Over the past 30 years, credit card rewards have grown exponentially. What started in the mid-1980s with a handful of cash back credit cards is now a billion-dollar market home to literally hundreds of rewards credit cards and programs.
Indeed, whether you want to earn points on gas, cash back on movies, or miles on groceries — there’s a card for that.
With so many options available, it’s impossible to say which card is the best for everyone. Instead, we’ve selected the best cards from a number of popular categories to help you find the right match.
- Best Overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best Signup Bonus: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best with No Annual Fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Best for Cash Back: Discover it® Cash Back
- Best for Points: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
- Best for Flexible Miles: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Best Airline: CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
- Best Hotel: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
- Best Store: Target REDcard
- Best for Business: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Best for Students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Best for Everyday: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Dining: Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Gas: Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
- Best for Fair Credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for Bad Credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card
If our top picks don’t quite hit the mark, don’t despair; there are plenty of credit cards fish in the proverbial sea — no matter what you want out of your next rewards credit card.
Overall | Signup Bonus | No Annual Fee | Cash Back | Points | Flexible Miles | Travel
Airline | Hotel | Store | Business | Student | Everyday | Dining | Gas | Fair Credit | Bad Credit
Best Overall Rewards Cards
Given the hundreds of rewards cards with dozens of different programs, bonus categories, and benefits, it’s hard to pinpoint even a top 10 overall, let alone narrow it down to three. In the end, every consumer will have specific needs that will vary from the needs of their neighbors.
That said, we’ve done our best to scour the options and find three cards that will appeal to a wide range of potential cardholders. Our top overall rewards cards combine competitive purchase rewards, valuable bonuses, and useful benefits for nearly any lifestyle.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
Frequently ranked as a top travel card, this points rewards credit card is also a solid everyday card thanks to its bonus categories for travel and dining purchases. This card earns the coveted Ultimate Rewards® points, renowned for their versatility and high-value travel program transfer partners.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
|
Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.74% - 27.74% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
One of the first cards to offer a rotating bonus category rewards program, this card allows cardholders to earn bonus cash back on purchases that fall into quarterly bonus categories. Bonus categories must be activated each quarter, and purchase limits apply.
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
|
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
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19.74% - 28.49% Variable
|
$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
Offering unlimited cash back rewards on every purchase, this card is a good choice for nearly any consumer. This card works if you simply want easy rewards that can be redeemed for a statement credit, as well as for consumers who want to maximize their non-bonus-category spending.
Best Rewards Cards with Signup Bonuses
The sign-up incentive or bonus is a ubiquitous technique used across nearly all segments of retail, but credit cards have definitely put their own stamp on the concept of a signup bonus.
The vast majority of credit cards now come with some sort of one-time bonus for new cardholders, bonuses often worth hundreds of dollars. Our top picks for this category all pack big bonuses worth more than $500 apiece.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
|
$550
|
Good/Excellent
|
Though it debuted with a jaw-dropping 100,000-point bonus, this card has maintained the same 50,000-point bonus for a well over a year. Reserve cardholders can redeem those points for $750 in travel through the Chase portal, though Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can also be transferred to a travel partner, where smart redemptions can more than double their value.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new card to make $6,000 in purchases in your first 6 months of Card Membership
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights booked directly through airlines or American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Also earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.
- $200 annual hotel credit, $200 annual airline fee credit, $25 monthly Equinox credit, $15 monthly Uber cash credit, $50 bi-annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit, and more.
- Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Global Lounge Collection, including 1,400 airport lounges across 650 cities.
- Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and Hilton Honors Gold Status. Enrollment required.
- Choose among three card designs
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% - 27.49% Pay Over Time
|
$695
|
Excellent
|
The Platinum Card® signup bonus varies like any other, but targeted offers for up to 100,000 points are not uncommon. Even the more typical 60,000-point bonus can be worth more than $600 when redeemed wisely.
Redeeming your points for charity, gift cards, or airfare through the Amex travel portal will provide a value of 1¢ per point. To get the most value out of your Membership Rewards® points, consider transferring them to a partner airline or hotel loyalty program, where a smart redemption could earn 2¢ per point or more.
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. - Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
- 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.99% - 28.99%(Variable)
|
$95
|
Excellent, Good
|
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
The Citi Premier® Card offers a sizable signup bonus for new cardholders if a set purchase threshold is met within the first few months of account opening. With a multitude of purchase categories in which to earn rewards points, this card is ideal for the variety spender.
You can get even more value out of ThankYou® rewards as a Premier cardholder by redeeming for travel through the Citi travel portal. But, you’ll need to transfer to a travel partner’s loyalty program to maximize your ThankYou® points.
Best Rewards Cards with No Annual Fee
As with most industries, the credit cards that garner the most attention in the rewards world are often the flashy top-tier travel cards with premium benefits — and giant annual fees.
But you don’t need to fork over high fees to reap the, er, rewards of rewards credit cards. You can earn cash or points on every purchase and even maximize your earnings with a variety of bonus categories, all without paying a cent’s worth of annual fees.
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
- No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
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Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
|
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
|
19.74% - 28.49% Variable
|
$0
|
Good/Excellent
|
This card is a good addition to any cardholder’s wallet thanks to its unlimited cash back rewards earned on any card purchase. Rewards don’t expire so long as your account remains open and in good standing, and there’s no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
8. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
One of the few points rewards cards from a major issuer that doesn’t charge an annual fee, this pick is a solid everyday card with bonus categories that include both travel and dining purchases, as well as select streaming services. Cardholders can also enjoy cellphone protection when they use their card to pay their mobile phone bill.
- Receive 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
- Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, and travel
- Pay $0 annual fee
While this card operates on the American Express network, as its name implies, the card is issued by Wells Fargo. This means that the card is accepted anywhere that accepts American Express, but you’ll actually deal with Wells Fargo and log into your Wells Fargo account to pay your bill, use your rewards, and track your purchases.
(The information related to Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is no longer accepting new applicants.)
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
While this card isn’t quite as robust as its big sibling, it is more affordable with no annual fee. Cardholders can earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining and select entertainment, plus 3% cash back on grocery store purchases, and 1% unlimited cash back on everything else.
Best Cash Back Rewards Cards
Cash back rewards were the first rewards offered by a mainstream credit card company several decades ago, but while points and miles rewards programs are equally common, cash back has yet to lose its appeal for many consumers.
Perhaps the biggest draw of cash back cards is the simple redemption process for a statement credit, with no complicated variables to consider or transfers to perform. Of course, it may also be the lucrative rewards offered by many of the best cash back cards — like our favorites below.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- No annual fee.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.74% - 27.74% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
Even in today’s glutted credit card market, it’s hard to beat a card that offers this much cash back, especially when it’s in useful rotating categories. This card’s bonus categories rotate each quarter and must be activated to earn the higher rewards rate. Spending limits apply.
11. Chase Freedom Flex℠
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
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|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
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N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Similar to Discover’s program, this card’s cash back rewards bonus categories rotate each quarter. Cardholders can earn top cash back in popular categories you activate each quarter. Earnings are capped at a purchase limit, but there are other set categories with tiered earnings potential that are not subject to limits.
12. U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card has a unique rewards program that allows cardholders to choose their own cash back bonus categories. Choose two 5% categories and one 2% category each quarter.
- Earn 5% cash back in two categories of your choosing, plus 2% cash back in an additional category you select
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Pay no annual fee
Bonus 5% cash back earnings are limited to the first $2,000 in combined category purchases each quarter. Categories include a variety of useful purchases, including home utilities, department stores, furniture stores, fast food, and cellphone providers.
Best Points Rewards Cards
The most versatile type of rewards, points can often be redeemed for a range of things, from cash back or gift cards to travel and merchandise. At the same time, that versatility can come with a cost, as the per-point value of your rewards will vary based on how you redeem them.
In general, credit card rewards enthusiasts lump rewards points into two categories: transferable and non-transferable. Transferable points can be converted into frequent flyer or hotel loyalty rewards, which often unlocks extra value.
Our top points rewards credit cards include a mix of both types of programs, as each has its pros and cons.
13. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
Although the points you earn with this card are non-transferable, the fact that it offers such broad triple-point bonus categories while charging no annual fee definitely puts it at the top of the list. The included cellphone protection and hefty signup bonus are icing on the cake.
- Receive 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
- Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, and travel
- Pay $0 annual fee
What makes this card even more impressive is the fact that cardholders can earn big rewards in multiple categories — all without an annual fee. And there’s a competitive signup bonus, as well as an introductory 0% APR offer.
(The information related to Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is no longer accepting new applicants.)
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
Anyone who travels frequently or dines out on the regular can get a lot of value out of this card, which earns transferable Ultimate Rewards® points. While the card comes with an annual fee, the versatile points, lucrative signup bonus, and travel perks all add up to a lot of value.
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. - Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
- 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.99% - 28.99%(Variable)
|
$95
|
Excellent, Good
|
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
The Citi Premier® Card earns ThankYou® points on every purchase, with extra points earned on certain travel expenses — including gas — as well as other common spending categories. New cardholders also enjoy the potential to earn a signup bonus if a purchase limit is met within the first few months.
ThankYou® points are very flexible, offering a range of redemption options from cash back to gift cards to travel. Points can also be transferred to partner loyalty and frequent flyer rewards programs.
Best Flexible Miles Rewards Cards
While transferable points are in hot demand among rewards junkies, no matter how valuable your points or miles are, they’re completely useless if you can’t use them thanks to blackout dates and brand restrictions.
That’s where rewards cards that earn flexible miles are handy additions to your wallet. Our top cards all earn unlimited miles on every purchase, miles that can be redeemed for a statement credit to cover any eligible travel-related expense.
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Enjoy two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
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Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.74% - 28.74% (Variable)
|
$95
|
Excellent, Good
|
Designed specifically for travelers without strong brand loyalties, this card not only offers unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase. Card holders also will earn an impressive signup bonus if time and purchase requirements are met.
- UNLIMITED BONUS: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
- Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase - with no annual fee.
- Redeem Miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.
- Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more with no blackout dates. However you redeem, Miles keep the same value. And Miles never expire.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
0% Intro APR for 15 months
|
16.74% - 27.74% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
This card earns miles for every dollar spent on all purchases. There are no backout dates and you can fly any airline and stay at any hotel. Miles never expire as long as the account remains open.
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% for 15 months
|
0% for 15 months
|
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
|
$0
|
Excellent, Good
|
If the idea of unlimited flexible miles appeals to you, but the idea of an annual fee does not, this card may be your ideal option. It offers unlimited 1.25X miles per dollar spent.
Best Travel Rewards Cards
Although a large number of credit cards offer rewards for travel purchases, a premium travel rewards credit card offers more than a few extra points or miles on your airfare or hotel stays. These extras include things like elite hotel status, primary auto insurance, or dedicated service lines.
Many of the top travel cards also share several popular travel features, including travel insurance, Priority Pass™ Select membership, and a credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Our top cards also charge no foreign transaction fees, which can save you a bundle when making purchases abroad.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.74% - 28.74% Variable
|
$550
|
Good/Excellent
|
In addition to triple Ultimate Rewards® points on travel and dining, this travel rewards credit card offers plenty of perks to make up for its annual fee, starting with a yearly $300 travel credit. It’s also one of the few cards to offer primary — rather than the more typical secondary — auto rental insurance coverage.
20. Platinum Card® from American Express
The Platinum Card® from American Express is an ideal travel rewards card for frequent flyers without a favorite airline, as the card offers a high 5X Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights booked directly with the airline, as well as flights and hotel stays booked through the Amex travel portal.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points per $1 on flights/hotels booked directly with the airline/hotel or American Express Travel
- Receive up to $200 annual airline fee credit
- Pay $550 annual fee
Other travel perks include access to the Centurion airport lounge network (on top of the included Priority Pass membership), an annual $200 airline fee credit, and a monthly Uber credit for US rides.
21. U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
The U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a top-tier travel card reserved for existing US Bank customers. The card offers triple points on both travel and mobile wallet spending, as well as a healthy new cardholder signup bonus.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending
- Receive up to $325 annual travel reimbursements
- Pay $400 annual fee
Beyond rewards, this card also comes with a host of extra benefits, including an annual statement credit for eligible travel purchases worth up to $325. Cardholders also get access to the full spectrum of Visa Infinite® benefits.
Best Airline Rewards Cards
While having the flexibility to use your travel points or miles without brand restrictions can be worthwhile for many travelers, those who have a favorite airline may find a lot more value in the co-branded cards available from most airlines.
Co-branded airline cards allow cardholders to earn frequent flyer miles on every purchase, typically offering bonus rewards for airline-branded purchases. These cards also come with extra benefits, like access to airport lounges, free checked bags, and on-board discounts.
- Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending 4,000 within 4 months of account opening
- Earn 2X miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases and at cable and internet providers, gas stations, select telecommunications merchants, and car rental services — all other purchases earn 1X points
- First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 travel companions
- 25% savings on American Airlines inflight WiFi, food, and beverage purchases when you use your card
- Earn an American Airlines Companion Certificate for domestic travel after $30,000 in purchases each card membership year and card membership is renewed. Fees apply.
- $0 intro annual fee, then $99
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.49% - 29.49% (Variable)
|
$99, waived first 12 months
|
Excellent, Good
|
Additional Disclosure: (The information related to CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® is ideal for moderate travelers who want to earn AAdvantage miles on everyday purchases like gas and dining, plus enjoy extra perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to pick up this card is the signup bonus, a hefty pile of miles that can unlock free travel as soon as it hits your account.
23. Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card is a good deal for Southwest Airlines loyalists who want to earn frequent flyer miles on everyday purchases. The card also comes with four annual Upgraded Boarding credits and an anniversary miles bonus.
- Earn 2X points per $1 on Southwest Airlines® purchases made directly with the airline
- Receive an annual $75 Southwest® travel credit
- Pay $149 annual fee
One of the most appealing things for many cardholders is that your points earned with this card — including those from the signup bonus — count toward the points requirement for the coveted Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, which can provide discounted fares for over a year.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
24. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card is great for Alaska Airlines frequent flyers, as well as those who fly with its Mileage Plan partners. The card earns triple miles on Alaska purchases and unlimited miles on all other purchases.
- Earn 3X Mileage Plan miles per dollar spent with your card
- Receive an annual discounted Companion Fare™
- Pay $75 annual fee
While it’s rewards are nice and the free checked bag can be a good value, what makes this card a true bargain is the annual Companion Fare™. With the Companion Fare™, cardholders can purchase an upgradable economy companion ticket for just $99 plus fees, which start at $22.
Best Hotel Rewards Cards
To some travelers, any old hotel will do the trick — so long as the linens are clean, at any rate. For other travelers, however, there’s one hotel brand that always fits the bill, offering consistent service that creates loyal visitors.
While flexible rewards cards are best for travelers in the former group, the latter will likely get the best value from co-branded hotel credit cards. On top of providing the ability to earn hotel loyalty points, co-branded cards come with extra perks like elite status and free WiFi.
25. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card is the new mid-tier card that resulted from the rebranding of the Marriott and Starwood programs after their merger. The card offers six points per dollar on Marriott purchase and two points on everything else.
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent at eligible Marriott Bonvoy properties
- Earn 2X on all other purchases
- Pay $95 annual fee
Cardholders receive automatic Silver Elite Status with Marriott Bonvoy and can earn Gold Status by spending $35,000 on purchases each account year. Users can also enjoy free premium in-room wifi and an annual free night award after the account anniversary.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
26. Hilton Honors Ascend Card
The Hilton Honors Ascend Card is designed for Hilton regulars who want to earn Hilton Honors points on everyday purchases. Not only do cardholders earn 12X points per dollar on Hilton purchases, but you’ll also earn 6X points for US restaurant, supermarket, and gas station purchases, and triple points on everything else.
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors™ points per dollar for Hilton purchases
- Earn 6X points for purchases at US restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations
- Pay $95 annual fee
This card’s perks go well beyond purchase rewards, of course. Cardholders also receive complimentary elite status, free Priority Pass visits, and the ability to earn a free night award for spending $15,000 on their card in a calendar year.
27. IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card
The IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card is ideal for travelers who prefer IHG hotels, offering 10X IHG® Rewards Club points per dollar on IHG purchases. It also offers double points on gas station, grocery store, and restaurant purchases.
- Earn 10X points per $1 on IHG® hotel purchases made directly with IHG®
- Earn 2X points per $1 on gas, groceries, and dining
- Pay $89 annual fee
One of the card’s best value features is the Fourth Night Free, which gives you a free award night for stays that extend at least four consecutive nights. Other benefits of the card include a Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit every four years, a free night award each year after your account anniversary, and complimentary elite status.
(Non-Monetized. The information related to IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card was collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates.com does not receive commission for this product/card.)
Best Store Rewards Cards
Although some consumers may not care a bit about where they buy their goods — other than finding a deal — plenty of purchasers prefer to frequent the same retailers for their shopping needs.
While you can typically find an open-loop credit card that offers bonus rewards for your purchases no matter where you shop, some store co-branded credit cards can provide better savings for brands you shop the most than you’ll get from a general-purpose card.
28. Target REDcard
The Target REDcard has a somewhat unusual rewards structure in that you don’t earn redeemable rewards. Instead, cardholders earn 5% off their purchase at the register, immediately reducing your out-of-pocket costs.
- Get 5% off your total purchase at checkout for eligible in-store or online Target purchases
- Receive exclusive deals & discounts
- Pay no annual fee
Cardholders can access a number of additional card perks, including exclusive coupons and deals, plus free two-day shipping for purchases made on Target.com. Also, enjoy an extra 30 days to return Target or Target.com purchases with extended returns.
29. My Best Buy Credit Card
The My Best Buy Credit Card provides 5% back in Best Buy rewards on every Best Buy purchase under $199. Larger purchases have the option to earn rewards or receive special financing.
- Earn 5% back in rewards on Best Buy purchases made in-store or at BestBuy.com
- Receive special financing on purchases of $199 and up
- Pay no annual fee
While the card’s financing deal can be tempting, be sure you can pay off your purchase in time. This card uses deferred interest, which means you’ll be on the hook for interest on the entire financed amount if you can’t pay off the purchase before the promotional period ends.
30. Amazon.com Store Card
The Amazon.com Store Card offers special financing on orders of $149 or more to all cardholders, but the card is significantly more worthwhile for cardholders who are also Prime members, as they earn 5% back in rewards on Amazon.com purchases made with the card.
- Receive special financing on eligible Amazon.com orders of $149 or more made with your card
- Amazon Prime members also get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases
- Pay no annual card fee (Prime fee may apply)
As with many store cards, this card’s special financing operates with deferred interest, which means you’ll need to pay off the entire financed amount — down to the last dollar — before the financing terms expire or you’ll be charged interest on the full amount.
Best Business Rewards Cards
Given the rampant success of the consumer credit card rewards market, credit card issuers would have been fools to ignore the potential in the business credit card market — and most issuers aren’t fools.
Today’s business credit cards come in nearly as many flavors as consumer cards, offering points, miles, and cash back in a variety of programs. Our top picks for this category include both bonus category and unlimited rewards options that can work for many businesses.
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.74% - 25.74% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
The only business credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, this card is a good home for your travel purchases with 3X points per dollar on everything from airfare and hotel stays to parking and tolls. Cardholders also earn triple points on a range of business expenses, earning triple points on up to $150,000 in combined bonus category purchases each cardmember year.
32. Capital One Spark Cash for Business
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
An unlimited cash back card, this option offers the same 2% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track or activate. The card’s signup bonus adds to its value, making up for several years’ worth of annual fees. Rewards are easily redeemed as a statement credit.
33. U.S. Bank Business Edge™ Select Rewards Card
The U.S. Bank Business Edge™ Select Rewards Card has an unusual rewards program that allows users to select their 3X points bonus rewards category from three broad options, each of which includes multiple subcategories.
- Earn 3X rewards points on a broad bonus category of your choice, including day-to-day expenses, automotive, and travel/entertainment
- Earn unlimited 1X point on all other purchases
- Pay no annual fee
In addition to customizable bonus rewards, this card offers unlimited 1X point per dollar on all other purchases. It also comes with an attainable signup bonus and an intro-APR offer for new purchases.
Best Student Rewards Cards
College is a time of learning, and one of the best things you can learn in that time is how to responsibly handle credit. Student credit cards are specifically designed to help students establish and build credit, offering an attainable way to start your credit journey.
While a number of major credit issuers offer student credit cards, the quality will vary widely. The best cards will offer useful features, like purchase rewards or cellphone protection, and they won’t charge you an annual fee.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- No credit score required to apply.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.74% - 26.74% applies.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 6 months
|
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
|
17.74% - 26.74% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Fair/New to Credit
|
This student card is almost indistinguishable from the non-student version — in all the best ways. Cardholders earn really competitive purchase rewards and pay fair interest rates. Plus, cardholders enjoy all the security features that come with it including .
35. Citi Rewards+℠ Card for College Students
The Citi Rewards+℠ Card for College Students is a solid everyday card thanks to its 2X points per dollar on supermarket and gas station purchases, broad categories that include a wide variety of merchants. Plus, your rewards will automatically round up to the nearest 10X points for every eligible transaction.
- Earn 2X ThankYou® points per $1 spent on supermarket and gas station purchases
- Round up each transaction to nearest 10X points
- Pay no annual fee
Not only does this card offer useful purchase rewards, but it also comes with a small signup bonus with an easy-to-obtain spending requirement, as well as an intro APR offer good for 0% interest on new purchases.
(The information related to Citi Rewards+℠ Card for College Students has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)
Best Everyday Rewards Cards
While it’s all well and good to have a stable of cards, each bred for a specific purchase type, there’s something to be said about having one card you can turn to day in and day out.
A good everyday rewards credit card should offer rewards that, well, you can use nearly every day. Things like bonus rewards at grocery stores and gas stations, maybe with some dining rewards thrown in for good measure. Our top cards offer big bonuses on many of the things we all need almost every day.
36. Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
This card has you covered for a variety of everyday expenses, including 4% cash back for purchases that fall into the card’s broad dining and entertainment categories. Cardholders can also earn 2% cash back on groceries and unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.
37. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express not only offers an unbeatable 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in groceries each year, but it also comes with unlimited 6% back on select smearing services, 3% back at US gas stations, and 3% back on select transit purchases.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6k a year) & on select U.S. streaming services
- Earn 3% cash back on U.S. gas station and transit purchases
- Pay a $95 annual fee
While this card does come with annual fee, its solid signup bonus is enough to make up for the annual fee for the first two years. Plus, spend just $31 a week on groceries with your card to break even on the annual fee after your signup bonus runs out.
38. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card provides a market-leading 5X points per dollar on gas purchases, plus cardholders can earn 3X points per dollar on groceries.
- Earn 5X points per dollar on gas at the pump, 3X points per $1 on groceries
- Earn unlimited 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
- Pay no annual fee
Although you need to be a member of PenFed Credit Union to qualify for this card, there are several ways to become eligible for membership, including joining the National Military Family Association or Voices for America’s Troops for a small one-time fee.
Best Rewards Cards for Dining Purchases
Although the chefs of the world — both home and professional — pepper the (digital) airwaves with nearly every type of cooking you can imagine, the sad fact is we all love to watch people cook more than we enjoy cooking ourselves.
Given the data, it’s little surprise that Americans spend billions on dining each year. But you can get back some of your contribution with a good dining rewards card. Our favorites offer high rewards rates for a broad range of dining options, whether you dine in, drive thru, or take out.
39. Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card is currently not available.
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Intro (Purchases)
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Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
This card is great for a night on the town, or just an evening on the sofa, offering 4% cash back on dining and entertainment. These broad categories cover everything from beer and bowling to take-out and a movie rental. The 2% back on grocery store purchases and unlimited 1% cash back on everything else adds extra value.
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
21.24% - 28.24% Variable
|
$95
|
Good/Excellent
|
With this card, users can earn 2X Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar on dining purchases, a broad category that includes any merchant registered as a restaurant, from eat-in and fine-dining establishments to fast food windows and take-out services. The 2X points on travel can also come in handy if you’re headed on an adventure — maybe for some foreign cuisine.
41. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
Earn triple rewards points per dollar at the restaurant — and on the way there with this no-annual-fee option. This card’s dining and travel bonus categories include eating out and ordering in, as well as gas station purchases, ride shares, and transit.
- Receive 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
- Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, and travel
- Pay $0 annual fee
While this card operates on the American Express network, as its name implies, the card is issued by Wells Fargo. This means that the card is accepted anywhere that accepts American Express, but you’ll actually deal with Wells Fargo and log into your Wells Fargo account to pay your bill, use your rewards, and track your purchases.
(The information related to Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is no longer accepting new applicants.)
Best Rewards Cards for Gas Purchases
The average commuting American can go through more than 600 gallons of gas each year, an expense of more than $1,500 at even a relatively low $2.50 per gallon.
While many drivers consider turning to gas station co-branded credit cards, your typical gas card simply can’t stack up to the current open-loop credit card market. The best gas rewards credit cards make it easy to take the edge off that $1,500 by offering at least 3% back on gas, as well as providing other useful bonus categories.
42. Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
This card works for nearly any kind of travel, as its broad travel category includes gas station purchases, as well as ride shares and other transit. You’re even covered on that fast food pit stop or morning coffee with triple points on dining.
- Receive 0% APR on new purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
- Earn 3x points on eating out and ordering in, gas, and travel
- Pay $0 annual fee
What makes this card even more impressive is the fact that cardholders can earn big rewards in multiple categories — all without an annual fee. And there’s a competitive signup bonus, as well as an introductory 0% APR offer.
(The information related to Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service. The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is no longer accepting new applicants.)
43. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card provides a market-leading 5X points per dollar on gas purchases, with no limit to how many bonus points you can earn. Cardholders can also earn triple points at grocery stores.
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-
-
-
- Earn 5X points per dollar on gas at the pump, 3X points per $1 on groceries
- Earn unlimited 1X points per dollar on all other purchases
- Pay no annual fee
-
-
-
Although you need to be a member of PenFed Credit Union to qualify for this card, there are several ways to become eligible for membership, including joining the National Military Family Association or Voices for America’s Troops for a small one-time fee.
- Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024. - Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
- Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
- 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
20.99% - 28.99%(Variable)
|
$95
|
Excellent, Good
|
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
The Citi Premier® Card has a broad spread of purchase categories in which cardholders can earn bonus rewards. If you’re one that is drawn to rewards programs that offer points but you don’t have particular spending habits, this card is a great pick for you.
ThankYou® points are very flexible, offering a range of redemption options from cash back to gift cards to travel. Points can also be transferred to partner loyalty and frequent flyer rewards programs.
Best Rewards Cards for Fair Credit
Once upon a time, you’d have to be among the credit elite to qualify for a competitive rewards credit card. These days, you can find a way to earn purchase rewards at any point on the credit score spectrum.
While secured credit cards are a good option for getting rewards with a low credit score, consumers with at least fair credit can qualify for a number of unsecured rewards cards that won’t require a deposit.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
29.99% (Variable)
|
$39
|
Average, Fair, Limited
|
Offering an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, this card can help you earn rewards no matter where you shop. Users who pay their first five monthly payments on time can qualify for a rate increase, and the card typically be transitioned to a no-fee card once your credit improves.
46. Credit One Bank® Platinum Visa®
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Qualified applicants for this card can earn 1% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track or activate. Your exact rewards offer, annual fee, and APR will all depend on your creditworthiness when you apply.
47. Credit One Bank® Visa® Credit Card with Cash Back Rewards
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Similar to other Credit One credit cards, this pick offers 1% cash back on every purchase to qualified applicants, as well as the potential for a low or no annual fee. Cardholders can also pick their own due date and see their Experian credit score for free.
Best Rewards Cards for Bad Credit
Requiring a deposit to open and maintain, secured credit card accounts are less risky to the credit card companies, which makes them available to nearly any credit type, including applicants with bad credit.
What’s more, some secured credit cards even go so far as to offer purchase rewards easily comparable to some of the cards available to consumers with better credit. Some of our top picks won’t even charge you an annual fee.
- No credit score required to apply.
- No Annual Fee.
- Use your tax refund to fund your security deposit and start building your credit history. Your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
|
27.74% Variable APR
|
$0
|
New/Rebuilding
|
This card not only offers unlimited cash back on every purchase, but it also offers the opportunity for an automatic upgrade to an unsecured card when you’ve shown sufficient credit improvement. You’ll need a minimum deposit to open an account.
49. SunTrust Secured Credit Card with Cash Rewards
The SunTrust Secured Credit Card with Cash Rewards offers unlimited cash back on every purchase, plus bonus cash back on gas and grocery purchases each year. This card requires a minimum $300 deposit to open.
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-
-
- Earn 2% cash back on up to $6,000 in combined gas and grocery purchases each year
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Pay $32 annual fee
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-
-
Another great feature of the SunTrust Secured Credit Card is that it’s upgradable, which means SunTrust will automatically upgrade the account to an unsecured credit card when the cardholder has shown significant credit improvement.
50. SDFCU Savings Secured Visa® Platinum Card
The State Department Federal Credit Union Savings Secured Visa® Platinum Card is a no-annual-fee card that provides unlimited 1X per dollar on every purchase. Cardholders will need to make a minimum deposit of $250 to open the card.
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- Earn 1X Flexpoint per dollar spent on net purchases made with your Platinum card
- Credit lines starting as low as $250
- Pay no annual fee
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You’ll need to be a member of the State Department Federal Credit Union to qualify. To become a member, you’ll need to be a US Department of State employee, employed or affiliated with an eligible organization, be an immediate family of a member, or be a paid member of the American Consumer Council (ACC).
How Do Credit Card Rewards Work?
There are two main parts of the credit card rewards equation: earning the rewards, then redeeming them. The complexity of either step in the process will depend on the specific rewards program and credit card issuer.
In general, earning purchase rewards with a credit card is pretty straightforward. In essence, you just make purchases as you would with any other credit card, and the rewards start adding up.
That’s because the vast majority of rewards programs earn rewards automatically on eligible card purchases, with no extra effort required on your part to earn cash, points, or miles.
The main exception to this rule are cards that have rotating bonus rewards categories, such as the Discover it® Cash Back or the Chase Freedom Flex℠. For these types of cards, you typically need to activate your new bonus category each quarter to start earning bonus rewards (though the reduced rate cash back on all other, non-bonus purchases is automatic).
Redeeming your rewards is where the process can get a little more complex, particularly for points and miles that offer multiple redemption options.
Cash back rewards are typically the simplest to redeem, as cash back is most often redeemed as a credit card statement credit right from your online banking profile or mobile app. You can redeem cash back rewards any time once you hit the required minimum redemption amount (typically $25 in cash back, though it varies — some programs have no minimum).
Redeeming credit card rewards miles can also be fairly simple, especially for cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, that earn flexible miles. These cards allow you to redeem miles for a statement credit toward eligible travel expenses.
Besides flexible miles cards, most other cards that earn miles rewards are co-branded airline cards. In these cases, the miles you earn are added to your frequent flyer account and redeemed just like any other frequent flyer miles you earn through travel or other means.
Rewards points are by far the most complicated type of credit card rewards to redeem, with big variations in the level of complexity between programs. That’s because points can often be redeemed for a wide range of options, including gift cards, merchandise, and travel.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that the per-point value of your rewards will typically depend on how you redeem them. Some transferable points programs, like Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® program, allow points to be transferred to partner airline or hotel loyalty programs, unlocking fairly significant per-point value.
How Do I Maximize My Rewards?
If you’re not interested in putting much effort into your credit card rewards, the process can be as simple as using an unlimited cash back card on every purchase for a statement credit every few months. However, this strategy leaves a lot of potential value on the table.
Thankfully, you can maximize your credit card rewards without making it your new day job.
All you really need to do to maximize your earnings is to find the right combination of credit cards that offer good rewards rates for the purchases you make most often. Then, it’s as simple as being sure to use the right card for each purchase type.
For example, if you spend a lot of money on dining, one of your credit cards should allow you to earn points or cash back on dining purchases. No matter what you spend most of your money on, there’s very likely a credit card that will offer you bonus rewards for those purchases.
Always use the best rewards credit card for each purchase to avoid leaving valuable rewards on the table.
A good way to start maximizing your rewards is to look at your current bills and make a list of your top expenses. When you know what you spend, you can find cards that complement those spending habits.
If you have a number of regular purchases that don’t fall into any bonus categories, consider adding a good unlimited cash back card to your collection. Options offering 1.5% to 2% cash back on every purchase are plentiful and can add value you’d otherwise miss for non-bonus purchasing.
In some cases, pairing multiple cards from the same credit card issuer can unlock extra value. For example, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card will earn cash back on purchases by itself, but that cash back can be turned into Ultimate Rewards points if you have another Chase card that already earns Ultimate Rewards.
Another way to get more rewards out of your credit cards is to make sure you earn any available signup bonuses when you apply for new cards. A one-time bonus to lure in new cardholders, signup bonuses typically require hitting a minimum spending amount within the first few months of account opening.
Of course, don’t focus so much on the purchase rewards that you forget to take advantage of your credit card’s extra benefits. For instance, many top-tier travel cards offer access to airport lounges that can make your travel more enjoyable, or purchase protections that can save you money if a new buy breaks.
How Do I Earn a Signup Bonus?
A common new-cardholder incentive offered by credit card issuers, a signup bonus is a one-time bonus given to eligible cardholders in the form of a lump-sum of rewards. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars, making them an easy way to score a lot of value.
In addition to being a new cardholder, you’ll typically need to meet a minimum spending requirement within a designated time period (typically within 90 days of account opening) to earn the bonus. The larger the signup bonus, the larger the spending requirement will generally be.
While signup bonuses can be very lucrative, here’s a word of warning: Never, ever spend more than you can afford to repay just to earn a signup bonus (unless you have an active 0% APR offer). Each month you carry that balance will mean more interest fees eating into your bonus, so you’ll essentially be paying back your signup bonus through fees.
Never charge more than you can repay just to reach a signup bonus. Just six months paying interest on a spending requirement can eat away an entire $250 signup bonus.
Another consideration gaining increasing importance is individual signup bonus eligibility. More and more credit card issuers are implementing limitations on who can earn a signup bonus — or, more specifically, how often you can earn that bonus.
One of the most notorious issuers for signup bonus limits is American Express, which explicitly limits all cardholders to one signup bonus per card per lifetime. Other issuers limit new bonuses based on the individual card, typically restricting bonuses to once every 24 or 48 months per product.
More recently, issuers have also started implementing restrictions based on the family of cards. For example, if you earn the signup bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can’t earn the bonus for the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for 48 months.
Which Rewards Credit Card is the Best for Me?
Many factors go into choosing the right rewards credit card — or combination of cards — but it mostly comes down to knowing what you need from your card before you start searching. The current credit card market is full to bursting with options, so there’s no one right card for everyone.
A good place to begin finding the right card is to determine which type of rewards you’re most likely to use, since rewards do you little good sitting fallow in your account.
If you rarely travel, for instance, then a travel rewards card best known for its transferable points is unlikely to provide much utility. In these cases, a cash back card may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you frequently travel, then you may be looking at travel rewards cards that also offer no foreign transaction fees.
Besides the type of rewards the card earns, the categories in which it earns them are equally important. A card offering bonus rewards on dining is most useful to people who, well, dine out. And if you don’t own a car, a card that lets you earn points for gas purchases is of limited value.
Another major factor in finding the right rewards card is qualifying for the card in the first place. Most of the best rewards cards will require at least a good credit score, if not a downright excellent one, though there are options for fair- or bad-credit applicants, as well.
If you’re unsure of whether you’ll qualify for a certain card, you can usually check for pre-qualification offers from the issuer. Pre-qualification (sometimes called pre-approval) uses a soft credit inquiry — which won’t hurt your credit — to estimate your chances of approval.
While pre-qualifying for a specific card can be a good indicator of whether you’ll be approved, it is by no means a guarantee of approval when you fill out an application. Other factors, such as your income and specific credit history, will also contribute to the decision.
Can I Earn Rewards on Balance Transfers or Cash Advances?
One of the most common questions asked by rewards newbies (and even some experienced earners) is whether you can earn rewards on non-purchase transactions like balance transfers or cash advances.
Unfortunately, while you may have visions of transferring your balance from card to card to earn big rewards, this simply isn’t the case. For nearly every credit card on the market, only net new purchases will qualify to earn rewards.
Not only does this mean balance transfers and cash advances won’t earn rewards, it also means that any returned purchases or refunds may cause you to lose the rewards earned by the original purchase.
Similarly, non-purchase transactions and refunded purchases won’t count toward the spending requirement for signup bonuses. Only new purchases will help you qualify for the bonus in the vast majority of cases.
Of course, even if you could earn rewards on balance transfers or cash advances, it likely wouldn’t be a profitable arrangement. Most credit cards charge a balance transfer fee or cash advance fee for each transaction, and these fees often range from 3% to 5% of the transaction amount.
Additionally, many credit cards charge a fairly high APR for balance transfers and cash advances, and neither transaction type qualifies for a grace period, so interest will start to accrue right away. This can further degrade any potential rewards you could earn even if the card offered the opportunity.
Find the Right Rewards for Your Lifestyle
Although many of us would likely still use credit cards for the security and convenience even without the rewards, the competition among credit card issuers for new cardholders is such that rewards are likely here to stay.
And good thing, too, as credit card rewards can be a source of significant value to nearly any cardholder, regardless of credit type or spending habits. The huge number of rewards cards available these days means almost anyone can find a card that complements their lifestyle.
That being said, never think that credit card rewards can make up for irresponsible card use. Making purchases you can’t repay or making late payments can have significant consequences to both your finances and your credit.
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