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Whether you seek to earn rewards at the grocery store, for online shopping, for paying rent or for something else, we can help. The best credit card for you will depend on your spending patterns, what redemption options you need — cash back vs. transferring points to travel partners, for example — and whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee. We’ve analyzed a broad swath of rewards credit cards, from a variety of issuers, to curate a list of the very best.

Editor’s Note: This article contains updated information from a previously published story.

Best rewards credit cards

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card  has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Why trust our credit card experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 50+ cards analyzed.
  • 8 data points considered.
  • 5-step fact-checking process.

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Apply Now
On Wells Fargo’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.

20,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
  • No annual fee.
  • Introductory APR period on purchases.
Cons
  • Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
  • Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
  • Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with a generous rewards program likely to entice commuters — particularly those who use transit services — as well as foodies. It’s somewhat light on benefits, but for no annual fee, there’s a lot to love about the Autograph.

Card Details

  • Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
  • Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best rewards credit cards of March 2024

Best cash-back card for businesses

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Earn up to $750 bonus cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.49% – 24.49% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • Rich rewards rate in areas where businesses are likely to spend the most.
  • Employee cards at no additional cost.
Cons
  • There’s a foreign transaction fee.
  • Bonus categories are capped at $25,000 in spending each account anniversary year.
  • Lackluster rewards outside of bonus categories.
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card earns exceptional cash-back rewards on typical office spending categories and strong rewards in other areas, too. Add in a big welcome bonus, plus travel and purchase coverages and you’ve got a top-notch small business card.

Card Details

  • Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
  • With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC

Best for travel rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

22.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(750 – 850) Excellent
Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining. Earn 1x points on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Up to $300 annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select lounge access.
  • Redeem points for 50% more value to book travel through Chase Travel.
  • Transfer points 1:1 to partners such as United Airlines and World of Hyatt.
Cons
  • High annual fee.
  • Not ideal if you aren’t interested in transferring points.
  • May not qualify if you’ve applied for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve is one of the most premium travel credit cards available. It charges a hefty annual fee, but in exchange comes with an up to $300 annual travel credit, a top-notch list of travel partners you can transfer points to, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required) and a long list of travel benefits and protections.

Card Details

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
  • Member FDIC

Best for travel rewards on a budget

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x points on dining and 2x points on all other travel purchases, plus more.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
  • $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
  • Valuable travel protections.
Cons
  • $95 annual fee.
  • Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
  • Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership® Rewards and Citi ThankYou®.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred may not have a premium fee but it comes packed with enough benefits to stand tall in a crowded field of travel cards. It earns rewards at generous rates on travel purchased through Chase and on dining, and offers the same lineup of transfer partners as the more expensive Chase Sapphire Reserve®, plus a robust selection of travel protections.

Card Details

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC

Best for renters

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Bilt World Elite Mastercard®
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On Bilt’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

N/A

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

See terms

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
1x on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company). 3x points on dining. Plus, 1x points on other purchases. Use the card 5 times to earn points each statement period.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Earns rewards on rent payments.
  • No transaction fee for paying rent by credit card.
  • No annual fee or foreign currency conversion fee.
Cons
  • You must make five transactions per billing period to earn rewards.
  • No welcome bonus or intro APR period.
  • Restrictive definition of what counts as a travel purchase.
The no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard earns elevated rewards rates on dining and travel, lets you transfer those points 1:1 to multiple airline and hotel partners and offers a slew of helpful travel perks, like an auto rental collision damage waiver and cellphone protection.

Card Details

  • $0 annual fee
  • Earn 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel (when booked directly with an airline, hotels, car rental agencies, and cruise lines), 1x points on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year) and 1x points on other purchases
  • Earn double points on the first of the month (i.e. 6X points on dining, 4X on travel and 2X on other purchases; except rent)
  • Earn points when you make 5 transactions that post each statement period
  • Cellular Telephone Protection
  • Purchase Security (theft and damage protection)
  • Concierge Service
  • Lyft Credits
  • No foreign currency conversion fee
  • Rewards & benefits terms
  • Select ‘Apply Now’ to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions.

Best for dining and restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

Partner Offer
American Express® Gold Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 60,000 points

Annual Fee

$250

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.; Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Up to $240 in combined credits for Uber Cash and on select dining.
  • High rewards rate on restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and travel.
  • Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
  • $250 annual fee.
  • Minimal travel perks.
  • Complex rewards structure.
If eating and travel are your priorities, the American Express® Gold Card could be ideal for you for its generous rewards on spending in those areas. Plus it comes with valuable perks that could offset the annual fee, if fully maximized.

Card Details

  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
  • Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
  • Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $250.
  • Terms Apply.

Best for groceries at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Partner Offer
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earn $250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

19.24%-29.99% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; Earn 3% cash back on transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and at U.S. gas stations; Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Earns generous cash back in numerous categories.
  • Intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
  • Ongoing annual fee.
  • Annual spending cap on elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Redemptions are only in the form of statement credits.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers one of the highest cash-back rates for groceries at U.S. supermarkets you’ll find (subject to an annual spending cap). You’ll strong rewards rates on select streaming services, at U.S. gas stations and on other transit purchases. Heavy spenders can easily recoup the card’s annual fee.

Card Details

  • 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.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® 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.
  • Low Intro APR: 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 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 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.
  • 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 Preferred® 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 Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.

Best companion rewards card

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash® Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On Citi’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

$200 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Fair, Good, Excellent
5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle. All other purchases will earn 1% cash back.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • No annual fees.
  • Easy-to-redeem cash-back rewards.
  • Introductory APR period.
Cons
  • Charges foreign transaction fees.
  • There’s a balance transfer fee.
  • Limited cash-back reward categories.
The Citi Custom Cash Card is an ideal choice for those who spend a lot in at least one or more of the bonus spending categories offered on the card, which includes restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

Card Details

  • 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 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

Best rewards credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠

*

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Chase Freedom Flex℠
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening,

$200 bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.24% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Generous cash-back potential if you maximize rotating categories.
  • Can pool rewards with a premium Ultimate Rewards®-earning card.
  • Low intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
  • Rotating categories must be activated quarterly.
  • Not all rotating categories will be a good fit for every cardholder.
  • Takes work to track the various rewards categories.
The Chase Freedom Flex charges no annual fee, earns cash back in a wide variety of categories and offers a generous welcome bonus. It also comes with low intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers. Last, but not least, Chase lets you redeem rewards in a variety of ways — including transferring them to a premium Ultimate Rewards®-earning card and enjoying 25% to 50% more value for travel bookings via Chase’s portal.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. There is an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. Then the fee is the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer.
  • Perks and benefits: Cellphone protection of up to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency services, purchase protection and extended warranty.

Best for cash back

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card

*

The information for the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

N/A

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

17.49% – 27.49% variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(750 – 850) Excellent Credit
Those eligible for Tier 1 Rewards earn 2.5% cashback on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases per billing cycle and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other qualifying eligible purchases. Those eligible for Tier 2 Rewards earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all qualifying eligible purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Exceptional flat cash-back rate if you qualify.
  • No category restrictions.
  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Cons
  • Rewards cap on the highest cash-back rate.
  • No welcome bonus.
  • No introductory APR period.
The Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card * The information for the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. earns an exceptional flat cash-back rate on every purchase for customers who qualify, up to a monthly spending cap. It does require you to join a credit union and jump through hoops, but this card is a powerhouse for those willing and able to maximize its rewards program.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 spent each billing cycle with qualifying accounts and all other purchases earn 1.5%.
  • Welcome bonus: None.
  • APR: 17.49% to 27.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer applies.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • Perks and benefits: Purchase security, travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, extended warranty protection.

Best for households

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card

*

The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

Get a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 6% cash back each quarter on combined eligible purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit); Earn 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit); Earn 1.5% cash back on everything else; Plus, earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • 6% cash back often beats what several retailer’s own co-branded credit cards earn.
  • Wide selection of merchants to choose from for the 6% categories.
  • The annual fee is waived your first year with the card.
Cons
  • After the first year, $95 annual fee.
  • Quarterly caps on 6% and 3% cash-back earnings.
  • No intro APR period.
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Card is a rewards powerhouse. It lets you choose two retailers from a long list of popular names to earn those big rewards, including companies like as Amazon.com, Chewy.com and Walmart.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Rewards: 6% cash back each quarter on combined purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit), 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center, 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit) and 1.5% cash back on everything else.
  • Welcome bonus: $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 120 days of account opening.
  • APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either 3% of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each foreign transaction.
  • Perks and benefits: Visa Signature Concierge, purchase security, return protection and extended warranty.

Best for Amazon shopping

Prime Visa

*

The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Prime Visa
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

As a Prime member, get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account’s Gift Card Balance upon approval of your credit card application.

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Annual Fee

$0 with Prime membership

Regular APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% Back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Generous rewards rate on Amazon purchases.
  • No minimum redemption for cash back.
  • Doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fee.
Cons
  • Requires an Amazon Prime membership.
  • Rewards are just OK for purchases outside Amazon and Whole Foods.
  • Welcome bonus is low compared to some competing cards.
If packages from Amazon.com flow to your door faster than the Amazon River itself moves, this might be the right rewards credit card for you. It does require a Prime membership, but for those who are already avid Prime shoppers, this card’s generous cash-back program makes it worth adding to your wallet.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0 with Prime membership.
  • Rewards: 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: $100 Amazon gift card for Prime members upon approval.
  • APR: This card does not offer traditional 0% intro APR periods. However, cardholders may be eligible to choose a 0% APR period where they make equal monthly payments ranging from six to 18 months on qualifying purchases of $50 or more. After that a variable APR of 19.49% to 27.49% applies. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 4% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • Perks and benefits: Visa Signature Concierge, extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance and the option for promotional financing (without rewards) on purchases of $50 or more.

Best for Costco shopping and gas

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

*

The information for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

N/A

N/A

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% (Variable)

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(750 – 850) Excellent
Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter; Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; Earn 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • Good rewards rates on Costco purchases, gas, restaurants and travel.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
  • You must keep your Costco membership open.
  • Rewards can expire.
  • 4% cash-back rate on gas has an annual cap.
If you already pay for an annual Costco membership, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is practically essential for households who love a good deal, especially since there’s no annual fee. Plus, the card offers an impressive cash-back rate on gas purchases worldwide — even at most non-Costco gas stations.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $0 (with paid Costco membership).
  • Rewards: 4% cash back on gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 per year then 1%, 3% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com and 1% cash back on all other purchases. A Costco membership is required to apply.
  • Welcome bonus: None.
  • APR: 20.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers must be completed within two months from account opening and a fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • Perks and benefits: Damage and theft purchase protection, access to concerts, sporting events and more with Citi Entertainment.

Best rewards for students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Discover it® Student Cash Back
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Rates & Fees / Terms Apply
Apply Now
On Discover’s Secure Website

Welcome Bonus

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Cashback Match

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Fair, New to Credit
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Elevated cash back in rotating categories (upon activation, up to the quarterly maximum).
  • Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Cons
  • Elevated cash back limited to a quarterly cap of $1,500 in spending.
  • Must activate bonus categories each quarter to earn the elevated rewards rate.
  • Other purchases earn minimal rewards.
Students looking to build their credit history while earning rewards on their spending should consider the Discover it® Student Cash Back. It offers generous rewards and no credit score is needed to apply.

Card Details

  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.

Best for hotel rewards

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

*

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.

Earn 175,000 points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

20.99% – 29.99% variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 14X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants; Earn 3X points on other eligible purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • High rewards rates on Hilton bookings, flights and dining.
  • Annual credits and complimentary Diamond status.
  • A free night each calendar year with the potential to earn two additional nights after required spend.
Cons
  • High $550 annual fee.
  • Hilton points often have a lower redemption value than competing programs.
  • May require significant effort to take advantage of the annual credits.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express offers many perks and benefits for travelers seeking a premium hotel card and luxury travel experience. Though the annual fee is fairly steep, the benefits and rewards from this card are stellar for those who frequent hotels within the Hilton portfolio, fly regularly and spend heavily on dining out.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $550.
  • Rewards: 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
  • Perks and benefits: Complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond status, annual free night reward with the opportunity to earn a second free night after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year and an additional night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to $400 in statement credits (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) for eligible purchases through participating Hilton resorts, up to $200 airfare statement credit (up to $50 per quarter) on flights booked directly with airlines or via amextravel.com, up to $100 in property credit when you book a two-night minimum stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts or Conrad Hotels & Resorts, (enrollment required for select benefits).
  • APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for airline rewards

Aeroplan® Credit Card

*

The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Aeroplan® Credit Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

21.74% – 28.74% Variable

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, and Air Canada directly; Earn 1x points for each dollar spent on all other purchases.

Editor’s Take

Pros
  • Ability to spend your way to elite status is rare for a card at the $95 price point.
  • Generous rewards on everyday spending categories.
  • Discounts on award tickets.
Cons
  • Aeroplan charges high redemption rates on some award tickets compared to other Star Alliance carrier rates.
  • The annual fee may be hard to justify for those who don’t regularly fly Aeroplan to take advantage of the airline-specific perks.
The Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers generous rewards on everyday spending categories like dining and groceries. Beyond earning points, spending with this card helps you earn and maintain elite status.

Card Details

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
  • Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0.
  • Perks and benefits: Aeroplan 25K status through the rest of the calendar year and next. Maintain status with $15,000 spent in a calendar year. Existing status holders can upgrade to 35K status with $50,000 in spending per calendar year, first checked bag free for cardmember and up to eight travel companions, $100 Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS application fee credit every four years, preferred pricing on award flights, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, secondary auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection.

Compare the best rewards credit cards

Credit Card
Credit score
Best For
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best cash-back card for businesses
$0
Earn up to $750 bonus cash back  

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Excellent (750 – 850)
Best for travel rewards
$550
60,000 bonus points  

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for travel rewards on a budget
$95
60,000 bonus points  

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for renters
$0
N/A  

N/A

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for dining and restaurants
$250
Earn 60,000 points  

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for groceries at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Earn $250  

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Fair, Good, Excellent
Best companion rewards card
$0
$200 cash back  

Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best rewards credit card
$0
$200 bonus  

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening,

Excellent Credit (750 – 850)
Best for cash back
$0
N/A  

N/A

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for households
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
$250  

Get a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for Amazon shopping
$0 with Prime membership
$100 Amazon Gift Card  

As a Prime member, get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account’s Gift Card Balance upon approval of your credit card application.

Excellent (750 – 850)
Best for Costco shopping and gas
$0
N/A  

N/A

Fair, New to Credit
Best rewards for students
$0
Cashback Match  

INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for hotel rewards
$550
Earn 175,000 points  

Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for airline rewards
$95
Earn 60,000 bonus points  

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best credit union rewards card
$49
35,000 bonus points + Amazon Prime  

Earn 35,000 bonus points (a $350 value) when you spend $3,500 within 90 days of opening your account. Plus, you’ll also get a free year of Amazon Prime® (a $139 value). Offer ends Apr. 30, 2024.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best rewards credit cards of March 2024
Best cash-back card for businesses: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Why this card made the list

With a generous cash-back program rewarding spending in common business categories, useful benefits such as primary rental car insurance (when renting for business purposes), an intro APR period on purchases and no annual fee, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a lot to love. Plus, get employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits.

Redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards and more via Chase Ta.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year, 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: $350 after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable APR of 18.49% to 24.49% applies to purchases and balance transfers. There’s a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Best for travel rewards: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Why this card made the list

As one might expect from a premium travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® charges a hefty annual fee, but comes bursting with benefits including an up to $300 annual travel credit, a top-notch list of travel loyalty partners you can transfer points to 1:1 like United Airlines and World of Hyatt, the ability to redeem points for 50% more value for travel bookings made via the Chase Travel portal and a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (enrollment required).

Plus, enjoy a robust lineup of travel protections such as primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance and more.

  • Annual fee: $550.
  • Rewards: 5 points per $1 on flights and 10 points per $1 on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠ after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3 points per $1 on other travel and dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0.
  • APR: 22.49% to 29.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Best for travel rewards on a budget: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why this card made the list

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are a valuable rewards currency for anyone interested in award travel. However, not everyone wants to pay $550 a year to carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. That’s where the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card comes in. In some ways, it might seem like a slimmed-down version of the Reserve — but for a much easier-to-stomach $95 annual fee, the Preferred still packs a lot of value.

Benefits include 25% more value per point on travel bookings made through Chase Travel, access to the same transfer partners (and the same 1:1 transfer rate) as the Sapphire Reserve, a $50 annual hotel credit for bookings made through Chase Travel, plus travel protections including primary rental car insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0.
  • APR: 21.49% to 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Best for renters: Bilt World Elite Mastercard®

Why this card made the list

Paying rent by credit card typically involves a transaction fee. But what if you could pay rent by credit card without that transaction fee, earn rewards for doing so and get access to a stellar list of airline and hotel transfer partners that points transfer to at a 1:1 rate?

With the Bilt World Elite Mastercard®, you can have all of the above. You also have the option of using your Bilt points to book travel in the Bilt portal at a value of 1.25 cents each. Getting this card is ideal for anyone who rents and wants to earn points that can be redeemed for award travel.

Plus, the card comes with useful perks including an auto rental collision damage waiver, trip delay reimbursement and trip cancellation and interruption protection. However, beware that you must use the card at least five times per billing period in order to earn rewards.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 1 point per $1 on rent payments without a transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each year), 2 points per $1 on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), 3 points per $1 on dining and 1 point per $1 on other purchases. At least five transactions must be made per statement period to earn these rewards.
  • Welcome bonus: None.
  • Foreign currency conversion fee: None.
  • APR: See terms for current APR. A balance transfer fee of up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5 applies.
Best for dining and restaurants: American Express® Gold Card

Why this card made the list

The American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, rates & fees) may charge a high annual fee compared to some other cards on this list, but foodies will salivate over the generous rates at which you can earn American Express Membership Rewards® points for eligible dining and grocery purchases at U.S. supermarkets.

Plus, if you take full advantage of the up to $120 annual dining statement credit (enrollment required, valid at partners such as The Cheesecake Factory, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations) and the up to $120 yearly in Uber Cash (for purchases in the U.S.; card must be added in Uber account to receive benefit), you’ve already almost offset the amount of the annual fee anyway.

  • Annual fee: $250.
  • Rewards: 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR.
Best for groceries at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Why this card made the list

For a reasonable annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees) earns a generous cash-back rate at U.S. supermarkets (up to the annual spending cap) and on select streaming services. Plus, the cash-back rate you’ll earn at U.S. gas stations and on transit is the icing on the cake.

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • 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 and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Welcome bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers requested in the first 60 days, then a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99%. A balance transfer fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, applies.
Best companion rewards card: Citi Custom Cash® Card

Why this card made the list

The Citi Custom Cash® Card comes with a unique rewards program — the card will automatically detect where you spend the most from a list of eligible categories, and will earn 5% cash back on purchases in a top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent each month and 1% cash back on all other purchases, so it doesn’t make sense for the Custom Cash to be the card you put the bulk of your spending on.

But if you use another card as your daily driver and keep the Custom Cash on hand for one of the categories eligible for the elevated cash back, that’s where this no-annual-fee rewards card will truly shine. Plus, if you use both the Citi Custom Cash and the Citi Double Cash® Card, you can combine the rewards earned with both cards into one pool for easier redemptions.

Categories eligible for the elevated earnings on the Custom Cash (up to the monthly spending cap) include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 5% cash back on purchases in a top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent each month and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: $200 cash back, in the form of 20,000 ThankYou points, after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 3%.
  • APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and from the date of the first transfer for balance transfers within the first four months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% to 29.24%. There is a balance transfer fee of 5% of each balance transfer with a $5 minimum.
Best rewards credit card: Chase Freedom Flex℠ *

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers powerful rewards-earning potential for anyone willing to make the effort of activating a new rotating category every quarter. Plus, while this is marketed as a cash-back card, rewards are earned as points with each point worth 1 cent. If you pair the Flex with a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards® card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can redeem points for travel in the issuer’s portal for more value or transfer them to travel partners.

Cardholders also enjoy useful benefits including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, cell phone protection, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. There is an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. Then the fee is the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer.
Best for cash back: Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card *

The information for the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

If you’re just looking to earn the most cash back possible on your spending, without having to track categories, the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card * The information for the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is an excellent choice for those who don’t mind jumping through a few hoops. To qualify for the highest rewards rate — Tier one — you must be a member of Alliant Credit Union and have an Alliant High-Rate Checking account, opt in to receive eStatements, receive at least one electronic deposit to the checking account per month and maintain an average daily balance of $1,000 or more. Those who can tick all those boxes will be richly rewarded with simple and generous cash-back rewards.

The card also comes with some useful benefits such as personal identity theft protection with reimbursement up to $5,000, purchase security, extended warranty protection and more.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 2.5% cash back on up to $10,000 spent each billing cycle with qualifying accounts and all other purchases earn 1.5%.
  • Welcome bonus: None.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: 17.49% to 27.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer applies.
Best for households: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card *

The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. does something almost unheard of — it offers the opportunity to earn cash back at various popular merchants at a higher rate than you’d earn when using the merchant’s store card. For someone looking to maximize their cash-back rewards, that’s a pretty powerful value proposition. It’s true the card charges an annual fee after the first year, but you can recoup that by spending at least $1,585 on purchases in the 6% category.

Eligible retailers for the highest earning rate include Amazon.com, Best Buy, Chewy.com, Home Depot, Ikea, Lowe’s, Target and Walmart. Just be aware you must make three enrollments per quarter — two for your 6% retailers and one for your 3% category to qualify for the highest rates.

  • Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Rewards: 6% cash back each quarter on combined purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit), 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center, 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit) and 1.5% cash back on everything else.
  • Welcome bonus: $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 120 days of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each foreign transaction.
  • APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either 3% of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, applies.
Best for Amazon shopping: Prime Visa *

The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

If you’re a devoted Amazon Prime member who uses the online giant for everything from streaming to groceries to books (yes, they still sell those), why not earn rewards at a generous rate. Getting the Prime Visa * The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. is a no-brainer for those who “Amazon it” on the regular, especially with no annual fee other than the required Prime membership.

You also get a very robust list of benefits for a no-annual-fee credit card, including baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, extended warranty, purchase protection and more. If you don’t want to pay the fee for a Prime membership but still want to earn rewards (at a lower rate) on your Amazon shopping, Chase also issues the non-Prime Amazon Visa * The information for the Amazon Visa has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. which you might consider as an alternative.

  • Annual fee: $0 with Prime membership.
  • Rewards: 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: $100 Amazon gift card for Prime members upon approval.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: This card does not offer traditional 0% intro APR periods. However, cardholders may be eligible to choose a 0% APR period where they make equal monthly payments ranging from six to 18 months on qualifying purchases of $50 or more. After that a variable APR of 19.49% to 27.49% applies. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 4% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Best for Costco shopping and gas: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi *

The information for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

Is your perfect shopping trip making a Costco run for bulk groceries and toiletries, picking up one of the famous Costco rotisserie chickens for dinner and hitting the gas station on your way home to fill up the tank? If so, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi * The information for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. just might be the rewards credit card you need. You’ll earn generous rewards, and there’s no annual fee other than the required Costco membership.

But be aware cash back is only disbursed once per year — after your February billing statement closes — in the form of a reward certificate that you can redeem for cash or merchandise at Costco warehouses in the United States.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 4% cash back on gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 per year then 1%, 3% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com and 1% cash back on all other purchases. A Costco membership is required to apply.
  • Welcome bonus: None.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: 20.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfers must be completed within two months from account opening and a fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Best rewards for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back

Why this card made the list

With no credit score required, no annual fee and a generous cash-back program, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a top-notch pick for college students who want to establish credit history. Activity is reported to the three major consumer credit bureaus, so as long as you pay on time and keep your utilization low, this card can help you build good credit. Just remember you must activate a new category each quarter or you won’t earn elevated cash-back rewards.

The card also includes some decent benefits, including free access to your FICO Score, a service that monitors the dark web for your Social Security Number (when you enroll) and the ability to freeze or unfreeze your card through your online account if you misplace it.

  • Annual fee: $0.
  • Rewards: 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum once activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then a variable APR of 18.24% to 27.24% applies. There’s a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms).
Best for hotel rewards: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card *

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card * The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. (terms apply) comes loaded with perks that can make any frequent traveler’s life on the road more comfortable. It offers an annual Hilton Resort statement credit of up to $400 (up to $200 semi-annually each calendar year) for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts, an up to $100 Hilton on-property credit for stays of two nights or more at participating properties, complimentary Hilton Diamond top-tier elite status and a free night reward annually upon card renewal. You can earn a second free night reward after spending $30,000 on eligible purchases and another night after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year. 

And, if you fly regularly, you’ll appreciate that the Aspire also comes with an up to $200 airfare statement credit (up to $50 per quarter) each calendar year on flights booked directly with an airline or via amextravel.com. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

It’s true this card comes with a hefty annual fee. But for those seeking generous rewards on Hilton hotel stays (as well as on travel and dining), plus stellar benefits, the Aspire delivers.

  • Annual fee: $550.
  • Rewards: 14 Hilton Honors points per $1 at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3 points per $1 on other purchases.
  • Welcome bonus: 175,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 4/17/2024.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable APR on purchases.

All information about Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Blueprint.

Best for airline rewards: Aeroplan® Credit Card *

The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Why this card made the list

With a generous welcome bonus, automatic Aeroplan 25K elite status, your first checked bag free and the ability to pay yourself back with your points for eligible travel purchases at a 25% increase in points value, the Aeroplan® Credit Card * The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. fits a lot of power into a small package. There is an annual fee, but it’s reasonable.

Cardholders also enjoy a credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS, as well as protections including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement and purchase protection.

Rewards can be redeemed with Air Canada and more than 45 partner airlines. Or, redeem points for a statement credit to cover eligible travel purchases at a rate of 1.25 cents per point.

  • Annual fee: $95.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 spent on dining, takeout and eligible delivery services, grocery stores and directly with Air Canada and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. Earn 500 points for every $2,000 spent in a month (maximum 1,500 points per month).
  • Welcome bonus: 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
  • Foreign transaction fees: $0.
  • APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.
Best credit union rewards card: Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card

Why this card made the list

Many travel rewards credit cards charge annual fees of $95 or more. By contrast, the Navy Federal Credit Union Visa Signature® Flagship Rewards Credit Card is much more accessible for just $49 a year. If you’re eligible to join Navy Federal Credit Union (you must have a military connection to do so) and you travel even occasionally, this card is worth considering.

Cardholders can also get a credit of up to $100 to reimburse the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

  • Annual fee: $49.
  • Rewards: 3 points per $1 on travel and 2 points per $1 on everything else.
  • Welcome bonus: 35,000 points (a $350 value) after spending $3,500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, get a free year of Amazon Prime (a $139 value). Offer ends April 30, 2024.
  • Foreign transaction fees: None.
  • APR: 15.24% to 18.00% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Methodology

Our credit card team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings.

Some of the factors evaluated in selecting the best rewards credit cards included:

  • Rewards potential and redemption options.
  • Welcome bonuses.
  • Travel and shopping benefits.
  • Intro APRs.
  • Annual fees.

What is a rewards credit card?

A credit card is a piece of plastic or metal you use to make a payment via credit — it’s not your money being spent, but that of the issuing bank or credit union, and you’ll have to repay them at a date in the future. Some credit cards earn rewards when you make a purchase, such as 2% or 5% of the purchase amount redeemable as cash back, for instance.

While some cards allow you to redeem rewards for any amount, others may require a minimum redemption, or certain redemption increments. For example, you may have to redeem at least $25 worth of rewards, or may only be able to redeem rewards in increments of $25.

The thing to keep in mind about all credit cards is that if you can’t pay off what you charge to them in full every month, you’ll incur interest charges, unless you’re currently in a 0% intro APR period. These interest charges can be quite expensive and will typically wipe out any value you get from rewards. This means if you want to earn credit card rewards, you should make a point to never carry a balance from month to month. Instead, pay in full and avoid interest charges.

Credit cards rewards outlook for 2024

The world of credit card rewards is poised for a transformative year. From innovative loyalty programs to the impact of global events on travel rewards, we’ll explore the exciting changes and opportunities awaiting credit cardholders in the coming year. 

Will the Credit Card Competition Act pass? Maybe. Will it destroy credit card rewards as we know it? It’s doubtful. Greater competition may lead to lower swipe fees, but it’s doubtful those savings will be passed on to consumers. Why would they if businesses are already struggling to maintain profitability with swipe fees at 2% to 3%?

An expansion in airport lounge access and limits on who gets in is likely to continue as Chase and Capital One continue to expand their own in-house networks and existing lounges take stricter measures to reduce the overcrowding of the past year.

Types of rewards credit cards

Some rewards credit cards earn cash back, while others earn points or miles. What the rewards are called is not as important as the ways the issuer allows you to redeem the rewards.

We’ll break down a few of the major types of rewards cards you’ll find on the market.

Cash-back credit cards

With a cash-back credit card, rewards are typically expressed as a percentage of what you spend on the card. For example, a card may earn 2% back on all purchases, or may earn an elevated rate on purchases in a specific category — like 5% back on gas station spending.

Some common redemption options with cash-back rewards include a statement credit to your card account (be aware this typically doesn’t satisfy your minimum payment requirement), a deposit into a bank account, a paper check sent by mail or gift cards from a variety of retailers.

Technically, your earnings with some cash-back cards will be tracked as points. For example, the Chase Freedom Flex and the Citi Custom Cash are marketed as cash-back cards, but both of these cards actually accrue rewards as points — and let you redeem points for 1 cent each.

Many cash-back credit cards are available for no annual fee.

Travel rewards credit cards

A travel rewards credit card typically earns points or miles, and allows you to redeem your rewards for award travel. In many cases, you’ll earn at an elevated rate for purchases in specific categories, such as 3 points per $1 spent on restaurant dining and takeout.

Some travel cards let you transfer rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs. You’ll also generally have the choice to book travel through the issuer’s portal — sometimes at a boosted value per point. Other travel cards are tied to specific airlines or hotel chains. These are less flexible in terms of booking travel than cards with transferable rewards, but may provide benefits such as free checked bags or elite status, which can be useful if you are loyal to a brand.

With airline cards, you can also typically use rewards for travel on the airline’s alliance partners, increasing your options if you’re willing to put time into searching for the best award ticket deal.

There are travel credit cards with no annual fee. But if you want premium benefits, such as top-tier travel protections and airport lounge access, you’ll likely need to consider a card with an annual fee. These can range from around $95 to over $500, depending on what the card offers.

Some travel credit cards allow you to redeem rewards for cash back. For example, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred, you can take points as cash back deposited into a bank account at a rate of 1 cent each. However, this is typically not the wisest path, as savvy travelers can get outsized value from transferring rewards to partner programs.

Business rewards credit cards

A business rewards card can earn cash back or travel rewards, as described above. The key difference is that where personal or consumer credit cards are marketed to individuals for everyday use, small business cards are marketed to business owners to manage cash flow.

You don’t necessarily need to run a big operation to qualify for a business card. For example, someone who sells handcrafts online or writes freelance articles may be able to get a business card by applying as a sole proprietorship. And these cards are useful because they help you separate personal expenses from business ones, which may simplify your life at tax time.

How to choose the best credit card for rewards

There are two crucial considerations when picking a rewards card. First, what categories do you spend most heavily in? It won’t make sense to get a card that rewards gas station spending if you’re hardly ever on the road, or one that rewards dining if you don’t eat out, for instance.

Second, how do you want to be able to use your rewards? If you’re looking to transfer points and are willing to seek out the best deals on award travel with a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, perhaps you need a card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Bilt Card.

But if you would rather get cold, hard cash in your checking account, a cash-back card such as the Citi Custom Cash is likely to be a better fit for your lifestyle and financial needs.

Our first-hand experience

“Rewards credit cards have literally changed my life. Since I started actively collecting and redeeming points and miles, I’ve been able to take my family on trips I never thought would be possible. Some of the cobranded cards I hold come with automatic elite status, which means we’ve been upgraded to suites and gotten other luxury perks we never would have had access to otherwise.”

Robin Saks Frankel, lead editor, USA TODAY Blueprint

Earning and redeeming rewards

How to earn rewards

At the most basic level, earning rewards with a rewards credit card is simple. Just use your card to make purchases that you probably already needed to make — but unlike using a debit card or paying in cash, using the right rewards card can earn you anywhere from 1% to 6% back.

Some rewards cards also offer welcome bonuses, where you can earn a bonus amount of cash back or points if you hit a spending target shortly after opening the account. As an example, you might be able to earn a $200 bonus if you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.

Depending on the specifics of your card, rewards may show up immediately after each purchase posts to the account or rewards may post all at once after a billing cycle ends.

How to redeem rewards

You can typically request reward redemptions in your online account. Or, you may be able to call your issuer’s rewards center by phone and get customer service to help initiate the redemption.

Common redemption options include statement credits, deposits into a bank account, paper checks and gift cards. Some credit cards also allow you to shop with points at participating online merchants, or to use your rewards to buy merchandise through the issuer.

With a travel card, you’ll typically be able to use rewards to book award travel — directly with a specific airline (and that airline’s alliance partners) or hotel chain when using a co-branded airline or hotel credit card or, when using a card that earns transferable rewards, by transferring rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs or booking via your issuer’s travel portal.

How much are credit card rewards worth?

This depends on the specific credit card you’re using, and the value you get for your rewards can even change depending on redemption method.

Consider as an example that a Chase Ultimate Rewards point is worth 1 cent if redeemed for cash back or 1.5 cents if redeemed through the Chase portal for travel using the Chase Sapphire Reserve, but is worth less than a cent (0.8 cents to be precise) if using Ultimate Rewards points to shop with Amazon or PayPal.

Similarly, points on your Bilt Mastercard can be redeemed for travel in the Bilt portal at a value of 1.25 cents each, but if you use them for a statement credit, you’ll get just 0.55 cents each.

Tips for maximizing your credit card rewards

There are a few ways you can extract maximum value from your credit card rewards.

  • Don’t carry a balance. As high as credit card interest rates tend to be, carrying a balance and incurring interest charges will wipe out the value of any rewards you earn.
  • Select the most lucrative redemption options. A good rule of thumb is to only take redemptions where you get a value of 1 cent per point or higher. If you’re using a travel card that lets you transfer rewards to partners, this is often the best way to get outsize value for your rewards. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred and the Bilt Card all let you transfer points to World of Hyatt. You may be able to then redeem points for a stay at a Hyatt property at a value of 2 or even 3 cents per point.
  • Be aware of any quarterly or annual spending caps. With some cards, the earning rate drops after you hit a quarterly or annual spending cap. For instance, if your card earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then the earning rate drops to 1%, you may wish to have a backup card to put your spending on after you hit the cap.
  • Only pay an annual fee if the math checks out. A card with an annual fee may be worth it if you get enough value from the rewards and benefits to offset the cost of the fee. But make sure to do the math so you’re not paying more than you’re. For example, on a card earning 6% cash back on certain categories and charging a $95 annual fee, $1,585 spent on purchases that earn 6% back would be the break-even point.
  • Use multiple rewards credit cards. An important caveat is you should only use multiple credit cards if you can carefully manage the payments and avoid incurring interest or late charges. If you can, using specific cards for spending in certain categories can maximize the rewards earned on each purchase. You may even select cards that earn rewards in the same ecosystem, like Membership Rewards points.

Pros and cons of rewards credit cards

Pros

  • Offset your everyday spending by earning rewards.
  • May facilitate award travel for trips you wouldn’t otherwise take.
  • Often come with a welcome bonus for hitting a spending target in the first few months.
  • May provide purchase or travel protections or a 0% intro APR period.

Cons

  • Typically will require good to excellent credit to qualify.
  • The regular APR is often high, so avoid carrying a balance.
  • Some rewards cards charge an annual fee.

Should you get a rewards credit card?

“There is no shortage of great rewards cards, which can make choosing a single card a little overwhelming. Cash rewards are always a great option because we all understand the value of a dollar. And, whatever you do, make sure you don’t choose a card that does not have a rewards program. You are going to want to get something back from the card issuer for your use of their card”, says John Ulzheimer, consumer credit expert and founder of CreditExpertWitness.com.

If you can treat plastic like it’s cash by only spending what you can pay in full each month, a rewards credit card offers an opportunity to offset your costs a bit. The right cash-back credit card could earn you anywhere from 1% to 6% back on purchases, while a travel card could help you swing flights or make hotel stays much more affordable than you previously thought possible.

However, if you tend to roll over a balance from month to month, a rewards card is likely not for you. They tend to have high APRs, meaning you’ll incur expensive interest charges for carrying a balance, and any value you’d get from the rewards will be erased by what you pay in interest.

We don’t recommend carrying a balance on your credit card, but if you do, a card with a lengthy 0% introductory APR period can sometimes help alleviate the pain of interest charges. These cards are meant for people with good-to-excellent credit, and charge no interest for introductory periods that may be as short as six months or can be up to 21 months.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Rewards credit cards are typically aimed at consumers with good or better credit, usually meaning a FICO Score between 670 and 850. If your score is poor or fair, consider working to improve your credit with a secured credit card — you’ll have to provide the issuer a security deposit in the amount of your desired credit limit. After demonstrating responsible spending and payment behavior with the secured card, you may eventually qualify for an unsecured rewards card.

This depends on your specific credit card. Some cards let you earn unlimited rewards. Others may have a quarterly or annual spending cap on purchases in certain categories, and after you hit that cap, your earning rate will drop until the new quarter or new year comes around.

Expiration is another thing that depends on your specific card. With some cards, your rewards won’t expire, and if your account is closed, the rewards will be credited to you. But with others, the rewards may not expire, but will be forfeit if the account is closed. Finally, there are cards where the rewards expire on a rolling basis, so you’ll have to redeem them or lose them.

The best credit card for rewards depends on factors such as your credit profile and spending habits. For many people, the Chase Freedom Flex offers powerful earning potential. But if you’re a college student with limited credit history, a card like the Discover it® Student Cash Back will be more accessible to you. Or, if you’re a frequent traveler, you may value the flexibility offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Preferred with their airline and hotel partners.

If you want to keep things simple and don’t want to keep up with multiple payment dates, sticking with one rewards card is just fine. There’s no rule that you have to have more.

However, if you’re looking to maximize rewards, it can make sense to have two or more credit cards in your lineup. For example, someone who spends a lot on groceries and also makes a lot of Amazon purchases each month might do well to put the supermarket spending on the Amex Blue Cash Preferred and pay for the online shopping with the Amazon Prime Visa.

This varies from card to card and depends on what redemption method you choose. A good rule of thumb is to only use redemption options where you’re getting a value of at least 1 cent per point.

For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back. So, when the Chase Sapphire Reserve advertises 50% more value per point for travel bookings made in the Chase Travel portal, you know you can get 1.5 cents per point.

For rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.

For rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please visit this page.

*The information for the Aeroplan® Credit Card, Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card, Amazon Visa, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Prime Visa and U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Glen Luke Flanagan is a deputy editor on the USA TODAY Blueprint credit cards team. Prior to joining Blueprint, he served as a deputy editor on the credit cards team at Forbes Advisor, and covered credit cards, credit scoring and related topics as a senior writer at LendingTree. He’s passionate about helping people understand personal finance so they can make the best decisions possible for their wallet. Glen holds a master's degree in technical and professional communication from East Carolina University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Radford University.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.