When it comes to navigating the complex world of credit cards, few names resonate with more authority and expertise than Brian Kelly, widely known as “The Points Guy.” As the founder of the award-winning travel and credit card website The Points Guy (TPG), Kelly has spent over a decade evaluating credit cards based on rewards, perks, travel benefits, and overall value. His advice is grounded in real-life application, data analysis, and personal experience as a frequent flyer and elite traveler. This article explores what Brian Kelly might consider the best credit cards in different categories — not simply based on numbers but from the practical and savvy viewpoint he is known for.
1. Best Overall Travel Credit Card: Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Brian Kelly has consistently highlighted the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as a top pick for travelers — and for good reason. It balances an accessible annual fee ($95) with valuable travel rewards, flexible point redemptions, and solid protections.
Key reasons it earns Brian Kelly’s praise:
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2x points on travel and dining, making it ideal for globetrotters and foodies.
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Ultimate Rewards points, which are highly versatile and transferable to top travel partners like Hyatt, United Airlines, and Southwest.
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Generous sign-up bonus, often around 60,000 points after meeting minimum spending requirements.
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Strong travel protection benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
Kelly appreciates how this card serves as a “gateway” to the travel rewards game. It doesn’t intimidate beginners, yet it offers enough punch for seasoned rewards users.
2. Best Premium Credit Card: The Platinum Card® from American Express
For those looking to maximize luxury and premium experiences, The Platinum Card® from American Express is often championed by Brian Kelly. While the annual fee is steep (currently $695), the card showers its users with valuable perks that can easily outweigh the cost — particularly for frequent travelers.
Why Brian Kelly recommends it:
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Access to a vast network of airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (with restrictions), and Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta).
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5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
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Hotel elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
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Annual statement credits for Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, airline fees, and more.
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Strong concierge services and purchase protections.
According to Kelly, this card isn’t just about collecting points — it’s about transforming the travel experience with comfort, style, and access. It’s the kind of card you carry not just for rewards, but for lifestyle enhancement.
3. Best for Everyday Spending: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
A newer entrant to the premium card market, the Capital One Venture X has quickly gained traction — and Brian Kelly has taken notice. With an annual fee of $395, it bridges the gap between mid-tier and high-end cards.
Highlights include:
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2x miles on all purchases, with bonus rates on travel booked through Capital One.
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10,000 anniversary bonus miles (worth $100+), offsetting much of the annual fee.
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$300 annual travel credit through Capital One Travel.
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Lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, and primary rental car insurance.
What impresses Kelly is its simplicity. You don’t have to strategize your spending or juggle categories. You earn solid rewards on everything, and the perks easily justify the cost. It’s an ideal pick for those who want premium benefits without the Platinum Card price tag.
4. Best for Cashback: Citi® Double Cash Card
Not every cardholder is chasing flights to Paris or five-star hotel stays. For many, cold hard cashback is king — and for them, Brian Kelly often points to the Citi® Double Cash Card.
Why it stands out:
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Earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay.
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No complicated bonus categories or rotating offers.
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No annual fee.
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Can convert cashback into Citi ThankYou points if paired with a compatible Citi card.
Kelly values transparency and simplicity in this card. It’s perfect for people who don’t want to think about strategy but still want solid rewards. It’s often called the “set-it-and-forget-it” card for disciplined payers.
5. Best for Dining and Entertainment: American Express® Gold Card
If food and fun are at the center of your lifestyle, Brian Kelly frequently recommends the American Express® Gold Card. With a $250 annual fee, it targets a very specific demographic: those who dine out, order in, and appreciate culinary indulgence.
Perks include:
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4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
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4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000/year in purchases).
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Monthly dining credits for services like Grubhub and The Cheesecake Factory.
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Access to Amex Offers and exclusive reservations through Resy.
Kelly praises this card for rewarding everyday behavior. It isn’t just about special occasion dining — it’s about rewarding people for how they already live. The points add up quickly for anyone who eats out regularly.
6. Best Business Card: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
For entrepreneurs and small business owners, Kelly often highlights the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card from Chase. With a $95 annual fee and robust earning categories, it’s designed for flexibility and growth.
Key features:
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3x points on travel, advertising, shipping, and internet/phone services (up to $150,000/year).
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Massive sign-up bonus, often 100,000 points or more.
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Ultimate Rewards points with transferability.
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Cell phone protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
According to Kelly, this card’s value isn’t limited to its earning power — it’s in its alignment with real business expenses. If your business runs online, uses social media ads, or involves frequent travel, it’s a powerhouse.
7. Best Card for Beginners: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Everyone has to start somewhere, and Brian Kelly often recommends the Chase Freedom Unlimited® as a beginner-friendly card with robust rewards and low maintenance.
Key reasons:
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1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus bonus categories like 3% on dining and drugstores.
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No annual fee.
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Points can be converted into Ultimate Rewards points if paired with a premium Chase card.
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0% intro APR period.
For new credit users or those hesitant to jump into annual fees, Kelly sees this card as a stepping stone. It teaches you how to maximize rewards while keeping things simple.
Final Thoughts: What Brian Kelly Teaches About Credit Cards
Beyond individual card recommendations, Brian Kelly’s philosophy is clear: credit cards are tools. When used strategically, they unlock experiences, savings, and status. But they must be used responsibly — paying balances in full, monitoring spending, and aligning card choices with your actual lifestyle are essential.
Kelly’s top picks don’t always align with flashy marketing campaigns or high-limit cards. Instead, he values practical application, long-term benefits, and user-friendly features. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a homebody, or an entrepreneur, there’s a card that fits your life — and if Brian Kelly recommends it, you can be confident it’s passed rigorous real-world testing.
