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If you have a good to excellent credit score, you are in a good spot to get one of the top credit cards available. Having a high credit score allows you a better chance to get a great sign-up bonus or other valuable perks. Many credit cards offer things like cash back, travel rewards, multiple redemption options, and discounts on services.
The best credit cards for excellent credit usually come with some of the most valuable credit card offers and flexible rewards that can be used in 2024 and beyond.
While some of the top credit cards for excellent credit also come with a high annual fee, note that the benefits are often worth more than the annual fee. So what are the best credit cards for people with good credit scores?
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Best Credit Cards for Excellent Credit
Here are this year’s best credit cards for excellent credit. Use this table to jump to a specific card.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Citi® Double Cash Card
By most standards, a 740 credit score is considered the beginning of having “excellent credit.” Your approval odds for most cards will be high, although you will have better odds with a score above 800 as it’s closer to a perfect credit score (850 is considered perfect). If you aren’t sure what your credit score is, these are a few of the best places to get a free credit score check.
The following nine best credit cards for excellent credit in 2024 can help you reap the most rewards for having the diligence to build excellent credit.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
It’s hard not to like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. It has flexible point redemption options, including a 25% travel redemption bonus and 1:1 airline and hotel transfer partners.
New Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
The annual fee is only $95.
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred, cardholders earn:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit)
- 3x points on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out)
- 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs)
- Also 3x points on select streaming services
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 1x point per $1 spent on all non-bonus purchases
There is a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit. It comes in the form of a statement credit that will automatically be applied to your account when your card is used for hotel accommodation purchases made through the Ultimate Rewards program, up to an annual maximum accumulation of $50.
Additional Sapphire Benefits
In addition to the many Sapphire Preferred benefits, members also earn a 10% anniversary point bonus (receive 10% of the points you earn each year at your next card anniversary).
Having your points worth 1.25 cents each when booking travel through Chase makes them worth more than most credit card rewards points. But you might find more value from the 1:1 transfer partners like Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, British Airways, and World of Hyatt, where you can usually redeem your points for 2 cents each or more.
These perks make the Sapphire Preferred one of the best travel credit cards to have in your wallet.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – 2x Miles on Spending
If you prefer a flat-rate rewards card, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is flexible. All purchases earn unlimited 2x miles per $1 spent. However, earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
You can redeem your miles for 1 cent each for travel statement credits without a minimum redemption requirement. You can also use them to book award flights or transfer them to airline loyalty programs.
Another card benefit you might enjoy is the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, up to $100.
The annual fee is $95. You can review our comparison of the Capital One Venture vs Chase Sapphire Preferred if you want to compare rewards.
For a limited time, new Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening, plus they’ll receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit their first cardholder year. Earning the entire bonus is equal to $1,000 in travel!
Bonus: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns up to 10x miles, comes with lounge access, a fee credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, 10,000 bonus miles on your card anniversary, and more.
The Capital One Venture X and Venture Rewards have a lot of similarities, including their bonuses.
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, with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The information for the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Maximizing your dining and entertainment purchases can be easiest with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. You can earn an unlimited:
- 4% back on dining, entertainment, and select popular streaming services
- 3% back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
- 1% back on all non-bonus purchases
New card members can get a $300 bonus cash by spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. The annual fee is $95. Like other Capital One credit cards, there isn’t a foreign transaction fee with the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is a perennial top contender for being the best premium travel rewards card. You may prefer the Platinum Card if you are a frequent flyer and like complimentary travel benefits, including airport lounge access (enrollment required) and up to $200 annually in air travel statement credits for incidental fees at one qualifying airline (in the form of a statement credit; enrollment required).
Cardholders also get hotel benefits, including upgraded Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite and Hilton Honors Platinum status (enrollment required).
Plus, Amex Platinum cardholders earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, and earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Cardholders can get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when they pay with their Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
Also, select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
Plus, American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. Now there are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
The Platinum Card Benefits
There’s also a digital entertainment credit, making this card one of the best for streaming services. Cardholders can get up to $20 in statement credits each month when they pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
In addition to enjoying TSA PreCheck or Global Entry access, cardholders can also enjoy CLEAR perks. Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card.
The annual fee is $695 (See Rates & Fees) but can be offset with the perks, which are valued at over $1,400.
Welcome Bonus Offer
New The Platinum Card® from American Express cardmembers can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 on purchases on their new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
Many consider Chase Ultimate Rewards points as the most valuable credit card rewards points. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the most benefit-rich Ultimate Rewards credit card. You have a 50% travel redemption bonus through Chase Travel℠ and the 1:1 Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners.
The reason to get the Sapphire Reserve over the Sapphire Preferred is the annual $300 travel credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, and Priority Pass Select lounge membership.
Cardholders can earn unlimited:
- 10x total points on hotels and car rental purchases through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases through Chase Travel℠
- 5x total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
- 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out
- 1x points for all remaining purchases
You will not receive rewards points on your first $300 in annual travel purchases as the annual travel statement credit reimburses these purchases.
Additional Reserve Benefits
Two new benefits include:
- Reserved by Sapphire: Exclusive dining reservations at luxury restaurants in the U.S.
- Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club: Complimentary airport lounge locations across the world
New Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
The annual fee is $550, but the benefits can help justify the cost. You will need an excellent credit score for this card.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
The premium Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is one of the best Marriott credit cards.
Each card renewal year, get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.
Other featured benefits include 1 Free Night Award (redemption level at or under 85,000 points) annually after your card renewal month at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties. Note that some hotels have resort fees. Plus, up to $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book directly using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card. Also, enjoy complimentary Priority Pass Select airport lounge access.
Additionally, cardholders can enjoy a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, up to $800 in cellphone protection, and 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status (terms apply).
Cardholders earn:
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide
- 3x Marriott Bonvoy® points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 2x Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite members earn 50% more points on eligible purchases at participating hotels for each U.S. dollar (or the currency equivalent) that is incurred and paid for by the member.
Additional Perks
Although this card has a $650 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees), it has plenty of benefits that are worth a lot more.
Each calendar year, after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
New Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card cardholders earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a benefit-rich miles credit card. It’s not only a good option if you fly Delta regularly but also because you can earn a great welcome bonus.
New Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card cardholders can earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on their new Card in their first 6 months of Card Membership.
The annual fee is $350 (See Rates & Fees).
Additional Benefits
Get a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations annually after card renewal. However, payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
Additionally, receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year. And if you’re not a Medallion Member, no problem! Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024, to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.
Cardholders earn:
- 3x Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels
- 2x Miles at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets
- 1x Miles on all other eligible purchases
Plus, enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights plus Priority Boarding with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.
Credits With Your Delta Platinum Card
Earn up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. Additionally, get up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
Plus, get up to $120 Resy credit annually (up to $10 per month in statement credits) on eligible Resy purchases with your enrolled Platinum Card). Also, enjoy up to $10 back (in statement credits each month) on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your enrolled Card.
The Delta Platinum also gets you Hertz Five Star® Status (enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program required).
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Maybe you could use a business credit card instead. If so, you may want to check out the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, as it is one of the best. However, one of the deciding factors is having good to excellent credit. This is the business version of the Sapphire Preferred, as it has the same annual fee, 25% travel redemption bonus, and 1:1 point transfer partners.
Where the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card differs is how it earns purchase rewards. You will earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on combined spending for:
- Travel
- Shipping
- Internet, phone, and cable services
- Advertising on social media and search engines
Bonus
New Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card cardholders can earn 120k bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,200 cash back or $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
All of these business perks make this one of the best credit cards for excellent credit.
Cardholders can redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more. Plus, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. Points don’t expire as long as the account is open.
Additionally, cardholders get fraud protection and zero liability. Purchase protection covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft, up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Citi Double Cash Card
The information for the Citi® Double Cash Card has been collected independently by Johnny Jet. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Sometimes, you appreciate the simplicity of earning cash rewards. The Citi® Double Cash Card earns up to 2% cashback on every purchase. Cardholders earn 1% back when they buy, plus an additional 1% back when they pay. There is no limit to how much cardholders can earn. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
While the Double Cash has no annual fee, it has a 3% foreign transaction fee, which doesn’t make this card ideal when traveling abroad. Still, it is one of the best credit cards for good to excellent credit.
Summary of Best Credit Cards for Excellent Credit
In conclusion, having excellent credit lets you qualify for some of the most valuable and exclusive credit cards. Once you decide which benefits and purchase rewards maximize your spending habits, it’s time to enjoy the fruits that other credit cards don’t offer. Which of these best credit cards for excellent credit do you prefer?
Related Articles:
- Cash Back vs Travel Rewards Credit Cards
- Is Now a Good Time To Apply For An Airline Credit Card?
- Best Credit Cards for Dining and Restaurants
- Credit Cards With No Foreign Transaction Fees
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, please click here.
To learn more about the rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
Johnny Jet has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Johnny Jet and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
