Credit Card Playbook

My curated picks for the best rewards credit cards right now. I track welcome bonuses, earning structures, and redemption strategies so you don’t have to. Cards are sorted by bonus value, with badges showing which ones are at or near their all-time highs.

Last updated: August 31, 2026 · Links below are referral links where available. Apply only if you can meet the spending requirements.

AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
200,000 points
$30,000 in 6 months
Annual Fee
$795
Highlights
  • 8x on Chase Travel
  • 4x flights & hotels direct
  • $300/yr travel credit
  • Chase Sapphire Lounge + Priority Pass
Learn more →

The Business Platinum Card® from Amex

American Express (Business)
AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
Up to 300,000 points
$20,000 in 3 months (targeted)
Annual Fee
$895
Highlights
  • 5x flights & hotels via Amex Travel
  • $200/yr airline fee credit
  • Centurion Lounge access
  • 35% points back on Amex Travel flights
Learn more →
AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
Up to 175,000 points
$8K to $12K in 6 months (targeted)
Annual Fee
$895
Highlights
  • $400/yr Resy dining credit
  • $300/yr Lululemon credit
  • $200/yr Uber Cash
  • Centurion Lounge access
Learn more →

American Express® Gold Card

American Express
AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
Up to 100,000 points
$8,000 in 6 months (targeted)
Annual Fee
$325
Highlights
  • 4x dining worldwide
  • 4x U.S. supermarkets
  • $120/yr dining credit
  • $120/yr Uber Cash
Learn more →
NEAR HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
100,000 points
$6,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee
$795
Highlights
  • 8x on Chase Travel
  • 4x flights & hotels
  • $300/yr travel credit
  • $300/yr StubHub credit
Learn more →

Ink Business Preferred®

Chase (Business)
AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
100,000 points
$8,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee
$95
Highlights
  • 3x travel, shipping, ads ($150K/yr)
  • Unlocks 1:1 UR partner transfers
  • Cell phone protection
  • Only $95/yr annual fee
Learn more →
AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
$1,000 (= 100K UR points)
$8,000 in 4 months
Annual Fee
$0
Highlights
  • No annual fee
  • 5% office supplies + internet
  • Combine UR with Sapphire/Ink Preferred
  • Legitimate business required
Learn more →
NEAR HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
75,000 points
$5,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee
$95
Highlights
  • 5x on Chase Travel
  • 3x dining, streaming, gas
  • $100/yr hotel credit
  • Only $95/yr annual fee
Learn more →
NEAR HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
75,000 points
$6,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee
$595
Highlights
  • 12x hotel/car via Citi Travel
  • 6x flights via Citi Travel
  • Priority Pass + Admirals Club
  • $300/yr hotel benefit
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Capital One Venture X

Capital One
NEAR HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
75,000 miles
$4,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee
$395
Highlights
  • 10x hotels/cars via C1 Travel
  • 5x flights via C1 Travel
  • 2x everything else
  • Capital One Lounge + Priority Pass
Learn more →
NEAR HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
60,000 points
$4,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee
$95
Highlights
  • 5x hotels & car rentals
  • 4x flights
  • 3x dining, transit, gas
  • Transfer to Cathay Pacific
Learn more →
AT HISTORICAL HIGH
Welcome Bonus
60,000 points ($600)
$4,000 in 90 days
Annual Fee
$95
Highlights
  • 2x travel & dining
  • 1.5x everything else
  • $100/yr airline credit
  • Up to 75% bonus for Preferred Rewards
Learn more →

Redemption values are estimates based on current award pricing. Transfer bonuses expire as noted. Targeted Amex offers are not guaranteed for all applicants. Always check the latest terms before applying.

Next update: ~Sep 7, 2026