Rewards cards earn you cash back, points, miles or even cryptocurrencies on your spending, but you’re comparing apples to oranges when you consider the rewards rates in conjunction with their redemption values. The cards below offer the best rewards and redemption rates for most people, but you’ll want to compare the rewards to your own spending habits before choosing the best option for your wallet. Many of these cards also offer welcome bonuses, introductory APRs and other benefits.
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Intro OfferEarn up to $250 – Here’s How: Earn up to $150 back when you shop with PayPal. Earn 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you use your new Card to check out with PayPal at merchants in the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $150 back. Plus, earn $100 back as a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership.
APR18.24%-29.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR18.24%-29.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Our Take
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers particularly high cash-back rates across several major spending categories, particularly for a card with no annual fee. For groceries at U.S. supermarkets, clothes shopping at U.S. online retailers and gas at U.S. gas stations, the 3% cash-back rate is one of the best you’ll find regardless of annual fees (note that you’ll have a $6,000 spending cap per year for each of these rewards categories — after which you’ll earn only 1% cash back.) Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Besides the rewards, this card also offers a very competitive welcome offer and an introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers that can help spare you from interest charges.
For more details, see our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
\n ","topic":"","ttag":"","searchDim":"article-body|listicle|image","variant":"article-body|listicle|image","viewguid":"","event":"listicle|image|2","correlationId":"","_destCat":"https:\/\/oc.brcclx.com\/t\/?lid=26681694&cr=28750&last_updated=1603390343&tid=[subid_value]","productName":"Citi Premier Card","formatType":"IMAGE","location":"LIST","position":2,"sku":"7836","dwLinkTag":"article-body|listicle|image","selector":"#article-body #listicle-1c2fe4af-3d2d-4fc0-aa68-801fd512e9dd .itemImage","shortcodeId":"1c2fe4af-3d2d-4fc0-aa68-801fd512e9dd","shortcodeType":"listicle","vendor":"Citi","manufacturer":"Citi","coupon":"","productPrice":"","quantity":""}}” rel=”noopener nofollow” target=”_blank”>
Best rewards program for a modest annual fee
Intro OfferFor a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
APR20.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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 Fee$95
Balance Transfer APR20.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Late Payment Fee Up to $41
Foreign Transaction Fees 0%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- 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
Our Take
The Citi Premier Card is a points-earning card that encompasses boosted rewards for several popular spending categories for a $95 annual fee. You earn 3x points at gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, air travel and hotels, and 1x points on all other purchases. When redeemed through the ThankYou Rewards portal for a statement credit, points are worth $0.01 each, netting you 3% back at gas stations if redeemed properly.
But you need to be careful in redeeming these rewards, as there are other ways to redeem your rewards that may net a lesser value. Check out the details in our full review of the Citi Premier Card.
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Intro OfferEarn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
APR19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Balance Transfer APR19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%; min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR None
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Our Take
With the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, you don’t need to worry about activating rewards categories, rotating categories or which card gives you the most back. Things are kept simple via a 2% cash rewards rate on purchases — and no annual fee. Most credit cards offer only a 1% blanket cash rewards rate if at all, so you’re in good shape with this card.
If you spend at least $1,000 in purchases on the card within the first three months of account opening, you earn a $200 cash rewards introductory bonus. Yet another perk is 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter).
Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card for more details.
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Best travel rewards card
Intro OfferEarn 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®.
APR19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x on dining.
- 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Annual Fee$95
Balance Transfer APR19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3x on dining.
- 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
Our Take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers the best rewards program of travel credit cards at the $95 price point, particularly if you’re willing to redeem your rewards for travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards is Chase’s online platform where you can book hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more. When you redeem your points for travel through this portal, you’ll get a 25% redemption boost. This means your points would be worth 1.25 cents each, versus 1 cent each if redeemed for a statement credit instead.
Effectively, you can net 6.25% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards (5x points on travel booked through Chase), 3.75% for dining (3x points on dining), and at least 1.25% for other purchases (at least 1x points on other purchases) when redeeming for travel through the platform. You’ll also get other perks you can use for your travel like the welcome bonus, lack of foreign transaction fees and some travel insurance coverage.
For more details, see our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
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Rewards for dining and entertainment
Intro Offer$300 after you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
APR18.99% – 26.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- Earn 3% at grocery stores
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Annual Fee$95
Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer APR18.99% – 26.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR None
- Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services
- Earn 3% at grocery stores
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Our Take
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* boasts a headline rate of 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, which includes bars and restaurants, as well as tickets to movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, tourist attractions, theme parks, aquariums, zoos, dance clubs, pool halls and bowling alleys. But the rewards don’t end with dining and entertainment: You can pick up another 3% cash back on your grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), and 1% on everything else. And as long as you spend $3,000 in the first three months after opening your account, Capital One will give you a $300 welcome bonus.
Read more: Best Restaurant Credit Cards
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A rewarding travel card
Intro OfferEnjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
APR20.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Annual Fee$95
Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer APR20.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee $0 at this Transfer APR
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR None
- 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
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Our Take
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card* offers travelers the opportunity to earn a solid 2x miles per dollar for their purchases, in exchange for a $95 annual fee.
You can redeem your miles for past travel expenses or use them to fund airfare with Capital One’s travel partners. However, the credit card issuer isn’t partnered with many US airlines.
Along with its solid rewards rate and welcome bonus, the card features a number of good travel perks including an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, primary auto rental insurance** and travel accident insurance**. If you’re looking for a travel credit card to add to your wallet, the Venture Rewards is a great option.
**Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.
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A strong choice for eating out
Intro OfferEarn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
APR19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee 3%
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR None
- 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
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Our Take
If you dine out often but don’t want to pay the Savor’s annual fee, consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card*. Cardholders earn 3% cash back for dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Target and Walmart) — making it a strong rewards card for people who like both going out and staying in.
It also features an introductory 0% APR offer for purchases and balance transfers for 15 months before the standard APR of 19.24% to 29.24% (variable) applies. That means you can earn rewards for your purchases and then pay off the balance while it accrues no interest, or use a balance transfer to get rid of some existing credit card debt.
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Intro OfferEarn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
APR18.24%-29.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% on balance transfers for 12 months
Balance Transfer APR18.24%-29.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Our Take
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the best cards to choose if you’re looking to earn a good return on your necessary spending. It provides one of the highest cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets and for select U.S. streaming subscriptions, while still offering strong rewards at U.S. gas stations and on transit. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
It does carry an annual fee of $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), but if you use the card for all of your grocery spending, it shouldn’t be hard at all to cover it. Just $1,600 in U.S. supermarket spending spending annually would net you $96 in rewards. If you take the card’s other bonus categories into account, you’ll earn even more than that.
In addition to its lucrative rewards program, it has a solid welcome offer as well as an intro APR period.
Get all the details in our Blue Cash Preferred review.
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A versatile rewards card
Intro OfferEarn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
APR18.74% – 27.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR18.74% – 27.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 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
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Our Take
There are few cards on the market that offer the level of versatility of the Chase Freedom Flex*. Its rewards cover plenty of ground, featuring both bonus categories that rotate quarterly and static reward categories.
Its earning potential is hard to match by other credit cards with no annual fee. Some past rotating categories include purchases at grocery stores, Amazon and streaming services. The static categories include restaurants, drug stores and travel booked directly through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It even has an introductory APR offer to help you avoid interest charges.
It’s hard not to see the potential value in the Freedom Flex, especially for a card without an annual fee. You can learn more about it in our Chase Freedom Flex review.
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Lucrative for your first year
Intro OfferIntro 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.
APR15.74% – 26.74% Variable APR *Rates as of December 15, 2022
Intro Purchase APR0% for 15 months
Recommended Credit Good/Excellent
- 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.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR15.74% – 26.74% Variable APR *Rates as of December 15, 2022
Balance Transfer Fee 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Late Payment Fee None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41.
Foreign Transaction Fees None
- 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.
- Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
Our Take
The Discover it® Cash Back* has the potential to be highly rewarding, especially during your first year with the card. It offers 5% cash back (on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate, then 1%) for categories that rotate quarterly, but Discover will essentially double the cash back you earn for your first year at the end of your first year with the card.
There’s an introductory APR offer and no foreign transaction fees to worry about. Combined with its strong 5% cash back rate and no annual fee, it’s easy to see why this is a good card to pick.
You can learn more in our Discover it Cash Back review.
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Intro OfferLimited time offer. Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $300 cash redemption value. Offer expires 1/10/2023
APR19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases
- Earn 1X points on other purchases
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
Penalty APR None
- Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus earn 1X points on other purchases
- Earn 1X points on other purchases
Our Take
If you’re looking for a general rewards cards with a $0 annual fee, consider the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. It offers rewards for an impressive spread of purchases, including restaurants, travel, popular streaming services, gas stations and phone plans.
3x points per dollar is a hard rate to beat for a no annual fee card. It doesn’t offer the flexibility of a flat-rate credit card that earns rewards for every purchase, but if you spend a lot within its categories you’ll rake in the rewards. Cardholders can avoid interest charges thanks to its introductory APR offer on purchases, and there’s a few additional perks like auto rental collision damage waiver and cell phone protection.
Read more about it in our Wells Fargo Autograph review.
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A flexible rewards card
Intro OfferEarn $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.
APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% for 15 months on purchases
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 15 months on balance transfers
Balance Transfer APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
Late Payment Fee Up to $41
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- 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.
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Our Take
The Citi Custom Cash card offers more rewards flexibility than most credit cards, combined with one of the best cash-back rates for a credit card with no annual fee.
Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on up to the first $500 spent (then 1%) each billing cycle in your top eligible spend category. Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment. That means if your spending changes from month to month, you’ll still earn the most rewards.
Because of the spending cap, you can only earn $25 each month before the rewards rate drops to 1%. Consider combining it with another rewards card, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash, which earns 2% cash rewards for your purchases.
You can learn more in our Citi Custom Cash Card review.
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Intro OfferEarn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
APR20.24%-27.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 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.
Annual Fee$250
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR See Rates & Fees
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 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.
Our Take
The Amex Gold Card is best for cooks and restaurant aficionados who love to travel. It does have a high $250 annual fee, however, so it should only be considered by people who can get everything out of the card.
That said, the Gold Card does offer a sizable welcome offer and a few annual statement credits to help partially offset that annual fee. And while it does offer a good rewards rate, Amex Membership Rewards points will be more or less valuable depending on how they’re redeemed. For example, redeeming points for statement credits will net you 0.6 cent per point while using them to book flights through American Express Travel will net 1 cent per point.
You can learn more in our American Express Gold Card review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
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Dining and travel perks for a lower annual fee
Intro OfferReceive 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
APR20.24% – 27.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases
- Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee$95
Balance Transfer APR20.24% – 27.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee See terms
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR up to 29.99% APR
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases
- Unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
Our Take
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.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards credit card offers more amenities than most travel cards at its $95 annual fee level.
You get up to a $100 annual credit for qualifying incidental airline fees — like baggage fees or change fees — and an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. However, its rewards rate isn’t too impressive compared to other travel cards.
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Average rewards with good features
Intro Offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
APR: 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit: Excellent, Good
Reward Rates:
-
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 unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Annual Fee: $0
Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The Quicksilver Cash Rewards* card offers mediocre rewards compared to its top competitors but a combination of other benefits make it stand out.
There’s no annual fee, an introductory APR offer and a welcome bonus that shouldn’t be difficult to qualify for. You could even use it as a travel card thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees.
You can read all the details in our Quicksilver Cash Rewards card review.
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A high-end travel card
Intro Offer: 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
APR: 21.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR: N/A
Recommended Credit: Excellent
Reward Rates:
-
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
-
5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
-
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Annual Fee: $395
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
As the cheapest of premium travel cards at a $395 annual fee, the Venture X offers cardholders a suite of rewards, annual travel credits and airport lounge access.
If you’re willing to book your travel through the Capital One Travel booking platform, you’ll best be able to capitalize on the card features. You can earn an annual $300 travel statement credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, as well as flagship rewards rates on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Venture X* also provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges and an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. All in all, there is plenty of value to be had here for travelers who can use everything the card has to offer.
You can learn more about it in our Capital One Venture X card review.
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A top-tier travel companion
Intro OfferEarn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
APR20.74% – 27.74% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent
- Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Annual Fee$550
Balance Transfer APR20.74% – 27.74% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Earn 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 5x total points on flights through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn 3x points on other travel and dining.
- Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Our Take
Another high-end travel credit card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers versatile rewards redemption options and annual statement credits in exchange for a $550 annual fee.
Two of its best features are its 1:1 point transfer rate (1 point:1 partner mile/point) to Chase’s airline and hotel partners and its 50% redemption bonus for redeeming your rewards points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Both paths could yield more than your average rewards redemption rate.
The Sapphire Reserve also includes access to over 1,300 airport lounges across the country, up to $300 in statement credits each account anniversary year for travel purchases and an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. But because of the high cost, this card should only be considered by travelers who can use everything it has to offer.
Learn more in our Chase Sapphire Reserve review.
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A great no-annual-fee travel card
Intro Offer: Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
APR: 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit: Excellent, Good
Reward Rates:
-
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
-
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day.
Annual Fee: $0
Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
The VentureOne Rewards* card suits the infrequent traveler as one of the best travel cards without an annual fee. It provides good rewards and even a handful of perks.
When you use your card, you’ll be covered by travel accident insurance** and auto rental collision damage waiver**. The lack of foreign transaction fees will save you money while abroad, but you’ll earn rewards whether you’re at home or away.
You can find out more information in our Capital One VentureOne Rewards review.
**Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.
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A well-rounded rewards card
Intro OfferIntro 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!
APR18.74% – 27.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- 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
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR18.74% – 27.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 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
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Our Take
The Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a variety of reward categories plus no annual fee, a lucrative welcome bonus and an introductory APR offer.
With a handful of rewards categories, this card can net you a good yield across your spending. Its welcome bonus has one of the highest payouts compared to its spending requirement, too.
You can read more about it in our Chase Freedom Unlimited review.
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A strong balance transfer reward card
Intro OfferN/A
APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Balance Transfer APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
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.
Late Payment Fee Up to $41
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Our Take
The Citi Double Cash offers one of the best rewards rates for a credit card without an annual fee, but it doesn’t offer a welcome bonus like many of its closest competitors.
What it does offer is a good amount of time to pay down a transferred balance from another credit card. A balance transfer is a good way to pay down credit card debt if you’re struggling under high interest charges.
Learn more in our CIti Double Cash Card review.
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Good dining rewards for Delta customers
See Rates and Fees Terms Apply
Intro OfferEarn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
APR19.99%-28.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Our Take
Best suited to Delta flyers who travel at least a few times a year, the Delta SkyMiles Gold offers dining rewards and flight amenities.
It includes an annual $100 Delta flight statement credit every year you spend $10,000 or more with the card, a free checked bag and a 20% in-flight savings, but its strongest features are its competitive rewards rate and lucrative welcome offer. However, the value of your miles will vary depending on how they’re redeemed. Their primary use is to book airfare, so other forms of redemption may not provide the best return.
See if it’s the right card for you by reading our Delta SkyMiles Gold review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
How to choose the best rewards credit card
To choose the right rewards credit card, you’ll first want to look at your spending habits. Where do you spend the most? Choose a credit card that matches your habits..
Next, compare the rewards rates and perks to the cost of the annual fee. You’ll want to make sure the benefits can offset the cost. A card’s welcome bonus, introductory APR and other features may factor into its total value, as well.
If there is a welcome bonus, make sure you can qualify for it through your regular budget. Also consider how you can redeem your rewards. Most rewards cards offer statement credits but there could be other ways to redeem your rewards that will be more lucrative.
Types of rewards credit cards
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common types of rewards cards.
Travel
Travel rewards cards provide a way to turn your rewards – usually earned as points or miles – into trips. They also tend to offer a number of travel-centric perks ranging from expedited airport security, airport lounge access or waiving checked bag fees.
Cash Back
Cash-back credit cards offer a straightforward return on your spending. They usually have fewer redemption options and lower welcome bonuses, but offer a simple approach to credit card rewards. The cash back can be transferred to your bank account or applied to your credit card balance.
Business Rewards
Business rewards cards provide rewards for your business expenses. They typically include perks like free employee cards, spend management tools, or upgrades on business travel.
How to maximize rewards with your credit card
The best ways to maximize your rewards are to use your card where it earns the most and then redeem in the way that provides the greatest per-point value. For example, travel credit cards may offer the highest redemption value for past travel expenses or by transferring rewards to loyalty programs.
Ultimately, you’ll need to pay attention to your card terms to figure out the best way to redeem your rewards, and pay your credit card bill on time and in full so that interest charges don’t eat away at your profit.
Some cash back rewards cards have rotating spending categories where you can earn a higher rewards rate – as high as 5% – but they often have spending limits before rewards fall to 1%. For example, one quarter may include gas stations in the higher reward category and another quarter might include grocery stores.
Is a rewards credit card right for you?
Rewards credit cards can be great for earning a return on your expenses. If you don’t have a credit card that offers rewards for essential spending, your budget may suffer. Similarly, a travel rewards credit card can be a great way to save time and money If you travel frequently.
The important thing when it comes to rewards cards is to let the card improve how you’re already spending without changing your spending habits or spending on unnecessary things to fit the credit card.
How to apply for a rewards card
Follow these steps to apply for a rewards credit card.
- Choose a card that matches your budget and spending habits.
- Follow the appropriate link above to be taken to the credit card issuer’s secure site.
- Fill out the appropriate financial and personal information.
- Use the card responsibly and pay on time.
FAQs
Are credit card rewards taxable?
No, the IRS does not consider credit card rewards as taxable income.
Do credit card rewards expire?
Some credit card rewards do expire. You can find out if yours will by reading the terms and conditions that come with your card.
Can you combine credit card points?
There are credit cards that let you combine points across multiple credit cards in the same family, or brand, of credit cards. But not every credit card will let you do so.
How do you value points and miles to compare cards?
To keep our comparisons accurate and consistent, all point valuations come directly from the issuer. Point valuations may fluctuate over time so past experiences may not necessarily equate to future point valuations.
Is cash back better than points?
While cash back is a more accessible concept, cash back and points both have their strengths and weaknesses. While cash back can be more universally applicable, points are often worth more in value than their cash-back equivalents. Depending on your shopping preferences and plans, you may find points or cash back to be more valuable to you.
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles — with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different — and the designated function of a card.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, click here.
*All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Credit Card, Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex, and Discover it Cash Back has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
