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Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

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On This Page
  • Our top picks
  • Compare cards
  • What is a rewards credit card?
  • Types of credit card rewards
  • Pros and cons
  • How to choose
  • Calculating the value
  • How to use credit card rewards
  • How to maximize rewards
  • Are rewards worth it?
  • FAQ
  • Methodology

Best Rewards Credit Cards in December 2022

Tracy Brackman
Robin Ratcliff

December 1, 2022

*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

This article was last updated December 1, 2022 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.

The best rewards credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠

In addition to a valuable sign-up bonus and generous rewards rate, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers and charges a $0 annual fee.

Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points, miles or cash back on eligible purchases. Depending on the card, you may then be able to redeem those rewards for statement credits, travel, merchandise or other options. The best rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses worth $200 or more, 2% or more back on your ongoing spending, and other valuable perks like travel statement credits and hotel elite status.

Our Best Rewards Credit Cards Picks

  • Chase Freedom Flex℠
    Overall
    Chase Freedom Flex℠
  • Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express
    Groceries
    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Dining and entertainment rewards
    Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Costco Anywhere Visa<sup>®</sup> Card by Citi
    Gas rewards
    Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
    Amazon purchases
    Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card
    Travel rewards
    Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
    Top spending category
    Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
  • Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card
    Simple cash back rewards
    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
  • Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
    Hotel rewards
    Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express
  • Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
    Balance Transfer
    Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
  • Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup>
    Intro APR on purchases
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Choice Rewards World Mastercard®
    Low ongoing APR
    Choice Rewards World Mastercard®
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Bad Credit
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back
    Students
    Discover it® Student Cash Back
  • The Platinum Card<sup>®</sup> from American Express
    Premium travel benefits
    The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Capital One Spark Cash Plus
    Business rewards
    Capital One Spark Cash Plus
  • BlockFi Rewards Visa<sup>®</sup> Signature Card
    Crypto rewards
    BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card

Best For Overall rewards credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Advertisement

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Apply Now
on Chase's secure site

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 18.74% - 27.49% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns cash back in a variety of categories at generous rates and comes with an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus on top of that. Plus, it offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, after which a 18.74% - 27.49% variable APR applies. And there’s a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months too, after which a 18.74% - 27.49% variable APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back
  • Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
  • Intro APR periods
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cellphone protection
  • Quarterly spending cap on elevated rate for rotating categories
  • Requires activation of quarterly categories
  • Potentially high 18.74% - 27.49% variable APR
  • Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

If you don’t mind keeping track of bonus categories each quarter, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ provides a great opportunity to earn a large amount of cash back rewards. In addition to offering an accelerated cash back rate in ongoing categories — travel, dining and drugstore purchases— cardholders earn a generous cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly. Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus categories for 2022 include:

  • January-March: Groceries (excluding Target and Walmart) and eBay
  • April-June: Amazon.com and select streaming services
  • July-September: Gas stations, car rental agencies, movie theaters and select live entertainment
  • October-December: Purchases made through PayPal and at Walmart

Just know, you must activate the bonus category each quarter to earn the 5% cash back rate on those purchases. Plus, the rate is capped at $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter.

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 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
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 27.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Rewards rate: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns cash back in a variety of categories at generous rates and comes with an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus on top of that. Plus, it offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months, after which a 18.74% - 27.49% variable APR applies. And there’s a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months too, after which a 18.74% - 27.49% variable APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back
  • Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
  • Intro APR periods
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cellphone protection
  • Quarterly spending cap on elevated rate for rotating categories
  • Requires activation of quarterly categories
  • Potentially high 18.74% - 27.49% variable APR
  • Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

If you don’t mind keeping track of bonus categories each quarter, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ provides a great opportunity to earn a large amount of cash back rewards. In addition to offering an accelerated cash back rate in ongoing categories — travel, dining and drugstore purchases— cardholders earn a generous cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly. Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus categories for 2022 include:

  • January-March: Groceries (excluding Target and Walmart) and eBay
  • April-June: Amazon.com and select streaming services
  • July-September: Gas stations, car rental agencies, movie theaters and select live entertainment
  • October-December: Purchases made through PayPal and at Walmart

Just know, you must activate the bonus category each quarter to earn the 5% cash back rate on those purchases. Plus, the rate is capped at $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter.

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 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
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 27.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Check out our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

Best For Grocery rewards

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express Advertisement

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
Terms Apply

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Introductory APR 0% on purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular Purchase APR 17.74%-28.74% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Why we picked this card: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has one of the top rewards rates on U.S. supermarket purchases of any credit card on the market, as well as generous rates on other useful spending categories. Plus, there’s an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months, after which a 17.74%-28.74% variable APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases
  • Welcome offer
  • Intro APR period on purchases
  • Annual spending cap on highest cash back rate
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Potentially high APR

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

If you spend heavily on groceries every month, you’ll come out on top with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. Along with one of the highest cash back rates available at U.S. supermarkets, the card offers a generous cash back rate on U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit and at U.S. gas stations. If you max out the annual $6,000 spending cap at U.S. supermarkets, you’ll earn $360 back from those purchases — which more than covers the annual fee.

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% to 28.74%
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • Terms Apply.

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

Rewards rate: 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Why we picked this card: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has one of the top rewards rates on U.S. supermarket purchases of any credit card on the market, as well as generous rates on other useful spending categories. Plus, there’s an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months, after which a 17.74%-28.74% variable APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases
  • Welcome offer
  • Intro APR period on purchases
  • Annual spending cap on highest cash back rate
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Potentially high APR

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

If you spend heavily on groceries every month, you’ll come out on top with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. Along with one of the highest cash back rates available at U.S. supermarkets, the card offers a generous cash back rate on U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit and at U.S. gas stations. If you max out the annual $6,000 spending cap at U.S. supermarkets, you’ll earn $360 back from those purchases — which more than covers the annual fee.

  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% to 28.74%
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $13.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • Terms Apply.

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

Check out our Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review.

Best For Dining and entertainment rewards

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Introductory APR 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Why we picked this card: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns cash back at a generous rate in a wide range of categories. Plus, it offers an APR of 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, after which a 17.99% - 27.99% (variable) APR applies. And it offers an APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months, after which a 17.99% - 27.99% (variable) APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Cash back rewards program
  • Intro APR periods
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Potentially high APR
  • Superstore purchases excluded from grocery category

Whether you like to dine at restaurants, order takeout or delivery or craft a delicious meal with groceries you picked up at the supermarket, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card can reward you generously. And in addition to rewarding your inner foodie, this card can net you cash back for streaming services and entertainment purchases with a variety of merchants. Here’s what counts as entertainment:

  • Movie theaters
  • Sports promoters (professional and semi-professional live events)
  • Theatrical promoters
  • Amusement parks
  • Tourist attractions
  • Aquariums and zoos
  • Dance halls
  • Record stores
  • Pool halls
  • Bowling alleys
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 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
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 17.99% - 27.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

Rewards rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Why we picked this card: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns cash back at a generous rate in a wide range of categories. Plus, it offers an APR of 0% intro on purchases for 15 months, after which a 17.99% - 27.99% (variable) APR applies. And it offers an APR of 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months, after which a 17.99% - 27.99% (variable) APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Cash back rewards program
  • Intro APR periods
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Potentially high APR
  • Superstore purchases excluded from grocery category

Whether you like to dine at restaurants, order takeout or delivery or craft a delicious meal with groceries you picked up at the supermarket, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card can reward you generously. And in addition to rewarding your inner foodie, this card can net you cash back for streaming services and entertainment purchases with a variety of merchants. Here’s what counts as entertainment:

  • Movie theaters
  • Sports promoters (professional and semi-professional live events)
  • Theatrical promoters
  • Amusement parks
  • Tourist attractions
  • Aquariums and zoos
  • Dance halls
  • Record stores
  • Pool halls
  • Bowling alleys

  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 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
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 17.99% - 27.99% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No annual fee

Check out our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review.

Best For Gas rewards

Costco Anywhere Visa<sup>®</sup> Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Learn More

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 18.99% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
720 850
Excellent
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: No bonus.

Why we picked this card: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers one of the best cash back rates around on gas, as well as solid earning rates on restaurant dining and travel spending.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back on gas, restaurants and travel
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% foreign transaction fee
  • Reasonable 18.99% (Variable) APR
  • Requires a Costco membership
  • Cash back is awarded annually
  • Gas bonus is capped at $7,000 in purchases annually
  • No sign-up bonus

If you’re a Costco member and a road warrior who frequently spends at the gas pump, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi will be a great fit for your wallet. There’s a $7,000 annual spending cap on the elevated gas rate, and if you max it out, that’s $280 in cash back.

However, if you’re not already a Costco member, be aware that memberships run $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for an Executive membership. Also, take note that gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco, as well as fuel used for non-automobile purposes, does not qualify for the bonus cash back rate.

Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with how cash back redemption works on the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: cardholders can only redeem their rewards for merchandise or cash back at Costco warehouses located in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Rewards are also only distributed one time per year (after your February billing cycle) and must be redeemed by Dec. 31 of the year in which they are issued.

  • Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
  • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Rewards rate: 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: No bonus.

Why we picked this card: The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers one of the best cash back rates around on gas, as well as solid earning rates on restaurant dining and travel spending.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back on gas, restaurants and travel
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% foreign transaction fee
  • Reasonable 18.99% (Variable) APR
  • Requires a Costco membership
  • Cash back is awarded annually
  • Gas bonus is capped at $7,000 in purchases annually
  • No sign-up bonus

If you’re a Costco member and a road warrior who frequently spends at the gas pump, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi will be a great fit for your wallet. There’s a $7,000 annual spending cap on the elevated gas rate, and if you max it out, that’s $280 in cash back.

However, if you’re not already a Costco member, be aware that memberships run $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for an Executive membership. Also, take note that gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco, as well as fuel used for non-automobile purposes, does not qualify for the bonus cash back rate.

Finally, make sure you’re comfortable with how cash back redemption works on the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: cardholders can only redeem their rewards for merchandise or cash back at Costco warehouses located in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Rewards are also only distributed one time per year (after your February billing cycle) and must be redeemed by Dec. 31 of the year in which they are issued.

  • Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
  • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
The information related to the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Amazon purchases

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Learn More

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.24% to 25.24% variable
Credit Score Needed
N/A
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations and 1% back on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.

Why we picked this card: The $0-annual-fee Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a generous rewards rate on Amazon purchases, as well as an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus.

ProsCons
  • Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • Prime membership required
  • No intro APR

If you have an Amazon Prime membership and regularly shop at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, you stand to earn a generous amount of cash back from those purchases with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.

But while the card charges a $0 annual fee, know that you’re required to have a Prime membership — which runs $139 annually (or $69 for college students) — to qualify for the higher rewards rate.

  • Only available to Amazon Prime members
  • Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
  • 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores
  • 1% back on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees

Rewards rate: 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations and 1% back on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.

Why we picked this card: The $0-annual-fee Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a generous rewards rate on Amazon purchases, as well as an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus.

ProsCons
  • Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • Prime membership required
  • No intro APR

If you have an Amazon Prime membership and regularly shop at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, you stand to earn a generous amount of cash back from those purchases with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card.

But while the card charges a $0 annual fee, know that you’re required to have a Prime membership — which runs $139 annually (or $69 for college students) — to qualify for the higher rewards rate.

  • Only available to Amazon Prime members
  • Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
  • 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores
  • 1% back on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Travel rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now
on Chase's secure site

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $95
Regular Purchase APR 19.74% - 26.74% Variable
Credit Score Needed
720 850
Excellent
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases

Sign-up bonus: 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®.

Why we picked this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers excellent value to travelers in the form of flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. You can redeem them for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point, use them to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal and get 25% more value or transfer them at a 1:1 rate to a variety of airline and hotel partners.

ProsCons
  • Earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
  • Sign-up bonus
  • Annual hotel credit
  • Travel protections
  • $0 foreign transaction fee
  • $95 annual fee
  • Potentially high 19.74% - 26.74% variable APR

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has much to love. For one thing, you can get a credit for up to $50 each year for hotel stays booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. You also have a lot of flexibility in how you use your points — redeem them for travel bookings through the portal, and get 25% more value per point, or transfer at a rate of 1:1 to the following partners:

  • Aer Lingus AerClub
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Emirates Skywards
  • Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
  • Iberia Plus
  • JetBlue TrueBlue
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
  • United MileagePlus
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • IHG Rewards Club
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • World of Hyatt

 

  • 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 a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, 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.

Rewards rate: 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases

Sign-up bonus: 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®.

Why we picked this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers excellent value to travelers in the form of flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. You can redeem them for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point, use them to book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal and get 25% more value or transfer them at a 1:1 rate to a variety of airline and hotel partners.

ProsCons
  • Earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
  • Sign-up bonus
  • Annual hotel credit
  • Travel protections
  • $0 foreign transaction fee
  • $95 annual fee
  • Potentially high 19.74% - 26.74% variable APR

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card has much to love. For one thing, you can get a credit for up to $50 each year for hotel stays booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal. You also have a lot of flexibility in how you use your points — redeem them for travel bookings through the portal, and get 25% more value per point, or transfer at a rate of 1:1 to the following partners:

  • Aer Lingus AerClub
  • Air Canada Aeroplan
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Emirates Skywards
  • Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM
  • Iberia Plus
  • JetBlue TrueBlue
  • Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
  • Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
  • United MileagePlus
  • Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
  • IHG Rewards Club
  • Marriott Bonvoy
  • World of Hyatt

 

  • 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 a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, 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.

Check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review.

Best For Top spending category

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Advertisement

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Introductory APR 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Why we picked this card: Even though there’s a cap on the elevated cash back rate each month, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card‘s 5% cash back rate is generous. If you max out the $500 spending cap, that’s $25 per month — $300 per year — in cash back at the elevated rate.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back
  • Sign-up bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR periods
  • Monthly spending cap on elevated rate
  • Potentially high 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is an ideal choice for consumers whose top spending categories may fluctuate from month to month. This earns cash back in the form of Citi ThankYou Points, and will automatically determine your 5% category each month from the following list:

  • Restaurants
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Select travel
  • Select transit
  • Select streaming services
  • Drugstores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Fitness clubs
  • Live entertainment
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.

Rewards rate: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Why we picked this card: Even though there’s a cap on the elevated cash back rate each month, the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card‘s 5% cash back rate is generous. If you max out the $500 spending cap, that’s $25 per month — $300 per year — in cash back at the elevated rate.

ProsCons
  • Earns generous cash back
  • Sign-up bonus
  • $0 annual fee
  • Intro APR periods
  • Monthly spending cap on elevated rate
  • Potentially high 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is an ideal choice for consumers whose top spending categories may fluctuate from month to month. This earns cash back in the form of Citi ThankYou Points, and will automatically determine your 5% category each month from the following list:

  • Restaurants
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Select travel
  • Select transit
  • Select streaming services
  • Drugstores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Fitness clubs
  • Live entertainment

  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.

Check out our Citi Custom Cash℠ Card review.

Best For Simple cash back

Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

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on Wells Fargo's secure site
Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Introductory APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable APR
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Why we picked this card: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase without tracking categories or having to activate promotions. It also offers a generous sign-up bonus.

ProsCons
  • High rate of cash back on every purchase
  • $0 annual fee
  • No bonus categories to track
  • Attractive welcome bonus
  • Multiple cash back redemption methods
  • No transfer partners
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Higher minimum spend requirement than competing cards

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is best for people who want unlimited rewards without having to remember bonus categories or to activate quarterly promotions. Rewards never expire and redeeming rewards starts at just $1. Cardholders can even redeem rewards at the ATM with their linked Wells Fargo ATM or debit card.

  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
  • $0 annual fee
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
  • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card. (subject to a $25 deductible).
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Rewards rate: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Why we picked this card: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase without tracking categories or having to activate promotions. It also offers a generous sign-up bonus.

ProsCons
  • High rate of cash back on every purchase
  • $0 annual fee
  • No bonus categories to track
  • Attractive welcome bonus
  • Multiple cash back redemption methods
  • No transfer partners
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Higher minimum spend requirement than competing cards

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is best for people who want unlimited rewards without having to remember bonus categories or to activate quarterly promotions. Rewards never expire and redeeming rewards starts at just $1. Cardholders can even redeem rewards at the ATM with their linked Wells Fargo ATM or debit card.

  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
  • $0 annual fee
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
  • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card. (subject to a $25 deductible).
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions

Check out our Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review.

Best For Hotel rewards

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Review Coming Soon

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $450
Regular Purchase APR 18.74% to 27.74% variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: Earn 14X per $1 of eligible purchases on your card directly with a participating Hilton hotel or resort, 7X for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; & at U.S. restaurants, and 3X for other purchases on your card.

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.

Why we picked this card: The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is a premium hotel card with robust travel benefits. The card awards up to two weekend night awards a year and complimentary Diamond elite status. Cardholders also enjoy a $250 airline fee credit every year (you must select one qualifying airline) and a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select (enrollment required) which provides access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

ProsCons
  • Earns Hilton Honors points at generates rates
  • Welcome offer
  • Airport lounge access
  • Travel credits and benefits
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • $450 annual fee
  • Potentially high 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR

If you’re a Hilton Honors loyalist, you can earn an extremely generous rewards rate on participating Hilton hotel and resort stays with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. The points you earn have many options for redemption — free night stays, experiences, Lyft rides, merchandise or car rentals (and even transfers to airline partners). Plus, the card offers a robust array of credits and travel benefits.

 

  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status
  • One Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio with your new Card and each year of Card Membership
  • A second Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $60,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year
  • Unlimited Priority Pass™Lounge passes to ease the airport experience, enrollment required
  • $250 Airline incidental fee statement credit
  • $250 Hilton resort statement credit
  • $100 on-property credit at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking the exclusive Aspire Card package
  • Access to 24/7 American Express concierge
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Terms apply

Rewards rate: Earn 14X per $1 of eligible purchases on your card directly with a participating Hilton hotel or resort, 7X for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; & at U.S. restaurants, and 3X for other purchases on your card.

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.

Why we picked this card: The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is a premium hotel card with robust travel benefits. The card awards up to two weekend night awards a year and complimentary Diamond elite status. Cardholders also enjoy a $250 airline fee credit every year (you must select one qualifying airline) and a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select (enrollment required) which provides access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.

ProsCons
  • Earns Hilton Honors points at generates rates
  • Welcome offer
  • Airport lounge access
  • Travel credits and benefits
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • $450 annual fee
  • Potentially high 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR

If you’re a Hilton Honors loyalist, you can earn an extremely generous rewards rate on participating Hilton hotel and resort stays with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. The points you earn have many options for redemption — free night stays, experiences, Lyft rides, merchandise or car rentals (and even transfers to airline partners). Plus, the card offers a robust array of credits and travel benefits.

 

  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status
  • One Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio with your new Card and each year of Card Membership
  • A second Weekend Night Reward at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $60,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year
  • Unlimited Priority Pass™Lounge passes to ease the airport experience, enrollment required
  • $250 Airline incidental fee statement credit
  • $250 Hilton resort statement credit
  • $100 on-property credit at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking the exclusive Aspire Card package
  • Access to 24/7 American Express concierge
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Terms apply
The information related to the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Balance transfers

Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Advertisement

Citi® Double Cash Card

Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site

Citi® Double Cash Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.74% - 27.74% (Variable)
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Sign-up bonus: None

Why we picked this card: The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a standard-setting flat cash back rate on all purchases. Plus, cardholders get a lengthy intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, after which a 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Earns flat-rate cash back
  • Long intro APR on balance transfers
  • $0 annual fee
  • Charges a fee for balance transfers
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Potentially high 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR
  • No sign-up bonus

If you’re carrying high-interest debt on a non-Citi credit card, doing a balance transfer to the Citi® Double Cash Card can give you a long window of time to pay off what you owe without incurring interest.

Then, once you pay off what you’ve transferred, this card is worth keeping in your wallet for its cash back program — you don’t have to keep track of different rewards rates in different spending categories because every purchase earns a competitive flat rate.

Note that the card charges a balance transfer fee. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.

  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Rewards rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Sign-up bonus: None

Why we picked this card: The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with a standard-setting flat cash back rate on all purchases. Plus, cardholders get a lengthy intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, after which a 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR applies.

ProsCons
  • Earns flat-rate cash back
  • Long intro APR on balance transfers
  • $0 annual fee
  • Charges a fee for balance transfers
  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • Potentially high 17.74% - 27.74% (variable) APR
  • No sign-up bonus

If you’re carrying high-interest debt on a non-Citi credit card, doing a balance transfer to the Citi® Double Cash Card can give you a long window of time to pay off what you owe without incurring interest.

Then, once you pay off what you’ve transferred, this card is worth keeping in your wallet for its cash back program — you don’t have to keep track of different rewards rates in different spending categories because every purchase earns a competitive flat rate.

Note that the card charges a balance transfer fee. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.

  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.74% - 27.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Check out our Citi® Double Cash Card review.

Best For Intro APR on purchases

Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup> Advertisement

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Apply Now
on Chase's secure site

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 18.74% - 27.49% Variable
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Earning rate: Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: In addition to a solid cash back rate on every purchase, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an interest-free period on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Cap on your earning potential from the sign-up bonus

If you’re planning to make a large purchase and pay it off over time, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® may be a good fit. The card offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months. After that, an APR of 18.74% - 27.49% Variable applies.

This $0-annual-fee card also comes with a Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days, then a 18.74% - 27.49% Variable applies.

  • 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 18.74% - 27.49%
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Earning rate: Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: In addition to a solid cash back rate on every purchase, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers an interest-free period on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • $0 annual fee
  • Cash back on every purchase
  • Foreign transaction fees
  • Cap on your earning potential from the sign-up bonus

If you’re planning to make a large purchase and pay it off over time, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® may be a good fit. The card offers a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months. After that, an APR of 18.74% - 27.49% Variable applies.

This $0-annual-fee card also comes with a Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days, then a 18.74% - 27.49% Variable applies.

  • 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 18.74% - 27.49%
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Check out our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

Best For Low ongoing APR

Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

Learn More

Choice Rewards World Mastercard®

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 11.25% to 18.00% (variable)
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else

Sign-up bonus: 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days.

Why we picked this card: Many rewards cards charge a high APR, but the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is unique in that it comes with a valuable rewards program and also a reasonable 11.25% to 18.00% (variable) APR.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Regular APR of 11.25% to 18.00% (variable)
  • $0 annual fee
  • $0 balance transfer fee
  • Credit union membership required
  • No intro APR on purchases

We always recommend paying off your card in full so as to avoid interest charges. But if you have to carry a balance once in a while, a low interest card such as the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® can help you save money. You do have to join a credit union, but First Tech Federal Credit Union makes it relatively easy to qualify. If you don’t qualify based on where you live or work, your employer or a family member, you can qualify by joining the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association — which can be done as part of your application to First Tech FCU.

  • 0.00% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening.
  • 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days.
  • 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household good and telecommunications (as determined by MCC)
  • 1 point per $1 spent for everything else.
  • Redemption: Cash, travel, merchandise, events and activities, charitable donations, gift cards.
  • Special bonuses on spending for cardholders with active First Tech Rewards Checking and Savings accounts.

Rewards rate: 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else

Sign-up bonus: 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days.

Why we picked this card: Many rewards cards charge a high APR, but the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® is unique in that it comes with a valuable rewards program and also a reasonable 11.25% to 18.00% (variable) APR.

ProsCons
  • Intro APR on balance transfers
  • Regular APR of 11.25% to 18.00% (variable)
  • $0 annual fee
  • $0 balance transfer fee
  • Credit union membership required
  • No intro APR on purchases

We always recommend paying off your card in full so as to avoid interest charges. But if you have to carry a balance once in a while, a low interest card such as the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® can help you save money. You do have to join a credit union, but First Tech Federal Credit Union makes it relatively easy to qualify. If you don’t qualify based on where you live or work, your employer or a family member, you can qualify by joining the Computer History Museum or the Financial Fitness Association — which can be done as part of your application to First Tech FCU.

  • 0.00% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balances transferred during the first 90 days after account opening.
  • 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days.
  • 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household good and telecommunications (as determined by MCC)
  • 1 point per $1 spent for everything else.
  • Redemption: Cash, travel, merchandise, events and activities, charitable donations, gift cards.
  • Special bonuses on spending for cardholders with active First Tech Rewards Checking and Savings accounts.
The information related to the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Bad credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Advertisement

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 26.74% Variable APR
Credit Score Needed
300 600
Poor/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card allows you to earn cash back while rebuilding your credit. It charges a $0 annual fee and is accessible with a $200 minimum security deposit. Best of all, after seven months with the card, Discover begins conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.

ProsCons
  • Ability to build credit history
  • Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Requires a security deposit
  • High 26.74% Variable APR

Whether you’re building credit from scratch or working to rebuild your credit after some past missteps, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help you in your journey. It reports payment and spending activity to all three major consumer credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — and offers a clear timeline for when you might get your security deposit refunded. The fact that it also earns cash back on gas and restaurant spending is icing on the cake.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
  • 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 helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Rewards rate: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Secured Credit Card allows you to earn cash back while rebuilding your credit. It charges a $0 annual fee and is accessible with a $200 minimum security deposit. Best of all, after seven months with the card, Discover begins conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded.

ProsCons
  • Ability to build credit history
  • Chance to graduate to an unsecured card
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Requires a security deposit
  • High 26.74% Variable APR

Whether you’re building credit from scratch or working to rebuild your credit after some past missteps, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card can help you in your journey. It reports payment and spending activity to all three major consumer credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — and offers a clear timeline for when you might get your security deposit refunded. The fact that it also earns cash back on gas and restaurant spending is icing on the cake.

  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit with responsible use.
  • Establish your credit line by providing a refundable security deposit of at least $200. That means a $200 deposit for a $200 credit line. Or a $500 deposit for a $500 credit line. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit, and the security deposit equals your credit limit.
  • 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 helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites.* Activate for free.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Check out our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Best For Students

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Advertisement

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Introductory APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.74% - 25.74% Variable APR
Credit Score Needed
600 660
Fair/Limited
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 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.

Sign-up bonus: 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.

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent first credit card for college students. It can help you build credit history while earning cash back at a generous rate, as long as you’re willing to activate a new rewards category each quarter.

ProsCons
  • Helps build credit history
  • No deposit required
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Intro APR period on purchases
  • Quarterly spending cap on elevated rate
  • Requires activation of quarterly categories
  • Potentially high 16.74% - 25.74% Variable APR

Building credit early can set you up for success later in life, so you get better rates on financial products such as auto loans and mortgages. The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a tool that allows college students to do just that. You will have to be willing to activate a new category each quarter to earn elevated cash back, but Discover typically sends out reminders.

Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.

  • 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 helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • 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 16.74% - 25.74% applies.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Rewards rate: 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.

Sign-up bonus: 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.

Why we picked this card: The Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent first credit card for college students. It can help you build credit history while earning cash back at a generous rate, as long as you’re willing to activate a new rewards category each quarter.

ProsCons
  • Helps build credit history
  • No deposit required
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: None
  • Intro APR period on purchases
  • Quarterly spending cap on elevated rate
  • Requires activation of quarterly categories
  • Potentially high 16.74% - 25.74% Variable APR

Building credit early can set you up for success later in life, so you get better rates on financial products such as auto loans and mortgages. The Discover it® Student Cash Back is a tool that allows college students to do just that. You will have to be willing to activate a new category each quarter to earn elevated cash back, but Discover typically sends out reminders.

Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.

  • 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 helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • 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 16.74% - 25.74% applies.
  • Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.

Check out our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Best For Premium travel benefits

The Platinum Card<sup>®</sup> from American Express Advertisement

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
Terms Apply

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $695
Regular Purchase APR See Pay Over Time APR
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Earning rate: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. If you use your points to book a flight through American Express Travel, that’s a $1,000 value.

Why we picked this card: In addition to a high rewards rate on travel purchases and lucrative welcome offer, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a number of valuable travel credits.

ProsCons
  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • Global airport lounge access
  • Travel credits
  • Annual fee
  • May need to pay your balance in full each month

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

If you travel frequently enough to take advantage of the card’s benefits, you stand to squeeze a lot of value from The Platinum Card® from American Express — even with its $695 annual fee. The card offers numerous benefits and credits, including automatic Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite status (enrollment required), automatic Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required) and premium car rental privileges. Plus, get up to a $200 annual airline fee credit, up to a $200 annual hotel credit, a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credit, up to a $189 annual CLEAR® membership credit and more.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Earning rate: 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. If you use your points to book a flight through American Express Travel, that’s a $1,000 value.

Why we picked this card: In addition to a high rewards rate on travel purchases and lucrative welcome offer, The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a number of valuable travel credits.

ProsCons
  • Foreign transaction fees: None
  • Global airport lounge access
  • Travel credits
  • Annual fee
  • May need to pay your balance in full each month

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

If you travel frequently enough to take advantage of the card’s benefits, you stand to squeeze a lot of value from The Platinum Card® from American Express — even with its $695 annual fee. The card offers numerous benefits and credits, including automatic Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite status (enrollment required), automatic Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required) and premium car rental privileges. Plus, get up to a $200 annual airline fee credit, up to a $200 annual hotel credit, a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credit, up to a $189 annual CLEAR® membership credit and more.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
  • American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
  • Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
  • Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Check out our The Platinum Card® from American Express review.

Best For Business rewards

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Advertisement

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $150
Regular Purchase APR N/A
Credit Score Needed
720 850
Excellent
Get Your Free Credit Score
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Sign-up bonus: Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening

Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is one of the most rewarding and straightforward options for business owners with a lot on their plates, offering a flat 2% cash back on the majority of purchases. There is no preset spending limit, so you can adapt the card to your business needs.

ProsCons
  • Huge welcome bonus
  • High rate of cash back on every purchase
  • No preset spending limit
  • Opportunity to earn a $200 annual cash bonus
  • Annual fee of $150
  • Balance must be paid-in-full each month
  • Late fee of 2.99% if you carry a balance
  • Large minimum spend requirement

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is best for business owners who want to earn cash back and have the ability to pay their balance in full every month. While there is no preset spending limit, it does charge a 2.99% monthly late fee on unpaid balances. This card is best for business owners who can spend heavily on their cards to meet the large minimum spend requirement and earn the $200 annual cash bonus.

  • Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
  • Earn an annual $200 cash bonus every year you spend $200,000 or more—that's enough to cover your annual fee and then some
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
  • $150 annual fee
  • Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month

Rewards rate: 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Sign-up bonus: Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening

Why we picked this card: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is one of the most rewarding and straightforward options for business owners with a lot on their plates, offering a flat 2% cash back on the majority of purchases. There is no preset spending limit, so you can adapt the card to your business needs.

ProsCons
  • Huge welcome bonus
  • High rate of cash back on every purchase
  • No preset spending limit
  • Opportunity to earn a $200 annual cash bonus
  • Annual fee of $150
  • Balance must be paid-in-full each month
  • Late fee of 2.99% if you carry a balance
  • Large minimum spend requirement

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is best for business owners who want to earn cash back and have the ability to pay their balance in full every month. While there is no preset spending limit, it does charge a 2.99% monthly late fee on unpaid balances. This card is best for business owners who can spend heavily on their cards to meet the large minimum spend requirement and earn the $200 annual cash bonus.

  • Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
  • Earn an annual $200 cash bonus every year you spend $200,000 or more—that's enough to cover your annual fee and then some
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
  • $150 annual fee
  • Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month

Check out our Capital One Spark Cash Plus review.

Best For Crypto rewards

BlockFi Rewards Visa<sup>®</sup> Signature Card Advertisement

BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card

Apply Now
on BlockFi's secure site

BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card

Introductory APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.99% - 24.99%
Credit Score Needed
660 720 850
Excellent/Good
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  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

Rewards rate: Earn 1.5% back in bitcoin on every single purchase

Sign-up bonus: None

Why we chose this card: The BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card is one of the few credit cards that earns cryptocurrency rewards. In addition to offering rewards on every purchase, the $0-annual-fee card lets cardholders earn 0.25% back on eligible crypto trades (up to a maximum of $500 in bitcoin each month).

ProsCons
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0
  • Up to 10% back at eligible restaurants
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Requires a BlockFi account

Whether you’re experienced in handling cryptocurrency or you’re looking to test the waters, the BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card could be an ideal fit.

The card lets you earn 1.5% back in bitcoin on every single purchase. Plus, once you pass $30,000 in annual spending, every $1 spent will earn 2% back in bitcoin. Note that this amount resets on your card anniversary date each year.

In addition, you should also know that you won’t earn bitcoin immediately when using BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card. Instead, you’ll earn BlockFi CryptoCurrency Rewards Points, which are redeemed for bitcoin on a monthly basis.

You will need a BlockFi account to apply for this card, and your rewards will live in your BlockFi Wallet. The good thing is you can leave your crypto in your digital wallet, withdraw it or trade it. This means once your points are converted to bitcoin, you have flexibility in what to do with that bitcoin.

  • The World’s First Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card.
  • Comes with Visa Signature benefits including travel and lifestyle and protection benefits.
  • No annual fee, No foreign transaction fees 
  • Know if you’re approved without affecting your credit score. A soft credit pull happens before you’ve accepted the credit card offer. A hard credit pull occurs when you’ve accepted your credit card offer, which can have an impact on your credit score. 
  • Earn 2% back in bitcoin on every purchase over $30,000 of annual spend. Rewards rate increases from 1.5% to 2% after $30,000 of spend has been achieved and resets on the card anniversary date every year.

Rewards rate: Earn 1.5% back in bitcoin on every single purchase

Sign-up bonus: None

Why we chose this card: The BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card is one of the few credit cards that earns cryptocurrency rewards. In addition to offering rewards on every purchase, the $0-annual-fee card lets cardholders earn 0.25% back on eligible crypto trades (up to a maximum of $500 in bitcoin each month).

ProsCons
  • $0 annual fee
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0
  • Up to 10% back at eligible restaurants
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Requires a BlockFi account

Whether you’re experienced in handling cryptocurrency or you’re looking to test the waters, the BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card could be an ideal fit.

The card lets you earn 1.5% back in bitcoin on every single purchase. Plus, once you pass $30,000 in annual spending, every $1 spent will earn 2% back in bitcoin. Note that this amount resets on your card anniversary date each year.

In addition, you should also know that you won’t earn bitcoin immediately when using BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card. Instead, you’ll earn BlockFi CryptoCurrency Rewards Points, which are redeemed for bitcoin on a monthly basis.

You will need a BlockFi account to apply for this card, and your rewards will live in your BlockFi Wallet. The good thing is you can leave your crypto in your digital wallet, withdraw it or trade it. This means once your points are converted to bitcoin, you have flexibility in what to do with that bitcoin.

  • The World’s First Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card.
  • Comes with Visa Signature benefits including travel and lifestyle and protection benefits.
  • No annual fee, No foreign transaction fees 
  • Know if you’re approved without affecting your credit score. A soft credit pull happens before you’ve accepted the credit card offer. A hard credit pull occurs when you’ve accepted your credit card offer, which can have an impact on your credit score. 
  • Earn 2% back in bitcoin on every purchase over $30,000 of annual spend. Rewards rate increases from 1.5% to 2% after $30,000 of spend has been achieved and resets on the card anniversary date every year.

Check out our BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card review.

Side-by-side comparison of the best rewards credit cards

Credit Card Welcome Offer Rewards Rate Annual Fee Recommended Credit Card Review
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening! 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. $0 Excellent/Good Chase Freedom Flex℠ Review
Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
| Terms Apply
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 Excellent/Good Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Review
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases $0 Excellent/Good Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Review
Costco Anywhere Visa<sup>®</sup> Card by Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Read Review N/A 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases $0 Excellent Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Review
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card Read Review Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval. 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations and 1% back on all other purchases. $0 N/A Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card Review
Chase Sapphire Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
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®. 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases $95 Excellent Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. $0 Excellent/Good Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Review
Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's secure site
Rates & Fees
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases $0 Excellent/Good Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. Earn 14X per $1 of eligible purchases on your card directly with a participating Hilton hotel or resort, 7X for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; & at U.S. restaurants, and 3X for other purchases on your card $450 Excellent/Good Review Coming Soon
Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site
None Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. $0 Excellent/Good Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Review
Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup> Chase Freedom Unlimited® Apply Now
on Chase's secure site
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. Enjoy 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; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases $0 Excellent/Good Chase Freedom Unlimited® Review
Choice Rewards World Mastercard® Choice Rewards World Mastercard® Read Review 20,000 bonus points for spending at least $3,000 in first 60 days. 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on everything else $0 Excellent/Good Choice Rewards World Mastercard® Review
Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Discover it® Secured Credit Card Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically $0 Poor/Limited Discover it® Secured Credit Card Review
Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Discover it® Student Cash Back Apply Now
on Discover's secure site
Rates & Fees
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. 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. $0 Fair/Limited Discover it® Student Cash Back Review
The Platinum Card<sup>®</sup> from American Express The Platinum Card® from American Express Apply Now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & Fees
| Terms Apply
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply. $695 Excellent/Good The Platinum Card® from American Express Review
Capital One Spark Cash Plus Capital One Spark Cash Plus Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site
Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel $150 Excellent Capital One Spark Cash Plus Review
BlockFi Rewards Visa<sup>®</sup> Signature Card BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card Apply Now
on BlockFi's secure site
None Earn 1.5% back in bitcoin on every single purchase $0 Excellent/Good BlockFi Rewards Visa® Signature Card Review

What is a rewards credit card?

A rewards credit card is a card that offers miles, points or cash back based on the amount you spend each month. Depending on the card, the rewards earned may be at a flat rate for all purchases or certain categories may earn bonus rewards. Many rewards credit cards partner with airlines, hotels and other brands to offer specific rewards tailored to those brands. Other rewards cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed in multiple ways, like cash back, gift cards, booking travel or transferring to travel partners.

Types of credit card rewards

Choosing a rewards credit card is like going to the ice cream shop. There are many different flavors available, but some are better than others based on your tastes. You can narrow down your options by determining where you spend the most and which types of rewards are most important.
  • Cash back

    Cardholders receive a portion of their purchases as cash back. The cash back rewards are usually issued as statement credits, a physical check or a deposit to a bank account. Some redemptions are automatic, while others require you to initiate a request. These are good for non-travelers or those who value simplicity.

  • Flexible points

    Flexible points provide many redemption options, including cash back, gift cards, booking travel and transferring to travel partners. If you have multiple credit cards that earn the same flexible points, most programs allow you to pool your rewards to reach your goals faster.

  • Airline co-branded

    Airline credit cards earn miles towards future travel with the co-branded airline. These cards are issued in coordination with an airline to provide specific benefits for travelers, such as free checked bags, priority boarding and in-flight discounts and even complimentary upgrades. Some airline credit cards accelerate your path to elite status based on your spending.

  • Hotel co-branded

    Hotel credit cards offer perks when staying at participating hotels. Cardholders typically receive automatic elite status, bonus points when paying for their stay and an annual free night.

  • Travel rewards

    For those who don’t want to be limited to one particular airline or hotel brand, a general travel rewards credit card offers points or miles that can be redeemed for future flights, hotel stays and more. These cards may also offer travel protections, credits and discounts.

Alternatives to rewards cards

  • Credit cards with 0% interest rates
  • Balance transfer credit cards
  • Credit cards for building credit

Pros and cons of rewards credit cards

  • Earn points, miles or cash back on everyday purchases
  • Rewards can be used to help offset the cost of purchases
  • May offer more robust benefits and protections than non-rewards cards
  • Ability to accumulate large sums of rewards from sign-up bonuses
  • Higher rewards rates are typically not available to those with poor or limited credit
  • Annual fees over multiple cards will add up
  • To maximize earning potential, you may need to be strategic
  • Rewards programs may have earning caps

How to choose a rewards credit card

When you’re ready to choose from the best rewards credit cards, here’s how to find the one that’s right for you.
  • Figure out which cards you can qualify for

    Before applying for a new credit card, it helps to know what your credit score is. Many banks, websites and apps offer credit scores for free. Knowing your score helps you focus on the credit cards you’re most likely to get approved for.

    The best rewards credit cards are for people with excellent credit, but there are also good card options for every type of credit. Even people with fair credit or those who are rebuilding their credit can qualify for cards with valuable rewards and benefits until their credit scores improve.

    Don’t know your credit score?
    Sign-up at LendingTree to get your free credit score and recommendations to boost your score.
  • Consider your goals for the rewards

    Knowing how you want to spend the rewards from your card narrows down your choices to make it easier to pick the right card. Selecting which type of rewards you want to earn enables you to focus on a limited number of cards so that it is easier to compare their bonuses, earnings rates, benefits, and fees.

    Do you...Then choose a...
    Want the simplest rewards possible?Cash back credit card
    Want rewards that you can use in a variety of ways to get the best value?Flexible points credit card (ex.: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Freedom Unlimited®)
    Want to earn rewards and benefits with a hotel or airline program?Co-branded airline or hotel credit card (ex.: United℠ Explorer Card or Hilton Honors American Express Card)
  • Find rewards that match your spending patterns

    Matching your spending habits with the bonus categories of your rewards credit card is the best approach. This allows you to maximize the rewards earned on your regular purchases, like groceries, gas, dining and travel.

    Some people get multiple cards that earn the same type of rewards to take advantage of each card’s bonus categories. For example, the Chase Trifecta is a strategy that seeks to earn maximum Ultimate Rewards points on every purchase.

    Popular bonus categories: Groceries, Restaurants and Gas

  • Do the math to decide which card is best for you

    After narrowing down your choices, compare how much you can earn from each card in the first year. Factor in the welcome bonus, rewards earned from spending and annual credits. Then subtract the annual fee to determine your net benefit from each rewards card.
    Let’s take the following cash back and flat-rate cards as an example:

    FeatureCard A (points worth $0.01 each)Card B (cash back card) **Winner**Card C (no-annual-fee cash back card)
    Sign-up bonus50,000 points$250$200
    Earning rate2X points on every purchase6% cash back on groceries, 3% cash back on gas, 1% cash back on everything else2% cash back on every purchase
    Rewards earned on $6,000 in groceries12,000 points worth $120$360$120
    Rewards earned on $3,000 in gas6,000 points worth $60$90$60
    Rewards earned on $11,000 in other spend22,000 points worth $220$110$110
    Annual fee$95$95$0
    Rewards minus annual fee$305$465$290

    After taking into account the card’s welcome offer, earning rate and annual fee, Card B offers the most value during the first year or card membership. However, the comparison may look different in the second year when there isn’t a welcome offer. That calculation helps you decide if you should keep the card going forward or switch to a different one.

    Still, you should also know that some people assign a cash value to other card benefits, like free checked bags, as part of the comparison. Only include these benefits if they actually earn or save you additional money. For example, travelers who only carry on their luggage won’t actually save money with the free checked bags benefits.

How do you calculate the value of points?

Not all points are created equal. Understanding the value of your points enables you to compare points from different programs.

To calculate the value of an award redemption, first, determine the cost when paying cash. Subtract any taxes or fees that you still have to pay. Then, divide that total by the number of points you’re redeeming. The result is the value per point of that redemption.

Point value = $ value of target redemption option (minus taxes/fees that you still have to pay) ÷ Number of points

Example: ($1,500 laptop computer – $124 in taxes) ÷ 190,000 points = $0.007 point value (less than 1 cent/point)

How to use credit card rewards

Banks offer cardholders numerous ways to redeem points, but some choices offer much higher value than others. Credit card rewards generally have the highest value when redeeming them for travel or transferring points to airline and hotel partners. And you’ll generally receive the lowest value for your points when redeeming them for merchandise, using them for online shopping or buying gift cards.

Each rewards program is different, so the value that you receive with these options will vary. In some cases, you may get a higher value when you have a specific card. For example, your points are worth 50% more when booking travel through Ultimate Rewards if you have the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Examples of more valuable redemption options

  • Transferring to airline and hotel partners
  • Booking premium cabin flights with your miles
  • Extra free night on hotel points redemptions
  • Travel reservations through the card’s travel portal

Examples of less valuable redemption options

  • Pay with points at checkout
  • Online shopping portal
  • Statement credits for previous purchases
  • Redeeming points for gift cards

How to maximize credit card rewards

  1. Don't transfer until you've verified that there is award space available. Once you've transferred points, they cannot be returned.
  2. Take advantage of transfer bonuses to loyalty programs. Periodically, different airline and hotel partners offer transfer bonuses to get even more value from your points.
  3. Use multiple cards to maximize category bonuses. You can increase the amount of cash back, points or miles that you earn by rotating cards with different bonus categories. On that note, using cards that earn the same rewards currency (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards®) can help you maximize your points or miles in that program.
  4. Use shopping portals to earn additional rewards on online shopping. When you shop through your card's shopping portal, you can earn additional rewards on top of the rewards from your credit card. Some programs offer additional incentives during holidays and other sale events, like back-to-school.
  5. Register all your credit cards for shopping or dining rewards programs. Programs like Dosh, Bumped and Rewards Network provide extra rewards when shopping or eating at participating retailers and restaurants.
  6. Get your spouse or partner involved as your "Player 2." When your spouse gets involved, you can double up on rewards by getting the same cards or diversify your points by applying for cards that you're not eligible for.
  7. Use credit cards for your business or side hustle. Earn extra rewards by applying for a credit card in the name of your business. Examples of businesses that may qualify for a business credit card include rideshare driver, rental property owner or an Etsy shop owner. In most cases, the rewards earned from your business credit card can be combined with your linked personal rewards program accounts.

Are credit card rewards worth it?

Yes, rewards credit cards are worth it when you use them to earn rewards on purchases and pay off your balance in full each month — since these cards often offer valuable cash back, miles and points that can add up quickly.

However, if you’re carrying credit card debt or cannot control your spending, applying for a rewards credit card may not be a wise decision. That’s because many people who apply for rewards credit cards spend more than they normally would to chase additional rewards, which can lead to credit card debt and other financial worries. No rewards are worth the interest that a bank charges for carrying a balance.

In addition, if the rewards card charges an annual fee, make sure the card benefits outweigh what you’re paying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many rewards credit cards let you earn rewards when you make eligible purchases using your card and/or when you reach the spend threshold required to earn the card’s sign-up or welcome offer. Rewards cards may also offer annual bonuses each year on your account anniversary; a referral bonus when you refer a friend to the card and the friend is approved; or when you add an authorized user to your credit card account. Note, you cannot earn rewards on cash advances or balance transfers or illegal transactions.

This will depend on the card. For example, some cards offer an unlimited flat rewards rate on every purchase. Other cards may offer 1 point or mile (or 1% back for cash back cards) per dollar spent on general purchases, and extra points, miles or cash back in bonus spending categories, like gas, dining or airfare. While you may be limited on the amount of extra rewards you can earn from bonus categories, rewards cards typically allow you to earn unlimited rewards on general purchases.

Again, this will depend on the card. For many credit cards, your rewards will never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, there are cards that expire your rewards if you don’t make a charge on your card or redeem your rewards within a given time period.

There are two important reasons why you should never carry a balance on a rewards card. First, rewards cards tend to carry higher interest rates (APRs) than non-rewards cards. So, carrying a balance over from month to month can get expensive, as those interest charges are added to your balance.

Second, those high interest charges can negate the rewards you are earning with the card. For example, if you earn 2% in cash back for a purchase, but are assessed interest on any unpaid balance, you’re losing money instead of saving money.

There are many rewards credit cards that offer a high level of rewards in different categories. For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through its travel portal. The goal is to find cards that offer high bonuses on categories where you spend the most.

No, credit card rewards are considered a refund on the amount you spend. Because of this, the IRS does not require consumers to pay taxes on credit card rewards.

Ultimately, the best rewards credit card for you depends on how you plan to use the card. For example, if you eat out frequently, a dining rewards card may be ideal. But if you’d prefer a simple approach to earning rewards, a flat-rate cash back card may be a better fit.

The best travel rewards credit card depends on whether you want to earn airline miles, hotel points or flexible points, your spending patterns and your willingness to pay an annual fee. Our choice for the best credit card for travel rewards is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. You’ll earn up to 5X points on purchases and receive generous travel and purchase protections. Its flexible points transfer to 14 hotel and airline partners and are worth 25% more when booking travel through Ultimate Rewards.

The ability to combine rewards earned on two credit cards depends on the type of rewards. If the rewards are of the same type (e.g. American Airlines AAdvantage miles), then combining them is possible. However, if the rewards are of different types, then generally they cannot be combined. Flexible points can be transferred to multiple loyalty programs, and may be combined with rewards earned within those partner programs.

Responsible use of rewards cards can build a positive credit history. You must pay your account on time every month and strive to keep your balances low relative to your credit limit. Additionally, maintain a good mix of credit accounts and keep your applications to a minimum. And building a higher average age of account is often easier when you have no fee or low-fee rewards cards.

Methodology

To select the best rewards credit card for each of these categories, our experts compared credit cards that offer rewards programs on LendingTree.com and on major issuer sites. This included cash back credit cards, 0% intro APR cards, balance transfer credit cards, secured cards, student cards and more.

We then chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, such as the type of rewards offered, the value of the card’s sign-up bonus, the rewards redemption options, the card’s annual fee and the interest rates.

Other factors that came into play when making our selection include the benefits offered by the card, such as purchase and extended warranty protections.

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
Additional reporting by Glen Luke Flanagan and Dan Miller.

Tracy Brackman

  • Expertise: Credit cards, credit scoring, personal finance
  • Education: Ohio State University, Florida International University

 


Tracy Brackman is a senior editor and credit card expert at LendingTree, where she writes and edits educational pieces on credit card-related topics and personal finance using her 12+ years of experience in the field.

Before joining LendingTree in 2019, Tracy worked as a products editor for CreditCards.com, where she developed the credit card products section and created content focused on breaking credit card news.

Prior to that, she worked as a product information manager for Bankrate, where she managed the financial and credit card product details and maintained compliance for two affiliate networks, as well as Bankrate-owned and operated sites.

She began working in the credit card space in 2009 as the editorial department manager for FlexOffers, an affiliate marketing company.

Tracy studied marketing at the Ohio State University and Florida International University.

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