As we approach the end of 2024, it’s the perfect time to review the top credit card options that can help you maximize your rewards, streamline your spending, and enjoy premium benefits. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a business owner, or simply looking to earn more from everyday purchases, there’s a credit card tailored to your needs. Let’s explore the best options available this December.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Travel Rewards
For those who love to travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card continues to be one of the best choices. Known for its generous rewards structure, this card offers 2x points on travel and dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. New cardholders can earn a substantial sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months—enough for a round-trip flight or hotel stay.
Why it’s great:
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 60,000-point sign-up bonus
- Points transfer to 13+ airline and hotel partners
- Valuable travel protections like trip cancellation insurance
2. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Luxury Travel
If you’re looking for a premium card that offers elite travel perks, the Platinum Card® from American Express is hard to beat. With this card, you’ll earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. You’ll also enjoy extensive benefits like access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide and up to $200 in airline fee credits annually.
Why it’s great:
- 5x points on flights
- Access to luxury airport lounges
- $200 in airline fee credits
- Comprehensive travel insurance and concierge services
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Simplicity
For those who prefer a straightforward rewards structure, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. It earns 2x miles on every purchase, making it easy to rack up rewards without worrying about rotating categories. Plus, new cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
Why it’s great:
- 2x miles on every purchase
- 75,000-mile bonus after $4,000 in spending
- Flexible rewards that can be used for travel expenses like flights and hotels
- No foreign transaction fees
4. American Express® Gold Card: Best for Dining Rewards
If dining out is a major part of your spending, the American Express® Gold Card is perfect for earning rewards on your meals. It offers 4x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines. You can also earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases, making it ideal for foodies and travelers alike.
Why it’s great:
- 4x points at restaurants
- 3x points on flights
- $120 in dining credits annually
- Valuable sign-up bonus after meeting spending requirements
5. Discover it® Cash Back: Best for Cash Back
For those who want to earn cash back without worrying about complex rewards categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers a simple and effective option. This card gives you 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter), such as gas stations, restaurants, and online shopping, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Why it’s great:
- 5% cash back in rotating categories
- Discover matches all cash back in your first year
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
6. Citi Double Cash Card: Best for Earning Straightforward Cash Back
The Citi Double Cash Card offers one of the most straightforward cash-back options on the market, giving you 2% back on every purchase—1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay. There’s no limit to how much cash back you can earn, and the card has no annual fee, making it a great choice for anyone looking to earn simple, consistent rewards.
Why it’s great:
- 2% cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- No rotating categories or spending limits
- 18 months of 0% APR on balance transfers
7. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best for Hotel Rewards
For hotel lovers, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card provides an excellent way to earn rewards on your stays. You’ll earn 12x points at Hilton hotels, 6x points on dining, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3x points on all other purchases. The card also offers complimentary Gold status with Hilton, which can unlock extra perks like room upgrades and late check-outs.
Why it’s great:
- 12x points on Hilton stays
- Complimentary Hilton Gold status
- 6x points on dining, supermarkets, and gas stations
- Earn 130,000 bonus points after meeting the spending requirement
8. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Cash Back with No Annual Fee
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, making it an excellent option for those who want a simple and effective way to earn rewards without worrying about rotating categories. Plus, new cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Why it’s great:
- 2% cash back on every purchase
- $200 sign-up bonus after spending $1,000
- No annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
9. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Groceries
For those who spend heavily on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers an outstanding 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year). It also offers 3% cash back on transit, including taxis, parking, and trains, and 1% on all other purchases.
Why it’s great:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- 3% cash back on transit
- $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- No rotating categories
Conclusion
The best credit card for you depends on your spending habits and the rewards you value most. Whether you’re focused on travel rewards, cashback, or dining perks, the cards listed above are all top choices for December 2024. Be sure to consider your priorities—whether it’s earning points for future travel, maximizing cash back, or enjoying luxury travel perks—before selecting the card that best suits your lifestyle.