Guide to Choosing the Best Reward Credit Card

A reward credit card offers incentives such as cashback, merchandise points, or airline miles for your spending. These cards feature various reward structures; some give higher rewards on specific categories like groceries, dining, or travel, while others offer general rewards. Users earn points for every dollar spent, making rewards beneficial for everyday expenses.

There are mainly three reward types: cash, points, and miles. Cash rewards are simple—redeemable as statements, checks, or deposits. Points are earned based on how much you spend and can be exchanged for merchandise or gift cards at discounts. Miles or travel points are used for airline tickets and hotel stays.

Reward points can often be redeemed as gift cards, sometimes at a discount of 10-20% off the face value through merchant partners. Types of reward cards include auto and hotel rewards, catering to specific spending habits. Travel reward cards earn miles redeemable for flights, with the required miles varying per airline and program. Converting miles between programs may lead to some points loss, so review transfer options carefully.

For example, a Hilton Honors credit card earns bonus points on daily purchases, which can be redeemed for free nights or other perks. Choosing the right card depends on your lifestyle, spending frequency, and preferred rewards. Various Hilton Honors cards are available, each offering different benefits based on your travel and spending patterns.

All Hilton Honors cards increase your earning rate for Hilton stays; booking with these cards grants extra points. The American Express Hilton Honors and Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature are suitable for those spending under $30,000 annually. The Amex card provides high reward rates at Hilton properties and other spending categories, while the Citi card offers a straightforward experience with a generous sign-up bonus and flexible earning structures.

The Citi Hilton Honors Visa Signature offers 40,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within four months, along with earning 6 points per dollar at Hilton, 3 at supermarkets/gas stations, and 2 elsewhere. It also grants Silver status automatically. Spending four stays in the first 90 days upgrades you to Gold status for a year.

The American Express Hilton Honors card also provides 40,000 bonus points after a $750 initial spend, earning 7 points at Hilton, 5 at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 3 on other expenses. It includes Silver status, with Gold attainable after spending $20,000 annually.

The Hilton Honors Reserve Card is ideal if you stay at Hilton properties on weekends, offering a free night each year on your anniversary. With a $95 annual fee, it offers luxury benefits for frequent Hilton guests.

The Hilton Honors Surpass Card, with a $75 fee, maximizes points earning—12 points per dollar at Hilton, 6 at restaurants/gas/supermarkets, and 3 elsewhere. Spend $40,000 annually to qualify for Diamond Elite status, Hilton's top-tier membership, making it a good choice for high spenders.

When comparing these cards, the American Express Hilton Honors stands out as the top option, offering higher point earnings for less initial spend and broader rewards earning potential. It provides automatic Silver status, with the possibility of achieving Gold with sufficient spending.

Reward programs can be complex; issuers may update terms unexpectedly. Always check your billing statements carefully. Keep in mind reward expiration dates and payment history, as missed payments can forfeit your benefits. High-credit-score individuals are generally more eligible for premium reward cards, so check your credit standing beforehand.