Best rewards credit cards for September 2021

All information about Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, the Citi Prestige 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. To help you better understand and maximize rewards cards, here, we look at:

• Comparing the best rewards credit cards
• Editor’s picks: Rewards credit card details
• What is a rewards credit card?
• Types of rewards credit cards
• Pros and cons of rewards cards
• Who should get a rewards card?
• How to compare rewards cards
• Best rewards credit card programs
• Making the most of your rewards credit card
• How we picked the best rewards credit cards
• Additional information on rewards cards

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 80,000 points for spending $4,000 in their first three months, which can be redeemed for $800 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.

Read our full Citi Premier 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 recently launched its best ever sign-up bonus: Cardholders earn a whopping 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in their first three months. Those points are worth $1,250 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.

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.

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

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for automatically maximizing rewards

Why we picked it: This brand new 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.

Read our Citi Custom Cash 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 a 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.

Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card 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 2021 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.

Read our full Discover it Cash Back 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.)

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.

Read our full American Express Gold 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 drugstore and dining purchases.

Pros: You still get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Plus, the Freedom Unlimited’s stellar sign-up bonus has one of the lowest spend requirements on the market: New cardholders receive $200 cash back after they spend $500 in their first three months. (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 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.

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited 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 1-cent each. New cardholders also receive 10X points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S. (on up to $25,000 in combined purchases) in their first six months of card membership.

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.

Read our full Platinum Card from American Express 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 $150 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership and can earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the card within the first 6 months, up to $200 back. 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.

Read our full Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express 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.

Read our full Bank of America Cash 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 3 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, or the Citi Prestige® Card, which offers an industry-leading 5X points on restaurants and air travel, albeit for a $495 annual price tag. 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.

Read our full Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card 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 1 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 1 cent), so moderate spenders looking for a simple travel rewards card will find this one fits the bill.

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

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best for flat-rate cash back + sign-up bonus

Why we picked it: This new card from Bank of America features all the hallmarks of a solid flat-rate cash back credit card, including 1.5% cash back on all purchases and a lucrative sign-up bonus ($200 online cash rewards after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening).

Pros: Bank of America Preferred Rewards members earn 25% to 75% more cash back on every purchase made with this card, depending on how much money they have in their Bank of America accounts. That boost means you could potentially earn up to 2.62% cash back on all purchases, an earnings rate that bests many flat-rate cash back credit cards currently on the market.

Cons: Absent the Bank of America Preferred Rewards boost, this card is very similar to existing flat-rate cash back credit cards on the market — and, in fact, you could conceivably earn more with a few of them, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, which features select bonus categories in addition to a flat 1.5% on all purchases and the Citi® Double Cash Card, which offers 2% cash back on all purchases (1% as you spend; 1% as you pay your purchases back).

Who should apply? Bank of America customers with money in the bank are likely best-served by picking this card over its flat-rate cash back competitors, given the boost they can earn through Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program.

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

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for simplicity seekers

Why we picked it: This flat-rate cash back card is decidedly low maintenance, offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases for no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees and a (relatively) easy-to-earn sign-up bonus ($200 for spending $500 in your first three months, one of the lowest spending requirements on the market, matching the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Chase Freedom Flex cards.)

Pros: Capital One makes it uber-easy to redeem cash back: There’s no minimums and you have plenty of redemption options, including gift cards, checks and more.

Cons: You can earn more with other cash back cards, depending on your spending habits, and, even among flat-rate 1.5% cash back cards, the Quicksilver lags a bit. You can conceivably earn more with the Chase Freedom Unlimited or the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card. For more specifics, check out our guide on how to determine which 1.5% cash back card is right for you.

Who should apply? If you’re looking for a decent return rate and don’t want to think too long or hard about earning and redeeming cash back, the Quicksilver fits the bill.

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

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for families on a budget

Why we picked it: The card offers competitive cash back on everyday expenses, including 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% cash back on other purchases – for no annual fee.

Pros: In addition to good base rewards, the card features a solid welcome offer: Cardholders receive a $100 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of card membership and earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases on the card in the first 6 months, up to $150 back. They’ll also enjoy one of the longer promotional APRs on purchases on the market: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months, then 13.99% to 23.99% variable.

Cons: As we mentioned earlier, you’ll only need to spend around $3,200 a year at U.S. supermarkets to recoup the Blue Cash Preferred’s annual fee – and its base rewards and welcome bonus are much higher, so carefully consider which version of the Blue Cash is right for you. (We do some further comparison down the page that could prove helpful.)

Who should apply? If you like the bonus categories associated with Amex’s Blue Cash Preferred card, but find yourself balking at its annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday Card is a great alternative. (See more of the best no annual fee credit cards.)

Read our full Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express 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.

Types of rewards cards

The two main types of rewards cards are cash back and travel cards. Both types of cards can help you earn rewards through the everyday purchases you make or the flights you’re already booking. Although this sounds simple enough, it can be confusing when trying to find the right card for you because there are so many to choose from within each category. So to make it a little easier for you, we’ve gone into detail about the different types of rewards credit cards and what they can offer you:

Cash back cards

With a cash back credit card, a percentage of each qualifying purchase will be paid back to you. For example, a card with a 2% cash back rate would reward you with $2 for every $100 spent. This can be a great way to earn money for the purchases you make every day. With the right card, the rewards won’t expire for the life of the account – so the cash back that you earn will always be yours. There are several types of cash back credit cards.

• Flat-rate cash back cards. These are the simplest type of rewards cards, offering the same rate of cash back on all purchases, usually between 1% and 2%. Flat-rate cash back cards are a great choice for someone who has a wide variety of expenses or doesn’t want to have to remember bonus categories. A flat-rate card can also be a good choice if you only want one credit card to use for everything. A great option: the Citi® Double Cash Card, which essentially offers an industry-leading 2% cash back on all purchases excluding gift cards, (1% as you buy, 1% as you pay off your purchases).
• Tiered cash back cards. Tiered bonus category cards reward specific spending categories, such as dining or gas, at a higher rate, while all other purchases will typically earn 1% cash back. They are a great choice for those who have recurring, significant expenses in certain categories. A great option: the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, which offers 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% cash back at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
• Rotating category cash back cards. Similar to tiered cards, rotating category cards offer boosted rewards rates in certain categories. However, the bonus categories change, usually each quarter, and are often seasonally relevant. Those who want to capitalize on seasonal expenses, such as online shopping during the holidays or travel during the summer, might consider a rotating category card. A great option: the Discover it® Cash Back card, which is offering 5% cash back at gas stations, wholesale clubs and select streaming services through June 2021 on up to $1,500 in purchases quarterly after activating (then 1%), right on time for holiday gift purchases. Quarterly sign-up required.

Cash back gives you the most flexibility with your rewards. Since you’ll typically get cash back as a statement credit or direct deposit, you can use your rewards like cash to buy anything you want. Learn how to redeem cash back.

Travel rewards credit cards

Travel credit cards reward cardholders with points or miles instead of cash. You can redeem points or miles to book travel, and with some travel rewards cards, you’ll gain access to luxurious perks like airport lounge access. Among the best travel credit cards, you’ll also find perks like free companion passes, free checked bags, TSA PreCheck credits and more. There are three main types of travel credit cards.

• General-purpose travel cards. With a general-purpose travel card, you’ll earn points, sometimes on all purchases, which can be redeemed for flights or hotel stays. General-purpose cards are the most flexible type of travel credit card because they allow you to redeem with a variety of partner brands, so you’re not tied to one airline or hotel chain. Also, many general-purpose travel credit cards reward you with extra points if you redeem through the issuer-specific redemption portal, rather than transferring your points to an airline or hotel loyalty program. A great option: the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which rewards cardholders with 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on dining and 2X points on other travel purchases.
• Airline credit cards. Airline credit cards reward cardholders with miles for a specific airline. You earn those miles at a boosted rate through spending on flights or other categories, such as gas stations or dining. If you’re loyal to one brand, you’ll likely find your best redemption value with an airline card instead of a general-purpose card. A great option: the Delta Skymiles® Gold American Express Card, which offers 2X miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Hotel credit cards. Hotel credit cards, like airline cards, are co-branded and encourage loyalty to a single brand. As rewards stack up, you can earn free nights and become eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and status boosts. A great option: the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

If you’re new to earning points — or just feeling overwhelmed by all the available options out there — our travel credit cards roundup for beginners can point you in the right direction.

Other types of rewards cards

• Gas: Gas cards reward you generously for each gallon you buy and sometimes only require fair credit. You can get a credit card that rewards purchases at any gas station, or one that rewards purchases at a specific gas station chain. A great option: the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Retail: Sometimes called a co-branded card, retail credit cards are 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, though the rewards are generally limited to the specific retailer and the APRs on these cards can be quite high. A great option: the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card, which offers rewards on Amazon Prime and Whole Foods purchases.
• Business: Business credit cards are designed for business owners and generally offer cash back or points on business-related spending, like office supplies or internet services, as well as money-saving perks and flexible financing benefits. A great option: the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, which rewards cardholders with 1.5% cash back on all purchases for your business.

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.

Pros of rewards credit cards

• The perks and ancillary benefits are great: Rewards cards frequently include discounts on retail and services along with benefits like trip protection, car rental insurance, cellphone insurance and other types of consumer protections.
• Cardmembers earn high-value rewards and bonuses: When you find a rewards card that matches your spending habits, you can maximize earnings and receive cash back on purchases or put those rewards towards flights, hotel stays and more. Cards usually offer some type of welcome bonus to incentivize you to spend, such as 50,000 to 100,000 bonus points after you spend around $3,000 to $5,000 within the first three to six months of opening your account. These introductory offers are an excellent way to jumpstart your earnings and give you the points you need to earn status from airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Cons of rewards credit cards

• Rewards often have strings attached: Unfortunately, earning rewards can sometimes be easier than using them. Airlines, hotels, and travel partners often have blackout dates or bar you from booking coveted business class seats or premium hotel rooms across much of the calendar. Usually this coincides with peak travel periods but not always. For cash back, rewards are often capped, require registration or include some other mild hurdle that makes earning a little less straight-forward than it may have seemed in the promotional copy.
• Fees can be expensive: Generally, the bigger the rewards, the higher the annual fee. Some high-end rewards cards charge as much as $500 to $700 a year. And aside from the annual fee, there are plenty of other fees to consider, like potentially high APR rates, foreign transaction fees and balance transfer fees. Those who frequently make use of their card’s benefits and perks can often recoup the cost of the annual fee in little time. On the flip side of this, if you’re someone who rarely takes advantage of what your card has to offer, you’re probably wasting your money.

Who should get a rewards card?

• Someone who is capable of spending responsibly and within their means. Adopting a “buy now, pay sometime in the future” mentality may make it easy to overspend. It’s important to think of credit card charges in the same way as debit charges – once you swipe, that money is gone.
• Someone who pays their balance in full. If you aren’t able to do this, you probably shouldn’t use a rewards credit card. The interest charges you’ll accrue will likely be greater than any rewards earnings. If you’re going to carry a balance, it’s better to get a low interest credit card.
• Someone who will take advantage of the card’s rewards and benefits in order to justify the annual fee. There are plenty of lucrative rewards cards that don’t charge an annual fee, with which you’ll never have to worry about recouping that yearly expense. If you’ve got your eye on a card with an annual fee, you may want to break down your monthly budget and estimate how much you’ll earn in rewards annually to make sure you’re breaking even.

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.

• 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.

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.

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 3 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 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.

Learn more ways to maximize credit card rewards.

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.

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
• Best fixed bonus category cards
• Best gas rewards programs