The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Wednesday, February 19, 2025

All articles tagged Rewards (page 2)

7 Best Credit Cards For Rewards (Feb. 2025)

7 Best Credit Cards For Rewards (Feb. 2025)

With so many to choose from, mustering the stamina to identify the best credit card for rewards requires copious amounts of caffeine. Hundreds of credit cards are vying for your attention this year, and many of them are terrific.  What follows is our list of the best rewards credit cards, organized by various categories. It will help you quickly find a special card to match your circumstances and requirements. To assemble the list, we sacrificed weeks of sleep so you don't have... read more »

Miles vs. Cash Back: 5 Best Cards For Each (Feb. 2025)

Miles vs. Cash Back: 5 Best Cards For Each (Feb. 2025)

The miles vs cash back controversy is truly a tempest in a teapot. The reason is simple enough: Most consumers can qualify for at least one rewards card of each type. However, each type has its strong and weak points that dictate when best to use them. And if you are the “one card is all I want” type (I’m looking at you, Gen Z), you’ll have to live with your decision every time you go shopping. With pressure like that, we suggest you continue reading to learn more about... read more »

8 Credit Cards With Miles That Don’t Expire (2024)

8 Credit Cards With Miles That Don’t Expire (2024)

Credit cards with miles that don’t expire are like savings accounts for your next big trip. Instead of redeeming cash back and points rewards when they post to your account, you can build up your miles over time to pay for all or part of your next flight. And if you don’t have enough to cover the cost of your flight, you can still use your banked miles to pay for a seat upgrade, checked bag, or in-flight purchase. With the cards below, you won’t have to worry about losing your... read more »

8 Best Credit Cards For Free Car Rentals (Feb. 2025)

8 Best Credit Cards For Free Car Rentals (Feb. 2025)

We are always pleasantly surprised when we write an article about the best credit cards for free car rentals. It seems that many cardholders are familiar with free car rental insurance but not the discounts or free rentals available from some top credit cards. When you have a card that delivers both, the cost of renting a vehicle becomes much more affordable. I’ve always thought that driving a nice rental was a treat. Driving it for substantially less is, well, priceless. Rankings... read more »

11 Best 100k Bonus Mile Credit Cards (2024)

11 Best 100k Bonus Mile Credit Cards (2024)

With the pandemic in the rearview mirror and pent-up travel demand, it’s a great time to review the best 100K bonus mile credit cards. These cards can save you substantial dollars on airline tickets, car rentals, hotel stays, and related travel expenses. Our review includes a mix of general-purpose and co-branded bonus mile and points cards. The cards best suited for your lifestyle depend on your airline preferences and how you plan to use your miles or points. You can take... read more »

12 Best “2% to 5%” Cash Back Credit Cards (Feb. 2025)

12 Best “2% to 5%” Cash Back Credit Cards (Feb. 2025)

Consumers who like cash are a natural audience for the best 2% to 5% cashback credit card offerings. These rectangular beauties made of plastic or metal offer you many ways to collect discounts on your purchases without having to clip coupons or wait for a sale. And whether you like the simplicity of a flat rate or the sophistication of bonus categories, we’re confident one or more of these cash back cards will perfectly complement your lifestyle. 5% Cards | 3% Cards | 2% Cards |... read more »

5 Best Credit Cards With Cashback Match (Feb. 2025)

5 Best Credit Cards With Cashback Match (Feb. 2025)

Discover issues the best credit cards with Cashback Match. In fact, it alone within the credit card industry offers this perk across the board. The Discover Cashback Match provides a powerful competitive advantage for Discover credit cards and deserves serious consideration when applying for a new card. Cards | FAQs Discover Cards With Cashback Match While it’s true that all of the following cards provide new cardmembers with unlimited double cash through its Cashback Match for the... read more »

6 Best Double-Miles Credit Cards (2024)

6 Best Double-Miles Credit Cards (2024)

If traveling is your thing, one or more double miles credit cards might belong in your wallet. As Indiana Jones famously observed, “It’s not the years, it’s the miles.” These cards double those miles, making travel more affordable and a nicer experience. Buckle up and keep reading for a crash introduction to double miles. Best Overall | More Miles Cards | FAQs Best Double Miles Credit Card The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns top honors among double miles cards.... read more »

17 Best Credit Cards for $200 to $500+ Bonuses (Feb. 2025)

17 Best Credit Cards for $200 to $500+ Bonuses (Feb. 2025)

Not so long ago, opening a new bank account or credit card came with a small kitchen appliance. These days, new credit cards generally won't net you a toaster — but they do often come with the chance to earn a big signup bonus. We've put together a list of some of the biggest and best bonuses around. While some signup bonuses come in the form of a lump-sum cash reward, a number of high-value bonuses come in the form of rewards points. In the article that follows, we'll explore the... read more »

7 Alternative Ways to Redeem Travel Miles

7 Alternative Ways to Redeem Travel Miles

The main benefit of using an airline rewards credit card or joining a frequent flyer program is the ability to earn miles and redeem them for free flights. However, given the current pandemic, taking a trip may not be an option for most people. In fact, a recent report from ValuePenguin found that approximately 48% of Americans have canceled their summer travel plans this year because of Covid-19. But you don’t have to let accrued miles go to waste or hold off on using those... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards for Cash Back & Travel (Feb. 2025)

7 Best Credit Cards for Cash Back & Travel (Feb. 2025)

Trying to decide whether a cash back or a travel rewards card is right for you? The truth is you don’t have to choose. The best credit cards for cash back and travel allow you to earn and redeem your rewards in a way that fits your individual needs. Cash back credit cards let you earn back a percentage of your spending in the form of a reward that can be used for whatever you want, including travel. Similarly, rewards earned using travel cards can be redeemed for cash instead of... read more »

8 Ways to Maximize Credit Card Points (Feb. 2025)

8 Ways to Maximize Credit Card Points (Feb. 2025)

A huge number of credit cards come with amazing rewards programs. Each time you charge a purchase to one, you’ll rack up valuable perks in the form of cash, miles, or points. Of course, you won’t get any of those rewards without using the card, so it’s time to spend. Here are eight great ways to maximize credit card points and other perks you get from credit card companies. 1. Focus on High-Value Categories Many credit cards offer higher point values for spending in certain... read more »

7 Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards with Rewards (Feb. 2025)

7 Best No-Annual-Fee Credit Cards with Rewards (Feb. 2025)

Today’s credit card marketplace is brimming with options for rewards. And consumers will have no difficulty finding a credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee. But finding a no-annual-fee credit card with rewards is an extra special treat. Many credit card issuers tack on fees or higher interest rates to offset the cost of the rewards they pay to cardholders. By leveraging a card with no fee that still pays rewards, you can earn money for spending money. Who doesn’t want... read more »

14 Best Rewards Credit Cards: No Annual Fee (Feb. 2025)

14 Best Rewards Credit Cards: No Annual Fee (Feb. 2025)

There’s a reason why everyone wants to know what the best rewards credit cards with no annual fee are. People love to be rewarded, but who wants to pay to earn rewards? If you’re currently putting your money toward an annual fee just so you can earn cash back, points, or miles, you aren’t being rewarded -- you’re earning a return on your investment. If you’d rather invest your money in actual commodities (or just not hand it over to a credit card company), consider... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards to Use at Gas Stations (2023)

7 Best Credit Cards to Use at Gas Stations (2023)

Driving is America’s great pastime. Of course, driving requires regular stops at a gas station to fill up the old chariot for its next foray. Since you have to pay for gas, you may as well reap some rewards in the process by paying with one of the best credit cards to use at gas stations. And, if you need to pick up a container of antifreeze, a six-pack of synthetic oil, or for that matter, a six-pack of gum, even more rewards may accrue to your benefit, depending on the card you... read more »

3 Steps: Get Cash Back On a Credit Card? (Feb. 2025)

3 Steps: Get Cash Back On a Credit Card? (Feb. 2025)

Cash back is one of the most popular forms of credit card rewards on the market today. In fact, 4 in 10 Americans surveyed said cash back is their favorite credit card feature, according to a poll from Bankrate. So, yes -- you can get cash back on a credit card -- and, if you play your cards right, you can get a decent sum of money back. Below are three steps to help you earn this highly sought-after reward and start saving money on all your purchases. If you don’t already have... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards for Free Hotel Stays (Feb. 2025)

7 Best Credit Cards for Free Hotel Stays (Feb. 2025)

Hotel accommodations are one of the biggest travel-related expenses. Whether you’re looking for a place to crash for a night or want a relaxing home-away-from-home where you can pamper yourself, you’re going to have to pay for a place to stay — unless you have one of our best credit cards for free hotel stays. With the right credit card, you can earn free hotel stays and room upgrades by making regular purchases — which means you’ll have more money to spend on your... read more »

Game Over: Here’s Why the Best Credit Card Rewards May End Soon (Feb. 2025)

Game Over: Here’s Why the Best Credit Card Rewards May End Soon (Feb. 2025)

The lucrative game of maxing out credit card rewards may soon come to an end with some consumers hitting the points-and-miles jackpot and others being left out. The end appears to be near because card companies have tired of consumers who've binged on the best rewards without generating commensurate card company profits. Major retailers also have complaints about how big rewards programs work. Why Cards Offer Rewards Big banks originally offered attractive rewards to motivate... read more »

3 Steps for Maximizing Credit Card Perks & Rewards (2019)

3 Steps for Maximizing Credit Card Perks & Rewards (2019)

Maximizing credit card perks and rewards is a great way to make your plastic go even further, whether you're interested in dining, travel, or cash back. Still, credit card perks are one of the most underutilized benefits of having a credit card. A 2017 study from Bankrate found that 31% of cardholders aren't redeeming the rewards they've earned. If you're one of these people and paying an annual fee for your card — or interest charges on a revolving balance for that matter —... read more »

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (2023 Review)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card vs. Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (2023 Review)

All too often, one of the great pains of rewards redeemers everywhere is actually redeeming their rewards. Between brand restrictions, blackout dates, and variable redemption rates, it can be a daunting task to use rewards at all, let alone maximize them for the best value. For those who tire of the challenge of trying to redeem travel rewards, the No Hassle Rewards® offered by Capital One are a breath of fresh air. With no blackout dates, brand restrictions, or other hoops to jump... read more »

8 Best Credit Cards for Points & Miles (2024)

8 Best Credit Cards for Points & Miles (2024)

Besides the security and convenience, earning rewards is one of the driving reasons for using a credit card for everyday purchases. But which type of rewards are the best? Not only do you need to choose between cash back or points and miles, but within each category are dozens of credit cards from which to choose. For those who like simplicity, cash back rewards are a common choice, offering basic earnings and easy redemption. But cash back isn't for everyone. Many points and miles... read more »

13 Best Credit Cards for Rewards (Feb. 2025)

13 Best Credit Cards for Rewards (Feb. 2025)

Saving is awesome. And that's not just an opinion. Studies have shown that coupons not only entice us to spend more and try new things but can actually decrease stress and just plain make us happier — as much as 11% happier, in fact. That's right, your dedication to a good deal may be due to a physiological love of savings. And that sentiment for savings is hardly limited to clipping coupons from the paper. Indeed, so many consumers have experienced the oxytocin-rich rewards of a... read more »

13 Best 5% Cash Back Credit Cards (2020)

13 Best 5% Cash Back Credit Cards (2020)

Cash back perks are a common reward among today's credit card selections, and it remains popular with users as well. In this article, we'll provide a rundown of the best 5% cash back credit cards available today. Many of life's most basic concepts are the most reliant on relativity. Take percentages, for example. Whether a certain percentage is good or bad depends entirely on what it's a percentage of in the first place. If you were offered 5% of a pizza, for instance, you'd likely... read more »

11 Best Credit Cards for Cash Rewards (Feb. 2025)

11 Best Credit Cards for Cash Rewards (Feb. 2025)

In the article below, we'll take an in-depth look at some of the best credit cards for cash rewards in a variety of areas and for a range of credit scores. When it comes to making purchase decisions, I often tend to take comparison shopping to the extreme. Out comes my inner nerd — who brings with her spreadsheets and helpful financial formulae designed to calculate the best deal. So, if there's one thing that truly offends me, it's finally making my carefully-considered,... read more »

9 Best Airline Rewards Programs: Expert Guide (2020)

9 Best Airline Rewards Programs: Expert Guide (2020)

Although it may be hard to pinpoint when, somewhere along the line, flying turned from an experience into an ordeal. Yes, the fact is, between the magically shrinking seats, ever-growing list of security hoops to jump through, and apparent collective decision to adopt yoga pants as the official passenger uniform, flying simply isn't as special as it used to be. But some of the magic of yore can be regained if you know where to find the best airline rewards programs. With the help of... read more »

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