Best Rewards Credit Cards: Rewards credit cards allow cardholders to earn points, miles, or cash back on purchases. With so many options, it can be difficult to identify the top rewards cards available today. Based on points earning rates, redemption values, and benefits, here are the 16 best rewards credit cards in January 2024 in the USA.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

With strong travel redemption options and bonus categories, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the top travel rewards cards. Key features include:

• 60,000 point signup bonus worth $750 in travel
• 5x points on travel booked through Chase
• 3x points at restaurants, grocery stores, select streaming services
• $50 annual hotel credit
• Primary rental car insurance

Points are worth 1.25 cents each when booking travel through Chase. With a reasonable $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred is a great option for earning rewards on dining and travel.

2. American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card offers 4x points on dining and groceries, making it a top card for food purchases. Benefits include:

• 60,000 point welcome bonus
• 4x points at restaurants and US supermarkets
• $120 dining credit
• $100 airline fee credit
• No foreign transaction fees

With a $250 annual fee, this card is best for those who frequently dine out and buy groceries. The credits help offset the fee and provide additional statement savings.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited

As one of the best no annual fee cash back cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers solid earning rates and redemption options. Benefits include:

• $200 bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase
• No annual fee

With no annual fee, this is a great card for daily spending and maximizing cash back earnings. Points can be transferred to Chase travel partners when paired with a premium Chase card.

4. Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X is one of the top travel rewards cards with premium benefits. Highlights include:

• 75,000 mile welcome bonus
• 2x miles on all purchases
• $300 annual statement credit for travel
• Complimentary airport lounge access
• Redeem miles for travel statement credits

Despite a hefty $395 annual fee, the statement credits and lounge access help offset the cost. With flexible redemption and strong bonus earning, this is one of the best premium travel cards.

5. Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a unique 5% cash back bonus category that you choose each billing cycle. Key features include:

• $200 sign up bonus after $750 in spending
• 5% cash back in top eligible spend category
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• No annual fee

This provides flexibility to earn bonus rewards in the categories where you spend the most each month. With no annual fee, the Citi Custom Cash Card is extremely valuable for maximizing category bonuses.

6. Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card

With customizable 3% and 2% bonus categories, the Bank of America Cash Rewards card provides options for your spending habits. Benefits include:

• $200 online cash rewards bonus
• 3% cash back in category of your choice
• 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• No annual fee

This card allows you to pick from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings for your 3% category each month. This flexibility combined with solid earning rates makes it a top no annual fee cash back card.

7. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card has one of the best flat-rate cash back rates available with no annual fee. Benefits include:

• $200 cash rewards bonus
• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• Cell phone protection
• Intro 0% APR offer
• No annual fee

Earning an unlimited 2% back on all purchases with no bonus category restrictions is valuable for those who want simple cash back without an annual fee. You can redeem rewards for cash back as a statement credit, deposit, or mobile wallet credit.

8. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers 4x points on travel and at gas stations, plus solid mobile wallet rewards. Benefits include:

• 50,000 point welcome bonus
• 4x points on travel and gas
• 2x points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and EV charging stations
• 1x point per $1 on other eligible purchases
• $15 monthly credit for mobile wallet purchases

There is a reasonable $95 annual fee for this card. With no foreign transaction fees and travel and mobile wallet perks, this card can maximize rewards for daily spending. The welcome bonus value is also among the best available.

9. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

With 6% cash back at US supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from Amex is one of the top options for grocery shopping. Benefits include:

• $350 statement credit after $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
• 6% cash back at US supermarkets
• 6% cash back on select US streaming services
• 3% cash back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
• 1% cash back on other purchases

There is a $95 annual fee for this card, but the high earning rate on groceries can quickly offset it. This card also provides one of the best cash back rates for streaming services.

10. Citi Premier Card

With broad 3x bonus categories and a large welcome bonus, the Citi Premier Card is a top contender for everyday rewards. Benefits include:

• 80,000 point welcome bonus after $4,000 spend in 3 months
• 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and entertainment
• 1x points per $1 spent on other purchases
• $100 annual hotel savings benefit

There is a $95 annual fee that is well worth it considering the strong welcome bonus and bonus earning potential with this card. The points can also be transferred to airline partners for added redemption value.

11. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

With no annual fee, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is one of the best cards for small business rewards. Benefits include:

• $750 bonus cash back after $7,500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening
• 5% cash back on up to

Best Personal Loans: Taking out a personal loan can be a great way to finance large purchases or consolidate high-interest debt. With interest rates still near historic lows in 2024, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of a low-rate personal loan. Here are the 10 best personal loans of 2024 based on interest rates, fees, loan amounts, terms, and borrower requirements.

1. LightStream – Best Personal Loans

LightStream offers outstanding rates with no fees and highly customizable loan options. Here are some of the key features:

• Interest rates from 3.49% to 19.99% APR with AutoPay discount
• Loan amounts from $5,000 to $100,000
• Terms from 24 to 144 months
• No application, origination, or prepayment fees
• Quick funding in as soon as 1 business day

LightStream has an easy online application and provides funds directly to your bank account. Loan eligibility is based primarily on creditworthiness rather than income. LightStream offers both secured and unsecured loan options. Overall, LightStream is our pick for best overall personal loan because of its low rates, minimal fees, and flexible loan options.

2. SoFi – Best for High Loan Amounts

SoFi offers personal loans up to $100,000 along with competitive interest rates and member benefits. Here’s an overview:

• Interest rates from 5.99% to 20.28% APR
• Loan amounts from $5,000 to $100,000
• Terms from 24 to 84 months
• No application or prepayment fees
• Unemployment protection and career coaching

SoFi personal loans don’t have any application or origination fees. Prequalifying online is easy with no impact to your credit score. SoFi members get access to career coaching, entrepreneur programs, and other unique benefits. SoFi is our top pick for high loan amounts thanks to loans up to $100K and great rates.

3. Upgrade – Best Credit Health Tools

Upgrade offers rewards programs and credit health monitoring along with competitive personal loan options. Here are the details:

• Interest rates from 5.94% to 35.97% APR
• Loan amounts from $1,000 to $50,000
• Terms from 24 to 84 months
• No application or origination fees
• Credit health tools to monitor and improve your score

Upgrade personal loans reward on-time payments with interest rate reductions over time. Free credit monitoring is also included. Upgrade is unique in providing credit health tools to help borrowers monitor and improve their credit scores. With competitive rates and strong rewards programs, Upgrade is our pick for best credit health tools.

4. Payoff – Best for Debt Consolidation

Payoff is designed specifically for debt consolidation loans. Benefits include:

• Interest rates from 5.99% to 24.99% APR
• Loan amounts from $5,000 to $40,000
• Terms from 24 to 60 months
• No application, origination, or prepayment fees
• Goal-based debt payoff tool

Payoff provides online tools that help optimize your debt payoff strategy. All borrowers complete a financial education course as part of qualifying for a loan. Payoff offers complimentary access to credit monitoring services as well. With its debt consolidation focus and payoff tools, Payoff is our pick for best personal loan for debt consolidation.

5. Marcus – Best Loan Term Flexibility

Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers outstanding flexibility in loan terms. Here are some of the key details:

• Interest rates from 6.99% to 19.99% APR
• Loan amounts from $3,500 to $40,000
• Terms from 36 to 72 months
• No application, origination, or prepayment fees
• Flexible terms from 3 to 6 years

Marcus offers personal loan terms from 36 to 72 months, while many lenders cap terms at 60 months. This added flexibility allows borrowers to reduce monthly payments by extending the length of the loan. Marcus also has no application, origination, or prepayment fees. With outstanding loan term flexibility, Marcus is our pick for best personal loans.

6. Best Egg – Best for Fair Credit

With its focus on fair credit borrowers, Best Egg offers an excellent option for those with scores in the mid 600s. Features include:

• Interest rates from 5.99% to 35.99% APR
• Loan amounts from $2,000 to $50,000
• Terms from 36 to 60 months
• No application or origination fees
• Minimum credit score of 640

Best Egg has a minimum credit score requirement of just 640. They can approve borrowers through their AI-powered underwriting system in minutes. While interest rates are higher for fair credit borrowers, Best Egg’s model provides fair lending for those with less than good credit. This makes them our pick for best personal loans for fair credit.

7. FreedomPlus – Best for Bad Credit

FreedomPlus offers loans specifically tailored for borrowers with bad credit or credit scores below 640. Here are the key features:

• Interest rates from 10.68% to 29.99% APR
• Loan amounts from $10,000 to $40,000
• Terms from 12 to 60 months
• No application, origination, or prepayment fees
• Minimum credit score of 600

FreedomPlus has a minimum credit score requirement of just 600, making it a great option for those with bad credit. While interest rates are higher, this allows borrowers with poor credit to access to personal loans they might not otherwise qualify for. FreedomPlus is our pick for best personal loans for bad credit.

8. LendingClub – Best Peer-to-Peer Loan Marketplace

As the largest peer-to-peer lender, LendingClub offers competitive fixed rates and the ability to shop hundreds of loan offers. Key features include:

• Interest rates from 6.95% to 35.89% APR
• Loan amounts from $1,000 to $40,000
• Terms from 36 to 60 months
• No application or origination fees
• Browse multiple loan offers from different investors

LendingClub gives borrowers access to personal loan offers from a variety of different investors who fund the loans. This allows you to browse multiple loan offers to find the rate and term that works best for you. LendingClub’s large marketplace makes them our pick for the best peer-to-peer personal loan company.

9. Avant – Best for Prequalifying

Avant provides easy prequalification and unsecured personal loans up to $35,000. Here are some of the key details:

• Interest rates from 9.95% to 35.99% APR
• Loan amounts from $2,000 to $35,000
• Terms from 24 to 60 months
• Administration fee from 1% to 4% of loan amount
• Prequalify with a soft credit pull

Avant’s prequalification allows you to check potential rates and likely approval odds before a hard inquiry. Those with fair credit can prequalify without impacting their credit score. With easy prequalification and mid-range loan amounts, Avant is our pick for best personal

Cheap Car Insurance for International Students: Purchasing car insurance in the United States can be confusing and expensive for international students. However, there are ways to find affordable coverage if you do your research. This guide will walk through the best options for cheap car insurance for international students studying in the USA.

Understanding Minimum Requirements

The first step is understanding the minimum auto insurance requirements in the state where you are studying. Laws vary, but most states require at least:

• Bodily injury liability coverage – covers injuries to others if you’re at fault
• Property damage liability coverage – covers damage you may cause to another vehicle or property
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage

Many states like California and New York also require personal injury protection and MedPay coverage in case you are hurt. Know your state laws so you purchase adequate coverage.

Choosing Limited Coverage

One way international students lower costs is by purchasing only the minimum required coverage. This means skipping optional protection like:

• Collision – covers damage to your car from an accident
• Comprehensive – covers damage to your car from theft, vandalism, weather, etc.
• Roadside assistance
• Rental reimbursement

However, foregoing extra coverage leaves you unprotected. Evaluate your risks and needs before limiting policies.

Taking Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts

Most international students do not drive far distances regularly. This makes you eligible for low mileage discounts from insurers. Companies like Geico offer breaks for driving under 5,000-7,500 miles annually. Just report your estimated annual mileage to unlock savings.

Maintaining Good Grades

One of the biggest discounts you can earn as a student is for good academic performance. Companies like State Farm offer up to 25% off for a B average, which can equal over $100 in savings. Submit your latest transcripts to qualify.

Using Usage-Based Programs

Usage-based or pay-per-mile programs charge rates based on driving habits tracked by an app or device. This can save money for low mileage drivers. Root is an insurer popular with students for usage-based discounts.

Finding Student Discounts

Some insurers offer a general discount just for being a student. Geico has a “away at school” discount for college students living apart from their vehicle. Travelers offers students under 25 a discount for maintaining B averages. Check with carriers about student savings opportunities.

Adding Experienced Drivers to Your Policy

Adding an experienced driver over 30 to your policy as a named insured can lower costs. This works if you can add a spouse, parent studying with you, or other companion. Their good driving record helps offset your lack of US driving history.

Choosing Older Vehicles

Brand new cars are the most expensive to insure. Choosing an older used vehicle can significantly reduce your insurance premiums. Once a car is 8-10 years old, it costs substantially less to insure and makes coverage more affordable.

Selecting a Vehicle with Safety Features

Vehicles with advanced safety equipment like airbags, antilock brakes, alarm systems, and anti-theft devices qualify for insurance discounts. Avoid sports cars and opt for 4-door sedans or SUVs with safety tech to save.

Asking About Non-Owner Car Insurance

If you do not own a car, non-owner auto insurance may meet minimum requirements. It provides liability protection when driving other people’s cars at lower rates. Students living on campus without a vehicle can use this option.

Taking Defensive Driving Courses

Completing a defensive driving class shows insurers you are a lower risk. Online courses offered by providers like I Drive Safely can earn you a discount of up to 10-15% on your premium.

Comparing Quotes From Multiple Insurers

Make sure to get quotes from national companies like Geico, Allstate, and State Farm as well as local insurers. Compare coverage, discounts, and premiums to find the best fit insurance policy at the lowest price point.

Maintaining Continuous Coverage

Gaps in auto insurance coverage will drive up your rates. Maintain continuous coverage to capitalize on loyalty discounts and avoid non-continuous surcharges that insurers charge.

Considering Getting a Non-Owner SR-22

If you have past driving offenses on record, you may be required to file an SR-22 form proving insurance. In that case, a non-owner SR-22 is cheaper than a regular policy. It satisfies the SR-22 requirement at lower cost.

Looking Into International Student Organizations

Groups like ISO International Student offer plans and support to help international students find affordable coverage. Check with campus international student groups for insurance resources and advice.

Applying Early for Coverage

Give yourself plenty of time before arriving in the US to apply for coverage. This increases your options and gives you leverage to negotiate the best rate.

Using an Insurance Agent

An independent insurance agent can explain coverages, shop multiple carriers, and find you discounts you may miss. Developing a relationship with an agent knowledgeable about international student policies can make getting insured easier.

Finding affordable car insurance as an international student involves being proactive. Do your homework and use these tips to get the lowest rates possible from a reputable insurer that meets state requirements.