10 Best Rated Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Score in 2026
If you have an excellent credit score typically 750 or higher you have access to some of the most rewarding credit cards available. Premium rewards, generous welcome bonuses, luxury travel perks, extended warranties, purchase protection, and low-interest financing are just a few of the benefits offered by today’s top credit cards. Whether you’re looking to maximize cash back, earn valuable travel rewards, enjoy airport lounge access, or simply save money with no annual fee, choosing the right card can significantly improve your financial flexibility and rewards earnings. In this guide, we’ve compared the 10 Best Rated Credit Cards for Excellent Credit Score in 2026 based on rewards, welcome offers, annual fees, travel benefits, redemption flexibility, customer satisfaction, and overall value.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card continues to be one of the highest-rated travel rewards credit cards available in 2026. Its affordable annual fee, valuable travel protections, flexible Ultimate Rewards® points, and strong earning rates make it an excellent choice for frequent travelers and everyday spenders alike.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Chase |
| Network | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | Earn bonus points after qualifying purchases |
| Rewards | 5x Travel, 3x Dining, 2x Travel, 1x Other Purchases |
| Intro APR | None |
| Regular APR | Variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best For | Travel Rewards |
Why We Like It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred delivers exceptional travel value thanks to flexible point transfers to leading airline and hotel partners. Cardholders also enjoy trip cancellation insurance, rental car coverage, baggage delay insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty benefits.
Favorable
- Excellent travel rewards
- Valuable welcome offer
- Strong travel insurance
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible point transfers
- Affordable annual fee
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty
- Travel portal bonus
- Widely accepted Visa network
Unfavorable
- No airport lounge access
- Annual fee required
- No introductory APR
Best For
Travelers wanting premium rewards without paying a premium annual fee.
2. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card remains one of the best premium travel cards available. The combination of luxury travel perks, airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and unlimited 2X miles on every purchase makes it a favorite among frequent travelers.
Capital One Venture X Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Capital One |
| Network | Visa Infinite |
| Annual Fee | $395 |
| Welcome Bonus | Large introductory miles bonus |
| Rewards | 10x Hotels & Rental Cars, 5x Flights, 2x Everything Else |
| Airport Lounge Access | Yes |
| TSA PreCheck/Global Entry Credit | Yes |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best for | Premium Travel |
Why We Like It
Although the annual fee is higher, the included travel credits, lounge membership, anniversary bonus miles, and travel protections easily offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Favorable
- Unlimited 2X miles
- Airport lounge access
- Annual travel credits
- Luxury travel benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Premium travel insurance
- Cell phone protection
- Anniversary miles
- Visa Infinite benefits
- Excellent redemption options
Unfavorable
- Higher annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
- Best value for travelers
Best For
Luxury travelers who fly multiple times each year.
3. American Express® Gold Credit Card
The American Express Gold Credit Card continues to dominate dining and grocery rewards in 2026. It earns impressive Membership Rewards® points on restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets while offering valuable dining statement credits.
American Express® Gold Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $325 |
| Rewards | 4X Restaurants |
| Grocery Rewards | 4X U.S. Supermarkets |
| Flights | 3X |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None |
| Purchase Protection | Yes |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best for | Dining & Groceries |
Why We Like It
Food lovers can earn thousands of points every year through everyday purchases while enjoying dining credits and access to the Membership Rewards ecosystem.
Favorable
- Outstanding dining rewards
- Excellent grocery rewards
- Flexible travel partners
- Monthly dining credits
- Premium purchase protection
- No foreign transaction fees
- Strong customer service
- Valuable welcome offer
- Mobile wallet compatible
- Travel benefits
Unfavorable
- High annual fee
- Limited merchant acceptance compared to Visa
- Credits require enrollment and usage
Best For
Frequent restaurant diners and grocery shoppers.
4. Citi Strata Premier® Credit Card
The Citi Strata Premier® Credit Card is a strong choice for excellent-credit consumers who want high rewards across several everyday spending categories without paying a premium annual fee. The card earns elevated Citi ThankYou® Points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, EV charging, air travel, and hotels, making it one of the most versatile travel rewards cards in its price range. Citi also offers an annual hotel benefit that may help frequent travelers offset the card’s annual fee. The card earns 10X points on eligible hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel, while many major everyday categories earn 3X points.
Citi Strata Premier® Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Citi |
| Card Network | Mastercard |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Offer | Varies by current offer |
| Hotel, Car Rental & Attractions | 10X points through Citi Travel |
| Restaurants | 3X points |
| Supermarkets | 3X points |
| Gas Stations & EV Charging | 3X points |
| Air Travel & Hotels | 3X points |
| Other Eligible Purchases | 1X point |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best for | Travel Rewards |
Why We Like It
The Citi Strata Premier provides a broad mix of travel and everyday rewards. It is particularly useful for cardholders who spend heavily on groceries, restaurants, fuel, and travel and want to earn transferable points through one card.
Favorable
- Strong rewards across everyday categories
- Competitive $95 annual fee
- 10X points through Citi Travel
- Valuable ThankYou® Points program
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual hotel benefit
- Flexible travel redemption opportunities
- Good option for frequent travelers
- Strong earning rate at supermarkets
- Excellent value for the annual fee
Unfavorable
- Annual fee is not waived
- Some travel benefits require booking through Citi Travel
- Hotel credit has spending requirements
- Maximum value may require transferring points
Best For
Excellent-credit consumers who want one flexible card for groceries, dining, gas, EV charging, and travel.
5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Credit Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Credit Card is designed for travelers who want strong rewards without paying a premium annual fee. The card combines elevated rewards on travel, hotels, restaurants, and other popular categories with a $95 annual fee. Wells Fargo currently advertises a $95 annual fee and a welcome offer that may provide significant travel value after eligible spending.
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Wells Fargo |
| Card Network | Visa Signature |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Offer | Current offer may vary |
| Hotels | Elevated rewards |
| Airlines | Elevated rewards |
| Restaurants | Elevated rewards |
| Travel Benefits | Included |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best for | Travel Rewards |
Why We Like It
The Autograph Journey card offers a balanced combination of travel rewards and everyday earning opportunities. It can be especially valuable for travelers who prefer a lower annual fee but still want premium-style travel benefits.
Favorable
- Competitive $95 annual fee
- Strong travel rewards
- Elevated hotel earnings
- Valuable welcome offer
- No foreign transaction fees
- Visa Signature benefits
- Flexible rewards program
- Useful travel protections
- Good dining rewards
- Strong alternative to higher-fee travel cards
Unfavorable
- No broad airport lounge membership
- Some benefits may require enrollment
- Best value depends on travel spending
- Premium travel cards may offer more luxury perks
Best For
Travelers who want premium rewards and benefits without paying several hundred dollars per year.
6. Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card
The Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card remains one of the best no-annual-fee choices for excellent-credit consumers. It earns 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories after activation, up to the applicable quarterly spending limit, and 1% on other eligible purchases. Discover also provides an Unlimited Cashback Match for new cardmembers, automatically matching all cash back earned during the first year. The card has no annual fee.
Discover it® Cash Back Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Discover |
| Card Network | Discover |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Rotating Categories | 5% cash back after activation |
| Other Eligible Purchases | 1% cash back |
| First-Year Benefit | Unlimited Cashback Match |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Intro APR | May be available |
| Recommended Credit | Good to Excellent Score |
| Best for | Rotating Cash Back |
Why We Like It
The Discover it Cash Back card provides strong rewards without charging an annual fee. The first-year Cashback Match can make the card especially valuable for new cardholders who use it regularly.
Favorable
- $0 annual fee
- 5% rotating cash-back categories
- Unlimited Cashback Match during the first year
- No foreign transaction fee
- Easy cash-back redemptions
- No annual cost to keep the account open
- Strong first-year value
- Useful promotional financing may be available
- No complicated points system
- Good long-term rewards card
Unfavorable
- Quarterly categories require activation
- Bonus categories change throughout the year
- 5% rewards are subject to quarterly limits
- Discover acceptance may be more limited internationally
Best For
Consumers who want high cash-back potential without paying an annual fee.
7. Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card is an excellent everyday rewards card for consumers with strong credit. It provides elevated cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, dining, and drugstore purchases while earning a flat rate on most other eligible purchases.
The card has no annual fee and can become even more valuable when paired with an eligible Chase Sapphire card because rewards may be combined within the Chase Ultimate Rewards® ecosystem.
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Chase |
| Card Network | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Chase Travel | Elevated cash back |
| Dining | Elevated cash back |
| Drugstores | Elevated cash back |
| Other Eligible Purchases | Flat-rate cash back |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Applies |
| Recommended Credit | Good to Excellent Score |
| Best for | Rewards Card |
Why We Like It
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is easy to use because cardholders do not need to activate rotating categories. It provides reliable rewards on everyday purchases and works well as part of a larger Chase credit card strategy.
Favorable
- $0 annual fee
- Strong everyday rewards
- Elevated dining rewards
- Elevated drugstore rewards
- Travel rewards through Chase Travel
- No rotating categories
- Simple redemption options
- Can complement Chase Sapphire cards
- Valuable welcome offer may be available
- Widely accepted Visa network
Unfavorable
- Foreign transaction fee
- Base rewards may be lower than some competing cards
- Maximum travel value may require another Chase card
- Some rewards categories have restrictions
Best For
Everyday shoppers who want simple rewards and no annual fee.
8. Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card from American Express is a leading choice for households that spend heavily on U.S. supermarkets, eligible streaming services, transit, and gasoline. The card’s high cash-back rate at eligible U.S. supermarkets can provide substantial value for families. The annual fee is commonly waived during the first year for eligible new cardmembers and then applies in later years, subject to current terms and offers.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | American Express |
| Card Network | American Express |
| Intro Annual Fee | May be $0 for the first year |
| Standard Annual Fee | $95 after the introductory period |
| U.S. Supermarkets | Up to 6% cash back on eligible purchases |
| Select U.S. Streaming | Up to 6% cash back |
| Eligible Transit | Elevated cash back |
| Eligible U.S. Gas Stations | Elevated cash back |
| Other Eligible Purchases | 1% cash back |
| Recommended Credit | Good to Excellent Score |
| Best for | Rewards Card |
Why We Like It
The Blue Cash Preferred card can deliver substantial rewards for families with high grocery and streaming expenses. Cardholders who consistently use the bonus categories may earn enough cash back to justify the annual fee.
Favorable
- High rewards at eligible U.S. supermarkets
- Strong streaming rewards
- Elevated transit rewards
- Useful gas rewards
- Introductory annual-fee offer may be available
- Valuable for families
- Straightforward cash-back program
- Purchase protections
- Amex Offers may add value
- Strong customer service
Unfavorable
- Annual fee after the introductory period
- Grocery rewards have an annual spending cap
- Foreign transaction fees may apply
- American Express acceptance may be limited at some merchants
Best For
Families and households with significant grocery, streaming, transit, and gas expenses.
9. Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card combines travel and dining rewards with a competitive annual fee. It can be especially valuable for Bank of America customers who qualify for Preferred Rewards benefits because those relationship bonuses may substantially increase the card’s earning potential.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Bank of America |
| Card Network | Visa |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Travel & Dining | Elevated points |
| Other Eligible Purchases | Base rewards |
| Annual Travel Credit | Available under current terms |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit | Available under current terms |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best for | Preferred Rewards Card |
Why We Like It
The card offers straightforward rewards and useful travel benefits. Bank of America customers with qualifying balances may receive significantly higher rewards through the Preferred Rewards program.
Favorable
- $95 annual fee
- Elevated travel and dining rewards
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual travel credit
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Preferred Rewards bonus opportunities
- Flexible point redemptions
- Visa network acceptance
- Strong value for Bank of America customers
- Useful travel protections
Unfavorable
- Highest value may require qualifying Bank of America balances
- Lower rewards on non-bonus purchases
- Annual fee applies
- Premium travel benefits are more limited than luxury cards
Best For
Bank of America customers who qualify for Preferred Rewards and want travel benefits.
10. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is a premium travel card built for frequent travelers who can use its extensive travel, dining, hotel, and airport benefits. The card offers elevated rewards, an annual travel credit, and premium travel experiences. The current annual fee is substantially higher than the Sapphire Preferred, and the card is best suited to consumers who can use enough benefits to offset its cost. Chase lists a $795 annual fee for new cardmembers under current pricing.
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
| Issuer | Chase |
| Card Network | Visa Infinite |
| Annual Fee | $795 |
| Annual Travel Credit | Up to $300 |
| Chase Travel | Up to 8X points |
| Direct Flights | 4X points |
| Direct Hotels | 4X points |
| Dining | 3X points |
| Airport Lounge Access | Included |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/NEXUS | Available credit |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
| Recommended Credit | Excellent Score |
| Best for | Travel Rewards |
Why We Like It
The Sapphire Reserve offers premium travel benefits, flexible rewards, airport lounge access, and valuable credits. It is best for frequent travelers who can actively use the card’s benefits rather than simply holding it for rewards.
Favorable
- Premium airport lounge access
- Up to $300 annual travel credit
- Strong travel rewards
- High-value Chase Travel earnings
- No foreign transaction fees
- Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS credit
- Premium travel protections
- Visa Infinite benefits
- Flexible Ultimate Rewards® points
- Luxury travel and dining benefits
Unfavorable
- Very high annual fee
- Some credits have enrollment or usage requirements
- Benefits may be difficult to maximize
- Not ideal for occasional travelers
Best For
Frequent travelers who can fully use premium travel credits, lounge access, and luxury benefits.
Quick Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Issuer | Annual Fee | Best For | Credit Needed |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Chase | $95 | Travel Rewards | Excellent |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Capital One | $395 | Travel Rewards | Excellent |
| American Express® Gold Card | American Express | $325 | Premium Rewards | Excellent |
| Citi Strata Premier℠ Card | Citi | $95 | Travel Rewards | Excellent |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card | Wells Fargo | $95 | Travel Rewards | Excellent |
| Discover it® Cash Back | Discover | $0 | Cash Back Rewards | Excellent |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Chase | $0 | Cash Back Rewards | Excellent |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | American Express | $0 intro first year, then $95 | Cash Back Rewards | Excellent |
| Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Card | Bank of America | $95 | Premium Rewards | Excellent |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card | Chase | $95 | Travel Rewards | Excellent |
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Excellent Credit
Having an excellent credit score gives you access to many premium cards, but the most expensive card is not automatically the best choice. Consider your spending habits before applying.
Choose a travel card if: You frequently fly, stay in hotels, or want transferable points and airport benefits.
Choose a cash-back card if: You prefer simple rewards and do not want to manage airline or hotel loyalty programs.
Choose a no-annual-fee card if: You want long-term value without paying to keep the account open.
Choose a premium card if: You travel enough to use annual credits, airport lounges, travel protections, and other benefits.
Choose based on your largest expenses: A grocery-focused card may outperform a travel card if groceries are your largest monthly expense.
Important Factors to Compare
Before applying, review:
- Annual fee
- Welcome offer
- Reward categories
- Introductory APR
- Regular purchase APR
- Foreign transaction fees
- Travel credits
- Airport lounge access
- Redemption options
- Credit score requirements
- Approval rules
- Spending requirements for bonuses
Annual fees should be compared against the realistic value you expect to receive. Premium cards may provide valuable benefits, but unused credits do not offset the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score is considered excellent?
An excellent credit score is commonly considered to be around 750 or higher, although credit-card issuers evaluate more than your score. Income, existing debt, credit history, recent applications, and overall credit profile may also affect approval.
Does an excellent credit score guarantee approval?
No. Excellent credit improves your chances, but approval is never guaranteed. Issuers may consider income, debt-to-income ratio, payment history, existing accounts, and recent credit applications.
Should I choose a card with an annual fee?
A card with an annual fee may be worthwhile when the rewards and benefits exceed the cost. However, a no-annual-fee card can be the better option if you prefer simple rewards or will not use premium benefits.
Can I have more than one excellent-credit card?
Yes. Many consumers use multiple cards to maximize rewards in different spending categories. However, applying for several cards in a short period may create hard inquiries and affect your credit profile.
Should I carry a balance to build credit?
No. Carrying a balance is generally unnecessary for building credit and may result in interest charges. Paying the statement balance in full by the due date is generally the best way to avoid purchase interest while maintaining responsible credit use.
Final Verdict
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our top overall choice for consumers who want flexible travel rewards, strong benefits, and a manageable $95 annual fee. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a strong premium option for frequent travelers, while the American Express® Gold Card stands out for dining and grocery rewards. For consumers who want no annual fee, the Discover it® Cash Back and Chase Freedom Unlimited® provide strong everyday value. Families may receive exceptional returns from the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, while Bank of America customers may benefit from the Premium Rewards® Card and its relationship-based bonuses. An excellent credit score creates access to premium products, but the right card should match your spending habits—not simply offer the largest welcome bonus or the most expensive benefits. Compare current rates, fees, terms, and eligibility requirements before applying because credit-card offers can change.
