Best Credit Cards for Rewards: Key Highlights




1. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a substantial sign-up bonus after spending a specified amount in the first few months.
  • Reward Rates: High rewards on travel and dining purchases, and a solid rate on all other purchases.
  • Travel Benefits: Points are worth more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Generous sign-up bonus available.
  • Reward Rates: Unlimited double miles on every purchase.
  • Travel Flexibility: Miles can be used to erase travel purchases or transferred to various travel loyalty programs.

3. American Express Gold Card

  • Welcome Offer: Significant welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements.
  • Reward Rates: High rewards on dining at restaurants, supermarkets (up to a cap), and flights booked directly or via Amex Travel.
  • Dining Credits: Monthly dining credits at select restaurants and food delivery services.

4. Citi Double Cash Card

  • Cash Back: Earn cash back twice – once when you buy and once when you pay.
  • Reward Rates: Simple and effective 2% cash back on all purchases.
  • Flexibility: Rewards can be converted into ThankYou points for more redemption options.

5. Discover it Cash Back

  • Cashback Match: All cash back earned in the first year is matched.
  • Reward Rates: 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter (activation required) and 1% on all other purchases.
  • No Annual Fee: Great value with no annual fee.

6. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

  • Welcome Offer: Generous welcome bonus for new cardholders.
  • Reward Rates: High cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to a cap), on select streaming services, transit, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Annual Fee: Annual fee, but often justified by the high rewards potential.

7. Chase Freedom Flex℠

  • Sign-Up Bonus: Attractive sign-up bonus.
  • Reward Rates: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter (activation required), 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
  • No Annual Fee: Offers substantial rewards without an annual fee.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Rewards Credit Card

  1. Spending Habits: Choose a card that aligns with your primary spending categories (e.g., travel, dining, groceries).
  2. Annual Fees: Consider whether the rewards and benefits outweigh any annual fees.
  3. Redemption Options: Look for flexibility in how you can redeem your rewards (cash back, travel, gift cards, etc.).
  4. Sign-Up Bonuses: Evaluate the value of the sign-up bonus and the spending requirement to earn it.
  5. Additional Benefits: Consider extra perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties.

Selecting the best rewards credit card depends on your personal spending patterns and financial goals.