Credit Card Recommendations
The best cards for beginners to start earning points and unlock free travel. Each recommendation is based on real experience and proven results.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase
Key Benefits
- 2x points on travel and dining
- 25% more value when redeeming through Chase Travel
- Transfer points to 14+ airline and hotel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Chase
Key Benefits
- 3x points on travel and dining
- 50% more value when redeeming through Chase Travel
- Priority Pass Select lounge access
- $300 annual travel credit
American Express Gold Card
American Express
Key Benefits
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide
- 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines
- $120 dining credit annually
Capital One Venture Rewards
Capital One
Key Benefits
- 2x miles on every purchase
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel
- Transfer miles to 15+ travel partners
- No foreign transaction fees
American Express Platinum Card
American Express
Key Benefits
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines
- Access to 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
- $200 annual airline fee credit
- Automatic Gold status with Hilton and Marriott
Delta SkyMiles Gold
American Express
Key Benefits
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- 2x miles on Delta purchases and restaurants
- Priority boarding
- Discounted Delta Sky Club access
Delta SkyMiles Platinum
American Express
Key Benefits
- First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- Priority boarding and Zone 1 boarding
- Annual companion certificate
Delta SkyMiles Reserve
American Express
Key Benefits
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
- First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- Annual companion certificate
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Chase
Key Benefits
- 2x points on Southwest purchases
- 2x points on local transit and commuting
- Earn toward Companion Pass
- 4 upgraded boardings per year
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Chase
Key Benefits
- Free night award annually (up to 50,000 points)
- 6x points at Marriott properties
- Automatic Silver Elite status
- 2x points on all other purchases
Hilton Honors American Express
American Express
Key Benefits
- 7x points at Hilton properties
- 5x points at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
- Automatic Silver status
- No foreign transaction fees
Tips for Choosing Your First Card
Here's what I wish I knew when I started
Start with One Card
Don't overwhelm yourself. Pick one card that matches your spending habits and master it before adding more.
Meet the Minimum Spend
Only apply if you can naturally meet the spending requirement. Never overspend just for points.
Pay in Full Always
Interest charges will erase any points value. Always pay your balance in full every month.
Focus on Sign-up Bonuses
The biggest value comes from sign-up bonuses. They can be worth $500-$1,000+ in travel.
Have a Goal in Mind
Know where you want to go. It makes choosing cards and redeeming points much easier.
Be Patient
Building points takes time. Start now, stay consistent, and you'll be traveling for free before you know it.
Disclosure
This website may contain affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my referral links above. This compensation helps support the content and recommendations I provide, but it does not influence my opinions or recommendations. I only recommend credit cards that I have personally used or thoroughly researched and believe will provide value to my readers.
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