Recommended Best Credit cards 2024

gist of what this credit card addresses. With the Bilt MasterCard, you’re able to pay your rent without incurring any fees that many landlords or rental services typically charge when using a credit card. That alone makes this card a standout, especially for renters.

Benefits

In addition to being able to pay rent without fees, the Bilt MasterCard offers valuable transfer partners for travel enthusiasts. You can transfer your points to various airline and hotel partners, unlocking significant travel rewards. The card also offers cell phone protection if you pay your phone bill with it, adding a layer of security for your device.

Annual Fee

The Bilt MasterCard is a no-annual-fee card, making it even more attractive for those looking to maximize rewards without incurring additional costs.

Verdict and Recommendations

This card is a game-changer for renters and offers solid rewards on dining and travel. If you’re someone who rents and wants to get the most out of that expense while also earning on dining and travel, this card is a must-have. Even though it lacks a sign-up bonus, the long-term value in rent rewards and travel partnerships more than makes up for it.

Here’s a long, organized breakdown of the top five credit cards that you might consider for 2024:

1. Citi Custom Cash

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.
  • Introductory APR: 0% promotional APR for the first 15 months.
  • Earnings: 5% cash back on your highest spend category each month (up to $500 in spend); 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Benefits: Basic focus on 5% cash back. You can later combine points with the Citi Premier for better travel rewards.
  • Annual Fee: $0.

Verdict: A great “set-it-and-forget-it” card. Ideal if you spend consistently in a high category like gas or groceries. You can also convert other Citi cards (like Double Cash) into another Custom Cash card to maximize the 5% cash back in different categories.

2. Wells Fargo Autograph

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $100 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
  • Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months.
  • Earnings: 4% cash back in select categories like self-care (gyms, beauty shops), sports and recreation equipment, and planet-friendly purchases (EV charging, Uber).
  • Benefits: Includes $600 cell phone insurance with just a $25 deductible if you pay your phone bill with the card.
  • Annual Fee: $0.

Verdict: The unique 4% cash back categories, like camera equipment and amusement parks, make this card stand out. It’s especially useful if you have expenditures in these specialized categories.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Public offer – $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Non-public offer – cashback match on base earnings for the first $20,000 spent in the first year.
  • Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months.
  • Earnings: 5% on travel through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% everywhere else. The non-public offer provides higher returns (e.g., 4.5% on dining and drugstores).
  • Benefits: Unlocks the powerful Chase ecosystem, where points can be transferred to hotel and airline partners. Also offers complimentary DoorDash DashPass for 3 months.
  • Annual Fee: $0.

Verdict: Excellent entry into the Chase ecosystem, particularly for people who want to earn transferable points. It’s a solid all-around card with no annual fee and high cash back in key categories like dining and drugstores.

4. American Express Gold (now White Gold)

  • Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Earnings: 4x points on dining and groceries (with caps), 3x on airfare, 1x on everything else.
  • Benefits: A rich assortment of dining-related benefits, including $120 dining credit, $120 Uber/Uber Eats credit, $100 Resy dining credit, and an $84 Dunkin’ Donuts credit. It also includes access to valuable travel partners like Air France.
  • Annual Fee: $325.

Verdict: Despite the $325 annual fee, the card pays for itself with $424 in yearly credits. If you can maximize the dining and travel benefits, it’s a no-brainer. It’s a high-value card for people who dine out frequently and enjoy traveling.

5. Bilt Mastercard

  • Sign-Up Bonus: None publicly available, though some users have reported a 5x bonus for the first 5 days of card ownership.
  • Earnings: 3x on dining, 2x on travel, 1x on rent (without any processing fees), 1x on everything else.
  • Benefits: It’s unique for offering points on rent payments without charging the usual 3-4% processing fees. You also get a 25% bonus when redeeming for travel through the Bilt travel portal.
  • Annual Fee: $0.

Verdict: A standout card for renters, offering the chance to earn points on your largest monthly expense—rent. It also offers transferable points, making it a valuable no-fee travel card.

Summary

In 2024, the best credit cards provide a variety of benefits tailored to different spending habits and needs. Each card offers unique rewards, sign-up bonuses, and special features that can maximize your financial benefits based on your lifestyle. Here’s a brief overview of the top five cards:

  1. Citi Custom Cash: Ideal for those who want to earn 5% cash back on their highest spending category each month with no annual fee.
  2. Wells Fargo Autograph: Perfect for those who want 4% cash back in select categories like self-care and unique benefits like cell phone insurance, also with no annual fee.
  3. Chase Freedom Unlimited: Great for those looking to earn solid rewards across multiple categories with no annual fee while accessing the valuable Chase ecosystem.
  4. American Express Gold (now White Gold): Best for frequent diners and travelers, offering extensive dining credits and rich rewards for an annual fee of $325.
  5. Bilt Mastercard: A unique option for renters, allowing you to earn points on rent without additional fees, also with no annual fee.

FAQs

1. How do I choose the right credit card for me?

Consider your spending habits. Analyze where you spend the most (dining, travel, groceries, etc.) and choose a card that maximizes rewards in those categories. Also, evaluate whether you prefer cash back, travel rewards, or a combination of both.

2. What is the importance of the sign-up bonus?

Sign-up bonuses can provide significant value, especially if you can meet the spending requirement. They often allow you to earn extra cash back or points quickly, enhancing the overall benefits of the card.

3. Are there any fees associated with these cards?

While several top cards have no annual fee (like the Citi Custom Cash and Bilt Mastercard), some may charge an annual fee (like the American Express Gold). Evaluate the benefits to determine if the fee is worth it for your financial situation.

4. Can I redeem rewards for travel?

Many cards offer options to redeem points for travel, including flights and hotel stays. Cards like the American Express Gold and Chase Freedom Unlimited allow points to be transferred to travel partners, providing even greater value.

5. How do I maximize my rewards?

Use the card for the purchases that earn the most points or cash back. Also, take advantage of sign-up bonuses, promotional offers, and any benefits like credits for specific purchases (e.g., dining or travel).

6. Is it better to have multiple credit cards?

It can be beneficial to have multiple cards if you can manage them responsibly. Different cards may offer higher rewards in different categories, allowing you to maximize your rewards across various spending areas.

By carefully evaluating your spending habits and preferences, you can choose the best credit card that meets your financial goals and enhances your purchasing power in 2024.