If you are a young professional, you may be searching for a credit card that fits your current needs. Maybe you’re settling into your first big post-grad job or building your own business from the ground up.
Either way, finding the right credit card that fits your financial situation, spending habits and travel goals can help you master the points, miles and cash back card game. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for young professionals.
The best cards are for young adults
American Express Green Card information is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card
Groceries and restaurants are usually two of the biggest expenses for a person each month. If that sounds like you, think about it Amex Gold Card.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on TPG estimates for January 2025.
You can be directed to the best offers with the CardMatch tool. Not everyone will be targeted with the same offer, and offers can change at any time.
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
Rewards:
Daily Newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the best news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG experts
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (up to $50,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar thereafter) and US supermarkets (up to $25,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that)
- 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
- 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other qualifying purchases through amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar spent on other qualifying purchases
Whether you’re going out with friends or learning to cook at home, you probably spend a decent portion of your money on food — and this card rewards you for it. It also offers 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, either purchased directly on the airline’s website or through American Express Travel, so you’ll earn solid rewards when you book your dream vacation or go home for the holidays.
If you’re not sure where to start to redeem all those points, we have some suggestions.
To learn more, check out our full Amex Gold review.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
American Express Green Card
If you spend a lot of money on travel and miscellaneous travel expenses, consider Amex Green.
Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. TPG’s January 2025 estimates pegged these at 40,000 points at $800.
Annual fee: $150
Awards:
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel, including hotels, flights, transportation, tours, taxis and ride-hailing services
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (including pickup and delivery in the US)
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you find yourself traveling more than ever, this card deserves a place in your wallet. It earns bonus points on travel, transportation and dining, so you’ll benefit not only when you book a tour but also when you travel and explore all the delicious food while you’re there.
This card also makes your travel experience easier with benefits like a credit statement of up to $199 each calendar year to combine your Clear Plus membership with travel protection. Registration is required for selected benefits; terms apply.
Read more: American Express Green Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best mid-range cards out there. If you are serious about traveling with points and miles, you should strongly consider this card.
Acceptance offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. As of January 2025, TPG is valuing this bonus at up to $1,230.
Annual feePrice: $95
Rewards:
- 5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery, takeout and dining services
- 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
- 3 points per dollar spent on online grocery shopping (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar spent on all other travel
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you’ve been paying attention, you probably know someone who has this card. You have probably seen us and we tell you how much you need to get it. And for good reason – this card lives up to the hype.
Its added advantage in travel purchases and benefits such as travel cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees earns it the label as a travel card, but it also works hard for your daily use.
Whether you’re dining, streaming or traveling, you can count on this card to earn you big rewards.
There is a $95 annual fee, but we happily pay that for the benefits this card carries.
To learn more, check out our full Chase Sapphire Preferred review.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Citi Strata Premier Card
If you’re looking for a card that covers a bunch of common spending categories, consider this one Citi Strata Premier.
Acceptance offer: Earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. As of January 2025, TPG is pricing this bonus at $1,350.
Annual feePrice: $95
Rewards:
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels
- 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
- 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants
- 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Citi Strata Premier is another great option for earning bonus points for both travel and everyday spending. Citi ThankYou points are versatile, allowing you to redeem them by transferring them to Citi’s airline or hotel transfer partners.
Between its welcome bonus and variety of rewards categories, this card will have you booking your next trip with points in no time.
To learn more, see our full Citi Strata Premier review.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a Capital One fan looking for a solid mid-tier travel card, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG estimates for January 2025 peg this welcome offer at $1,388.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases
This card is great if you spend a large portion of your salary on purchases that typically don’t fall under other bonus categories.
With the Venture rewards card, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, whether it’s at the grocery store or sending in a photo of your dog to hang in your new home.
You’ll love the option to use the miles you earn with this card by transferring them to any of Capital One’s 15-plus 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners. This card features bonus travel benefits like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and no foreign transaction fees.
The card’s flexibility and travel benefits make it a great choice for young professionals.
To learn more, check out our full Capital One Venture Rewards review.
Read more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bottom line
Committing to a credit card can be difficult, especially if you haven’t been in the credit card game for a long time. You know you have many options, but the key is to choose the one that matches your travel goals and spending habits the best.
You can’t go wrong with any of these five cards. With everything from great bonuses to dining perks, you’ll feel like a credit manager in no time.
Related: Just got a Preferred Sapphire? Do this next
For prices and fees for the Amex Gold card, click here.
Source link
