15 Best Rewards Credit Cards

15 Best Rewards Credit Cards: Ever feel like you’re leaving money on the table with your everyday spending? That’s where rewards credit cards step in. If you’re swiping that plastic for groceries, gas, travel, or even online shopping, why not get a little something back? Rewards credit cards let you earn points, miles, or cashback every time you use your card. It’s like being paid to spend—who wouldn’t love that?

The best part is how personalized these cards can be. Love traveling? Go for a travel rewards card. More into dining out and entertainment? There’s a card for that too. From big sign-up bonuses to exclusive perks like airport lounge access or special discounts, these cards are designed to enhance your lifestyle. And yes, with the right strategy, you can rack up rewards worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year.

The trick is choosing the one that fits your spending habits. That’s why we’re diving deep into the 15 best rewards credit cards out there—so you can stop wasting your money and start earning with it.

How Rewards Credit Cards Work

So, how exactly do rewards credit cards dish out those perks? At their core, they reward you for spending—typically in the form of points, miles, or cashback. For example, a card might offer 2x points on travel and dining and 1x on everything else. That means for every dollar you spend on a plane ticket or dinner, you earn 2 points.

These points or miles can usually be redeemed in a variety of ways: travel bookings, statement credits, gift cards, even merchandise. Cashback cards often give you straight-up cash back—either credited to your account or sent as a check. Some cards have rotating bonus categories each quarter (like groceries one quarter, gas the next), while others stick to flat-rate rewards.

And let’s not forget sign-up bonuses. Many top-tier cards offer hefty bonuses (think $200 to $750 in value) after you spend a certain amount in the first few months. Combine that with smart spending, and you’ve got yourself a powerhouse of perks.

Now let’s break down what you should look for before signing up.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fees

The annual fee can be a dealbreaker—or totally worth it. Some rewards cards are free forever. Others charge anywhere from $95 to $695 a year. But don’t panic: higher fees often come with premium benefits like travel insurance, airport lounge access, elite hotel status, or higher rewards rates.

Ask yourself: will the rewards and perks outweigh the fee? If you travel often or spend heavily in certain categories, the answer might be yes. But if you’re more of a casual user, a no-annual-fee card could still offer solid returns without dipping into your budget.

Points vs. Cashback

Here’s the eternal debate—points or cashback?

Cashback is straightforward. Spend $100, get 1–5% back. Simple math. Points and miles, on the other hand, can stretch further—especially for frequent travelers. A single point might be worth more than a penny when redeemed for flights or hotels.

But they also come with a learning curve. You’ll need to understand transfer partners, redemption portals, and point valuations to truly maximize value. If you’re up for the challenge, the payoff can be huge. If not, cashback cards still offer an easy win.

Redemption Flexibility

Can you only redeem rewards through a single portal, or do you have multiple options? Some cards restrict you to their ecosystem, while others let you transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Others allow statement credits, gift cards, or direct deposits.

The best cards give you choice—letting you tailor your rewards to your lifestyle. Flexibility is key if you want the best bang for your buck.

Bonus Categories

Not all rewards are created equal. Some cards reward specific spending like dining, groceries, or streaming services. Others rotate categories every quarter. And then there are flat-rate cards that give the same percentage back on every purchase.

If most of your spending is in one category—say gas or dining—it makes sense to pick a card that gives you extra points there. It’s all about matching your spending habits to the card’s strengths.

15 Best Rewards Credit Cards

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

When it comes to travel rewards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the gold standard for many cardholders. This card offers a robust combination of generous points, flexible redemption options, and premium travel perks—all for a manageable annual fee of $95.

You’ll earn 2X points on travel and dining and 1X on all other purchases. What makes it stand out is the 60,000-point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 within the first three months. When redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, that’s a whopping $750 in travel value.

Another cool perk? Points are worth 25% more when used for travel through Chase. You can also transfer points 1:1 to top airline and hotel loyalty programs like United, Southwest, Hyatt, and Marriott. For frequent travelers who want top-tier value without an outrageous fee, this card is a no-brainer.

2. American Express® Gold Card

If you’re a foodie or a frequent traveler, the American Express® Gold Card should be at the top of your list. This card is tailor-made for people who spend heavily on restaurants and groceries, offering 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 annually).

The $250 annual fee might seem steep, but it’s offset by perks like $120 dining credits (via participating partners like Grubhub and The Cheesecake Factory) and $120 in Uber Cash per year. Plus, there’s a 60,000-point welcome bonus after spending $4,000 in the first six months.

Points are transferable to Amex’s airline and hotel partners, giving you huge flexibility—especially when it comes to scoring free flights or luxury stays. The card also provides strong travel protections and no foreign transaction fees.

3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Simplicity meets power with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You get a flat 2X miles per dollar on every purchase—no categories to keep track of. For a $95 annual fee, it’s one of the most straightforward and high-earning travel cards out there.

The card includes a 75,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which is worth $750 toward travel. Even better? Those miles can be used to “erase” travel purchases from your statement or transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs, including Air Canada, Avianca, and Wyndham.

It also comes with up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, making it perfect for jet-setters. If you love travel and hate complications, this card strikes the perfect balance.

4. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card is a solid contender for anyone looking to earn rewards across a variety of categories. With this card, you’ll get 3X points on air travel, hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets—basically all your core spending areas.

It currently offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which can be redeemed for $600 in gift cards or travel through the Citi ThankYou® Rewards program. You can also transfer points to multiple travel partners including JetBlue and Singapore Airlines.

The $95 annual fee is very reasonable considering the wide bonus categories and the card’s flexibility. Plus, it includes a $100 hotel credit on single-night stays of $500 or more (booked through Citi Travel), which can easily offset the cost.

5. Discover it® Cash Back

For cashback lovers who enjoy rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card is a gem. It offers 5% cashback on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter) and 1% on everything else. Categories typically include groceries, gas, restaurants, and online shopping—basically where you already spend.

What really makes this card shine is the first-year Cashback Match™. At the end of your first year, Discover matches all the cashback you’ve earned—so 5% becomes effectively 10%, and 1% becomes 2%. There’s no annual fee, making it a great starter card or companion card to a travel rewards card.

Even though it doesn’t offer airline miles or hotel points, the value you get in cashback—especially in year one—is hard to beat. Plus, it has strong fraud protection, no foreign transaction fees, and U.S.-based customer service.

6. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

If you’re seeking a no-annual-fee rewards card that still offers premium value, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a top-tier choice. With this card, you earn 3X points on a broad range of categories: restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming services, and phone plans. For everything else, you get 1X points.

It comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus after spending just $1,000 in the first three months—equal to a $200 value. The Autograph℠ card is particularly appealing for everyday spending, thanks to the diverse bonus categories that cover most people’s regular expenses.

The redemption options are flexible, too—you can use points for travel, cashback, gift cards, or statement credits. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees, making it a rare no-fee card that’s also travel-friendly.

With cell phone protection, zero liability on fraud, and access to Visa Signature® benefits, this card gives a lot without charging you a dime annually. It’s a fantastic option for maximizing daily purchases without dealing with complex reward structures.

7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Looking for a card that lets you decide where you earn the most? The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card puts control in your hands. You get 3% cashback in a category of your choice—like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement. On top of that, you earn 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% on all other purchases.

The 3% and 2% categories apply to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, after which the rate drops to 1%. There’s also a $200 online cash rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.

This card becomes even more powerful if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member. Depending on your balance with Bank of America or Merrill, you can earn 25% to 75% more cashback, turning your 3% into up to 5.25%!

With no annual fee, a customizable rewards structure, and extra value for loyal banking customers, this card is ideal for people who want both flexibility and savings.

8. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

For households that spend a lot on groceries, streaming, and transit, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a serious cash-back contender. You’ll earn:

• 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year)
• 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
• 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit
• 1% on all other purchases

That 6% at supermarkets alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually if you max it out. The welcome offer is another plus—you’ll earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.

Yes, the card has a $95 annual fee (waived the first year), but the high-earning potential more than makes up for it if you shop and stream often. Plus, American Express offers purchase protection, return protection, and rental car insurance.

Whether you’re stocking the fridge, binge-watching Netflix, or commuting daily, this card delivers serious value where families spend the most.

9. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Love to dine out and catch a good show? The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is built for entertainment lovers. This no-annual-fee card gives you:

• 3% cashback on dining
• 3% on entertainment
• 3% at grocery stores
• 3% on popular streaming services
• 1% on all other purchases

That’s a lot of 3% categories with no fee attached. Plus, you’ll earn a $200 cash bonus after spending just $500 in the first three months—super easy to qualify for.

What makes it stand out is the entertainment category, which includes concerts, movies, theme parks, and sporting events—perfect for people who love experiences over things.

There’s also no foreign transaction fee, and you can access exclusive experiences through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment. If you want to enjoy life while earning great rewards, this card brings the party without costing a penny annually.

10. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

Here’s a sleeper hit for foodies and streamers: the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. With no annual fee, it offers:

• 4X points on dining, takeout, and delivery
• 2X points at grocery stores, gas stations, streaming services, and transit
• 1X points on everything else

That 4X dining category makes it one of the best no-fee cards for food lovers. There’s also a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, and cardholders get a $15 annual credit for streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and more.

The card includes access to Visa Signature benefits, cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card, and excellent fraud monitoring. Plus, you can redeem your points for travel, cashback, gift cards, and merchandise.

It’s the perfect combo of high-value rewards, lifestyle perks, and no annual cost—a great fit for younger cardholders and anyone who eats out often or subscribes to a lot of streaming services.

11. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a versatile cashback card that rewards both everyday spending and travel purchases—without an annual fee. Here’s what you get:

• 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% on dining and drugstores
• 1.5% on all other purchases

The standout feature? That 1.5% base rate. Most cards only give you 1% on non-bonus categories, so this card is perfect for consistent earners who want slightly more on every swipe. There’s also a $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.

When paired with a Chase premium card (like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve), your points can be pooled and transferred to airline and hotel partners—unlocking greater value through the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.

With no annual fee, great flat-rate cashback, and the ability to boost value through point transfers, the Freedom Unlimited is a must-have for both beginners and seasoned cardholders.

12. American Express Blue Business® Plus

Business owners looking for a simple but powerful rewards structure will love the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card. It offers:

• 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 spent per year (then 1X)
• No annual fee

It’s ideal for businesses that want straightforward rewards without managing rotating categories or complex rules. You also get access to Amex’s valuable Membership Rewards program, where points can be transferred to top-tier airline and hotel partners.

The card also comes with Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend beyond your limit (based on usage, payment history, and other factors), making it incredibly flexible for managing business expenses.

Plus, you enjoy standard American Express business perks like employee cards, year-end summaries, and purchase protection. It’s the ultimate card for freelancers, consultants, and small business owners who want value and simplicity in one sleek package.

13. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

If you’re running a business and spending a lot in key categories like advertising, travel, or shipping, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a top-tier rewards machine. Here’s why:

• 3X points on the first $150,000 spent annually on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and social media advertising
• 1X on all other purchases
• 100,000-point bonus after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months

That sign-up bonus alone is worth $1,000 in travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points can also be transferred to Chase’s travel partners for even more value.

Though the card carries a $95 annual fee, it’s packed with features that offset that easily, including cell phone protection, employee cards at no additional cost, and travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

If your business has significant monthly expenses, this card will help turn those costs into serious travel perks or cashback. It’s one of the most rewarding cards in the business space today.

14. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

If you’re loyal to Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning free nights and elite perks. This card is tailored to travelers who frequently stay at Marriott hotels, and here’s what it offers:

• 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• 2X points on all other purchases
• Free Night Award every year on your card anniversary (worth up to 35,000 points)

There’s also a bonus of 3 Free Nights (each night up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months—perfect for planning that weekend getaway or mini vacation.

Cardholders automatically get Silver Elite status, which means late checkout, priority customer service, and a 10% bonus on stays. You can upgrade to Gold Elite with $35,000 in annual spending.

With a modest $95 annual fee, this card is an excellent value for loyal Marriott customers who want to maximize every hotel stay and earn future nights faster.

15. The Platinum Card® from American Express

If luxury travel is your thing, look no further than The Platinum Card® from American Express. It’s packed with high-end benefits that more than justify its $695 annual fee, including:

• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel
• 5X on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
• 1X on all other purchases

The card features one of the most generous welcome bonuses—currently 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months, often worth over $1,000 in travel.

But where it really shines is the luxury perks: access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, $200 airline fee credit, $200 Uber Cash, $240 in digital entertainment credits, $189 CLEAR® credit, hotel elite statuses, and more.

This card isn’t for casual users—it’s for those who want elite travel experiences and are willing to invest to get them. If you’re a frequent flyer who values convenience, comfort, and rewards, The Platinum Card is your VIP pass to the world.

Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards

Strategic Spending

If you want to get the most out of your rewards credit card, it’s not just about swiping and forgetting. You need a game plan. Start by knowing your card’s bonus categories and making sure you use that card only when you’re shopping in those areas. Got a card that gives 5% back on groceries? Don’t use it at the gas station. Have a travel rewards card? Book flights and hotels with it to earn those sweet extra points.

Think of it like a toolbox—each card is a tool, and you use the right one for each job. If you’ve got more than one rewards card, organize them by category. You could even label them or make a little cheat sheet in your wallet or phone.

Also, keep an eye on quarterly bonus categories. Some cards rotate their high-earning categories, and you’ll need to activate them manually every three months to get the benefit. Don’t leave free money behind just because you forgot to opt in!

Redeem Wisely

You worked hard (or at least swiped smartly) to earn those points, so don’t waste them. The key to maximizing value is understanding how redemption works. For cashback cards, it’s pretty simple: redeem for statement credits or direct deposits. Easy win.

But if you’re using a travel card, take the time to explore the card’s transfer partners or booking portals. Booking travel directly through portals like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Travel often gets you more value—sometimes 25% to 50% more—than just taking a statement credit.

And don’t get caught using your points for gift cards or merchandise unless it’s a killer deal. Those redemptions usually give you less than 1 cent per point, which is like selling your rewards short. Save them for travel, cash, or upgrades that make a real impact.

Combine with Loyalty Programs

Here’s a pro tip: if your rewards card lets you transfer points to hotel or airline loyalty programs, use it! This is how the real magic happens. Imagine transferring Amex or Chase points to partners like Delta, United, Hyatt, or Marriott—and booking luxury stays or first-class flights for a fraction of the retail price.

It takes a bit of learning and effort, but combining your card rewards with loyalty programs can lead to outsized value. Some travelers report getting up to 2 or 3 cents per point on premium travel redemptions.

Also, some credit cards automatically give you elite status in partner loyalty programs. That means things like room upgrades, late checkouts, and priority boarding without spending a fortune. Use your rewards wisely and live like royalty.

FAQs about the 15 Best Rewards Credit Cards

What are rewards credit cards?

Rewards credit cards are those that offer you benefits like points, cashback, or miles every time you make a purchase. Depending on the card, these rewards can be used for a variety of things like travel, merchandise, or even reducing your credit card balance.

How do I choose the best rewards credit card?

Selecting the best rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and reward preferences. If you travel frequently, a card that offers travel rewards, such as miles for every dollar spent on flights or hotels, might be ideal. If your spending is more general, a card offering cashback on all purchases might suit you better. Always consider the fees, the APR, and the bonus rewards while comparing cards.

Are rewards credit cards worth it?

Absolutely, especially if you pay off your balance each month to avoid interest charges. They can be a smart way to earn extra from your regular spending. However, if you tend to carry a balance, the interest might negate the rewards earned, so it’s crucial to assess your spending and payment habits.

Do rewards credit cards come with annual fees?

Many rewards cards do have annual fees, but not all. Some cards waive the fee for the first year as part of a signup promotion. It’s important to weigh the fee against the benefits you’ll gain. Sometimes, the rewards and perks can far outweigh the cost of the fee.

Can I combine points from different rewards credit cards?

Typically, points from different credit card programs cannot be directly combined. However, some rewards programs have partnerships that allow you to transfer points between them, potentially increasing their value. Always check the specifics of your card’s program.

What should I watch out for with rewards credit cards?

Keep an eye on any changes to the terms, like alterations in reward structures or the introduction of new fees. Also, be aware of any minimum spending requirements to earn bonuses or the expiration of points. Staying informed will help you maximize your benefits.

Conclusion

Choosing the best rewards credit card comes down to understanding your spending habits, travel preferences, and lifestyle. Whether you prefer simple cashback, premium travel perks, or flexible point systems, there’s a card out there designed just for you.

From no-annual-fee options like the Discover it® Cash Back and Wells Fargo Autograph℠ to luxury cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the market is full of options to match every need. The key is using them strategically—spend smart, redeem wisely, and take advantage of all those built-in perks.

With the right rewards credit card in your wallet, everyday purchases become opportunities to save, travel, and indulge. Why just spend money when you can make your money work for you?