I got into points and miles after realizing I was leaving value on the table with nearly every purchase. I used to be hesitant to open a credit card, but learning how to use the right rewards card changed my approach to spending. A rewards-focused wallet helped me travel more, earn faster and stretch every dollar — one card even helped fund a three-week European trip I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to take.
Below are the rewards cards I use now and the ones I’m planning to add in 2025, plus why they stand out and how I chose them.
At-a-glance highlights
– Prime Visa — Limited-time $250 Amazon gift card on approval for Prime members; 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods/Amazon Fresh with Prime; 2% on gas, restaurants and transit; 1% on everything else; $0 annual fee (Prime required).
– Chase Sapphire Preferred® — 75,000 bonus points after $5,000 in 3 months; 5x on Chase Travel bookings and Lyft (through 9/30/27), 3x on dining/streaming/online groceries (excl. some retailers), 2x on other travel, 1x elsewhere; $95 annual fee.
– Capital One Venture X — 100,000 bonus miles after $10,000 in 6 months; 10x on hotels/rental cars via Capital One Travel, 5x on flights/vacation rentals via Capital One Travel, 2x on everything else; $395 annual fee; strong premium perks and $300 annual travel credit.
– American Express Platinum — Up-to-large welcome offers (varies by eligibility) and premium travel/lifestyle credits; 5x on airfare booked directly/through Amex Travel and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel; 1x on other purchases; $895 annual fee.
Prime Visa
Standout benefits: A no-annual-fee card that’s extremely strong for frequent Amazon shoppers, plus useful protections you don’t always see on a $0-fee card.
Why I like it: The Prime Visa turns everyday Amazon and Whole Foods spending into significant rewards — 5% back with an eligible Prime membership. It also offers 2% back at restaurants and gas stations and on local transit/ride-hailing, plus no foreign transaction fees, making it a pragmatic cash-back option for domestic and travel spending. The card includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage, and for a limited time Prime members can receive an instant $250 Amazon gift card on approval, which makes it an easy win if you already shop on Amazon.
Who it’s best for: Heavy Amazon/Whole Foods shoppers and anyone who wants a simple, fee-free card that earns meaningful cash back on common categories.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Standout benefits: Flexible travel redemptions, valuable transfer partners and a modest annual fee make this an excellent starter travel rewards card.
Why I like it: This was the first rewards card I opened, and shifting from cash back to transferable points (Chase Ultimate Rewards) opened a lot of doors. Points transfer to partners like Hyatt, United and Flying Blue, which can unlock outsized value. I used a transfer bonus to book a Washington, D.C.–to–Paris nonstop for 15,000 points — a flight that would have cost over $600 otherwise. Beyond transfers, the card earns boosted points on travel booked through Chase Travel, dining, select streaming and online groceries, and it provides travel protections, a $50 annual hotel credit for Chase Travel bookings and a 10% anniversary points boost.
Who it’s best for: People who want flexible points that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners and travelers seeking a low-cost entry into premium redemptions.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Standout benefits: Premium travel perks, simple but valuable earning and flexible redemption options.
Why I like it: Venture X combines straightforward earnings with premium benefits: strong multipliers for travel booked through Capital One Travel, 2x on all other purchases, airport lounge access and an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit. The card also awards 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary, which helps offset the fee over time. The current welcome offer of 100,000 miles after $10,000 in six months (the best we’ve seen since the card launched) is highly valuable, especially given Capital One’s transfer partners and the ability to use miles for statement credits or bookings.
Who it’s best for: Travelers who want robust premium benefits and simple ongoing earning without juggling many bonus categories.
American Express Platinum Card
Standout benefits: Extensive lounge access, premium travel and lifestyle credits, and concierge-style perks.
Why I like it: The Amex Platinum is a top-tier premium card for travelers who value comfort and convenience. It offers elevated earnings on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel and provides a suite of statement credits (airline fee credits, hotel credits, and other travel/lifestyle credits) that — when used strategically — can justify the high annual fee. It also grants access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, which is a major draw for frequent travelers.
Who it’s best for: Frequent flyers and luxury travelers who will maximize statement credits and lounge access.
How I chose these cards
My criteria were versatility, long-term value and earning meaningful rewards on everyday spending. Each card covers common categories like dining, travel and online shopping, and more importantly, they make valuable redemptions accessible — whether through transfers, portal bookings or statement credits. I prioritized cards that are easy to use and that compound value over time rather than ones that require constant category juggling.
Bottom line
The “best” rewards card depends on your habits and goals. I started with a versatile, user-friendly travel card (Chase Sapphire Preferred) and built toward premium cards as my travel needs grew. A single great card can transform routine spending into a free flight, a luxury hotel stay or simply more financial flexibility — and combining a fee-free everyday card with one or two transferable-point or premium cards usually covers most needs.
If you shop heavily on Amazon, the Prime Visa is hard to beat for simple cash back. If you want flexible points and a low annual fee, Chase Sapphire Preferred is a strong foundation. Capital One Venture X offers premium perks and simplicity, while Amex Platinum is the go-to for travelers who will use its extensive credits and lounge access. Choose the card (or combination of cards) that matches how you spend and how you want to redeem.
