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The holiday season is in full swing, and we’re thinking about gifts — mostly for loved ones, but what about ourselves?
Could you use some extra cash back next year? Are you ready to start thinking about traveling in a post-COVID world?
Now is an excellent time to stuff your stocking with some new plastic.
Here’s a look at the top cards available right now.
Best cash-back cards
Blue Cash Preferred from American Express
Why we like it: The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers a very strong 6% cash back on the first $6,000 per year spent on supermarket purchases and 3% cash back spent at gas stations in the U.S. Plus, for a limited time, you also earn $300 back in statement credits after you spend $3,000 with the card in the first six months.
What to know:

- 6% cash back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets per year, and 1% cash back after that amount.
- 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscription services.
- 3% cash back on spending at U.S. gas stations and for taxi or rideshare service.
- 1% cash back on other purchases.
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months. (See rates and fees)
- $0 intro annual fee for first year, then $95. (See rates and fees)
Note: Cash back is redeemed as statement credits.
Citi Double Cash
Why we like it: We’ve called this “The Best Cash-Back Credit Card for Everyday Use” since it earns 1% cash back on every purchase, then earns another 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. If you want the peace of mind that you’re earning good cash-back rewards on everything, with no gimmicks or expiration dates, this is your card.
What to know:

- Get a total of 2% cash back on every purchase.
- No limits or caps on cash back.
- No confusing categories; everything earns cash back.
- No annual fee.
Note: This card offers 18 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.
Best overall card bonuses
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Why we like it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 with the card within the first three months. Redeeming those points for travel through the Chase website adds 50% to their value, for a bonus worth $750.
What to know:

- Get 50,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Lyft rides through March 2022.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel and dining.
- Earn 3 points per $1 spent on up to $1,000 in grocery store purchases per month through April 2021.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
- $300 annual travel credit.
- A free year of Lyft Pink membership.
- Complimentary DashPass delivery subscription.
- Global Entry or TSA Pre-check application reimbursement up to $100.
- $550 annual fee.
Note: The annual fee looks high, but is offset by the $300 annual travel credit and other card benefits, including food delivery and rideshare services and airport lounge access.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Why we like it: The American Express Platinum will rack up enormous rewards while providing stellar ongoing benefits, including 75,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $5,000 in the first six months.
What to know:

- Earn 75,000 Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 in your first six months.
- 10X points on up to $15,000 eligible purchases at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets in your first six months.
- 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 in purchases starting Jan. 1, 2021).
- 5X points on prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com.
- 1X points on other eligible purchases.
- Uber VIP status and up to $200 for Uber rides or Uber Eats orders annually.
- $550 annual fee. (See rates and fees)
Note: Other current card benefits include up to $100 in statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue each year.
Best travel card
Capital One Venture
Why we like it: An early spending bonus offer of 60,000 miles when you spend $3,000 within the first three months is worth $600 in travel.
What to know:

- Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
- Get a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Extended warranty protection.
- Travel accident insurance.
- No foreign transaction fee.
- $95 annual fee.
Note: This card has a $95 annual fee. The Capital One VentureOne card does not, but doesn’t have the same early spending bonus offer and offers a lower rate of return.
Best no-interest card offer
Citi Diamond Preferred
Why we like it: The Citi Diamond Preferred card is a good choice for people transferring a balance, thanks to the introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 21 months. You’ll also get a full 12 months of 0% APR on new purchases.
What to know:

- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 21 months, with a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5%, whichever is higher.
- 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 12 months.
- Free access to your FICO Score.
- No annual fee.
Note: This card has a 3% foreign transaction fee, so plan accordingly for international travel.
See rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express and The Platinum Card from American Express.
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