Best rewards credit cards for January 2022

All information about Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Amazon Prime Visa Signature card, the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card, and the USAlliance Visa Signature card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

A guide to rewards credit cards

Rewards credit cards rank highly among the best credit cards on the market as they let you earn points, miles or cash back on your purchases. Many rewards credit cards also tout lucrative benefits, like travel statement credits, airport lounge access, purchase protection, welcome bonuses and more. The best rewards credit cards offer a competitive return rate on your spending, generous welcome bonuses, extra perks and favorable fee structures, at least relative to their benefits.

Comparing the best rewards credit cards

Editor’s picks: Rewards credit card details

Citi Premier® Card: Best for rewards for travel and everyday spending

Why we picked it: The Citi Premier card offers 3X points on popular travel expenses, including air travel, hotels, and restaurants, and common everyday spending categories, like supermarkets and gas stations, for a relatively low $95 annual fee.

Pros: You get 1X points on general purchases, along with a decent sign-up bonus: Cardholders earn 60,000 points for spending $4,000 in their first three months, which can be redeemed for $600 in gift cards at thankyou.com.

Cons: The card’s biggest drawback is that you’ll have limited transfer options for people traveling stateside. Most of Citi’s big transfer partners are international carriers, like Qantas, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways. (Learn more about the best Citi credit cards.)

Who should apply? People trying to decide between a travel credit card and a credit card that rewards everyday spending can meet both needs with the Citi Premier card.

Who should skip? If you want one rewards credit card only and need it to come with a few perks, you may want to consider a different card that provides you with a few more convenient offerings.

Related: Citi Premier vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

Read our full Citi Premier Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best for unlimited miles on purchases

Why we picked it: The new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights, all when you book through Capital One Travel. All other purchases will earn an unlimited 2X miles.

Pros: There’s a sign-up bonus and limited time offer. Earn 100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening. Plus, cardmembers can receive up to $200 in statement credits for vacation rentals in the first year when charged to your Capital One Venture X Rewards account.

Cons: There’s a $395 annual fee. It’s not the highest fee when it comes to premium credit cards, but it’s still worth noting.

Who should apply? Given all the rewards and extra perks, frequent travelers looking for an easy-to-use travel rewards credit card won’t mind the annual fee that comes with the Capital One Venture X Rewards card.

Who should skip? If you don’t travel often, you’re better off with a general-purpose rewards credit card.

Related: Is the Venture X worth it?

Read our Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card: Best for 2% cash rewards

Why we picked it: For those averse to spending categories and required enrollments, the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card offers a much more simplified way to rack up rewards with its unlimited 2% cash rewards on eligible day-to-day purchases. Depending on how much you spend, this could quickly add up. There’s also the possibility to snag a $200 cash rewards introductory bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of opening your account. Members also enjoy an extra long 0% introductory APR period of 15 months (from account opening) on qualifying balance transfers and eligible purchases, then 14.99% to 24.99% variable APR.

Pros: The card includes Visa Signature Concierge benefits at hotel properties around the world as well as cellphone protection, and cash rewards never expire so long as your account is active. There is no annual fee for this card.

Cons: Benefits can seem limited compared to similar cards. Qualifying balance transfers must be made within the first 120 days as a cardholder to receive the special intro rate. There’s also an intro balance transfer fee of 3% if you transfer the balance within 120 days; 5% if you don’t (with a $5 minimum). While the intro APR period is generous, the Citi® Double Cash Card offers an  introductory APR term on balance transfers as well as an unlimited 2% cash back (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay).

Who should apply? Moderate spenders hoping to earn rewards on eligible purchases will find a lot of value in the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card’s unlimited 2% cash rewards rate.

Who should skip? If you want to redeem rewards other than cash back you’ll want to explore other options.

Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for U.S. supermarkets

Why we picked it: A top American Express card, the Blue Cash Preferred offers a whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%). It also offers a best-in-class 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services.

Pros: The card also offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% cash back on general purchases. Cardholders earn a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases on the new card within the first six months. There’s also a 12-month 0% introductory APR on new purchases (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable).

Cons: There’s an ongoing $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), though big gas and supermarket shoppers should find that relatively easy to recoup. (We estimate you need to spend around $3,200 a year at U.S. supermarkets to come out ahead, as illustrated by our comparison between the Blue Cash Preferred and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.)

Who should apply? The well-rounded Blue Cash Preferred is a great option for families or heads of household, given its high cash back at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets, particularly if you can earn the welcome bonus or leverage the promotional APR on purchases.

Who should skip? Moderate spenders may struggle to offset this card’s annual fee.

Related: Who should get the American Express Blue Cash Preferred?

Read our full Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for automatically maximizing rewards

Why we picked it: This Citi card lets you earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (after that, 1% cash back), no enrollment or tracking required. Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

Pros: The card offers a lucrative sign-up bonus: Earn $200 in ThankYou points, which you can redeem for cash back, if you spend $750 in the first three months of account opening. There’s also a 15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (then variable 13.99% to 23.99%).

Cons: You’ll pay a pricey 5% balance transfer fee (or $5, whichever is greater) if you take Citi up on its balance transfer offer. (Many cards charge a 3% balance transfer fee and a few skip the charge entirely.) The $500-per-billing-cycle cap eats into the card’s value.

Who should apply? Anyone looking to take the guesswork out of maximizing rewards will likely appreciate this card’s automatic adjustments on earnings. This card is also a good option for someone looking to take advantage of an introductory APR on purchases in the short-term, but earn rewards in the long-term.

Who should skip? If you use the Citi Custom Cash Card as your primary rewards card, the $500 cap each billing cycle and flat 1% cash back rate on all purchases outside your top spending category may leave you missing out on rewards on some of your purchases.

Related: Is the Citi Custom Cash worth it?

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for rewards at drug stores

Why we picked it: Originally a solid flat-rate cash back credit card, the Freedom Unlimited recently revamped its rewards program to include bonus categories, adding an industry-leading 3% cash back on drugstore purchases. The revamp also introduced 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2022); 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on  dining purchases.

Pros: You still get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Plus, the Freedom Unlimited offers a stellar sign up bonus: New cardholders earn an additional 1.5% cash back on purchases, on up to $20,000 spent in the first year. (See more of the best credit card sign up bonus offers.)

Cons: Though the bonus categories certainly add appeal, the Chase Freedom Unlimited doesn’t have the highest flat rate for cash back on the market right now. That honor goes to the Citi® Double Cash Card, which offers 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy; 1% as you pay off your purchases).

Who should apply? Big drugstore spenders, frequent Lyft riders or cash back sign-up bonus seekers will find a lot to like about the Chase Freedom Unlimited.

Who should skip? Those looking to use this card with international merchants will need to keep in mind its 3% foreign transaction fee.

Related: How our expert, Barri Segal, uses her Chase Freedom Unlimited

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for travel rewards

Why we picked it: This popular Capital One credit card checks all the boxes in terms of what people should look for in a travel rewards card: a competitive 2X miles back on all purchases, a generous sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees and up to a $100 credit to put toward the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Pros: The current sign-up bonus is quite lucrative: Cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles when they spend $3,000 in their first 3 months.

Cons: Rewards maximizers might find their redemption options a little too straightforward, given the miles you earn on your Venture card are largely worth one cent per mile and the exchange rate is low for most transfer partners. (Learn more about the Capital One rewards program.) There’s a $95 annual fee, though it is relatively easy to recoup.

Who should apply? We estimate you need to spend around $396 or more a month to justify the card’s annual fee (considering you earn 2X miles per dollar and each mile is valued at one cent), so moderate spenders looking for a simple travel rewards card will find this one fits the bill.

Who should skip? While Capital One miles are one of the most flexible rewards currencies available, those seeking cash redemption options won’t get quite as much value out of those rewards.

Related: How to maximize your Venture rewards card?

Read our full Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for fun lovers

Why we picked it: The SavorOne offers a competitive 3% cash back on dining, entertainment (think concerts or movie tickets), popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) for no annual fee – a great value for frequent foodies.

Pros: Cardholders earn 1% cash back on other purchases. There’s also a solid sign-up bonus: $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, which represents one of the lowest spending requirements on the market.

Cons: If your spending isn’t concentrated on dining, entertainment or at grocery stores (or at all), you can probably earn more with a no annual fee, flat-rate cash back card, like the Citi Double Cash. On the flip side, if you spend a lot on dining, you might be better served by the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 4% cash back on dining and entertainment for a relatively affordable $95 annual fee. Our guide to popular dining rewards cards can help you determine which one is right for you.

Who should apply? Foodies looking for a no annual fee card that touts a sweet sign-up bonus they can earn after a few nights out should consider the SavorOne.

Who should skip? Cardholders who prefer to put all their spending on one card might be better off opting for a card with a flat rate of cash back.

Related: Capital One SavorOne benefits guide

Read our full Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for occasional travel + intro APR

Why we picked it: The VentureOne will bring some value to the wallets of occasional travelers who want to earn travel rewards for everyday purchases without having to pay an annual fee. Cardmembers earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 1.25 miles per dollar on every other purchase.

Pros: In addition to unlimited rewards and a sign-up bonus, cardmembers have access to a lengthy 0% intro APR of 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (14.99% to 24.99% variable rate after the intro period).

Cons: Travelers may be able to find other cards that come with no annual fee but a base rewards rate higher than 1.25 miles per dollar.

Who should apply? Anyone eager to earn modest travel rewards without having to shell out money for an annual fee should make this one of the cards they look at.

Who should skip? Big spenders will get more value if they upgrade to a credit card with an annual fee. Plus, most travel rewards cards require good or excellent credit, and the VentureOne is no exception to the rule. If you have fair credit, you’ll need to keep your options open.

Read our Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

American Express® Gold Card: Best for restaurants

Why we picked it: The American Express Gold Card offers an industry-leading 4X points at restaurants, along with a competitive 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points). Plus, the card touts up to $120 per year in dining credits at select eateries, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Cheesecake Factory and participating Shake Shack locations (up to $10 statement credits per month, enrollment required).

Pros: In addition to the food perks, cardholders earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com and 1X on other purchases. There’s also a stellar welcome offer: New cardholders earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points if they spend $4,000 in the first six months, which we estimate to be worth around $600 when you book through AmexTravel.com. (See how we value Amex points.) Plus, Amex points can be transferred to different loyalty programs, mostly at a 1:1 rate.

Cons: You’ll pay a price for all those benefits – namely, a $250 annual fee, not waived the first year. Getting the most bang for your buck requires a little legwork. For instance, to maximize travel points, your best bet is to transfer them to one of Amex’s partners. So, if you’re looking for simplicity, a flat-rate rewards card is likely a better fit.

Who should apply? Gastronomes will be hard-pressed to find a card that offers a better return on their food purchases, so if your restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending will recoup the annual fee beyond the first year (where you’ll benefit from the welcome offer), put this card on your consideration list.

Who should skip? If you aren’t planning to use your Amex points toward a future trip or aren’t interested in transferring the points to a frequent flyer program, the card may not be as valuable.

Related: Who should get the American Express Gold card?

Read our full American Express Gold Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for sign-up bonus

Why we picked it: This solid travel rewards credit card offers a generous sign-up bonus: Cardholders earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in their first three months. Those points are worth $750 when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, making the bonus one of the most lucrative offers currently on the market.

Pros: Part of the reason the Chase Sapphire Preferred’s sign-up bonus is so valuable is because cardholders receive a 25% bonus when booking travel through Ultimate Rewards. The card offers 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining, 2X points on other travel purchases, and 1X points on general purchases. Plus, Chase allows cardholders to transfer their points to several travel partners at a 1:1 ratio.

Cons: There’s a $95 annual fee that might price this card out of a less frequent traveler’s budget. Conversely, big spenders might be able to reap more rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, which offers a bevy of benefits in exchange for a steep $550 annual fee. (Learn how to decide between the Chase Sapphire Preferred vs. the Chase Sapphire Reserve.)

Who should apply? This card provides a ton of value to frequent travelers. It also makes a great companion to an Ultimate Rewards card with bonuses in different categories of spending, given you can pool rewards across cards in Chase’s line-up.

Who should skip? While a great entry point into the world of travel rewards, those seeking the highest echelon of perks will want to opt for a more premium card.

Related: Why the CSP is a great first travel card

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for choosing your own bonus category

Why we picked: Unlike most credit cards, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards lets you choose your bonus category. Cardholders earn a generous 3% cash back on a category of choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores or home improvements and furnishings), along with a competitive 2% cash back on grocery store and wholesale purchases. That bonus cash back is limited, however, to $2,500 in combined 2% and 3% category purchases each quarter. You’ll earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

Pros: The base rewards are good for a no annual fee credit card and the sign-up bonus is quite generous ($200 online cash rewards for spending $1,000 in your first 90 days). There’s also a top-notch promotional APR on purchases and balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99% to 23.99% variable. (See more top balance transfer credit cards.)

Cons: The cap on bonus categories puts a definite damper on this otherwise solid no-annual-fee cash back credit card – with one important caveat, outlined below.

Who should apply? This card is a great option for Bank of America and Merrill checking and savings account holders, because they’ll receive a rewards boost between 25% and 75% through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program.

Who should skip? True cash back enthusiasts are probably better off opting for a card that doesn’t impose such steep restrictions on bonus category earning.

Related: Is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card worth it?

Read our full Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travel benefits

Why we picked it: This premium American Express card comes fully-loaded with luxury travel benefits, including, but by no means limited to, airport lounge access, a $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Precheck statement credit, up to $200 in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card, automatic gold elite status with Hilton Honors (enrollment required), and no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).

Pros: Cardholders earn 5X 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 points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. You get 1X points on other purchases. There’s also a very generous welcome offer: 100,000 points if you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months, which we estimate to be worth around $1,000 when you book through American Express Travel, given those points are worth one cent each. Additionally, American Express offers an extensive list of travel partners for Amex Platinum cardholders to transfer points to at a 1:1 rate (for most partners).

Cons: It’s $695 annual fee makes it one of the most expensive cards on the market, and, while the perks are plentiful, they’re not exactly straightforward. Bonus categories are subject to a cap, for instance, redemption options are a bit rigid and some of the credits come with caveats you’ll have to familiarize yourself with. Case in point: The card comes with up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, which you receive in $15 monthly increments (U.S. rides and eats) in your Uber app, along with a $20 bonus in December. If you’re looking for a premium travel card that’s a little more flexible, consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Who should apply? Very frequent flyers who love to travel in comfort and style will enjoy the Platinum’s bevy of benefits.

Who should skip? If you don’t anticipate utilizing this card’s long list of perks, it’s worth taking a closer look at your budget to see if the rewards you’ll earn via spending are likely to offset the card’s high annual fee.

Related: Is The Platinum Card® from American Express worth the annual fee?

Read our full Platinum Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating cash back categories

Why we picked it: Savvy spenders can really rack up rewards with this classic cash back credit card that offers a whopping 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating bonus categories per quarter (then 1%, enrollment required) and matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.

Pros: This card fires on a lot of cylinders, offering competitive cash back for no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, an ultra-generous sign-up bonus and a lengthy promotional APR on balance transfers and purchases (0% intro APR for 14 months, then 11.99% to 22.99% variable). See more of the best zero interest credit cards.

Cons: You have a little bit of legwork to do to earn your bonus cashback – namely, enrolling for the rotating categories each quarter and shifting your spending habits to maximize your earnings. Plus, the bonus categories aren’t always the same year-to-year, so you may find it harder to maximize cash back in some years versus others. See the 2022 Discover it Cash Back calendar.

Who should apply? If you’re looking for a card with a little bit of everything and don’t mind some friction when it comes to earning rewards (i.e. enrolling in bonus categories), this consumer-friendly card is a top choice.

Who should skip? Individuals looking for a straightforward rewards card may not want to deal with the extra effort required for keeping track of rotating bonus categories.

Related: Discover announces cash back calendar for 2022

Read our full Discover it Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for students

Why we picked it: The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is absolutely worth it if you’re a student looking for a chance to build credit with responsible use while enjoying terrific cash back variety.

Pros: This card offers 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023, unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) plus 1% on other purchases. It does not require a credit history for approval.

Cons: This card won’t be much help if you need help paying off a large purchase over time, as it lacks a 0% introductory APR offer. Plus, if you already have good credit or better, you may be better off applying for the non-student version of the card to benefit from its intro APR offer and sign-up bonus.

Who should apply? Students with little-to-no credit history that want to earn rewards on a variety of bonus spending categories.

Who should skip? If you do not devote a large portion of your spending to this card’s bonus categories you may be missing out on potential rewards.

Read our full Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

What is a rewards credit card?

A rewards credit card is a credit card that lets you earn points, miles or cash back on your spending. You might get rewards for specific types of purchases, like gas or groceries, or you might get a flat rate for all charges. Typically, you’ll need at least good credit to get a rewards credit card, though there are exceptions. (Our CardMatch tool can show you what rewards credit cards you may qualify for without hurting your credit score.)

How do rewards credit cards work?

As you make purchases with a rewards credit card, you’ll get a little something in return, usually cash back, points or airline miles. Depending on the type of rewards card you have, you can redeem your earnings for money deposited into your bank account, free or discounted flights, hotel stays, gift cards and more. What you can do with your rewards depends on what type of card you have.

Pros and cons of rewards cards

It’s easy to get seduced by offers of discounted travel, complimentary hotel stays and other frills, but rewards cards aren’t a good fit for everyone. As you search for a card that best aligns with your budget and lifestyle, consider both the pros and cons of rewards credit cards.

How to choose a rewards credit card

How to compare rewards cards

We’ve highlighted some of the best rewards credit cards on the market, but, as we mentioned earlier, the right rewards card for you will vary, depending on your financial goals and habits. So before you start comparing cards, carefully consider how you tend to spend your money.

“Credit card companies offer all types of reward options these days, from points to miles to cash back, and each card provides incentives based on certain purchases or stores/retailers, so it’s important to find the card that rewards you for the purchases you make the most,” says money-saving expert Andrea Woroch, whose advice has been featured in such media as Time’s Next Advisor, Huffington Post and The New York Times.

For example, a rewards rate of 3X points on travel purchases is great – but only if you regularly spend a significant amount of money on travel. The best rewards card for you will match the way you already spend. Once you know what you want – say, a card that earns travel rewards on every purchase – you’ll be able to compare rewards cards in that category. Start by considering these card features or visiting our compare credit cards tool .

• Annual fee. There are plenty of solid rewards cards, often cash back cards, that charge no annual fee. On the other hand, travel rewards cards and cards with exceptionally high rewards rates or sign-up bonuses typically do charge an annual fee. If the card you’re eyeing comes with an annual fee, you should do some quick math to make sure that your yearly rewards earnings will be greater than the cost of the fee. (See below for a few examples of how to determine if an annual fee credit card is worth it.)
• Foreign transaction fees. Many travel credit cards let you skip this charge, which is otherwise imposed when you use the card overseas. Standard foreign transaction fees run between 2% and 3% of each purchase. See the best credit cards for no foreign transaction fees.
• Additional benefits. Rewards cards often offer perks just for having the card. For example, many travel cards offer benefits like credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, airport lounge access and free checked bags. If you’re torn between two cards or on the fence about whether an annual fee is worth it, perks like these can tip the scale in one direction.
• Sign-up/welcome bonus. Most rewards cards offer some kind of incentive to new cardholders who spend a certain amount on their card within a specified time frame. You might get a few hundred dollars in cash back or a chunk of points you can redeem for a free flight. Though valuable, a sign-up bonus is a one-time perk. Make sure the long-term value checks out, too.
• Ongoing APR. If you’ll be carrying a balance from month to month, you’re probably better off forgoing rewards and getting a low interest credit card. That said, accidents and emergencies happen, even to those who usually pay their balance in full. Choosing a rewards card with a lower interest rate can save you money if you need to carry a balance someday. If you’re curious about how your card’s APR might affect your bottom line, read our guide to credit card interest.
• Introductory APR. Some rewards cards offer new cardholders an introductory 0% interest rate on purchases or balance transfers for a certain number of months. These offers can be a boon, particularly if you’re planning on making a one-time large purchase or have an existing high-interest balance you’re trying to pay down. Just be sure to pay off your purchase or your balances before you focus on racking up rewards.

Still stuck? Check out our step-by-step guide to choosing the right credit card.

Making the most of your rewards credit card

Getting the right card is just the first step toward maximizing credit card rewards. There are ways to boost points, miles and cash back and to stretch their value. Here is how to best leverage your rewards credit card.

Snag a sign-up/welcome bonus

“When signing up for a new card, look for one that offers a cash bonus so you get something extra for the purchases you’re planning to make anyway,” Woroch says. “Just make sure that it’s feasible to reach the cash sign-up bonus and that you aren’t chasing the reward by making extra, unnecessary purchases. If a card requires you to spend $3,000 in the first three months and you don’t have any big-ticket planned purchases, then you’re less likely to reach that amount and you may spend more unnecessarily for the rewards.”

Shop or redeem through shopping portals

Rewards tend to have more value when you book travel, purchase select gift cards or, even, make purchases through an issuer shopping portal, like Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amextravel.com. Frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programs, including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards and Delta SkyMiles, let members earn extra points or miles by shopping at their favorite retailers through similar platforms, too.

Pool points

Some issuers let you combine rewards across multiple credit cards, while others allow you to share points with family members or, even, friends. These options usually come with a few caveats, but they can help you reach redemption thresholds or earn big rewards, like first-class airfare, more quickly. In order to really get ahead here, however, you’ll need to know your rewards and pay your bills.

Know your rewards program

Rewards programs vary by issuer to issuer or from card to card. To find the best ways to maximize points, miles or cash back, you’ll need to read the fine print. Fortunately, we have highlights, along with links to reviews, of popular credit card rewards programs to help you familiarize yourself with their current terms and conditions.

Pay your bills in full

Otherwise, you’ll just lose your points, miles or cash back to interest – and rather quickly, given rewards credit cards tend to carry slightly higher interest rates than some of their counterparts. In order to earn rewards while minimizing the odds of overspending, consider paying your bills every week, instead of the end of every month.

How we picked the best rewards credit cards

We analyzed over 300 credit cards to identify the best rewards credit cards currently on the market. These factors and more inform our decisions in which cards can work the hardest for you.

• Rewards rate: We took into account rewards categories and rates, earning caps and other fine print that may affect total earnings potential.
• Interest rate: Though you shouldn’t have to worry about interest rates if you’re paying your bill in full each month, we excluded rewards cards with exorbitant interest rates.
• Fees: We compared each card’s fees to its rewards rate and sign-up bonus to determine whether the average consumer could earn enough rewards to justify the annual fee within the first year and years to come.
• Travel benefits: For the travel cards, we’ve assessed point values and transfer partners to help you weigh your options based on your lifestyle and goals.

All criteria used: Credit needed, rates & fees, transfer partners, travel benefits, point values, redemption options and flexibility, customer service, sign-up bonus, rewards rate.

The best rewards credit card programs

You can compare individual credit cards, but knowing a little bit about each issuer’s rewards program can help you narrow your search. Credit card rewards programs come in any number of flavors, and one of them is bound to work well for you. Just remember that not every credit card from an issuer will qualify for their rewards program. Here is an overview of some popular rewards programs and how they work. You can learn more about each one by reading our full reviews.

Additional information on rewards cards

For more information on all things rewards cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Do all purchases count when racking up rewards?
• Best credit cards for large purchases
• How to choose a rewards credit card
• How to maximize your rewards credit card

About the Author

Ryan Noonan

Ryan Noonan began working in marketing for Bankrate.com in December 2018 and has since begun using his industry expertise as a writer, contributing to both Bankrate.com and Creditcards.com. During his time in Columbus, Ryan led philanthropy efforts for his fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa. Ryan is fascinated by the doors credit card rewards open up to incredible opportunities and experiences, particularly world travel. Ryan has traveled to the Cayman Islands, the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland, among other destinations thanks to credit card and airline mile programs.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Jason Steele

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets. He’s frequently interviewed and quoted by mainstream outlets on the subjects of credit cards and travel. Jason is passionate about travel rewards credit cards, which he uses to earn rewards that he can redeem for him and his family to travel around the world. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, a conference for credit and credit card journalists that’s held annually.