Best Credit Cards

Choosing the best credit card can be a daunting task with so many options out there. But don’t worry! We’ve done the hard work for you!

We’re Ross and Sandra (aka Zuzu), empty nesters who have turned our responsible use of credit cards into free travel to Nassau, Jamaica, Hawaii, NYC, Cancun, St Martin, Puerto Rico…

Let’s just say we’ve had an astonishing number of once-in-a-lifetime trips since we got our first rewards card in 2021!

Since we’ve gone from having zero credits cards to a quite a few, let us share with you our top picks for the best credit cards in a few different categories.

Best Rewards Credit Card

Our favorite rewards card? It’s the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

So why was this the first rewards credit card that Zuzu got? The answer is simple: Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

With 14 transfer partners, we can pick and choose where to use our rewards, which gives us immense flexibility when we travel on points and miles. And who doesn’t love options?

If there’s a chance we inspire you to dive into the points and miles game to earn LOTS of free travel, we recommend starting with Chase. They’ve got some strict rules, so getting a head start with them keeps future options open with more lenient banks like American Express & Citi.

Just remember, the key is to use the Chase Sapphire Preferred card for your regular spend, hit that initial welcome bonus, and always, always pay off your full balance every month. Do that, and you’re on the road to free travel!

Learn how we’ve gotten over $100,000 in free travel since 2021!

Best Travel Credit Card

If you’re someone who travels more than five times a year, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

The CSR has been our trusty travel companion, offering fantastic travel benefits that outweigh its annual fee.

Besides offering great rewards on travel and dining expenses, the card comes with comprehensive travel insurance and complimentary airport lounge access, making our travels smoother and more comfortable.

Even though it had a hefty annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the one card that I can’t image being without. Not only is it the first card in my wallet, I think it’s the single best credit card for me.

Best Airline Credit Card

When it comes to airline-specific credit cards, you can’t beat the flexibility and earning potential of the American Express® Gold Card.

This card earns 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines, so you can rack up points fast when you’re jet-setting across the globe or traveling for business. Just remember, this card is all about loyalty, so make sure to choose an airline you fly with often to make the most out of your points.

Another option is the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card.

If you’re lucky enough to live near a Southwest hub like we are in Nashville, having any of the Southwest credit cards can lead to free flights.

Check out how Zuzu & I were able to get nearly $5,000 in free flights with a SWA Companion Pass from our credit card!

Best Hotel Credit Card

When it comes to hotel stays, The World of Hyatt Credit Card by Chase has been a game-changer for us.

With its ability to earn 4x points on all Hyatt purchases, we’ve enjoyed many luxurious stays without breaking the bank.

Read our Complete Guide to Hyatt Points!

One of our favorite features? Each card membership year, you’ll receive a free night award, making it feel like your birthday every time it rolls around. Trust us, there’s nothing like the thrill of a free stay at a Hyatt hotel!

Read our Complete Guide to Hyatt All Inclusive Resorts!

Best Credit Card for Gas

For all you road-trippers out there, we recommend the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express for fueling up. With a whopping 3% cashback on US gas stations, it’s your go-to card every time we hit the road. Not to mention, it also offers great cashback on groceries and streaming subscriptions. It’s like a triple treat for everyday expenses!

Best Credit Card for Groceries

We all need to eat, right? That’s why our top pick for groceries is the American Express® Gold Card.

With 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x), this card helps us turn our grocery bills into travel adventures. To top it off, it also offers 4x points on dining worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S..

We can’t help but love the Gold Card for turning our everyday necessities into future travel plans.

Best Credit Card for Restaurants

For food lovers like us, dining out is a part of the journey. Our preferred card for this? The Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

It offers an outstanding 3x points on dining worldwide. In addition to its impressive rewards on travel, it makes every meal, whether it’s a quick bite at a local food truck or a lavish dinner at a fine dining restaurant, a bit more rewarding. Bon Appétit!

Best Cash Back Credit Card

For those who prefer cold hard cash over points and miles, we recommend the Citi® Double Cash Card. It offers a simple yet potent rewards structure: 1% cash back when you buy and another 1% when you pay off your purchases. No categories to track, no cap on earnings, and, best of all, you’re rewarded for paying off your balances. We love it for its simplicity and effectiveness.

Best Business Credit Card

When it comes to business expenses, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is our top choice. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a versatile card for all your business needs.

Best Credit Card for Small Business

For small business owners, we’ve found the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to be a solid option. With 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year, it can provide some serious savings.

Best Credit Card for Google Ads

If you’re a business owner who spends heavily on Google Ads, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has you covered.

It offers 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories (including online advertising purchases) each account anniversary year. With this card, your advertising efforts could literally help fund your next vacation!

Best Credit Card for Beginners

If you’re new to the world of credit cards and looking to get started, we can’t recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card enough.

Like I said, this was the very first credit card that Zuzu got when we started earning free travel!

With its generous sign-up bonus, fantastic rewards rate, and flexible redemption options, it’s a great stepping stone into the world of credit card rewards.

Best Credit Card to Build Credit

Building credit is a step-by-step process, and the Discover it Secured Card can be an excellent tool in your journey. This card provides a strong foundation for building credit, thanks to its structure of requiring a refundable security deposit and its consistent reporting to the three major credit bureaus. Additionally, it offers 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, they match ALL the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For a secured card, that’s a pretty sweet deal!

Best Credit Card for Students

Finally, for the students out there, we suggest looking into the Chase Freedom® Student credit card. It offers a simple cashback option and simple is good for your first credit card.

Remember, no matter the card, always use credit responsibly. Pay off your balances in full, on time, every month, and make sure having a credit card doesn’t make you spend more than you would otherwise. Stick to these rules, and you’ll be earning free travel before you know it!

That wraps up our guide on the best credit cards for various needs. We hope this helps you on your journey to earning points, miles, and cash back. Safe travels!