Best of 2024
Written by
Yehoshua King
Edited by
Ross Turner
No matter what a credit card company or advertisement says, there isn’t a single “best” credit card for everyone. The best card for you depends on your spending habits, credit score, existing debt and more. But with so many options to choose from, picking the right card can be intimidating. At The Points Navigator, we have reviewed all the top cards and compiled it into categorized lists with all the most important information to help you find the best card for YOU!
The Platinum Card from American Express
Rewards rate
5X Points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
5X Points on prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com.
1X Points on all other eligible purchases.
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Intro Offer
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Annual Fee
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Regular APR
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Recommended
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Pros & cons
Extensive travel benefits including access to the Global Lounge Collection, offering more airport lounge options than any other credit card on the market.
Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits for incidental charges with a selected airline.
Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors™ Gold status.
Up to $200 in annual Uber Cash for rides and eats orders in the U.S.
No foreign transaction fees.
Comprehensive travel insurance coverage including trip delay, cancellation, and interruption insurance.
High annual fee of $695
The rewards rate on non-travel and non-hotel purchases is lower compared to some other premium credit cards.
Some benefits require enrollment and have caps, such as the digital entertainment credit and the dining statement credit, which may limit their utility for some cardholders.
Card Details
The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for frequent travelers. Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com, plus enjoy extensive lounge access, hotel elite status, and up to $400 in annual credits for airlines, Uber, and more. While the $695 annual fee is substantial (see rates and fees), along with lower earning rates outside of travel bookings, this card delivers significant value for those who maximize its travel benefits.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Rewards rate
2X Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
2X Miles at U.S. supermarkets.
2X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
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Intro Offer
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Annual Fee
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Regular APR
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Recommended
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Pros & cons
Generous intro offer of 70,000 bonus miles.
2X Miles on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases.
First checked bag free on Delta flights.
$200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
No foreign transaction fees.
$150 annual fee after the first year.
High APR for purchases.
Card Details
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card maximizes rewards for Delta flyers. Earn 2X miles on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases, plus a generous welcome bonus. Enjoy a free first checked bag, priority boarding, a $200 Delta Flight Credit (after $10,000 annual spend), and no foreign transaction fees. While there’s a $150 annual fee after the first year, this card is ideal for those seeking Delta-specific travel perks and rewards.
American Express Gold Card
Rewards rate
2X points on travel, including eligible flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more.
2X points on everyday purchases, including eligible gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases in Canada.
1X points on everything else, from dining to takeout, subscriptions, shopping, and more.
1 additional point on Amex Travel Online on eligible hotel or car rental bookings.
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Intro Offer
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Annual Fee
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Regular APR
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Recommended
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Pros & cons
Generous rewards rate on travel and everyday purchases.
Up to 60,000 Membership Rewards points as an intro offer.
$100 Annual Travel Credit and four complimentary visits per year to Plaza Premium Lounges in Canada.
No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
High annual fee of $250.
High APR for purchases and funds advances.
Additional Gold Rewards Cards have a $50 annual fee after the first free card.
Card Details
The American Express® Gold Rewards Card delivers rewards for travel and everyday spending. Earn 2X points on travel, dining, and select everyday purchases, plus an annual $100 Travel Credit and complimentary lounge visits. Enjoy no foreign transaction fees, and a generous welcome bonus. While the $250 annual fee is significant, this card is ideal for those who value travel perks and flexible rewards.
Citi Premier Card
Rewards rate
3X points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
1X points on all other purchases.
Special Offer: Earn a total of 10 ThankYou Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on the Citi TravelSM portal through June 30, 2024.
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Intro Offer
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Annual Fee
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Regular APR
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Recommended
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Pros & cons
Earn 3X points on multiple categories including dining, supermarkets, and travel.
$100 Annual Hotel Savings on a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, once per calendar year.
No foreign transaction fees.
Points can be transferred to participating airline loyalty programs.
$95 annual fee.
High spend required for $100 Annual Hotel Savings benefit.
Earns 1X points on categories outside of dining, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels.
Card Details
Earn 3X points on dining, supermarkets, gas, air travel, and hotels with the Citi Premier Card. Enjoy a $100 annual hotel savings benefit (requires $500+ single stay) and no foreign transaction fees. Transfer points to airline partners for added flexibility. While there’s a $95 annual fee and lower earning rates outside the top categories, the Citi Premier Card is a solid choice for frequent travelers and those who spend heavily in the bonus categories.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
Rewards rate
5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (excluding hotel purchases qualifying for the $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit).
3x points on dining, online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services.
2x points on other travel purchases.
1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
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Regular APR
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Pros & cons
High reward rates on travel and dining.
Valuable travel insurance benefits.
Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
No foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international travel.
Requires a $4,000 spend in the first 3 months to earn the bonus.
Exclusions on earning 3x points on certain purchases.
Annual fee
Card Details
New cardholders can earn a generous 60,000-point bonus after meeting an initial spending requirement. This card shines for frequent travelers and foodies, offering up to 5x points on travel purchases and 3x points on dining, groceries, and select streaming services. Everyday spending also earns points, with 2x points on other travel categories and 1x point on all other purchases. Stretch your points even further with a 25% value boost when redeeming for travel through Chase’s portal. Enjoy additional peace of mind with travel insurance benefits and the convenience of no foreign transaction fees. While the $95 annual fee and variable APR should be factored in, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers a compelling combination of rewards and benefits for those who travel and dine out frequently.