Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® vs. Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®

What you need to know about each card

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of these cards, you should understand what you’d be getting with the Best Western Rewards® program.

The Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® grants you automatic Gold Elite status while the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® bumps you up to Platinum Elite status, which is also automatic. But regardless of which card you go with, you’ll be eligible for loyalty program perks, including …

• Points that never expire
• Bonus points for your eligible stays
• No blackout dates

The points you earn have to be redeemed through Best Western Rewards portal. But the good news is that there are a variety of perks to redeem your points for, though those rewards may not go too far.

If you want more flexibility in how you redeem your points, you might want to compare offers for travel cards on Credit Karma. But if you’re happy to collect and redeem your points through Best Western Rewards, then one of these cards might work out for you.

Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®: A good pick for budget travel

The main reason to consider the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® is for the discounts on hotel stays at Best Western properties — all for no annual fee.

The Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® offers 13 points for each $1 spent (10 points as a Best Western Rewards member, three points for using the card) on Best Western hotel stays. And you can also earn two points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

In terms of what you have to gain, this card can be outmatched by other travel cards.

The sign-up bonus offered by the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® gives you 16,000 bonus points after your first purchase, plus 16,000 bonus points on your first stay at a Best Western hotel. That equals up to two free rewards nights with this card, based on the average cost of a hotel night of 16,000 points.

If you’re a semi-frequent traveler who sticks with Best Western–brand hotels, you may want to consider this card. But if you want to rack up points that have more redemption flexibility, you’ll have better luck with other options.

Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®: Best for rewards

The Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® takes the original and turns it up several notches.

For example, the card offers 50,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three billing cycles of account opening. And if you spend at least $5,000 on purchases within each 12-month billing cycle, you’ll get an extra 20,000 bonus points. You can redeem all those points for approximately four free rewards nights per year, based on the average cost of a hotel rewards night.

The earning potential for the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® is definitely more significant than the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard®. With the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®, you can earn 20 points for every $1 spent on Best Western hotel stays — that’s 10 points you can earn as a Best Western Rewards® member, and an additional 10 points for using the card for eligible purchases. You’ll also get two points for every $1 spent on everything else.

All this means that you have the potential to bring in some significant travel savings if you’re a frequent traveler. Though the card will cost you $59 a year.

If you’re going to spend at least $5,000 per year, which earns you bonus points you can redeem for free rewards nights, and spend quite a bit of time in Best Western hotels, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® can save you some serious money in the long run.

Our winner: Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®

The Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® lacks appeal, even for Best Western fans. You’re bound to earn more on travel, and rake in better everyday perks, with other cards.

Still, the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® has a lot to offer its loyal members. If you’re considering the Best Western Rewards® Mastercard® and travel frequently, you might want to just pay the $59 annual fee and upgrade to the Premium version.

What to consider when applying for a hotel credit card

The most important factor in considering a hotel-specific card like these two Best Western credit cards is whether it’s worthwhile to stick to one brand.

Do you travel frequently enough, staying at the same hotels, for it to be cost-effective? How desirable are the perks and bonuses that come along with it?

Look at your preferences when you travel. If you like more freedom, a travel card with more general rewards would probably be a better fit. But a Best Western Rewards® card could suit you if you’re a frequent traveler who doesn’t want to stray from the chain.

Not sure either card is for you? Consider these alternatives.

If a Best Western Rewards credit card isn’t doing it for you, maybe one of these might win you over instead.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: For the traveler who wants straightforward rewards and redemption options.
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card: A travel rewards card for the infrequent traveler who wants to earn rewards.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate perks with an affordable annual fee.

Updated October 16, 2024

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Heather Swick

Pros

• Generous hotel night awards
• Strong sign-up bonus offer
• Automatic Platinum Elite status

Cons

• Annual fee: $99
• Points have a low value (according to Credit Karma point valuations)
• You have to commit to IHG hotels to maximize value

What you need to know about the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

If you frequently stay at IHG hotels like Holiday Inn, InterContinental and Crowne Plaza, you’ll enjoy some significant perks with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Two ways to earn hotel nights

Cardholders will have two opportunities to receive free night awards at eligible hotels.

First, you’ll get one free night after your account anniversary each year. On top of that, you can earn a fourth hotel night when you redeem points for a hotel stay of four or more consecutive nights.

Just keep in mind that the free anniversary night applies only to hotel stays that would add up to less than 40,000 points.

Either way, these hotel night offers could help you offset the card’s $99 annual fee.

Earn 140,000 points as the sign-up bonus

New cardholders will qualify for 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months after opening the account. We think that’s a fairly attainable sign-up bonus — but consider what you’d have to spend every month to earn it. We don’t recommend spending more than you normally would just to earn a sign-up bonus.

You’ll also have the opportunity to earn an additional 10,000 points every calendar year, although it will take a whopping $20,000 in purchases to earn it.

Load up on points with IHG stays

If you’re looking for another way to earn points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, the easiest way is by booking hotel stays and making other purchases at IHG Hotels and Resorts using the card.

With this card, you’ll be able to earn a total rate of 26 points for every $1 spent on purchases at IHG hotels and resorts. That’s 10 points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, 10 points for your IHG® Rewards Club membership and six points for holding IHG’s Platinum Elite status (more on that in a bit).

You’ll also earn five points for every $1 spent on travel, purchases at gas stations and restaurants and three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Depending on how you spend, you could end up with a massive number of points in a short amount of time. Just keep in mind that you should only buy what you can comfortably repay using the card.

Points aren’t worth much individually

You can redeem your points for hotel stays for as little as 10,000 points per night, depending on where you stay and when.

Based on those redemption options, our 2023 point valuations estimate that IHG Rewards Club points are worth just 0.65 cents per point. That’s one of the lower values on our list, so keep that relative value in mind when considering what your points are really worth.

Automatic IHG Rewards Club Elite status

When you become a cardholder, you’re automatically granted Platinum Elite status with the IHG Rewards Club.

In addition to a point-earning bonus, this status gives you access to guaranteed room availability when reservations are made 72 hours in advance, complimentary room upgrades and more perks when you stay at IHG hotels.

More travel perks to consider

These perks could make the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card worth your time, too.

• If you apply for Nexus, TSA PreCheck^®  or Global Entry, you’ll receive an application fee credit every four years. While some cards with annual fees below $100 include this perk, it’s more commonly associated with premium credit cards with higher annual fees.
• There are no foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or cut short by a few days for eligible reasons. Read our guide to credit card trip insurance to learn more about trip insurance.

Who this card is good for

People who regularly stay at IHG hotels and don’t mind giving up some flexibility in where they choose to stay could stand to get a lot of value out of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. As long as you stay at these hotels often enough to offset the annual fee ($99), you’re likely to appreciate features like room upgrades, earning hotel nights and the ability to earn lots of points during your stays.

If you aren’t sure if you’ll use the card often enough to cover the annual fee after the first year, you might still get value out of the card thanks to its annual free night award, but a hotel credit card that offers hotel rewards at no annual fee could be a better fit.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you’re not ready to commit to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, consider these travel rewards cards.

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: This card could be a better option for people who want to earn and redeem rewards for a number of different travel expenses.
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: This card offers plenty of flexibility with no annual fee.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Chase Freedom Flex℠

Updated October 30, 2024

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Heather Swick

Pros

• No annual fee
• Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and groceries
• Intro APR for purchases and balance transfers

Cons

• Low base rewards rate for purchases outside bonus categories
• Average sign-up bonus

What you should know about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Here are some features you should pay special attention to.

No annual fee

No annual fee means you don’t have to worry about making sure you spend enough in certain rewards categories to offset that yearly cost.

Boosted rewards for both dining and groceries

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card does sacrifice a bit in terms of rewards for that $0 annual fee, compared with cash back cards that do charge an annual fee. But its unlimited rewards in solid, everyday bonus categories means it stands on its own as a contender.

You’ll get an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases. You’ll also earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

You’ll get 1% cash back on everything else.

If you spend your weekends out at restaurants, concerts and movies, you could earn more on purchases in these categories than you would with an average, flat-rate cash back card. And if you balance your weekends out and about with cooking at home, the 3% cash back at grocery stores is also a plus.

These are two uncomplicated everyday-spending categories that many people can benefit from. But if a chunk of your regular spending falls outside these categories, you may find more value from another cash back card that suits your spending better.

0% introductory APR

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card includes an intro 0% APR for 15 months for purchases and balance transfers. If you take advantage of the purchase APR offer, this gives you a healthy window to pay down your balance on a big purchase.

And if you transfer a balance, you’ll pay a fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time.

After the intro periods are up, you’ll be left with a variable APR on purchases and balance transfers of 19.74% - 29.74%.

$250 sign-up bonus

You’ll earn a $250 sign-up bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account. This is a decent offer but it’s not a standout.

Who this card is good for

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card comes loaded with perks and incentives. On its own, this card offers generous rewards for a wide range of expenses. If you appreciate a card with no annual fee along with your cash back and spend your money on dining out, entertainment and groceries, this card is hard to beat.

But if a big chunk of your spending falls in other spending categories, or you’re not interested in juggling categories at all, another card might be a better fit.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you like your dining and entertainment rewards to come with no annual fee, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card could be a good fit for you. But it’s not the only card in town that delivers high rewards. Here are some other credit card offers you should take a look at when you’re shopping around.

• Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: This card is a contender if you don’t want to worry about cash back categories.
• Chase Freedom Flex℠: If you don’t mind juggling revolving categories, this card offers great earning potential.

This offer is no longer available on our site: Capital One Spark Classic for Business

We’ve rounded up three of our favorite cards for small-business owners with poor credit. While you’re busy building your empire, these cards will help you build your credit, without necessarily sacrificing features you’ll see on more-exclusive cards.

• Capital One Spark Classic for Business
• Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

From our partner

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

4.5 out of 5

15 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Learn More

Who’s it for?

The Capital One Spark Classic for Business card is a solid choice for the small-business owner who wants a low-maintenance card that will help build credit.

Why we like it

This card is nothing flashy, but it gets the job done. It’s an unsecured card for users with “fair” credit. By Capital One’s standards, “fair credit” could mean you’ve defaulted on a loan sometime in the past five years or that your credit history is very limited.

We like that this card is simple to use with limited fees.

• Annual fee: $0
• Foreign transaction fee: None
• Fee to add additional employee cards: $0

You’ll also receive 1% cash back on all eligible purchases — with no sign-up or activations required, and the rewards are unlimited and won’t expire while your account is open.

Watch out for

Capital One reports business card activity to the business credit bureaus, but it may report to the three major consumer credit bureaus as well. So be aware that how you use Capital One Spark Classic for Business could affect both your personal and business credit. But paying your card balance off in full and on time every month can help you build your business credit (and maybe your personal credit, too).

How to use it

The Capital One Spark Classic for Business works great for building credit, and that’s what it should be used for. If you’ve got your eye on the rewards and perks that come with business cards reserved for those with excellent credit, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business could be a stepping stone to help you get there.

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

From our partner

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit

3.7 out of 5

1355 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Apply Now

Who’s it for?

While not a business credit card, the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit can still be helpful for small-business owners by helping you build your personal credit. Lenders may check your personal credit along with your business credit when deciding whether to approve you for a business card. So building your personal credit first, with positive personal credit card use, could potentially help you get approved for a business credit card in the long run.

Why we like it

Your unsecured options may be limited if your credit has taken a dive, but the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card is just that. If you apply on Credit One’s site, you’ll find out if you prequalify in less than a minute (without dinging your credit scores).

We like that this credit-building card doesn’t skip out on rewards. You’ll earn 1% cash back, in the form of statement credit, on eligible purchases in the following categories:

• Gas
• Groceries
• Internet
• Mobile phone service
• Cable and satellite TV services

You’ll also be able to monitor your credit health with free monthly access to your credit score and credit report summary. And you’ll be automatically reviewed for credit line increases with this card. That’s helpful for a growing business (and a busy entrepreneur).

Watch out for

Credit cards intended for users with poor credit are taking on higher risk, so they can come with higher fees. The annual fee for the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card is $75 for the first year, $99 thereafter (billed at $8.25 per month) (you might see different terms on Credit Karma).

How to use it

If you’re intending to use the Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa® for Rebuilding Credit card for business, keep your personal expenses on a separate card. Pay off your statement balance in full and on time every month, while keeping a close watch on your credit limit — and you’ll be on your way to better credit and, hopefully, some business credit card options. 

Bottom line

If you struggle with credit, growing your business can feel like an uphill climb. But there are cards intended to help you steadily build your credit. Despite high fees or deposits, these cards can help you work on your credit health if you use them responsibly.

Choose a card with features that matter most to you and offer an opportunity to grow, and soon you’ll be applying for a business credit card that better suits you and your work.

What does APR mean?

APR stands for “annual percentage rate” and is a yearly representation of the costs involved in borrowing money.

You can run into APRs in the terms of your mortgage, car and personal loans. When you take out one of these loans, the APR typically includes fees and other expenses associated with borrowing money. But the APRs you see on your credit card agreement can be a little different.

• APR vs. interest rate
• Fixed vs. variable
• Different APRs for credit cards
• How APRs are calculated for credit cards
• How can you get a good APR?

APR vs. interest rate

Your credit card’s interest rate and APR for purchases are one and the same. There are other APRs and fees associated with credit cards, like annual fees or balance transfer fees, but those are not factored into the purchase APR. That’s because not every cardholder is going to incur fees.

Fixed vs. variable

When you’re shopping around for a new credit card, you may see APRs listed as fixed or variable. While many credit cards offer variable APRs, you may come across one that offers fixed.

• Variable APR means that a card’s interest rate can change over time. Variable APRs change based on an index interest rate, such as the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal. When the prevailing prime rate changes, it can directly affect the variable interest rates on credit cards.
• Fixed APR generally stays the same. This means that the card’s rate is not tied to an index. But that doesn’t mean your rate will never change — it just means the issuer will likely need to contact you before raising the rate.

Different APRs for credit cards

There can be several types of APRs associated with any given card. It’s important to familiarize yourself with what they mean so that you understand what interest costs you could be charged with each card.

• Purchase APR is the interest rate charged on purchases when you don’t pay off the card’s balance in full and on time each month. (Keep in mind that many cards have a grace period.)
• Penalty APR is usually triggered by spending beyond your credit limit or making a late payment. This is a higher APR that may be applied if you make a payment that’s more than 60 days late. If you make the minimum payment on time for six months in a row after the penalty APR kicked in, you can get your original interest rate reinstated.
• Introductory APR is a special temporary rate that credit card companies may offer as a perk for signing up with a specific card. Some offer 0% introductory rates for a certain period on purchases, balance transfers or both. That could be an attractive feature, but just make sure you’re familiar with when, and how much, the APR will jump after that intro period.
• Balance transfer APR is the interest rate charged on balances moved from one card to another. Some cards offer an intro 0% balance transfer APR for a set period of time, which could be worth looking into if you need to pay off credit card debt. You’ll be charged interest on any remaining balance after the intro period, so make sure you know when the introductory period ends. 

How APRs are calculated for credit cards

A credit card has different APRs, and each is decided using different factors. When an issuer approves you for a card, it offers you certain terms based on your creditworthiness, like the purchase APR. Your credit scores can be a key factor in how issuers determine the APR you qualify for. Typically, the higher your credit scores, the greater the chance you’ll qualify for a lower APR. Remember, a credit card’s purchase APR does not factor in additional fees, so read the fine print before deciding whether a card is right for you.

How can you get a good APR?

Working toward (or keeping) healthy credit is a good way to increase your chances of getting a favorable APR when you apply for a credit card. Better credit scores could help you qualify for a lower APR, which could save you money over the long term. If you know you will be applying for a credit card sometime soon, you may benefit by working to boost your overall credit health.

Need a lower interest rate on your credit card? Consider looking for a balance transfer card, which can help you obtain a lower interest rate on your credit card debt. That’s because balance transfer cards allow you to move credit card debt from one card to another, ideally at a better APR. Just watch out for any balance transfer fees associated with the transfer.

Bottom line

Knowing what’s behind an APR is important. It gives you a more complete picture of what you’ll be paying in interest, and it offers you another tool for effective comparison shopping.

As you’re comparing credit cards, pay special attention to the different APRs listed in the cards’ terms and conditions, and whether they’re variable or fixed.

And while APR is important, it’s not the whole picture. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples, and looking at any fees associated with the card. Consider the total package before applying for a credit card.

If you fly through McCarran International Airport on a regular basis, a Priority Pass™ membership could make the busy Las Vegas airport feel more like home.

There are two Priority Pass™ lounges at LAS, one located in Terminal 1 and the other in Terminal 3. They’re run by the same company.

• The Club at LAS (Terminal 1)
• The Club at LAS (Terminal 3)

If you fly often, you know how important it can be to have access to a shower or a place to hop on a call when business demands. And if that’s the case, more-exclusive access to airport lounges may be a necessity. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find at the two LAS Priority Pass™ lounges.

What you should know about the Priority Pass™ lounges at LAS

With a Priority Pass™ lounge in each LAS terminal, you’ll be able to access a lounge no matter which terminal you’re flying out of.

The lounges are very similar — they’re both called The Club at LAS — but they have slightly different hours. The Terminal 1 lounge stays open until 12:30 a.m. (half an hour later than the one in Terminal 3).

The Club at LAS (Terminal 1)

You can find The Club at LAS in Terminal 1. It’s located airside on the second level in Concourse D, on the left above the red line train station.

It’s open daily from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

You’ll find amenities including …

• Complimentary snacks and refreshments
• Alcoholic drinks
• Entertainment options (like TV or magazines)
• Showers

And if you need to get some work done, you can use the club’s Wi-Fi, PCs or printer.

The Club at LAS (Terminal 3)

The Terminal 3 Club is located airside, just across from Gate E2. Here you’ll find many of the same amenities that you get in the Terminal 1 location, including …

• Complimentary snacks and beverages, including certain alcoholic beverages
• Wi-Fi
• PCs and printers
• Showers

The operating hours are also slightly different. The Terminal 3 lounge is open from 5 a.m. to midnight daily.

How to get Priority Pass™ lounge access

Priority Pass™ lounges are available to travelers who buy a membership or who have Priority Pass™ Select through their credit card.

A Priority Pass™ membership grants you access to the more than 1,200 lounges in their program all over the world. You’ve got five different options to access the Priority Pass™ lounges at LAS.

• Day passes: $40 at each lounge
• Standard Priority Pass™ membership: $99 annual fee; $32 per visit for you and each guest
• Standard Plus Priority Pass™ membership: $299 annual fee; 10 free visits for you (then $32 per visit), and $32 per visit for each guest
• Prestige Priority Pass™ membership: $429 annual fee; free unlimited visits for you, and $32 per visit for each guest
• Priority Pass™ Select: Available to travelers with certain credit cards that include the program as a perk

Bottom line

If you travel through McCarran International Airport frequently and need a reliable place to get some work done or grab a bite, it’s worth looking into your access options for the LAS Priority Pass™ lounges.

If you travel for work or are always planning your next trip, check out a credit card that offers complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership. If you’re not scared off by the annual fees, any of these cards could be a helpful companion on upcoming adventures.

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

The Expedia®+ Card from Citi and Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi are no longer available. For other options, check out our list of the best travel credit cards for each type of traveler.

Good news for Expedia-savvy travelers: The Expedia®+ Card from Citi and the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi offer substantial perks for your loyalty.

If you use Expedia enough to consider one of its travel rewards credit cards, there may be a clear upside to the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi. Don’t be scared off by the $95 annual fee, because the other benefits may even that out for you.

Take a look at the breakdown to see why the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi could be better for you.

1. The winner: Why we prefer Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi
2. Counterpoint: Why you might want Expedia®+ Card from Citi instead
3. Heads up: What to consider when applying for an Expedia credit card
4. Bottom line: Is the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi right for you?

The winner: Why we prefer Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

The difference is simple. The Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi is very like the Expedia®+ Card from Citi, though it offers better rewards and comes with an annual fee.

This card does not skimp on points. You can earn Expedia®+ points with the sign-up bonus, qualified Expedia® purchases, dining out or buying tickets for events, and even everyday expenses.

If you open an Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi and you earn 25,000 Expedia®+ bonus points for spending $2,000 on purchases within your first 3 months of account opening, those points may be redeemable for $350 toward a +VIP Access™ hotel.

You can rack up four bonus points per $1 on eligible Expedia® purchases, two bonus points for every $1 spent on purchases for entertainment and at restaurants, and one bonus point per $1 for other purchases.

You will also enjoy automatic Expedia®+ gold status for every year you’re a card member. Expedia®+ gold status comes with upgrades such as dedicated customer service agents and room upgrades at +VIP Access™ hotels.

Other highlights include the 5,000 anniversary Expedia®+ bonus points (after spending $10,000 in purchases the year before) and no foreign transaction fees.

There is a $95 annual fee, which might sway some people toward the Expedia®+ Card from Citi. But that cost is balanced by the annual $100 air travel fee credit, which can cover incidental air travel costs such as checked bag fees or in-flight Wi-Fi on qualifying airlines. It also helps cover Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees.

If you’re someone who could put that $100 air travel credit to use, or if you use Expedia often, this card could well be worth its annual fee.

Counterpoint: Why you might want Expedia®+ Card from Citi instead

The Expedia®+ Card from Citi is the pared down version of the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi.

This card can earn you 15,000 Expedia®+ bonus points if you spend $1,000 within 3 months of opening your account. Translated, that’s $200 to spend at a +VIP Access™ hotel.

You’ll also gain three Expedia®+ bonus points for every $1 you spend on eligible Expedia purchases, which includes flights, hotels, activities and travel packages. You’ll earn one Expedia®+ bonus point per $1 spent on your other purchases.

If you get approved for this card, you’ll automatically become an Expedia®+ silver status user. Expedia®+ silver members enjoy perks such as exclusive travel offers, priority customer care, and 10% bonus points on point eligible purchases.

Unlike the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi, the Expedia®+ Card from Citi has a $0 annual fee. If you’re nervous about the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi’s annual fee but still want to earn Expedia®+ points, this option is fine.

However, in terms of your points earning potential, the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi takes you further.

Heads up: What to consider when applying for an Expedia®+ card

The Expedia® credit cards are not right for every traveler. If you want total freedom and some cash back when you book your trips, you might have better luck with other options.

These cards from Citi will specifically benefit the consistent Expedia® user who plans to travel every year. Your points do not expire as long as you make a qualifying purchase or redeem points at least once every 18 months. But to make the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi annual fee worthwhile, you should try to use the $100 air travel credit.

It’s important to note that both Expedia® credit cards are restrictive in how you can redeem your points. You will be disappointed if you’re looking for complete travel rewards flexibility.

You have to use your points on Expedia; there are no gift cards or cash back selections. Even more specifically, the categories in which you can use your points may be limited. For example, you can’t just book any hotel on Expedia using your points. You can only choose hotels that Expedia has negotiated a special price with, known as Expedia rate hotels — there are a number of hotels on that list, but it’s still a restriction.

If you’re willing to play by Expedia’s rules, you should have plenty of variety available when you book a trip. But if you prefer a wider range of rewards opportunities, a general travel rewards card might suit you better.

Bottom line: Is the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi right for you?

If you’re going to choose any Expedia® credit card, we recommend the Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi. The rewards are generous, the redemption options are numerous, and the $100 air travel credit sweetens the deal.

Loyal Expedia® members will find they can get a lot of bang for their buck with this card. If you can manage the cost, the $95 annual fee brings steep rewards upgrades from the Expedia®+ Card from Citi.

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® credit card is no longer available. For other options, check out student credit cards on Credit Karma.

Updated June 8, 2023

This date may not reflect recent changes in individual terms.

Editorial Note: Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Written by: Heather Swick

Pros

• No annual fee
• 1% cash back on net purchases
• Additional 0.25% cash back for on-time payments for each month you pay on time

Cons

• 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
• Late payment fee of up to $40

The rundown

Building credit is important, even as a student. Having healthy credit can make it easier for you to secure post-graduate essentials, like an apartment or a new car.

Students and other folks new to credit might feel as if it’s a Catch-22 because it can be challenging to get a credit card when you’ve never had one before. Enter the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®, a card specifically for students.

No annual fee

If you’re scraping by already, you probably don’t want to tack on an annual fee with your credit card. The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® doesn’t have an annual fee, so that’s one less expense you need to worry about.

Rewards for smart credit use

The Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® can help you build and use credit positively. Something that makes this card unique is that you’ll actually be rewarded for paying your credit card bill on time. You get 1% cash back on all of your purchases already. But if you make your payment on time, you’ll get an additional 0.25% back for that month, for a total of 1.25% cash back in the form of a statement credit or a check.

Want to make sure you get that bonus? This card has an autopay option, so you can make sure you pay your bill every month, even if your brain is fried from finals.

High variable APR

You have to watch out for the variable 28.49% APR on purchases. If you miss a payment or carry a balance, you’re going to pay for it in interest. Many cards, including this one, have a grace period. If you pay off your card in full by the bill’s due date, you won’t have to pay any interest on purchases. So stay on top of your payments and avoid building up debt on your card over time.

Proof of income

If you’re going to apply for this card, know that you’ll have to prove your monthly income is at least $425 per month — and that’s after your rent or mortgage payment. So if your income is unpredictable or you don’t have any, you may not be able to qualify for the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®. And Capital One specifies that income isn’t only what you get paid from a job, so it can also include money regularly deposited into an eligible account.

Extra credit: Features to know 

You’ll make the most of your Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® if you know exactly what comes along with it. Study up on its additional rewards, rules and fees.

• If your card is lost or stolen, you won’t be liable for fraudulent purchases.
• Late payment fees of up to $40 apply, so pay your bill on time, every time.
• There are no foreign transaction fees, which is a helpful perk for studying abroad.

Who this card is good for

A student who wants to build credit and earn a little cash back will appreciate the features that come with this card. No annual fee and extra cash back for on-time payments make it a user-friendly card with low-maintenance perks.

It could be a good fit for you if you have limited credit and you’re seeking a starter card. But if you’ve had the opportunity to build up some credit already, you may be able to qualify for cards that net you better rewards than the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®.

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi

When you have kids, you might find yourself spending money in ways you never imagined.

Instead of drinks and at-a-whim getaways, it’s diapers, school supplies and family road trips. If your credit cards are leftovers from your single days, it might be time to look at more family-friendly cards.

Here are our top picks for the best credit cards for families.

• Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best for family travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for new parents: Citi Double Cash® Card
• Best for online shopping: Amazon Prime Visa
• Best for college savings: Upromise MasterCard

Best for cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Here’s why: When it comes to cash back, parents could find it hard to beat the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express’s 6% cash back rate for purchases made at U.S. supermarkets. This card offers that exceptional cash back rate on up to the first $6,000 in purchases each year, and then a 1% cash back rate after that.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express delivers other strong cash back options, too, like 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 3% cash back on purchases made at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you’ll receive a $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within 6 months from account opening.

Note that this card does come with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 after that, which could offset some of your cash back earnings.

Check out our review of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express to learn more.

Best for family travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Here’s why: Traveling with kids requires a lot of flexibility. You might be flying to a a theme park one year, taking a road trip around the country the next and sneaking in family visits or parents-only getaways in between.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® does flexibility really well. First, you get an annual $300 travel statement credit for qualifying travel purchases made with your card. After that, you get three points for every $1 you spend on purchases in the travel and restaurants categories worldwide. You’ll also get bonus points for specific purchases through Chase Travel℠: five points per $1 spent on flights, 10 points per $1 spent on hotels and car rentals, and 10 points per $1 spent on Chase Dining purchases. Then, you’ll earn one point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Your points are worth 1.5 cents each when you redeem through the Chase Travel℠ portal, too.

And because family travel is rarely predictable, you’ll have some peace of mind with the card’s trip cancellation policy. If you have to call off or cut short your trip because of illness, severe weather and other covered situations, you could be reimbursed up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses.

These Chase Sapphire Reserve® perks do come with a $550 annual fee, but the $300 travel statement credit should help you chip away at that cost — as long as you take advantage of that feature. 

You can learn more from our review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

If you’re not convinced, it might be worth giving the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card a look, too. It offers similar rewards to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (but fewer perks), with a lower annual fee.

Best for new parents: Citi Double Cash® Card

Here’s why: When you’re in the trenches of brand-new parenthood, you might not want to deal with tracking and activating the cash back categories on your credit card. Just getting through the days and catching some sleep might be your only priority, so extensive travel rewards might not fit your lifestyle, either. Enter the Citi Double Cash® Card, a straightforward, flat-rate cash back card.

Many flat-rate cash back credit cards we see offer up to 1.5% cash back on your purchases, but the Citi Double Cash® Card gives you a total of 2% cash back — 1% unlimited cash back for your purchases, plus another 1% cash back on payments made toward purchases, as long as you pay the minimum amount due. Through Dec. 31, 2025, you’ll also earn 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal.

The Citi Double Cash® Card also gives you a balance transfer option, if the cost of all that new baby gear was higher than expected. You’ll get an intro 0% APR — for 18 months from account opening — on balance transfers made within four months from account opening. There’s a balance transfer fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum). Just be prepared for the balance transfer APR to go up to a variable 18.49% - 28.49% rate once the promotional period ends.

The $0 annual fee is the cherry on top for this all-around strong pick for new parents.

Read our review of the Citi Double Cash® Card to learn more.

From our partner

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

2.9 out of 5

1332 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

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Best for online shopping: Amazon Prime Visa

Here’s why: Whether your kids are in diapers or mailing in their college applications, they always seem to need so much stuff. If you rely on Amazon.com for household necessities and child-related needs, the Amazon Prime Visa is worth a look.

Cardholders with an Amazon Prime membership get 5% cash back on purchases made with the Amazon Prime Visa at Amazon.com, Whole Foods and Chase Travel℠, plus 2% cash back on purchases in the following rewards categories: restaurants, gas stations and local transit. Finally, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you’re approved for the Amazon Prime Visa after applying, you’ll be rewarded with a $200 Amazon.com gift card. Remember though, you must have an eligible Amazon Prime account to get this card — but you won’t be charged an annual fee to carry it, which some may consider a nice way to balance this requirement.

Read our review of the Amazon Prime Visa to learn more.

From our partner

Amazon Prime Visa

Amazon Prime Visa

3.3 out of 5

179 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

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Best for college savings: Upromise MasterCard

Here’s why: The Upromise MasterCard provides a simple way to save for college automatically by offering 1.25% cash back for every $1 spent on all purchases, or 1.529% when your Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible 529 college savings plan. The $0 annual fee means you can put more money toward your college savings, too.

The important factor to consider with this card is the cash back rate. If you link to a 529 college savings plan, you’ll earn almost more in cash back on your purchases. It’s still less than you’d get with other cards, like the 2% cash back rate that’s offered by the Citi Double Cash® Card, but the simplicity of linking accounts might make the card worth it for many parents.

If you already have or want to open a 529 college savings plan with Fidelity, the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card could be another option worth considering.

How we picked these cards

When picking the best credit cards for families, we focused on what families value most — maximum savings with minimal hassle. Managing a family can be stressful enough, so we considered user-friendly card features to be a big plus.

It was also important to note where and how parents shop, and what they need at each stage of parenting. For example, new and seasoned parents alike might appreciate a one-stop-shop like Amazon, while parents looking toward their children’s future might like the simplicity of a card that allows for straightforward college savings.

How to make the most of credit cards for families

Parenthood can be overwhelming in so many ways, so you may find it helpful to choose a credit card that will do most of the work for you. Before making any choices, you should consider your lifestyle when you’re analyzing the value of a credit card.

For instance, if you were a frequent traveler before kids but are less certain about travel now that you’re a parent, a cash back card might be a better fit. Or, as your kids get older, you might find you can take advantage of more travel rewards features. Continue to think about your family’s growing needs and look for a card that works with those needs.

Once you decide on the kind of card that’s best for you, it might be easier to settle on a specific choice. If you spend a lot at certain places like grocery stores or gas stations, then a cash back or travel card with a high rewards-earning rate in those areas might be your best choice. Similarly, if your priority is simple rewards or a way to save for your kids’ college, then more straightforward cards might be better.

*Approval Odds are not a guarantee of approval. Credit Karma determines Approval Odds by comparing your credit profile to other Credit Karma members who were approved for the card shown, or whether you meet certain criteria determined by the lender. Of course, there’s no such thing as a sure thing, but knowing your Approval Odds may help you narrow down your choices. For example, you may not be approved because you don’t meet the lender’s “ability to pay standard” after they verify your income and employment; or, you already have the maximum number of accounts with that specific lender.

These offers are no longer available on our site: Expedia®+ Card from Citi, Expedia®+ Voyager Card from Citi, Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®, Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

• Best for rewards: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best for flat-rate cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Best card for travel: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best card for students: Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®
• Best card for average credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card
• Best for small business: Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit
  

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Best for rewards: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

3.5 out of 5

84 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Learn More

Here’s why: Our top rewards pick is the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card for its serious cash back potential — as long as you’re willing to pay attention to spending categories.

If dinner and a movie is your ideal weekend night, you stand to earn quite a bit with this card. Or maybe you’re more of a café-and-a-play type of person. Either way, you’ll get …

• Unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment
• 2% cash back at grocery stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

There’s also a cash bonus of $300 if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of your account opening.

But be aware that there’s an annual fee of $0 intro, $95 after first year. If you want cash back capability without an annual fee, take a look at the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card .

If you can’t decide, check out reviews from Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card cardholders.

Best for flat-rate cash back: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

4.0 out of 5

132 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

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Here’s why: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card earns you a flat-rate 1.5% cash back on every purchase. This card is a standout because it’s so easy to use, making it a good fit if you want rewards without extra work.

In addition to the cash back, you’ll also score $200 as a sign-up bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from opening your account. That’s one of the larger sign-up bonuses we’ve seen out there for cash back cards.

And if you’re looking to pay down debt or make a big purchase, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a 0% intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from your account opening. But there are some things you should know:

• After the 15 months, there’s a variable APR of 19.74% - 29.74%.
• You’ll be charged a fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time on balances transferred.

Learn more with our review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Best for travel: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4.3 out of 5

71 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

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Here’s why: Frequent travelers who aren’t interested in juggling complicated travel rewards will appreciate the flexible, easily redeemable rewards.

With the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, you’ll earn two miles for every $1 you spend on purchases. You can easily redeem these online for an account credit in the amount of your travel purchases.

Those no-fuss rewards can add up. And the sign-up bonus stacks up pretty well against the best sign-up bonuses out there: 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account, worth $500 in travel.

One potential drawback is the annual fee of $95. Weigh that against your travel spending and potential rewards to see if it’s worth the extra cost. There are other options out there if you’re looking for a travel card with no annual fee.

Keep reading to learn how to maximize the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Best card for students: Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

From our partner

Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One®

0.0 out of 5

0 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

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Here’s why: With a rewards boost for paying your bill on time, Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® is designed to help students develop good credit habits.

You’ll get 1% cash back on every purchase you make, plus a 0.25% boost every month you pay your bill on time. Another perk: If you make your payments on time for five months, you might get bumped up to a higher line of credit.

The downside to this card is the high variable APR of 26.99% on purchases and balance transfers. Try setting up an automatic payment through your account to avoid interest charges on your purchases, which could pretty quickly eat into your cash back earnings.

Check out our tips for how to build credit and earn cash back with the Journey® Student Rewards from Capital One® card.

Best card for average credit: Capital One Platinum Credit Card

From our partner

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

4.3 out of 5

503 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

Apply Now

Here’s why: It can be daunting to find a decent credit card that will accept a limited or bumpy credit history. The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is meant for people with average credit — in fact, it’s one of our top recommendations for the best unsecured credit cards for building credit.

The features of this card are aimed at helping you build credit, so you won’t find much by way of rewards. But you will get a $0 annual fee, which isn’t always the case for unsecured cards that accept average credit. And if you make your first five monthly payments on time, you can be rewarded with a higher line of credit.

Treat this card as a stepping stone and chance to build your credit, which could you lead you to cards with better rewards in the future.

Learn more with our in-depth review of the Capital One Platinum Credit Card.

Best for business: Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

From our partner

Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit

0.0 out of 5

0 reviews

From cardholders in the last year

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Here’s why: You get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your purchases everywhere. The card also has a $0 annual fee, which means all that cash back you earn with this card goes straight into your pocket. And the flat-rate cash back means you won’t have to mentally juggle which purchases are best for this card. You know you can earn no matter what you buy. It’s a pretty sweet deal, especially when you consider that employee cards also earn cash back.

The card also offers a one-time sign-up cash bonus of $200 once you spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Plus, you’ll have access to an introductory 0% purchase APR for 12 months after opening the card. After that, your variable purchase APR will go to 20.74% - 28.74%, depending on your credit profile. That introductory purchase APR could help you with business startup costs by giving you some breathing room on interest.

If this doesn’t sound like a good fit to you, check out our favorite Capital One business cards.

How we picked these cards

The different Capital One cards come with different consumers in mind. We looked at every card and considered which features set each card apart from the rest. The features we pay closest attention to reflect the categories we feel are of top interest to potential cardholders.

And then we read the fine print. The fees and limitations are important to know upfront, long before a credit card makes it to your wallet. We weighed those against the benefits to select our top picks. Our full reviews dig into the pros and cons, and you should always dig into a card’s fees and terms before deciding it’s a good fit for you.

How to make the most of Capital One credit cards

Capital One covers a lot of ground with its credit cards, which cater to a wide range of customers. But above all, Capital One credit cards travel well. You won’t find a foreign transaction fee in the bunch. This is something that Capital One is known for, and it means that if you use one while you’re abroad, you can avoid that extra ding when you make a purchase.

But each card has other benefits that might make it the best choice for you. If you know your spending habits and where you stand on fees, you’re likely to find a Capital One card that suits your needs.