cards just like the Sapphire Most popular, Amex Gold or Capital One Enterprise. These factors or miles convert to numerous airline and resort companions, permitting you to e-book premium flights or luxurious accommodations by leveraging program candy spots.
Welcome bonus
Most playing cards provide welcome bonuses to new candidates, and these are a good way to rapidly enhance your account steadiness. Playing cards typically provide limited-time, elevated provides, so should you time it proper, you may take dwelling a ton of factors or miles that may go a great distance towards your subsequent journey.
Spending habits
Earlier than you decide to a brand new card, take inventory of your on a regular basis spending habits. Most playing cards provide further rewards in choose classes of purchases, so it’s best to decide one which matches the place you spend your cash.
Are you a prolific chef at dwelling? Go for a card with a class bonus at grocery shops. Love eating out? Get one with a bonus at eating places. Or, in case your spending is in all places, get a card that provides a strong incomes fee on all purchases.
Annual price
Lastly, think about whether or not the price of the cardboard is value it. Probably the most rewarding playing cards on the market usually impose an annual price, and whereas this confers many perks, not all of them could also be helpful to you. Whereas the welcome bonus usually provides sufficient worth in yr one, it is a tougher choice after that. Crunch the precise, real-world worth you will get from the cardboard to be sure you get a minimum of sufficient to cowl the annual price.
Associated: The 7 greatest bank cards with annual charges underneath $100
How we selected the most effective bank cards
We selected the most effective bank cards primarily based on a spread of things, together with incomes charges, welcome provides, advantages and perks.
To learn extra about how TPG evaluates and chooses playing cards to highlight in our roundups, try our methodology.
Redemption choices for the most effective bank cards
It is no coincidence that the overwhelming majority of the playing cards on this record earn transferable rewards (the one exceptions are the Delta SkyMiles Reserve and the Chase Freedom Flex, although the latter turns into transferable in my pockets when paired with the Sapphire Reserve). That is as a result of the sort of rewards provides immense flexibility to e-book extremely precious journeys.
For instance, as an example you need to e-book a flight to London by leveraging your Amex Platinum. Your first possibility is thru American Categorical Journey, which provides a worth of 1 cent per level. Alternatively, you possibly can switch Amex factors to Delta, although SkyMiles award charges are usually sky excessive.
Nonetheless, there’s an alternative choice: Switch your Amex factors to Virgin Atlantic Flying Membership, which might provide extremely low charges to Europe — together with economic system and enterprise class.
Backside line
Each time somebody asks me to call the most effective bank card, I at all times say that it relies upon. There are such a lot of playing cards that would work for the typical traveler, so it is important to take a while to investigate what you need out of a card and the place you spend your cash.
And should you’re nonetheless overwhelmed, you actually cannot go fallacious with any of the playing cards on this record — particularly if you wish to dip your toes into maximizing your rewards to your subsequent journey.
Associated: Why there is no such factor because the ‘greatest’ bank card
For charges and charges of the Amex Platinum, click on right here.
For the charges and charges of the Amex Gold, click on right here.
For the charges and charges of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click on right here.
For charges and charges of the Bilt Mastercard, click on right here.
For rewards and advantages of the Bilt Mastercard, click on right here.