Best Rewards Credit Cards

Comparing Rewards Credit Card Offers

By: Laura Mohammad

Updated: February 20, 2019

Rewards credit cards have proliferated in recent years, with the best offers delivering cardholders hundreds, even thousands of dollars in rewards. It is not surprising that rewards cards claim several spots on our list of the overall best credit cards of 2019.

Cashback, points, miles – whichever method you choose, the results can be, well, rewarding. In fact, because it is accepted that merchants up their prices to accommodate their costs due to credit card fees, consumers who use cards for their purchases actually come out ahead by $240 a year, while consumers who don't end up behind to the tune of $50, according to the Federal Reserve of Boston.

But rewards credit cards can be daunting to the newcomer. Which type do you choose? Which card is the best? How do you use one? At CreditCards.com, we crunched the numbers on over 1,600 different credit card offers using the criteria outlined below to pick the best rewards cards out there. Along with our top picks, we've also included some takes from other experts and supplemental information to help you with your decision. Here, we look at:

• Best rewards credit cards
• Research methodology
• What are rewards cards?
• Details on our top picks
• Rewards cards pros and cons
• Different types of reward cards
• Popular rewards programs
• How to choose your rewards card
• Credit needed
• How to maximize your rewards
• How to redeem credit card rewards

Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2019

While many credit cards offer some form of rewards, we've limited our list to the best current offers. For example, our top selections include the Chase Sapphire Preferred card which offers flexibility and value in travel rewards with its sizeable 50,000 point sign-up bonus after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months.

Research methodology

Rewards credit cards analyzed: 1,640

Criteria used: Rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, redemption options, redemption flexibility, point values, travel benefits, transfer partners, extra features, rates and fees, customer service, security, credit needed

We've looked at 12 factors to identify the best cards for your lifestyle – these factors and more inform our decisions in which cards can work the hardest for you.

Criteria used

Rewards rates – When studying cards, you might see rewards as points, miles or cash back. We look at not only the type of rewards, but also how they are doled out, whether as cash back on select categories, such as Discover it Cash Back or multiplied points on every purchase, as in the case of Capital One Venture Rewards.

Sign-up bonuses – These can also come as points, miles and cash back. We study how much the bonus is, as well as the required spend and the time limit. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 within 3 months.

Customer service – Some card issuers stand out for their customer service, such as Discover's U.S.-based customer service 24/7. We look at that as well.

Redemption options – Card issuers vary in how you can redeem rewards. For example, Bank of America allows you to receive cash back by check and if you deposit your credit into a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can receive a 10% bonus each time you redeem. Issuers typically allow you to receive a statement credit, redeem for gift cards or merchandise, and in the case of the Chase Sapphire cards, earn bonuses when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Redemption flexibility – We also study minimum required redemptions and expirations. In some cases, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards, miles don't expire for the life of the card and there's no limit to how much you can earn.

Point values – Point valuations on rewards cards can vary widely, from under 1 cent to over 2 cents per point or mile. Also, you can get a bonus when redeeming for travel in some cases, such as the Ink Business Preferred.

Travel benefits – Many travel and other rewards cards offer travel and purchase benefits in addition to points, miles or cash back. These are helpful when you are on a trip and you need extra support, such as lost luggage reimbursement and travel accident insurance with the Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card.

Security – Issuers typically take their security seriously, including a number that offer a free credit score each month. Discover offers free Social Security number alerts, for example.

Transfer partners – Even if you hold a loyalty card, such as an airline or hotel card, there may be partners that you can transfer your points or miles to. We look at which and how many partners cards have and the value of the transfers, because some partners have a lower valuation than if you use the points with the original hotel or airline.

Extra features – Rewards credit cards can have additional features, such as free first checked bag and no foreign transaction fees with the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card from American Express. We study those little pluses that bring added value.

Rates & fees – These range from the annual fee, if there is one, to the regular APR, which can go from less than 10% to more than 25%, depending on the card and issuer. Some issuers offer no late fee, which we study when we ascertain a rewards card's value.

Credit needed – No matter how much you love a card, the issuer will want to make sure you are a good risk and check your credit before you are granted the product. We note whether each rewards card requires credit from bad to excellent or no credit.

What are rewards cards and how do they work?

Points, sometimes called miles, on a credit card are designed to reward you for using the card or for loyalty to a brand. You can earn points through different types of spending, including general spending, restaurants and world travel, or shopping with a hotel or airline brand.

Many rewards cards, particularly travel rewards cards, offer generous sign-up bonuses. Used correctly, cards' sign-up bonuses can reward in the thousands of dollars. For example, at one point in 2016, Chase Sapphire Reserve rewarded up to $1,500 worth of points through a 100,000-point sign-up bonus and use of the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.

Often, you can get boosted points for specific types of spending, 3X points and more. Points can be valued at below $0.01 and above $0.02 upon redemption, depending on the card. They can be redeemed for travel, shopping and more.

You probably have a points chaser in your life, whether it's your office mate or roommate. This person loves to build rewards to be redeemed on trips across the country or around the world. Now, you're wondering: "How do I get in on this?"

You're not alone. Actually, in a recent study, we found that when consumers switch to a new favorite card, it's invariably a rewards card.

Reasons why consumers signed up for a new card...

•  27%
• Rewards
•  12%
• Low interest rate
•  9%
• Easy to get
•  8%
• Card brand

• Creditcards.com study

So, we've established that rewards cards are pretty awesome. What do you need to know before you get started?

First off, understand that rewards aren't just about redeeming for hotel stays or airfare. We actually found that cash back is by far the most popular of redemptions. Here's how the varying rewards rank among consumers:

Percentage of consumers who redeemed rewards in the last year...

•  52%
• Cash back
•  29%
• Gift card
•  13%
• Merchandise
•  9%
• Hotel stay
•  8%
• Airfare
•  7%
• Other rewards
•  22%
• No rewards redeemed in last year

• Source: CreditCards.com rewards card survey

For example, you might be eyeing a cash back card that offers improved rewards on everyday spending, such as the Blue Cash Everyday or Blue Cash Preferred. Or you might want to look at a good general-purpose travel card, such as the Capital One Venture Rewards or VentureOne Rewards card.

When you are shopping for a rewards card, you see that they vary widely in whether they have an annual fee, a sign-up bonus and what kinds of ongoing rewards they have. So, while most cash back cards have no annual fee, many travel cards do. And while you will be hard pressed to find a cash back card with extensive travel benefits, travel cards will likely have them in abundance.

When earning rewards, whether it's cash back or points or miles, you'll want to make sure the card you choose reflects how you shop. For instance, if you do a fair amount of shuttling the family in the family van, the Bank of America Cash Rewards' 3% back on gas could be right for you.

When it comes time to redeem, you might choose a statement credit, a gift card or merchandise, or travel. Just know that certain cards favor certain types of redemptions – for example, in some cases, it may be more to your advantage to redeem for travel than to use the rewards for a gift card.

Bottom line? Take your time, shop around and use our excellent tools to pick the right card for you. Remember, if you don't choose a card that plays to your spending strengths, you are just leaving money on the table.

Details on our picks for the best rewards credit cards

Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card

Pros

This card has a bit of a twist, with 3% back on your choice of category from 6 options; 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; and 1% on all other purchases. The 3% cash back category options cover a decent amount of ground in terms variety: there's gas, dining, online shopping, drug stores, travel, and home improvement and furnishings. It also has a competitive sign-up bonus of $150 cash back after a $500 spend within 90 days.

Cons

The 3% and 2% cash back only applies up to a limit of $2,500 per quarter in combined purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Pros

Earn 50,000 points after a $4,000 spend within the first 3 months of card membership and 2X points on worldwide dining and travel. In preparation for your upcoming travel, take a look at this card, with its partnerships with major airlines and hotel brands and a 25% boost when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Cons

There's so much to love about this card that it's hard to find a downside. One potential setback is the $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year.

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Pros

This card has unlimited tiered spending of 4% cash back on dining and entertainment and 2% back at grocery stores. The sign-up bonus of $500 after a $3,000 spend within the first 3 months of card membership is pretty great, even with the annual fee of $95, which is waived the first year.

Cons

With no 0% intro APR on purchases or balance transfers, in this aspect the Savor Cash Rewards may not compete well with other cash back cards.

Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card

Pros

With no annual fee and no limits on rewards, this card's got what it takes to turn your head and race your heart. Earn 3X points for eating out and ordering in; gas stations, rideshares and transit; and travel, including flights, hotels, homestays and car rentals. There's also the 30,000 points after a $3,000 spend within the first 3 months.

Cons

You'll have to look hard for something not to like about this card, although there are no boosted rewards for such categories as Amazon.com, wholesale clubs and home improvement stores.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card

Pros

With 50,000 miles after a $3,000 spend within the first 3 months, 2X miles on all purchases and 10X miles on hotel stays purchased through hotels.com/venture, this card offers a host of travel rewards and features. Venture Rewards is currently partnered with 14 airlines where you can transfer your miles. The Venture Rewards Credit Card is a fine choice for both domestic and foreign travel because of its versatility. Fly any airline and stay at any hotel—there are no blackout dates.

Cons

Although your annual fee is waived the first year, you will eventually have to face the music by paying $95 each subsequent year.

Discover it® Cash Back

Pros

While other cards offer tiered rewards for specific spending, this card is one of the few that rewards with 5% cash back on rotating categories, plus another 5% back at the end of your first year. Categories can include restaurants, gas, groceries and more. For example, for January through March 2019, it's 5% cash back at grocery stores.

Cons

This card can be a bit of a hassle, because you have to sign up each quarter to qualify for the 5% rewards. Note that the 5% rewards rate will only apply up to the $1,500 quarterly maximum in purchases. Also, there's no sign-up bonus.

Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Pros

There's no annual fee or foreign transaction fee, and the sign-up bonus is a competitive $150 after a $500 spend within the first 3 months of card membership. Features include free credit score monitoring, purchase security, baggage insurance, VIP access to events and more.

Cons

You can do better than the 1.5% cash back on all purchases, although you may have to shell out for an annual fee with another card.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Pros

This card goes toe to toe with the Quicksilver, with $150 sign-up bonus after a $500 spend within the first 3 months and 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Features include concierge service, as well as an extended warranty program and purchase protection.

Cons

Unlike the Capital One Quicksilver, the Chase Freedom Unlimited has a foreign transaction fee of 3%, although there's no annual fee.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®

Pros

The Arrival Plus card has an impressive 70,000 bonus miles that you earn for spending $5,000 in your first 90 days. In addition to this large sign-up bonus, you'll also earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and 5% miles back when you redeem. There is a relatively low annual fee of $89, which is waived for the first year.

Cons

While redeeming is fairly straightforward, there are no transfer partners to move your miles to.

Citi Rewards+^SM Card

Pros

The Citi Rewards+ offers 15,000 points after $1,000 spend within the first 3 months of card membership, earning you a redemption worth $150. Also, earn 2X points at supermarkets and gas stations up to $6,000 spend each year, making it not as rewarding as the Blue Cash Everyday, although it has other features worth looking at, including getting your purchases rounded up to the nearest 10 points each time, unlimited.

Cons

There are a couple of things to watch out for with this card: There's a foreign transaction fee of 3% and a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, whichever is greater.

Pros and cons of rewards credit cards

We got a bit of a surprise when our October 2018 poll by YouGov PLC showed that about a quarter of those polled did not hold a credit card. With all the great rewards cards out there, that's money left on the table.

How many "active" credit cards do you currently hold?...

•  17%
• 1 card
•  15%
• 2 cards
•  33%
• 3 or more cards
•  26%
• I don't hold this type of card

• Source: CreditCards.com rewards card survey

Rewards cards can deliver great benefits, waived fees, and of course, points, miles or cash back. However, if you have trouble meeting your budget, or you tend to overspend, then they may not be so great for you.

Some disadvantages may actually be a blessing in disguise, such as annual fees, because they can be indicative of a card that offers superior rewards. But that's not always true. That's why you should thoroughly research your choices before applying.

Here, we look at the pros and cons of rewards credit cards to help you decide if they are right for you.

Pros

Accrue points, miles or cash – Earn hundreds of dollars a year in points, miles or cash back. It doesn't get better than this.

Travel and shopping perks – Rewards cards can offer extended warranties, rental car insurance and other travel and shopping benefits.

Build credit – As with most credit cards, this is a great way to build your credit, provided you pay on time each month.

Fees waived – In the case of the best travel cards, many have no foreign transaction fees and may even waive the annual fee the first year. With some cash back cards, you may not pay an annual fee at all. Here's what consumers report about the cards they have:

Consumers with at least 1 rewards card that has...

•  72%
• No annual fee
•  25%
• An annual fee of up to $75
•  15%
• An annual fee between $76-$150
•  10%
• An annual fee of at least $151
•  15%
• Unsure

• Source: CreditCards.com rewards card survey

Cons

Higher credit score required – While there are credit-builder cards that have rewards, the cards with richer offers tend to require higher credit scores. Make sure you check the required score of a card before applying.

They can cost you time – Many rewards cards can require you to spend some time maximizing points or cash. For example, if it's a card with rotating categories, you need to sign up for categories, then make sure you maximize spend without going over budget. And some travel cards have blackout dates and limit your choice in travel partners. However, there are rewards cards with flat rates if you don't want to invest time on your rewards.

Damage credit/budget – While you can improve your score with each month of on-time payments, you can destroy it with high balances. Also, you can blow your budget it you don't pay attention to your spending, as well as undo any earnings you've made through rewards.

Higher interest rates – Interest rates on rewards cards tend to be higher, particularly travel cards. But if you plan to pay in full each month, that shouldn't be a problem. In our survey of 698 American adults, we found that 64% of consumers planned to pay off their rewards card each month, compared to 23% who did not. The number who actually followed through was considerably lower:

Consumers who actually pay off their rewards credit card each month...

•  41%
• Every time
•  20%
• Most of the time
•  11%
• About half the time
•  14%
• Less than half the time, but paid in full at least once
•  10%
• Never
•  5%
• Prefer not to say

• Source: CreditCards.com rewards card survey

Different types of reward cards

There are a number of different types of rewards credit cards, including cash back, hotel and airline loyalty cards, and even retail and gas. In fact, more than 60% of credit cards issued in the U.S. are tied to a rewards program, according to The Wall Street Journal. Here are different types of rewards cards:

Gas

Also called fuel cards, this product dates back to the 1920s when the primary purpose was convenience. With the advent of rewards cards that also reward you for groceries, wholesale clubs and restaurants, rewards cards have all but replaced the gas credit card. That said, gas cards can reward you generously for each gallon and sometimes only require fair credit. If you're on the road a lot, this might be a good choice.

General purpose travel

Some travel cards reward you for most brands through a redemption portal that tracks your travel expenses. While the redemption rate may be lower than a loyalty travel card, you might want this card if you don't travel with a particular brand.

Airline miles

Frequent flier programs became popular in the 1980s. You can choose between a single loyalty card and a card with multiple airline partnerships. This is an option for the traveler who is loyal to a specific brand.

Hotel

A version of the airline loyalty card, this type of card product is good for the consumer who has a favorite hotel brand. Because hotel partnerships are so large today, you can access hotels in the hundreds in dozens of countries with a single card.

Cash back

Originating in 1986, Discover developed its products as a way to give money back at the end of the year based on the amount of charges. The cashback product has expanded to cards that give cash back in statement credits, checks and deposits in bank accounts. Cash back can be 1%-2% back for everything or for quarterly categories, which typically have a greater reward. If you want rewards without thinking about it, a general-purpose cashback card might be the right decision.

Retail

Sometimes called co-branded cards, this product is a type of loyalty card that is tied to department stores or other store brands. These cards can offer high percentages of cash back for first purchases and more.

Luxury

If you travel often and don't particularly love it, luxury cards can be a good choice because you can get 24/7 concierge service, access to airport lounges and more.

Business

Many card issuers offer varying types of rewards cards, frequently with greater rewards than consumer rewards cards. You can get cash back or points for business-related spending. If you often spend on business items, a business card might be an option.

Credit builder

Sometimes cards for fair credit and even secured cards offer rewards, typically 1% back on purchases.

What should I consider when choosing a rewards card?

Popular credit card rewards programs

Credit card rewards programs come in any number of flavors, and one of them is bound to work well for you.

There's Chase Ultimate Rewards, with generous rewards for your loyalty. And what about American Express Membership Rewards? Then, there are popular hotel rewards plans.

Here are some popular rewards programs and how they work.

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards is a travel portal that can pack points into your account if used correctly. There are 2 types of Ultimate Reward cards, a total of 6 cards:

• Cards with annual fees – Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve and Ink Business Preferred boost your Ultimate Rewards by 25% or 50%, depending on the card, when you use the points toward travel in the portal.
• Cards without annual fees – You can use the Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited and the Ink Business Cash to collect points to be used on the Ultimate Reward portal. One benefit: You can transfer the points on these cards to the cards with annual fees and enjoy the boosted bonus of the superior card.

Earn

Earn points through worldwide travel and dining, business categories, rotating categories such as gas and groceries, and more.

Redeem

With the Ultimate Rewards portal, you can book all types of travel with partner brands, including air travel and cruises, or enjoy redemptions for such items as gift cards and merchandise.

American Express Membership Rewards

Myriad Amex cards use the Membership Rewards program, including the American Express® Gold Card and the Blue Business Plus.

Earn

You can earn Membership Rewards through airfare, hotel stays, car rentals, retail purchases and more. There are also opportunities with business purchases, including office supplies, wireless service, shipping, advertising and computer hardware/software/cloud computing.

Redeem

Membership Rewards points can be used toward a shopping portal for such brands as Amazon.com and Staples. You can also use your points to cover card charges or for gift cards.

One of the most popular uses is as a travel portal. You can enjoy more value when you transfer the Membership Rewards points to miles and redeem them for international flights in business or first class. You can also experience bonus points for transfers with American Express' airline partners.

Here's how to use your Membership Rewards points toward travel:

1. Choose your flight, prepaid hotel, vacation package or cruise.
2. When you arrive at checkout, select the option to "Use all or some Membership Rewards points."
3. Choose the amount of points you would like to redeem and select "Apply."

Heads up that if you cancel your booking, points will be returned in the form of a statement credit.

Also, you have to use an Amex card that is enrolled in the Membership Rewards program and redeem at least 5,000 points.

Hilton Honors

With the Hilton portfolio, which includes such brands as Waldorf Astoria, Homewood Suites and Curio, you have access to 5,000 hotels and resorts around the world. Add to that, you can experience the benefits of the Hilton Honors program, which gives you access to these properties through the points you have collected with purchases.

Earn

In addition to earning points at member properties, earn points through partners for car rentals, cruises, even mobile roaming while abroad.

Redeem

You can use the points as a gift by purchasing gift cards at Hilton locations or treat yourself with a weekend at a favorite spot. Also enjoy using the points toward flights and rail travel, vehicle upgrades and more.

Marriott Bonvoy

With the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, you have access to 6,700 participating hotels across 29 brands after combining your rewards accounts. Member properties include Westin, Renaissance Hotels, Springhill Suites and more.

Earn

The Mariott Bonvoy program lets you earn points through sign-up bonuses and ongoing purchases with credit cards that partner with the program.

Redeem

Points can be used toward stays at these properties or through partners, allowing you to use them toward air travel, ground transportation, and gift certificates to such brands as Starbucks and iTunes. They can also be donated to charity.

How to choose your rewards card

When you are trying to choose the right rewards card for your lifestyle, it can be overwhelming. But with a little homework, you will find the perfect card.

It's really just a matter of asking yourself a few questions, such as what you plan to use it for and what benefits does the card offer, then deciding if that card will work into your shopping and budgeting routine.

1. Do you have the right card? Before doing anything else, make sure you have the right card for your habits. If you travel often with a favorite airline, a branded card might be a good option. If you are an occasional traveler, a general-purpose card might be best.
2. What are you using it for? Use your card for everything you were going to buy anyway. With it, pay for insurance, your cellphone, groceries – pretty much anything that won't charge a convenience fee.
3. What are the benefits? Rewards cards often have benefits beyond points that make using your card worthwhile, including access to airport lounges and rental car insurance.
4. Will you shop? Often, cards will have shopping portals in which you can use your points or miles.
5. Are you overreaching? Don't put anything on your card that you don't already have the money for. Remember, credit cards aren't designed to be long-term loans.
6. Are you paying in full? Each and every month, pay in full to avoid those interest charges you pay when you carry over a balance to the next month, charges that basically undo the rewards you've received.
7. Are you paying on time? Paying late can mean not only late charges, it can put your account and credit in jeopardy.

What credit is needed for a rewards card?

Most rewards cards call for at least good credit (at least a score of 700 on a scale of 300-850), but there are exceptions, such as some student cards and even secured cards.

While many rewards cards have annual fees, these fees together with the required good credit are the trade-off for superior travel and shopping benefits, such as price protection and free checked bags. However, there are many cash back cards with no annual fee. Here are sample cards, their purposes and their credit ranges:

How to maximize your credit card rewards

To take full advantage of your points, you need to look at the rewards card from all angles, including how much you'll spend and what you'll buy. Here's a quick guide on how to maximize your points:

1. Check your credit. Before you apply, make sure you know your credit score and that you have a high likelihood of getting the card you want before you apply.
2. Choose carefully. To use a rewards card successfully – and the points or miles – you'll need to find the right card for your lifestyle. For example, if you travel frequently, then focus on travel rewards cards; if you buy a lot of groceries, then get a card that earns high rewards on groceries.
3. Calculate. Calculate how much you'll spend, making sure you will at least recoup the annual fee.
4. Take advantage of the sign-up bonus. Make sure that you will be able to spend the required amount within the required time for the sign-up bonus, but avoid the temptation of making extra purchases just for the sake of reaching the required spend. Stick to sign-up bonuses that you know are attainable from your regular or pre-planned purchases.
5. Make it your go-to card. See if you can pay your rent, insurance and utilities with it, but make sure there are no convenience fees. Buy your groceries with it, and pull it out at restaurants.
6. Pay in full and pay on time. If you can't pay it off in full each month, there's no point in acquiring it. The interest fees will overshadow any cash back or points you've earned. Never go over the limit or pay late; these are wasted dollars.
7. Use shopping portals. Frequently check for deals. Just make sure you are fully rewarded for using points or miles. Some cards don't reward you for the full amount with their shopping portals or gift cards.
8. Take full advantage of the benefits. Make full use of the benefits, such as price protection and auto rental insurance.

How to redeem your credit card rewards

Whether you are earning points, miles or cash back, card issuers offer numerous ways to redeem those rewards. You can redeem through statement credits, gift cards, even checks. Here are some ways:

• A portal for travel purchases. With some cards such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Reserve, a travel portal can be used to make purchases using points, with additional rewards for using the portal.
• A portal for redemption. With general-purpose travel cards, you can redeem your miles for all manner of travel through a portal that monitors your rewards and travel spending.
• Redeeming for specific brands. With hotel- and airline-branded cards, you can redeem for those specific brands and sometimes their partners.
• Online shopping. Redeem your points through a shopping portal for such items as clothing, health and beauty aids, gift cards, and more.
• Get a check. A few card issuers will issue a check for your cash rewards.
• Deposit into bank account. Bank of America actually rewards you for depositing cash back into your BofA account.
• Statement credit. A favorite among cashback cards, you can earn your redemption through a credit that is placed on your card statement.

Laura is an editor and writer at CreditCards.com. She has written extensively on all things credit cards and works to bring you the most up-to-date analysis and advice. Laura's work has been cited in such publications as the New York Times and Associated Press. You can reach her by e-mail at laura.mohammad@creditcards.com and on Twitter @creditcards_lm.