Rewards of Up to $1,750 Available for Fresh Credit Card Users
In the world of credit cards, finding the perfect fit can be a daunting task. Bankrate has recently released its rankings for the best rewards credit cards in major categories, providing a valuable guide for consumers. Here's a summary of the top picks:
General Travel: The American Express® Gold Card stands out as an excellent option for earning flexible points redeemable towards travel. Its strong points and transfer options make it ideal for general travel rewards.
Hotel Rewards: Co-branded hotel cards like the Hilton Honors American Express Card are recommended for those loyal to specific hotel chains, as they provide enhanced earning on hotel stays within that brand.
Airline Rewards: Frequent flyers loyal to specific airlines will find co-branded airline cards such as the United℠ Explorer Card beneficial, offering miles effective within that airline's loyalty program.
Cash Back: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card are top choices for cash-back cards. The Blue Cash Preferred® offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on gas stations and transit, and 1% on other purchases.
For a more detailed comparison, including current scores, offers, and fees, consult the full August 2025 Bankrate list of best rewards cards.
Let's delve into some notable individual offers:
- The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. It offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, after which the APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% - 29.24%. This card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% cash back on other purchases. It also offers three points for every dollar spent on Alaska Airlines travel, two points on gas, cable, streaming, and local transit, and one point on all other purchases. However, it's important to note that this card has a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for travel abroad.
- The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of $95. New cardholders can get a free companion pass and 50,000 Bonus Miles (worth about $550) after spending $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening the account. Some consumers will be offered 60,000 points (worth $660). Interest rates for the card are 20.24% to 28.24% variable APR for purchases and balance transfers.
- The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card offers an annual free night award after each account anniversary and an intro bonus of five Free Night Awards after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within three months. The annual fee is $95, and the interest rate is 19.99% - 28.49% variable APR. Frequent guests of Marriott hotels can earn up to 17x bonus points with this card.
- The Platinum Card from American Express has an annual fee of $695. It offers a potential intro bonus of up to 175,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Frequent travelers can benefit from yearly credits of up to $200 for incidental fees with one airline, $200 for select hotel bookings through Amex, $199 for CLEAR airport security screening program membership, $200 in Uber Cash, $155 for a Walmart+ membership, and additional perks like airport lounge access.
Other notable sign-up bonus offers include the Southwest Credit Cards' $750 Bonus Deal, Earn Delta SkyMiles worth up to $1,200, Capital One Venture Rewards' $1,020 Bonus Offer, Hilton Honors' Bonus Offer worth $990, Jet Blue Credit Card Offer worth over $650, and Best Airline Credit Card Bonuses with a Free Ticket.
In conclusion, co-branded cards (hotel/airline) work best for brand loyalists, and general travel cards offer superior flexibility and value if one is not restricted to a single brand. For a more detailed comparison, consult the full August 2025 Bankrate list of best rewards cards.
- In the realm of personal-finance, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of different credit cards is crucial, especially in industries like banking-and-insurance and technology.
- The finance industry constantly evolves, with new offerings in general-news, such as the ongoing release of rankings for the best rewards cards by Bankrate.
- For those seeking a lifestyle upgrade, investing in rewards credit cards can offer points or cash back on essential expenses like education-and-self-development, entertainment, or even gas stations and transit.
- In the world of entertainment, understanding the details of credit card rewards can lead to surprising perks, like the annual free night award offered by the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card.
- Professional sports enthusiasts may find value in specialized credit cards, like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card, offering free companion passes and bonus miles.
- As technology advances, credit card providers are innovating, offering features like incidental fee credits on airline travel and credits for streaming subscriptions, as seen in the Platinum Card from American Express.
