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April 28, 2022
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In addition to a valuable sign-up bonus and generous rewards rate, the card offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers and charges a $0 annual fee.
Whether you spend a large amount on groceries each month, have a long daily commute to work or travel from time to time, earning credit card rewards on those expenses is a great way to help offset some of those costs.
Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points, miles or cash back on eligible purchases. Depending on the card, you may then be able to redeem those rewards for statement credits, travel, merchandise or other options.
Based on our research of cards available through LendingTree, as well as top cards offered by major issuers, we rounded up the best rewards credit cards to help you determine which one could be the best fit for you based on how you plan to use the card.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a generous cash back rewards rate in popular spending categories, as well as a sign-up bonus with a low spend requirement.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. In addition, earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a promotional 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months. After that, a regular APR of 15.24% - 23.99% variable applies.
There is also a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After the intro period ends, the regular APR will be 15.24% - 23.99% variable. The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. Then, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The card also charges a $0 annual fee.
If you don’t mind keeping track of bonus categories each quarter, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ provides a great opportunity to earn a large amount of cash back rewards. In addition to offering an accelerated cash back rate in ongoing categories — travel, dining and drugstore purchases— cardholders earn a generous cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly.
So far, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus categories for 2022 include:
Just know, you must activate the bonus category each quarter to earn the 5% cash back rate on those purchases. Plus, the rate is capped at $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a generous cash back rewards rate in popular spending categories, as well as a sign-up bonus with a low spend requirement.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. In addition, earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a promotional 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months. After that, a regular APR of 15.24% - 23.99% variable applies.
There is also a 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months. After the intro period ends, the regular APR will be 15.24% - 23.99% variable. The balance transfer fee is either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days. Then, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The card also charges a $0 annual fee.
If you don’t mind keeping track of bonus categories each quarter, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ provides a great opportunity to earn a large amount of cash back rewards. In addition to offering an accelerated cash back rate in ongoing categories — travel, dining and drugstore purchases— cardholders earn a generous cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly.
So far, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ bonus categories for 2022 include:
Just know, you must activate the bonus category each quarter to earn the 5% cash back rate on those purchases. Plus, the rate is capped at $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, cardholders earn 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply.
The card also comes with a welcome offer of $300 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Cash back is earned in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as statement credits. You can redeem your Reward Dollars in increments of $25 whenever your total balance is $25 or more, at a credit of $1 for every reward dollar redeemed.
In addition, the card offers an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months (then a 14.74%-24.74% variable APR applies). There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
If you spend a large amount on groceries every month, you’ll come out on top with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. Along with offering one of the highest cash back rates available at U.S. supermarkets, the card offers a generous cash back rate on U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit and at U.S. gas stations.
Although the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95, if you max out the $6,000 spending maximum at U.S. supermarkets in a calendar year, you’ll earn $360 back from those purchases — which more than covers the annual fee after the first year of card membership.
With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, cardholders earn 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply.
The card also comes with a welcome offer of $300 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Cash back is earned in the form of Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as statement credits. You can redeem your Reward Dollars in increments of $25 whenever your total balance is $25 or more, at a credit of $1 for every reward dollar redeemed.
In addition, the card offers an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months (then a 14.74%-24.74% variable APR applies). There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
If you spend a large amount on groceries every month, you’ll come out on top with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. Along with offering one of the highest cash back rates available at U.S. supermarkets, the card offers a generous cash back rate on U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit and at U.S. gas stations.
Although the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95, if you max out the $6,000 spending maximum at U.S. supermarkets in a calendar year, you’ll earn $360 back from those purchases — which more than covers the annual fee after the first year of card membership.
With the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, cardholders earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. In addition, get 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023.
Cardholders also earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening .
Cash back doesn’t expire as long as your account is open, and it can be redeemed as a statement credit or check, as well as for previous purchases, gift cards and more.
The Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a 16.24% - 24.24% variable apr APR and a $95 annual fee.
If you frequently dine out or regularly attend concerts or other entertainment events, the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option.
Here are the types of dining establishments where you can earn the higher rewards rate with the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card: Restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains, bakeries.
For the entertainment category, these types of purchases also qualify for the higher rewards rate: Ticket purchases at movie theaters, sports promoters (professional and semiprofessional live events), theatrical promoters, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, record stores, pool halls, bowling alleys.
Grocery purchases at these types of establishments also earn a higher rewards rate: Supermarkets, meat lockers, freezers, dairy product stores, specialty markets.
Just know that because the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card charges an annual fee of $95, you’ll want to be sure to reap enough in rewards to justify the fee.
With the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, cardholders earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. In addition, get 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023.
Cardholders also earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening .
Cash back doesn’t expire as long as your account is open, and it can be redeemed as a statement credit or check, as well as for previous purchases, gift cards and more.
The Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with a 16.24% - 24.24% variable apr APR and a $95 annual fee.
If you frequently dine out or regularly attend concerts or other entertainment events, the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option.
Here are the types of dining establishments where you can earn the higher rewards rate with the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card: Restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains, bakeries.
For the entertainment category, these types of purchases also qualify for the higher rewards rate: Ticket purchases at movie theaters, sports promoters (professional and semiprofessional live events), theatrical promoters, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, record stores, pool halls, bowling alleys.
Grocery purchases at these types of establishments also earn a higher rewards rate: Supermarkets, meat lockers, freezers, dairy product stores, specialty markets.
Just know that because the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card charges an annual fee of $95, you’ll want to be sure to reap enough in rewards to justify the fee.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi currently offers one of the highest rewards rates on gas purchases: Cardholders earn 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.
The card comes with a $0 annual fee. However, it also requires a Costco membership, which runs $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for a Gold Star Executive membership.
The APR is 15.99% (variable).
If you’re a Costco member who spends a large amount on gas each month, you can come out on top with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. In fact, if you max out the spend cap by spending $7,000 on gas, you’ll earn $280 back on those purchases in a year.
Note that while the gas category includes eligible gas purchases made worldwide — including those made at Costco — gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco, as well as fuel used for non-automobile purposes, does not qualify for the bonus cash back rate.
In addition, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders can only redeem their rewards for merchandise or cash back at Costco warehouses located in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Rewards are also only distributed one time per year (after your February billing cycle) and must be redeemed by Dec. 31 of the year in which they are issued.
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi currently offers one of the highest rewards rates on gas purchases: Cardholders earn 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases.
The card comes with a $0 annual fee. However, it also requires a Costco membership, which runs $60 per year for a Gold Star membership and $120 per year for a Gold Star Executive membership.
The APR is 15.99% (variable).
If you’re a Costco member who spends a large amount on gas each month, you can come out on top with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi. In fact, if you max out the spend cap by spending $7,000 on gas, you’ll earn $280 back on those purchases in a year.
Note that while the gas category includes eligible gas purchases made worldwide — including those made at Costco — gas purchased at superstores, supermarkets, convenience stores and warehouse clubs other than Costco, as well as fuel used for non-automobile purposes, does not qualify for the bonus cash back rate.
In addition, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi cardholders can only redeem their rewards for merchandise or cash back at Costco warehouses located in the U.S., including Puerto Rico. Rewards are also only distributed one time per year (after your February billing cycle) and must be redeemed by Dec. 31 of the year in which they are issued.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers valuable rewards that can be used to help offset the cost of future travel. Cardholders earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases.
In addition, you can earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. That’s because when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get 25% more value from your rewards — so instead of being worth 1 cent each, points will be worth 1.25 cents each.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges an annual fee of $95 and comes with a 16.24% - 23.24% variable APR.
If you’re a frequent traveler who wants to earn an influx of rewards to use toward future airfare and other travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good choice.
Along with redeeming points for travel, gift cards, cash and more, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card members can transfer points at a rate of 1:1 to a number of airline partners and hotel partners.
The travel transfer partners are as follows: Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards, Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM, Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers valuable rewards that can be used to help offset the cost of future travel. Cardholders earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases.
In addition, you can earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. That’s because when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get 25% more value from your rewards — so instead of being worth 1 cent each, points will be worth 1.25 cents each.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card charges an annual fee of $95 and comes with a 16.24% - 23.24% variable APR.
If you’re a frequent traveler who wants to earn an influx of rewards to use toward future airfare and other travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a good choice.
Along with redeeming points for travel, gift cards, cash and more, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card members can transfer points at a rate of 1:1 to a number of airline partners and hotel partners.
The travel transfer partners are as follows: Aer Lingus AerClub, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Emirates Skywards, Flying Blue AIR FRANCE KLM, Iberia Plus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express cardholders earn 14X per $1 of eligible purchases on your card directly with a participating Hilton hotel or resort, 7X for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; & at U.S. restaurants, and 3X for other purchases on your card.
Plus, you can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
The card comes charges an annual fee of $450 and an APR of 15.74% to 24.74% variable. As for foreign transaction fees? There are none.
If you’re a Hilton Honors loyalist, you can earn an extremely generous rewards rate on participating Hilton hotel and resort stays with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. Cardholders can also earn a large influx of rewards from the welcome offer, which has many options for redemption — free night stays, experiences, Lyft rides, merchandise or car rentals (it can also be transferred to airline transfer partners).
For reference, a recent search showed that 120,000 points can cover a three-night stay for two guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square South in May 2022.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a high annual fee of $450. However, the card’s benefits — including a $250 airline fee credit, a $250 Hilton resort credit, a $100 hotel on-property credit and Priority Pass™ Select membership (enrollment required) — can more than cover that amount each year.
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express cardholders earn 14X per $1 of eligible purchases on your card directly with a participating Hilton hotel or resort, 7X for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; & at U.S. restaurants, and 3X for other purchases on your card.
Plus, you can earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
The card comes charges an annual fee of $450 and an APR of 15.74% to 24.74% variable. As for foreign transaction fees? There are none.
If you’re a Hilton Honors loyalist, you can earn an extremely generous rewards rate on participating Hilton hotel and resort stays with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. Cardholders can also earn a large influx of rewards from the welcome offer, which has many options for redemption — free night stays, experiences, Lyft rides, merchandise or car rentals (it can also be transferred to airline transfer partners).
For reference, a recent search showed that 120,000 points can cover a three-night stay for two guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton New York Times Square South in May 2022.
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express comes with a high annual fee of $450. However, the card’s benefits — including a $250 airline fee credit, a $250 Hilton resort credit, a $100 hotel on-property credit and Priority Pass™ Select membership (enrollment required) — can more than cover that amount each year.
The $0 annual fee Citi® Double Cash Card will let you earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Rewards can be redeemed as a check, statement credit or direct deposit to an eligible linked bank account, or converted into ThankYou® points.
The Citi® Double Cash Card also comes with a long intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, an ongoing APR of 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) applies.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.If you have a large amount of high-interest credit card debt, you should consider a balance transfer credit card — and the Citi® Double Cash Card could be a good option.
Along with giving you more than a year to pay off your debt before incurring interest charges, this card offers a lower balance transfer fee if the transfer is completed within the first four months of account opening.
We should note, though, that while the Citi® Double Cash Card does come with a rewards program, we do recommend focusing on paying off your debt within your transferred balance within the promotional period before earning rewards. In addition, this card does not offer an intro APR on purchases.
The $0 annual fee Citi® Double Cash Card will let you earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Rewards can be redeemed as a check, statement credit or direct deposit to an eligible linked bank account, or converted into ThankYou® points.
The Citi® Double Cash Card also comes with a long intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. After that, an ongoing APR of 14.74% - 24.74% (variable) applies.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.If you have a large amount of high-interest credit card debt, you should consider a balance transfer credit card — and the Citi® Double Cash Card could be a good option.
Along with giving you more than a year to pay off your debt before incurring interest charges, this card offers a lower balance transfer fee if the transfer is completed within the first four months of account opening.
We should note, though, that while the Citi® Double Cash Card does come with a rewards program, we do recommend focusing on paying off your debt within your transferred balance within the promotional period before earning rewards. In addition, this card does not offer an intro APR on purchases.
The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU offers 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Plus, earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.
The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU offers a very reasonable ongoing APR on purchases of 8.25% - 18.00% variable. The card also has an introductory APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers; after that, an APR of 8.25% - 18.00% variable applies.
In addition, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU comes with a $0 balance transfer fee and a $0 annual fee.
If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card from month to month — and you can qualify for the lowest possible interest rate — the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU may be an ideal choice.
There are cards available that offer even lower APRs; however, unlike the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU, those cards typically do not offer a rewards program.
You should also know that while most balance transfer cards provide a 60-day-window to complete your balance transfer and take advantage of the intro APR offer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU allows new cardholders to transfer balances within the first 90 days of account opening.
The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU offers 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases. Plus, earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days.
The Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU offers a very reasonable ongoing APR on purchases of 8.25% - 18.00% variable. The card also has an introductory APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers; after that, an APR of 8.25% - 18.00% variable applies.
In addition, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU comes with a $0 balance transfer fee and a $0 annual fee.
If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card from month to month — and you can qualify for the lowest possible interest rate — the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU may be an ideal choice.
There are cards available that offer even lower APRs; however, unlike the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU, those cards typically do not offer a rewards program.
You should also know that while most balance transfer cards provide a 60-day-window to complete your balance transfer and take advantage of the intro APR offer, the Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU allows new cardholders to transfer balances within the first 90 days of account opening.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers cash back on every purchase — which is rare for a secured credit card.
Cardholders earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Plus, receive the following sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Rewards can be redeemed for cash, gift cards or donations. You can also use rewards to check out at Amazon.com and with PayPal.
This $0 annual fee card requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $2,500, which serves as your line of credit.
In addition, if you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you will be subject to interest charges of 23.24% Variable APR. As for foreign transaction fees, though, there are none.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for those with limited-bad-poor credit.
After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. Note, however, that Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. Still, when you’re trying to build credit, it’s always important to pay your bill on time each month.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card offers cash back on every purchase — which is rare for a secured credit card.
Cardholders earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Plus, receive the following sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Rewards can be redeemed for cash, gift cards or donations. You can also use rewards to check out at Amazon.com and with PayPal.
This $0 annual fee card requires a refundable security deposit ranging from $200 to $2,500, which serves as your line of credit.
In addition, if you carry a balance on your card from month to month, you will be subject to interest charges of 23.24% Variable APR. As for foreign transaction fees, though, there are none.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is designed for those with limited-bad-poor credit.
After you’ve had the card for seven months, Discover will begin conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit refunded. Note, however, that Discover will evaluate your behavior across your credit cards and loans from Discover, as well as other issuers or lenders. You can also get your deposit back if you choose to close your account and pay any remaining balance.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card doesn’t charge a fee the first time you pay late; after that, the late fee will be up to $41. Still, when you’re trying to build credit, it’s always important to pay your bill on time each month.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back lets cardholders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
In addition, cardholders get the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
This $0 annual fee card offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 13.24% - 22.24% Variable APR applies. Plus, receive a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 13.24% - 22.24% Variable APR will apply.
In addition, the Discover it® Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee.
If you’re a student who wants to earn rewards in popular spending categories while also building your credit history, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a solid option.
Designed for students with fair-limited credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers an interest-free period on purchases for half a year — that’s ideal if you need to make a large purchase, like a laptop, and pay it off over time.
Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.
The Discover it® Student Cash Back lets cardholders earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
In addition, cardholders get the following sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
This $0 annual fee card offers a 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases, then an ongoing 13.24% - 22.24% Variable APR applies. Plus, receive a 10.99% Intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers, then a 13.24% - 22.24% Variable APR will apply.
In addition, the Discover it® Student Cash Back has a $0 annual fee.
If you’re a student who wants to earn rewards in popular spending categories while also building your credit history, the Discover it® Student Cash Back is a solid option.
Designed for students with fair-limited credit, the Discover it® Student Cash Back offers an interest-free period on purchases for half a year — that’s ideal if you need to make a large purchase, like a laptop, and pay it off over time.
Just know, to apply for this card, you need to be at least 18 years old, have a U.S. address, have a Social Security number and show proof of education.
| Credit card | Best for | Welcome offer | Rewards rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex℠ | Overall rewards credit card | Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!. | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Grocery shopping | $300 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. |
| Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Dining and entertainment | Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | Gas purchases | N/A | 4% cash back on eligible gas for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% on restaurants & travel, 2% at Costco & Costco.com, 1% on all other purchases |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Airline purchases | Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. | 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases |
| Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer | Balance transfers | No bonus | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. |
| Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express | Hotel stays | Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership. | Earn 14X per $1 of eligible purchases on your card directly with a participating Hilton hotel or resort, 7X for eligible purchases: on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com; on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies; & at U.S. restaurants, and 3X for other purchases on your card |
| Choice Rewards World Mastercard® from First Tech FCU | Low ongoing APR | Earn 20,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days. | 2 points per $1 spent on groceries, gas, electronics, medical, household goods and telecommunications, and 1 point per $1 spent on other purchases |
| Discover it® Secured Credit Card | Bad credit | Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | Students | Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. | 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically |
If you’re in the market for a credit card that offers rewards on the purchases you make, there are certainly plenty of options to choose from.
Ultimately, selecting the best rewards credit card for you comes down to how you plan to use the card.
For example, if you prefer eating in over dining out, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which offers an accelerated cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets, may be your best fit. But if you’d prefer to earn rewards to help cover the cost of airfare, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card card offers better value when redeeming points through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Before deciding which of these cards is right for you, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of how rewards credit cards work. In addition to reviewing our frequently asked questions below, we recommend that you take a closer look at the terms and conditions for the card’s rewards program from the issuer’s website.
Rewards credit cards offer points, miles or cash back on eligible purchases. Depending on the card, you may be able to redeem those rewards for statement credits, checks, travel, charitable donations, cash back, merchandise, gift cards and more.
Many rewards credit cards let you earn rewards when you make eligible purchases using your card and/or when you reach the spend threshold required to earn the card’s sign-up or welcome offer. Rewards cards may also offer annual bonuses each year on your account anniversary; a referral bonus when you refer a friend to the card and the friend is approved; or when you add an authorized user to your credit card account. Note, you cannot earn rewards on cash advances or balance transfers or illegal transactions.
This will depend on the card. For example, some cards offer an unlimited flat rewards rate on every purchase. Other cards may offer 1 point or mile (or 1% back for cash back cards) per dollar spent on general purchases, and extra points, miles or cash back in bonus spending categories, like gas, dining or airfare. While you may be limited on the amount of extra rewards you can earn from bonus categories, rewards cards typically allow you to earn unlimited rewards on general purchases.
In addition to redeeming rewards for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel and more, some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to travel partners.
Again, this will depend on the card. For many credit cards, your rewards will never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, there are cards that expire your rewards if you don’t make a charge on your card or redeem your rewards within a given time period.
There are two important reasons why you should never carry a balance on a rewards card. First, rewards cards tend to carry higher interest rates (APRs) than non-rewards cards. So, carrying a balance over from month to month can get expensive, as those interest charges are added to your balance.
Second, those high interest charges can negate the rewards you are earning with the card. For example, if you earn 2% in cash back for a purchase, but are assessed interest on any unpaid balance, you’re losing money instead of saving money.
To select the best rewards credit card for each of these categories, our experts compared credit cards that offer rewards programs on LendingTree.com and on major issuer sites. This included cash back credit cards, 0% intro APR cards, balance transfer credit cards, secured cards, student cards and more.
We then chose our top picks based on a variety of factors, such as the type of rewards offered, the value of the card’s sign-up bonus, the rewards redemption options, the card’s annual fee and the interest rates.
Other factors that came into play when making our selection include the benefits offered by the card, such as purchase and extended warranty protections.
The above offers and/or promotions may have since changed, expired, or is no longer available. Check the Issuers’ website for more details.
