When people consistently pay their bills on time, and have little debt, they enjoy the benefits of excellent credit standing. They usually qualify for the lowest rates and are eligible for nearly any credit card they want — exclusive or otherwise.
So which cards should these cardholders apply for? The simple answer: It depends on what their objectives are. Some want to earn the most valuable rewards, while others are interested in travel benefits, cash back or low interest rates. Interestingly, the features that card members care most about vary depending on their credit scores.
The Credio team conducted a nationwide survey of over 6,000 credit card consumers to determine which factors are most essential in determining card satisfaction. The chart below highlights some of the key reasons that factor into consumers' satisfaction with their credit card.
Based on the information gathered by the survey, Credio rounded up the seven best credit cards that those high-credit-score users should consider. These cards are skewed towards the rewards variety, as that is one of the main perks that those users value.
#7. Chase Sapphire Preferred
This card has many premium features, but at a more affordable price point. Cardholders earn double the points on all travel and dining purchases, which can be transferred to airline or hotel programs. In addition, any travel purchases made with Ultimate Rewards points will earn an extra 20% discount.
Other benefits include direct access to customer service specialists and travel assistants. There is a $95 annual fee for this card, which is waived for the first year, and no foreign transaction fees are charged.
#6. Citi Prestige
The Citi Prestige card appeals to card members who are looking for premium travel benefits and rewards. Users receive triple the points for air travel and hotel purchases, and double points for dining.
Points can then be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards and travel reservations, or transferred to airline miles. Cardholders also receive a $250 annual air travel credit and access to airport business lounges. There is a high $450 annual fee for this card, however a frequent traveler will receive additional travel credits, exclusive access to airport lounges, as well as the MasterCard Airport Concierge™ service.
#5. USAA Rate Advantage Platinum MasterCard
For those who prioritize low interest rates, this card offers APRs as low as 6.90%. There is no heightened penalty rate should cardholders make a late payment and no annual fee for this card, making it even more cost-effective.
This card is available for current army personnel, veterans, and their families.
#4. Barclaycard Arrival Plus
This card offers double miles on all purchases, and each mile is worth one cent as a statement credit. This can be applied toward travel expenses such as airfare, hotels and car rentals.
Additionally, cardholders receive a 5 percent bonus on miles redeemed. This card is part of the World Elite MasterCard program, which offers a host of premium travel and shopping benefits. There is an $89 annual fee for this card that is waived for the first year.
#3. American Express Platinum Delta Skymiles
This premium card is only offered to those with excellent credit who value its numerous travel and shopping benefits. Among its highlights are a free checked bag on Delta flights, airport business lounge access and the ability to earn Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to airline miles. There is a $195 annual fee for this card, making it one of the more expensive on this list.
#2. Citi Double Cash
This recently released card offers a total of 2 percent cash back on all purchases with no limits and no annual fee. This is one of the highest cash-back rates for a card that's not affiliated with a brokerage account, so it's a good option for those who want to maximize their cash-back rewards.
#1. Chase Slate
This is the only card currently offered with 0% APR introductory financing on new purchases and balance transfers, and no balance-transfer fee. Applicants with excellent credit will receive this promotional financing for 15 months, which is extremely valuable to those who need to finance a purchase or pay down a balance. Additionally, Slate cardholders receive complimentary access to free monthly FICO credit score monitoring. There is also no annual fee for this card, an added bonus that puts it at the top of our list.
