As a young professional, you may be looking for a credit card that aligns with your financial lifestyle. Whether you’re navigating your first significant job after graduation or launching your own venture, selecting the right credit card can optimize your rewards in points, miles, and cash back.
To assist you in this journey, we’ve curated a list of the top credit cards tailored for young professionals.
Top Credit Cards for Young Adults
The details for the American Express Green Card were independently collected by The Points Guy and have not been reviewed by the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card
If groceries and dining out are primary spending areas for you, the Amex Gold Card might be a great fit.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership—a value of $1,200 based on Flying Frugal’s January 2025 assessments.
It’s possible to receive a targeted higher offer via the CardMatch tool; however, not everyone will qualify, and offers can change at any time.
Annual fee: $325
Rewards:
- 4 points per dollar on dining at restaurants (up to $50,000 annually) and at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 annually; thereafter 1 point per dollar)
- 3 points per dollar on airfare booked directly or through amextravel.com
- 2 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and eligible purchases via amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases
This card is ideal for those who allocate a substantial portion of their budget to food and travel. With its generous rewards structure, you can earn points effectively whether dining out or booking that dream trip.
For more details, check out our comprehensive review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
American Express Green Card
If your expenses revolve around commuting and various travel activities, the Amex Green Card may suit you well.
Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first six months—valued at $800 according to Flying Frugal’s January 2025 assessments.
Annual fee: $150
Rewards:
- 3 points per dollar on travel (flights, hotels, taxis, etc.)
- 3 points per dollar on worldwide dining (including U.S. takeout and delivery)
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
This card shines for individuals frequently traveling, earning bonus points on travel and dining expenses. Additionally, it offers benefits such as a yearly statement credit to cover your Clear Plus membership and various travel protections. Membership is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Learn more: American Express Green Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a standout among mid-tier credit cards, especially for those invested in travel rewards.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months from account opening, valued at up to $1,230 based on Flying Frugal’s January 2025 evaluations.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel℠
- 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services
- 3 points per dollar on select streaming services
- 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excludes Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar on all other travel
- 1 point per dollar on other purchases
You’ve likely heard of this popular card, and for good reason—it delivers impressive rewards for both travel and everyday spending, plus benefits like trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees.
The $95 annual fee is well worth it considering the perks you receive.
For more information, read our detailed review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Citi Strata Premier Card
If you need a credit card with a variety of popular spending categories, the Citi Strata Premier might be your perfect match.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening, valued at $1,350 as per Flying Frugal’s January 2025 evaluations.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 3 points per dollar on air travel and hotels
- 3 points per dollar at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
- 3 points per dollar at restaurants
- 3 points per dollar at supermarkets
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
The Citi Strata Premier offers fantastic opportunities to earn additional points for travel and daily spending. Its flexible Citi ThankYou Points can be redeemed or transferred to various airline and hotel partners.
With its attractive welcome bonus and diverse earning categories, this card is a strong contender for those looking to book trips using points swiftly.
For more details, find our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you prefer Capital One and seek a reliable mid-tier travel card, the Capital One Venture Rewards may be the one for you.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening, valued at $1,388 as of Flying Frugal’s January 2025 evaluation.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
This card is particularly advantageous for those whose spending falls outside traditional bonus categories. With the Venture Rewards card, expenses—from groceries to unique personal purchases—earn you miles.
Plus, you can redeem your accumulated miles by transferring them to any of Capital One’s numerous airline and hotel partners. It also includes travel perks like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and no foreign transaction fees, making it an appealing choice for professionals on the go.
Discover more by checking our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right credit card can feel daunting, especially for those new to the credit space. With various options available, the key is to select one that aligns seamlessly with your travel ambitions and spending behaviors.
Rest assured, any of these five cards will serve you well. With enticing welcome bonuses and valuable perks, you’ll take control of your credit rewards in no time.
Related: Just got the Sapphire Preferred? Here’s what to do next.
For Amex Gold card rates and fees, click here.
