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Choosing the best rewards credit card depends on what type of rewards you want to earn: cash back, points or miles. Our picks for best cash back rewards cards let you earn cash back on everyday spending, while the best travel rewards cards can help you turn that dream vacation into a reality.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is our top pick because it earns simple rewards on every purchase, offers flexible rewards redemption options and offers a valuable sign-up bonus worth $750 in travel.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Regular Purchase APR19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee$95
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best rewards credit card because it lets you earn a large sign-up bonus and gives you a high rate of miles on every purchase. Plus, Capital One miles are more flexible and valuable than most rewards. You can redeem miles for statement credits to cover any travel purchase or transfer them mostly at a 1:1 ratio to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners.
Cardmembers even get complimentary Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership — a benefit usually reserved for cards with higher annual fees.
Average annual value over two years: $1,320 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Good
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
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.
Intro Purchase APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR20.49% - 29.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
One of the best sign-up bonuses currently available
No annual fee
Can transfer points to some other Ultimate Rewards cards
Spending cap on cash back for rotating categories
Requires activation of quarterly categories
Potentially high APR
Foreign transaction fee
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers the most value for a no-annual-fee rewards card. In addition to a great sign-up bonus, it gives you up to 5% in rotating categories. Plus, unlike competing 5% cash back cards, you also earn a 3% bonus on dining and drugstore purchases.
In order to earn the 5% cash back rate, you’ll need to remember to enroll in the categories each quarter — but you’ll be limited to $1,500 in purchases each quarter before that 5% drops to 1%. Still, between its 5% categories and its 3% categories, this card offers some of the highest earnings of any no-annual-fee cash back card.
Average annual value over two years: $541 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Average
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the 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!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
*The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases—with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$95
Regular Purchase APR21.24% – 26.24% Variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Earn 3x points for travel and select business categories
No foreign transaction fees
Transfer points 1:1 to 10-plus travel loyalty programs
Get a 25% bonus on Chase TravelSM redemptions
Primary rental car insurance
Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
$95 annual fee
High spending requirement to earn sign-up bonus
One of the best features of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is its massive sign-up bonus. Plus, you can stack up valuable Ultimate Rewards points on a variety of business categories — including travel — making it one of the most rewarding cards on our list. Further, you’ll get flexible redemption options, including a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
On the downside, the card’s sign-up bonus could be hard to earn for small businesses or startups.
Average annual value over two years: $1,393 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Good
Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase TravelSM
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase TravelSM
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
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.
Intro Purchase APR0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Cash back earned automatically (no need to opt in)
Decent sign-up bonus
$0 annual fee
Potentially high regular APR
Cash back for top spending category limited to $500 per billing cycle
You only earn 1% cash back on other purchases
Foreign transaction fees
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers one of the highest cash back bonuses on gas — if gas is your highest category of spend in a month. Its unique rewards program lets you earn 5% on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500). Gas is included in the eligible categories.
The 5% bonus covers other lucrative categories:
Restaurants
Grocery stores
Select travel
Select transit
Select streaming services
Drugstores
Home improvement stores
Fitness clubs
Live entertainment
Unfortunately, you only earn 1% on purchases that fall outside your highest spend category, so it’s best to use this card as a dedicated card for gas purchases.
Average annual value over two years: $510 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Fair
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.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
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..
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Regular Purchase APR19.24%-29.99% Variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
One of the most rewarding cards for U.S. supermarket purchases
Large welcome offer
Intro APR on purchases
The Disney Bundle statement credit (enrollment required)
Equinox+ statement credit (enrollment required)
Annual spending cap on highest cash back rate
Annual fee
Foreign transaction fees
Potentially high APR
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is one of the most rewarding cash back cards around, because it offers industry-leading rewards on everyday categories — including U.S. supermarket purchases. It also comes with a generous welcome offer, and your cash back is easy to redeem for statement credits or at Amazon.com.
Average annual value over two years: $771 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Good
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.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
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), and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Terms apply.
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$250
Regular Purchase APRSee Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
One of the most rewarding cards for food purchases
Valuable welcome offer
Transfer points 1:1 to 15-plus travel partners
Monthly dining credit (enrollment required)
Uber benefits
American Express Travel hotel credit
Travel and shopping protections
No foreign transaction fees
$250 annual fee
Dining statement credits apply to specific restaurants, Grubhub and a handful of food-related websites
Rewards have poor value outside of airline redemption and point transfers
No lounge or complimentary elite status
Can’t carry a balance on some purchases
By our estimates, the American Express® Gold Card gives you the best return on restaurant purchases of any card. You’ll earn a stellar 4X points at restaurants worldwide, including on takeout and delivery in the U.S. You can transfer Amex points to 15-plus travel partners to potentially get values of 2 cents per point or more. In other words, if you’re savvy with redeeming your points, you can earn around 8 cents per dollar worth of travel rewards per dollar spent on restaurant purchases.
Average annual value over two years: $1,261 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Very good Other features: Good
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.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR28.24% Variable APR
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Elevated earning rate at restaurants and gas stations
$0 annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Requires a security deposit
Low credit limit
High APR
Our pick for the best secured credit card, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card also doubles as a solid rewards card. It lets you earn cash back — including an elevated rate on gas and restaurants — on every purchase while building your credit. Plus, after seven months with the card, Discover begins conducting monthly account reviews to see if you’re eligible to graduate to an unsecured card.
Average annual value over two years: $422 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Fair
No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Terms and conditions apply.
*The information related to the Discover it® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR18.24 - 32.24% Variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Increase your cash back rate to 1.5% with timely payments
No sign-up bonus
Potentially high APR
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is the best rewards card for fair credit because, unlike most of its competitors, it doesn’t charge an annual fee or require a deposit. Plus, you won’t need a credit history to apply. Instead, your eligibility is determined by a “Cash Score” made up of data from items like transaction history, income, bills paid and other money spent.
You’ll earn cash back on every purchase, with the chance to boost your rate to 1.5% by paying your balance on time each month.
Average annual value over two years: $200 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Fair
No fees whatsoever. No late fee, foreign transaction fee, annual fee, or any-other-kind-of-fee, fee.
Variable APRs range from 18.24% - 32.24%
Up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases after making 12 on-time monthly payments.
1% cash back on eligible purchases right away
2% - 10% cash back at select merchants
$300 - $10,000 credit limits
No credit score? No problem. If eligible, we'll create your Cash Score instead.
See if you're pre-approved within minutes without impacting your credit score.
Build credit alongside hundreds of thousands of Petal card members.
Petal reports to all 3 major credit bureaus.
No deposits required
Card issued by WebBank
*The information related to the Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best student rewards credit card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
High rate of cash back on groceries, dining and entertainment
Earn a modest sign-up bonus
Rewards are simple to redeem
No foreign transaction fees
High APR
No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers some of the best rewards for a student credit card, thanks to its bonus earnings on dining, groceries and entertainment. It also comes with better-than-usual benefits for a starter card, including car rental protection, extended warranty and price protection.
Plus, it’s a great card to bring on your semester abroad, since it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Average annual value over two years: $462 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Average
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR19.49%–27.49% Variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
The Prime Visa is hands-down the best rewards credit card for Amazon Prime members, offering an unbeatable 5% cash back on all Amazon purchases. As a bonus, you’ll also get 5% back on Whole Foods and Chase Travel purchases. There’s no annual fee to carry the Prime Visa, but you will need to maintain your Prime membership ($139 annually) to keep reaping the card’s numerous benefits.
Average annual value over two years: $415 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Average
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of products and categories at Amazon.com
Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
No annual credit card fee
No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
Member FDIC
*The information related to the Prime Visa has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$95
Regular Purchase APR21.49%–28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ranks a close second to the Capital One Venture card, providing an excellent all-around value for a reasonable annual fee. And while it’s not quite as rewarding as the Capital One Venture Card, it does offer a generous sign-up bonus and elevated rewards on travel and dining.
Plus, Ultimate Rewards points beat Capital One miles on value and flexibility. You can redeem points for statement credits or for a 25% bonus through the Chase TravelSM portal. You can also transfer points 1:1 to a strong set of travel partners, including United, Southwest and World of Hyatt. You can even cash out your points at 1 cent per point.
The card features excellent travel protections, including trip cancellation/interruption protection and primary car rental protection. Further, you’ll get a few other good travel perks, including a $50 credit for hotels booked through Ultimate Rewards each year.
Average annual value over two years: $1,202 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Good
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 Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 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.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$150
Regular Purchase APR20.99%-29.99% Variable
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required)
Priority Pass lounge access (enrollment required)
Up to $200 Hilton hotel credit each year
Free night award
$150 annual fee
Hilton points are only worth around half a cent each
Must hit required spending to get the free night award
Benefits are exclusive to Hilton
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can help you earn your way to a free hotel night faster than other hotel cards. That’s because it gives you a spectacular welcome offer and huge rewards on Hilton hotel and resort stays, as well as U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. Even when you consider that Hilton points have a low value (around half a cent per point by our estimates), this card beats the earnings on most other travel cards, thanks to the large number of points offered on every purchase.
The card also offers a slew of other valuable benefits, including automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status*, Priority Pass lounge access* and a Hilton Hotel credit up to $200 that can easily justify its $150 annual fee. *Enrollment required.
Average annual value over two years: $1,124 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Average Other features: Good
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors ™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
$150 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
Best airline rewards credit card
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®*
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offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
3.9
LendingTree's Review
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Annual Fee$99
Regular Purchase APR21.24% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Companion certificate has a high spending requirement
AAdvantage miles expire after 24 months of no activity
The best feature of the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is its sign-up bonus, which gives you a mountain of valuable AAdvantage miles just for making a purchase on the card. Cardholders also enjoy other perks with American Airlines, including your first checked bag free and preferred boarding privileges. Plus, you can also earn a companion certificate each year by spending $20,000 on the card each year.
Average annual value over two years: $900 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Fair Other features: Good
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
Earn 2X AAdvantage® miles on eligible American Airlines purchases
Earn 1X AAdvantage® miles on all other purchases
Receive 25% inflight savings on food and beverages
No foreign transaction fees
First checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to 4 companions on eligible bags
*The information related to the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
Best travel rewards credit card with no annual fee
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus
offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings.
Read our credit card methodology here.
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Intro Purchase APR0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee$0
Regular Purchase APR19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
Transfer points to 15-plus travel partners, mostly at a 1:1 ratio
No foreign transaction fees
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
Balance transfer fee
Rewards rate on purchases outside of travel isn’t as high as other cards
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding no annual fee cards because it offers valuable, flexible points that you can transfer to 15-plus travel loyalty programs. You’ll get a decent sign-up bonus and the same flat-rewards rate on every purchase.
There’s also a long 0% intro on purchases for 15 months and 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months. After that, a regular APR of 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) applies. Note, a Balance transfer fee applies.
Average annual value over two years: $656 (versus $553 for the average rewards card)* Flexibility of rewards: Excellent Other features: Average
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
Comparison summary of the best rewards credit cards
Credit Cards
Our Ratings
Rewards Rate
Welcome Offer
Recommended Credit
Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion
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.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases—with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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.
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.
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.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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), and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Terms apply.
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 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
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 Ultimate Rewards®.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
*The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, Prime Visa and AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.
Best rewards credit cards
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for an occasional traveler looking to earn rewards.
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn bonus miles on hotel and rental car purchases through Capital One Travel and receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Welcome offer
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Best if you like cash back categories that change each quarter
Standout rewards/notable perks
You’ll get a 5% cash back rate on rotating bonus categories and 3% on drugstore and dining purchases. There’s a long 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then a 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR. The same offer applies to balance transfers.
Welcome offer
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Best if you’re a business owner who wants to rack up miles on business trips
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn rewards with every purchase and take advantage of bonus earnings on travel and select business categories up to $150,000 per year. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM.
Welcome offer
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn cash back on every purchase, as well as an impressive 5% in eligible spending categories (including gas) each billing cycle. The average American spends between $150 to $200 on gas each month, and this card could put a lot of that back in your wallet.
Welcome offer
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.
Best if you’re looking for a generous cash back rate that covers most everyday purchases
Standout rewards/notable perks
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. Redeem rewards for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
Welcome offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Standout rewards/notable perks
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), and 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Terms apply. Plus, this card comes with a number of credits including a monthly dining credit (enrollment required) and hotel credit. You’ll also get a number of travel and shopping protections with this card.
Welcome offer
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.
Best if you’re looking to establish or build credit history while earning rewards
Standout rewards/notable perks
This card comes with 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants and no fees. This card also reports your credit history to the three major credit bureaus to help you build credit.
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for students looking for their first rewards credit card
Standout rewards/notable perks
Get an unlimited 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
Welcome offer
Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months.
Standout rewards/notable perks
Get 5% back on purchases made at Amazon, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods and earn on every purchase made outside the Amazon network, including boosted rates on restaurants, gas stations, transit and Chase TravelSM purchases.
Welcome offer
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
Best for frequent travelers looking for flexibility
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn valuable, flexible travel points on every purchase you make, highlighted by 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Points can be redeemed in several ways or can be transferred to one of Chase’s 10+ travel partners.
Welcome offer
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 Ultimate Rewards®.
Estimated rewards earned
First year rewards value: $1,802
Ongoing rewards value: $602
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
Best if you frequently stay at Hilton properties
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. Get automatic Hilton honors gold status (enrollment required), a free night award each year and Priority Pass lounge access (enrollment required).
Welcome offer
Earn 155,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn 2X miles on eligible American Airlines purchases. Plus, you’ll get 25% in-flight savings on food and beverages and a first checked bag free for you and up to 4 companions.
Welcome offer
Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
Standout rewards/notable perks
Earn 5 Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 Miles on every other purchase. You can also transfer points to 15-plus travel loyalty programs.
Welcome offer
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
A rewards credit card gives you cash back, points or miles as a reward for making purchases with the card. For many consumers, cash back is king. However, frequent travelers may find that a travel card’s points or miles are more valuable. The best rewards credit cards come with flexible redemption options, sign-up bonuses and other valuable perks.
Types of rewards cards
Rewards credit cards can be divided into two main categories: cash back cards and travel cards. Cash back credit cards give you a percentage of your purchases back as cash rewards, while travel cards offer valuable points or airline miles.
Cash back rewards credit cards
There are several types of cash back cards, each with its own rewards structure. While there are plenty of choices in each category, the best cash back rewards card will align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Types of cash back cards
Flat-rate cash back credit cards
Flat-rate cards give the same percentage of cash back on every purchase, regardless of category — a major benefit of these cards is that you won’t have to track bonus categories or quarterly promotions. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, is one of the most popular flat-rate cash back cards.
Tiered cash back credit cards
These cards offer higher rewards rates in specific categories, as well as a lower flat rate on all other purchases. An example of a popular tiered cash back card is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. It lets you 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.
Rotating cash back credit cards
Rotating cash back cards offer high cash back rates on specific categories for a limited amount of time, usually quarterly. Most of these cards require you to opt in to receive the higher rewards rate, which usually comes with a spending cap. The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the most popular rotating cash back cards, offering 5% cash back (on up to $1,500) on different categories each quarter (activation required). Once you hit the spend cap, you’ll earn the card’s base rate of 1% on those purchases.
How to earn cash back rewards
Earning cash back rewards is as simple as using your cash back card to make purchases. You’ll typically earn rewards on every purchase, with tiered and rotating rewards cards offering a bonus rate on specific categories. You can also earn rewards by taking advantage of your card’s sign-up bonus. Earning requirements differ, but you’ll generally need to spend a certain amount with the card within the first few months.
How to redeem cash back rewards
Cash back redemption options vary from card to card, but some of the most common options include:
Travel protections (e.g., trip insurance, rental car insurance
Types of travel cards
General travel cards
Best for travelers who aren’t loyal to a particular airline or hotel group, these cards give you flexible points for every dollar you spend. Some credit card issuers (like Capital One) refer to points as “miles,” but the concept is the same. Depending on the card, you can redeem these points or miles to book travel on your credit card issuer’s travel portal, transfer the points to travel partners or redeem the points for cash back or gift cards.
Airline credit cards
If you’re a frequent flyer with a favorite airline, these co-branded cards can reward you generously for your loyalty. In addition to earning valuable miles on flights and other travel-related purchases, airline cards often provide airline-specific benefits. Perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and in-flight discounts add significantly to a card’s value. Some cards even accelerate your path to elite status based on your annual spending.
Hotel credit cards
Like airline cards, hotel cards offer great value for travelers who are dedicated to a specific brand. While earning points by staying at your favorite hotels and resorts, you’ll also get hotel-specific perks, like elite status, free nights and early check-in. Some of the most popular hotel groups — like Marriott and Hilton — have thousands of properties around the world, allowing you to earn points on a global scale.
How to earn travel rewards
With travel rewards cards, you’ll earn points or miles each time you use the card. You’ll typically get a higher rate on travel-related spending, especially purchases from the hotel chain or airline associated with the card. Travel cards also have some of the most valuable sign-up bonuses out there, so make sure you take advantage of your card’s offer as well. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card lets you 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 Ultimate Rewards®.
How to calculate travel rewards
Unlike cash back rewards, which have a fixed value, the value of points and miles vary based on how you redeem them. Adding to the complexity, prices for flights and hotel stays can fluctuate depending on date, location and seat or room type. However, these simple calculations can help you determine point/mile values for any scenario.
Airline miles
To determine the value of an airline mile, you divide the cost of the flight (minus taxes and fees) by the number of points needed to book it.
Mile value = Cost in cash (minus taxes and fees) ÷ Number of points needed for booking
For example, if it takes you 30,000 miles to cover a $400 flight, your miles are worth about $0.013 each.
Hotel points
The calculation is similar for hotel points, except that you use the total price including taxes and fees.
Point value = Cost in cash (including taxes and fees) ÷ Number of points needed for booking
For example, if it takes you 30,000 points to pay for a $215 hotel reservation, your points are worth $0.007 each.
To give you a reference, here’s how some of the most popular reward programs compare:
The redemption process for travel rewards cards can be a bit more complex than that of cash back cards. Redemption depends on the type of card and how you want to use your rewards, but you’ll usually redeem your points or miles through the card’s rewards portal or the associated loyalty program.
General travel cards
Redeem points through your card issuer’s travel portal or transfer them to an airline or hotel partner for the most value. Most travel cards will also let you redeem points for cash back, statement credits and gift cards. However, these options usually translate to a lower point value.
Airline cards
Redeem for free flights through the airline’s loyalty program for the most value. Other common redemption options include flight upgrades, car rentals and even transferring miles to a hotel partner.
Hotel cards
Book stays through the hotel’s loyalty program with your points to get the most value. Some hotel cards allow you to transfer points to airline partners, but choices are usually slim and transfer rates poor.
How to choose the best rewards credit card
Pick your rewards
The first step in choosing the right rewards card is to decide what kind of rewards you want: cash back, points or miles. If you only travel a few times a year, you’re better off with a cash back card. But if you’re constantly on the road or in the air, you may find points and miles more valuable.
Match rewards with your spending
Find a card that rewards you for the spending you’re already doing. For example, if you typically dine out or order in, look for a dining rewards credit card. But if you cook most of your meals at home, a grocery rewards credit card is a better choice.
Find out what cards you can qualify for
Knowing your credit score allows you to focus on the rewards credit cards you’re most likely to get approved for. The best rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit (a FICO Score of 670 or higher or VantageScore of 661 or higher), but there are great options for every type of credit. Even people with fair credit or those who are rebuilding their credit can qualify for cards with valuable rewards and benefits.
Decide how much time you’ll spend maximizing rewards
Credit card rewards don’t have to be complicated, but you can certainly spend a lot of time planning, tracking and redeeming your rewards in order to maximize their value. If you want a low-maintenance option, go for a cash back card with high rates on your most common spending categories. You can even pair it with a cash back card that offers cash back rewards on every purchase, like theCiti Double Cash® Card.
If you’re willing to invest some time into getting more value out of your rewards, consider pairing a travel credit card with a cash back card that rewards you for everyday spending. You can even get a few rewards cards — just make sure that the benefits and rewards of each card outweigh its annual fee.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earning rate
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
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.
Rewards earned on $6,000 in groceries
12,000 points worth at least $120
$360
Rewards earned on $3,000 in gas
6,000 points worth at least $60
$90
Rewards earned on $11,000 in other spend
22,000 points worth at least $220
$110
Annual fee
$95*
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
First year value (rewards minus annual fee)
$1,055*
$715
*To see rates & fees for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
In this scenario, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers the most value during the first year of card membership. However, the comparison looks much different in the second year, when there isn’t a sign-up bonus:
In this case, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the clear winner in terms of ongoing value.
Remember: The value of points and miles can vary drastically depending on how you redeem them. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you maximize your miles by transferring them to outside loyalty programs. If you’re savvy about transferring Capital One miles, you can boost your mile value and beat the two cash back cards above.
How to maximize credit card rewards
Don’t transfer until you’ve verified that there’s award space available. Once you’ve transferred points, you can’t transfer them back to your credit card’s rewards currency.
Take advantage of transfer bonuses to loyalty programs. Periodically, different airline and hotel partners offer transfer bonuses to get even more value for your points.
Use multiple cards to maximize category bonuses. You can increase the amount of cash back, points or miles that you earn by rotating cards with different bonus categories. On that note, using cards that earn the same rewards currency (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards®) can help you maximize your points or miles in that program.
Use shopping portals to earn additional rewards on online shopping. When you shop through your card’s shopping portal, you can earn additional rewards on top of the rewards from your credit card. Some programs offer additional incentives during holidays and other sale events, like back-to-school.
Register all your credit cards for shopping or dining rewards programs. Programs like Dosh, Bumped and Rewards Network provide extra rewards when shopping or eating at participating retailers and restaurants.
Get your spouse or partner involved as your “Player 2.” When your spouse gets involved, you can double up on rewards by getting the same cards or diversify your points by applying for cards that you’re not eligible for.
Use credit cards for your business or side hustle. Earn extra rewards by applying for a credit card in the name of your business. Examples of businesses that may qualify for a business credit card include rideshare driver, rental property owner or Etsy shop owner. In most cases, the rewards earned from your business credit card can be combined with your linked personal rewards program accounts.
Bottom line: Are rewards credit cards worth it?
Rewards credit cards are worth it as long as you pay off your balance each month and take full advantage of the rewards program. They typically come with higher interest rates, so carrying a monthly balance could wipe out your earnings. Some of the best rewards cards also come with annual fees, so you’ll need to make sure the card’s benefits cover that cost as well.
Pros and cons of rewards credit cards
Earn points, miles or cash back on everyday purchases
Help offset the cost of future purchases or travel by redeeming rewards
Typically offer more robust purchase or travel protections than non-rewards cards
Can accumulate large sums of rewards from sign-up bonuses
May offer additional perks and benefits, like status with a particular hotel group or airline
Potentially higher interest rates
Best rewards cards typically require good to excellent credit
Annual fees over multiple cards can add up
Some rewards programs have earning caps that limit the rewards you can earn in a given year, quarter or billing cycle
Alternative cards to consider
If you’re not quite ready for a rewards card, there are plenty of other credit cards out there that can help you consolidate debt, build credit or accomplish other financial goals.
For most cards, rewards won’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, some cards can withdraw your rewards if you don’t redeem them or use your card within a given time period. You should always read a card’s terms and conditions before applying.
The tiered-rate Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an impressive 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. It also features elevated earning rates on everyday categories, like dining, groceries and popular streaming services. If you’re looking for a flat-rate option, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase.
Using a rewards card responsibly can help you build credit, but rewards cards in themselves won’t help you build credit faster. In order to build credit, you should pay your balance in full and on time every month and maintain a low credit utilization ratio. If building credit is your main goal, you may want to consider one of the best credit cards to build credit instead.
The ability to combine rewards earned on two different credit cards depends on the type of rewards. If the rewards are of the same type (e.g. American Airlines AAdvantage miles), then combining them together is likely possible. However, if the rewards are of different types, they usually can’t be combined. Flexible points can be transferred to multiple loyalty programs and may be combined with rewards earned within those partner programs.
Typically, you’ll need good to excellent credit (a FICO Score of 670 or higher) to be approved for a rewards credit card. The better your credit, the more options you’ll have. That said, there are rewards cards designed for students, people with fair credit and even people with bad credit. Most of these cards offer clear guidelines for upgrading to cards with better terms and rewards once you’ve established a responsible credit history.
Typically, the IRS doesn’t consider credit card rewards taxable income. They are instead treated as rebates or discounts, since you usually earn them as a result of your spending. That said, if the reward doesn’t require that you spend a certain amount to earn it (e.g. a sign-up bonus that you earn instantly), the IRS may consider it taxable income. If you’re unsure about a specific situation, we recommend contacting a tax professional.
How we chose the best rewards credit cards
To bring you the list of best rewards credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. We rank cards based on the following criteria:
Average value over two years (80% of rating): We calculate the rewards earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up bonus and annual bonuses (including annual free night certificates). We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
Flexibility of rewards (15% of rating): We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum redemption thresholds, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
Other features (5% of rating): We also compare a card’s benefits — such as purchase protections, travel protections, elite status benefits and travel credits — against benefits from other cards.
Note, that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best rewards credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
*To see rates & fees for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Sammi Scharf
Expertise: Credit cards, personal finance
Education: Appalachian State University
Sammi Scharf is a writer covering credit cards at LendingTree.
Before joining LendingTree, Sammi worked as a content marketing and paid media specialist at a digital marketing agency, a marketing specialist covering topics in home appliances and real estate and a freelance writer. From her experience writing about personal finance and homeownership, Sammi is passionate about guiding consumers toward making wise financial decisions
Sammi earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with a focus in advertising from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.