The Don's Picks

Only cards we'd carry ourselves. Every link is an affiliate — we earn a commission at no cost to you. Our rankings are honest first.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Chase

$95/yr

Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • 3x dining
  • 3x streaming
  • 2x travel

Welcome Bonus

75,000 points after $5,000 spend in 3 months (elevated offer)

Best for: Best starter travel card — high earn on dining and travel, flexible points

Apply Now →Read Review →

Amex Gold Card

American Express

$325/yr

Amex Membership Rewards

  • 4x dining worldwide
  • 4x US supermarkets (up to $25k/yr)
  • 3x flights

Welcome Bonus

60,000 points after $6,000 spend in 6 months

Credits

  • $120 dining credit
  • $120 Uber Cash
  • $100 Resy credit

Best for: Best everyday earner for food lovers — 4x dining and groceries is unmatched

Apply Now →Read Review →

Capital One Venture X

Capital One

$395/yr

Capital One Miles

  • 10x hotels & rentals via C1 Travel
  • 5x flights via C1 Travel
  • 2x everything else

Welcome Bonus

75,000 miles after $4k spend in 3 months

Credits

  • $300 Capital One Travel credit
  • $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

Best for: Simplest premium card — $300 credit + anniversary miles make it net free

Apply Now →Read Review →

Bilt Blue Card

Bilt

No Fee

Bilt Points

  • 1x rent (no fee)
  • 4% Bilt Cash on everyday spend

Welcome Bonus

$100 Bilt Cash on approval

Best for: Renters who want no annual fee and simple cash back on rent

Apply Now →Read Review →

Bilt Obsidian Card

Bilt

$95/yr

Bilt Points

  • 3x dining or groceries (choose one)
  • 2x travel
  • 1x rent (no fee)

Welcome Bonus

$200 Bilt Cash on approval

Credits

  • $100 annual hotel credit (Bilt Travel)

Best for: Renters who spend heavily on dining or groceries

Apply Now →Read Review →

Bilt Palladium Card

Bilt

$495/yr

Bilt Points

  • 2x everything
  • 1x rent (no fee)
  • 4% Bilt Cash on everyday spend

Welcome Bonus

50,000 points after $4k spend in 3 months + $300 Bilt Cash

Credits

  • $400 annual hotel credit (Bilt Travel)
  • $200 Bilt Cash annually
  • Priority Pass lounge access

Best for: Renters who travel regularly and want a premium card with lounge access

Apply Now →Read Review →

Chase Marriott Boundless

Chase

$95/yr

Marriott Bonvoy

  • 6x Marriott hotels
  • 3x gas/dining/groceries
  • 2x everything else

Welcome Bonus

3 Free Night Awards (up to 50k pts each) after $3k spend in 3 months

Best for: Marriott loyalists — free night certificates make the fee pay for itself

Apply Now →

Chase Ink Business Cash

Chase

No Fee

Chase Ultimate Rewards

  • 5x office supplies & internet
  • 2x gas & dining
  • 1x everything else

Welcome Bonus

75,000 points after $6k spend in 3 months

Best for: Small business owners — massive earn on common business categories with no fee

Apply Now →

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