Credit Cards With the Best Perks to Help You Earn Cash Back, Travel Better, and More

We’re often told to avoid credit cards if we’re looking to live a financially sound life, free of debt.

But, few things in life are truly black and white. In truth, if we pay our credit card balances off at the end of each month, we can open up a world of opportunity.

Let’s take a look at a few credit cards with the best perks. That means, while you spend your money, you can earn rewards that’ll help you invest in yourself and create the life you’ve always dreamed about living.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Can you imagine a world where spending money saves you money? It’s a difficult concept to digest when it feels like all we do is purge ourselves of all our hard-earned money in the blink of an eye.

But, if you’re one of the wise credit card users who pays your balance off at the end of each month, you can actually contribute to your savings the more you use it.

You don’t have to look far to come upon a credit card that offers cash back. But, Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best rewards credit cards because they over anywhere from 1.5% to 5% cash back.

You know how, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is? In the case of cash back cards, the loophole is often found in the limit of how much cash back you can receive.

But, Chase offers unlimited matched cash back, thus solidifying its position as best credit card for cash back.

That’s incredible if you run a small business or have hefty expenses in one particular area of life. See how much of that can be put on this Chase card, pay it off at the end of the month, and watch that cash back balance increase exponentially month over month.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Now, for those with restless hearts who like to travel. If this is a major part of your life, that’s wonderful. But, make the system work for you.

Every time you buy groceries, shop on Amazon, or fill up the gas tank, use your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. What it does is help you accumulate airline miles which can then be transferred over into any number of airline tickets.

Of course, it doesn’t stop there. This is an all-encompassing travel card because you can also use your points to book hotels or make major purchases through their travel partners. This includes rental cars, certain restaurants, entertainment packages – like theater tickets – and more.

Can you imagine the sensation of booking a flight for that destination you’ve always dreamed about and barely having to pay a penny? If you play your cards right, that’s what this card can afford you after months of smart usage. Truly, this could be the best points credit card for travel.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card

Let’s return to the cash back scenario. In truth, it’s a little more difficult to secure an Amex than a Chase card. But, if you’re well-established with solid income and a high credit score, this card could even exceed Chase’s rewards rate.

Their rate is listed anywhere from 1% to 6%, making it – possibly – the best points credit card for cash back. You can also win big with this card because their interest rate can be as low as 19.24%. There’s also a 0% APR offer in the first 12 months.

Imagine how you could use that to invest in home improvement projects or some other major purchase. As long as you pay off the balance within the first year, you could earn some quick cash that could be rolled forward into some other worthwhile cause.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards for Students

Capital One is, without doubt, one of the heavy-hitters in the credit card sector. They don’t only help people travel more, they also help college students relieve some of the burdens of campus life.

This card is of particular use for expenses like dining, entertainment, streaming services, and groceries. So, the financially savvy student will use this card to eat out with friends, and pay for their Netflix and YouTube Premium accounts. How’s that for some credit card rewards?

Then, if they stay within their monthly means, students can take whatever income they’re earning, pay down the balance, and recycle those funds into points which can be cashed out for recurring expenses like meals and groceries.

It’s a smart way to work the system and watch expenditures become rewards. It’s just important to ensure that, if this is a first-time credit card, students know how to use it wisely. This lovely little card isn’t free money but, rather, a tool to help college students on fixed budgets cover their basic bills with a little more leeway.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

If it seems like Chase and Capital One are in a race to be the best, it’s because they are. Again, if travel is one of your new year’s resolutions, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card might get you to your final destination.

In its intro offer, you can receive up to 60,000 points right out of the gate. That’s about $750 to put towards travel. Their rewards rate fluctuates anywhere between one to five times the number of points.

To earn five times the reward, you have to purchase travel through Chase. That leaves you with plenty of options, however, because their list of partners is extensive.

Then, three times of the rewards can be used on dining while two times of the rewards can be used on all other travel, like rental cars, trains, and transportation.

But, they didn’t stop there. Sometimes, on those long flights, we need to queue up a few movies and TV shows to enjoy. This card also offers three times the points on select streaming platforms.

The sapphire card is a wonderful way to invest in yourself this year as you luxuriate on your plane ride to that long-awaited destination on your bucket list.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card

If you’re in a good position regarding your basic essentials and aren’t interested in general cash back rewards, a travel card is a great way to go.

U.S. Bank has two interesting cards that are a little more niche. The Altitude Go Visa Signature Card is geared towards the foodies in the house. With it, you can earn up to four times the points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.

Imagine being able to reserve funds for future dining experiences while you delight over a bowl of noodles from your favorite restaurant or a special delivery from your favorite brunch spot on a lazy Sunday morning?

If you’re the type of foodie who likes to create your own dishes, then this card will still come in handy. You can earn up to two times the points at grocery stores and your regular grocery delivery service.

As these points accumulate, you can reinvest them in new culinary experiences time and time again.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

The other interesting and niche U.S. Bank card is the one designed for people who like to take road trips.

In their intro offer, you can earn up to 50,000 points right off the bat. Then, the rewards rate fluctuates anywhere from one to five times.

To receive five times the rewards, you can use this card to prepay for hotels and car rentals booked in the Altitude Rewards Center.

Then, you can receive a hefty four times the rewards on all-important gas expenditures. You can also receive four times the points at EV charging stations.

In this scenario, you’re looking at two times the points for dining, groceries, grocery delivery services, and even streaming services to enjoy all throughout your adventures.

Credit Cards With the Best Perks for Every Lifestyle

There you have it! You can see why these are the frontrunners in a sea of credit cards with the best perks.

The key is to know what you want before you go out there and get it. If you’d like to keep expenses at bay, you might select a cash back card that can be rolled into basic essentials like groceries and gas.

If, however, you’ve positioned yourself to get out there and travel this year, there are multiple ways to lighten the load. The Capital One Venture card seems to get people across the finish line the fastest, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card definitely gives the folks at Capital One a run for their money.

No matter your goal, just remember the key to winning this game is to pay your balances off at the end of each month. Then, with that “free money,” not even the sky is your limit.

Love this article? Read more at Your Life Buzz.