My Favourite American Express, MasterCard and Visa Credit Card

When I am asked which credit card I prefer between American Express, MasterCard or Visa, I actually have no preference whatsoever. I actually prefer looking for the top credit card of each one. Though my favourite can constantly change as new products are introduced to the market. Below are my current top choice for each one and why:

1) American Express Gold Rewards Card

• $150 annual fee (waived the first year)
• $50 annual fee for supplementary cardholders (first one is free)
• Earn 25,000 sign up bonus points after spending $500 in the first 3 months
• Earn 10,000 referral bonus points
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, etc.), gas, groceries and drug stores purchases
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

This is hands down the best American Express credit card out there. The first year fee waived, 25,000 sign up bonus points and the 2 points per $1 spent on drug stores, travel, gas and grocery expenses is some of the top earning ratios out there. I value American Express Membership Reward points at 1.8 cents a piece, so that’s a 3.6% return on those purchases.

2) Capital One Aspire Travel World Elite MasterCard

• $150 annual fee
• Earn 40,000 sign up bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months
• Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on all purchases

The reason why I rank this as my top MasterCard is because I was grandfathered from the old version and I get the best of both worlds. I am on the hook for the old $120 annual fee, I should still be getting the 10,000 anniversary bonus (which I will find out if I do in the coming months) and I can take advantage of claiming my points without worrying about the tiering system. We can now redeem our points for straight 2 points for 2 cents on travel purchases.

If I lose all the positive features to my credit card, then I may be replacing my favourite MasterCard. For the time being, I plan on keeping this credit card for as long as possible.

3) Chase Amazon.ca Rewards Visa

• No annual fee
• Earn a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate upon approval
• Earn 2 cents for every $1 spent on Amazon.ca purchases
• Earn 1 cent for every $1 spent on all other purchases
• Once you reach $20 in cash back, it automatically credits your statement
• No foreign transaction fees

This is such a hassle free card. We never have to worry about paying an annual fee. Even without the spending on Amazon.ca, we get 1% cash back for all purchases. The no foreign transaction fees is what puts this credit card over the top. Furthermore, it is hassle free rewards, because once we hit $20 of cash back, it automatically credits our balance account. As as result, this is the type of credit card that I would want to keep long term.

There are arguable some other great Visa credit cards out there, but the combination of all the positive factors is what makes this credit card attractive to me.