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

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

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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

  • •Up to 1x rent or mortgage
  • •1x everyday spend
  • •4% Bilt Cash on everyday spend

Welcome Bonus

$100 Bilt Cash on approval

Best for: Renters and homeowners who want no annual fee, housing rewards, and simple everyday value

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

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

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