Choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming, especially when you're aiming to maximize rewards. Points-based credit cards offer a flexible way to earn valuable rewards on everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, and more. This guide will explore the best credit cards for points in 2024, helping you find the perfect card to suit your spending habits and reward preferences.
Comprehensive Credit Card Comparison Table
| Card Name | Key Features | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | - Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®- Earn 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target and Walmart)- Earn 2x points on all other travel purchases- 1x point on all other purchases- 25% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and more- $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit- $0 Delivery Fee with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service - Get complimentary DashPass for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024. | $95 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | - Earn 10x points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®- Earn 5x points on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®- Earn 3x points on travel and dining worldwide- 1x point on all other purchases- 50% more value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®- $300 annual travel credit- Priority Pass Select membership for access to airport lounges- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and more- Credit towards Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS every four years.- Get complimentary DashPass and 12 months of complimentary Instacart+ membership with qualifying Instacart purchases. | $550 |
| American Express® Gold Card | - Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x)- Earn 4x points at restaurants worldwide- Earn 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com- 1x point on all other eligible purchases- Up to $120 Uber Cash annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments)- Up to $120 dining credit annually (distributed in $10 monthly increments, valid at select restaurants)- No Foreign Transaction Fees | $250 |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | - Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, everywhere- Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel- Earn 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel- $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel- 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary- Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges- Credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck- Travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and more | $395 |
| Citi Premier® Card | - Earn 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels- 1x point on all other purchases- $100 annual hotel savings benefit- Annual thank you bonus of 100 bonus points for every $1,000 spent- No foreign transaction fees | $95 |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular choice for beginners in the world of travel rewards. It offers a solid earning structure and valuable benefits without a hefty annual fee. Earning 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a significant advantage, especially for those who book travel through Chase's portal. The 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases further enhance its value. The 25% bonus when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® means that your points are worth more when used for travel. The included travel protections and perks like the $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, and complimentary DashPass make it a well-rounded card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card is a premium travel credit card offering a higher level of rewards and benefits. The increased earning rates on travel (10x on hotels and car rentals, 5x on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®) and dining (3x worldwide) make it ideal for frequent travelers. The 50% bonus when redeeming for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® significantly boosts the value of your points. The $300 annual travel credit effectively reduces the annual fee. The Priority Pass Select membership provides access to airport lounges worldwide, making travel more comfortable. The credit towards Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS saves you money on trusted traveler programs, and the complimentary DashPass and Instacart+ memberships add even more value.
American Express® Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card focuses on everyday spending categories, particularly dining and groceries. Earning 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year) and restaurants worldwide is a substantial benefit for those who spend heavily in these areas. The 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com is also valuable for travelers. The up to $120 Uber Cash and $120 dining credit (distributed in $10 monthly increments) can offset the annual fee if you can consistently use these credits. No foreign transaction fees make it useful for international travel and purchases.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a simplified rewards structure with unlimited 2x miles on every purchase. The enhanced earning rates on travel booked through Capital One Travel (10x on hotels and rental cars, 5x on flights) can be very rewarding. The $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel effectively reduces the annual fee. The 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary provide a consistent bonus. Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges enhances the travel experience. The credit towards Global Entry or TSA PreCheck saves you money on trusted traveler programs.
Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® Card provides a broad range of bonus categories, making it a versatile option for earning points. Earning 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels covers many common spending areas. The $100 annual hotel savings benefit can help offset the annual fee. The annual thank you bonus of 100 bonus points for every $1,000 spent provides an additional incentive to use the card for everyday purchases. No foreign transaction fees make it suitable for international travel and purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a credit card with points? A credit card with points rewards you with points for every dollar you spend, which can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or merchandise.
How do I choose the best credit card for points? Consider your spending habits, desired rewards (travel, cash back, etc.), annual fee, and any additional benefits offered by the card.
What are the best ways to redeem points? Redeeming points for travel through the card's travel portal often provides the best value, but cash back or gift cards can also be good options depending on your needs.
Do points expire? Expiration policies vary by card; some points never expire as long as your account is open, while others may expire after a certain period of inactivity.
What is the difference between miles and points? Miles are typically associated with airline or hotel loyalty programs, while points are a more general form of rewards that can be redeemed for various options. In many cases, miles and points are interchangeable terms, but the specific redemption options may differ.
Are there any drawbacks to using points credit cards? Some points credit cards come with high annual fees and interest rates, so it's important to pay your balance in full each month to avoid incurring interest charges.
What is an annual fee? An annual fee is a yearly charge for having a credit card. Cards with more perks often have higher annual fees.
Are there any credit cards with no annual fee that offer points? Yes, there are many cards with no annual fee. However, they usually offer lower reward rates and fewer perks than cards with annual fees.
What is a welcome bonus? A welcome bonus is a one-time reward offered to new cardholders who meet certain spending requirements within a specific timeframe.
What is the best credit card for travel points? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card are often considered the best for travel points due to their high earning rates on travel and valuable travel benefits.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for points depends on your individual spending habits and reward preferences. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great all-around option with a reasonable annual fee, while the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card offers premium travel benefits for frequent travelers. The American Express® Gold Card is excellent for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a simplified rewards structure with valuable travel benefits. Finally, the Citi Premier® Card provides a broad range of bonus categories, making it a versatile choice. Carefully consider your options and choose the card that best aligns with your needs to maximize your rewards.