Chase vs. Bank of America Credit Cards: Which Are Better? [2026]

Key Takeaways

• Chase offers strong travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, that earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
• Bank of America offers strong credit cards for cash-back, such as the Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Credit Card.
• Consider switching to Chase if you are looking for reward travel, but if you have large deposits with Bank of America and prefer cash-back, Bank of America has the advantage.

Comparing what the largest banks in the U.S. offer in the way of credit cards is always fascinating. Although JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are the largest banks in the U.S. by total assets, the two institutions couldn’t have a more different approach to credit card portfolios.

In general, Bank of America focuses on cash-back rewards, while Chase is focused on those interested in travel rewards. Sure, Bank of America and Chase both offer products that intertwine themselves with different credit card strategies, but their messaging of flagship credit cards is pretty clear in general.

Let’s compare what credit cards these 2 juggernauts offer in a head-to-head comparison!

Comparing Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bank of America Preferred Rewards

Chase’s flagship rewards system is called Ultimate Rewards. Even though Chase works with airlines and hotels, including United and IHG, to issue co-branded credit cards, Ultimate Rewards isn’t tied to a single airline or hotel.

For this reason, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are incredibly valuable and easy to use. Best of all, Chase issues a series of different credit cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points (or cards with rewards easily converted into Ultimate Rewards points).

Right now, Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be used for:

• Transfers to travel partners, including airlines and hotels
• Bookings made through the Chase Travel portal
• Pay Yourself Back
• Gift cards
• Cash-back/statement credits
• Online shopping, including Apple and Amazon.com

The redemptions above are sorted from highest to lowest value. The best value, without a doubt, is to transfer Ultimate Rewards points to travel partners for luxury award travel where you can get up to 10 cents per point of value!

Right now, Chase has a fantastic list of transfer partners:

Airline Transfer Partners

Chase Transfer Partners

In particular, you can transfer Chase points to frequent flyer programs including Air Canada Aeroplan, The British Airways Club, United MileagePlus, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer at a 1:1 ratio to book amazing flights like Etihad first class, Qatar Airways Qsuites, and Singapore Airlines First Class Suites.

Even more impressive, you can transfer Chase points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio to book some amazing luxury hotel stays.

That’s why we value Chase Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each.

In the Chase travel portal, some hotel and airfare bookings have a point redemption value of up to 2 cents apiece, depending on the card you have.

Pay Yourself Back redemptions get a maximum of 1.5 cents per point in value, while gift cards net up to 1.2 cents per point, cash-back gets 1 cent per point, and online shopping will almost always get you less than 1 cent per point of value.

On the flip side, Bank of America points are worth a flat 1 cent per point.

Bank of America’s flagship rewards program is called Preferred Rewards (its business rewards program is called Preferred Rewards for Business). Broadly speaking, Bank of America points can’t be transferred to travel partners, which is already a huge setback for Bank of America if you’re looking to maximize value.

However, you can earn a bonus of up to 75% extra rewards if you hold minimum deposits or assets in your qualifying Bank of America or Merrill accounts. Your points are worth a flat 1 cent per point, but you get more rewards for spending with the Preferred Rewards program.

Currently, you can use your points for gift cards, Bank of America Travel Center bookings, statement credits, or direct deposits into Bank of America and eligible Merrill investment accounts only.

Best Overall Travel Rewards Card

Looking for a great starter rewards credit card to dip your toes into travel rewards? We’ll show you our favorite picks.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card is the best overall travel rewards credit card in Chase and Bank of America’s portfolios. That’s because it has a vast rewards structure, an introductory welcome offer, and attractive ongoing perks.

Here’s how you can earn up to 5x Ultimate Rewards points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card:

• Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel.
• Earn 5x points on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027.
• Earn 5x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through December 31, 2027).
• Earn 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services.
• Earn 2x points on other travel purchases.
• Earn 1x points on other purchases.

You earn a 10% anniversary bonus after every cardmember anniversary year.

We value Chase points at 2 cents each, which means you’d earn a maximum of 10% on your spending.

Furthermore, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with points redemption bonuses on some travel bookings made through Chase Travel and up to a 25% bonus for Pay Yourself Back through certain rotating categories, which would get you a redemption value of 1.25 cents per point.

The card also has a $50 annual hotel credit on bookings made through Chase Travel, as well as a complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (which must be activated by December 31, 2027), phenomenal travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, no foreign transaction fees, and no-additional-fee authorized-user cards.

Runner-up: Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Credit Card

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great travel rewards card for those looking for a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards.

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® credit card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great travel rewards card for those looking for a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® credit card is a great option for anyone looking for a travel rewards card with a simple approach to how you earn and redeem your rewards.

From travel and purchase protections to airline incidental and Global Entry credits, there is plenty to love about the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.

Plus, those that hold status in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can get even more value from the card by boosting their rewards by 25% to 75%!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to $100 annual airline incidental statement credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized redemptions via airline and hotel transfer partners

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87-2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America^® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill^® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Low $95 annual fee.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Our runner-up credit card in this segment is the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, which earns points that can be used to book travel through the Bank of America Travel Center.

Currently, new cardholders can qualify for a welcome offer, as well as up to 2 points per $1 spent:

• 2x points on travel and dining
• 1.5x points on other purchases

If you happen to be a Preferred Rewards member by virtue of your Bank of America deposit or investment accounts, you can also get 25% to 75% more points on your purchases, effectively allowing you to earn:

• Up to 3.5x points on travel and dining (equivalent to a 3.5% return on spending)
• Up to 2.625x points on other purchases (equivalent to a 2.625% return on spending)

Also, you get 2 sets of travel credits:

• Up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years
• Up to a $100 airline incidental credit for purchases including seat upgrades, baggage fees, inflight service fees, lounge fees, and more

Also, you won’t be hit with any foreign transaction fees or additional annual fees for authorized users.

Bottom Line: The Chase Sapphire Preferred card overtakes the Bank of America Premium Rewards card as the best overall travel rewards card thanks to Chase’s transfer partners and attractive rewards categories. That being said, the Bank of America Premium Rewards card offers potentially lucrative rewards if you happen to have large eligible deposits with Bank of America or Merrill and are focused on cash-back rewards. 

Best Overall Business Card

Now that we’ve discussed our best overall travel rewards credit card (the most popular segment), let’s get into another popular segment: business credit cards.

We’ll show you our 2 favorite business credit cards in Chase’s and Bank of America’s portfolios.

Winner: Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Apply Now

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card is perfect for frequent traveler business owners who want premium perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening and access more than $6,000 in total business and travel value in your first year.

150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$3,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.74% - 28.49%

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card is a great pick for business owners who can easily make use of the annual credits for travel, Google Workspace, ZipRecruiter, and more. Plus, it offers helpful bonus categories such as ad spend and offers access to over 1,300 airport lounges — including Chase Sapphire Lounges.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly
• 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines (uncapped)

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
• $6,000+ in value your first year. 150K points, valued at $3,000 for select flights and hotels through Chase Travel℠, plus $3,000+ in annual value through travel and business benefits.
• Earn 8x points on Chase Travel℠ for airline tickets, hotels, including The Edit℠, car rentals, cruises, activities and tours.
• Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Earn 4x points on flights & hotels booked direct.
• Earn 3x points on social media & search engine advertising.
• Get the most flexible travel credit compared to any other card, with up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year on travel purchases.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club network and Priority Pass™ Select membership. Two guests may accompany the Primary Cardmember to the lounges free of charge.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 17.74% - 28.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The best business credit card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card, thanks to its combination of rewards, excellent travel benefits, and several statement credits that help offset the annual fee.

With it, you earn 8x points on Chase Travel purchases, 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly, an uncapped 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines, and 1x points on all other purchases.

Cardholders receive a variety of other benefits that make the card well worth holding for frequent travelers like access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and Priority Pass lounges, complimentary IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status, a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit, and excellent travel protections.

Though the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card does come with a large annual fee of up [cc_id=”802794″ name=”chase-sapphire-reserve-business-annual-fee-number”], you receive a large number of annual statement credits that deliver real value to cardholders, such as:

• Up to a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied toward purchases of flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more
• Up to a $500 annual credit for stays with The Edit by Chase Travel, delivered in 2 biannual $250 credits (2-night minimum stay required)
• Up to $300 annually in monthly DoorDash promos ($5 restaurant credit and 2 $10 nonrestaurant credits) and a complimentary DashPass membership worth $120 annually
• Up to $120 in annual Lyft in-app credits, up to $10 monthly (through September 30, 2027)
• Up to a $200 annual Google Workspace credit
• Up to a $100 Giftcards.com credit, delivered in 2 $50 biannual credits
• Up to a $400 annual ZipRecruiter credit, delivered in 2 $200 biannual credits

Hot Tip:

Learn more about all of the benefits of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card and how they can provide cardholders with up to $12,000 in annual value.

Runner-Up: Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

17.74% - 26.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 26.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Our runner-up is the Ink Business Preferred card. This card is uniquely rewarding on business purchases, earning up to 3x Ultimate Rewards points on these business categories (up to $150,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year):

• Ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Internet, cable, and phone services
• Shipping expenses
• Travel

You also earn 5x points on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027. On other purchases, you earn 1x points.

Earning 5x points, 3x points, or 1x points is equal to a 10%, 6%, or 2% return on spending, based on our valuations.

The Ink Business Preferred card comes with bonus redemption offers on certain Chase travel portal bookings, as well as a 25% redemption bonus through Pay Yourself Back.

Other reasons why you’d want to have the Ink Business Preferred card include leading cell phone insurance, comprehensive travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, no foreign transaction fees, and $0-additional fee employee cards.

Best Premium Travel Rewards Card

If you consider yourself an avid traveler, you might want to find a credit card that offers premium travel rewards and benefits, especially if you also travel frequently.

Winner: Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The best premium travel rewards card is the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, which boasts some of the best rewards in the business. With this card, you can earn up to 10x Ultimate Rewards points:

• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (through December 31, 2027)
• 8x points on Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft purchases, plus a $10 monthly in-app credit through September 30, 2027
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct
• 3x points on dining purchases worldwide
• 1x points on other purchases

Earning 8x points translates to a maximum return on spending of 16%, which is absolutely gigantic.

Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers a $300 travel credit, $500 prepaid hotel credit, and $300 dining credit every cardmember year, an up-to-$120 TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or NEXUS application fee credit every 4 years, and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

You can utilize the complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (which must be activated by December 31, 2027), gain access to amazing travel insurance, rental car perks with Avis and National Car Rental, hotel perks with IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status (activation required and only through December 31, 2027), as well as purchase protection, return protection, extended warranty coverage, and no foreign transaction fees.

Runner-Up: Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium rewards credit card with straightforward earning and redeeming, with luxury perks such as airport lounge access.

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card

A premium rewards credit card with straightforward earning and redeeming, with luxury perks such as airport lounge access.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 online bonus points after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Elite Credit Card is the bank’s most premium travel rewards credit card.

While it has quite a large annual fee of $550, it also comes loaded with benefits that frequent travelers are sure to love, such as airport lounge access, $450 in annual statement credits, travel protections, and a 20% boost to point value when redeeming for airfare.

Plus, those with status in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can really boost the value they receive from the card by earning 25% to 75% more points on all of their purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
• $300 annual airline incidental statement credit

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• No access to travel transfer partners to help you get outsized value for your points

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 75,000 online bonus points — a $750 value — after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases. There’s no limit to the points you can earn, and points don’t expire.
• Receive up to $300 annually in Airline Incidental Statement Credits for qualifying purchases such as seat upgrades, baggage fees, airline lounge fees and in-flight services
• Save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when you pay with points
• Preferred Rewards members earn 25% to 75% more points on every purchase

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Bank of America’s ultrapremium credit card is the Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite card, which is essentially an amped-up version of the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.

The welcome offer is available for new cardmembers. After that, expect to earn according to this earning structure:

• 2x points on travel and dining
• 1.5x points on other purchases

The same bonus of 25% to 75% in points is offered to those with large enough deposits or investment balances with Bank of America or Merrill. That allows you to earn 3.5x points instead of 2x points and 2.625x points instead of 1.5x points.

One of this card’s unique benefits is that you can save 20% on domestic or international airfare when you pay with points for any cabin class, which could further increase your return on spending from 3.5% to 4.375% and from 2.625% to 3.28%.

Best Credit Card With No Annual Fee

Let’s say you want a card with no annual fee and are willing to sacrifice rewards earned from credit card spending. Here’s where to look.

Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$250

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

One of the best no-annual-fee credit cards in the world happens to be issued by Chase. The Freedom Unlimited card offers a ton of value without an annual fee.

• 5% cash-back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 2% cash-back on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027
• 3% cash-back on dining and drugstores
• 1.5% cash-back on other purchases

One of the secrets of this card is that even though it appears to be a cash-back card, you can also convert your rewards to Ultimate Rewards points if you happen to have a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card.

Converting your cash-back to Ultimate Rewards points translates to a return on spending of 10%, 6%, and 3% through the 5x, 3x, and 1.5x points conversions, respectively.

You get travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, secondary rental car insurance, fraud protection, authorized users for no additional annual fee, and no annual fee.

Runner-Up: Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards allows you to earn an uncapped 1.5% cash-back on all purchases with no annual fee.

Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards allows you to earn an uncapped 1.5% cash-back on all purchases with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 17.49% to 27.49% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Bank of America^® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is a good option to consider if you’re looking for unlimited cash-back, and straightforward earning – all without a $0 annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• $0 annual fee
• Boost your cash-back rate with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program

Cons

• Doesn’t offer bonus categories
• Charges foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
• No annual fee.
• No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire.
• 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% to 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers in the first 60 days, and a 5% fee applies thereafter.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 17.49% to 27.49% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

At the moment, our favorite Bank of America personal credit card with no annual fee is the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card.

This simple credit card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases; if you are a Preferred Rewards member, you can get a bonus of 25% to 75% more cash-back, which could earn you 1.84% to 2.62% cash-back on every purchases.

Best Business Credit Card With No Annual Fee

Let’s compare Chase’s and Bank of America’s best business credit cards without annual fees.

Winner: Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

Our favorite business credit card with no annual fee is the Ink Business Unlimited card. To summarize, this awesome credit card has a great welcome offer and a 0% introductory APR promotion.

It also earns 1.5% cash-back on all business purchases without any caps or limits. If you book Lyft rides frequently, you earn 5% cash-back on those purchases through September 30, 2027.

This credit card, as a standalone product, earns cash-back, but your cash-back rewards can be converted to Ultimate Rewards points if you happen to also have an Ultimate Rewards credit card such as the Ink Business Preferred card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Thus your 1.5% cash-back can be converted to 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points, which is equivalent to a 3% return on spending.

Currently, you also get primary car rental insurance (when renting for business purposes), extended warranty, purchase protection, zero-liability fraud protection, and $0-additional fee employee cards.

Runner-Up: Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Welcome Offer

Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.

$750

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter. , you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas, and 1% back on all other purchases
• Travel insurance and purchase protection

Cons

• Spending caps in bonus categories
• Low points earning outside of bonus categories

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Cash card is great for those who want no annual fee but can spend on bonus categories for their businesses in an effort to get enhanced rewards.

You’ll notice that the welcome offer is great, as well, which also includes a 0% introductory APR promotion.

Expect to earn a maximum of 5% cash-back:

• Earn 5% cash-back on Lyft purchases through September 30, 2027.
• Earn 5% cash-back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services (on the first $25,000 in combined purchases) spent every account anniversary.
• Earn 2% cash-back on dining and gas (on the first $25,000 in combined purchases) spent every account anniversary.
• Earn 1% cash-back on other purchases.

Just like with the Ink Business Unlimited card, your cash-back rewards with this card can be converted to Ultimate Rewards points if you have an Ultimate Rewards card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Ink Business Preferred card. Therefore, your 5% cash-back can convert to 5x Ultimate Rewards points, which is equal to a 10% return on spending.

The Ink Business Cash card also offers primary rental car insurance (when renting for business purposes), zero-liability fraud protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, and employee cards for $0 additional annual fee.

Best Airline Credit Card

If you’re looking for the best airline credit card to earn miles, get closer to elite status, or receive airline-specific benefits, we’ll walk you through our top picks here.

Winner: United℠ Explorer Card

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 9x total miles per $1 on eligible United flights
• 3x miles per $1 on all other eligible United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays when booked with the hotel

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases.
• 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United^® flights.
• 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
• Over $500 in partner credits each year
• NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

The United Explorer card is the best overall airline credit card in this guide. It has a large welcome offer, reasonable annual fee, and up to 5x MileagePlus miles in earnings:

• 5x total miles on hotel stays purchased through United Hotels: 2x miles as a MileagePlus member, 2 miles per $1 spent with your card, plus an additional 1 mile per $1 spent from United when you prepay through United Hotels
• 2x miles on United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), and hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel
• 1x miles on other purchases

Also, you can access a series of United-specific perks!

• Free first checked bag for the primary cardmember and a companion traveling on the same reservation (terms apply)
• 25% statement credit on inflight United purchases
• Priority boarding on United flights
• 2 United Club one-time passes after every cardmember anniversary year (the primary cardholder or an authorized user must be traveling to use the passes)
• 10,000-mile award flight discount each calendar after spending $20,000
• $100 of United TravelBank cash after spending $10,000 on purchases each calendar year (good for future United or United Express flights)

There’s also an up-to-$120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit every 4 years, no foreign transaction fees, $0-additional-fee authorized users, travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty.

Runner-Up: Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature^® card

Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature^® card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Provides the potential to earn plenty of points to fly with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature^® card

Provides the potential to earn plenty of points to fly with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Welcome Offer

50% Flight Discount upon approval and Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days after account opening.

80,000 points + 50% Flight Discount

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,280

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

With the Atmos Rewards Ascent card in your wallet, you can get great perks and earn points at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska or Hawaiian is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 spent on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases
• 2x points per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
• 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges a $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 50% Flight Discount upon approval and Earn 80,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days after account opening.
  
• Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights booked direct.
• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation, may check their first bag free.
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your points don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America^® account.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines inflight purchases and get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card.
• With oneworld^® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem points.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with points or a companion fare.
• Plus, no foreign transaction fees.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

Bank of America is the exclusive issuer of co-branded Alaska Airlines credit cards, and the Atmos Rewards Ascent card happens to be our runner-up card.

There’s an attractive welcome offer on the card, and you can earn up to 3 points per $1 spent:

• 3x points on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 2x points on gas, local transit (including ride-hailing services), cable, and some streaming services
• 1x points on other purchases

This credit card comes with Alaska’s Companion Fare (after spending $6,000 in a year on the card), which is essentially a companion ticket earned where you can book a companion flight starting at $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees starting at $23).

Across Alaska Airlines, you get:

• A free checked bag for yourself and up to 6 companions traveling on the same reservation
• 20% back on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines inflight purchases
• Priority boarding when you pay for your flight with your Atmos Rewards Ascent card
• Discounted Alaska Lounge+ membership

The Atmos Rewards Ascent card also comes with monthly FICO score access, contactless chip technology, digital wallets, zero-liability fraud protection, overdraft protection, no foreign transaction fees, and authorized users for no additional annual fee.

Best Airline Business Credit Card

These are our favorite airline business credit cards.

Winner: United℠ Business Card

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Business Card

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Up to 110,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,320

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The United℠ Business Card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will this Chase business card help you earn more United miles, but it also offers great perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, a discount on inflight purchases, and much more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x miles per $1 on United flights
• 2x miles per $1 on other United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining

Cons

• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
• Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $150 Annual Fee.
• NEW! 8x total miles on eligible United flights.
• 2x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases. 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
• 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
• Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal Chase United^® credit card.
• Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United ClubSM one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
• NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The United Business card is the business equivalent of the United Explorer card with a couple of twists.

First, you get a welcome offer bonus after qualifying purchases. Then you earn up to 5x MileagePlus miles:

• 5x total miles on hotel stays purchased through United Hotels: 2x miles as a MileagePlus member, 2x miles as a cardholder, plus an additional 1 mile per $1 spent from United when you prepay through United Hotels
• 2x miles on United purchases, dining, gas stations, local transit, and commuting
• 1x miles on other purchases

Enjoy substantial United perks with this card:

• Free first checked bag for yourself and 1 companion on the same reservation (terms apply)
• Priority boarding
• 2 United Club one-time passes per calendar year for use by the primary cardmember, an authorized user, or guests when either is traveling
• 25% back on United inflight purchases
• $125 United travel credit after 5 United flight purchases of $100 or more every card anniversary year
• Up to $25 back in statement credits for FareLock purchases each anniversary year
• 2 continental U.S. Economy Plus seat upgrades after spending $25,000 in a calendar year

This card offers surprisingly good travel and shopping protections, including primary rental car insurance when renting for business purposes, purchase protection, extended warranty, and zero-liability fraud protection.

With the United Business card, you won’t be hit with any foreign transaction fees or additional annual fees for employee cards.

Runner-Up: Atmos™ Rewards Visa^® Business Card

Bank of America offers the Alaska Airlines Business card, which usually has a fantastic welcome offer.

Every year, you get a Companion Fare, too (as long as you spent at least $6,000 on the card in the previous year). Also, expect to earn up to 3x Atmos Rewards points:

• 3x points on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases
• 2x points on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping, and local transit (including ride-failing services) purchases
• 1x points on other purchases

You also get a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights for yourself and up to 6 companions on the same reservation and a 20% rebate on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines inflight purchases.

This particular credit card comes with no foreign transaction fees and an annual fee of $70 for the company, then $25 per card.

Best Card for Cash-Back

If you’re comfortable paying a modest annual fee but want the best cash-back rewards, consider these cards.

Winner: Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® Credit Card

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great travel rewards card for those looking for a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards.

Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® credit card

The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great travel rewards card for those looking for a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Bank of America^® Premium Rewards^® credit card is a great option for anyone looking for a travel rewards card with a simple approach to how you earn and redeem your rewards.

From travel and purchase protections to airline incidental and Global Entry credits, there is plenty to love about the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.

Plus, those that hold status in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can get even more value from the card by boosting their rewards by 25% to 75%!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• 1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Up to $100 annual airline incidental statement credit

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized redemptions via airline and hotel transfer partners

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87-2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
• No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire.
• Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America^® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill^® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
• Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Low $95 annual fee.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The best overall card for cash-back is the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, which earns up to 2x points:

• 2x points on travel and dining
• 1.5x points on other purchases

But the reason why this card is so great is that if you have substantial deposits or assets under management through Preferred Rewards, you can get up to 75% more points, which translates to a cash-back ROI of:

• 3.5x points on travel and dining
• 2.625x on other purchases

Furthermore, you get a couple of much-appreciated benefits:

• Up to $100 in airline incidentals statement credit every year
• Up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every 4 years

You also get purchase security, extended warranties, return protection, no foreign transaction fee, and no additional annual fees for authorized user cards.

Runner-Up: Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to maximize your cash-back in your choice category each month.

Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to maximize your cash-back in your choice category each month.

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% applies thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking to the rake in the cash-back rewards, then the Bank of America^® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option. Not only do you get to choose the 3% category for the card, but you can also boost the cash-back you earn by being a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3% cash-back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings (your category can be changed each month)
• 2% cash-back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% and 2% cash-back categories are limited to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then you’ll earn 1%
• Charges a foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
• If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
• No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
• 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% to 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers in the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 5%.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% applies thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Next up is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, which offers immense cash-back rewards, starting with a welcome offer bonus.

It earns up to 3% cash-back as follows:

• 3% cash-back in the category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement and furnishings) and 2% cash-back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined purchases every quarter)
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn up to 75% more rewards. This means you could earn up to 3.5% to 5.25% cash-back on purchases in your chosen category.

This credit card also comes with contactless payments, overdraft protection, monthly FICO score access, and no additional annual fees for authorized users.

Best Business Card for Cash-Back

Now that we’ve wrapped up our favorite personal cards for cash-back, let’s look at our best business cards for cash-back.

Winner: Bank of America^® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards

The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash card is great because it allows you to earn an unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases without caps or expiration dates.

This card’s rewards are eligible for up to 75% more cash-back through Preferred Rewards for Business, which would elevate your earnings to 2.62% cash-back on all purchases.

This simple business credit card also offers travel accident insurance, emergency assistance services, contactless payments, zero-liability fraud protection, overdraft protection, and no additional annual fees for employee cards.

Runner-Up: Bank of America^® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America^® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn up to 5.25% cash-back on your chosen purchase category with the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card.

Bank of America^® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Earn up to 5.25% cash-back on your chosen purchase category with the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card.

Welcome Offer

Get a $500 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.

$500

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% APR for the first 7 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 16.74% to 26.74% thereafter.

Why We Like This Card

The Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card is a great option for business owners who want a $0 annual fee card that helps them maximize their largest business expenses — especially if they participate in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business program.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3% cash-back in the category of your choice: gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services or business consulting services
• 2% cash-back on dining
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% and 2% cash-back categories are limited to the first $50,000 in combined purchases each year, then you’ll earn 1%
• Charges a foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Get a $500 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services.
• Earn 2% cash back on dining purchases.
• Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• You’ll earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% APR for the first 7 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 16.74% to 26.74% thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card is our runner-up. It earns up to 3% cash-back:

• 3% cash-back in the category of your choice from gas stations; office supply stores; travel; TV, telecom and wireless; computer services; or business consulting services
• 2% cash-back on dining purchases
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

At the moment, you’re capped at earning 3% cash-back or 2% cash-back on the first $50,000 in combined purchases every calendar year

Best Balance-Transfer Credit Card

The very last section is balance-transfer credit cards. The truth is that you shouldn’t be worried about accumulating rewards if you’re accruing high-interest debt in the process (or if you already have high-interest debt).

Winner: Chase Slate^®

Chase Slate^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Chase Slate card is a great no annual fee card that helps you build your credit, pay down existing credit card debt, and finance large purchases.

Chase Slate^®

The Chase Slate card is a great no annual fee card that helps you build your credit, pay down existing credit card debt, and finance large purchases.

Welcome Offer

No welcome offer is available.

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on purchases for 21 months,Ongoing APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Chase Slate^® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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The Chase Slate card is well-suited for those who are just beginning to build their credit score, or are looking to take advantage of the cards 0% intro APR offer to finance a large purchase or pay down existing debt.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0% intro APR offer
• $0 annual fee
• Purchase protections

Cons

• Doesn’t earn rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 0% Intro Offer- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 28.24% thereafter
• No Annual Fee- You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate Card
• Zero Liability Protection & Fraud Protection - You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card. We help safeguard your credit card purchases using sophisticated fraud monitoring. We monitor for fraud 24/7 and can text, email or call you if there are unusual purchases on your credit card.
• Chase Pay Over Time- Access more options to pay over time for eligible purchases made with your participating Chase credit card. With Pay Over Time, you can break up eligible purchases you've already made
• Get more purchasing power: Chase Slate^® cardmembers may be eligible for a credit limit increase in as few as six months.
• Stay protected with purchase & travel benefits - Enjoy peace of mind with purchase protection, which safeguards your eligible new items against damage or theft for 120 days from the date of purchase, up to $500 per item. Plus, extended warranty protection adds an extra year to U.S. manufacturer warranties of three years or less, giving you up to four full years of coverage from the date of purchase
• Credit Journey: Access your credit score, receive customized score improvement plans from Experian™, and benefit from identity monitoring—all for free with Chase Credit Journey^®
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on purchases for 21 months,Ongoing APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

The Chase Slate card is our winner in the balance-transfer segment. There is no welcome offer, but the intro APR on balance transfers is extremely long, focusing on debt management: 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24% thereafter.

With the Chase Slate card, you have access to Chase Credit Journey to help you monitor your credit, plus contactless payments, access to Chase Offers, a 6-month complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by December 31, 2027), purchase protection, extended warranty, and zero-liability fraud protection.

Runner-Up: BankAmericard^® Credit Card

Bank of America offers attractive balance-transfer promotions with its credit cards, but our favorite is the BankAmericard, which usually offers the longest introductory balance transfer APR period.

There’s a small welcome offer bonus, no penalty APR, and monthly FICO score access. You can also use contactless chip technology and overdraft protection with this card.

Final Thoughts

Bank of America and Chase both have deep credit card portfolios.

Chase generally offers better credit cards for travel rewards, and these include mainstays such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, Ink Business Preferred card, and United Explorer card.

On the other hand, Bank of America offers fantastic credit cards for cash-back, especially when used in conjunction with its acclaimed Preferred Rewards program for deposit and investment accounts. Some of these include the Bank of America Premium Rewards card, Bank of America Premier Rewards Elite card, and the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card.

We hope that you’ve found this guide useful in helping you determine the best credit cards for you if you’re deciding between Bank of America and Chase.