The best rewards credit cards of November 2025

I have an unwavering passion for singing the praises of rewards credit cards whenever possible.

However, the credit card landscape is vast and ever-changing, making it challenging even for seasoned experts to stay updated. That’s why I enjoy assisting friends and family in navigating the myriad options to find cards that suit their lifestyles and travel aspirations.

With that in mind, let’s explore my top recommendations for the best rewards credit cards.

Top Picks for Best Rewards Credit Cards

Here’s a brief overview of what each of my favorite rewards cards offers:

Chase Freedom Flex

Key Benefits: This card’s highlight is its rotating quarterly bonus categories, offering 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending each quarter (activation required). Additionally, cardholders receive a complimentary six-month DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by December 31, 2027).

The Freedom Flex often takes a back seat to its more celebrated counterparts, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

This card is perfect for newcomers and those seeking a cost-effective, adaptable option. It was my first rewards card and truly ignited my passion for this hobby.

For more insights, check out our complete review of the Freedom Flex.

Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Key Benefits: This card provides access to Chase’s transfer partners, essential for maximizing your rewards. If you possess an eligible no-annual-fee Chase card, such as the Freedom Flex, you can convert rewards into transferable Ultimate Rewards points with the Sapphire Preferred.

The Sapphire Preferred is highly regarded at Flying Frugal for good reason. It’s an affordable card that generates valuable, transferable Ultimate Rewards points, making it easy to recoup its annual fee through benefits like the DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by December 31, 2027).

Cardholders also gain a $50 credit for eligible hotel bookings through Chase Travel each year, alongside a 10% anniversary points bonus. These appealing perks make this card an excellent introduction to the world of points and miles — it was even the first transferable rewards card I obtained.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Atmos Rewards Summit

Key Benefits: For those who frequently travel with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines, this card is a must-have. The Atmos Summit offers eight annual Alaska lounge passes (two per quarter) and accelerates your path to elite status with 10,000 status points each year, plus 1 status point for every $2 spent.

The Atmos Summit is quickly gaining acclaim among travelers with Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. It features excellent earning rates for international spending, quarterly lounge passes, and a complimentary checked bag on Alaska and Hawaiian flights, along with expedited elite status. For those who frequently fly these airlines or travel abroad, the $395 annual fee becomes worthwhile.

I don’t personally carry this card, but it’s certainly worth considering for frequent travelers.

For further details, check out our complete review of the Atmos Rewards Summit.

Apply here: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card

American Express Platinum

Key Benefits: Summarizing the advantages of this card is no easy task. It offers a plethora of statement credits, elite statuses, and lounge access, among various benefits. Even with the highest annual fee in the market, it remains a valuable asset for the right individual.

The Amex Platinum is my most premium card, and I can justify the cost due to its remarkable benefits. I recently utilized credits for Resy and Lululemon, already covering a significant part of the annual fee.

Additionally, the card provides extensive lounge access, the widest among available cards. If you can afford the $895 annual fee in a single billing cycle, the Amex Platinum is certainly worth considering.

For more insights, check out our complete review of the Amex Platinum.

*U.S. restaurants only; enrollment required
**U.S. stores and online only; exclusions apply; enrollment required

Apply here: American Express Platinum Card

Choosing My Top Rewards Cards

Effective rewards cards strike a balance between flexibility and value. Some require annual fees, while others do not, but each card brings proven value through bonus categories, lifestyle credits, brand perks, or a combination thereof.

I consistently recommend these cards as they cater to the needs of most travelers. While you don’t need all four in your wallet, possessing them can certainly enhance your travel experience.

Related: Best Credit Cards: These Four Keep Me Traveling for Approximately 180 Days a Year

Conclusion

When asked for my top rewards card suggestions, these are my go-tos. I currently hold three of these cards and have no regrets about any of my choices. While the Atmos Summit may not align with my current personal strategy, it remains a worthy contender alongside its peers.

Embrace rewards credit cards without intimidation. Any of these options can unlock travel opportunities you never thought possible.

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.