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travel credit card

My Top 5 Picks for Credit Cards

Last Updated: 07/17/25 • Originally Published: July 8, 2025 by Cali Pareja

top 5 credit cards

Okay, so you’ve had a credit card (or maybe a few). You know how to swipe, tap, and pay your bill on time (please pay the bill on time). But now you’re thinking, “Wait… could I be getting more out of this thing?”

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, and I’m here to help.

Here’s the gist, I’m not some credit card hacker. I want something simple to use, something I don’t have to spend precious time trying to figure out. I want straightforward, while still getting those sweet sweet rewards!

No confusing terms. No boring bank-speak. Just great cards that can level up your everyday spending and maybe even earn you a free vacation (or at least a free latte or two).

What are my top 5 picks for credit cards? Well, let’s talk about it!

 

grocery stores & food credit card 1. Savor One

No Fee.

I find that the biggest spend category for most people is going to be “Food” whether that be groceries or eating out. Well, good news! The Savor One from Capital One has unlimited, I repeat, UNLIMITED, 3% cash back on dining and groceries. With NO annual fee, AND a sign on bonus, this card really was a no brainer for me!

 

2. Bilt Mastercard

No Fee.

PSA: IF YOU RENT YOU NEED THIS CARD! Currently the ONLY card on the market that gives you points back for paying your rent. Rent is nearly everyone’s biggest expense, you are losing money if you’re not getting rewards for paying it! The one catch with this card is that you need to spend money 4 other times a month with it in order to get the rewards. Easy peasy, and for getting points on rent, there’s a reason that this makes it into my top 5 credit cards!

 

every day credit card

3. American Express Blue Cash Everyday

No Fee.

American Express has a lot of options. A lot of overwhelming and expensive options. This bad boy right here is the simple, beautiful, NO FEE option. I absolutely love this card. It offers 3% cash back on online spending, which let’s be honest… is most of how I buy things. And and and… 3% cash back on GAS? Yes please. Gas is so expensive are you kidding me! This card also offers a bonus of $7 a month if you pay your Disney+ subscription with it. As a Disney fiend, this was a triple threat for me. I LOVE ALL OF THOSE THINGS!

 

4. Chase Freedom Flex

No Fee.

5% cash back. Sounds good right? Well, it is! The Chase Freedom Flex, offers 5% cash back categories. These flip between things like Amazon, Target, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores. Every 3 months, the cash back category changes. This is probably the most complex card I own, but I still love it!

 

travel credit card 5. Venture X

$395 Fee.

Please let me explain. Yes, I know. I’m a budget traveller. WHY do I have a premium travel card? Let me tell you why… That $395 fee, it comes with a $300 travel credit every single year and a 10,000 point anniversary bonus. That’s a cash total of $400. That means this card pays ME $5 PLUS free Global Entry / TSA Precheck, and airport lounge access!!! With 10 points back on hotels and 5 points back on flights booked through the travel portal, you really can’t get better value than this card. Especially now that Chase and Amex have such high fees!

See? Sweet & simple, my top 5 credit cards that are actually worth the swipe. Whether you’re racking up rewards on rent, stacking cash back on groceries, or living your best airport lounge life, there’s a card on this list that’ll fit your vibe. And the best part? You don’t need to be a points genius or spreadsheet wizard to make them work for you. Just pick the one (or ones!) that match your lifestyle, use them smartly (Pay it off EVERY MONTH PLEASE), and let the perks roll in!

Category: Finance

About Cali Pareja

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