10 Best Rewards Credit Cards
10 Best Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards credit cards are designed to help cardholders earn points, miles, or cashback on their purchases. These cards offer various types of rewards for different spending categories, such as dining, travel, and groceries. Depending on the credit card issuer, the rewards may be in the form of points that can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or even statement credits. Many rewards credit cards offer a higher rate of return on specific categories, such as 3x points on dining or 2x miles on travel purchases, making them an ideal choice for frequent shoppers or travelers.
The primary benefit of rewards credit cards is the ability to earn valuable rewards on everyday spending. Whether you're collecting points for free travel, cashback for saving money, or miles for future flights, these cards provide an easy way to accumulate rewards. Many rewards cards also offer sign-up bonuses, which allow you to earn a large amount of rewards after meeting a spending threshold. Some cards also come with additional perks, such as access to airport lounges, concierge services, and travel insurance. Below is a list of the 10 best rewards credit cards to help you maximize your earning potential.
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers a generous points system for travel and dining purchases. It is popular for its low annual fee compared to other premium cards and strong value for frequent travelers.
2X Points on Travel and Dining: Earn two points per dollar on travel and dining purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Large bonus offer for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay, and primary car rental insurance.
Point Redemption Flexibility: Use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which provides extra value when booking flights and hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Sign-Up Bonus: Large bonus offer for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement.
Travel Protection: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay, and primary car rental insurance.
Point Redemption Flexibility: Use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program, which provides extra value when booking flights and hotels.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers.
Chase Sapphire Preferred CardCheck HereChase Sapphire Preferred Card - - Offers excellent travel rewards with no annual fee for active-duty service members, along with 2X points on travel and dining.
Pros
Great value for travel and dining purchases- Strong sign-up bonus
- Comprehensive travel insurance benefits
Cons
Requires good credit for approval- Lower rewards rate compared to premium cards
- Annual fee applies
Key Features
2X points on travel and dining
Travel protections
Flexible points redemption with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Travel protections
Flexible points redemption with Chase Ultimate Rewards®
Why Is Recommended
This card is recommended for those who want a solid travel rewards card with a relatively low annual fee. It is perfect for individuals who travel occasionally and want to earn points for travel and dining, along with strong travel protections.
2.
American Express® Gold Card
A rewards card designed for foodies and travelers, offering high rewards on dining and groceries.
Rewards: 4 points per $1 on dining, 3 points on flights, 1 point on other purchases.
Dining Credits: $120 dining credit annually, divided between $10/month at select restaurants.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
Dining Credits: $120 dining credit annually, divided between $10/month at select restaurants.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- American Express® Gold CardCheck Here
American Express® Gold Card - - Earn 4x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and 3x points on flights, perfect for food lovers and travelers.
Pros
- High rewards on dining and travel.
- $120 dining credit.
- Flexible redemption options.
Cons
- High annual fee ($250).
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval.
Key Features
Rewards: 4 points on dining, 3 points on flights, 1 point on others.
APR: 20.24% – 27.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $250.
Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 in the first 6 months.
APR: 20.24% – 27.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $250.
Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 in the first 6 months.
Why Is Recommended
Perfect for those who eat out often and travel, providing high rewards rates and travel-related benefits like no foreign transaction fees.
3.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
A travel rewards card that earns unlimited miles on every purchase.
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardCheck Here
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - - Earn 2x miles on every purchase, and use your miles for flexible travel rewards, including flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Pros
- Simple 2x miles on every purchase.
- Big sign-up bonus.
- Global entry/PreCheck credit.
Cons
- High annual fee ($95).
- Limited bonus categories.
Key Features
Rewards: 2 miles per $1 on all purchases.
APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months.
APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 in 3 months.
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for travelers who want simple, straightforward rewards with global travel benefits.
4.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A premium travel rewards card offering high rewards on travel and dining.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 on travel and dining.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Travel Benefits: Includes access to airport lounges and travel protection.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Travel Benefits: Includes access to airport lounges and travel protection.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®Check Here
Chase Sapphire Reserve® - - A premium card offering 3x points on travel and dining, along with luxury travel benefits like airport lounge access and comprehensive travel insurance.
Pros
- 3 points on travel and dining.
- 50,000-point sign-up bonus.
- Travel perks and lounge access.
Cons
- High annual fee ($550).
- Requires excellent credit for approval.
Key Features
Rewards: 3 points on travel and dining, 1 point on other purchases.
APR: 22.24% – 29.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $550.
Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000.
APR: 22.24% – 29.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $550.
Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $4,000.
Why Is Recommended
Recommended for frequent travelers who want premium travel rewards and are willing to pay a high annual fee for luxury perks.
5.
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is a high-end credit card offering a wide range of luxury travel benefits, including access to airport lounges, fine hotels, and exclusive experiences. It also offers Membership Rewards points, which can be redeemed for a variety of luxury rewards.
Membership Rewards Points: Earn points on every purchase, with accelerated earnings on travel-related purchases.
Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including The Centurion Lounge.
Fine Hotels & Resorts: Exclusive perks at over 1,000 luxury hotels, including room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
Concierge Service: 24/7 concierge to assist with dining, travel, and lifestyle needs.
Travel Insurance: Extensive coverage, including trip cancellation, lost baggage, and travel accident insurance.
Lounge Access: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, including The Centurion Lounge.
Fine Hotels & Resorts: Exclusive perks at over 1,000 luxury hotels, including room upgrades, early check-in, and late check-out.
Concierge Service: 24/7 concierge to assist with dining, travel, and lifestyle needs.
Travel Insurance: Extensive coverage, including trip cancellation, lost baggage, and travel accident insurance.
- The Platinum Card from American ExpressCheck Here
The Platinum Card from American Express - - Earn 5x points on flights booked through American Express Travel, plus exclusive travel perks such as VIP airport lounge access and hotel upgrades.
Pros
- High rewards earning rate, especially on travel
- Excellent travel perks and lounge access
- Exclusive access to premium events and experiences
Cons
- High annual fee
- Requires excellent credit
- May not be the best for everyday spending outside of travel
Key Features
Membership Rewards points
Access to premium travel perks (lounge access, Fine Hotels & Resorts)
Concierge services and travel insurance
Access to premium travel perks (lounge access, Fine Hotels & Resorts)
Concierge services and travel insurance
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for frequent travelers who value luxury experiences, this card provides significant rewards for those willing to pay a high annual fee. It is especially recommended for individuals who want elite status and premium perks in their travel lifestyle.
6.
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier® Card is a travel rewards credit card that offers substantial earning potential on travel, dining, and entertainment purchases. It's a great card for those who want to earn rewards on everyday spending while also maximizing benefits for travel-related purchases.
3X Points on Travel: Earn 3 points per dollar on travel purchases, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and more.
2X Points on Dining & Entertainment: Earn 2 points per dollar on restaurants, including takeout, and entertainment, such as concerts and sporting events.
1X Points on Other Purchases: Earn 1 point on all other purchases.
$100 Annual Hotel Credit: Receive $100 in statement credits annually for hotel stays booked through the ThankYou® portal.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for international travel.
Access to Citi Entertainment: Enjoy access to presale tickets and special events.
2X Points on Dining & Entertainment: Earn 2 points per dollar on restaurants, including takeout, and entertainment, such as concerts and sporting events.
1X Points on Other Purchases: Earn 1 point on all other purchases.
$100 Annual Hotel Credit: Receive $100 in statement credits annually for hotel stays booked through the ThankYou® portal.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for international travel.
Access to Citi Entertainment: Enjoy access to presale tickets and special events.
- Citi Premier CardCheck Here
Citi Premier Card - - Earn 3x points on travel (including gas stations), and 2x points on dining and entertainment, making it ideal for versatile spenders.
Pros
- High earning rate for travel, dining, and entertainment
- $100 annual hotel credit
- No foreign transaction fees
- Valuable Citi ThankYou® rewards program
Cons
- High annual fee
- Points redemption can be less flexible than some other programs
- Requires good credit for approval
Key Features
3X points on travel, 2X on dining and entertainment
$100 annual hotel credit
Citi ThankYou® rewards program
No foreign transaction fees
$100 annual hotel credit
Citi ThankYou® rewards program
No foreign transaction fees
Why Is Recommended
The Citi Premier® Card is recommended for those who want to maximize rewards on travel, dining, and entertainment purchases. The generous rewards program and additional travel benefits like the hotel credit make it a great choice for frequent travelers.
7.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
A no-annual-fee rewards card with a focus on travel, dining, and streaming services.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 on travel, dining, and streaming services, 1 point on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
No Annual Fee: Keep the card without an annual fee.
Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
No Annual Fee: Keep the card without an annual fee.
- Wells Fargo Propel American Express CardCheck Here
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card - - Earn 3x points on dining, travel, and streaming services, with no annual fee and a robust sign-up bonus.
Pros
- 3x points on popular categories.
- No annual fee.
- Solid sign-up bonus.
Cons
- High APR (15.99% – 23.99%).
- Limited to US residents.
Key Features
Rewards: 3 points on travel, dining, and streaming.
APR: 15.99% – 23.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $0.
Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000.
APR: 15.99% – 23.99% variable.
Annual Fee: $0.
Bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000.
Why Is Recommended
Great for users who want a high rewards rate on popular spending categories without an annual fee.
8.
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card
A premium travel rewards card offering a strong rewards rate on travel and dining.
Rewards: 2 points per $1 on travel and dining, 1.5 points on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Travel Credit: $100 annual airline incidental credit.
Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Travel Credit: $100 annual airline incidental credit.
- Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit CardCheck Here
Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card - - Earn 2x points on travel and dining, and enjoy benefits like no foreign transaction fees and up to $200 in annual travel credits.
Pros
- High points for travel and dining.
- $100 airline credit.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- High annual fee ($95).
- Requires good credit.
Key Features
Rewards: 2 points on travel and dining, 1.5 points on others.
APR: 18.24% – 25.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 50,000 points after $3,000.
APR: 18.24% – 25.24% variable.
Annual Fee: $95.
Bonus: 50,000 points after $3,000.
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for travelers who want a solid rewards rate and useful travel benefits like the annual airline credit.
9.
US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® CardCheck Here
US Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card - - A top-tier travel rewards card that provides 3X points on travel and mobile wallet purchases, along with a military fee waiver.
10.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card is a cashback card offering high cash back rates on everyday spending categories like US supermarkets, US streaming services, and transit.
6% Cash Back at US Supermarkets: Earn 6% on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at US supermarkets (then 1%).
3% Cash Back on Transit: Earn 3% on taxis, rideshares, parking, public transportation, and US gas stations.
1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases: Earn 1% on all other purchases.
$300 Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $300 after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Intro 0% APR for 12 Months: No interest on purchases for the first 12 months (then 18.24%–29.99% variable APR).
3% Cash Back on Transit: Earn 3% on taxis, rideshares, parking, public transportation, and US gas stations.
1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases: Earn 1% on all other purchases.
$300 Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $300 after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Intro 0% APR for 12 Months: No interest on purchases for the first 12 months (then 18.24%–29.99% variable APR).
- Blue Cash Preferred Card from American ExpressCheck Here
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express - - Earn 6% cashback on US supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), plus 3% on transit and 1% on other purchases.
Pros
- High cash back on groceries and transit
- $300 welcome bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Limited to US supermarkets for 6% cash back
- Requires good to excellent credit
Key Features
6% cash back at US supermarkets
3% on transit
$300 sign-up bonus
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
3% on transit
$300 sign-up bonus
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
Why Is Recommended
Ideal for families and individuals who spend heavily on groceries and transit. The high cash back in these categories and the strong intro bonus make it a solid choice for everyday spending.
Conclusion
Rewards credit cards offer an excellent way to earn valuable benefits for your everyday spending. With the right card, you can maximize your rewards in categories that match your lifestyle, whether that's travel, dining, or shopping. Many of the best rewards credit cards also offer added perks, such as sign-up bonuses, travel protections, and concierge services, making them an even more attractive option. Be sure to compare your options and choose the card that best aligns with your spending habits and goals to make the most out of your rewards.