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Rewards credit cards are a great way to make the most of your everyday expenses, allowing you to earn bonus miles, points or cash back on your purchases. While cash back is one of the simplest forms of rewards, miles or points may offer even more value for frequent travelers and shoppers.
These card offers from our partners carry some of the best rewards value and perks out there, with each issuer offering a variety of programs to suit your unique spending habits. Whether you need a flat-rate card to cover any purchase, a bonus or rotating category card for specialized spending or even a choice category card for ultimate flexibility, we’ll help you find the card that helps you reach your rewards goals.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Intro offer
$300
Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The generous cash back rewards in categories including U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, select U.S. streaming subscriptions and transit makes this a top-tier option for families and practical spenders alike. If you spend a lot of time on the road and at the table, you'll have a tough time finding a more rewarding credit card.
Intro annual fee of $0 for the first year (then $95).
Earn 6 percent cash back on select streaming services (including Hulu and Netflix).
Cons
There’s a required minimum of $25 worth of rewards before you’re eligible to redeem.
There is a very high penalty APR (29.99 percent variable) applied if you miss a payment or a payment is returned by your bank.
Earn a $300 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 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 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, 14.74% to 24.74%
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.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% Variable APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
If your credit card rewards strategy is hands-off, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card might be a match. With no annual fee and unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases, all you have to do is use the card and redeem your rewards when you’re ready—no bonus categories or spending caps to worry about.
Earn unlimited cash rewards on purchases; no spending caps on the 2 percent rewards.
You can redeem your rewards as physical cash in $20 increments when you use a Wells Fargo ATM.
Cons
There is an intro balance transfer fee that rises from 3 percent to up to 5 percent if you don’t transfer a balance within the first 120 days of account opening (minimum of $5).
You cannot transfer rewards between programs with this 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 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% 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 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
additional features
Purchase intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Balance transfer intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
12.24% - 23.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Discover it Cash Back is a popular choice for cash back rewards because of Discover's rotating bonus categories. Instead of committing to one or two fixed bonus categories, you have the opportunity to earn a bonus rate of 5 percent on purchases in a different category each quarter you enroll (on up to $1,500, then 1 percent). It's a rewarding way to earn cash back each quarter every year.
The Cashback Match program in the first year is a generous intro offer.
Cons
You must enroll to reap max benefits each quarter and keep track of the rotating categories.
After the intro APR period concludes for balance transfers the balance transfer fee will jump from 3 percent to 5 percent of the amount of each transfer.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
New Intro APR: Get a 0% intro APR‡ for 15 months on purchases. Then 12.24% to 23.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click "Apply Now" to see rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
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.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Citi Custom Cash Card is somewhat of a game-changer for offering a rewards system that adjusts to match your spending. With this card’s 10 eligible bonus categories, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to strategize, even if your spending varies monthly.
You’ll earn rewards in the form of Citi ThankYou points, which can be redeemed for cash back (statement credit, check or direct deposit), gift cards and more.
Cons
Your points must have at least a $5 or more value before you can redeem them as a check.
This card does charge a 3 percent foreign transaction fee, which could diminish your reward earnings when spending abroad.
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 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 14.74% - 24.74%, 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.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro offer
75,000 miles
New Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 miles once they spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.24% - 24.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Low cost travel rewards are more than attainable with this travel card. For a $95 annual fee you’ll earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases, opening the door for earning travel miles across multiple spending categories.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5%
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
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Intro offer
$200
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
No fuss flat-rate rewards are a key feature to look for when starting out with credit card rewards. You’ll earn at least unlimited 1.5 percent cash back with this card, so you can reap decent rewards on any purchase you make. Plus, you’ll benefit from the extra perks and protections associated with holding a Capital One card.
This card does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees
You can access entertainment perks like pre-sale tickets through Capital One Access.
Cons
This card charges a 3 percent balance transfer fee during the first 15 months that your account is open or at a promotional APR
You may be able to earn even higher flat-rate rewards with a different card.
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
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; 15.24%-25.24% variable APR after that
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See if you're pre‐approved for this card with
CardMatch™
Rewards rate
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$250
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The American Express Gold Card earns exceptionally generous rewards rates in spending categories that travelers who love fine dining will surely find tempting. And earning up to $340 in total annual credits toward eligible dining, Uber and hotel purchases can make the annual fee well worth it.
The points you earn won’t expire for the life of the account.
Transferring points to a partnering airline or hotel loyalty program can increase their value.
Cons
The annual fee for this card is $250, which can be fairly high for some.
You must go through AmexTravel.com to redeem travel rewards.
Rose Gold is here to stay. Card Members can choose between a Gold or Rose Gold Card.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Boxed, and participating Shake Shack locations. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $250.
Terms Apply.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Best for dining and entertainment with no annual fee
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
8%
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
5%
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
3%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers cash back on dining and entertainment without an annual fee, making it a great card for on-the-go rewards seekers. But it’s not all food and games: The card also offers cash back at grocery stores, increasing its everyday value.
The requirements for earning the welcome bonus are easy to meet: Earn a $200 cash bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months.
This card does not charge an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee.
Cons
Popular stores like Walmart, Target, BJ’s and Sam’s Club will not count for elevated rewards rates, as these options are not considered traditional grocery stores.
Beware of redeeming cash rewards on Amazon.com, as there is a list of restricted items you can’t use rewards on.
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 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
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
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; 15.24% - 25.24% variable APR after that
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
3X
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
3X
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
1X
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.74% - 24.74% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Citi Premier Card’s “jack of all trades” approach to travel rewards is especially valuable for casual travelers who drive and dine a bit more at home than overseas. Once you factor in the card’s perks, including an annual $100 hotel discount (for stays of $500 or more), there’s plenty of value to line your pocket.
Its restaurant, supermarket and gas station rewards categories can outperform rival flat-rate travel cards, making it easy for the average spender to offset the annual fee.
You can pair it with other Citi ThankYou cards for optimal travel rewards value.
Cons
The travel perk roster isn’t as valuable or extensive as other cards with a similar annual fee.
Unless you plan to leverage travel transfer partners, your point value is stuck at only 1 cent per point.
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Hotels
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
60,000 Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10X
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
5X
5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Annual fee
$395
Regular APR
17.24% - 24.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
You can really rack up the miles with this new premium travel rewards credit card from Capital One, which touts a generous return rate on travel purchases, a lucrative welcome offer and a sweet anniversary bonus, among its standout features. Travelers seeking flexible redemption options should consider applying if they can shoulder the $395 annual fee.
You’ll get up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
You’ll also get up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel.
Cons
There is a $395 annual fee, which might price the card out of some people’s budgets.
Capital One is thin on major domestic airline transfer partners.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Escape the airport crowd and recharge before your flight with unlimited access to all-inclusive amenities at the Capital One Lounge and at 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5x
5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
3x
3x on dining.
2x
2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Intro offer
80,000 points
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.24% - 23.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a favorite among travel enthusiasts because of its valuable sign-up bonus and points flexibility. Transferring points to partner airlines can actually boost their value even more, making your rewards even better than you bargained for.
It’s easy to combine points from other Chase cards to maximize reward earnings.
Transferring your points to one of three major U.S airlines listed as travel partners can actually boost your point value if you book through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards portal.
Cons
This card does charge a $95 annual fee.
There are no intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers.
Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 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, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
5X
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
1.25X
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
Intro offer
20,000 miles
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
15.24% - 25.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
A lot of travel rewards cards don’t offer boosted rewards on general purchases, which is why the VentureOne is a great choice for a beginner or occasional traveler. You can earn travel rewards without already being a frequent flyer, plus there’s no annual fee. Travelers of all kinds can easily find value in the VentureOne.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
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Rewards rate
5X
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.
5X
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Intro offer
Earn 100,000 points
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
This card’s rewards, rocksteady travel protections and rich buffet of other travel perks are a great match for frequent flyers and hotel guests that enjoy a journey’s lavish side. However, you’ll need a game plan to cover the card’s high annual fee, as some of its perks may be hit-or-miss for the average cardholder.
The card’s annual and monthly credits boast thousands of dollars in recurring value—enough to cover the annual fee and eclipse competing cards’ benefit value.
The Platinum Card carries perhaps the most comprehensive lounge access and travel benefits of any mainstream personal card.
Cons
Several annual credits and perks aren’t practical for many cardholders (like the niche digital entertainment and private jet program offers), which may make the $695 annual fee tough to offset.
The bonus category coverage is quite narrow, so you’ll have to lean on the extra perks for the bulk of your value.
Earn 100,000 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®. And if you fly, you can receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year after you select a qualifying airline and incidental fees are charged by the airline to 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.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. CLEAR® is available at select airports and stadiums.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
10x
Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
5x
Earn 5x total points on air travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
3x
Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
1x
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro offer
50,000 points
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Annual fee
$550
Regular APR
17.24% - 24.24% Variable
Recommended credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
One of our top picks for frequent travelers with a taste for luxury perks, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a fairly notable rewards rate. Also, you can maximize your earnings by pairing it with another Chase Ultimate Rewards card. If you want to earn generous rewards and enjoy seamless point transfers and flexible redemption, look no further.
Get a $300 travel credit each year to put towards flights, hotels and more.
Any points you redeem through the Ultimate Rewards portal have up to a 50 percent higher value.
Cons
This card charges a very steep $550 annual fee.
The regular APR for this card (17.24 to 24.24 percent variable) is a bit higher than average.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
$300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Earn 5x total points on air travel and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 50,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
With Pay Yourself Back(SM), your points are worth 50% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
Our writers, editors and industry experts score
credit cards based on a variety of factors
including card features, bonus offers
and independent research. Credit card issuers have
no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Rewards rate
2X
Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases
1.5X
Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro offer
50,000 points
Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.24% - 23.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Thanks to the Preferred Rewards program, qualifying Bank of America account holders with a lot of savings can boost this card’s rewards rates up to unlimited 3.5X points on travel and dining and 2.62X points on all other purchases—perhaps the best flat rewards rate available. This makes the card a good choice for frequent flyers or occasional adventurers since points can be redeemed equally for either travel or cash back.
Pros
Its up to $100 in airline incidental expense credits and other travel benefits can easily recoup the annual fee for many travelers.
If you have the savings to qualify for at least Preferred Rewards Platinum status, you’ll enjoy perhaps the best flat rewards rate available on both travel and cash back.
Cons
If you don’t qualify for the highest Preferred Rewards tiers, the card’s rewards value is a bit modest for the $95 annual fee.
Although its benefits are respectable, other premium cards carry more comprehensive travel perks. For example, the card’s airline credits only cover incidental costs, not airfare.
Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 3.5 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire.
Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
No foreign transaction fees.
Low $95 annual fee.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
additional features
Purchase intro APR
N/A
Balance transfer intro APR
N/A
Compare Bankrate’s top rewards credit cards
Card name
Rewards highlights
Welcome offer
Annual fee
Bankrate review score
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions 3% cash back on transit 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
$300 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
20,000 points (worth $200 in cash back) after spending $750 on purchases within the first three months
4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (supermarket rate on up to $25,000 of purchases per year, then 1X points)
60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first six months
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) plus 1% cash back on all other purchases
$200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months
Unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months
5X points on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per calendar year) 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel 1X points on all other purchases
100,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months
5X points on air travel and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. 3X points on other travel and dining, 1x points on all other purchases
50,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months
Unlimited 2X points on travel and dining, plus 1.5X points on all other purchases—which, if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, can be boosted up to 3.5X points on travel and dining, and 2.62X points on all other purchases
50,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days
A closer look at our top-rated rewards credit cards
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Best for everyday purchases
This card is a good fit for: Families and households with large grocery and gas station bills.
This card is not a great choice for: People who shop for groceries at superstores (like Target and Walmart) or wholesale clubs (like Costco or Sam’s Club), which don’t count toward the U.S. supermarkets rewards category.
What makes this card unique? Anyone who wants to cash in on their weekly trips to the grocery store will have a hard time finding a more rewarding card. Sure, you can find other cards that reward you for grocery purchases, but the elevated rate at U.S. supermarkets puts this card on a level of its own.
Is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express worth it? Yes, even with the $95 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months), the cash back rate with the Blue Cash Preferred makes it extremely worth it.
This card is a good fit for: Cash rewards seekers who prefer a simple, valuable earning structure.
This card is not a great choice for: International travelers looking for a card to use abroad. Each purchase outside of the U.S. will come with a 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee.
What makes this card unique? The generous rewards rate isn’t the only noteworthy feature. Cardholders who pay their monthly cellphone bill with the Active Cash card will get up to $600 of protection against covered damage or theft (subject to $25 deductible).
Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card worth it? It’s hard to go wrong with unlimited 2 percent cash rewards, especially since there’s no annual fee. If you’re looking for a combination of simplicity and value, the Active Cash is worthwhile.
This card is a good fit for: People who like the excitement of changing bonus categories.
This card is not a great choice for: Someone with fixed spending habits or a preference for a simple rewards structure.
What makes this card unique? Most rewards cards feature static rewards categories. The Discover it Cash Back keeps it exciting with rotating bonus categories. Each quarter you activate, you earn 5 percent cash back in a different set of bonus categories (on up to $1,500, then 1 percent).
Is the Discover it Cash Back worth it? Discover’s cash back categories are always changing, and so is the card’s value. The categories are usually pretty useful, and Discover released its 2022 cash back calendar so you can plan ahead on your spending.
This card is a good fit for: Someone with varied spending habits. Since the 5 percent cash back category (on up to $500 spent per billing cycle, then 1 percent) retroactively shifts to match the eligible category in which you spend the most each billing cycle, you won’t have to worry about maximizing your spending in a particular category.
This card is not a great choice for: Someone who wants to earn cash back in multiple categories. So if you’re looking for a card that rewards spending in several categories at once, this isn’t it.
What makes this card unique? Very few rewards cards offer a bonus category that automatically shifts to match your spending.
Is the Citi Custom Cash Card worth it? Yes, since the card automatically adjusts to your spending, it’s a hands-off rewards credit card that makes a great addition to your wallet.
This card is a best for: People who want to earn a respectable rate of travel miles on purchases that aren’t travel-related.
This card is not a great choice for: Anyone looking to finance a purchase with their credit card, as there are no intro APR offers with this one.
What makes this card unique? The flat-rate 2X miles on purchases allows you to earn travel miles without traveling, a great perk for anyone who travels infrequently or spends more on non-travel related expenses.
Is the Capital One Venture Rewards worth it? This travel card’s rewards structure allows for solid travel rewards earnings on a range of purchases. If you’re looking for more luxury travel benefits and can handle a higher annual fee, there are other cards on the market that may fit better.
This card is a best for: Anyone who wants solid flat-rate rewards while avoiding the hassle of chasing specific bonus categories and enrollment dates.
This card is not a great choice for: People who want even higher rewards rates for specific spending categories.
What makes this card unique? Capital One rewards maintain their value no matter how you decide to redeem, which is a rare perk of this kind of rewards card.
Is the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards worth it? If you want a no-hassle rewards card with solid protections and decent intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers, the Capital One Quicksilver is a good choice. However, if most of your spending lands in popular bonus categories, you may consider choosing a card that rewards that kind of spending at a higher rate.
This card is a good fit for: Foodies who want to stockpile travel rewards.
This card is not a great choice for: Travelers who want luxury benefits like airport lounge access.
What makes this card unique? When deciding on a rewards card, you sometimes have to pick a favorite: dining at restaurants or cooking at home. The ability to earn the same great rate on dining and at U.S. supermarkets is rare.
Is the American Express Gold Card worth it? Possibly, since savvy spenders can quickly rack up Membership Rewards points on everyday purchases and transfer them to one of Amex’s airline partners to potentially boost their value.
Best for dining and entertainment with no annual fee
This card is a good fit for: On-the-go foodies and thrill-seekers.
This card is not a great choice for: Shoppers searching for a go-to card for the everyday essentials.
What makes this card unique? If you’re looking for another card that rewards entertainment purchases at a boosted rate, you’ll have to look pretty hard. Tickets to sporting events, aquariums and zoos, movies, concerts and dance clubs are all on Capital One’s list of eligible entertainment purchases.
Is the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card worth it? The answer is a resounding yes—but only for people who regularly dine out or attend events. If you’re a homebody that spends in non-entertainment categories, other cards will serve you better.
This card is best for: Occasional travelers who can rake in more rewards from everyday expenses like food and gas.
This card is not a great choice for: Travelers looking for extensive travel perks, protections and reward redemption options. This card doesn’t carry as many travel features as competitors and Citi ThankYou points aren’t the most valuable rewards available.
What makes this card unique? The Citi Premier is a handy catch-all travel card for travelers that spend a bit more time at home and on the road than abroad. Not only does its valuable spread of bonus categories and hotel benefits more than make up for the $95 annual fee, but it also pairs incredibly well with other Citi rewards cards.
Is the Citi Premier card worth it? Although its travel features may seem weak for its price tag, this card’s all-around value is plenty satisfying compared to others in its class. You can easily recoup its annual fee by spending just $267 across your 3X categories each month or by taking advantage of the yearly $100 annual hotel discount on a stay of $500 or more.
This card is not a great choice for: Credit users on a budget; this card charges a $395 annual fee, though that charge is relatively reasonable, given its benefits and the higher annual fees associated with other premium credit cards.
What makes this card unique? The anniversary bonus (10,000 bonus miles, equal to $100 towards travel, every year, starting on your first anniversary) is a nice boon—and a rarity among general purpose premium travel credit cards.
Is the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card worth it? Definitely. The $395 annual fee is steep on the surface, but savvy spenders could recoup it by cashing in all their annual statement credits, racking up rewards and leveraging the ancillary benefits.
This card is a good fit for: Occasional to frequent travelers who want great value without the annual fee of a luxury travel card.
This card is not a great choice for: Travelers who value luxury perks like airport lounge access.
What makes this card unique? Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partner list is top-notch, so the fact that you can transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio makes this card even more valuable.
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card worth it? Absolutely. As long as you redeem travel and rewards through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, you can reap an extra 25 percent value on your cash back, making it a worthwhile card.
This card is not a great choice for: Frequent travelers who want to capitalize on their travel purchases.
What makes this card unique? Instead of having to book your rewards travel through the issuer’s site, you can redeem your miles as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made on your card within the last 90 days. This allows you to truly hunt around for the best deal, whether that’s through Capital One or another merchant.
Is the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card worth it? It can be worth it for beginner travelers, if you’re patient while earning miles since the 1.25X miles rate is a little low. However, if you book hotels and rental cars through Capital One’s travel portal, you’ll earn 5X miles.
This card is a good fit for: Luxury-minded travelers who can leverage the card’s deep roster of yearly credits, airport lounge access, shopping perks and airline and hotel privileges.
This card is not a great choice for: Casual travelers who care more about the sights than how comfortable their trip is. The Amex Platinum’s luxury perks provide much of the card’s value, so the $695 annual fee can be a deal-breaker if you’re more focused on everyday value.
What makes this card unique? The wealth of travel and shopping protections, assorted credits and airport and hotel perks included can offer thousands of dollars in value.
Is the American Express Platinum card worth it? Cardholders who fly often, hop hotels and value the peace of airport lounges will probably find the Amex Platinum well worth it. But if your card strategy could use a dose of everyday value and you doubt you’ll take full advantage of the card’s annual credits, then it likely won’t be worth the cost.
This card is a good fit for: Frequent travelers who want to earn rewards on travel and dining.
This card is not a great choice for: Occasional travelers or fee-averse consumers.
What makes this card unique? Among other credits, this card comes with a $300 annual travel credit, which is automatically applied to your account when you make a travel purchase. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a similar credit, but it’s much harder to use since it only covers incidental purchases with one airline each year.
Is the Chase Sapphire Reserve worth it? Travel rewards beginners and occasional travelers might find it tough to get more than $550 of value out of this card each year. But if you make use of the credits and additional perks, the Sapphire Reserve is easily worth it.
This card is a good fit for: Bank of America account holders with above-average savings account balances—or at least travelers that enjoy in-flight commodities.
This card is not a great choice for: Cardholders who don’t maintain at least a $50,000 average savings account balance with Bank of America. Without at least Platinum Preferred Rewards status, other cards can earn more all-around value for the same annual fee.
What makes this card unique? Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program can boost your rewards rates by 25 percent to 75 percent, bestowing possibly the best flat rewards rate available. What’s more, infrequent flyers can use their points for cash back without losing value.
Is the Bank of America Premium Rewards card worth it? It’s not hard to offset the card’s annual fee with the up to $100 in annual airline incidentals credits included or via rewards on travel and dining (you’ll only need to spend about $396 per month to cover the fee). However, the card’s value will vary heavily based on your Preferred Rewards tier.
Rewards credit cards accumulate points, miles or cash back for purchases. As the name implies, for every dollar spent, issuers credit your account with rewards. These rewards can be earned at a flat rate—like unlimited 1 percent cash back on all purchases—or offer a higher rate for certain categories, like earning 5 points for every dollar spent on travel-related purchases.
Depending on the issuer, some of the best credit cards for rewards offer distinct rewards programs and have specific rules concerning how you can redeem your rewards. However, understanding the issuer’s credit card rewards program can help you take advantage of all the perks and benefits it offers.
The more you know…
Our in-house expert Ana Staples obtained more than $3,000 in value from her credit cards in 2021. Learn more about her success and how you can maximize your credit card value.
What are the best ways to use reward cards in 2022?
As you navigate the post-pandemic world, your rewards strategy may need to shift with your spending habits to squeeze the most value out of your credit cards.
If you’re ready to get back to traveling, you may want to consider a travel credit card. But if you’re still apprehensive about traveling or plan to scale back your travel spending, a flexible card that lets you redeem rewards for more than just travel—including for cash back at the same rewards value—may be a great pick. This includes cards like the Bank of America Premium Rewards card and the Discover it® Miles.
A card that rewards gas purchases or transit may be a good idea if you’re back to commuting to work or school. Then again, if you’re working remotely or on a hybrid schedule, you may not need to rely on a card for commuting as much and may be better off with a flat-rate card that covers a wide variety of everyday expenses. A customizable bonus category card like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card could also be a great fit, as these offer extra versatility by letting you shift your bonus categories to fit your monthly spending habits.
If you’ve gotten tired of cooking at home, a restaurant rewards card may be more valuable than a credit card that will help you earn rewards on groceries. The Capital One SavorOne strikes a great balance between both categories, but a travel card that rewards dining like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Amex Gold may be even more lucrative if you’re eager to pack your bags and travel this summer.
Types of rewards credit cards
Navigating all the rewards card options available to you can be difficult. That’s why we broke out some of the most common types of rewards credit cards, along with more detailed recommendations from our team on the best cards in each category.
Cash back cards
With a cash back card, you’ll be rewarded with a percentage of your purchases paid back to you. Cash back works by applying that percentage as a statement credit toward your account, but some cards can directly deposit the cash back into your checking or savings account. Here are the three main types of cash back.
Flat-rate cash back cards offer a fixed percent back—usually between 1 and 3 percent—on all purchases. For people who prefer to set and forget, a flat-rate credit card is an excellent, no-fuss option. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, for example, earns 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases.
Tiered cash back cards reward specific types of purchases at a higher rate. These cards then reward other purchase categories at varying rates until it reaches the base rate for all other purchases. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred earns different cash back percentages in different categories, offering its highest rate with U.S. supermarkets and select U.S. streaming services.
Dynamic bonus category cards are similar to tiered cash back cards in that they reward certain purchases at a higher rate. The difference is that the bonus categories change. Depending on the card, the issuer may assign new categories quarterly to align with seasonal trends, or you may be able to change the category at your discretion. For example, one of the most popular dynamic bonus category cards is the Discover it Cash Back, which offers 5 percent cash back on purchases in a different category each quarter you enroll (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1 percent). Discover’s Q2 2022 cash back categories cover purchases at gas stations and Target.
Travel rewards cards
With a travel rewards card, you can expect perks like discounted trips, seat upgrades, travel insurance benefits, statement credits and more on top of your rewards. There are two main types of travel rewards credit cards: co-branded and general-purpose. The way you earn and redeem rewards depends on which type you have:
A co-branded travel card will offer boosted rewards on purchases with a particular airline or hotel. Airline cards typically earn airline miles as rewards, while hotel credit cards usually offer points that can be redeemed for award nights and other perks. Co-branded credit cards are typically less flexible than general-purpose travel cards because in most cases you can only redeem your rewards through the specific airline or hotel associated with your card.
General-purpose travel cards will only be tied to a card issuer like Chase, rather than a single airline or hotel brand. You’ll earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed in the issuer’s travel portal for flights, hotel stays and more through a variety of brands. Some cards let you transfer points to a favorite airline or hotel loyalty program. If you’re a brand loyalist, this can often yield the highest rewards value.
Whether your card earns points or miles doesn’t matter much—what’s more important is the value of the rewards you earn. For example, although many co-branded hotel cards carry higher rewards rates or sign-up bonuses on paper than general-purpose travel cards, the points they earn often aren’t as valuable when redeemed. Consider the Marriott Bonvoy program: Marriott points are only worth about 0.8 cents each—less than half the average value of Amex Membership Rewards points (worth up to 2 cents apiece according to The Points Guy).
This potential value range is what gives points and miles a leg up over cash back for some cardholders. While cash back rewards are simply a percentage of your spending, points and miles can offer outsized value based on how you redeem them. For example, while Membership Rewards points are worth just 1 cent per point if you redeem them through American Express Travel, they can be worth up to 2 cents per point if you transfer to the right Amex travel partner. On the other hand, that value can drop to just 0.6 cents per point if you opt for a statement credit redemption. This means you may have to put more effort into planning your redemptions to maximize the value of your rewards. If you’re not keen on the elbow grease involved, or you don’t travel as much and want the option to trade rewards in for travel, cash back and more at a consistent value, then a cash back or general rewards card might be a better choice than a travel card.
Most small-business credit cards are also rewards cards, falling under the umbrella of cash back or travel rewards. But unlike rewards cards meant for consumers, you’ll need to show proof that you operate a business in order to be approved. Also, the card should only be used for business expenses.
With a business rewards card, you can earn rewards for your most common business expenses—like copier ink, advertising services or flights. For example, with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can earn 5 percent cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services and 2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurant purchases (on up to the first $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1 percent).
These cards may offer perks like free employee cards, travel and car rental insurance, travel statement credits and more. If you’re interested in applying for a business credit card, read our tips on how to choose the right business credit card.
A rewards card can be a great way to earn lucrative points, miles or cash back for the purchases you’re already making. However, there are some downsides to be aware of before applying. If you’re wondering whether rewards credit cards are worth it, here are a few pros and cons to keep in mind when shopping for your next rewards card:
Pros
Rewards: We know it’s a given, but the main pro of these cards is the value of getting rewards on your everyday purchases.
Sign-up bonuses: Rewards cards can come with generous sign-on bonuses (extra points or miles for spending a certain amount of money in a set time period, usually your first three months), especially when compared to other types of credit cards.
Additional benefits: Depending on the card and issuer, you could gain access to additional bonuses and benefits, like airport lounge access, hotel upgrades, and certain travel or shopping protections.
Cons
Rewards caps: Some travel cards carry earning caps, which limit the amount of points or miles you can earn. This factor can reduce the value of the card, especially if there’s an annual fee.
Higher APRs: Rewards credit cards tend to carry higher interest rates, especially compared to low-interest cards. As such, they’re not a great fit for people who tend to carry a balance from time to time.
Higher annual fees: The more generous the rewards system, the higher the annual fee. Unless you maximize your rewards earnings, it can be hard to outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
Who should get a rewards credit card?
The world of rewards credit cards can be confusing to newcomers. If you’re deciding when to take the plunge and acquire a rewards card, aligning your new card with some of your goals is a great way to determine if the card is right for you. Here are a few people who can benefit the most from rewards credit cards:
If award flights and hotel nights sound like the ultimate rewards to you, consider getting a travel rewards credit card. Whether you already travel often or want to earn points and miles on everyday purchases, there’s a travel card that will put you one step closer to your destination with every eligible transaction. Plus, the best travel credit cards usually offer sign-up bonuses worth several hundred dollars toward travel.
Frugal folks have plenty of options when it comes to high-earning rewards cards. Groceries and gas are two common reward categories that can benefit nearly anyone. And if you want to keep it even simpler, a flat-rate card can ensure you’re earning rewards every time you make a purchase.
Those who dine out more often than cooking at home can tap into a wealth of cash back or travel points with a rewards credit card. Whether you prefer an in-person experience, takeout or delivery, there’s a credit card to reward your dining purchases.
Whether you’re a freelance photographer or you operate a brick-and-mortar store, you can use a business credit card to earn valuable rewards and boost your bottom line. Business credit cards often feature bonus categories tailored to small businesses, such as internet services, office supplies, travel and dining.
Most of the best credit cards for rewards require a consumer to have a good-to-excellent credit score, though there are some exceptions. Some rewards credit cards also tend to have higher APRs, which could greatly impact rewards earnings if you carry a balance month-to-month. Therefore, someone with a great credit score that pays their balances in full each month can get a lot of bang for their buck with a rewards card.
Bankrate insight
If you’re trying to maximize your rewards earnings, it makes sense to use a combination of credit cards. Ideally, you would have a card that rewards your most frequent purchase categories at a high rate, as well as a good flat-rate card. Just be sure you’re ready to manage several accounts, especially if they come with annual fees.
Who should skip a rewards credit card?
A rewards credit card isn’t right for everyone. If you’re trying to rebuild your credit, establish credit or are just trying to stick to your first household budget, using a rewards credit card could do more harm than good.
Rewards credit cards are only worth it when you focus your spending on certain categories and keep it under control. Otherwise, you might be tempted to rack up purchases and then find yourself further in debt. If you’re struggling to get rid of your credit card debt, it’s best to skip a rewards card.
Most rewards card require a good credit score to be approved. FICO categorizes a good score starting at 670. If your score is lower than that, focus on a card meant to help you build your credit.
Knowing what you can afford to spend on your card each month is key to keeping your credit card balances in check. If you’re still learning to manage your credit cards and keep your balances low, stick with a low-risk card.
How to choose the best credit card for rewards
When choosing a rewards card, it pays to do some research and reflection. In general, you should ask yourself:
What types of purchases do you spend the most on? Whether it’s groceries, travel, dining out or something else, it’s important to select a card that fits with your highest spending categories. If your budget isn’t focused on one specific category, consider applying for a flat-rate card that rewards all eligible purchases. If you spend primarily in specific categories, a card that earns higher rewards in specific categories or in rotating categories can help maximize your rewards potential.
What kind of rewards are you interested in? Deciding between cash back or points and miles ultimately comes down to your personal preference on the type of rewards you want. If you’re a frequent traveler and want to enhance your air travel experience by earning rewards towards flights and hotel room upgrades, a travel credit card that earns points or miles would be a good fit. If you’d rather earn straightforward rewards on everyday purchases, a cash back credit card may be better.
How much effort are you willing to put into maximizing your earnings? Many cash back rewards cards are relatively low-effort, as they generally earn rewards on everyday purchases without requiring extra effort to maximize your redemption value. In fact, some issuers even allow you to automatically redeem cash back for an easier experience. But if you don’t mind putting a bit of effort into deciding how best to use your rewards, a travel-centric rewards card may be more lucrative, as you can be strategic about how you redeem your points or miles to maximize their value. This may mean booking or redeeming through an issuer’s travel portal, transferring points or miles to a higher-value travel partner with a favorable transfer ratio or taking advantage of limited-time transfer bonuses or promotions. While this effort can easily pay off, it may not be worth the headache for everyone.
What fees are associated with the card? You’ll need to decide whether a card’s rewards and perks outweigh the cost of its fees. There’s no single right answer, though—it all depends on your personal circumstances and goals. For example, a card that charges a modest annual fee but no foreign transaction fees may actually be a better deal for frequent international travelers than a card that charges no annual fee but comes with a 3 percent foreign transaction fee.However, the most important factor is whether the card’s benefits and the rewards you’ll earn on your spending will justify the annual fee. For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred has a $95 annual fee after the first year, but you can make up that cost in cash back by spending around $132 per month at U.S. supermarkets. On the other hand, if you do most of your shopping at a superstores not eligible for more than 1 percent back (like Target or Walmart), the card’s annual fee will be much harder to justify. The same goes for pricier options, like luxury travel cards: Will you use perks like airport lounge access, dining credits or hotel elite status enough to justify hundreds of dollars in fees?
Which rewards program best fits your spending and offers maximum value? Just as important as deciding how much effort you’ll put into redeeming your rewards, figuring out how a rewards program will complement your goals and spending habits determines whether a cash back, points or miles program is best for you. Although not all cash back programs are as straightforward as a flat-rate card’s, cash back is generally a better fit if you prefer a brass-tacks approach—earning consistent, easy-to-redeem rewards on everyday expenses. Bonus mile reward programs are best if you want to travel and your biggest expenses are in popular categories like travel, dining, hotels, groceries and gas. Meanwhile, point-based rewards programs tend to offer more flexible redemption options for cardholders that may want to redeem for more than just travel (including for cash back, merchandise and more). While bonus points are often worth more toward travel—meaning you may still need to take advantage of certain issuer portal redemption options and transfer travel partners to maximize your rewards’ value (such as for American Express Membership Rewards points)—some point programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) provide 1:1 value toward cash back and a bit more value for travel bookings in case you’re not a devout traveler.
Bankrate insight
Nearly 1 in 3 rewards credit cardholders didn’t redeem any rewards in 2020, a Bankrate survey found. While 69 percent of cardholders did redeem cash back, points or miles, 55 percent of those did so for less than $300 in value.
Still unsure if a rewards credit card is right for you? Check out our Credit Card Spender Type Tool where you can get personalized credit card recommendations based on your credit score, spending habits and daily needs.
How to calculate the value of credit card rewards points
To find out if a rewards card is worth it for you, you’ll need to do some quick math. The easiest way to calculate the value of your rewards points is to divide the cash value of what you’re redeeming your points for by the number of points required to redeem it. For example if you redeem your points for a plane ticket that would normally cost $700 and you need 70,000 points, your credit card rewards are worth 1 cent apiece.
$700 (cost of ticket) / 70,000 (points needed) = 1 cent (value of reward point)
With some rewards credit cards, the value of your points change based on what you redeem them for. For instance, some points redeemed for cash back are worth less than if you redeemed them for travel.
How to maximize your rewards
Developing a thorough credit card strategy doesn’t happen overnight. Here are a few ways you can maximize your rewards:
Target your spending categories: If your card has special categories that earn higher rewards rates, concentrate your spending in those areas.
Earn your sign-up bonus: Understand how long you have to meet the spending requirement associated with the offer, but avoid overspending to meet the threshold in time. Then, redeem your bonus through the optimal redemption method (such as transfer partners, the issuer travel portal, etc.).
Leverage your extra benefits: Be sure you know how and when to cash in statement credits, protections and special access to squeeze the most value out of your card and offset any annual fees, without relying on your rewards earned via spending.
Double up on cards to earn more: To earn even more rewards, you can combine credit cards that earn rewards for different types of spending. Combining cards that earn bonus rewards in your highest spending categories with a supporting flat-rate rewards card is an excellent way to ensure you earn rewards on all of your key purchases, including those that fall outside of typical credit card bonus categories.
Redeem through the issuer’s portal: In some cases, redeeming through the issuer’s portal can boost the value of your rewards (such as with Chase Ultimate Rewards cards). This isn’t always the case, however, so be sure to pick the redemption option that offers the most value.]
Understand merchant category codes (MCCs): These four-digit codes classify where purchases fall into your card’s bonus categories. Knowing your card network’s MCCs allows you to see whether you need to change your shopping habits, which card is better for which expense and how you may be able to snag unexpected rewards.
Track your spending: If you have a card with rotating or tiered bonus categories, you may need to activate or enroll to earn those rewards each period. Similarly, you’ll want to track your spending and make sure you aren’t spending beyond your card’s rewards cap if another card could be earning more on the extra spending.
Make sure to offset the annual fee: Look at the value of the rewards you typically earn for your spending to be sure you’re earning enough rewards to more than cover the cost of the annual fee. If your rewards value falls short of the annual fee or barely covers it, you may want to consider downgrading to a no annual fee card that may offer more potential value. On the other hand, you may want to upgrade to annual fee card if you’ll earn more rewards and valuable perks.
Don’t carry a balance: Carrying a balance leads to interest charges, which can quickly eat through any rewards you’ve earned.
How we chose the best rewards credit cards
Bankrate uses a 5-star system to assign scores to credit cards available from our partners. With rewards credit cards, we focus on factors including:
Rewards value
The cards on our list feature some of the industry’s finest rewards programs, with generous earning rates and consistently high value of points or miles.
Low cost of ownership
Is the card a good deal, money-wise? Do the benefits and rewards outweigh annual fees and other costs? With the best rewards credit cards, the answer to both questions needs to be yes.
Redemption options
The best rewards cards make it easy for you to redeem your cash back, travel miles or rewards points. Top cards that earn travel miles offer flexible options for using them, including transfers to travel partners.
Benefits and perks
Benefits such as discounts, purchase protection and travel insurance add value to your credit card even when you're not using it to earn rewards.
More information on rewards credit cards
For more information on all things rewards cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:
Have more questions for our credit card editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
Frequently asked questions about rewards credit cards
Credit card issuers offer rewards as an incentive for attracting new customers and retaining current ones, but their self-interest doesn’t mean rewards cards aren’t worthy of consideration. With some planning and spending discipline, you could make it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
It can be difficult to tell exactly how much points or miles are worth, but Bankrate’s card reviews provide a clear look at how rewards translate into dollar figures.
Pinning down the best no annual fee rewards card largely depends on your personal preferences and spending habits. But if the general cardholder was looking to earn solid rewards on nearly any purchase without much additional effort, the versatility and cash back rate of the flat-rate Citi® Double Cash Card make it an excellent rewards card with no annual fee. Its 2 percent cash back rate (1 percent when you make purchases and 1 percent when you pay it off) is not only unlimited—it’s one of the best flat rates in the market.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card also earns unlimited, flat-rate 2 percent cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee. Several other cash back rewards cards have stellar bonus category coverage and can grant terrific rewards value without a yearly cost, such as the Capital One SavorOne, Discover it Cash Back, Bank of America Customized Cash and Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
If you're loyal to a particular store or brand, a store rewards card can certainly be worth it. On top of earning potential, many store cards give holders access to exclusive coupons, sales and clearance items. While store cards can be worthwhile, be on the lookout for higher APRs and hidden fees that cut into your earnings.
How does the IRS treat credit card rewards for tax purposes?
If your credit card issuer offered you rewards for making purchases, the IRS considers the rewards to be a form of rebate on the purchases. Thus, the cost of the purchase is reduced and the the rewards are not considered taxable income. However, if an issuer awarded you bonus rewards just for opening an account or for any other reason without requiring any purchase or minimum spending amount to qualify, the value of such bonus is taxable.
What if a card issuer awarded you airline miles?
If they were awarded on the basis of you making purchases, typically frequent flyer miles, then they would still maintain the tax exemption. However, if your issuer awarded you bonus miles for opening a credit card, since you did not have to purchase anything to qualify and therefore are not receiving a rebate, you would have to pay taxes on such reward miles.
Crypto credit cards reward spending, but in lieu of earning cash back or miles on purchases, cardholders are paid in virtual currencies, like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Alternatively, some issuers, like SoFi, Venmo and Brex, are letting select cardholders redeem rewards for crypto alongside more traditional options, like statement credits or cash deposits. If you’re considering these alternatives, remember that cryptocurrency is an investment, and if you’re a virtual currency enthusiast or investor and crypto rewards appeal to you, consider crypto cards that offer the best return on spending and allow you to bypass commission and transaction fees.
Typically, credit card rewards don’t expire for the life of your account. That means your rewards won’t expire as long as you keep your account open and in good standing.
However, make sure to read your rewards program’s terms and conditions carefully since this isn’t guaranteed for all cards. Some issuers may require you to spend the rewards within a certain period (such as within a calendar year of earning them) while others may only require you to make a mall purchase every year to maintain your account. Fortunately, though, many major programs ensure your rewards won’t expire while your account is open and healthy.
Mariah Ackary is a personal finance writer who specializes in small businesses and credit. Mariah is a lifelong writer, but joined the Bankrate team in 2019, excited by the opportunity to help people make good financial decisions. Send your questions to mackary@bankrate.com
Former Senior Editor Barry Bridges has been writing about credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and other personal finance products since 2017. Before joining Bankrate, he was an award-winning newspaper journalist in his native North Carolina.
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