Interested in adding a new tool to your financial utility belt? There are loads of rewards credit cards to choose fromโbut your pick will depend on your financial goals, spending habits, and credit score.
We've curated a selection of rewards credit cards, ranging from straightforward options to premium choices, whether youโre simply looking for cashback or you want to book a lie-flat first class seat to Asia.
TIME Stamp's best rewards credit cards
Best for beginners
Best for beginners
Chase Sapphire Preferredยฎ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
If youโre just starting your journey into rewards credit cards, thereโs no better gateway than the card_name. There are a few reasons for this.
Most importantly, the points you earn are versatile enough to fit your goalsโno matter what they are. You can cash them out at a rate of 1 cent per point; you can use them to buy travel through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate of 1.25 cents each; you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners (like Southwest and Hyatt) for free flights and accommodations.
The card also offers bonus points for common expenses. Youโll earn:
- 5 points per dollar for travel booked through the Chase Travel Portal (and 2 points per dollar for all other travel).
- 3 points per dollar for dining, streaming services, and online grocery purchases (except with Walmart, Target, and any wholesale clubs).
- 1 point per dollar for all other purchases.
Expenses like groceries, dining, and streaming likely account for the lionโs share of your monthly spending. Receiving a bonus for these purchases can translate into many tens of thousands of points each year.
The cardโs annual_fees annual fee is also very accessible to those apprehensive of rewards credit cards. With ongoing benefits like top-notch travel insurance and a yearly $50 credit for prepaid hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel Portal, youโll find the fee to be easily justified.
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Thatโs equivalent to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travelโ .
Card Rewards:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travelโ .
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit and more.
- Get 25% more value when redeeming points for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travelโ . For instance, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Lost Luggage Insurance
- Complimentary DashPass Access: Enjoy $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for at least one year when activated by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC
Pros:
- Versatile point redemption structure.
- Bonus points for common expenses.
- $50 annual hotel credit.
Cons:
- $95 annual fee.
- No luxury travel perks.
- No introductory APRs.
Best for cash back
Best for cash back
Citi Custom Cashยฎ Card
Credit score needed
Excellent, Good
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate
1%-5% cash back
The Citi Custom Cashยฎ Card is one of the most effortless rewards credit cards in existence. Youโll earn 5% back (on up to $500 in spending, then 1% thereafter) in whichever eligible category you spend the most each billing cycle. This includes:
- Drugstores
- Fitness clubs
- Home improvement stores
- Live entertainment
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Select streaming services
- Select transit
- Select travel
Youโll earn 1% back on everything else.
The genius of this card is that you donโt have to select the category with which you want to earn a bonus; the card will detect your most used expense and automatically bonus it for you.
One important note is that youโre technically collecting Citi ThankYou points (Citiโs travel rewards currency) instead of cash back. You can redeem your points at a rate of 1 cent each in the form of statement credits or direct deposit, but you can also transfer them to valuable airline and hotel partners if you also hold the Citi Prestigeยฎ (not available to new applicants). In other words, the rewards you earn with the Citi Custom Cashยฎ Card can be worth significantly more if paired with the right credit card.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYouยฎ 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 18.74% - 28.74%, 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.
Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travelโ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for โ 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 Cashยฎ Card account per person.
Pros:
- $200 welcome cash back for spending just $1,500 in 6 months.
- 5% cash back in your highest spending category.
- 0% introductory APR for 15 months.
Cons:
- $500 monthly spend limit for 5% bonus, then 1%.
- Foreign transaction fee.
- High balance transfer fee.
Best for No annual fee
Best for No annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimitedยฎ
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate
1.5%-5% cash back
The card_name offers a respectable return for all purchases.
While many cards earn a minimum of 1% back on purchases that fall outside of bonus categories, this card will provide 50% more value. Youโll even receive 5% back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Portal and 3% back for dining and drugstore purchases.
And remember, youโll receive an increased return on all spending (up to $20,000) during your first year. That means youโre effectively getting:
- 6.5% back on travel reserved via the Chase Travel Portal
- 4.5% back on dining and at drugstores
- 3% back on all other eligible purchases
And similar to the Citi Custom Cashยฎ Card, this card actually earns Chaseโs travel rewards currency (Chase Ultimate Rewards points) instead of cash back. Hereโs what that means: If you have a card like the card_name, card_name, or card_name, you can use the rewards you earn from this card for travel at an outsized value. For example, you can convert your points into airline miles or hotel pointsโor you can redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate between 1.25 cents and 1.5 cents (depending on which Chase Ultimate Rewards card you have).
Introductory Offer:
- Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which can add up to $300 in cash back!
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Intro Card Rewards:
- 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travelโ , our top-tier rewards program where you can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
- 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- 3% cash back on all other purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After the First Year or $20,000 Spent Card Rewards:
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travelโ .
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Choose a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards never expire as long as your account is open!
- No annual fee โ Enjoy all the great features of your Freedom Unlimitedยฎ card without paying an annual fee.
- Credit Monitoring โ Keep track of your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- Bonus 1.5% cash back in first year up to $20,000 spending.
- 15 month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- No minimum redemption amount.
Cons:
- Requires good to excellent credit.
- High balance transfer fee.
- Foreign transaction fee.
Best for Premium benefits
Best for Premium benefits
The Platinum Cardยฎ from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Rewards rate
1x-5x points
The card_name is one of the shiniest, heaviest, thickest rewards credit cards you can get.
Itโs got to be thick, for all the benefits crammed into it. This card comes with thousands of dollars in statement credits. And though some are admittedly quite niche, the average cardholder should easily manage to recoup the money spent on its annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees). For example, youโll get:
- Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits.*
- Up to 200inUberCasheachyear(distributedinmonthly15 increments and $35 in December), which can be used for rides or food via Uber Eats.*
- Up to $200 in annual credits toward prepaid hotel reservations made with The Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay) or Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts.
- Up to $100 in credit for the application fee of Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Up to $189 statement credit to offset CLEARยฎ Plus, a program that lets you cut in line at TSA checkpoints.*
- Up to 240digitalentertainmentcredit(upto20 per month for eligible services).
- Up $100 in Saks credits each year.*
- $12.95 monthly statement credit to offset Walmart+ membership.*
For a frequent traveler, many of those credits can be nearly as good as cash. With little effort, you should be able to squeeze more than $700 from the above list.
But thereโs more to the card_name than just statement credits. This card offers the most comprehensive airport lounge access you can find. Youโll receive Priority Pass Select membership*, access to Centurion Lounges, access to Delta Sky Clubs (when youโve got a same-day Delta ticket), and more. Youโll also get access to the exclusive Fine Hotels & Resorts benefit, which provides elite-like benefits such as room upgrades (when available) and free breakfast when staying at fancy hotels.
The card earns Amex Membership Rewards points, some of the most valuable in the travel game. You can transfer them to 20 different airline and hotel loyalty programs. This is handy if youโre not loyal to a single brand. You can convert your rewards into British Airways Avios, Delta SkyMiles, Hilton points, and many more.
*Enrollment is required for some benefits.
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewardsยฎ Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and choose your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Cardยฎ, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Card Rewards:
- 5X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year.
- 5X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Additional Benefits:
- $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resortsยฎ or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases with your Platinum Cardยฎ for services like Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after paying with your Platinum Cardยฎ. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your Platinum Cardยฎ.
- $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 are available to Basic Card Members only. Terms apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership or club membership when you pay with your Platinum Cardยฎ. Enrollment required.
- $189 CLEARยฎ Plus Credit: Get up to $189 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus Membership when you use your Platinum Cardยฎ. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheckยฎ application fee when charged to your Platinum Cardยฎ. Approved Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Cardยฎ. An Equinox+ subscription is required. Enrollment required.
- Global Dining Access by Resy: Unlock exclusive reservations and special dining experiences when you add your Platinum Cardยฎ to your Resy profile.
Annual Fee: $695.
Terms apply.
Pros:
- 80,000 rewards points welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in six months.
- Exceptional statement credit rewards program.
- Elite travel status with Marriott and Hilton.
Cons:
- $695 annual fee.
- Non travel rewards rate is only average.
- Good to excellent credit required to qualify.
Best for Small businesses
Best for Small businesses
Ink Business Unlimitedยฎ Credit Card
Credit score
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate
1.5% cash back
The card_name annual fee annual_feesdoesnโt earn the most rewards of any small business card out there. But it does something that most others donโt: It earns a flat 1.5% back on all purchases. If the bulk of your small business spending falls into categories outside shipping, online advertising, computer hardware, etc., the card_name is a great option for you.
While this card is marketed to be a cash back credit card, it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. And as with its sibling, the card_name, you can receive outsized value for your rewards if youโve got either the card_name, card_name, or card_name. Holding one of these cards unlocks the ability to convert your rewards into Southwest Airlines miles, United miles, and more.
One great benefit that this card offers which is virtually nonexistent on no-annual-fee credit cards is primary rental car insurance. This will save you from paying the exorbitant daily fee for the privilege of being covered by the rental agencyโs in-house insurance. The only catch is that you must be renting the car for business purposes.
Introductory Offer:
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases.
Card Rewards:
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.
- No Annual Fee.
Additional Benefits:
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewardsยฎ.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
- Zero Liability: You wonโt be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Member FDIC
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- No annual fee.
- 0% introductory APR on purchases.
- No caps on rewards.
Cons:
- No bonus rewards categories.
- No intro 0% APR on balance transfers.
- High foreign transaction fees.
Best Airlines card
Best Airlines card
Unitedโ Explorer Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
The card_name is a jack of all trades for those desirous to upgrade their travel experience, both on the ground and in the air.
The card begins enhancing your travel before you even leave the house. Cardholders get more access to Unitedโs โSaverโ award seats (the cheapest ones) than those without the card. This perk is otherwise reserved for those with elite status, and it can potentially save you many tens of thousands of miles during a single trip.
The card even comes with one free checked bag for you and a companion on your reservation. You must pay with the card to receive this benefit. Checked bags cost 30eachway,meaningyouandatravelbuddycouldsaveupto120 per round-trip.
Youโll receive up to $100 in credits to reimburse you for the application fee of Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS. These programs offer varying degrees of expedited airport security. All three allow you to speed through TSA security checkpoints without removing your shoes or jacket. You even get to keep your laptop in your bag.
Once inside security, you can use the cardโs two annual United Club one-time passes to enter a United Club lounge when traveling on United Airlines (or a partner).
The card confers preferred boarding, too. This means youโll be one of the first to boardโguaranteeing youโll have plenty of overhead bin space for your carry-on. And once the plane is in the air, youโll get 25% back on any inflight purchases as long as you pay with your card.
Youโll also be privy to plenty of other worthwhile benefits, including excellent travel insurance and primary rental car insurance. Not bad for a card that charges a annual_fees.
Introductory Offer:
- Limited-time offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $95.
Rewards:
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and Unitedยฎ purchases.
- Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheckยฎ, or NEXUS fees.
- Get 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages, and Wi-Fi purchases on United-operated flights and Club premium drinks when using your ExplorerCard.
Additional Benefits:
- Enjoy a free first checked bag, saving up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms apply.
- Benefit from priority boarding and receive 2 one-time United Clubโ passes each year on your anniversary.
Member FDIC
Pros:
- 0introannualfeethen95 per year.
- Free first checked bag for you and a companion.
- Bonus 2X rewards on United purchases.
Cons:
- Limited redemption options.
- High regular APR.
- Seat limitations on Saver Awards.
Best for Balance transfers
Best for Balance transfers
Citi Double Cashยฎ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Rewards rate
1%-5% cash back
There are other credit cards that offer a longer 0% intro APR window than the Citi Double Cashยฎ Card. However, those other cards become all but useless after that window closes. They donโt collect rewards, and have virtually no useful ongoing benefits.
The annual_fees
(Rates & Fees) annual fee gives you an excellent balance of lengthy 0% APR terms (no interest for 18 months on balance transfers followed by reg_apr,reg_apr_type) and return rate. Youโll earn 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay off your purchaseโeffectively 2% back on all purchases.
Even better, this card earns Citi ThankYou points (which can be redeemed at 1 cent per point) instead of cash. That means if youโve got either the Citi Premier or Citi Prestige, you can convert your rewards into airline and hotel rewards currencies like Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, and Wyndham.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYouยฎ Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travelโ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Pros:
- No annual fee.
- 2% cashback on everything.
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers.
Cons:
- No intro 0% APR on purchases.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- 2% cashback only after paying off the charge.
Best for Students
Best for Students
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Rewards rate
1%-10% cash back
The annual_fees annual fee card_name isnโt just the best student credit card; itโs also one of the best cash back credit cards in general.
Take a look at its almost unbelievable earning rate:
- 10% cash back for Uber & Uber Eats purchases (through Nov. 14, 2024).
- 8% cash back via Capital One Entertainment.
- 5% cash back for hotel stays and car rentals reserved through Capital One Travel.
- 3% cash back on dining, grocery stores (not including Target or Walmart), entertainment and popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back for all other eligible purchases.
Thatโs a wild combination of bonus categories that could capture much of your spending. To boot, the card offers waived foreign transaction fees and statement credits to reimburse the cost of Uber One membership through Nov. 14, 2024.
To open a Capital One student credit card, you must be enrolled in a higher education institution (think an accredited university or community college)โor at the very least admitted with intent to enroll within the next three months.
Once youโve built the credit necessary to open one of Capital Oneโs travel credit cards, such as the card_name, you can even turn your cash back into Capital One miles at a rate of 1 point per cent. You can then transfer these points to airline and hotel partners such as Singapore Airlines, Avianca, and Choice Privileges for free travel.
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmartยฎ and Targetยฎ), with 1% on all other purchases
- Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden 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
- Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
- Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
- Build your credit with responsible card use
- Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
Pros:
- 50welcomecashbackafterspending100 in the first 3 months.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months.
Cons:
- Must pay balance for full rewards amount.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- No intro 0% APR on purchases.
Best for Bad/no credit
Best for Bad/no credit
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Rewards rate
1.5% cash back
If youโre hunting for a credit card thatโll help you build credit, earning rewards shouldnโt be your main concern. The charm of a starter credit card is that those with poor (or zero) credit can be approved. Itโs only a stepping stone to bigger and better things.
Many starter credit cards donโt earn anything from spending. But there are a few exceptionsโthe card_name being the best fit for most. It earns:
- 5% back for hotel stays and rental cars reserved through Capital One Travel
- 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases.
The card does charge a annual_fees annual fee which will eat into your yearly return. But youโll also benefit from the cardโs ongoing benefits such as waived foreign transaction fees and up to six months of free Uber One membership (promo ends Nov. 14, 2024).
The card also reviews your credit usage and considers you for an automatic credit line increase in as little as six months.
You can convert the cash back you earn with this card into Capital One miles, which can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for free travel. But to do it, you must also hold a Capital One miles-earning credit card such as the card_name.
Card Rewards:
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesnโt expire for the life of the account. Itโs that simple
- Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where youโll get Capital Oneโs best prices on thousands of trip options (terms apply)
Additional Benefits:
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you wonโt be responsible for unauthorized charges
- Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
- Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. Itโs free for everyone
- Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and youโre all set
Member FDIC
Pros:
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- 5% back on Capital One booked hotels and car rentals.
- Credit line increase possible after six months.
Cons:
- $39 annual fee.
- No sign-up bonus.
- High variable regular APR.
Best Low interest rewards card
Best Low interest rewards card
Capital Oneยฎ SavorOneยฎ Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Rewards rate
1%-10% cash back
Admittedly, there are credit cards with lower interest rates than the card_name. But for a balance of ongoing benefits and a reasonable APR, itโs the best choice.
Many rewards credit cards donโt offer an interest rate below 20%. This card comes with a reg_apr,reg_apr_type APR, depending on your creditworthiness. Just realize that APR only triggers if you fail to pay your full statement balance each month. If youโre not carrying a balance, it wonโt affect you at all. In fact, if youโre worried about high interest rates, you probably shouldnโt be using credit cards.
The card_name provides a return rate that outpaces most other credit cards:
- 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases (through Nov. 14, 2024).
- 8% back for Capital One Entertainment purchases.
- 5% back on hotels and rental cars reserved through Capital One Travel.
- 3% back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, and for grocery store purchases (except at Walmart and Target).
- 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
The card offers free Uber One membership in the form of monthly statement credits through Nov. 14, 2024.
As with the card_name, this earns cash back that you can convert into travel rewardsโbut you must also have a card that earns Capital One miles (such as the card_name). You can then transfer your rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs that partner with Capital One.
- 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 Walmartยฎ and Targetยฎ), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Pros:
- High bonus rewards rates on several categories.
- No annual fee.
- 50welcomebonusforspendingjust100 in first 3 months.
Cons:
- Highest rewards rates available only through Capital One portal.
- Grocery category excludes superstores like Walmart and Target.
- Streaming category excludes Prime Video.
Best visa card
Best visa card
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
There are a lot of Visa credit cards out there. If youโre looking for the absolute best, youโll have to pay for it. The annual_fees annual fee card_name is a Visa Infinite credit cardโthe highest-tier Visa card you can get.
This particular Visa Infinite card comes with:
- Higher-octane travel insurance than almost any other credit card.
- $300 in annual travel credit when booking airfare, hotels, and more through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus Capital One miles each year (worth at least $100 in travel).
- Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges between Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One Lounges.
As you can see, this card justifies its annual fee better than just about any other Visa card out there.
Its earning rates are noteworthy, too. Youโll earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on airfare booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.
You can use Capital One miles for free flights and hotel stays by transferring to partners such as Avianca, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines. With some strategy, itโs possible to get well over 2 cents per point in value with partners like these.
Introductory 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.
Card Rewards:
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where youโll get Capital Oneโs best prices on thousands of trip 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 and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network.
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and moreโyou can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs.
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection.
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheckยฎ.
Pros:
- 5x or 10x miles on select Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 annual anniversary miles.
- Complimentary Capital One lounge access for cardholder plus two guests.
Cons:
- $395 annual fee.
- Limited options to earn bonus miles.
- Requires excellent credit.
Best for Gas
Best for Gas
Costco Anywhere Visaยฎ Card by Citi
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Rewards rate
1%-4% cash back
The card_name earns 4% back on spending at both gas stations and EV charging stations around the world, up to $7,000 in spending per year (then 1%). Whether you fill up at Costco or somewhere else, youโll get 4%. The only exception is gas purchased at a supermarket, superstore, convenience store, or warehouse club (except Costco). For these purchases, youโll get just 1% back.
The annual_fees
(Rates & Fees) annual fee is valuable for other spending, too:
- 3% cash back with restaurants.
- 3% cash back for eligible travel purchases worldwide.
- 2% cash back for all other purchases from Costco (in-store and online).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Hereโs the catch: You canโt redeem your cash back throughout the year as you can with other cards. Once per year, after your February closing date, youโll have the option to receive a lump sum of cash or spend it on merchandise in-store at Costco U.S. warehouses.
- Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Pros:
- High all around rewards rates.
- Because it has your picture and membership number, the card doubles as a membership card.
- Damage and theft purchase protection and extended warranty.
Cons:
- Must be a Costco member.
- Limited redemption once per year.
- Requires excellent credit.
Best for Points and miles
Best for Points and miles
Citi Strata Premierโ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Whether youโre trying to earn hotel points or airline miles, you need a card that does two things:
- Earns flexible rewards that can transfer to multiple different airline and hotel loyalty programs. This way, you donโt pigeon-hole yourself into a single program. You can convert your rewards into the currency that best suits each travel situation.
- Earns bonus points for everyday spending.
The $95 annual fee does both of these things very, very well. Youโll earn:
- 3 points per dollar on travel and other hotel purchases .
- 3 points per dollar on gas stations.
- 3 points per dollar at restaurants.
- 3 points per dollar at supermarkets.
- 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
That covers the bases for most cardholders. You can get 3x points on nearly everything. And you can convert these points to 16 airline and hotel currencies including Turkish Airlines, JetBlue, and Wyndham. If you know how to wield them, you could receive a value around 2 cents per point (or more).
- Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYouยฎ Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
- Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
- No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Pros:
- 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, and air travel.
- Ability to transfer 100,000 points to another ThankYou account to combine rewards.
- 60,000 point welcome bonus for spending $4,000 in first three months.
Cons:
- $95 annual fee.
- Limited loyalty partner list.
- Card doesn't offer trip delay, trip cancellation, or delayed/lost baggage coverage.
Best for Grocery shopping
Best for Grocery shopping
Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Rewards rate
1%-6% cash back
When it comes to groceries, no other credit card offers a comparable return to the card_name. Youโll receive 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%). The only caveat is that not all stores that sell groceries are considered supermarkets. Superstores, convenience stores, warehouse clubs, and meal-kit delivery services will not qualify for this 6% bonus.
If you were to max out this cardโs bonus potential at supermarkets, youโd earn $360 in cash back each year. However, the card charges a annual_fees (Rates & Fees). Keep that in mind when tallying up your yearly earnings.
The card_name also earns:
- 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% back at U.S. gas stations (youโll earn 1% back at superstores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline).
- 3% back on transit.
- 1% back on all other purchases.
This card even comes with two monthly statement credits: A 7credittoreimburseasubscriptiontotheDisneyBundlecosting12.99 or more per month, and a 10credittowardtheEquinoxfitnessapp,Equinox+(whichcosts40 per month). Enrollment is required for both of these benefits.
Introductory Offer:
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan Itยฎ to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.74% - 29.74%.
Card Rewards:
- 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.
- 3% Cash Back 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 or at Amazon.com checkout.
Additional Benefits:
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card. That's $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferredยฎ Card. Enrollment required. Terms Apply.
Fees:
- Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
- Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
- Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee
Pros:
- Offers 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 spending).
- 250statementcreditafterspending3,000 within the first six months.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months.
Cons:
- $95 annual fee after first year.
- Limited rewards redemptions options.
- Excludes groceries bought at superstores or wholesale clubs.
Best rewards credit cards comparison chart
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| Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYouยฎ Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com> | | |
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Our Methodology
When selecting the top rewards credit cards, we first identified the most popular credit card categories:
- Beginner.
- Travel.
- Cash back.
- No annual fee.
- Premium benefits.
- Small business.
- Hotel.
- Airline.
- Balance transfer.
- Student.
- Bad/no credit.
- Low interest.
- Visa.
- Gas.
- Points and miles.
- Grocery.
In each of these categories, we weighed the highest-performing options against each other to determine which products offered the best mix of return rate, welcome bonus, ongoing benefits, and annual fee. If youโre searching for a credit card in any of the above categories, the best card for you is almost certainly on our list.
From Our Experts: โWhich Card I Useโ
We asked our experts, who write about hundreds of credit cards each year, to tell us which rewards card they rely on. Hereโs what they said.
The Platinum Cardยฎ from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewardsยฎ Points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and choose your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Cardยฎ, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
Card Rewards:
- 5X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points for flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per calendar year.
- 5X Membership Rewardsยฎ Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
Additional Benefits:
- $200 Hotel Credit: Receive up to $200 back in statement credits annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resortsยฎ or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases with your Platinum Cardยฎ for services like Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after paying with your Platinum Cardยฎ. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by the airline to your Platinum Cardยฎ.
- $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 are available to Basic Card Members only. Terms apply.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership or club membership when you pay with your Platinum Cardยฎ. Enrollment required.
- $189 CLEARยฎ Plus Credit: Get up to $189 back per calendar year on your CLEAR Plus Membership when you use your Platinum Cardยฎ. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheckยฎ application fee when charged to your Platinum Cardยฎ. Approved Global Entry members also receive TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Cardยฎ. An Equinox+ subscription is required. Enrollment required.
- Global Dining Access by Resy: Unlock exclusive reservations and special dining experiences when you add your Platinum Cardยฎ to your Resy profile.
Annual Fee: $695.
Terms apply.
The Amex Platinum Card has become my favorite to swipe in recent years, mostly because of the travel benefits. I enjoy lounge access when flying through most major airports and take advantage of complimentary CLEAR enrollment to help me breeze through TSA lines. And when it comes to award travel, the Amex Platinum card can't be beatโoffering points on every purchase that can be transferred to valuable travel partners and redeemed for hotel stays, flights, and even upgrades. While this card has a hefty annual fee, you can easily squeeze that much (and more!) out of the card's benefits each year, especially if you travel.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Introductory 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.
Card Rewards:
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where youโll get Capital Oneโs best prices on thousands of trip 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 and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network.
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and moreโyou can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs.
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection.
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheckยฎ.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is my favorite rewards card because of its everyday earning power, premium travel benefits, and ability to offset its annual fee. It earns an unlimited 2x miles on every purchase, so I use it for everyday purchases without needing to remember bonus categories. If I book travel through Capital One, I can earn up to 10x miles on my reservations. When traveling, I have complimentary access to airport lounges for me and two guests, plus Iโm protected in case my travel plans go astray. And the cardโs $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles easily cover its $395 annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Preferredยฎ Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Introductory Offer:
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Thatโs equivalent to $750 when redeemed through Chase Travelโ .
Card Rewards:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travelโ .
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries.
- 2x points on all other travel purchases.
- 1x points on all other purchases.
Additional Benefits:
- $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit and more.
- Get 25% more value when redeeming points for airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises through Chase Travelโ . For instance, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Lost Luggage Insurance
- Complimentary DashPass Access: Enjoy $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for at least one year when activated by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC
This card offers many different options for points redemption, so itโs great for cardholders who want flexibility. If you travel or stay with any of the partner airlines or hotels, this can be a good way to take advantage of loyalty programs and redeem points directly for even more value.
The Chase Sapphire Preferredยฎ Card is my go-to card when it comes to paying for dining out, online grocery purchases (in my case, Instacart), and streaming services. I also use the card for travel purchases through the Chase portal to earn 5x points per dollar spent. This card gives me access to Chase transfer partners, including options I regularly use like British Airways, Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, and World of Hyatt. It also comes with no foreign transaction fees, making it a stellar card for overseas trips. Benefits like the $50 annual hotel credit through Chase and included travel protections are just icing on the cake for me.
Who should apply for a rewards credit card?
We generally recommend anyone with a credit score below 700 not apply for rewards credit cards. There are two reasons:
- While it is possible to open a credit card with a sub-700 credit score, your chances of approval arenโt nearly as high.
- If your credit score is below 700, you may not yet have demonstrated to yourself a streak of healthy credit habits that indicate youโre ready for a rewards credit card with sky-high interest rates. Rewards credit cards can be dangerous if theyโre used carelessly.
All this to say, if youโve got a good history with credit and youโre confident you wonโt spend beyond your means, you should absolutely open a rewards credit card. Any money you spend that doesnโt offer some sort of return is equivalent to flushing money down the commode.
How to compare rewards credit cards and select the best one for you
To choose the perfect credit card for your situation, there are four big factors to consider.
Pinpoint your goals
Donโt open the first credit card that comes along with an alluring welcome bonus. Figure out what you want it to accomplish for you.
Is your primary goal to earn cash back? Do you want to travel to Europe for pennies on the dollar? Do you have a small business with expenses that you want to sequester from your personal expenses? Do you simply want to build credit? No matter the answer, thereโs a credit card specifically tailored for you.
Assess your spending habits
Youโd be astounded by how quickly you can rack up credit card rewards due to bonus spending categories. Examine your spending to identify the things you spend most on and then open a card that complements those expenses.
If the majority of your monthly spending is restaurants and gas stations, open a card that offers bonus points for those categories. If you spend a lot on utilities and groceries, open a card that earns bonus rewards for those categories. If your spending is all over the place, open a card that earns a respectable flat rate on all purchases.
Weigh the annual fee
Even if your points earning is gangbusters, it hardly matters if itโs negated by an annual fee.If youโre opening a credit card with an annual fee, make sure you can organically use the cardโs ongoing benefits to offset that fee.
For example, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card incurs a $395 annual fee. But it also comes with:
- Up to $300 in annual credit for travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal.
- 10,000 bonus Capital One miles after each account anniversary (worth at least $100 in travel).
- Airport lounge access worth over $400 per year (Priority Pass Select membership and Capital One lounge access).
- Excellent travel insurance.
If you regularly spend at least $400 per year on travel, you can quite effortlessly negate the Capital One Venture X annual fee. Then you can enjoy the cardโs other benefits and earning rates for effectively zero cost.
Submit realistic applications
If your credit score is in the low 500s, applying for a premium rewards credit card will all but guarantee a rejection letter. Donโt apply outside your league; instead, spend time cultivating your credit score and wait to apply for that tantalizing stainless steel card a little later.
Alternatives to rewards credit cards
There are more ways than just credit cards to earn rewards.
For example, some debit cards give you the ability to earn cash back for your spending (though youโll have a tough time finding anything more generous than 1%). If youโre not ready to enter the world of credit just yet, a rewards debit card can be a good substitute.
Alternatively, you could open a high yield checking and/or savings account. Itโs not difficult to receive as much as 4% APY just for parking your money in the right account. You can even earn travel rewards with Bask Bank, which awards American Airlines miles instead of cash back.
Finally, you can search for banks that are offering welcome bonuses for opening checking or savings accounts and completing various steps. Youโll occasionally stumble upon a bonus of several hundred dollars.
TIME Stamp: Choose a card that fits your lifestyle
The right rewards credit card can mean the difference between a Red Roof Inn and a five-star hotel on your next vacation. It can also mean hundreds of dollars in cash back each year. Other perks can include free grocery delivery, discounts with your favorite restaurants, exclusive access to sought-after music and sports events, and more.
Your credit card will work the hardest if you open one that fits perfectly with your lifestyle. For example, it rewards you for your everyday spending. And its statement credits reimburse you for purchases you planned to make, anyway.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Pros and Cons of rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards are an easy way to earn cash back or travel rewards. They often come with enormous welcome bonuses. And itโs not difficult to earn hundreds of dollars simply by optimizing your credit card strategy to match your spending.
The big downside of rewards credit cards is their offensively high APR. By carrying a balance month-to-month, you could quite easily negate any rewards you earn on spending. And if you let your balances get out of control, your cards can become extremely difficult to pay off.
Do credit card rewards expire?
Credit card rewards such as cash back, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles donโt expire as long as you hold a card that earns these points.
However, cards that accrue airline miles or hotel points may expire, depending on the loyalty program. For example, Hilton Honors points expire after 24 consecutive months with no account activity. But you can extend this expiration simply by swiping your Hilton card and earning even a single point every 24 months.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
In general, credit card rewards arenโt taxable. Theyโre considered a rebate instead of income.
But there are known to be exceptions. For example, if you refer a friend to a credit card and receive rewards, the IRS will likely send you a 1099-MISC form.
On the other hand, some credit cards can also be valuable tools for those who prepare their own tax services, helping them save more money during tax season.
What are the most popular rewards programs?
Cash back is far and away the most popular rewards โprogram.โ
For those interested in free travel, the most popular rewards programs are Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, and Capital One miles. These programs allow you to convert your points to many different airline and hotel programs. Thatโs great if youโre not sure what your upcoming travel plans will entail.
The information related to Citi Strata Premierโ Card has been collected by TIME Stamped and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
The information related to Citi Custom Cashยฎ Card has been collected by TIME Stamped and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.