When I first started out with rewards credit cards, I quickly noticed some cards got all the attention. I’m looking at you, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees), Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and, of course, The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Their popularity is understandable, as these cards come with high welcome bonuses, solid earning rates and a laundry list of perks. In fact, I have two of these cards in my wallet right now, though my strategy currently substitutes the also-popular American Express® Gold Card for the Amex Platinum.
Let’s say you’ve added the most popular cards to your wallet already. What’s a points and miles enthusiast to do?
Multiple factors, including your Chase 5/24 status, other application restrictions from issuers and your loyalty to certain airlines or hotel chains, are worth considering.
With your individual situation in mind, allow me to introduce you to 10 of my favorite choices for your next rewards card, broken down into three categories: transferable rewards, airline and hotel.
Best cards to apply for after popular credit cards
*TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
Comparing the best cards to apply for after popular credit cards
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the best cards to consider after getting the most popular credit cards.
| Card | Best for | Welcome bonus | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Mastercard | Renters | N/A. |
See rewards and benefits. |
$0 (see rates and fees) |
| Citi Strata Premier Card | Multiple bonus categories | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card | Flexible airline statement credit | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. |
|
$95 |
| Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard | Admirals Club lounge access | Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. |
|
$595 |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card | Casual Delta Air Lines flyers | Earn 80,000 miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. |
|
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees) |
| United Explorer Card | Casual United Airlines flyers | Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
|
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 |
| United Quest Card | Frequent United flyers | Earn 70,000 miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. |
|
$350 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card | Semifrequent Hilton guests | Earn 130,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Aug. 13. |
|
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees) |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | IHG loyalists | Earn five free nights (each night valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. |
|
$99 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card | Semifrequent Marriott guests | Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within three months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. |
|
$95 |
Transferable rewards cards
Many of the most popular cards earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points, American Express Membership Rewards points or Capital One miles. However, there are other valuable currencies you can earn — and maximize — by adding one of these credit cards.
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Bilt Mastercard
The Bilt Mastercard (see rates and fees) is worth considering if you’re a renter since it earns points on rent with no added transaction fees (see rates and fees).
Welcome bonus: There is no traditional welcome bonus for this card.
Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees).
Earning rates:
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on dining.
- Earn 2 points per dollar spent on travel.
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent without the transaction fee (see rates and fees), up to 100,000 points in a calendar year. You must use your card five times each statement period to earn points on rent.
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- See rewards and benefits for more information.
Standout benefits: The Bilt Mastercard’s highlight feature is the ability to earn Bilt Points on rent without incurring a transaction fee (see rates and fees; see rewards and benefits). The card also earns in multiple popular bonus categories, making it a strong contender, especially since you won’t pay an annual fee.
Bilt points are worth 2.05 cents apiece, per TPG’s June 2025 valuations, and transfer to more than 20 loyalty programs. These include Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt.
As a renter, I hold the Bilt Mastercard and use the points I earn to book domestic American Airlines flights through Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan since the two are Oneworld alliance members. I also occasionally transfer to World of Hyatt to book cheap award nights.
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to have the Bilt Mastercard to leverage Bilt Rewards, so this program could be worth checking out, even if you aren’t interested in the card.
To learn more, see our full review of the Bilt Mastercard.
Apply here: Bilt Mastercard
Citi Strata Premier Card
The Citi Strata Premier Card provides solid earning rates in multiple popular bonus categories for a modest annual fee.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,080.
Annual fee: $95.
Earning rates:
- Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on cititravel.com.
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on air travel and other hotel purchases and at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and EV charging stations.
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: The Strata Premier makes earning Citi ThankYou Rewards easy, so if you haven’t explored Citi’s travel currency, this card is a great place to start.
TPG’s June 2025 valuations deem Citi ThankYou Rewards points as worth 1.8 cents each when you transfer to one of the issuer’s travel partners, such as Air France-KLM Flying Blue, JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore KrisFlyer and Wyndham Rewards.
The card also comes with a $100 hotel benefit once per calendar year when you book a hotel stay of at least $500 through cititravel.com. This credit alone effectively justifies the $95 annual fee.
The Strata Premier is TPG credit cards writer Danyal Ahmed‘s “go-to card” for groceries and gas; he noted that the card helps him “feel the sting of sky-high grocery prices less.”
To learn more, see our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is a solid travel rewards card since it earns bonus points on travel-related purchases such as hotels and airlines.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $960.
Annual fee: $95.
Earning rates:
- Earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels.
- Earn 4 points per dollar spent on airlines.
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on other travel and restaurants.
- Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: Wells Fargo jumped into the transferable points world with the Autograph Journey, which earns bonus points in categories often used by frequent travelers.
TPG’s June 2025 valuations set the value of Wells Fargo Rewards points at 1.6 cents per point, but the issuer’s current list of partners is shorter than its counterparts. However, it still features Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
The card comes with a suite of travel and purchase protections, such as lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption protection, cellular telephone protection and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
You’ll also receive a $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase, which is an easy-to-use credit that helps offset this card’s $95 annual fee.
To learn more, see our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
Airline credit cards
If you’ve collected your share of transferable rewards cards, it may be time to consider a cobranded option. Check out one of these cards if you’re a frequent traveler.
Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is a solid card if you’re an American Airlines flyer who values Admirals Club lounge access.
Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 miles after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,500.
Annual fee: $595.
Earning rates:
- Earn 4 miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: A highlight perk of this premium card is its Admirals Club membership that comes with access for immediate family, kids under 18 or two guests. This lounge membership alone helps offset the high annual fee.
Frequent American Airlines flyers will appreciate being able to check their first bag for free on domestic American Airlines flights. This benefit is extended to up to eight traveling partners on the same reservation.
If you’re chasing American Airlines AAdvantage elite status, this card will help you earn 1 Loyalty Point for every AAdvantage mile you collect when you swipe the card. Plus, you’ll get a bonus of 10,000 Loyalty Points after reaching 50,000 Loyalty Points in a status qualification year. You can add on another 10,000 Loyalty Points after you reach the 90,000-point threshold in the same status qualification year.
To learn more, see our full review of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
Apply here: Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
If you’re a Delta flyer ready to apply for a cobranded card, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a good starting point.
Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends July 16. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,000.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Earning rates:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
- Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Standout benefits: The Delta Gold Amex provides baseline perks for a casual Delta flyer, including a free first checked bag with Delta, 20% back on inflight purchases and 15% off award flights when you book with Delta miles.
If you spend $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year, you’ll receive a $200 Delta flight credit. This card also offers a $100 credit when you use the card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with Delta Stays.
Additionally, the card features multiple travel and purchase protections, including baggage insurance*, car rental loss and damage insurance** and extended warranty* and purchase protections*.
To learn more, see our full review of the Delta Gold Amex.
*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
**Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered, and geographic restrictions apply. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
United Explorer Card
The United Explorer Card is a good choice if you’re a semifrequent United flyer who occasionally seeks out United Club lounge access.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $810.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Earning rates:
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on United purchases, dining and hotel stays booked directly with the hotel.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: The United Explorer features multiple benefits for a modest annual fee. For one, you’ll receive your first checked bag free for yourself and one companion on the same reservation when you fly a United-operated flight.
A top perk of this card is two one-time United Club passes earned after account opening and on each account anniversary. Olivia Mittak, a credit cards editor at TPG, loves using her United Explorer to access United Clubs when she’s flying any Star Alliance airline.
Plus, you can receive multiple statement credits for Instacart, JSX and ride-hailing purchases. Yearly activation is required to receive ride-hailing statement credits.
You’ll also receive up to $100 in United Hotels credits, granted in two $50 statement credits on prepaid hotels booked directly with United Hotels. Finally, you can earn $100 in United TravelBank cash after spending $10,000 on purchases within a calendar year.
To learn more, see our full review of the United Explorer.
Apply here: United Explorer Card
United Quest Card
The United Quest Card is a good choice if you fly United more frequently and would appreciate more perks when you fly with the airline.
Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 miles and 500 PQPs after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $945, not including the value of the PQPs.
Annual fee: $350.
Earning rates:
- Earn 3 miles per dollar spent on United purchases.
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and all other travel.
- Earn 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: The United Quest provides up to 20,000 miles in award flight discounts each anniversary year, starting with a 10,000-mile discount earned on your first anniversary and each anniversary thereafter. You can earn another 10,000-mile discount if you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases each calendar year.
The card also provides $200 in United TravelBank cash after account opening and each year on your account anniversary, offsetting more than half of its $350 annual fee each anniversary year.
If you’re chasing United elite status, you’ll receive 1 PQP for every $20 spent on the card, up to 18,000 PQPs in a calendar year.
The card also allows you to check a first and second bag free for the primary cardholder and one companion. You’ll receive priority boarding, 25% back on United inflight and Club premium drink purchases and an up to $120 credit for your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fee.
If you spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll earn two global Economy Plus seat upgrades. Do note that this card doesn’t provide United Club access, so it isn’t the best option for those looking to maximize lounge access.
To learn more, see our full review of the United Quest.
Apply here: United Quest Card
Hotel credit cards
Hotel credit cards come with everything from elite status to high earning potential within their loyalty programs. Check out one of these cards if you haven’t added one to your wallet.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card is a solid option for those who stay with Hilton often but don’t want to pay a high annual fee.
Welcome bonus: Earn 130,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This offer ends Aug. 13. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $650.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Earning rates:
- Earn 12 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
- Earn 6 points per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations.
- Earn 4 points per dollar spent on U.S. online retail purchases.
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Standout benefits: The Hilton Surpass was my first cobranded credit card, and it provides an excellent entry point to anyone who stays with Hilton but doesn’t want to pay an expensive annual fee.
The card comes with complimentary Hilton Gold status, which provides perks like a fifth night free when you book on points and an 80% bonus on base points earned within the program. You’ll also receive four $50 quarterly statement credits for Hilton purchases, totaling $200 in a calendar year.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Hilton Surpass, which provided me with a free upgrade when I traveled to Europe and stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Birmingham Brindleyplace in the U.K. I’ve used the $50 quarterly credit twice in 2025, both times toward paid hotel stays to visit friends.
My first $50 went toward booking a three-night stay at the Tempo by Hilton Louisville Downtown NuLu in March. My second $50 credit went toward booking a one-night stay at a Tru by Hilton in Columbia, South Carolina.
The card also confers National Emerald Club Executive status, which is useful if you find yourself renting cars often (enrollment required).
If you spend $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, you’ll earn a free night reward.
To learn more, see our full review of the Hilton Honors Surpass Amex.
Apply here: Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a solid option for IHG loyalists since it provides a wide range of benefits when you stay with the chain.
Welcome bonus: Earn five free nights (each night valued at up to 60,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth $1,500.
Annual fee: $99.
Earning rates:
- Earn up to 26 points per dollar spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts properties.
- Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel and at gas stations and restaurants.
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: On top of the exceptionally high earning rates at IHG properties, the card comes with automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, a fourth-night-free benefit when you book with points and an anniversary free night worth up to 40,000 points earned each account anniversary year. This is an exceptional list of perks for a card with a $99 annual fee.
The card also provides up to $120 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus application fees and up to $50 in United TravelBank cash (earned after you link your card with your MileagePlus account).
Katie Genter, a lead writer at TPG, loves the IHG Premier card because of the ongoing value it provides each year.
“Even if I don’t fully maximize it, the account anniversary night certificate still easily provides more value than the card’s annual fee each year,” she said. “But where the card truly shines for frequent IHG award travelers like myself is the benefit that gives me a fourth reward night free when redeeming IHG points.”
To learn more, see our full review of the IHG One Rewards Premier.
Apply here: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
If you prefer Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card is a good option to start earning more points within Marriott Bonvoy.
Welcome bonus: Earn five free nights (each valued at up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within three months of account opening. Certain hotels have resort fees. According to TPG’s June 2025 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,750.
Annual fee: $95.
Earning rates:
- Earn up to 17 points per dollar spent at hotels in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio.
- Earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined grocery store, gas station and dining purchases each year.
- Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Standout benefits: For a modest annual fee, you’ll earn automatic Silver Elite status within Marriott Bonvoy, which allows you to earn 10% more points on stays, access priority late checkout and receive complimentary Wi-Fi.
You can continue to work toward higher Bonvoy status by receiving 15 elite night credits each calendar year toward status, as well as earning one elite night credit for every $5,000 you spend on the card. That means you’ll make it to Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 on the card in a calendar year.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless also provides one free night award each year on your account anniversary, worth up to 35,000 points. The card features multiple travel and purchase protections, including baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, purchase protection and trip delay reimbursement.
You can convert the Marriott Boundless to the premium Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card after 12 months of holding the card. It has a steep $450 annual fee but provides multiple perks, such as an annual travel credit, automatic Gold Elite status, annual club-level upgrade certificates and airport access. If that sounds interesting to you, opening the Boundless is a great way to get started on the path to the Ritz-Carlton card.
The information for the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
To learn more, see our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
Apply here: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
Bottom line
The most important factor in deciding on your next credit card depends on your travel goals and the state of your wallet.
If you haven’t gone in on a cobranded card, it may be worth considering to pick up some elitelike perks with your favorite chain. If you’re lacking in a less popular transferable currency, this could be the perfect time to dip your toes into its program.
Either way, consider your unique situation and current wallet before you apply.
Related: Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Delta Gold, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.