Picking out a new credit card can be an overwhelming task with all the options available. There is no shortage of great credit cards offering fantastic rewards. Here are four of the best do it all credit cards.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Sapphire Preferred Card is an entry level travel card from Chase Bank that offers a well rounded variety of rewards. Currently the card is offering a sign up bonus of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. The sign up bonus is worth $600 cash back or $750 when used for travel. The card offers:
- 5% back on travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal
- 3% back on dining out and restaurants
- 2% back on travel and transit
- 1% back on all other purchases
- Annual $50 hotel credit
The card is part of the Visa Signature network which offers:
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase protection
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Car rental collision damage wavier
- Baggage delay insurance
- Trip delay insurance
The card does have a $95 annual fee but is well worth it with the sign up bonus, annual $50 hotel credit and broad range of rewards and purchase/travel protections. All cash back is earned in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can redeemed 1:1 for cash or redeemed at a 1:1.25 value when used for travel purchases in the Chase Travel Portal. If you’re just getting started in credit cards and are looking for one card to do it all this could be the one. If an annual fee isn’t something you want to pay the next card on the list might be a better fit.
Sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card here
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Freedom Unlimited Card is a simple no annual fee cash back credit card. Currently the card is offering a $200 sign up bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. The sign up bonus is paid out in the form of 20,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points. The card offers:
- 3% back on dining out and restaurants
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
The card is part of the Visa Signature network which offers:
- Zero liability protection
- Extended warranty protection
- Purchase protection
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Car rental collision damage wavier
All cash back is earned in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points that can redeemed 1:1 for cash or used for travel purchases. If you’re looking for a simple do it all card the Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best with 1.5% back on all purchases and 3% back on dining out.
Sign up for Chase Freedom Unlimited Card here
3. American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is a classic premium charge card that offers some of the best rewards out there. Currently the card is offering a 60,000 AmEx Membership Rewards Points sign up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months. Signing up using a referral link (like the one below) offers between a 75K and 90K Membership Rewards Points sign up bonus. Points can be redeemed for cash or, to get the most value, transferred to one of AmEx’s many travel partner programs. The card offers:
- 4x Membership Rewards Points on Groceries and Dining Out
- 3x Membership Rewards Points on flights
- 1x Points on all other purchase
Now the card does have a hefty $250 annual fee which is offset by an annual $120 Uber Credit and $120 Dining Out Credit. The Uber Credit can be used for Uber Rides of Uber Eats. The Dining Out Credit can be used at a variety of select restraunts such as Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and Grubhub. If these credits are something you would normally use that effectively brings the annual fee down to $10 making this a great value card with the high sign up bonus and high number of points earned on Groceries, Dining out and Flights.
Sign up for American Express Gold Card here to earn a higher sign up bonus
4. Citi Double Cash
The Citi Double Cash Card is a simple cashback card that earns 2% back on all purchases. You’ll earn 1% back at purchase and 1% back paying off the statement balance. While the card is part of Mastercard Elite network, Citi has removed of the additional purchase and travel protection perks. This card is best for someone who just wants a good cash back on all purchase and doesn’t want to worry about different cashback categories. The cashback is earned in the form of Citi ThankYou points which can be redeemed 1:1 for cash.
Sign up for the Citi Double Cash Card here
5. Honorable Mention
The American Express Green Card is the current honorable mention due to its enhanced sign up bonus. Currently the card is offering a 60,000 AmEx Membership Rewards Points sign up bonus (record high) after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. Additionally the card is offering 20% back (up to $200) in the form of a statement credit on eligible travel purchases during the first 6 months.Points can be redeemed for cash or, to get the most value, transferred to one of AmEx’s many travel partner programs. The card offers:
- 3x Membership Rewards Points on Restaurants and Dining Out
- 3x Membership Rewards Points on flights
- 3x Membership Rewards Points on transit
- 1x Points on all other purchase
Now the card does have a moderate $150 annual fee which is offset by an annual $189 CLEAR Credit and $100 Lounge Buddy Credit. If these credits are something you would normally use that effectively brings the annual fee down to negative $139 making this a great value card with the high sign up bonus and numbers of points earned on Groceries, Transit and Flights.
Sign up for American Express Green Card here