Why you might want the Prosper Card

You should consider the Prosper Card if you want a decently high credit limit on an affordable credit-building card that can help you qualify for better cards.

Relatively high credit limit

With this card, you can secure a credit limit of up to $3,000, a remarkable starting point for anyone new to credit. A $3,000 limit can give you plenty of breathing room for spending and maintaining optimal credit utilization. There’s no guarantee you’ll qualify for this limit, but you can review your card terms before opening your account.

If you don’t qualify for this limit but still want the card, you still have a chance to boost your limit with responsible card use. Prosper will monitor your card use and review your profile periodically to see if you qualify for a credit limit increase. A feature like this can give you the push you need to pay on time routinely, never borrow more than you can pay off right away and stay on the right track to a better score.

Affordable credit-building

With no security deposit required, you can get started with the Prosper Card with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Plus, as long as you sign up for autopay, you won’t need to pay an annual fee for your first year. This incentive makes the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet if you’re new to credit cards and don’t want to feel pressured by the extra responsibility of monitoring your due dates.

Autopay will pay your balance each billing cycle, ensuring you won’t fall behind on payments or accrue hefty interest charges unless you have insufficient funds in your linked account. The card costs $59 annually after your first year when you enroll in Autopay, but this is a fairly low fee relative to the start-up costs of other credit-building and secured credit cards.

You might not even have to pay it if you establish a healthy credit routine that lifts your score into the good credit range before the end of the first year, which could help you qualify for a no-annual-fee rewards card.

Why you might want a different credit-building card

You won’t earn rewards or have flashy perks or benefits, dampening this card’s value. That said, this card is more of a bridge between fair and good credit — a point at which you’ll have several rewarding options to choose from.

Heavy APR for routine borrowers

Regardless of your APR, you should never carry a balance, but this card charges a particularly high interest rate. Interest payments will quickly pile on any balance you carry month to month, making your road to good credit much longer.

If you can’t pay your balance in full every billing cycle, you should avoid a credit card altogether, especially high-interest credit cards. However, if you don’t have a choice and need access to credit, you should only use your card for small purchases that you can immediately pay off. Doing this will help you build credit, maintain a low credit utilization and minimize risk.

Look at a high interest rate as another incentive for a card like this. If a high APR lingers on your mind, you should use your card sparingly and always pay on time to avoid accruing a mountain of debt that will bury your credit-building efforts.

Lacks ongoing rewards

Credit card rewards are a treasured fixture of the best credit cards and they’re frequently a dealbreaker for potential applicants when a card doesn’t have them. They’re rarely found on credit-building cards, however, so it’s not unusual the Prosper card doesn’t have them. It’s just disappointing.

Although rewards can be a distraction when building credit, they can be a friendly reminder that the card in your wallet isn’t just a worthless chunk of plastic. Building credit happens in the background, so staying motivated and on track is difficult when your score isn’t updated every day.

Rewards are an incentive for using your card that you can see relatively quickly. Plus, building familiarity with earning and redeeming rewards can help you strategize your next card decision. The world of cash back and rewards credit cards is loaded with options and knowing which card will help you earn the most rewards is an important step when deciding on the best card for you.

How does the Prosper Card compare to other credit-building cards?

The Prosper Card isn’t a groundbreaking card by any means, and it won’t get you to a better score any faster than other credit cards can. Your spending habits and financial profile are the only things that can help you. That said, other options might suit you better. Here are a few of them.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card	The secured Self Visa® Credit Card1	Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Rewards rate None	Rewards rate None	Rewards rate 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter) 1% cash back on all other purchases
Credit limit See terms	Credit limit $100-$1,700 (equal to your deposit)	Credit limit $300-$5,000
Annual fee $0 (See rates and Fees)	Annual fee $0 annual fee first year, $25 annual fee thereafter., waived for the first year	Annual fee $0
Other things to know Account review for credit limit increase if the first 6 payments are made on time	Other things to know Break up initial deposit over three or more months You can increase your credit limit on the Self Visa as you make more loan payments over time	Other things to know  27.24% Variable APR Automatic monthly reviews starting at seven months to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and have your deposit returned No penalty APR, no foreign transaction fees

Prosper Card vs. Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is an unsecured credit-building card that doesn’t charge an annual fee (See rates and Fees). It’s a better choice if you want a simple card for everyday purchases to build credit passively. Compared with the Prosper card, you might have a more seamless experience with Capital One when upgrading to a better card. Once you’ve established a healthy credit history and have a higher score, you can upgrade the Capital One Platinum card to another, more rewarding Capital One card.

Prosper Card vs. The Card with No Credit Check – The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card

If you don’t mind complicated steps that can help you maximize your credit-building efforts, The Card with No Credit Check – The Secured Self Visa® Credit Card offers a multi-layered approach to building credit. It will take much more upfront effort than the Prosper Card, but the Self Secured Visa Credit Card diversifies your credit mix, which is a modest part of how credit bureaus determine your credit score. You might be able to build your score faster with the Self Card, but it will require more attention to detail and a higher start-up cost.

Prosper Card vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a secured credit-building card that stands out for its valuable rewards program and generous welcome offer. You won’t find another secured card with as much potential first-year value. If you want to build your credit and earn rewards, the Discover it® Secured Card is your best option because it has a great welcome offer and a decent ongoing rewards rate. Plus, like Capital One, Discover is a major issuer. You can seamlessly upgrade from the Discover it® Secured to a more rewarding Discover credit card when you’ve established a better score.

How to use the Prosper Card

• Enroll in autopay to waive the card’s annual fee for the first year.
• Pay your balance in full every month to avoid the card’s high APR.
• Never use more than 30 percent of your available credit limit to keep your credit utilization low.
• Use the card for small, routine purchases that you can quickly pay off when they post to your account.

Is the Prosper Card right for you?

The Prosper Card could be a good choice to avoid security deposits and annual fees in your first year. Although the card lacks rewards and perks, you could use this card to jump-start your credit journey and build your score. But if you want to maximize your credit-building efforts or earn rewards, better options are available.

The right card for you will help you accomplish your credit goals. If getting good credit is your goal, this card can help. If learning how to earn and use rewards while building credit is your goal, you might want to choose a different card

The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard is a decent card for people just stepping into the arena of cash back rewards because it comes with a 2% flat rate on all purchases. However, there are better cards in this rewards category that you might want to consider before applying.

All information about the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. 

Intro

The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard is a 2% flat rate cash back card with no annual fee and no limit on the cash you can earn back. It’s great for cardholders looking for a low maintenance card, especially because it offers automatic redemption on the rewards you earn as a statement credit. That said, competing cards offer this option among others, positioning the Synchrony card far down the list of 2% cash back cards you might be considering applying for.

Why you might want the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard card

Along with a generous flat rate of cash back on every purchase you make, Synchrony includes a few perks with its Premier World Mastercard, making the card a great introductory option for someone looking to earn cash back. Although 2% is not the highest rate on the market when compared to category-specific cards, the Synchrony Premier card gives you the flexibility to spend how you want, where you want, and on what you want without worrying about whether you’re spending in the right category.

No hassle cash back at a solid flat rate

The 2% cash back rate has emerged as the standard in cash back rewards on cards that don’t offer bonus categories. Now, it isn’t exactly groundbreaking but it’s a key feature to consider whether you’re looking at this card or another flat rate rewards card, especially when you’re comparing it to a card that designates higher earning categories.

While cards offering rotating bonus categories or year-round categories that earn highly can net you more cash back with a focused spending strategy, these cards might not earn as highly in non-specified categories. This can be a little inconvenient, especially when you have consistent spending habits each month that you want to pay with a credit card.

For example, you may spend as regularly on streaming services as you do on gas. A card that rewards highly on gas purchases may appeal to you, but if it doesn’t reward for streaming services then you may be missing out on rewards. Because streaming subscriptions are consistently occurring purchases that you’re likely to make each month, the Synchrony Mastercard stands to benefit you with an unlimited 2% cash back all year. If you have to choose between two card options for spending in both of these categories and you spend equally in each of them, a flat rate of 2% could potentially net you more in rewards than if you were earning 2% back on gas and only 1% back on streaming services.

See related: How cash back credit cards work

No annual fee

The Synchrony Mastercard’s no annual fee means you won’t have to weigh your cash back against how much you’re spending to hold the card. The card is worth it whether you spend $10 or $10,000 with it annually.

You won’t miss cash back opportunities

Low maintenance cardholders who can’t be bothered with maximizing their earnings, opting into categories each quarter and only using one card for specific purchases each month will find Synchrony Bank’s Mastercard a solid addition to their wallet.

You’ll never worry about missing out on rewards on general purchases or limiting your cash back because the Synchrony card earns the same flat rate in every spending category without a limit.

Even if you have a multi-card rewards strategy that includes cards that earn rewards at higher rates than 2% in specific categories, a flat-rate card like the Synchrony Mastercard or another 2% cash back card can help to fill the gaps in spending categories that aren’t featured on other cards or are limited by spending caps.

Perks and other benefits from Mastercard

Mastercard offers cardholders some ideal perks alongside the rewards benefits of their credit card. These include certain protections and credits that, if utilized, can stretch the worthiness of their card even further. These perks can open up the portfolio of benefits available to you because Mastercard includes some offers not present on other card types, like a promotional rate on Hello Fresh purchases and a DoorDash membership discount. Because the Synchrony Premier card is in the World Mastercard portfolio, cardholders will also benefit from exclusive offers from Mastercard.

• Cell phone protection up to $1,000 is included by Mastercard as long as you pay your cell phone bill with your Synchrony Premier World Mastercard.
• ID theft protection and assistance from resolution specialists are included. Monitor your credit file and get notified about suspicious activity.
• Zero liability protection prevents you from being held liable for unauthorized purchases made with your card.
• Lyft credits of $5 are applied to your statement in the following month if you take three or more rides with lift.
• Hello Fresh earns you 5% for future purchases when you pay using your Synchrony Premier World Mastercard.
• DoorDash membership discount for new members that includes three months free and DashPass members get $5 off their first two orders per month.
• Mastercard travel and lifestyle services include digital experiences at home or abroad exclusive to World or World Elite cardholders.

Why you might want a different card

There are a few shortcomings with Synchrony Bank’s Mastercard that don’t necessarily rule it out, but make the card a little underwhelming compared to other offers. While a 2% cash back rate is generous, it isn’t the best you can get in popular categories, and the lack of a sign-up bonus, no introductory APR offer and limited cash back redemption options make the Synchrony Premier World a little substandard.

The flat rate could hold back your earnings

For modest spenders, especially those whose spending is concentrated in a few key categories, a tiered bonus or rotating rewards card may hold more value than a flat-rate card like the Synchrony Premier. Take, for example, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express which earns 3% back on the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets annually, then 1% back. Though its cap on earning the full 3% back is a little low if you spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets each month, the card would still net you $180 in cash back from those purchases for the year if you met the annual cap.

You’d need to spend $9,000 with the Synchrony Mastercard to earn the same $180 at a 2% flat rate.  Keep in mind that you’d still earn at least 1% back on all purchases with the Blue Cash Everyday card, so it would easily beat out the Synchrony card in this scenario.

Limited redemption options

Synchrony rewards your cash back as statement credits within two billing cycles following your purchases. While this is certainly convenient and requires very little maintenance on your behalf, this offer compares poorly to other rewards cards that offer the same option in addition to flexible redemption options with points or cash back.

For example, the Chase Freedom Flex gives you plenty of redemption options like direct deposit into your bank account, gift cards, and travel purchases. Chase cardholders also benefit from the option of pooling their points with an Ultimate Chase rewards card, increasing the value of their points when redeemed for travel.

Two billing cycles is also a large window to receive those statement credits and, if you don’t want to wait, can be inconvenient. Although other cards require you to do a little leg work in getting your rewards, you at least have the option to claim your rewards when you want them.

No sign-up bonus nor intro APR

Unfortunately, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard doesn’t currently offer a sign-up bonus which – although sign-up bonuses are fairly rare on 2% flat-rate cards – makes it a clearly substandard card when compared to an alternative like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which comes with a $200 cash rewards intro bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months and, like the Synchrony Mastercard, earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no spending limit.

While a sign-up bonus alone shouldn’t necessarily sway your decision, think of it like this: If you spend $500 in the first three months with the Wells Fargo Active Cash, you’ll earn $220 in cash rewards via the welcome bonus and card spend. Meanwhile, a $1,000 spend with the Synchrony card will only earn $20 cash back.

Synchrony’s new card also lacks an introductory APR, another promotion that some comparable cards offer to new cardholders. This makes the Synchrony card a poor choice if you have a balance you want to transfer or anticipate some heavy spending and would like a chance to chip away at your balance over time. Consider other options like balance transfer cards or ones that are great for large purchases.

How does the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard compare to other 2% cash back cards?

As you might imagine, 2% is an enticing offer on a cash back card and as more cards with this feature emerge, so do competitive offers. That said, Synchrony is on the low-end of the competition and is lacking some of the benefits available on cards from issuers like Citi, American Express and Wells Fargo. While it isn’t necessarily a bad card to have, it’s in a category rife with options that offer cardholders – who don’t mind a little bit of maintenance – a little bit more.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card	Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express	Citi Double Cash® Card
Rewards rate Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases	Rewards rate 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.	Rewards rate Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
Welcome bonus Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	Welcome bonus Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms apply	Welcome bonus Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0
Other things to know 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening (19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter)	Other things to know Rewards don’t expire 0% on purchases for 15 months (18.24%-29.24% Variable thereafter) Exclusive access to presale tickets	Other things to know Pool points with Citi ThankYou cards

Synchrony Premier World Mastercard vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash

When it comes to 2% flat rate rewards cards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash is probably the most alluring offer on the market. It carries the same cash rewards rate as the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard but comes with the added benefit of an intro bonus and 0% intro APR on new purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening (then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR). The Active Cash also allows you to redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit, or as withdrawals from Wells Fargo ATMs. The Synchrony is seriously limited by its redemption options by comparison, with the option to only redeem as automatic statement credits every two months.

Synchrony Premier World Mastercard vs. Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express

Families and frequent shoppers love the Blue Cash Everyday from American Express because of its high rewards rate on groceries and gas, making it the ideal options for cardholders who spend reliably in those categories. Although there is a limit of $6,000 in the 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, that rate still rewards you with 1% for all purchases made thereafter. If spending only at U.S. supermarkets, you’ll need to spend at least $12,000 with the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard to earn the same amount of cash back as you would with the Blue Cash Everyday. While the rewards rate is great, the Blue Cash Everyday also comes with a $200 sign-up bonus (if you spend $2,000 in the first six months) and a 15-month 0% intro APR period that the Synchrony card lacks.

Synchrony Premier World Mastercard vs. Citi Double Cash

The Citi Double Cash card is another flat rate rewards card offering 2% on purchases (1% when you buy, 1% at statement pay off). Like the Active Cash, the Double Cash has multiple redemption options. You can redeem for a check, gift cards, statement credits, or as deposits into your checking or savings account. This gives it a flexible edge over the Synchrony card, but there is a $25 minimum on redemptions and rewards expire after 12 months if you don’t use the card. Current Citi cardholders in particular benefit from the Double Cash because they can transfer their rewards to Citi ThankYou points at a rate of $1 cash back for 100 ThankYou points. This is a great option for frequent travelers utilizing Citi’s ThankYou Travel Center or for cardholders looking to dip their toes into travel rewards. However, if you’re looking for simplicity and low maintenance, the Synchrony Mastercard’s automatic redemption as a credit statement might be for you.

How to use the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard card:

• If you have other rewards cards that earn higher in specific categories, use the Synchrony Mastercard on all other purchases not included in those categories.
• Pay your cell phone bill with your Synchrony card to take advantage of the cell phone insurance provided by Mastercard.

Is the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard card right for you?

It’s a little hard to determine whether a card like the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard is right for you when comparable cards are offering better sign-up incentives. Some of those cards also offer alternative redemptions options that make them more flexible for different cardholders. But if you’re looking for your first rewards card and the idea of redeeming cashback on your own is daunting, then the automatic redemption as statement credits offered by the Synchrony Mastercard is a good fit.

However, if you’re a strategic spender looking to maximize your cash back on purchases, then the Synchrony can help you fill gaps in categories not included in your higher earning categories. That said, you’re likely to find better options with other 2% cash back cards, especially if you’re familiar with different redemption options and are willing to manage claiming your rewards on your own however you prefer.

With the combination of the Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo reward programs into the One Key rewards program, Wells Fargo brings one of its latest offerings, the One Key+™ Card.

The One Key+ Card rewards structure holds up very well compared to some of the best credit cards. With multiple bonus categories and rates that match most flat-rate cards, this can be a solid standalone option if you prefer simplicity.

While other travel credit cards might offer more benefits and better redemption options, this card offers excellent practical value for the occasional traveler.

Why you might want the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card

The Wells Fargo One Key+ Card can be a great choice, especially for the occasional traveler. It combines solid reward rates with popular bonus categories and decent travel perks, like statement credits for expedited airport screening.

Solid rewards on every purchase

This card offers the best of both worlds in terms of rewards earnings. Many cards offer a high flat rate or a set of bonus categories, but the One Key+ Card gives you both features. It has a terrific flat rate of 2 percent in OneKeyCash while also providing multiple commonly used 3 percent bonus categories, including dining, gas stations and grocery stores. You’ll also get 3 percent for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo bookings. If you hold Platinum status, VIP Access bookings can earn up to 6 percent — a competitively high boost, especially if you don’t travel often.

This rewards structure makes this card an excellent choice if you’re looking for a standalone option, as you’ll get a solid return on any purchase. Earning $1 in OneKeyCash rewards is equivalent to $1 in cash, so $100 in OneKeyCash rewards can be redeemed for $100. However, OneKeyCash can only be redeemed for Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo bookings.

Additionally, this card’s modest $99 annual fee is not too costly and worth the price. For instance, you’ll get $100 in OneKeyCash as a cardholder anniversary bonus just for renewing the card, a valuable and flexible perk.

Decent perks for occasional travelers

If you don’t travel often or aren’t loyal to a particular brand, the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card can make a lot of sense. You can take advantage of a solid welcome bonus plus you’ll get a taste of some of the perks elite-status travelers enjoy, enhancing your travel experience and providing you with decent value.

The initial boost from the welcome offer may be worth enough to book some stays or a part of your first vacation. Once you spend $3,000 in the first three months, you’ll earn $600 in OneKeyCash™. You’ll also get $100 in OneKey Cash annually on your cardholder anniversary when you renew the card and pay the annual fee, recouping the annual fee cost.

However, this program’s key feature is the flexibility of OneKeyCash without a reduction in value. OneKeyCash can be earned on one part of your trip and redeemed for part of another trip’s expenses. For instance, you could book a hotel with Vrbo on one trip and redeem the rewards earned for a car rental with Expedia on your next trip.

Get Automatic Gold tier in the One Key rewards program with savings of 20% or more with Gold Member Prices on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. You can also reach Platinum status by spending $30,000 in a calendar year. This tier boosts your OneKeyCash earnings at VIP Access properties and provides Platinum VIP support.

The card also comes with no foreign transaction fees and an up to $120 statement credit every four years for Global Entry® or TSA Precheck® application fees. While fairly standard offerings, they can result in significant savings and greatly improve your travel experience — especially for frequent flyers.

Why you might want a different card

If you have elite status with a specific brand like Hilton or Marriott or are loyal to certain brands and companies, you may not get the best value from the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card. Also, earning enough for free trip perks can be difficult compared to other cards.

No elite status recognition with other brands

One of the reasons why this card is better suited for occasional travelers is that your elite status and benefits with whatever brand you are booking will likely not be recognized. Generally speaking, when you make a reservation with a third party, such as Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo, you forgo any elite status or loyalty benefits you may hold. While there can be instances where it’s advantageous, such as significant price savings or redeeming OneKeyCash, you’ll want to evaluate what is more important on any given trip.

Typical elite status benefits you’d potentially miss out on include seat upgrades on flights, room upgrades at hotels or upgrades to better rental cars. You may get some food and beverage perks at VIP Access properties, but you might also miss out on early check in/late check out or access to other elite-status amenities.

This might not be an issue if you don’t have elite status, but if you have elite status with a certain brand, this card may be a drawback. You can book directly with the brand using your One Key+ Card to get around this, but that isn’t the optimum use of the card since you won’t earn boosted rewards unless you book through Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo. Co-branded or flexible travel cards are much better suited for travelers looking to maximize their brand-specific elite status or loyalty program.

Difficult to earn trip perks

A primary advantage of using credit cards for traveling is making parts of your trip free. Whether it’s incidental credit for airline seats, free night certificates at hotels or credits for exclusive experiences, defraying your costs is a great way to outsize your trip value.

The OneKeyCash rewards program makes this more difficult. For instance, under the previous Hotels.com rewards program from Wells Fargo, you could stay 10 nights, then get a free night at the average cost of what you paid for those 10 nights. With the OneKeyCash rewards program, you could earn up to 6 percent with Platinum tier status, but most likely, this holds far less value than what it used to be, making offsetting entire portions of your trip more difficult. For example, a $1,000 booking at a VIP Access property with Platinum tier status would earn you $60 in OneKeyCash.

To further complicate matters, while you can use your OneKeyCash to partially pay for most travel costs, you can only redeem OneKeyCash on flights if you have enough to cover the entire fare. So you’ll need to pay attention to when to book and whether you have enough to cover your costs.

Co-branded and flexible travel cards make this much simpler. These cards often offer features that provide the ability to get outsized value with your redemption. For example, using a free night certificate that is tied to points earned instead of a high cash rate can offer substantial value when compared to your OneKeyCash redemption options.

How does the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card compare to other travel cards?

While the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card measures up well with rewards rates, frequent travelers may want to consider other travel card options.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card	Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Rewards rate Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants Earn 1X points on other purchases	Rewards rate  5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries. 2x on all other travel purchases. 1x on all other purchases.	Rewards rate Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.	Welcome bonus  Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	Welcome bonus  For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Annual fee $95	Annual fee  $95	Annual fee $95
Other things to know $50 annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase	Other things to know $50 annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠ 10% anniversary points boost Complimentary Doordash DashPass subscription for one year (enroll by December 31, 2027)	Other things to know $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) once per calendar year booked with Citi Travel

Wells Fargo One Key+ Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

When comparing the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, you should consider how much you travel and your everyday spending.

According to Bankrate’s estimated valuations, Wells Fargo Rewards earned with the Autograph Journey are worth about 1.0 cent per point, giving them an equal cash value to OneKeyCash. While both cards earn 3 percent at restaurants, the Autograph Journey earns better for travel purchases. You’ll get 5X points at hotels, 4X on airlines and 3X on other travel purchases. However, the One Key+ earns more for everyday purchases, earning 3 percent at gas stations and grocery stores and 2 percent on other purchases.

The annual fee could be easier to make up for with the One Key+, which offers a $100 OneKeyCash anniversary bonus, as opposed to only a $50 statement credit for airline purchases on the Autograph Journey. But the Autograph Journey offers a full slate of travel benefits and cellphone protection, something sorely lacking from the One Key+. The Autograph Journey also has more options to redeem rewards, including as a statement credit for eligible purchases, providing much more flexibility.

If you travel a lot, you might benefit more from the Autograph Journey’s boosted rewards rates for hotels and flights, but the One Key+ Card might suit you if you prefer to earn your rewards through non-travel bonus categories.

Wells Fargo One Key+ Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the top travel cards available. It’s better suited for frequent travelers, offering an array of transfer partners, superior travel benefits and the potential to boost point values when redeeming with Chase Travel™. Occasional travelers may still prefer the simplicity of the One Key rewards program, especially if they are just looking for the lowest prices without extra features.

Our valuations show that Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth around 2.0 cents per point, a higher value than the One Key+ Card. The Sapphire Preferred is also a better choice for purchases on dining, select streaming, online groceries and travel. On the other hand, the One Key+ is a better choice for gas stations and purchases outside bonus categories.

On top of that, the annual $100 bonus from the One Key+ Card offers more value and flexibility than the $50 annual hotel credit through Chase Travel. Also, even though the value of the sign-up bonus falls a fair bit short of the Sapphire Preferred intro offer, the One Key+ Card offer requires less spending.

The key difference is that booking through Chase Travel℠ with the Sapphire Preferred offers much stronger value than booking with Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo with the One Key+ Card. You’ll earn 5X on those booking, versus 3 percent on the One Key+. Ultimately, though the One Key+ Card attempts to be a strong travel card, the Chase Sapphire does a better job at rewarding and redeeming travel.

Wells Fargo One Key+ Card vs. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The newly revamped Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is another great option for a standalone card that is better suited for travelers. Citi has a wide variety of transfer partners and redemption options which are far more flexible than the One Key+ and also offers a solid set of travel benefits.

We estimate Citi ThankYou Points at about 1.6 cents per point, which makes the Strata Premier earn better on anything other than non-bonused purchases. You’ll get 3X ThankYou Points in many of the same 3 percent categories as the One Key+, as well as EV charging stations, air travel and other hotel purchases.

You’ll also get superior value using the Citi Travel portal, earning a whopping 10X points on hotels, car rentals and attractions, which is far superior to the One Key+. However, the annual $100 hotel benefit is limited compared to the One Key+ annual bonus. You’ll need to spend at least $500 (excluding taxes and fees) to get this discount, while the OneKeyCash bonus comes simply for renewing the card.

Overall, the Citi Strata Premier is a better version of what the One Key+ card aspires to be. It has excellent everyday categories, higher rewards value, a more valuable welcome offer and better redemption flexibility. This makes it a solid choice for both frequent and occasional travelers.

How to use the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card

• Use your card for your dining, gas stations and grocery store purchases to earn 3 percent in OneKeyCash.
• Renew your card every year to earn the $100 annual OneKeyCash bonus.
• Pay for bookings with Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo with your card to stack your OneKeyCash earnings.

Is the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card right for you?

The rewards value across the board makes the Wells Fargo One Key+ Card a compelling choice for any purchase. The annual fee is worth it with the annual bonus OneKeyCash, and you’ll also get a solid boost to your balance from the decent welcome offer.

If you travel frequently or have elite status with certain programs, you may not get great value with the One Key+ Cards. But if you only travel occasionally or just want one card and program to cover your bases, the One Key+ Card can be a great choice for you.

The One Key rewards program is especially valuable if you travel frequently, as you receive automatic Silver tier membership in the One Key rewards program and can save 15% or more on more than 10,000 hotels globally. You can also unlock Gold tier when you spend $15,000 each calendar year with your One Key card. However, if you don’t travel much, the rewards and features of this card may not be as enticing.

Why you might want the Wells Fargo One Key Card

The Wells Fargo One Key Card boasts a reasonable rewards rate for travel bookings and everyday spending categories such as dining and gas. It also provides a solid flat rewards rate on other purchases. In addition, the One Key rewards program offers generous savings on hotel stays.

Welcome bonus: Reasonable spending requirement

The Wells Fargo One Key Card has a limited-time welcome offer rewarding $400 in OneKeyCash after you spend $1,000 on purchases during the first three months. This welcome bonus is an increase from its previous offer of $300 for the same spend and timeframe. It’s still a reasonable spending threshold, and you’re unlikely to feel pressured to overspend to satisfy the requirement.

Even though other travel rewards cards have a much higher welcome bonus value, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express – which has one of the highest welcome offer values of most top-tier travel rewards cards – these types of welcome bonuses typically come with a hefty annual bonus and spending requirement. The Wells Fargo One Key Card has a bonus that is slightly higher than most top-tier travel cards with no annual fee, such as the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited®.

Rewards: Great if you prefer third-party sites for travel bookings

You can earn 3% OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo bookings, as well as on gas station, grocery store and dining purchases. You earn 1.5% OneKeyCash on other purchases. This is a unique niche that could prove valuable if you primarily book reservations through third-party sites.

Additionally, you’re automatically qualified for Silver tier status in the One Key Rewards program, which grants an assortment of perks, including up to a 15% discount on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. To unlock Gold tier status, you’ll need to spend $15,000 or more per calendar year on your card.

You can also earn up to 6% OneKeyCash for every dollar you spend on top of the rewards you earn from the Wells Fargo One Key Card or from any airline loyalty program once you sign up for the One Key travel rewards program.

There are other cards with which you can earn a higher rate on hotel and car rental bookings, such as the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, but these cards often charge annual fees. If you are genuinely committed to using third-party sites and believe you can optimize your reward earnings through the One Key Rewards program’s status tiers, this card’s rewards rates can offer a lot of value for future bookings.

Rates and fees: No annual fee or foreign transaction fees

There is no annual fee attached to this card, which means you won’t lose any value for taking a break from travel for a year. It also has no foreign transaction fees, which can help you save on purchases made abroad.

Why you might want a different card

Even though the Wells Fargo One Key Card has a decent rewards program, welcome offer and elevated rate on travel purchases, there are still some drawbacks to consider, such as the lack of rewards flexibility and travel perks.

Redemption: Rewards can only be used through the One Key program

When it comes to the rewards you earn from the welcome bonus and purchases, you earn “OneKeyCash,” which you can’t redeem for cash or any other traditional form of redemption, such as statement credit, gift cards or merchandise. You can only redeem OneKeyCash through Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, which dramatically limits how you utilize your rewards. Additionally, $1 in OneKeyCash equals $1 in cash.

Compared to other cards, the Wells Fargo One Key Card is not as flexible with earnings. For example, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card allows you to redeem your cash back earnings for cash, statement credit or gift cards, but it also lets you make bookings through external travel sites at a discount. You can also redeem rewards toward various travel and dining-related categories, such as airlines, hotels, cruise lines, transit and tourist attractions, as well as restaurants, bars and taverns.

If you’re not very familiar with or interested in the Wells Fargo One Key Rewards program, you might prefer a different travel rewards card with a less rigid rewards structure and more redemption possibilities.

Benefits: There aren’t many travel perks compared to other similar cards

Though the card offers free Silver tier status in the One Key program and up to $1,000 of cell phone protection in case your phone is damaged or stolen ($25 deductible), these are the only notable benefits of the Wells Fargo One Key Card. Other cards by comparison, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, offer up to $120 credit toward TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, lost or damaged luggage coverage* as well as trip cancellation and interruption coverage* and more.

If you don’t mind paying an annual fee, a more premium travel rewards card would be more advantageous if you’re a luxury traveler – but if you don’t mind not having an annual fee and have no concerns about those sort of features, this card may be suitable for you.

How does the Wells Fargo One Key Card compare to other cards?

While the Wells Fargo One Key Card offers a respectable welcome bonus and rewards for no annual fee, there are still other travel rewards cards that may have more elevated rewards in the same categories, offer more flexibility in terms of redemption or have better perks overall.

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card	Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels Earn unlimited 4X points on airlines Earn unlimited 3X points on other travel and restaurants Earn 1X points on other purchases	Rewards rate: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.	Rewards rate: Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.	Welcome bonus  Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.	Welcome bonus: For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Annual fee:  $95	Annual fee: $0	Annual fee: $95
Other things to know: Offers travel insurance, cell phone protection, Visa Signature benefits, My Wells Fargo Deals opportunities	Other things to know: Offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance and purchase protection/extended warranty coverage	Other things to know: Offers Citi Concierge and Citi Entertainment perks

Wells Fargo One Key Card vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card has a competitive rewards rate on travel and dining, making it an attractive choice for individuals who regularly indulge in these activities. The low annual fee further adds to its appeal, allowing cardholders to earn rewards without having that cost dip into their yearly earning potential. Additionally, the inclusion of travel protection enhances the overall value of the card, providing a sense of security and reassurance for travelers.

On the other hand, some potential drawbacks of the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card include a less flexible rewards program compared to competitors, which may limit redemption options. Additionally, while there are no foreign transaction fees, the card lacks certain premium travel-related perks offered by other travel credit cards, potentially making it less appealing to those seeking an extensive suite of travel benefits.

The welcome bonus of the Autograph Journey Card is also less enticing compared to similar travel rewards cards due to its high spending requirement. If you prefer a low-barrier welcome offer and no annual fee, the One Key Card could be your best bet, but if you want a more elevated rewards rate for hotel and airline purchases, the Autograph Journey could work better.

Wells Fargo One Key Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers several advantages compared to the One Key Card. Its range of rewards categories as well as its welcome bonus are both valuable assets with greater everyday reward potential than the One Key Card. The card’s structure makes it an attractive option for individuals who prefer a tiered rewards scheme and the chance to strategize and maximize rewards. Additionally, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® allows cardholders to transfer their cash back earnings to Chase transfer partners at a 1:1 ratio, as well as pool earnings with other Chase cards that offer travel rewards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, maximizing the value of their rewards.

Despite its many benefits, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® does have a few potential downsides to consider. It has a 3% foreign transaction fee, unlike the Wells Fargo One Key Card. This means that individuals who primarily travel overseas may find the One Key Card more useful. Additionally, while the ability to pool cash back with other Chase cards is advantageous, it requires cardholders to have multiple Chase credit cards, which may not be ideal for those who prefer simplicity and consolidation.

Wells Fargo One Key Card vs. Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers a generous rewards rate eclipsing that of the One Key Card in categories such as hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com. Cardholders can also earn valuable points on their everyday purchases, such as restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations, making it a lucrative option for frequent travelers and food enthusiasts. Additionally, the card provides a couple of enticing travel perks, such as a $100 annual hotel benefit, enhancing the overall travel experience for cardholders.

Unlike the Wells Fargo One Key Card, however, the Citi Strata Premier features an annual fee, which could be a deterrent if you don’t travel often or you’re trying to minimize expenses. Additionally, the redemption options for the rewards earned through this card may not be as flexible as those offered by other travel credit cards, limiting the ways in which cardholders can utilize their points or miles. Despite these drawbacks, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card’s strong rewards program and travel perks make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize earning rewards on their travel expenses. But if you would rather not have an annual fee, a card like the Wells Fargo One Key Card could suit you.

How to use the Wells Fargo One Key Card

• Spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months to earn the welcome bonus.
• Stack your OneKeyCash earnings by using your card on Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo.
• Spend at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants to earn 3% OneKeyCash.
• Spend $15,000 or more per calendar year to unlock OneKey Gold tier status.

Is the Wells Fargo One Key Card right for you?

If you travel frequently and book the majority of your accommodations through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo, the Wells Fargo One Key Card may be a good option for you. However, the limited number of perks and redemption options may be a deal-breaker if you want enhanced travel perks and rewards flexibility.

If you don’t mind that your rewards are mostly focused toward the Wells Fargo OneKey program, then the One Key Card would be fine – but, if you want more redemption options for your reward earnings, another travel rewards card could serve as a more suitable choice.

*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

Current Citi Premier members have reported that their existing cards now show the updated name and features when logging into the Citi website. Also, you’ll only be able to get a welcome bonus on this card if you haven’t earned one on the Citi Premier or Citi Strata Premier in the last 48 months.

ThankYou Points can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and merchandise, as well as travel through the Citi portal or with Citi’s transfer partners. The flexibility offered and the range of bonus categories add to the solid value of this card.

The Citi Strata Premier looks to measure well with the best credit cards on the market. It can serve you well as a standalone credit card while also pairing well with other Citi cards for added value. With a boosted welcome offer, this is a great time to consider applying for this card. However, you’ll want to consider your spending and travel habits to see if you can justify the annual fee.

Why you might want the Citi Strata Premier card

The Citi Strata Premier covers many everyday expenses, offers flexible point redemption options, and features an elevated welcome offer. Here are some reasons why you might want the Citi Strata Premier card.

Excellent rewards rate in a variety of categories

The Citi Strata Premier Card is a points-earning powerhouse. The old Citi Premier earned 3X points in popular categories like restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels. All that stays with this rebranded card while adding EV stations to the 3X group. In addition, you’ll permanently get a whopping 10X points on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel. According to Bankrate’s valuations, Citi ThankYou Points are worth 1.6 cents per point, meaning the 3X categories earn an excellent return of 4.8 percent and the 10X category comes in with an incredible 16 percent return on spending.

For a card with only a $95 annual fee, it out-earns most cards, including those with much higher costs. You can also make an excellent case for using only this card for all expenses, as it covers a wide range of commonly used categories. Most cards offering a 3X rate or better will only cover one or two categories, but none have the overall reach that the Citi Strata Premier has.

While your points are worth their highest value when redeemed for travel, you’ll still get excellent value even if you don’t travel frequently. Pairing this card with another Citi card, like the Citi Double Cash® Card, gives you the flexibility to pool points from both cards to create a powerful reward machine that can be optimized for cash back or travel expenses.

Boosted welcome offer and added perks

For a limited time, new cardholders can earn  75,000 ThankYou points (increased from 70,000) for spending $4,000 in the first three months, worth $750 when redeemed for travel or gift cards with thankyou.com. Our valuations place each point on average at 1.6 cents, so the offer can be worth around $1,200. If you were to meet the minimum spending requirement solely in 3X categories, which isn’t hard to do considering the number of categories, you’d end up with 87,000 ThankYou points when you add in the welcome bonus. That could be worth around $1,392!

One area where the old Citi Premier fell short of the competition was that it didn’t have any notable travel perks, even though it was Citi’s primary travel card. That has now been rectified. The revamped Citi Strata Premier offers the same competitive set of travel benefits found with its competitors:

• Trip delay insurance
• Travel cancellation and interruption insurance
• Lost or damaged luggage protection
• MasterRental coverage auto rental collision damage insurance
• Emergency assistance

These changes add an extra layer of value to an already solid card. An increased welcome offer adds further value, while the travel perks fill a needed gap in the card’s overall portfolio.

Flexible rewards program

One of the biggest appeals of this card is the Citi ThankYou rewards program. There are many flexible options for redeeming points, whether you travel frequently or prefer cash back.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, a direct deposit, a check in the mail, gift cards, merchandise through shopping partners, charitable contributions or payments toward a student loan or a mortgage. Cash back options redeem at 1 cent per point, while other non-travel options often come in with a lower value and aren’t recommended.

To get the most value from your points, you’ll want to redeem them through the Citi travel portal or transfer them to one of Citi’s extensive list of airline and hotel partners. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio (with a card earning full ThankYou points) unless otherwise noted:

• Accor Live Limitless (2:1)
• Aeromexico Rewards
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue
• Avianca LifeMiles
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
• Choice Privileges (1:2)
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• EVA Air Infinity MileageLands
• JetBlue TrueBlue
• Leaders Club (5:1)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Thai Royal Orchid Plus
• Turkish Airlines Miles &Smiles
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
• Wyndham Rewards

You can also increase the value of points earned from non-premium Citi cards. These cards earn basic ThankYou points that don’t have access to transfer partners and a lower redemption rate. By combining them with your Citi Strata Premier, these points gain the total value you would get with rewards earned on the Citi Strata Premier, helping to create a more formidable card combination.

The flexibility of how and where you can use Citi ThankYou points combined with their overall solid value makes the Citi Strata Premier a great choice for earning high returns.

Why you might want a different card

While there is much to like about the Citi Strata Premier card, it may only work for some. An annual fee only makes sense if you get proper value in return. Also, Citi’s travel partners may not be a fit for you compared to other issuers.

You don’t want to pay an annual fee

The Citi Strata Premier card comes with an annual fee of $95. Unlike other cards, it isn’t waived in the first year, and there are no easy options to offset it. The annual hotel credit is the closest feature to offset your fee, but you still have to pay $500 for a hotel stay. If you aren’t already planning to do that, it wouldn’t make sense to do so.

You’ll need to see whether the value offered by the bonus categories will generate enough rewards to justify the expense of the annual fee. If you aren’t using those categories consistently enough, perhaps a no-annual fee card or a flat-rate card may serve you better.

Transfer partners may not work for you

While Citi cards come with a long list of transfer partners, you might need something else for your travel needs. Most of Citi’s options are with international airlines. While there are plenty of uses for booking partner awards with domestic airlines using these programs, it can be very time-consuming and confusing to figure out the specifics and book the awards.

Citi carries only one domestic airline transfer partner (JetBlue) and has minimal hotel options, notably missing luxury hotel brands. All issuers with transfer partners have different options, so if Citi’s list doesn’t work for you, you’ll want to explore other options. Most airlines and hotel brands are covered by one of the major issuers or a co-branded card, so if you have a specific need, you should be able to find the right card to suit your needs.

How does the Citi Strata Premier card compare to other travel cards?

The Citi Strata Premier card does well compared to other top travel cards. However, one of these alternatives may work better for you based on your spending and travel needs.

Citi Strata Premier vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is the closest competitor to the Citi Strata Premier. Both do well in the rewards category and have an identical annual fee. The Citi Strata Premier covers more ground in the 3X category and earns more with its travel portal earnings, while the Sapphire Preferred uniquely offers 5X on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025), 3X on streaming services and 2X on other travel purchases.

The Sapphire Preferred offers better benefits, including a 10 percent anniversary points boost, a $50 annual hotel credit, and a 25 percent boost in points pooled from other Chase cards when using Chase Travel℠. While the Citi Strata Premier can also pool points, there’s no further added value.

Both cards overlap in some transfer partners, with Citi having more choices overall. However, Chase offers more domestic airline options and hotel brands offering luxury properties. Chase Ultimate Reward points have a higher value of 2.0 cents per point compared to 1.6 cents per point for Citi ThankYou points.

While your spending and travel needs may dictate which card works better, the Sapphire Preferred offers more overall value.

Citi Strata Premier vs. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Another card to enter the mid-tier travel space is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey. Once again, the Citi Strata Premier covers more 3X categories but is outearned by the Autograph Journey in the hotels and air travel category (unless booked through Citi Travel).

The new welcome offer on the Citi Strata Premier earns more points from the same spending. According to Bankrate’s point value estimates, ThankYou points earned with the Strata Premier are also worth more than Wells Fargo Rewards: Bankrate estimates Strata Premier points are worth around 1.6 cents per dollar with the right transfer partner, while Wells Fargo Rewards are only worth 1 cent per point

Both cards could be better at offering perks, but Wells Fargo does offer a $50 airline annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase. On the other hand, Citi has a superior list of transfer partners and more flexible redemption options.

Unless you spend heavily on hotels and airlines and get outsized value from one of Wells Fargo’s travel partners, the Citi Strata Premier will be a better option.

Citi Strata Premier vs. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Regarding cards with great everyday spending rates, the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express is among the best. While this card earns cash back instead of rewards points, it boasts strong 6 percent categories at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1 percent) and select U.S streaming subscriptions. The 3 percent categories cover U.S. gas stations and a variety of transit expenses, while the Citi Strata Premier also covers restaurants, hotels, and air travel. You’ll need to run your spending numbers to assess what gives more reward value, but if you maximize your supermarket spending, it may tilt towards the Amex Blue Cash Preferred.

The welcome offer from Amex falls very short of the Citi Strata Premier, but the Blue Cash Preferred has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. You’ll also get up to $84 in streaming credits on select services with the Blue Cash Preferred, but only at $7 per month when spending at least $9.99.

While the Citi Strata Premier may not quite measure up from an everyday spending perspective, it’s the superior choice if you want to redeem rewards for travel expenses. Cash back is earned at a fixed rate, while Citi ThankYou points can earn outsized value when redeemed with the right partner. Both cards have excellent qualities. It’s just a matter of which benefits you most.

How to use the Citi Strata Premier card

• Use it for all your purchases in the 3X bonus categories like resstaurants, gas stations and supermarkets.
• Spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months to earn the welcome bonus.
• Book a $500 or more hotel stay through ThankYou.com to earn the $100 annual hotel benefit.
• Pair with other Citi cards for additional value.

Is the Citi Strata Premier card right for you?

It’s hard to argue against the Citi Strata Premier being one of the top cards on the market at its price point. No other card covers the wide range of bonus categories while providing flexible redemption options. By increasing the welcome offer and adding perks to match its competitors, the card has very few flaws and offers excellent value.

If your travel needs better align with programs not covered by Citi’s transfer partners or you prefer not to pay an annual fee, you may want to explore other options. Otherwise, this card works great as a standalone card or with other Citi cards. If you haven’t had a welcome bonus on this card or its predecessor, now is a great time to consider applying for the card.

Current Wells Fargo cardholders looking to explore travel rewards without stepping outside the Wells Fargo environment will certainly be pleased with this card’s generous rewards rates, welcome offer and valuable perks. But even if you aren’t a Wells Fargo customer, this entry into the travel cards landscape could entice you to apply because it compares favorably with some of the best travel cards available.

However, the Wells Fargo Rewards program is still relatively fresh and lacks the nuance of other rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Travel. Although you’ll be able to earn a decent amount of points for your travel spending, you’ll only be able to pick from a handful of travel transfer partners. This restriction could limit the overall value of your rewards.

Why you might want the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Autograph Journey card is a great entry into the pool of available travel credit cards because it has outstanding rewards rates for key travel expenses, a competitive welcome offer and valuable perks and credits.

Stellar rewards for travel spending

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card is an excellent choice for frequent travelers because it earns bonus rewards in the average person’s biggest travel spending categories: hotels and airlines. You’ll earn 5X points on hotel bookings and 4X points on airfare — solid rates for a mid-tier travel card.

And since the card includes restaurants and other travel in its 3X bonus categories, it’ll also come in handy after you’ve arrived. You’ll earn 3X points on travel purchases ranging from rental cars and travel agencies to discount travel sites, cruise lines and campgrounds.

This mix of travel categories gives the Autograph Journey solid flexibility. Many other travel cards only earn rewards at a decent rate if you book travel through an issuer rewards portal or directly from airlines and hotels.

The higher rewards rate on other travel purchases could also allow you to simplify your card stack. Instead of pairing a typical travel rewards card with a flat-rate rewards card to maximize your rewards on outside travel bookings, you can stick with the Autograph Journey for all travel spending. A 3X rewards rate on other travel and restaurant purchases beats out many competitor rates — even some with higher annual fees.

Annual statement credit helps offset cost

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card carries an annual $50 statement credit for airline purchases of at least $50. That’s enough value to offset more than half of the card’s annual fee, making it easier to make up the difference via rewards earnings.

If you book even one flight (worth at least $50) per year, this card will pay for itself with another $1,125 spent directly with airlines. However, even if you don’t spend that much on airfare, American consumers reported spending around $1,300 on “other lodging” in the 2022 Consumer Expenditures Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This report specifies that “other lodging” includes hotels, which earn this card’s highest rewards rate.

If you spend close to what the average American consumer spends on lodging, then you may comfortably offset this card’s annual fee with its statement credit and one to three trips per year (depending on where you travel).

Other travel cards have credits like this, including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, so while this perk doesn’t set the card apart from the competition, it keeps it competitive.

Generous welcome offer for initial spending

The value of this card’s welcome bonus is on par with what other cards at this price point offer. You’ll earn 60,000 points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first three months. Wells Fargo Rewards points are worth 1 cent each according to Bankrate, so we estimate this bonus is worth around $600 — enough to offset your annual fee for up to six years. The redemption value of Wells Fargo points also depends on whether you use them to cover travel purchases or transfer to one of Wells Fargo’s travel partners.

Travel cards like this one have similarly valuable welcome offers, setting them apart from no-annual-fee cards with welcome offers that hover around $200 in value. Although those welcome offers require less spending, they’re not nearly as valuable. If you’re comparing the Autograph Journey card to the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card,  you’ll notice that the Autograph card’s welcome offer is a third of the size of the Journey card’s welcome offer. However, it requires four times less spending.

A lower spending requirement doesn’t necessarily mean the offer is better than one with a higher spending requirement; it just means it’s easier to obtain. Although it’s harder to obtain, the Autograph Journey card’s offer is much more valuable. Plus, you could meet the $4,000 spending requirement if you’re taking a trip in your first three months with the card.

Comes with a loaded portfolio of benefits

The Autograph Journey offers a long list of perks and benefits for travel experiences, purchase protection and shopping when you use your card. It’s also a Visa Signature® card, so you’ll get features like Visa Signature Concierge Service and Luxury Hotel Collection. Along with these benefits, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey card includes:

• Travel Accident Insurance: Travel Accident Insurance protection of up to $1,000,000 when you purchase airfare with your card (benefit applies when using Autograph Journey to pay for trip; terms apply).
• Lost Baggage Reimbursement: Receive up to $3,000 in luggage reimbursement per trip if your bags are lost or stolen while traveling.
• Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection: Be reimbursed for up to $15,000 for lodging, flights and other activities when your trip is canceled for an eligible reason (benefit applies when using Autograph Journey to pay for trip).
• Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Decline the auto rental dealer’s coverage and be reimbursed for damage or theft (benefit applies when using Autograph Journey to pay for rental).
• Travel and Emergency Services Assistance: Emergency assistance while traveling worldwide
• No Foreign Transaction fees
• Cellular Telephone Protection: Get up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage and theft when you pay your bill with your card (subject to $25 deduction and does not include lost phones; maximum of two paid claims per 12-month period).

Why you might want a different travel rewards credit card

If you aren’t a Wells Fargo customer or don’t have a Wells Fargo credit card, you might have a large pool of points elsewhere and are less inclined to open a credit card in the Wells Fargo ecosystem. That’s understandable, but there are also some downsides to the Autograph Journey that are difficult to overlook because they’re areas where its strongest competitors excel.

No boosted rewards for groceries

Although this is a travel card, and you shouldn’t expect many of those “at home” categories to earn boosted rewards, other travel cards sometimes include categories like groceries. This rewards category, and ones like it, help accrue rewards you can redeem for future travel purchases. A healthy mix of travel and everyday categories is a great way to earn rewards year-round.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a great travel card for travel purchases, but it lacks the everyday value that you can find on higher-tier travel cards, like the American Express® Gold Card. Alternatively, flat-rate cards that reward 2X points for all purchases could provide better annual value if travel is a rare occasion for you.

Very few travel partners for transfers 

Wells Fargo Rewards points are not as competitive as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Capital One Miles, premium Citi ThankYou points or American Express Membership Rewards. A preliminary point valuation of 1 cent sounds fairly reasonable at first, but other credit card rewards can be worth up to 2 cents per point (depending on the redemption method).

If you’re earning points at a comparable rate as other cards, but those other cards’ points are more valuable, your net value is lower overall. Wells Fargo’s low point valuation puts the Autograph Journey card at a disadvantage, but there’s nothing necessarily wrong with the card. It’s the Wells Fargo redemption methods and transfer partners holding that value back.

Wells Fargo only has six transfer partners, so it has much less variety than many other travel cards offer. You’ll want to make sure that you’ll be able to maximize this card’s rewards program if you’re going to apply for it. The last thing you want is to collect a healthy amount of points you won’t be able to use efficiently when you could be earning points that line up with your regular travel vendors and which have higher value.

Its annual fee could be difficult to offset

You’ll have a hard time offsetting your annual fee with this card unless you spend regularly on travel-related purchases like flights and hotels. Although you could use it at restaurants at home and abroad to comfortably earn 3X points, you won’t earn a decent share of rewards for other everyday purchases like gas and groceries.

Because groceries make up such a large chunk of the average consumer’s budget, you’ll likely miss out on a substantial amount of points from your purchases at the supermarket. To maximize your rewards, you’ll need to pair this card with another cash back or rewards card offering boosted rates for U.S. supermarket or grocery purchases to maximize your earning potential throughout the year.

How does the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card compare to other travel cards?

The following cards compare well with the Autograph Journey card because they have similar annual fees, welcome offers, rewards or perks. You’ll want to look at each of these cards to determine which one aligns with your spending habits and needs. For instance, do you need to pay an annual fee to access rewards that make sense for you?

Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Sapphire Preferred card is one of the best travel cards available because it has outstanding rewards for travel and everyday purchases. It also earns one of the most valuable rewards currencies: Chase Ultimate Rewards points. If you hope to leverage everyday spending into a travel rewards strategy, the Sapphire Preferred is a step in the right direction.

It’s similar to the Autograph Journey card because it has boosted rewards rates for restaurants and travel purchases, a competitive welcome offer and an annual $50 statement credit. Unless you’re embedded in the Wells Fargo ecosystem and want to exercise that loyalty further, you should consider the Sapphire Preferred.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Like the Sapphire Preferred card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a valuable rewards program and respectable rewards rates for various purchases. The card’s most notable rate is 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, but this is fairly restrictive compared to the Sapphire Preferred or the Autograph Journey card. Where the Venture Rewards card comes ahead is for all other purchases. Its 2X miles on every purchase makes the Venture Rewards card a great alternative to a tiered rewards card because people who make several different purchases throughout the year can earn a fair amount of miles without much thought or planning.

If you’re strategizing a credit card stack and hoping to maximize your earnings regardless of when those points add up, a tiered card like the Autograph Journey will be a fine addition to your wallet. However, if you want solid value and only hold one credit card to earn rewards, a flat-rate card like the Venture Rewards card will keep things simple.

Discover it Miles

Like the Venture Rewards, the Discover it Miles card is a flat-rate rewards card, so it’s structurally different from the Autograph Journey card and will be better used as your go-to credit card for all purchases. The Discover it Miles has much lower rewards potential than the Autograph Journey and doesn’t offer any statement credits or boosted rewards. However, it also doesn’t charge an annual fee.

A no-annual-fee card like the Discover it Miles will be a good choice if you spend modestly throughout the year and won’t offset any fee you’d pay on the Autograph Journey or another travel card. The Discover it Miles will be ideal for people new to travel rewards or who are unsure of their annual spending by category.

How to use the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

• Book flights and hotels directly whenever possible, but remember that you’ll still earn 3X points for third-party bookings, too.
• Use the card for international purchases, particularly at restaurants and hotels to maximize your earnings without worrying about added fees.
• Spend $4,000 or more in purchases in your first three months to earn your 60,000-point welcome offer.
• Keep an eye on Wells Fargo Rewards travel transfer partners to maximize the value of your points upon redemption
• Buy at least one $50 or more airline ticket per year directly from an airline to earn your $50 statement credit.
• Pay your cellphone bill with your Autograph Journey card to make the most of the card’s cell phone protection.

Is the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card right for you?

If you travel frequently, you can quickly offset this card’s annual fee via rewards.But if you’re more focused on earning rewards from your everyday spending, this card won’t offer a ton of value.

Restaurants is its only non-travel bonus category, and a 3X rewards rate on restaurants is easily matched by no-annual-fee alternatives, including the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card. This makes the card a poor choice if you only travel occasionally — even if you want to use points for travel.

However, there are several earning caps to be aware of that limit this card’s overall value. Plus, you’ll only earn a great rate on Sam’s Club purchases if you’re a Sam’s Club Plus member.

Read on to learn how the Sam’s Club Mastercard doles out rewards, where its weaknesses are and who it’s best for.

Earning rewards

The Sam’s Club Mastercard comes with some very rewarding bonus categories that can apply to almost anyone. For example, cardholders earn 5% back on up to $6,000 in gas purchases each year (then 1% back) anywhere Mastercard is accepted. If someone is able to max out this benefit with $500 in gas purchases each month, they would earn $300 in cash back in this category alone every year.

All cardholders also earn 3% back on dining purchases, including takeout.

Cardholders who are also Sam’s Club Plus Members earn 5% back total on Sam’s Club purchases (3% for paying with the card and another 2% as a Plus member), including items bought at SamsClub.com. If you’re a regular Sam’s Club member, however, you’ll only earn 1% back on Sam’s Club purchases and other items you buy. Considering this card is a co-branded card with Sam’s Club, the 1% earning rate on Sam’s Club purchases for regular members is definitely subpar.

Also note that some restrictions apply. In addition to the earning cap on gas purchases, the fine print for the Sam’s Club Mastercard also says your cash back rewards are capped at $5,000 per year. That’s a huge threshold to meet, but it’s still worth noting if you spend a lot of money and have a high cash back potential as a result.

Spending example

Let’s say you buy gas and groceries at Sam’s Club, and that you spend around what the average family spends. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average family spent approximately $2,094 on gasoline per year at last count. Meanwhile, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that the average family of four on a moderate budget spends up to $1,128.20 per month on groceries.

With these levels of spending, you would earn this much in rewards on gas and Sam’s Club purchases as a Sam’s Club Plus member:

• Gas spending ($2,094 per year): $104.70 in cash back
• Grocery spending ($13,538.40 per year): $676.92 in cash back

If you’re a regular member, you would earn this much in rewards:

• Gas spending ($2,094 per year): $104.70 in cash back
• Grocery spending ($13,538.40 per year): $135.38 in cash back

Redeeming rewards

The Sam’s Club Mastercard comes with even more stipulations within its rewards program. For starters, you get your rewards from the prior year in February of each year, and your rewards are automatically added to your Sam’s Club account. From there, you can only redeem them for purchases or cash back at Sam’s Club locations.

While your rewards won’t expire as long as you’re a member and you use them before their expiration date, you won’t be able to redeem your rewards if you give up your Sam’s Club membership for any reason – for example, if you move and don’t even live near Sam’s Club anymore.

The fine print for this card goes on to say that, if your Sam’s Club membership ceases, “the rewards may not be redeemed until such membership is reactivated.”

How do rewards expiration dates work? Sam’s Club is pretty cryptic about this on their website.

Specifically, they say that “your unredeemed cash back rewards will expire as of the date listed on the reward notification you will receive when the cash back rewards are issued to your Sam’s Club membership. Any unredeemed cash back rewards will be forfeited upon the expiration date if unused.”

Current sign-up bonus

When you sign up for the Sam’s Club Mastercard, you get the chance to earn a statement credit of $30 when you open an account and make a Sam’s Club purchase of $30 within 30 days. We likely do not have to tell you that this “sign-up bonus” is pretty unimpressive and that most rewards cards offer much better bonus offers.

If you really want to earn a big bonus within the first few months of account opening, we suggest checking out our guide to the best credit card sign-up bonuses.

Card rates and fees

The Sam’s Club Mastercard doesn’t charge an annual fee, which is not that surprising. However, one benefit of this card is the fact that it doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.

Cardholders who carry a balance will pay a variable APR of 15.65% to 23.65% depending on their creditworthiness. Other fees to be aware of include a 4% balance transfer fee (minimum $10), a 3% cash advance fee (minimum $5) and a late fee of up to $40.

Card perks

The Sam’s Club Mastercard is pretty light on perks, which is pretty normal considering it’s a credit card for groceries and gas at heart. With that being said, there are some benefits you may actually care about:

• No foreign transaction fees: When traveling abroad, you won’t be charged a fee on foreign transactions.
• Doubles as membership card: You won’t have to carry a separate membership card since your Sam’s Club Mastercard is connected to your membership.

How does the Sam’s Club Mastercard compare to other cash back credit cards?

While the Sam’s Club Mastercard is co-branded with this bulk retail store, you can use any cash back credit card to shop here. To help you decide whether the Sam’s Club Mastercard is for you, we decided to compare it to other rewards credit cards for gas and groceries.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

As you compare these cards, it’s easy to see how the Chase Freedom Unlimited® stands out. There is a broader range of bonus categories including dining and drugstores, and all of your regular purchases will earn a flat 1.5% back. This card also offers a sign-up bonus, and there’s no annual fee to boot.

In addition to offering a breadth of insurance and travel protections, the Chase Freedom Unlimited also lets you redeem your rewards for cash back, statement credits, merchandise, gift cards and even travel.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

If you don’t have a big box membership yet and you may give Costco a try, you should also check out the Costco Anywhere Visa. This card also offers an excellent cash back rate on gas and EV charging purchases, but you’ll probably notice that it gives you 2% back on Costco and Costco.com purchases, compared to the 1% back Sam’s Club regular members get with their co-branded card.

On the other hand, the Costco Anywhere Visa also comes with similar restrictions on their rewards. You only get your rewards once per year, and they are only good at Costco.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

If you really want a flat-rate rewards card with fixed bonus categories and no earning caps, check out the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. Not only do you get the chance to earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases within three months of account opening, but you earn a flat 2% cash rewards on purchases.

This card doesn’t charge an annual fee, and you get cellphone protection coverage when you pay your phone bill with your credit card.

Who should get the Sam’s Club Mastercard?

• Current Sam’s Club members who like to shop at bulk superstores
• Sam’s Club Plus members who can earn 5% total cash back on Sam’s Club purchases
• People who spend a lot on gas and dining out
• People are fine with earning rewards that have to be redeemed at Sam’s Club

How to use the Sam’s Club Mastercard:

• Keep your Sam’s Club membership current through at least February when you can spend your rewards balance from the previous year.
• Use the card to pay for gas and dining purchases to maximize your rewards.
• Carry the card with you when traveling overseas to take advantage of no foreign transaction fees.
• Pay your balance in full each month to avoid the high APR for purchases.

Is the Sam’s Club Mastercard worth it?

Since the Sam’s Club Mastercard offers cash back rewards with no annual fee, it’s hard to complain too much about it. Then again, there are rewards caps and limits with this card, and you can only redeem your rewards for cash back or merchandise by visiting Sam’s Club.

That makes the Sam’s Club Mastercard pretty inconvenient when you compare it to other cards with flexible rewards and fewer limitations. While the Sam’s Club Mastercard could be the best fit for your needs, we suggest comparing it to other cash back credit cards that offer bonus rewards on groceries, gas or both.

The Destiny Mastercard is a solid option for people with less-than-perfect credit or low credit histories. This card is ideal for students, people new to credit cards or those who have filed for bankruptcy since people with fair to average credit scores are eligible to apply. Also, it’s an unsecured card so you don’t need to put down a security deposit, which is typical for secured credit cards. Not only that, you can gain immediate access to your card with your mobile wallet after approval, and, if approved, begin with a reasonable starting credit limit as well.

However, you should be wary of the annual fee, monthly fee, APR and any additional fees that come with this card, as they might become costly over time. There are other credit-building cards that do not require a security deposit and have minimal fees, so it’s important to consider whether or not the Destiny Mastercard is truly worthwhile long-term.

Why you might want the Destiny Mastercard

The Destiny Mastercard is ideal for credit building because it doesn’t ask for a security deposit and reports your activity to all three credit bureaus. You can also start or rebuild your credit journey with a respectable credit limit.

You don’t have to pay a security deposit

Since the Destiny Mastercard is an unsecured card, you don’t have to worry about paying a security deposit — a plus for people with fair credit scores. While most people with poor credit scores lean toward secured credit cards to boost their credit standing, they usually have to pay a refundable security deposit that can be as high as $200. You will, however, have to pay an annual and a monthly fee, but you can avoid the upfront costs of a security deposit.

It has a decent starting credit limit

You could qualify for a  $700 starting credit limit, a reasonable limit when compared to credit-building secured cards that limit your credit line based on the total amount of your security deposit as well as other unsecured credit-building cards that typically feature lower credit limits. Having access to a decent credit line can help keep your credit utilization ratio low, allowing you to improve your credit score faster.

Though this is a good card limit for an unsecured fair credit card, there are high-limit secured cards that outperform the Destiny Mastercard, such as the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, which allows up to $2,500 in a credit line but only if you can put down a matching deposit.

Why you might want a different card

Although the Destiny Mastercard can help you in your credit-building journey, there are a few drawbacks to consider, such as the steep amount of fees, high APR and lack of perks.

It comes with a slew of high fees

Even though it’s common for fair credit cards to load up on fees, this card’s costs are unusually high. The Destiny Mastercard has an annual fee that begins at $175 the first year, and then $49 after that, along with a monthly fee that is $0 the first year, but $150 annually afterward ($12.50 billed monthly). These two fees may seem excessive on their own, especially given that the annual fee is deducted from your credit limit – which means that if you get approved for a $500 credit limit, your initial credit limit will be reduced to $325 during the first year.

And not only that, but there is a high 35.90% cash advance rate and ongoing APR, which is significantly higher than the current average credit card interest rate. And even though there is no penalty APR, there is a late payment fee up to $41.

However, if you plan on traveling, it does come with a low 1% foreign transaction fee, but the annual fee and monthly fee might be too costly, especially if you are working to build credit and keep costs low.

There aren’t any rewards or standout perks and benefits

Aside from Mastercard benefits like Fraud Protection* and EMV chip technology, there aren’t many features that distinguish this card from similar cards that provide rewards along with solid perks. For example, the Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card offers 1 to 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, and the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn 1.5% flat-rate cash back on all purchases as well as 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Even though this card is primarily focused on building credit, it would have been advantageous to have more cardholder benefits that would make applying for this card more enticing.

How does the Destiny Mastercard compare to other credit-building cards?

If you are unable to qualify for typical unsecured credit cards due to a poor credit history or a low credit score, the Destiny Mastercard may be a viable option. However, there are unsecured credit card options that either have no annual fee or allow you to earn rewards that could earn a place in your wallet instead.

Capital One Platinum Credit Card	Avant Credit Card	Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
Rewards rate N/A	Rewards rate N/A	Rewards rate 1% cash back on eligible gas, grocery, internet, mobile phone, cable or satellite TV purchases
Credit limit See terms	Credit limit $300	Credit limit $300
Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0–$59	Annual fee $39
Other things to know: After six months of responsible use, you can become eligible for a credit line increase after account review.	Other things to know: Your account may be reviewed periodically for a credit line increase (no set timeline). Instant approval is available.	Other things to know: Your account is automatically reviewed for a credit line increase (no specified timeline). You have the option to purchase a credit protection plan.

Destiny Mastercard vs. Capital One Platinum Credit Card

The Capital One Platinum Credit Card, like the Destiny Mastercard, is an unsecured credit card with minimal perks aimed at those with fair to average credit, but, unlike the Destiny card, it has no annual or monthly maintenance fees.

The Capital One Platinum’s ongoing APR is also a bit lower, but you do sacrifice a higher credit limit. The Capital One card has a potentially low starting credit limit, which the Destiny Mastercard rivals with its $700 starting credit limit. If you are looking for a card with low costs, then the Capital One card may fit your needs, but if you prefer one with a higher credit limit, the Destiny Mastercard might be worth all the fees.

Destiny Mastercard vs. Avant Credit Card

The Avant Credit Card allows you to prequalify without affecting your credit score with a “hard pull,” and it does not require a security deposit. However, depending on your creditworthiness, you could have an annual fee as low as $0. Otherwise, it could go up to $59, which is higher than the Destiny Mastercard’s annual fee after the first year.

And along with its limited perks and relatively high APR, even if you qualify for a low $0 annual fee, the card has a low $300 starting credit limit. While you could get a credit line increase after a periodic account review, you might get a higher limit right from the start with the Destiny Mastercard.

Destiny Mastercard vs. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®

The opportunity to build credit without sacrificing earning rewards is the most significant advantage of the Credit One Bank Platinum Visa, as you can earn 1% cash back on qualifying purchases. In addition, there is no need to put down a security deposit, and the APR is lower than the Destiny Mastercard.

How to use Destiny Mastercard

• Make on-time monthly payments in full toward your balance so a positive credit history can be reported to the three credit bureaus to build your credit score.
• Use the card in-store, online or in-app using your mobile wallet for everyday purchases, but make sure to keep your credit utilization ratio low in order to avoid negative effects on your credit score.
• Access your account online to keep track of your progress and any important alerts, updates or changes.

Is the Destiny Mastercard right for you?

The Destiny Mastercard is a great pick if you have less than stellar credit and would prefer an unsecured card, especially if you would like to avoid a security deposit. But if you also want a card that earns rewards or has decent perks, this card may disappoint you — especially considering the high amount of fees associated with it. You can easily find secured and unsecured cards with lesser fees that accept fair to average credit that might be more valuable down the line.

*You’ll receive a Mastercard Guide-to-Benefits with the program terms and conditions with your card. Fraud protection is provided by Mastercard Zero Liability Protection.

Like the Capital One Venture X, the Capital One Venture X Business card is a dream when it comes to low-effort and high-value perks and rewards. In fact, it’s nearly identical to the personal card, right down to the spending categories, travel statement credits and annual bonus miles.

One place where this card stands apart from its sibling card — as well as from other business cards — is the high sign-up bonus. With the higher-than-average spend required to earn the bonus, this offer is decidedly built for businesses with significant expenses. The Venture X Business also has no preset spending limit, which is a notable departure from the personal card.

Since the card otherwise shares so much in common with the Venture X, we recommend it for many of the same reasons: it’s a fantastic value for the modest annual fee and much simpler to use than other luxury business cards. If you’re a business owner who values flexibility and simplicity without sacrificing perks and features, the Venture X Business should be on your radar. But if your business needs to carry a balance, you’ll want to check out the other best business cards on the market.

What are the pros and cons?

Why you might want the Capital One Venture X Business card

If you’re a business with employees who travel often, the Venture X Business is an ideal low-effort way to earn rewards while providing extra luxury to your jetsetters.

Like the personal card, the Venture X Business makes it easy to offset the card’s annual cost. It also comes with the versatile Capital One rewards program that gives you redemption flexibility that rivals competing rewards programs.

Earn generous rewards on nearly all categories

Like other luxury business travel cards on the market, the Venture X Business earns its highest rewards on travel purchases. You’ll earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked the same way.

Along with these bonus rewards, you earn 2X miles on all other purchases. Few luxury business travel cards offer a 2X base rate, with most earning just 1.5X. This rate is on par with the top-earning flat-rate cash back cards, which don’t offer additional bonus categories like the Venture X Business.

With these rates, you can easily rack up miles as a frequent flyer.  Suppose you take 10 round-trip flights per year at an average cost of around $400, for a total of $4,000 in spending on airfare through the Capital One Travel portal. You’d earn a solid 20,000 miles. If you also make another $2,000 in purchases on hotels and rental cars through Capital One and $1,200 per month on everything else, you’d earn another 48,000 miles per year, giving you a total of 68,800 miles, worth $688 when redeemed for travel.

When compared to other cards like the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you should come out ahead based on similar spending and a 1-cent-per-point value.

The Venture X Business handily pulls ahead with its strong earning rates, though this difference is less if you don’t often spend on hotels. Still, the greater rate on general purchases means you stand to earn more miles on a greater variety of purchases compared to the Amex Business Platinum card.

Annual credits and bonuses offset the annual fee

One of the other main advantages of the Venture X Business compared to competing business luxury cards is the relatively low price of the card for the long-term value it offers. At $395 annually (See rates and Fees), the card clocks in well under the cost of cards like the Amex Business Platinum. And at this price point, the card’s annual travel credits and bonus miles help pay for the cards.

Here’s the skinny: You’ll earn 10,000 bonus miles each year on your account anniversary. These miles are worth $100 when you use them to make purchases through Capital One Travel or pay off travel purchases made outside Capital One’s travel portal. The card also offers $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel.

So if you or your employees spend $400 per year on travel — a figure most businesses that need to travel are likely to reach — you’re entirely offsetting the annual cost of the Venture X Business. Any rewards earned after that are icing on the cake.

Valuable perks for you and your employees

On top of the card’s annual credits, there are a few other perks and features that can extend the card’s value. You can open additional employee cards for free (See rates and Fees) with the Venture X Business, and all employee cards earn rewards at the same rate as the primary account. You can also monitor and manage transactions with several software integrations.

You also get several travel perks common to travel business cards, including an up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, complimentary access to a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One lounges, Plaza Premium Group lounges and Priority Pass lounges through the Partner Lounge Network. The Priority Pass membership can prove especially valuable as the prestige membership price runs $469 annually.

However, whether or not you find this perk useful depends on which airlines you frequent: you’ll find a majority of Priority Pass lounges at international airports. However, you’ll also get unlimited access to the Capital One Lounge.

Flexible travel redemptions

The Venture X Business bucks the trend of many other business travel cards by allowing you to redeem rewards for purchases outside the issuer travel portal at full value. So if you prefer booking your flights with an airline directly, you can still take advantage of your hard-earned miles without sacrificing their worth. This is an advantage you can’t find on many business travel cards.

Capital One also offers a decent mix of travel partners to international airlines. Depending on the value of the transfer partner’s miles or points, this could increase the value of your earned rewards. Such transfers are always a valuable perk, though domestic airlines are lacking on the partner list.

Generous sign-up bonus

The Venture X Business card features one of the best sign-up bonuses among business cards. You can earn up to 150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first three months.

The welcome offer value tops many of Venture X’s closest competitors. Bankrate’s latest point valuations place Capital One miles/points at around 1.7 cents each and Amex rewards miles/points at around 2 cents each.

Why you might want a different card

While the Venture X Business has a lot to offer thanks to its valuable bonuses and terrific rewards rate on both travel and general purchases, not all businesses may find the card an ideal fit.

If your business is smaller or you don’t travel often, you may be better off with a business rewards card that earns more on specialized categories.

Limited non-travel perks

If your business doesn’t do much in the way of travel, the Venture X Business doesn’t have much to offer you when it comes to perks. While this makes sense, some of the best luxury business cards — the Amex Business Platinum card for example — are stuffed with additional features not directly related to travel, such as Indeed credits or statement credits toward wireless telephone service.

Sign-up bonus may prove out of reach for some businesses

Though the Venture X Business card carries a spectacular bonus offer, it requires a ton of spending ($30,000 in your first three months to earn the full bonus). This may prove out of reach for many small-business owners. In contrast, the Chase Ink Business Premier only requires $10,000 in spending within the first three months for its $1,000 sign-up bonus.

Balance must be paid in full

Unlike the Venture X and other traditional credit cards, the Venture X Business is similar to a charge card since it has no preset spending limit. This means that your business will need to pay off all purchases made on the card account at the end of each month.

This isn’t always a huge deal — it’s a credit card best practice to pay your balance in full at the end of each statement period. But this could prove a dealbreaker for businesses that need to carry a balance for a specific reason, such as investing in business improvements.

As you might expect from a charge card, the Venture X Business also lacks a 0 percent intro APR on balance transfers and new purchases (See rates and Fees). If your business needs to consolidate some debt with a lower interest rate or finance any large purchases, then you’ll need to look at other business card options.

How does the Venture X Business compare to other travel rewards cards?

The Venture X Business hits the ground running and is easily among the top choices for your business for business travel cards. However, depending on your business’s spending needs and redemption preferences, you might find another card a better fit.

	The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	American Express® Business Gold Card	Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
	Rewards rate Earn 5X Membership Rewards Points® on Flights, and Prepaid Hotels Booked through AmexTravel.com Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases	Rewards rate Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.* 1X is earned for other purchases. **	Rewards rate Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
	Welcome bonus Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.	Welcome bonus Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*	Welcome bonus Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
	Annual fee $695	Annual fee $375	Annual fee $0
	Other things to know Global entry or TSA PreCheck credit Airport lounge access Trip delay insurance Extended purchase warranty Credits for Adobe and Dell purchases	Other things to know The Hotel Collection benefits Accidental damage or theft protection Pay Over Time Baggage insurance	Other things to know Free employee cards Account alerts Roadside emergency service Auto rental collision damage waiver

Venture X Business vs. Amex Business Platinum

The Amex Business Platinum card has a well-deserved reputation for luxury perks unmatched by other business cards on the market. With those luxury perks comes a much larger annual fee. But unlike the Venture X Business, the Amex Business Platinum Card’s annual travel credits don’t entirely offset the card’s annual fee.

Amex Business cardholders will have to be much more proactive about taking advantage of the card’s other statement credits — many of which aren’t directly travel-related — if they want to break even on the card’s cost. For business owners who like to actively engage in the rewards and features of a card to squeeze out every bit of value, the Amex Business Platinum is worth considering. The Venture X Business, on the other hand, requires much less oversight to maximize value and is ideal for businesses with a hands-off approach to earning miles.

A major advantage of the Venture X Business over the Amex Business Platinum is that it earns a higher rate on general purchases. Depending on your spending needs, you might just rack up more rewards with the Venture X Business over time. But with Bankrate’s latest point valuations placing both Capital One and Amex rewards miles/points at around 2 cents each, the largest deciding factor for your business may come down to how much you value the additional statement credits on the Amex Business Platinum as well as each issuer’s travel partners.

Venture X Business vs. American Express Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card trades in some of the luxury perks of its sibling card for additional rewards flexibility and a lower annual fee. So the Amex Business Gold shares with the Venture X Business simplicity and ease-of-use.

The Amex Business Gold card is also angled more towards general business purchases than travel. Businesses can earn 4X points on two categories based on their highest spend each month from six eligible categories, including: U.S. advertising, U.S. gas station purchases, U.S. restaurants, U.S. Electronics and wireless services and transit. This rate applies on up to $150,000 in combined bonus category spending annually (1X points thereafter). Only the top two categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.

The Amex Business Gold’s major tradeoff for the lower annual fee is the relative lack of additional features. Unlike the Venture X Business, the Amex Business Gold offers no annual statement credits to help offset the cost of the card. There’s also no airport lounge access or similar perks to pile on the value. If travel is a major part of your business spending, the Venture X Business might still be the more efficient — and valuable — pick.

Venture X Business vs. Chase Ink Business Unlimited

If tracking annual fees, rewards programs and cardholder perks makes your head spin, the Chase Ink Business Unlimited strips down the complexity and gets to the basics. It earns 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases, compared to Venture X Business’s 2X miles. It also has a much lower sign-up bonus at $750 after $6,000 in spend in the first three months of account opening.

These are weaker numbers than the Venture X Business, but in exchange, there’s no annual fee to worry about and the sign-up bonus might be easier to attain. Like the Venture X Business, the Ink Business Unlimited also offers free employee credit cards, which you won’t find on Amex’s offerings.

Just bear in mind that the Ink Business Unlimited isn’t designed for travel and features a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, unlike the other cards in our comparisons.

How to use the Venture X Business card

• Take advantage of the free employee cards (See rates and Fees) to dole out additional cards where needed.
• Make sure you or your employees spend at least $300 per year on travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal to use the card’s annual travel credit.
• Sign up for Priority Pass membership through the Partner Lounge Network
• Use the included TSA Precheck and Global Entry credits.
• Book travel through the Capital One Travel portal whenever possible to maximize your mile earnings.
• Use the card on your general spending if you don’t have a card that earns more.
• Transfer your earned miles to partnered travel programs to potentially boost the value of those miles.

Is the Capital One Venture X Business card right for you?

If you or your employees require frequent travel and you’re interested in earning some rewards on those business trips — and add a little luxury to the mix — the Venture X Business is one of the top business travel cards on the market.

The card’s remarkably generous annual credits easily cover the annual fee so long as you’re traveling, and no other business travel card on the market can match the Venture X Business’s reward rate on general purchases — nor the size of its welcome offer. But if travel doesn’t factor much into your business needs, the best business card for you might be another option.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

This means the Disney® Premier Visa® Card can help families start saving up for an expensive Disney vacation through regular spending and bills. However, the card’s $49 annual fee will eat away at the rewards earned over time, and the high APR can make carrying a balance expensive.

Because of the carrying costs for this card, we believe the Disney® Premier Visa® Card is best for families who spend enough to earn a considerable amount in rewards and plan to pay their balance in full each month. Read on to find out other reasons why you might want to sign up for this card and why you might prefer to skip it in favor of a different rewards credit card altogether.

Why you might want the Disney® Premier Visa® Card

You might want the Disney® Premier Visa® Card just so you can have a credit card with an image of Darth Vader emblazoned on the front, and that’s perfectly okay. However, there are other reasons to consider this card that extend far beyond the Disney card designs you get to choose from.

Generous sign-up bonus

This card starts you off with a $400 statement credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases within three months of account opening. This can be used for Disney vacations and other types of spending through the Disney brand.

Disney Bundle credit

Cardholders also qualify for a statement credit of up to $13.99 per month for up to three consecutive months when they subscribe to the qualifying Disney Bundle Trio subscription, or other qualifying subscriptions or add-ons purchased directly at Disneyplus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com as long as they total $12.99 per month or more. The subscription must be paid with the Disney® Premier Visa® Card to qualify.

Exceptional rewards rate on certain Disney purchases

This card earns 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com, which can add up over time. Cardholders can also earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars at most Disney U.S. locations, as well as on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants.

Qualify for Disney perks

Several Disney perks come automatically with this card, including discounts on select Disney merchandise (terms apply), discounts on dining at Disney resorts and even discounts on select guided tours at eligible Disney properties. Cardholders also get 10% off eligible credit card purchases at DisneyStore.com

Why you might want a different card

While the reasons above are good ones if you’re considering the Disney® Premier Visa® Card, there are plenty of other reasons to consider a different rewards credit card. After all, most cash back credit cards let you redeem rewards for statement credits, which you could ultimately use to help pay for a Disney vacation if that’s what you’re after.

Lackluster rewards rate for most purchases

The 2% rewards rate on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney U.S. locations this card offers is okay, but several cash back credit cards offer 2% cash back on everything you buy. Not only that, but the Disney® Premier Visa® Card offers a disappointing rewards rate of 1% back on regular spending.

Inflexible redemptions for rewards

This card earns Disney Rewards Dollars, which can be redeemed for theme park tickets, resort stays, Disney shopping and other eligible Disney purchases. You can also redeem rewards for airline statement credits at a rate of one cent per point. That said, you have to load your card rewards onto a Redemption Card before you can use them. You also need a minimum of $20 Disney Rewards Dollars to do so.

In the meantime, other cash back credit cards let users redeem for more flexible options like statement credits and cash back transferred to a bank account. Many other cash back credit cards also let you redeem for statement credits in any amount without a minimum threshold.

Too many fees

Not only does the Disney® Premier Visa® Card require a $49 annual fee, but it also charges foreign transaction fees. The card also has a high variable APR, and no intro APR offer for regular purchases or balance transfers.

Disappointing 0% intro offer for Disney vacations

While the Disney® Premier Visa® Card offers 0% APR on Disney vacation packages and  Disney Vacation Club® Resort memberships booked with the card, this benefit only lasts for six months. After that, the regular 18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR applies.

By comparison, you can find a range of cash back credit cards that offer 0% APR on purchases, balance transfers or both for up to 15 months.

How does the Disney® Premier Visa® Card compare to other rewards credit cards?

	Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card	Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Disney® Visa® Card
	Rewards rate Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases	Rewards rate Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.	Rewards rate Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on everyday card purchases
	Welcome bonus Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	Welcome bonus Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.	Welcome bonus Earn a $200 Statement Credit after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
	Introductory APR 0% APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers	Introductory APR 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months	Introductory APR 0% APR on select Disney vacation packages for 6 months
	Regular APR 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR	Regular APR 19.49% - 28.24% Variable	Regular APR 18.24% - 27.24% Variable
	Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0	Annual fee $0
	Other things to know Comes with cell phone protection	Other things to know Comes with purchase protection, extended warranties, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and secondary auto rental coverage	Other things to know Comes with a range of discounts on Disney dining, select guided tours and Disney merchandise Also comes with baggage protection, purchase protection against damage or theft and extended warranty protection

Disney® Premier Visa® Card vs. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers users a flat rate of 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. Plus, it comes with 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening for purchases and qualifying balance transfers, followed by a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR. This makes it a good option for earning generous rewards on purchases, and even charging a Disney vacation and paying it down interest-free for a year.

You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, transfers to an eligible Wells Fargo account, gift cards and more.

Disney® Premier Visa® Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card is also worth considering if you want to earn more rewards on regular purchases and avoid paying an annual fee. This card offers a flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all non-bonus purchases, plus 3% back on dining and drugstore spending and 5% back on eligible travel purchases through Chase Travel.

Better yet, new cardholders qualify for 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a 19.49% - 28.24% Variable APR. Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise and more.

Disney® Premier Visa® Card vs. Disney® Visa® Card

If you really want a co-branded Disney credit card but you don’t want to pay an annual fee, check out the Disney® Visa® Card. This card charges $0 in annual fees each year, yet you’ll earn a smaller welcome offer and a lower rate of just 1% back in Disney Rewards Dollars on all purchases.

How to use the  Disney® Premier Visa® Card

If you have your heart set on the Disney® Premier Visa® Card but you want to make the most of it, consider this list of tips and tricks.

• Set your card as your preferred payment method for eligible subscriptions. To take advantage of the Disney bundle credit offer, you’ll need to set your card up as your preferred payment method for eligible subscriptions. You’ll want to anyway since the Disney® Premier Visa® Card offers 5% back on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com.
• Use your Disney® Premier Visa® Card for purchases that earn 2% back or more. We recommend using this card in its 5% and 2% cash back categories as much as you can since doing so will help you boost your rewards haul over time.
• Switch to a flat-rate cash back credit card for other, non-bonus spending. In the meantime, switch to a flat-rate cash back credit card that earns at least 1.5% or 2% cash back for other purchases.
• Pay your balance in full every month. This card’s high variable APR makes it a poor option for carrying a balance, so only charge purchases you can afford to pay off completely. Also make sure to pay your bill on time each month.
• Refer friends to earn more rewards. Finally, Chase and Disney let cardmembers refer friends and get 100 Disney Rewards Dollars for each one (up to 5) that gets approved. This is a good way to earn more rewards over time without extra spending on your card.

Is the Disney® Premier Visa® Card right for you?

The Disney® Premier Visa® Card is not the most lucrative rewards credit card available today, but it makes sense why some people still sign up. It’s nice to have a credit card with so many Disney designs to choose from, and the Disney discounts you get as a cardholder can add up quickly if you’re always spending money with the Disney brand.

That said, it’s important to recognize that you’re giving something up to get a card that’s co-branded with Disney. After all, many credit cards have better rewards rates and intro offers, plus a lot more flexibility when it comes to redeeming rewards.