Credit: Envato Elements
The holiday season is a time for gift-giving, festive feasts, and travel, but it can also stretch your budget. The right credit card can help you save money, earn rewards, and enjoy perks that make the season more rewarding. Here’s a guide to the top 15 credit card offers in the U.S. this holiday season, designed to maximize your spending power while delivering valuable benefits.
1. Chase Freedom Flex®
- Highlights: Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories, including online shopping, and 1% on everything else.
- Holiday Perks: Use Chase Ultimate Rewards to get 5% on top retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Highlights: Earn 2x points on dining and travel and 25% more value when redeeming via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Holiday Perks: Ideal for festive dining and holiday trips.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn 2x miles on all purchases with no foreign transaction fees.
- Holiday Perks: Great for holiday travel, including up to $100 for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months.
4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Highlights: Get 6% cashback on groceries and select streaming services, and 3% on gas and transit.
- Holiday Perks: Save big on holiday meals and entertainment subscriptions.
- Welcome Offer: $250 statement credit after $3,000 in purchases over 6 months.
5. Discover it® Cash Back
- Highlights: Earn 5% cashback on rotating categories like Amazon and Target.
- Holiday Perks: Cashback Match doubles your rewards for the first year.
- Annual Fee: None.
6. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Highlights: Earn 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market for Prime members.
- Holiday Perks: Perfect for gift shopping during holiday sales.
- Sign-Up Bonus: A $150 Amazon gift card upon approval.
7. Citi Double Cash® Card
- Highlights: Earn 2% cashback (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay).
- Holiday Perks: Simple and effective for all purchases.
- Annual Fee: None.
8. American Express® Gold Card
- Highlights: Earn 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 3x points on flights.
- Holiday Perks: Great for dining and festive cooking.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $4,000 in 6 months.
9. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Highlights: Earn 4x points on dining and takeout.
- Holiday Perks: No foreign transaction fees, ideal for holiday travel.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
10. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
- Highlights: Get 3% cashback on a category of your choice, like online shopping or dining.
- Holiday Perks: Flexibility to choose your bonus category.
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 cash rewards after spending $1,000 in 90 days.
11. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
- Highlights: Earn 5% cashback on your highest spending category each month (up to $500).
- Holiday Perks: Automatically adjusts to your spending habits.
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $1,500 in 6 months.
12. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Highlights: Unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases.
- Holiday Perks: Simple and consistent rewards with no annual fee.
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 in 3 months.
13. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Highlights: Earn 2x miles on dining, groceries, and Delta purchases.
- Holiday Perks: First checked bag free for Delta flights.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in 3 months.
14. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
- Highlights: Earn 6x points at Marriott properties and 2x points on all other purchases.
- Holiday Perks: Free night reward every year after your account anniversary.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $3,000 in 3 months.
15. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
- Highlights: Earn 12x points at Hilton hotels and 6x points on groceries and dining.
- Holiday Perks: Ideal for festive stays and meals.
- Sign-Up Bonus: 130,000 points after spending $2,000 in 3 months.
Tips to Maximize Holiday Rewards
- Strategize Spending: Use cards that align with your shopping categories like groceries, travel, or online shopping.
- Combine Offers: Stack card rewards with retailer discounts and loyalty programs.
- Pay on Time: Avoid interest charges by paying balances in full.
- Track Bonuses: Ensure you meet spending requirements for sign-up bonuses.
Final Thoughts
The right credit card can turn your holiday expenses into a season of savings and rewards. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, traveling to visit family, or hosting a festive dinner, these cards offer the best deals tailored to your needs.
Start planning now to make the most of these benefits and enjoy a rewarding holiday season!
