If you’re a young professional, you might be in search of a credit card that suits your current needs. Maybe you’re settling into your first big post-grad job or are building your own business from the ground up.
Whatever the case, finding the right credit card to match your financial situation, spending habits and travel goals can help you become a pro at the points, miles and cash back card game. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for young professionals.
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 dining are generally two of a person’s biggest spending categories each month. If that sounds like you, consider the Amex Gold Card.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of cardmembership. This welcome offer is worth $1,200 based on TPG’s January 2025 valuations.
You may be targeted for a higher offer through the CardMatch tool. Not everyone will be targeted for 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 (on up to $50,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent each calendar year; 1 point per dollar after that)
- 3 points per dollar spent on airfare, either 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, either purchased directly from an airline’s website or via American Express Travel, so you’ll earn solid rewards when you book your dream vacation or go home for the holidays.
If you aren’t sure where to start redeeming all those points, we have some suggestions.
To learn more, check out 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 the Amex Green.
Welcome offer: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of cardmembership. TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg 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-hailing services
- 3 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you find yourself traveling more than you used to, this card deserves a spot in your wallet. It earns bonus points on travel, transit and dining at restaurants, so you’ll earn when you book a trip but also as you get around and explore all the great food while you’re there.
This card also makes your travel experience easier with perks like an up to $199 statement credit each calendar year to cover your Clear Plus membership and travel protections. Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Learn more: American Express Green Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the best mid-tier cards out there. If you’re serious about traveling with points and miles, you should strongly consider this card.
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. As of January 2025, TPG values this bonus at 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 travel
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
If you’ve been paying attention, you probably know someone with 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 additional earning on travel purchases and benefits like trip cancellation insurance and no foreign transaction fees earn it a label as a travel card, but it also works hard for you in your everyday spending.
Whether you’re dining out, streaming or traveling, you can count on this card to earn you some serious rewards.
There’s a $95 annual fee, but we happily pay that for the benefits this card carries.
To learn more, check out our full review of the 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 spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. As of January 2025, TPG values this bonus at $1,350.
Annual fee: $95
Rewards:
- 3 points per 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 excellent choice for earning bonus points for both travel and everyday spending. Citi ThankYou Points are versatile, allowing you to redeem them by transferring them to Citi’s airline or hotel transfer partners.
Between its welcome bonus and a wide variety of earning categories, this card will have you booking your next trip with points in no time.
To learn more, check out 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 spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. TPG’s January 2025 valuations peg 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 don’t generally fall under other bonus categories.
With the Venture Rewards card, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, whether that’s at the grocery store or to commission 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 Capital One’s 15-plus airline and hotel transfer partners. This card features bonus travel perks like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit and no foreign transaction fees.
The card’s versatility and travel perks make it a great choice for young professionals.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bottom line
Committing to a credit card can be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t been in the credit card game for very long. You know you have many options, but the key is to pick one that matches your travel goals and spending habits the best.
You really can’t go wrong with any one of these five cards. With everything from huge welcome bonuses to dining benefits, you’ll feel like a boss of credit in no time.
Related: Just got the Sapphire Preferred? Do this next
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold card, click here.
