How Cardwell selected these Travel value depends on how you book. Rewards on flights, hotels, dining, and everyday spending. Annual fee and the travel frequency needed to justify it. Portal-required rates versus direct-booking rewards. Travel level, reward simplicity, and benefit tracking. Chase · personal 1x–5x rewards $95 annual fee
5x through Chase Travel; 3x on dining, gas and EV charging, select streaming, online grocery, and eligible vacation-home rentals; and 2x on other travel.
Why it made this list: Transferable travel points and useful everyday categories at a moderate annual fee.
Citi · personal 1x–10x rewards $95 annual fee
3x on air travel, other hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas or EV charging; 10x on eligible Citi Travel bookings.
Why it made this list: Broad everyday and travel categories with transferable points.
Capital One · personal 2x–10x rewards $395 annual fee
2x miles on every purchase, 10x hotels and rental cars plus 5x flights and vacation rentals through Capital One Travel, with lounge access.
Why it made this list: Premium travel perks paired with straightforward 2x earning.
American Express · personal 1x–5x rewards $325 annual fee
4x at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets with caps, 5x prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, and 3x eligible flights.
Why it made this list: High earning on food spending for users who value Membership Rewards.
Chase · personal 1x–8x rewards $795 annual fee
8x through Chase Travel, 4x on direct airline and hotel bookings, 3x dining, plus premium travel benefits.
Why it made this list: Premium travel earning and benefits for users who can realistically use them.
Referral note Some application links on this page may be referral links. Cardwell may receive a reward if you apply and are approved.
Before choosing A high rewards rate does not automatically make a card the best fit. Consider annual fees, transfer partners, credits, lounge use, booking restrictions, and how you value points or miles.