Additional perks: Cardholders automatically receive Hilton’s highest elite status, Diamond, as well as one free night every year after renewal that can be redeemed at most Hilton properties. Each account year, cardholders are also eligible for up to $400 in statement credits toward purchases at Hilton Resorts, as well as $200 worth of statement credits for airfare purchases.
Annual fee: $550
Foreign transaction fees: None
Current welcome bonus: Earn 180,000 bonus points once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months from account opening.
How to spend it: Combine 120,000 points with the card’s free night certificate for a weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.
Citi Double Cash Card
Best for cash back
Why we love it: Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Citi Double Cash Card is actually a cash-back card, but if you have a second card—like the Citi Premier—that earns ThankYou points, you’ll be able to convert your cash back into travel rewards. It’s also easy to use, earning a flat two points per dollar on every dollar spent, no matter what the category.
How it earns points: The Citi Double Cash card earns two points per dollar on all purchases—one point when you buy, and one point when you pay your bill.
Additional perks: The card comes access to ticket pre-sales and cardmember-only events.
Annual fee: None
Foreign transaction fees: 3 percent
Current welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back once you spend $1,500 on purchases within the first six months from account opening.
Bilt Mastercard
Best for rent
Why we love it: Bilt is a relative newcomer to the scene, and it’s shaking things up in the best way. It allows renters to earn points on their rent without paying credit card processing fees—and not just any points. Bilt’s points are transferable, and its list of transfer partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and World of Hyatt, is unmatched in the industry. The card also earns on travel and dining, and while it doesn’t have a sign-up bonus, it does unveil fun new bonuses each month for Rent Day, or the first of the month, in addition to the ability to double your points earned on that day. And all of these benefits come without an annual fee.
How it earns points: The Bilt Mastercard earns three points per dollar on dining, two points per dollar on dining, and one point per dollar on everything else, including rent. Those bonuses double for purchases aside from rent made on the first day of each month.
Additional perks: The card comes with trip delay and interruption protection of up to $5,000, trip delay reimbursement, an auto rental collision damage waiver, and a $5 Lyft credit when you take three rides in a calendar month.
Annual fee: None
Foreign transaction fees: None
Current welcome bonus: None
Chase Freedom Flex
Best retail card
Why we love it: Like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Chase Freedom Flex Card is actually a cash back card whose points can convert to Ultimate Rewards if you have another card that earns them. Its unique earning structure allows you to earn a bonus in a rotating category each quarter, many of which are categories not often covered by other cards—such as Amazon purchases, department stores, or PayPal purchases.
How it earns points: You’ll earn five points per dollar on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating bonus categories each quarter. You’ll also earn five points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, three points per dollar on drugstore purchases and dining, and one point per dollar on everything else.
