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3. Citi Strata℠ Card review

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134

reviews

2.2

Rating: 2.2 out of 5.

N/A

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Citi Strata℠ Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $9,716, with $10,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Citi Strata℠ Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 700, with 810 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

30%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

45 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$98,884

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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$0 annual fee

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Flexible redemption options, including statement credit and travel

Image: Con

Charges a foreign transaction fee

What to know about the Citi Strata℠ Card

Rewards categories offer decent earning potential

With the Citi Strata℠ Card, you’ll earn ThankYou® Points whenever you use the card to make purchases at certain stores.

• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions (excluding air travel) booked through Citi
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on qualifying purchases at supermarkets
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent at gas stations, EV charging stations and select transit purchases
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on a category you select from one of the following: fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salons, or pet supply stores
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants
• Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases

Note that discount superstores, convenience stores, markets, drugstores and wholesale clubs don’t count as supermarkets. You also won’t earn the bonus rate at certain gas stations, since it depends on how the gas station classifies itself. This means you might not earn bonus points at gas stations that are part of another store, like a wholesale club.

That said, if your spending lines up with these categories, you could earn a lot of points with the Citi Strata℠ Card.

Many redemption options and a redemption bonus

You can use the points you earn with the Citi Strata℠ Card in several ways, which makes this card a good option if you’re looking for a general rewards card.

With the Citi Strata℠ Card, you can choose from multiple redemption options, including …

• Redeem points for gift cards
• Shop with points on participating sites like Amazon.com and others
• Redeem points for travel rewards, like flights, hotels or car rentals
• Use points for statement credits to offset eligible purchases

The value of the points earned with the Citi Strata℠ Card depends on how they’re redeemed, but having these flexible redemption options can be valuable for many cardholders.

A few more details to keep in mind

There’s a sign-up bonus

New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus points if they spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 3 months of opening their accounts. The points you earn with the sign-up bonus are redeemable for $300 in gift cards at thankyou.com. This may be appealing, but there are other rewards cards that offer bigger sign-up bonuses.

Promotional APR

The Citi Strata℠ Card is offering an introductory 0% APR for both purchases and balance transfers. For purchases, you get an intro 15 months. But to take advantage of the intro balance transfer offer (15 months), you must complete any transfers within four months of opening your account.

After the promotional periods, you’ll get a 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR on both purchases and balance transfers.

The balance transfers won’t earn you any points, and there’s a balance transfer fee: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening. 

Watch out: Foreign transaction fees

Be aware that you may have to pay a little extra — 3% — when making purchases abroad. Given this fee, it might be worth carrying another card if you plan to travel to another country.

Who this card is good for

The Citi Strata℠ Card could be a good option for someone who uses a credit card frequently, wants a card that doesn’t have an annual fee, and prefers to pick a rewards redemption option based on their needs at any particular time — not whatever offers the best value in general.

On its own, the Citi Strata℠ Card may not be the best pick for someone who frequently travels, since there’s a foreign transaction fee.

But the Citi Strata℠ Card could be a great pick when combined with a more travel-focused rewards card.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card:
  This card could be a good option for semifrequent travelers who want to kick-start their travel rewards.
• Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:
  This card could offer great value for foodies.
• Citi Double Cash® Card:
  This card offers a more-straightforward rewards system for those who want cash back.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card review: Plenty of upgrades for loyal flyers

Image: image_bd6310

15

reviews

3.4

Rating: 3.4 out of 5.

Great for maximizing Southwest perks

Annual Fee: $229

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,194, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 710, with 815 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

28.3%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

46 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$114,395

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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No blackout dates for flight redemptions

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Annual point bonus and Southwest travel credit

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Costly annual fee

Image: Con

Only right for frequent Southwest Airlines travelers, as others may not take full advantage of the card’s benefits

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is loaded with features for frequent flyers

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has numerous features aimed at Southwest flyers chasing the airline’s A-List status. The card also offers the chance for all flyers to earn extra miles and flight credits annually.

Here’s a quick look at the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card’s most standout features — and one notable drawback.

4 upgraded boardings per year (through December 31, 2025)

Unlike travelers on many airlines, Southwest flyers only get to pick their seats once they’re already on the plane. If you board late, you may get stuck in a middle seat or be forced to sit apart from your traveling companion. Worse yet, there might not be any room for your carry-on bag in the overhead bins.

Thankfully, when you use the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card, you will receive a statement credit for the purchase of up to four upgraded boardings each account anniversary year (through December 31, 2025). The upgrade allows you to board in positions A1 to A15 — the airline’s top boarding group. You can purchase an upgraded boarding online (within 24 hours of your flight) or at the departure gate or ticket counter (on the day of travel only), when available.

Earn tier qualifying points toward A-List status

A-List status is Southwest’s version of airline elite status, with benefits including priority boarding and check-in. Traditionally, this status is earned by accruing 35,000 tier qualifying points or flying 25 qualifying one-way Southwest flights in a calendar year.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card gives frequent Southwest flyers a way to speed up the A-List qualification process: Cardholders earn 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 in purchases with no limit on the number of qualifying points you can earn.

$75 travel credit and 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards® points per year

Cardholders get two annual benefits: a $75 Southwest annual travel credit (through December 31, 2025) and 7,500 bonus Rapid Rewards® points, which are awarded each cardholder account anniversary.

When you use your Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card for purchases (excluding upgraded boardings and in-flight purchases) the travel credit will be automatically applied to your account, and the 7,500 bonus points can be redeemed like any other Rapid Rewards® points.

The sign-up bonus brings real value

If you don’t like to wait for perks, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card’s sign-up bonus. You’ll earn 100,000 bonus points once you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 5 months your account is open.

Rewards

With this card you’ll earn …

• 4 Rapid Rewards® points per $1 spent on purchases made directly with Southwest Airlines
• 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants
• 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

What else you need to know about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has additional features worth mentioning for Southwest loyalists. Here’s a quick look.

• There’s no foreign transaction fee, so you can use your credit card abroad without worrying about the 1% to 3% fee that some other cards charge.
• The card offers a 25% statement credit on in-flight purchases of drinks and Wi-Fi.

Understanding your points and redemption options

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card earns Southwest Rapid Rewards® points that can be used for a variety of redemption possibilities.

As with many airline rewards programs, your Rapid Rewards® points can be used to buy flight tickets. Because the prices of airline tickets fluctuate, the value of Southwest Rapid Rewards® points also varies.

But the good news is that you can use these points for any Southwest-operated flight. This means you won’t need to adjust your plans — just book the flight you want with no blackout dates.

You can redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards® points for hotels, car rentals, merchandise and gift cards — but at a less favorable rate. Gift card redemptions generally hover around 1 cent per point or below and should be treated as a last-ditch option for redeeming points.

Who this card is good for

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is great for frequent Southwest flyers. Having the ability to earn points toward A-List status means that you can earn this status more quickly with less flying. Additionally, the statement credit for four upgraded boardings makes it easy for Southwest flyers to secure a better seat and overhead storage space on their way toward A-List status.

However, this card isn’t our top pick for less-frequent travelers. If you only fly Southwest once or twice a year, the upgraded boardings benefit may go to waste. Likewise, the ability to earn extra points toward A-List status is only a worthwhile benefit if you’re already chasing Southwest elite status.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This card could be the right option for those who travel less frequently and who are still loyal to Southwest Airlines.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card could be more attractive to frequent travelers who aren’t loyal to one airline.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card review: Will it take you in the right direction?

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30

reviews

3.8

Rating: 3.8 out of 5.

Great for Southwest loyalists

Annual Fee: $99

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,588, with $2,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 715, with 810 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

28%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

46 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$114,995

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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Good sign-up bonus

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No blackout dates for flight redemptions

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Points can often be redeemed at a high value on flights

Image: Con

$99 annual fee

Image: Con

Rewards rate is low for most purchases

What you need to know about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

The sign-up bonus could be lucrative

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card offers 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 5 months after your account opens.

The value of Southwest Rapid Rewards points depends on which flights you choose when redeeming your points. If you’re able to find the right flights, you could use your bonus points for multiple round-trip flights around the U.S.

Some might find this to be a lucrative sign-up bonus. But make sure the minimum spend requirement is within your budget.

You’ll earn more bonus points every year

Each account anniversary year, Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card members receive a bonus of 3,000 Rapid Rewards points to their account, which can be used like any other Rapid Rewards points you earn. That’s a nice gift just for keeping your account open every year.

Earning points on purchases

Like many airline credit cards, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has somewhat limited points-earning potential. You’ll earn two points for every $1 you spend on select Southwest purchases.

Plus you’ll earn two points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores, on up to $5,000 in combined purchases, per anniversary year. You’ll earn one point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

The annual fee could eat into your rewards value

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card charges a $99 annual fee. While that ranks as the lowest annual fee for any of Southwest’s credit cards, it still could cut into your rewards value if you only fly Southwest occasionally.

Consider how often you’re likely to use your card for Southwest purchases and how often you’ll redeem those points for Southwest flights. If you tend to fly multiple airlines, you might get better value from a more versatile travel card, even if it has a higher annual fee.

Understanding your points and redemption options

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card earns Southwest Rapid Rewards points that you can use toward Southwest flights.

How far your points will get you is based on a number of factors, including destination, time of day and demand. That means the value of these points varies depending on which flights you choose.

Southwest Rapid Rewards used to be one of the most valuable rewards programs in the industry. But according to our point valuations, these Rapid Rewards points are worth an estimated 1.35 cents per point.

You can use your points for any Southwest-operated flight, with no blackout dates — so it’s just a matter of whether you have enough points to cover the relative cost of the flight you want.

You can also redeem Southwest Rapid Rewards points for things like hotel stays, car rentals and gift cards. You can check Southwest’s redemption portal to see if these provide the best value for your travel plans.

Who this card is good for

This card may be best for loyal Southwest flyers who want to redeem points for free flights on the airline throughout the year. While you can find higher rewards rates on other Southwest cards, the ability to earn Rapid Rewards points on every purchase and get 3,000 bonus points per card anniversary year could get you closer to your next Southwest flight redemption.

Frequent Southwest Airlines flyers might find they’d earn more rewards and benefits from the airline’s other cards. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is the next step up with a $149 annual fee. And the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers the most opportunity to earn rewards and get additional features, although you’ll have a higher annual fee at $229.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card could be the right choice for super-frequent Southwest flyers.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is good for travelers who want versatility when booking their trips.

1. Credit Cards
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3. Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card review: First choice for your wallet?

Image: image_3743ea

154

reviews

4

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Great for frequent Southwest flyers

Annual Fee: $149

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,588, with $2,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 715, with 810 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

28%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

46 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$114,995

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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Valuable sign-up bonus

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Nice anniversary bonus helps offset annual fee

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Plus points earned count toward Companion Pass

Image: Con

Sign-up bonus could change before you apply

Image: Con

No Southwest travel credit

4 things to know about the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

1. The sign-up bonus may change 

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card currently features a sign-up bonus where you can earn 100,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 5 months after account opening.

But it’s important to note that when it comes to credit cards, sign-up bonuses can and do change — and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is no exception. We’ve seen the number of bonus points this card offers go up and down, as well as other offers change, like the potential to earn Southwest’s Companion Pass. So it’s always a good idea to double-check the latest offer info and make sure you’re happy with it before you apply.

2. Anniversary bonus points could help make up for the annual fee

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card charges a $149 annual fee.

Thankfully, the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card also rewards you with 6,000 bonus points each year after your account anniversary. Depending on how you use your points, that could be worth enough to cover the cost of your annual fee.

Regardless, we think it’s a nice incentive to keep the card open even if you don’t fly too regularly.

3. Earning points

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card offers three points for every $1 you spend on select Southwest purchases. You’ll also earn two points per $1 at grocery stores and restaurants, on up to $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year.

All other purchases earn one point per $1 spent.

4. Shortcut to Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card provides a potential shortcut to earning the Companion Pass with the points you earn on purchases and the sign-up bonus. To qualify for the Companion Pass with points or purchases, you usually must earn 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year.

When you fly, the Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring a friend or family member for next to nothing. Southwest waives the price of your companion’s ticket, so you only have to pay for their taxes and fees starting at $5.60 each way. You can use the Companion Pass as often as you like for the remainder of the year in which you earn it, plus the entire year after that.

The points you can earn with Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card could make it much easier to qualify, depending on how often you use it.

What else to consider

What can you get without the card?

Southwest offers a lot of benefits for free that other airlines will nickel-and-dime you for. You won’t need the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card to get things like …

• No flight-change fees
• No blackout dates

What’s missing?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card doesn’t offer certain airline benefits that you might see featured on other travel cards.

• No travel credit
• No airport lounge access
• No credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck 

Understanding your points and miles

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® points are worth an estimated 1.35 cents each — based on Credit Karma’s point valuations — when redeemed toward flights. And your points won’t expire.

Who this card is good for

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card could be an option for frequent Southwest flyers who do most of their traveling around the U.S. The card offers plenty of opportunities to earn points, which offer a shortcut to earning Companion Pass.

But if you’re looking for extra travel perks and benefits, this card probably isn’t your best option. Many of Southwest’s passenger perks come standard, so this credit card mostly helps you to earn and redeem your rewards points.

Not sure this card is right for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you’re not a fan of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card, you might be interested in one of these other travel credit cards.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This rewards card is good for flying with any airline.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: This card is best for especially frequent Southwest flyers looking to maximize rewards value.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: This Southwest card might be a better fit for more occasional flyers.

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3. IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card review: Plenty of value for frequent hotel guests

Image: image_18a373

16

reviews

3

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Great for regular IHG guests

Annual Fee: $99

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $16,003, with $5,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 726, with 819 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

23.4%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

45 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$122,619

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

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Generous hotel night awards

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Strong sign-up bonus offer

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Automatic Platinum Elite status

Image: Con

Annual fee: $99

Image: Con

Points have a low value (according to Credit Karma point valuations)

Image: Con

You have to commit to IHG hotels to maximize value

What you need to know about the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

If you frequently stay at IHG hotels like Holiday Inn, InterContinental and Crowne Plaza, you’ll enjoy some significant perks with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

Two ways to earn hotel nights

Cardholders will have two opportunities to receive free night awards at eligible hotels.

First, you’ll get one free night after your account anniversary each year. On top of that, you can earn a fourth hotel night when you redeem points for a hotel stay of four or more consecutive nights.

Just keep in mind that the free anniversary night applies only to hotel stays that would add up to less than 40,000 points.

Either way, these hotel night offers could help you offset the card’s $99 annual fee.

Earn a sign-up bonus

New cardholders will qualify 140,000 Bonus Points after spending 3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months after opening the account. We think that’s a fairly attainable sign-up bonus — but consider what you’d have to spend every month to earn it. We don’t recommend spending more than you normally would just to earn a sign-up bonus.

You’ll also have the opportunity to earn an additional 10,000 points every calendar year, although it will take a whopping $20,000 in purchases to earn it.

Load up on points with IHG stays

If you’re looking for another way to earn points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, the easiest way is by booking hotel stays and making other purchases at IHG Hotels and Resorts using the card.

With this card, you’ll be able to earn a total rate of 26 points for every $1 spent on purchases at IHG hotels and resorts. That’s 10 points with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, 10 points for your IHG® Rewards Club membership and six points for holding IHG’s Platinum Elite status (more on that in a bit).

You’ll also earn five points for every $1 spent on travel, purchases at gas stations and restaurants and three points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Depending on how you spend, you could end up with a massive number of points in a short amount of time. Just keep in mind that you should only buy what you can comfortably repay using the card.

Points aren’t worth much individually

You can redeem your points for hotel stays for as little as 10,000 points per night, depending on where you stay and when.

Based on those redemption options, our 2024 point valuations estimate that IHG Rewards Club points are worth just 0.62 cents per point. That’s one of the lower values on our list, so keep that relative value in mind when considering what your points are really worth.

Automatic IHG Rewards Club Elite status

When you become a cardholder, you’re automatically granted Platinum Elite status with the IHG Rewards Club.

In addition to a point-earning bonus, this status gives you access to guaranteed room availability when reservations are made 72 hours in advance, complimentary room upgrades and more perks when you stay at IHG hotels.

More travel perks to consider

These perks could make the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card worth your time, too.

• If you apply for Nexus, TSA PreCheck^®  or Global Entry, you’ll receive an application fee credit every four years. While some cards with annual fees below $100 include this perk, it’s more commonly associated with premium credit cards with higher annual fees.
• There are no foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders can be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses when a trip is canceled or cut short by a few days for eligible reasons. Read our guide to credit card trip insurance to learn more about trip insurance.

Who this card is good for

People who regularly stay at IHG hotels and don’t mind giving up some flexibility in where they choose to stay could stand to get a lot of value out of the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card. As long as you stay at these hotels often enough to offset the annual fee ($99), you’re likely to appreciate features like room upgrades, earning hotel nights and the ability to earn lots of points during your stays.

If you aren’t sure if you’ll use the card often enough to cover the annual fee after the first year, you might still get value out of the card thanks to its annual free night award, but a hotel credit card that offers hotel rewards at no annual fee could be a better fit.

Not sure this is the card for you? Consider these alternatives.

If you’re not ready to commit to the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, consider these travel rewards cards.

• Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card: This card could be a better option for people who want to earn and redeem rewards for a number of different travel expenses.
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: This card offers plenty of flexibility with no annual fee.

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3. IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Image: image

12

reviews

3.4

Rating: 3.4 out of 5.

Great for IHG rewards with no annual fee

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $14,072, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 717, with 813 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

24.6%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

46 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$115,924

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. PayPal Cashback Mastercard®

Image: image

70

reviews

2.4

Rating: 4.1 out of 5.

Great for PayPal purchases

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their PayPal Cashback Mastercard® or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $6,061, with $2,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their PayPal Cashback Mastercard® or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 686, with 760 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

23%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

41 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$100,980

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Perpay™ Premium Metal Mastercard with a Higher Credit Line

Image: image

54

reviews

3.7

Rating: 3.7 out of 5.

N/A

Annual Fee: $9.00 per month

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Perpay™ Premium Metal Mastercard with a Higher Credit Line or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $652, with $300 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Perpay™ Premium Metal Mastercard with a Higher Credit Line or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 560, with 557 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

65.9%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

47 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$77,089

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Apple Card review: You’ll need an iPhone to maximize rewards

Image: image_eea4a7

844

reviews

2.9

Rating: 2.9 out of 5.

Editors’ take: Apple Card provides solid cash back rates and comes with no annual fee. However, maximizing rewards requires using Apple Pay, and the card lacks a traditional sign-up bonus.

Great for Apple Pay users

Annual Fee: $0

This content is curated by Intuit Credit Karma’s Editorial team using data from members who were approved for this card or similar cards, or who self-matched this card or similar cards. Intuit Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse this content. Information about financial products not offered on Credit Karma is collected independently. Our content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted.

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Apple Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $8,479, with $1,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Apple Card or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 700, with 760 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.

Member stats

Updated daily

30%

Average credit utilization (or what percent of the card’s credit limit is being used) of members who matched with this card or similar cards.

43 years

Average age of members who matched this card or similar cards.

$97,880

Average annual income of members who matched this card or similar cards. Note: Income may be estimated for some members by Credit Karma and may differ from members’ actual incomes.

Pros and cons

Image: yes

Near-instant use if approved

Image: yes

Solid rewards rate

Image: yes

No annual fee

Image: Con

Need an Apple device to access all features

Image: Con

Must use Apple Pay to maximize cash back

Image: Con

No sign-up bonus offer

Is the Apple Card worth it?

The Apple Card might be a good choice for loyal iPhone and Apple customers who want an easy way to earn rewards — especially on purchases made at Apple and select purchases made at certain partners including Walgreens, Uber and Mobil. If you’re not an Apple user, you may prefer a cash-back card with a simple rewards rate instead. 

The Apple Card is best for people who are comfortable using Apple’s digital wallet. When you use your Apple Card in Apple Pay, you’ll get 2% cash back. So, if you prefer paying with a physical credit card, or the stores you shop at most often don’t accept contactless payments, the Apple Card might not be worth it for you. 

Apple Card at a glance

• Annual fee: $0
• Sign-up bonus: None
• Standout benefit: Apple Card Family lets you add a co-owner and up to four participants
• Best rewards rate: 3% cash back on Apple purchases and certain purchases with select partners
• Baseline rewards rate: 1% cash back on all other purchases

Apple Card best perks and features

Ability to make purchases quickly after approval

Apple Card offers a smooth experience with Apple devices using your Apple ID.  If you’re approved, your Apple Card will appear in your Apple Wallet, and you can begin using it right away. 

If the store you’re shopping at accepts digital wallet payments or Apple Pay, you should be able to make purchases instantly from your phone or other Apple Wallet-enabled device.

Solid rewards rate

Here’s how the Apple Card rewards, which Apple calls Daily Cash, break down:

• 3% Daily Cash on Apple purchases 
• 3% Daily Cash on certain purchases with select merchants and partners — including Ace Hardware, T-Mobile, Nike, Uber, Uber Eats, Walgreens, Exxon and Mobil — made using your Apple Wallet
• 2% Daily Cash on purchases you make with Apple Wallet
• 1% Daily Cash on all other purchases

The Apple Card‘s cash back structure is competitive but comes with some limitations. While the 3% cash back on Apple purchases or certain transactions with select merchants is attractive, it’s the 2% cash back on all Apple Pay transactions that makes it especially appealing. This rate matches or exceeds many flat-rate cash back cards, but you must use Apple Pay.

You also can have your accumulated Daily Cash automatically deposited into a savings account to earn interest or set up Apple Cash to spend it or send it to people you know. Rewards are unlimited.

No annual fee

Apple Card has a $0 annual fee, which means you don’t have to worry about your cash back earnings being offset by annual charges.

What are the drawbacks of Apple Card?

Apple device required

You’ll need an Apple device to use Apple Card. If you have an Apple device and your application is approved, your Apple Card will automatically be loaded into your Apple Wallet and you can begin using it right away. 

Must use Apple Pay to earn the most cash back

To maximize your cash back, you’ll need to do most of your spending through Apple Wallet. You can order a titanium Apple Card to use at places where Apple Pay isn’t accepted, but you’ll need to already have the digital version of the card in your Apple Wallet and use an iPhone or iPad to request a card. 

Limited sign-up incentives

Unlike many cash back cards, the Apple Card doesn’t offer a permanent sign-up bonus. New cardholders will miss out on the immediate value that competing cards might provide, making the Apple Card less attractive for those seeking upfront rewards.

Other cards to consider

• Citi Double Cash® Card: This card may be a good fit for people who want a straightforward cash back card they can use without their phones.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: This no-annual-fee card offers cash back on useful everyday categories.
• Amazon Prime Visa: This card provides unlimited 3% back on your Amazon.com purchases or 5% back with an eligible Prime membership.

Looking at these aspects of the card helps us determine whether we’d recommend it to our members.

FAQs about the Apple Card

This offer is no longer available on our site: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

1. Credit Cards
2. Insights
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review: Great for family nights

Image: image_ef1a40

711

member reviews

3.7

Rating: 3.7 out of 5.

Editors’ Take: This card offers high cash back rates on groceries, gas and streaming services. For people who frequently spend in these categories, the card lives up to its promise, with easy potential for rewards to outweigh the annual fee. 

Image: hands-thumbs-up

Great for maximizing grocery rewards

Image: cash

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 701

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $12,172

Explore more about this card:

• Pros and cons
• In-depth Editorial review

Here’s the average credit limit of members who matched their Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express or similar cards.

% of members by credit limit range

The average credit limit for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is $12,172, with $10,000 being the most common.

Here’s the average credit score of members who matched their Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express or similar cards.

% of members by credit score range

The average credit score for members who have matched with this card or similar cards is 701, with 760 being the most common. Note this is just one of the deciding factors when it comes to getting approved.