Do you have outstanding credit? These are the top credit cards tailored for you

If you possess a good credit score, you might qualify for some of the finest rewards credit cards. However, an excellent credit score opens the door to the most lucrative premium cards, higher credit limits, and lower interest rates.

An excellent credit score is typically considered to be 760 or above.

Most of the top credit cards available for individuals with excellent credit are travel credit cards that earn transferable points currencies or rewards tied to a specific loyalty program, although we've also included a few cash-back cards as well.

Here’s our top recommendation.

Top credit cards for individuals with excellent credit

If you have excellent credit, you're likely to be approved for any credit card, provided you adhere to the application guidelines set by different banks. Below, we detail the best credit cards tailored for various spending categories and benefits:

• American Express® Gold Card: Ideal for dining rewards
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Top cash-back card for gas, groceries, and streaming
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for consistent rewards and transfer partner options
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for benefits and rewards for additional users
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel rewards with a manageable annual fee
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel rewards with comprehensive travel protections
• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Best for everyday earning and balance transfers
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for premium perks and exclusive benefits

The top credit cards for individuals with excellent credit

American Express® Gold Card: Ideal for dining rewards

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Additionally, get 20% back on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide during the first six months, up to $100 back. Be sure to use the CardMatch Tool to check if you qualify for a higher welcome bonus (offer may change at any time).

Rewards rate: Earn 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S., on up to $50,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar), 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on $25,000 per year, then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, American Express Membership Rewards are valued at 2 cents each.

Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)

Who should apply: If you're looking for an Amex card that simplifies earning Membership Rewards on everyday purchases like dining and groceries at U.S. supermarkets, this is definitely a card worth considering. However, if you seek an Amex Membership Rewards card that offers bonus points on a broader range of travel expenses, the American Express® Green Card might be a better fit. The information for the Amex Green Card has been gathered independently by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

For additional information, check out our comprehensive card review for the Amex Gold.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Top cash-back card for gas, groceries, and streaming services

Welcome bonus: Receive a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases with your new card within the first six months.

Rewards rate: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back on transit and at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)

Who should apply: The Blue Cash Preferred Card features bonus categories that resonate well with many consumers. Given that numerous individuals spend significantly on streaming services, earning 6% cash back in this relatively uncommon bonus category can be quite valuable. Additionally, you can earn $360 cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases each year if you hit the $6,000 spending limit; after that, you'll earn 1% cash back on these purchases.

You’ll also receive 3% cash back on commuting expenses, which includes gas and transit (covering taxis, ride-shares, tolls, trains, buses, and more). While this card does not earn Membership Rewards points, it offers a straightforward method to earn rewards on popular everyday spending categories.

For further information, check out our comprehensive card review for the Blue Cash Preferred.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Ideal for rewards with fixed-rate and transfer partner options

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Rewards rate: Earn 5 miles for every dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, Capital One miles are valued at 1.85 cents each.

Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)

Who should apply: The Capital One Venture card is perfect for those seeking simplicity and flexible redemption options. You earn a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, eliminating any need to worry about purchase classifications. The miles you accumulate can be used to offset eligible travel purchases on your credit card statement or transferred to one of Capital One's transfer partners. Additionally, you'll receive a statement credit of up to $120 every four years for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, a benefit not often found on low-fee cards.

This card is frequently advertised as a beginner card, yet anyone can benefit from the rewards structure and advantages it offers. While beginners appreciate the ease of use with the Venture, seasoned users can leverage it as an excellent choice for non-bonus spending. TPG's founder, Brian Kelly, has even noted that the Capital One Venture would be the one card he'd choose if he could only keep a single card.

For further information, check out our comprehensive card review for the Capital One Venture.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Ideal for rewards and perks for authorized users

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Rewards rate: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. TPG's September 2024 valuations value Capital One miles at 1.85 cents each.

Annual fee: $395 (see rates and fees)

Who should apply: The Venture X card offers the same welcome bonus and earns the same type of Capital One miles as the Venture card. The key distinction lies in the annual fee ($395 compared to $95 (see rates and fees)) and the extensive perks associated with the Venture X. In addition to reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee, you will receive a $300 annual travel credit with Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary.

The true advantages arise from adding multiple authorized users to the account (see rates and fees), as they will benefit from perks not limited to the primary account holder: complimentary access to Capital One lounges and Plaza Premium lounges, along with complimentary Hertz President's Circle status*.

*Upon enrollment, which can be done through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will maintain this status level for the duration of the offer. Note that enrolling through the standard Hertz Gold Plus Rewards process (e.g., at Hertz.com) will not automatically recognize a cardholder as eligible for the program, and they will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

For additional information, be sure to check our comprehensive card review for the Capital One Venture X.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Ideal for travel rewards with a low annual fee

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account, along with a $300 statement credit on Chase Travel℠ purchases made within the first year.

Rewards rate: Earn 5 points per dollar on travel bookings made through Chase Travel℠, 5 points per dollar on Lyft (valid through March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked through the Chase travel portal, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Who should apply: The Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out as one of the top beginner travel cards on the market. It provides a sign-up bonus valued at up to $1,530 (including the $300 travel credit) based on TPG's September 2024 valuations. This card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed at a rate of 1.25 cents each via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. Alternatively, you can transfer your points to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners for redemption through their programs.

If you're seeking a robust travel rewards card with travel protections but find it hard to justify the $550 annual fee of the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is an excellent alternative.

For further information, check out our comprehensive card review for the Chase Sapphire Preferred.

Chase Sapphire Reserve: Optimal for travel rewards with high-end travel protections

Welcome bonus: Receive 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account.

Rewards rate: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel, 10 points on dining transactions made via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, 10 points on Lyft rides until March 2025, 5 points per dollar on flights purchased through Chase Travel, 3 points per dollar on all other travel (not including the $300 travel credit) and dining purchases globally, plus 1 point per dollar on all other spending.

Annual fee: $550

Who should apply: The Chase Sapphire Reserve is among the best premium travel rewards cards available. Despite recent changes to the card that have disappointed some users, it remains a favored choice for many due to its excellent earning potential on travel and exceptional travel protections.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve accumulates valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points and provides benefits such as an annual $300 travel credit, access to Priority Pass lounges, a TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee credit every four years, at least one complimentary year of DashPass membership via DoorDash, and an extensive range of travel protections. These features make the Chase Sapphire Reserve an excellent choice for frequent travelers. However, if the $550 annual fee is hard to justify, you might find the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card more suitable.

For more information, check out our full card review for the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Citi Double Cash Card: Ideal for consistent earning rates and balance transfers

Welcome bonus: Receive $200 cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months of account opening.

Rewards rate: Receive 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay your bill.

Annual fee: $0

Who should apply: This card is perfect for anyone who wants a straightforward option for daily spending, especially those who prefer not to manage bonus categories. The Double Cash rewards convert to ThankYou points, redeemable for cash at 1 cent each or for limited transfer options with Choice Privileges, JetBlue TrueBlue, and Wyndham Rewards. If you’re seeking a simple card that provides flexible rewards, the Citi Double Cash is hard to beat.

For more information, check out our full card review for the Citi Double Cash.

The Platinum Card from American Express: Optimal for premium perks and benefits

Welcome bonus: Receive 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card ownership. Don’t forget to check the CardMatch Tool to see if you qualify for a higher welcome bonus (offer may change at any time).

Rewards rate: Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on airfare booked directly through airlines or via Amex Travel (for up to $500,000 in airfare purchases annually), 5 points for prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. According to TPG's September 2024 valuations, American Express Membership Rewards are valued at 2 cents each.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Who should apply: While the welcome bonus offers significant value and earning 5 points per dollar on certain airfare and hotel purchases is attractive, The Platinum Card from American Express is primarily valued for its benefits and perks. You can earn up to $200 in airline fee credits, up to $200 in Uber Cash, and up to $100 in statement credits for Saks Fifth Avenue purchases each year. Additionally, you’ll gain access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs* when flying Delta, Priority Pass lounges, and many other lounges through Amex's Global Lounge Collection. Note that enrollment is required for certain benefits.

You will also receive automatic Marriott Gold status and Hilton Gold status. Additionally, you can enjoy luxurious hotel stays at select properties through the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts program. You can add up to three authorized users for only $195 per year (see rates and fees). When it comes to redemption, the American Express Membership Rewards program features numerous airline and hotel partners for transferring your reward points.

For more information, check out our full card review for The Platinum Card from American Express.

*Starting February 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 visits per eligible card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

What qualifies as an excellent credit score?

FICO Scores and VantageScores range from 300 to 850. A score of 760 or above is typically regarded as excellent.* With a credit score in this range, you should have a good chance of being approved for most of the top rewards cards available.

*Dinogo's credit ranges are based on FICO® Score 8, which is just one of many types of credit scores. When applying for a credit card, lenders may consider a different credit score for your application.

It's crucial to understand that you don't possess a single credit score. There are three major credit reporting agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and two main methods for calculating scores (FICO Score and VantageScore). As a result, you may find that your credit scores differ slightly between agencies.

For further information, check out our guide on how credit scores operate.

Which credit cards are exclusively available to those with excellent credit?

There are two categories of cards that are typically accessible only to those with very good or excellent credit:

Amex cards that feature no preset spending limits

These cards aren't traditional credit cards. For instance, Amex products like The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card lack a standard credit limit or preset spending cap. Instead, each purchase is evaluated individually, and your spending capacity fluctuates based on factors such as your transaction history, payments, and credit background.

This means that in untrustworthy hands, these cards could pose significant risks. A person could potentially rack up tens of thousands of dollars in charges before Amex detects the excessive spending and begins to decline transactions. To mitigate this risk, Amex usually restricts approval to applicants with outstanding credit.

Premium credit cards

Even with a fixed spending limit, you can anticipate facing more stringent approval criteria for the expanding range of premium credit cards. These cards provide valuable benefits and are primarily aimed at higher spenders who typically require a larger credit limit. To be entrusted with significant spending power, these cards often necessitate a high credit score.

Tips for sustaining excellent credit

FICO and VantageScore are crafted to estimate the probability that you will be 90 days late on any credit obligations within the next 24 months. In essence, to preserve excellent credit, you should refrain from actions that could increase the likelihood of appearing financially unstable over the next two years. However, you don't need to aim for a flawless 850 score.

To preserve excellent credit, you should consistently pay your bills punctually, maintain a low debt-to-credit ratio, refrain from closing long-held accounts, and avoid opening too many new accounts in a short timeframe. Additionally, regularly checking your credit score is advisable if you aim to keep your credit in top shape.

Final thoughts

Having excellent credit can enhance your chances of being approved for some of the best premium rewards credit cards, and it can also unlock a variety of other advantages. For instance, higher credit scores may help you qualify for lower interest rates on mortgages.

This highlights why we at TPG consider your credit history to be incredibly important. By managing it carefully, you’ll be well on your way to qualifying for one of the cards mentioned above.