If you are a young professional, you may be looking for a credit card that adapts to your current needs. Maybe you’re settling into your first big post-grad job or building your own. business from scratch.
Whatever the case, finding the right credit card that suits your financial situation, spending habits, and travel goals can help you become a pro in the points, miles, and cash back card game. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for young professionals.
The best cards for young adults.
The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
American Express Gold Card
Groceries and meals are generally two of a person’s largest spending categories each month. If that sounds familiar, consider the Amex Gold Card.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases during the first six months of card membership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 according to TPG as of January 2025. ratings.
You may be offered a higher offer through the CardMatch Tool. Not everyone will receive the same offers and offers may change at any time.
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
Rewards:
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- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants (up to $50,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that)
- 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, whether booked directly with the airline or through amextravel.com
- 2 points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases through amextravel.com
- 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Whether you’re going out with friends or learning to cook at home, you’re probably spending a decent portion of your money on food, and this card rewards you for it. It also offers 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, whether purchased directly on an airline’s website or through American Express Travelso you’ll earn solid rewards when you book your dream vacation or return home for the holidays.
If you’re not sure where to start redeeming all those points, we have some suggestions.
For more information, see our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
American Express Green Card
If you spend a lot on commuting and various travel expenses, consider Amex Green.
Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of being a card member. TPG January 2025 ratings Set these 40,000 points at $800.
Annual fee: $150
Rewards:
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel, including hotels, flights, transit, tours, taxis and ride-sharing services
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants around the world (including takeout and delivery in the US)
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you travel more than before, this card deserves a place in your wallet. You earn bonus points on travel, transit, and restaurant dining, so you’ll earn them when you book a trip, but also when you get around and explore all the great food while you’re there.
This card also makes your travel experience easier with perks like a statement credit of up to $199 each calendar year to cover your Clear Plus Membership and travel protections. Enrollment required for select benefits; Terms apply.
More information: American Express Green Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
He Favorite Sapphire Chase It’s one of the best mid-tier cards out there. If you are serious about traveling with points and miles, you should seriously consider this card.
welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Starting January 2025, TPG values This bonus is up to $1,230.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5 points per dollar spent on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
- 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services
- 3 points per dollar spent on online grocery purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart® and wholesale clubs)
- 2 points per dollar spent on all other trips
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you’ve been paying attention, you probably know someone who has this card. You’ve probably also seen us tell you how much you need to get it. And for good reason: this card really lives up to the hype.
Its extra earnings on travel purchases and benefits like trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees earn it the travel card label, but it also comes in handy in your everyday spending.
Whether you’re dining out, streaming, or traveling, you can count on this card to earn serious rewards.
There is a $95 annual fee, but we happily pay that for the benefits that this card entails.
For more information, see our full review of Chase Sapphire Preferred.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Citi Strata Premier Card
If you want a card that covers a multitude of common spending categories, consider the Citi Strata Premier.
welcome offer: Earn 75,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Starting January 2025, TPG values this bonus at $1,350.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 3 points for every dollar spent on air travel and hotels
- 3 points per dollar spent at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations
- 3 points per dollar spent at restaurants
- 3 points per dollar spent at supermarkets
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
The Citi Strata Premier is another great option for earning bonus points for both travel and everyday spending. Citi ThankYou Points are versatile and allow you to redeem them by transferring them to Citi’s airline or hotel transfer partner.
Between its welcome bonus and a wide variety of earning categories, this card will allow you to book your next trip with points instantly.
For more information, see our full review of the Citi Strata Premier.
Apply here: Citi Strata Premier Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you’re a Capital One fan looking for a solid mid-tier travel card, consider the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. TPG January 2025 ratings set this welcome offer at $1,388.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases
This card is great if you spend most of your paycheck on purchases that typically don’t fall into other bonus categories.
With the Venture Rewards card, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, whether at the grocery store or ordering a portrait of your dog to hang in your new apartment.
You’ll love the option to redeem the miles you earn with this card by transferring them to any of your 15+ Capital One customers. airline and hotel transfer partners. This card offers additional travel benefits such as a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and not foreign transaction fees.
The card’s versatility and travel benefits make it a great option for young professionals.
For more information, see our Complete Capital One Venture Rewards Review.
More information: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
In a nutshell
Committing to a credit card can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been in the credit card game for a long time. You know you have many options, but the key is to choose the one that best suits your travel goals and spending habits.
You really can’t go wrong with any of these five cards. With everything from huge welcome bonuses to dining perks, you’ll feel like a credit boss in no time.
Related: Have you just purchased the Sapphire Preferred? Do this next
For Amex Gold Card rates and fees, click here.
