1.The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express
- 5%Points on flights/prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 5x points on flights/prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel and 1x elsewhere.
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as the top choice because of its extensive travel and lifestyle perks, including airport lounge access and significant annual credits, making it ideal for frequent travelers seeking luxury benefits.
Pros:
- Extensive travel and lifestyle perks
- High rewards on travel bookings
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires good-to-excellent credit
2.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 10x miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on everything else.
19.49%-28.49%
What sets the Capital One Venture X apart is its high rewards on travel bookings, making it a cost-effective option for frequent travelers who can take advantage of the annual travel credit.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel bookings
- Annual travel credit
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
- 5%Points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 2%Points on other travel
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x on dining, and 2x on other travel.
19.49%-27.74%
The standout feature of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its strong earning rates on dining and travel, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced travelers looking for transferable points.
Pros:
- Low annual fee
- Strong earning rates on dining and travel
Cons:
- Limited travel protections
- Requires good credit
4.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- 3%Points on flights
- 2%Points on prepaid hotels
- 1%Points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3x on flights, and 2x on prepaid hotels.
21.99%-28.49%
The American Express Gold Card shines for its high rewards on dining and groceries, making it an excellent choice for food-focused individuals who can also benefit from its monthly credits.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and groceries
- Valuable monthly credits
Cons:
- High annual fee
- No airport lounge access
5.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
- 6%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming
- 3%Cash back on U.S. gas stations & transit
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year) and select streaming, 3% on U.S. gas stations & transit, and 1% on everything else.
19.49%-28.49%
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is ideal for households that spend significantly on groceries and streaming, as its high cash back can quickly outweigh the annual fee.
Pros:
- High cash back on groceries and streaming
- No annual fee for the first year
Cons:
- Requires good credit
- Annual fee after the first year
6.Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on travel via Chase
- 3%Cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn $300 cash back after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Earn 5% on travel via Chase, 3% on dining/drugstores, and 1.5% on everything else.
18.49%-27.99%
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a strong choice for everyday spending, offering unlimited cash back with no annual fee and higher rewards in specific categories.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on travel and dining
Cons:
- Lower base cash back rate
- Limited to Chase Travel for higher rewards
7.Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo
- 2%Cash rewards on all purchases
- 1%Cash rewards on all other purchases
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases and 1% on everything else.
18.49%-28.49%
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is ideal for those seeking straightforward cash back with no annual fee, making it a popular choice for everyday spending.
Pros:
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Limited additional rewards
8.Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 8%Cash back on Capital One Entertainment
- 5%Cash back on Capital One Travel
- 3%Cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Earn 8% on Capital One Entertainment, 5% on Capital One Travel, and 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries.
18.49%-28.49%
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card is great for foodies and event-goers, offering high cash back on dining and entertainment without an annual fee.
Pros:
- High cash back on dining and entertainment
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Requires excellent credit
- Limited to specific categories for higher rewards
Final Words
As you consider the best credit cards for your excellent credit this January, remember that the right card can significantly enhance your financial benefits and lifestyle. Take time to compare different options and evaluate their rewards, fees, and perks to make an informed decision that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a welcome bonus of 175,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months.
With the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can earn 10x miles on hotels/rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5x on flights, and 2x on everything else.
The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is $95, making it an affordable option for those looking to maximize travel rewards.
When selecting a credit card for excellent credit, consider factors such as the annual fee, reward rates, and any additional benefits like travel insurance or cashback on specific categories. Evaluating how these features align with your spending habits can also help maximize your overall value.
Yes, high-reward credit cards often come with annual fees, which can range significantly. It's essential to weigh the cost of the fee against the rewards and benefits you expect to earn to determine if it's worth it for your financial situation.
To maximize your credit card rewards, focus on using your card for purchases that earn the highest rewards rates, such as dining or travel. Additionally, take advantage of any welcome bonuses and promotional offers to quickly boost your rewards balance.
With The Platinum Card® from American Express, you earn 5x points on flights/prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel and 1x elsewhere.
