When it comes to choosing the right credit card, it can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, from cash-back to travel rewards, how do you know which one will give you the best value for your money? Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a foodie, or just looking to earn some extra cash-back, there’s a perfect card out there for you.
In this guide, I’ll compare 20 of the most popular and highly requested credit cards of 2024, so you can figure out which one works best for your lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of each card’s features, benefits, and what makes it stand out.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you love to travel and earn points on every purchase, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent choice. You’ll earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1 point on everything else. Plus, it offers a generous 60,000-point sign-up bonus if you meet the minimum spend requirement. The points you earn can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
For everyday spending, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers great value. You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with bonus categories like 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining, and 3% on drugstore purchases. Plus, it has no annual fee, making it a solid choice for beginners.
3. Bilt Mastercard®
One of the most unique credit cards in 2024, the Bilt Mastercard® allows you to earn rewards on rent payments—without charging a fee. You’ll earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments and 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point on everything else. This card is perfect for people who want to rack up rewards without being tied to a specific brand or loyalty program.
4. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
If you’re looking for simplicity, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great option. You earn 2% cash back on every purchase, and it comes with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. Plus, the card has no annual fee, which is a nice bonus.
5. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers 14x points at Hilton properties and comes with a free weekend night award every year. You also get automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status, making it one of the best hotel cards in the market.
6. American Express® Gold Card
A dream for foodies, the American Express® Gold Card offers 4x points on dining at restaurants worldwide and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines. If you eat out often, this card will help you rack up rewards quickly, and you can redeem your points for travel or gift cards.
7. Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best cards for earning simple cash back. You’ll earn 2% cash back: 1% when you make a purchase, and 1% when you pay for it. There’s no annual fee, and the card offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, making it great for paying down debt.
8. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card, you can earn 6% cash back on groceries (on up to $6,000 per year), 3% on transit, and 1% on everything else. If you love cooking at home and making grocery runs, this card will save you a ton.
9. Discover it® Cash Back
If you love rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card is a great pick. You’ll earn 5% cash back on rotating categories like groceries, restaurants, and more, and 1% on all other purchases. It also matches all the cash back you earn in your first year.
10. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
For Southwest Airlines fans, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is a must-have. You’ll earn 3x points on Southwest purchases and 2x points on travel and dining. Plus, you get a $75 annual Southwest credit and upgraded boardings on your flights.
11. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you want a solid travel card with flexible redemption options, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the best. It offers 2x miles on every purchase, and your miles can be redeemed for any travel expense, from flights to hotel stays.
12. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
Perfect for Marriott loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers 6x points at Marriott hotels and 3x points on dining, plus a free night award each year. The card also comes with Priority Pass™ Select access, which gives you access to airport lounges.
13. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to choose your category for 3% cash back. You can earn 3% on your choice of gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement, and 1% on all other purchases.
14. The Platinum Card® from American Express
For luxury travelers, the Platinum Card® from American Express is a standout. You’ll earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and 2x points on travel. The card also comes with tons of perks, like airport lounge access, hotel upgrades, and more.
15. Citi Premier® Card
With the Citi Premier® Card, you’ll earn 3x points on travel, including gas, restaurants, and hotels, as well as 2x points on dining. If you travel a lot and want to earn points without a hefty annual fee, this card is a great choice.
16. American Express® Green Card
For those new to travel rewards, the American Express® Green Card offers 3x points on travel and transit. It has a lower annual fee than other travel cards, making it ideal for beginner travelers who want to start earning points without breaking the bank.
17. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is a great option for people who love dining out. You’ll earn 4x points on dining, 2x points on groceries, and 1x points on everything else.
18. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
For a simple, straightforward card, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It’s a solid option if you’re looking for a no-hassle cash-back card.
19. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
If you want a premium travel rewards card, the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card offers 2x points on travel and dining. It also comes with an annual fee but offers travel insurance benefits, airport lounge access, and more.
20. The World of Hyatt Credit Card
Frequent Hyatt guests will love the World of Hyatt Credit Card. You’ll earn 4x points at Hyatt hotels, plus 2x points on restaurants, airline tickets, and local transit. Plus, you’ll get automatic elite status with Hyatt, making it the perfect card for hotel perks.
Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Rewards | Annual Fee | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 2x on travel/dining, 1x on others | $95 | 60,000 bonus points | Travelers |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 1.5% on all, 3% on dining/travel | $0 | 3% on dining, no annual fee | Everyday spenders |
| Bilt Mastercard® | 1x rent, 2x dining/travel | $0 | Rent payments, travel perks | Renters & travelers |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® | 2% on all purchases | $0 | 0% APR intro, no annual fee | Simple cash-back seekers |
| Hilton Honors Aspire Card | 14x on Hilton stays, 3x on dining | $450 | Free night, Diamond status | Hilton hotel guests |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x on dining, 3x on flights | $250 | Bonus points on food & travel | Foodies & travelers |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | 2% on all purchases | $0 | 0% intro APR on balance transfers | Simple cash-back seekers |
| Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express | 6% on groceries, 3% on transit | $95 | Grocery cash |