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.
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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best cash back rewards credit card
Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best business rewards credit card
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best gas rewards credit card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best flat-rate cash back credit card
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best dining rewards credit card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card: Best rewards credit card for bad credit
Discover it® Balance Transfer: Best credit card for balance transfer and rewards
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best rewards credit card for fair credit
Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best student rewards credit card
Prime Visa: Best Amazon rewards credit card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best travel rewards credit card
Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express: Best hotel rewards credit card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best airline rewards credit card
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best premium travel card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best business credit card for travel rewards
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best starter travel credit card
If you are interested in a specific type of card, select the related topic below to jump to our best cards for that category:
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How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards: 1%-8% cash back
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is tough to beat. It offers an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus and boosted reward rates on dining, groceries and entertainment. Plus you’ll get an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers — all for a $0 annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.
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Rewards: 2%-5% cash back
One of the most rewarding credit cards for business owners, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus lets you earn 2% cash back on every purchase. It also comes with an excellent sign-up bonus.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards: 1%-5% cash back
The Citi Custom Cash® Card’s unique rewards program lets you earn cash back on every purchase, including 5% on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500). Gas is included in the eligible categories, making it one of the highest earning cash back cards for gas purchases. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who spends a significant amount on any of these other eligible categories:
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 2% cash back
The best-in-class Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card lets you earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and comes with an easy-to-earn welcome bonus. It also offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, making it a great option for financing a large purchase or consolidating debt.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1.5%-5% cash back
With the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can earn 3% cash back on dining (including takeout and delivery), as well as 1.5% on all other purchases. It also features an excellent sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 1%-2% cash back
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.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back
In addition to its high earning rate on rotating bonus categories, the $0-annual-fee Discover it® Balance Transfer offers one of the longest intro APR periods on balance transfers. You’ll get a 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, after which a 17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR applies. Plus, you can take advantage of Discover’s Unlimited Cashback Match sign-up bonus.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1.5%-5% cash back
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card gives cardholders with limited / fair credit a chance to earn cash back while improving their credit score. While there’s no security deposit required, you will have to pay a $39 annual fee. However, the rewards you earn will more than cover that if you use the card regularly.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back
Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
The $0-annual-fee Discover it® Student Cash Back is an excellent first credit card for college students. It can help you build credit history while earning cash back on every purchase, including 5% on rotating bonus categories.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back
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 at Whole Foods and on Chase Travel purchases. There’s no annual fee to carry the Prime Visa, but you will have to maintain your Prime membership ($139 annually) to keep reaping the card’s numerous benefits.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 2x-5x points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is our pick for the best travel rewards card because it gives you the best all-around value for a reasonable annual fee. It offers elevated rewards rates on travel and dining, excellent travel protections and a great sign-up bonus — all for an annual fee of $95.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 3x-14x points
The Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express is ideal for frequent travelers who prefer to stay at Hilton properties. You’ll earn huge rewards on Hilton hotel and resort stays, as well as flights, car rentals and U.S. restaurants. The card also boasts a bevy of travel credits, highlighted by airfare and hotel credits (enrollment required) up to $500.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 1x-3x miles
With the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, you’ll earn valuable miles on every purchase, including 3x miles on Delta and hotel purchases. The card also features a large welcome offer and numerous travel credits and benefits, as well as a 15% discount on Delta Award flights.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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.Rewards rate: 1x-5x points
If you want to earn miles but aren’t dedicated to a specific airline, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent choice. You’ll earn 5x on flights booked directly with airlines, as well as hotels booked through American Express Travel. The card also comes with a long list of travel benefits and credits, which you can use to offset its annual fee.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1x-3x points
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal for business owners who want to earn elevated rewards on travel and other everyday business expenses. You’ll get a variety of redemption options, including a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs. The card also comes with a huge sign-up bonus — although it could be hard to earn for small businesses or startups.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
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. Apply Now
Rewards rate: 1.25x-5x miles
If you’re new to travel and want a card that doesn’t hit you with an annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a solid pick. It offers bonus earning rates on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, a decent rewards rate on general purchases and an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus.
| 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card*
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Best cash back rewards credit card
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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 $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Good / Excellent | |
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Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best business rewards credit card
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Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | $2000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
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Citi Custom Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best gas rewards credit card
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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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026. | 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. | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
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Best flat-rate cash back credit card
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Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months | Good / Excellent | |
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Best dining rewards credit card
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Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 1.5% on all other purchases | Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card*
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Best rewards credit card for bad credit
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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 will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. | Limited / Poor | |
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Discover it® Balance Transfer*
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Best for balance transfer and rewards
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Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically. | Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. | Good / Excellent | |
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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best rewards credit card for fair credit
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1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply) | N/A | Limited / Fair |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
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Discover it® Student Cash Back*
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Best student rewards credit card
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Earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically | Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match. | Limited / Fair | |
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Prime Visa
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Best Amazon rewards credit card
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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 $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Best travel rewards credit card
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Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more. | Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year. | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
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Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express*
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Best hotel rewards credit card
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14X points on eligible purchases at hotels or resorts in the Hilton Portfolio, 7X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and U.S. restaurants and 3X points on other purchases | Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership. | Good / Excellent | |
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Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card*
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Best airline rewards credit card
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Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. | Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | Good / Excellent | |
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The Platinum Card® from American Express
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Best premium travel card
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5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Terms apply. | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | Good / Excellent | |
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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Best business card for travel rewards
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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 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best starter travel credit card
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1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best cash back rewards credit cardOne of the most popular cards in Capital One’s lineup, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you earn cash back on every purchase, including an elevated 3% rate on useful categories like dining, groceries and streaming services. However, sports fans and nightlifers will get the most value from this card, as you’ll get a whopping 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Plus, you’ll get a solid sign-up bonus and long intro APRs — all for a $0 annual fee.
Best business rewards credit cardA good business rewards card is a must-have for any business owner, big or small. The Capital One Spark Cash Plus comes with no preset spending limit and lets you earn Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. It also boasts one of the largest sign-up bonuses available (albeit with a high spending requirement), which can help offset large up-front expenses for new business owners: $2000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year
Best gas rewards credit cardCommuters and road warriors will be hard-pressed to find a better rewards card than the $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash® Card. It lets you 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-$200 on gas each month, and this card could put a lot of that back in your wallet. The Citi Custom Cash® Card also comes with a valuable welcome offer and an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Best flat-rate cash back credit cardThe Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the ultimate low-maintenance rewards card. Redemption options are simple, and there are no bonus categories or quarterly promotions to keep track of — you simply earn 2% cash back on every purchase. Plus, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is currently the only 2% cash back card offering a welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Best dining rewards credit cardWhether you’re dining in or dining out, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is perfect for foodies. It lets you earn 3% cash back on dining, as well as 1.5% back on groceries and all other purchases. And if you take full advantage of the card’s generous Unlimited Matched Cash Back welcome offer, you could end up with a small fortune to dedicate towards dining after your first year.
Best rewards credit card for bad creditThe Discover it® Secured Credit Card is great choice if you want to earn cash back on purchases but have limited / poor credit. You’ll get a solid rewards program, an intro APR on balance transfers and a cash back match after your first year. This combination of features is rare for a secured credit card — especially one with a $0 annual fee. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card does require a refundable $200 minimum security deposit, which you’ll get back if you close your account or graduate to an unsecured card.
Best for balance transfers and rewardsIf you’re carrying high-interest debt on a non-Discover card, transferring your balance to the Discover it® Balance Transfer will give you an 18-month window to pay it off without incurring interest. Once you’ve paid off the balance, this card is worth keeping in your wallet for its cash back rewards. You’ll earn 5% on different bonus categories each quarter, as well as 1% on everything else. Just know that you’ll need to activate the new bonus category each quarter to earn the elevated rate.
Best rewards credit card for fair creditThe Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great choice if you have limited / fair credit and want to earn cash rewards while building your credit. Although it doesn’t come with a sign-up bonus, you’ll earn a high rate of cash back on every purchase — including 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, you won’t have to provide a security deposit to carry the card, and Capital One will start considering you for a credit line increase in as little as six months.
Best student rewards credit cardThe Discover it® Student Cash Back is a great way for students to get started on their credit-building journey — and score some serious cash back while doing so. You don’t need a credit score to apply, and you won’t have to pay an annual fee to carry the card. You’ll earn cash back on every purchase, including 5% on useful rotating bonus categories. Just know that you’ll need to activate the bonus categories each quarter to take advantage of this elevated rate.
Best Amazon rewards credit cardIf you’re already doing most of your shopping at Amazon, why not earn some cash back while you’re at it? The Prime Visa is a no-brainer for Amazon Prime members, who get 5% back on purchases made at Amazon, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. But this isn’t your typical store card — you’ll also earn on every purchase made outside the Amazon network, including boosted rates on restaurants, gas stations, transit and Chase Travel purchases. To further sweeten the deal, new cardmembers will also receive an Amazon gift card upon approval.
Best travel rewards credit cardFor many, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the ideal travel card. You’ll earn valuable, flexible travel points on every purchase you make, highlighted by 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You’ll also get a boosted rate on everyday spending categories, like dining, groceries and select streaming services. Points can be redeemed in several ways, including cash back, gift cards and travel purchased through Chase. However, you’ll get the most bang for your buck if you transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners.
Best hotel rewards credit cardIf you’re a Hilton Honors loyalist, you can earn unbeatable rewards on participating Hilton hotel and resort stays with the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express. The $550 annual fee might be too steep for some, but avid travelers can take advantage of the card’s numerous travel credits and perks to offset that cost. Plus, you’ll get an opportunity to earn an excellent welcome offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Best airline rewards credit cardIf you’re looking to earn airline miles — not to mention airline perks — look no further than the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. You’ll earn more miles when you make purchases at Delta, hotels, restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. Plus, you can easily offset the $350 annual fee with Delta perks like a free checked bag on each flight and a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider.
Best premium travel credit cardIf you travel frequently enough to take advantage of the benefits, you stand to squeeze a lot of value from The Platinum Card® from American Express. In addition to earning valuable Membership Rewards® points, you’ll also get Marriott Bonvoy™ Gold Elite status (enrollment required), automatic Hilton Honors Gold status (enrollment required) and premium car rental privileges. Plus, you’ll be able to cash in on over $1,000 in credits — more than enough to cover the card’s $695 annual fee.
Best business credit card for travel rewardsIf you’re a business owner who racks up miles on business trips, you’ll have a hard time finding a better rewards card than the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You’ll earn rewards with every purchase, and you can take advantage of bonus earnings on travel and select business categories up to $150,000 per year. Plus, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Best starter travel credit cardNot all who wander are lost — especially if you have a great travel card in your wallet. Those new to travel credit cards will appreciate the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card’s $0 annual fee, basic travel benefits and simple approach to earning and redeeming miles. You’ll earn unlimited 1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. While you can redeem your miles for cash back and gift cards, you’ll get more value when you book travel through Capital One or transfer to one of their many transfer partners.
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.
Are credit card rewards taxable?Typically, the IRS does not 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.
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.
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.
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 offers 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. Some rotating cash back 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. It offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly bonus categories along with 1% on all other purchases.
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.
Cash back redemption options vary from card to card, but some of the most common options include:
What is the best credit card for cash back rewards?Our pick for the best credit card for cash back rewards is the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. This $0-annual-fee card offers tiered rewards on a lengthy list of categories, as well as a flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get an easy-to earn sign-up bonus and a solid intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
There are three main types of travel rewards cards: general travel cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards. The best travel cards come with:
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.
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 get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That's worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
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/room type. However, these simple calculations can help you determine point/mile values for any scenario.
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 bookingFor example, if it takes you 30,000 miles to cover a $400 flight, your miles are worth about $0.013 each.
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 bookingFor 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:
| Loyalty program | Average point/mile value* |
|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | $0.02 |
| Chase Ultimate Rewards® | $0.02 |
| Citi ThankYou® Rewards | $0.018 |
| World of Hyatt | $0.017 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards | $0.014 |
| Delta SkyMiles | $0.011 |
| United MileagePlus | $0.013 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | $0.018 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | $0.009 |
| Hilton Honors | $0.005 |
| IHG Rewards Club | $0.005 |
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.
With general travel cards, you’ll typically get the most value when you redeem points through your card issuer’s travel portal or transfer them to an airline or hotel partner. Most travel cards also let you redeem points for cash back, statement credits and gift cards. However, these options usually translate to a lower point value.
To make the most of your miles, you’ll want to redeem them for free flights through the airline’s loyalty program, including flights with its alliance partners (if it belongs to an airline alliance). Other common redemption options include flight upgrades, car rentals and even transferring miles to a hotel partner. If you’ve already booked your flight, these alternatives may be tempting. Just keep in mind that they almost always offer less value than free or discounted airfare.
Redemption options vary for hotel cards, but you’ll generally get the most value when you use your points to book stays through the hotel’s loyalty program. Even if you don’t have enough points to cover the full stay, most programs allow you to pay the difference in cash. Some hotel cards give you the option to transfer points to airline partners, but choices are usually slim and transfer rates poor. One exception is the Marriott Bonvoy program, which boasts nearly 40 airline partners and a 3:1 transfer rate in most cases.
What is the best credit card for travel rewards?Our pick for the best credit card for travel rewards is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. For a reasonable $95 annual fee, you’ll get a generous sign-up bonus and rewards rate, as well as travel credits and protections. You can redeem your Ultimate Rewards points through Chase’s travel portal or transfer them to a variety of travel partners at a rate of 1:1.
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 greater), 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.
| FICO Score | Vantage Score |
|---|---|
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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 this card with a cash back card that offers cash back rewards on every purchase, like the Citi 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.
Do the math to decide which card is best for you
After narrowing down your choices, compare how much you will likely earn from each rewards card during the first year. Factor in the sign-up bonus, rewards earned from spending and annual credits. Then, subtract the annual fee to determine your net benefit from each card. As an example, let’s compare the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
| Feature | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome offer | 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months |
| Earning rate | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals 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. | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases |
| Rewards earned on $6,000 in groceries | 12,000 points worth at least $120 | $360 | $120 |
| Rewards earned on $3,000 in gas | 6,000 points worth at least $60 | $90 | $60 |
| Rewards earned on $11,000 in other spend | 22,000 points worth at least $220 | $110 | $110 |
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | $0 |
| First year value (rewards minus annual fee) | $1,055* | $715 | $490 |
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:
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second year value | $305* | $465 | $290 |
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 are savvy about transferring Capital One miles, you can boost your mile value and beat the two cash back cards above.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.
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. Here are a few categories to check out:
Best balance transfer credit cards
Best credit cards to build credit
Best low-interest credit cards
Best 0% APR credit cards
Best credit card sign-up bonuses
Best business credit cards
Best student credit cards
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 is likely possible. However, if the rewards are of different types, then 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+) 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.
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:
Type of rewards offered
Value of the card’s sign-up bonus
Rewards redemption options
Annual fee
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.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Discover it® Secured Credit Card, Discover it® Balance Transfer, Discover it® Student Cash Back, Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Discover it® Cash Back has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
