Why we love it: We all need to eat, and no matter how you do it, you’ll be rewarded if you hold the American Express Gold Card, which offers bonus points on both restaurant and supermarket spending. The card also comes with credits you can put toward takeout and delivery, as well as Uber. Gold Card users will also have access to Amex’s extensive transfer partner list when it comes time to put their hard-earned points to good use.
How it earns points: The Gold Card earns four Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at US supermarkets (on up to $25,000 each year, then one point per dollar). It also earns three points per dollar on flights booked directly with an airline or with AmEx Travel, as well as one point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Additional perks: The Gold Card comes with a dining credit of up to $120 that can be used on dining through GrubHub, Goldbelly, and more (enrollment required, terms apply), as well as a $120 Uber credit and a $100 The Hotel Collection credit when you stay two nights or more (enrollment required, terms apply). It also provides shopping, baggage, and rental car protections.
Annual fee: $250 (see rates and fees)
Foreign transaction fees: None
Current welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within six months of account opening.
How to spend it: Transfer the points to Marriott Bonvoy to score a night or two at the luxurious St. Regis Mexico City.
Read a full review of this card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Best for premium travel without the price tag
Why we love it: Capital One’s first foray into the premium credit card space is a good one. On top of solid earning potential, the Venture X offers an array of easy-to-use perks that make it a solid competitor against top offerings from Chase and Amex—with a much lower annual fee. Points earned with the card can be transferred to Capital One’s new-and-improved list of transfer partners, too.
How it earns points: The Venture X nets two miles per dollar on every purchase, with bonuses on travel. The card gets 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via the Capital One Travel portal, along with five miles per dollar on flights booked through the portal.
Additional perks: The card comes with $300 annual credit good for bookings made through the Capital One Travel portal, a 10,000-mile bonus on every account anniversary, unlimited access for you and two guests to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges worldwide, and a $100 statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Annual fee: $395
Foreign transaction fees: None
Current welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
How to spend it: Transfer to Air Canada’s Aeroplan to book Lufthansa first class on a one-way flight to Europe of up to 6,000 miles long, such as Chicago to Frankfurt.
Read a full review of this card.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for flexible rewards
Why we love it: Simplicity is the name of the game with the Capital One Venture Rewards card, the Venture X’s predecessor. It’s a straightforward card for those who don’t spend a ton of money in any one category and who want to avoid a hefty annual fee. Use your miles to wipe travel purchases off your statement or transfer them to one of 17 loyalty partners, including AirFrance/KLM and Turkish Airlines.
