Updated: Best Cards
It’s a lazy week around here, so rather than a new post, I’m updating my Lazy Ranking of the Best Credit Cards. You can read the updated post HERE.
There have been a few changes since I last updated the list, so here are the biggest movers on the list.
On The Upswing 📈
Chase Sapphire Preferred (Unranked → #6). I used to be down on this card, but thanks to a refresh it now has enough benefits to outweigh the annual fee and has solid earning rates, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a single-card setup, even though it wouldn’t be my choice for redemption value.
Citi Strata Elite (#8 → #4). Over the past few months, I’ve noticed Citi transfer partner American Airlines consistently offering the best regular award pricing on domestic, international, and premium-cabin travel. Personally, I prefer other programs (namely Delta SkyMiles and Alaska Atmos) that offer deeper-discount sales more often. But I increasingly love the Strata Elite’s balance of strengths.
Wells Fargo Autograph (Honorable Mention → #14). Since I last updated the rankings, Wells added 1:2 transfers to Wyndham Rewards on top of its 1:2 transfers to Choice Privileges. I also learned that you can simply redeem points for a statement credit at 1¢ per point. With no annual fee and 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas, transit, select streaming, and phone plans, I’m starting to think this one is seriously underrated.
Atmos Summit (#3 → #2). I just love this card, and the card’s waiver of partner award booking fees when redeeming Atmos points makes it even easier and cheaper to take advantage of Alaska’s award chart and ever-better Global Getaways.
Moving Down 📉
Two cards fell out of my rankings entirely.
Citi Custom Cash. This card offered an excellent 5% back on your top qualifying spending category. Alas, it’s no longer available.
Delta Amex Platinum. I was really impressed with this card when it came out, because it offered more value in statement credits than the annual fee, while being the only airline card (besides the higher-fee Delta Reserve) that would get you on the complimentary upgrade list. But those upgrades are getting harder to come by as the ranks of elites and cardholders swell, while I think the statement credits are too much of a pain to redeem unless you’re really dedicated to Delta. The Gold card’s improvements also make the Platinum less compelling by comparison.
Lazy Take 🦥
Over the past few months, we’ve lost one great credit card, but overall I have mostly seen cards improve, or found new ways to get value from them.
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