Daily Drop Readers' Most Popular Cards of 2024

These ten credit cards have been the go-to choices for Daily Drop readers in 2024, and for good reason. They have strong welcome offers, valuable rewards, and perks that make travel simply...better. Whether you're after flexible travel points, free hotel nights, or a straightforward cashback alternative, there's an option here that fits perfectly in your wallet. The right card for you depends on how you spend and travel—so take advantage of these popular picks to maximize your rewards in 2025 and beyond.

Personal Cards

🏆 Our Most Popular Card

Annual Fee: $95

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Best for 2X on Everyday Spending

Annual Fee: $95

75,000Bonus Miles
Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
🏆 Best for Premium Travel Perks

Annual Fee: $395

Rates & Fees|Terms Apply
75,000Bonus Miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
🏆 Best Southwest Starter Card

Annual Fee: $99

50,000Bonus Points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
🏆 Best for IHG Loyalists

Annual Fee: $99

140,000 Bonus PointsBonus Points
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
🏆 Best for Marriott Free Nights

Annual Fee: $95

Up to 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night AwardBonus Points
Earn up to 125,000 Bonus Points + 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first 3 months. Special Offer through 6/30/2027: Get up to $100 in statement credits after spending $500 on eligible airline purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually.
🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee and Intro APR

Annual Fee: $0

$200 Cash BackBonus Points
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
🏆 Best for Hyatt Free Nights

Annual Fee: $95

Up to 60,000 Bonus PointsBonus Points
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 more Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Business Cards

🏆 Best Chase Welcome Offer

Annual Fee: $95

100,000Bonus Points
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
🏆 Best Business Card with $0 Annual Fee

Annual Fee: $0

Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.

Which Card is Right for You?

If you're looking for the best travel credit cards of 2024, you're in the right place. These ten cards stood out among Daily Drop readers, offering everything from generous welcome offers to elite perks that make travel smoother (and cheaper). Whether you want to rack up Chase Ultimate Rewards, score Southwest flights, or enjoy top-tier hotel status, there's a card for you. Frequent travelers might lean toward the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Venture X, while small business owners could get major value from the Ink Business Preferred or Unlimited. If hotel perks are your thing, IHG One Rewards Premier, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, and the World of Hyatt card will take your stays to the next level. And for everyday spending, the Chase Freedom Unlimited delivers excellent rewards with no annual fee.

Other Ways to Earn

Earning points and miles doesn’t stop with your card’s bonus categories. Each of these cards has strategic ways to maximize rewards. Pairing multiple Chase cards, for example, can supercharge your Ultimate Rewards stash. Capital One Venture and Venture X make earning simple with miles on every purchase, while Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus offers bonus points on purchases made directly with the airline. Hotel cards like Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and IHG One Rewards Premier give you extra points when you stay at their properties, plus additional perks like free nights. And if you’re a business owner, using Ink Business Preferred or Unlimited for work expenses is a game-changer, especially with high-earning categories like advertising and travel. There are always extra ways to earn!

Pros and Cons

Pros

Generous welcome offers across the board

Strong earning potential with a mix of flexible and airline/hotel-specific points

Travel perks like lounge access, statement credits, and trip protections

Great options for both personal and business spending

Cons

Some cards come with annual fees, which may not be worth it for infrequent travelers

Points systems can be complex and require strategic redemptions

Certain cards have high spending requirements for welcome bonuses

FAQs

What is the best overall travel card from this list?

The Sapphire Preferred is a favorite for its balance of benefits, earning potential, and flexibility in redeeming points.

Which of these cards is best for hotel stays?

The World of Hyatt Card, IHG One Rewards Premier, and Marriott Bonvoy Boundless all offer valuable hotel perks, including free nights and elite status.

What’s the best card for business owners?

The Ink Business Preferred offers massive earning potential on business expenses like advertising and travel, while the Ink Business Unlimited is great for those who prefer simple earning on everything.

Can I get more than one of these cards?

Yes! Many readers pair cards strategically, such as using the Chase Freedom Unlimited for everyday spending and the Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel redemptions.

Which card is best for earning airline miles?

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus is best for Southwest loyalists, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture cards offer flexible points that can transfer to multiple airlines.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

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