My Favorite Beginner Credit Cards
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
The Cards I Keep in My Wallet Year After Year
These are the cards I come back to over and over—they’ve proven themselves with solid rewards, useful perks, and the kind of flexibility that makes family travel way more doable. I’ve kept them in my wallet year after year for a reason. Because of affiliate guidelines, I can only share these cards within a list format, but I think you’ll still find the info super helpful.
A Solid Starter for Points Beginners
One of my favorite beginner cards offers the kind of flexibility you really want when you’re just starting with points. It earns a valuable currency that can be transferred to some of the best travel partners (especially helpful when you're trying to find flights or hotels that fit your family’s needs), and it pairs well with other cards that earn cash back—letting you turn that cash into even more travel. I break down exactly why this is the best first step for most families in this post.
You can find this card included in my list of favorite beginner travel credit cards.
Great for Families Who Want Lounge Access
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is one I keep for a reason: it offers 2x miles on every single purchase, 10x on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel, and includes access to Capital One Lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass™ locations. It's the one I recommend most for families who want lounge access without paying per person—and it earns miles fast. Even with the $395 annual fee, the $300 annual travel credit and anniversary bonus miles make it a keeper. Terms apply.
Perfect for Anniversary Trips or Luxury Travel
If you’re planning a solo getaway or celebrating an anniversary, this premium travel card is one of my favorites for luxury perks. It earns elevated rewards on flights and hotels booked through the issuer’s travel portal and gives you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. If you love the idea of a little pampering or want travel to feel more seamless, this card is absolutely worth considering.
Here are a few of my favorite premium cards for luxury travel.
Best for Simplicity with a Side Hustle
One of the most underrated cards for small business owners (even part-time ones!) is one that earns unlimited 1.5% cash back. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to track bonus categories but still want to rack up rewards on their business expenses. And yes, selling on Facebook Marketplace or running an Etsy shop often qualifies you for a small business card—here’s how to know if you’re eligible.
You can find this card listed on my favorite business cards list.
Want More Tips Like These?
If you’re just getting started or looking to level up your points game, these are some of the cards that have made the biggest difference for my family. They’ve helped us fly farther, stay longer, and travel better—without blowing the budget.
Make sure you’re signed up for my weekly newsletter, where I share the most recent transfer bonuses, award availability, family-friendly travel ideas, and the exact travel tricks we use to stretch our points. You can also come hang out with me on Instagram or join the conversation in our private Facebook group. And if you're ready to dive in, my beginner’s guide to points and miles will walk you through everything step-by-step.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
Advertiser Disclosure: The Rewards Mom has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. The Rewards Mom and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
