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BLUEPRINT
Updated 4:30 p.m. UTC Sep. 3, 2024
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What’s even more rewarding than buying something you want? Getting rewards back on that purchase. Rewards credit cards come in multiple flavors and the best credit card for you will depend on your spending patterns, if you want cash back vs. travel points and your tolerance for an annual fee. We’ve analyzed over 350 credit cards that reward you for your spending to create a ranking of the very best rewards credit cards of 2024.
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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Partner Offer
On American Express’s secure website
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $250
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; Earn 3% cash back on transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and at U.S. gas stations; Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
Editor’s take
Pros
Earns generous cash back in numerous categories.
Intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
Ongoing annual fee.
Annual spending cap on elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets.
Redemptions are only in the form of statement credits.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers one of the highest cash-back rates for groceries at U.S. supermarkets you’ll find (subject to an annual spending cap). You’ll earn strong rewards rates on select streaming services, at U.S. gas stations and on other transit purchases. Heavy spenders can easily recoup the card’s annual fee.
Card details
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%.
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
350 cards analyzed.
20+ data points analyzed.
5-step fact-checking process.
Best credit card for rewards
Chase Freedom Flex®
*
The information for the Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening,
$150 bonus
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Generous cash-back potential if you maximize rotating categories.
Can pool rewards with a premium Ultimate Rewards®-earning card.
Low intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
Rotating categories must be activated quarterly.
Not all rotating categories will be a good fit for every cardholder.
Takes work to track the various rewards categories.
The Chase Freedom Flex charges no annual fee, earns cash back in a wide variety of categories and offers a generous welcome bonus. It also comes with low intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers. Last, but not least, Chase lets you redeem rewards in a variety of ways — including transferring them to a premium Ultimate Rewards®-earning card and enjoying 25% to 50% more value for travel bookings via Chase’s portal.
Card details
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $150 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
APR:0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% to 29.24%. There is an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. Then the fee is the greater of $5 or 5% of each transfer.
Perks and benefits: Cellphone protection of up to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, travel and emergency services, purchase protection and extended warranty.
Best for welcome offer
Discover it® Cash Back
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On Discover’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Cashback Match
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
Editor’s take
Pros
Low intro APR offer on both new purchases and balance transfers.
Generous rewards in quarterly rotating categories.
Automatic cash-back match at the end of your first cardmember year.
Cons
No travel insurance or purchase protection benefits.
Highest rewards are capped at $1,500 per quarter.
There’s a balance transfer fee.
This no-annual-fee card offers a low intro APR on both new purchases and balance transfers, plus it features a unique first-year welcome bonus: New applicants get a 100% cash-back match of all the rewards they’ve earned in their first year of card membership. The card is useful after the intro offer expires too, since it earns rewards on spending.
Card details
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Terms and conditions apply.
Best for dining and entertainment
American Express® Gold Card
Partner Offer
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On American Express’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Earn 60,000 points + earn up to $100 back
Annual fee
$325
Regular APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year; Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com; Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Multiple annual statement credits that can offset the annual fee.
High rewards rate on restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and travel.
Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
$325 annual fee.
Minimal travel perks.
Complex rewards structure.
If eating and travel are your priorities, the American Express® Gold Card could be ideal for you for its generous rewards on spending in those areas. Plus it comes with valuable perks that could offset the annual fee, if fully maximized.
Card details
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
$84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin’ locations.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.
Best for no annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On Chase Bank ˽ýӳ, NA’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
No annual fee.
Introductory APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
Can’t transfer points to travel partners unless paired with another card.
Charges foreign transaction fees.
There’s a balance transfer fee.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® charges no annual fee and comes with a robust rewards program, a generous welcome bonus and a useful list of benefits.
Card details
INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Best for unique spending categories
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
*
The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Lengthy intro APR financing on both new purchases and balance transfers.
Flexibility to choose your preferred cash-back category.
Solid welcome bonus after meeting spend requirements.
Cons
Elevated cash-back rates have a quarterly spending cap.
Few benefits.
There’s a foreign transaction fee.
This card’s unique rewards structure lets you choose each month which spending category from a list of six where you want to earn elevated cash back. It’s sure to be a favorite for consumers who need flexibility.
Card details
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases and for balance transfers made within the first 60 days, then a 19.24% to 29.24% variable APR applies. A 3% intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days; then a 4% fee applies to future balance transfers.
Foreign transaction fees: 3%.
Other perks and benefits: Preferred Rewards members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase (eligibility required, terms apply), flexible cash back redemption options, automatic redemption option, $0 fraud liability, Balance Connect for overdraft protection with associated Bank of America accounts, convenience benefits including digital wallet and contactless chip technology.
Best for flat-rate cash rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On Wells Fargo’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
$200 Cash Rewards
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
12 months of introductory APR financing on both new purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Cons
No purchase protection policies, other than cell phone protection.
No travel redemption options.
Other cards earn more cash back in specific categories.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers easy, generous and unlimited flat-rate reward on spending with no categories or spending caps to keep track of, Plus a low intro APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Card details
Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Best for customized categories
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
*
The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
$200 bonus
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.49% – 29.74% (Variable)
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose, 2% cash back on one everyday category such as gas stations, grocery stores or restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
No annual fee.
Introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
High reward potential on selected bonus categories.
Cons
$25 minimum for cash back redemption.
Cash-back rewards expire.
Charges a balance transfer fee.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ credit card lets you choose your own bonus categories from a long list of options. Plus, it comes with a solid welcome bonus and low intro APR offer. Be sure to pay attention to the fine print for details about redemption minimums and reward expiration.
Card details
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus: $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74%. A balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum) applies and balances transferred must be completed within 60 days.
Foreign transaction fees: 3% of each foreign transaction.
Perks and benefits: Earn more cash back through the Rewards Center Earn Mall, $25 minimum on cash back redemption, Cash back rewards expire at the end of the calendar month 36 months after the billing cycle in which they were earned.
Best for versatile rewards with no annual fee
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
*
The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
20,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
Editor’s take
Pros
Generous rewards rate across a wide range of categories.
No annual fee.
Introductory APR period on purchases.
Cons
Minimal cardholder perks compared to other cards.
Potentially high purchase APR after the introductory period.
Lacks an intro APR period on balance transfers.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card*The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. comes with a generous rewards program likely to entice commuters — particularly those who use transit services — as well as foodies. It’s somewhat light on benefits, but for no annual fee, there’s a lot to love about the Autograph.
Card details
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fees: None.
Other benefits and drawbacks: The card also offers up to $600 in cell phone protection if you use it to pay your phone bill (subject to a $25 deductible, up to two paid claims per 12-month period), as well as auto rental collision damage waiver.
Best for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Partner Offer
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
On American Express’s secure website
BLUEPRINT RATING
Our ratings are based on specific use cases for each card. We compared this card to others in the same category and developed our rankings based on this criteria, along with our editorial input. Note that although we chose this card as the best in its category, the right card for you will depend on your own financial circumstances.
Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $250
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit score
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
(700 – 749) Good, Excellent
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; Earn 3% cash back on transit (e.g., taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and at U.S. gas stations; Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
Editor’s take
Pros
Earns generous cash back in numerous categories.
Intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers.
Generous welcome bonus.
Cons
Ongoing annual fee.
Annual spending cap on elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets.
Redemptions are only in the form of statement credits.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card offers one of the highest cash-back rates for groceries at U.S. supermarkets you’ll find (subject to an annual spending cap). You’ll earn strong rewards rates on select streaming services, at U.S. gas stations and on other transit purchases. Heavy spenders can easily recoup the card’s annual fee.
Card details
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%.
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Good, Excellent (700 – 749)
Best for no annual fee
$0
Up to $300 cash back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Best rewards credit cards of September 2024
Best credit card for rewards: Chase Freedom Flex®
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The information for the Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Rotating categories require tracking and enrollment.
Requires a premium Ultimate Rewards card to maximize point value or transfer points.
Charges foreign transaction fees.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in categories that rotate quarterly (requires activation), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining and drugstores and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $150 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Best for welcome offer: Discover it® Cash Back
Why it’s the best
The Discover it® Cash Back offers an unbeatable first-year welcome offer: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year. This means the sky’s the limit for what your first-year bonus could be. The card also comes with an introductory APR offer plus high rewards on quarterly rotating categories that typically feature common spending areas.
Pros:
Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Solid intro APR offers on both purchases and balance transfers.
No annual fee.
Cons:
Low base rewards rate.
Spending cap on bonus categories.
Limited cardholder perks.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on purchases at different places each quarter up to $1,500 spent each quarter when activated and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first cardmember year.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for dining and entertainment: American Express® Gold Card
Why it’s the best
The American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, ) comes with a high annual fee, but foodies will salivate over an industry-leading rewards rate for eligible dining purchases, as well as solid returns on spending at U.S. supermarkets.
Plus, if you take full advantage of the up to $120 annual dining statement credit (enrollment required; Valid at participating partners such as Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com and Five Guys) and the up to $120 yearly in Uber Cash (for purchases in the U.S.; card must be added in Uber account to receive benefit), you’ve already almost offset the amount of the annual fee anyway.
Pros:
High rewards rates on dining and at U.S. supermarkets.
Statement credits for eligible dining and Uber expenses.
Generous travel and purchase protections¹.
Cons:
No intro APR offer.
High annual fee.
Statement credits limited to select merchants and enrollment required.
Card details:
Annual fee: $325.
Rewards: Earn 4 Membership Rewards points per $1 at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per $1, 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per $1), 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel and 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible restaurant purchases worldwide (up to $100 back) within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 11/6/24.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for no annual fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Why it’s the best
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers generous rewards without charging an annual fee. First, earn rewards for dining in any way you please, including eating in or taking it to go. This is in addition to strong rewards on drugstores and travel booked through Chase. The real secret sauce with this card, however, is that all other spending earns a higher-than-average rate, which means you’ll get elevated earnings no matter what you’re buying.
Pros:
High rewards without an annual fee.
Comes with an introductory APR offer.
No minimum redemption amount required to cash in your earnings.
Cons:
If you don’t spend much in the higher bonus categories, you might be better off with another card.
There’s a balance transfer fee.
The card carries a foreign transaction fee so it’s not a good travel companion.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 1.5% back on everything bought in the first year on up to $20,000 in spending, which is worth up to $300.
Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Best for unique spending categories: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
On top of offering flexibility, the bonus options include categories rarely found on rewards cards. For example, you can earn bonus rewards getting your fridge repaired one month and get the same rate on a fortune teller the following month, all using the same credit card.
Pros:
Flexible bonus category you can change each calendar month with a huge list of eligible expenses.
No annual fee.
Generous intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers.
Cons:
There’s a quarterly cap on the highest rewards categories.
Charges foreign transaction fees.
Requires managing categories and enrolling to earn higher rewards rates.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Best for flat-rate cash rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Why it’s the best
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is as good as it gets when you want to earn uncomplicated cash rewards on your spending. The card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases across the board, so there are no categories or spending caps to keep track of. Plus, the card comes with no annual fee, an intro APR offer and cellphone protection against damage or theft — boons for anybody seeking an easy-to-use, easy-to-manage card.
Pros:
High flat-rate cash rewards on spending.
Easily attainable welcome offer.
Decent intro APR offer for both purchases and balance transfers.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Best for customized categories: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
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The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Quarterly choice bonus category cap is $2,000, which is higher than similar cards.
Wide range of categories are eligible for the highest rewards rate.
There’s no annual fee.
Cons:
You’ll have to know ahead of the quarter where you plan to spend the most.
It can be cumbersome to track your spending to maximize your rewards.
This card is likely best paired with one that earns high flat-rate rewards, since the ongoing rewards rate is minimal.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center, 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of choice, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants) and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction.
Best for versatile rewards with no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
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The information for the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Can redeem your earnings for cash back or transfer to travel partners.
No foreign currency conversion fees make it a great choice for spending abroad.
Cons:
No elite travel perks, like baggage protection or trip delay coverage.
The card offers a wide swath of elevated rewards categories, but they may not align with your spending habits.
List of travel transfer partners is limited compared to other issuers.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0.
Rewards: Earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee: None.
Best for U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Why it’s the best
For a reasonable annual fee, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (terms apply, ) earns an unmatched cash-back rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets (up to the annual spending cap) and on select U.S. streaming services. Plus, the higher-than-average cash-back rate you’ll earn at U.S. gas stations and on transit is the icing on the cake.
Pros:
One of the highest cash-back rates available at U.S. supermarkets.
Robust purchase protections¹.
Statement credit for select streaming services (enrollment required; terms apply).
Cons:
Excludes wholesale clubs and superstores from U.S. supermarket earnings.
Charges an annual fee after the first year.
Has foreign transaction fees.
Card details:
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Rewards Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or for eligible items at Amazon.com checkout.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.
Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. Factors we considered included:
There are a number of important questions to ask yourself when picking a rewards card.
What’s your credit score? The cards that offer the best rewards are generally reserved for people with good to excellent credit. Knowing your credit score will help you understand what cards you’re eligible for and whether it’s worth improving your credit before applying.
What kind of rewards do you want? If you’re looking to transfer points and get the best deals on award travel with a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, go for a general travel card. But if you would rather get cold, hard cash in your checking account, a cash-back card will be a better fit.
What categories do you spend most heavily in? It won’t make sense to get a card that rewards gas station spending if you’re hardly ever on the road, or one that rewards dining if you don’t eat out, for instance.
What additional features would you use? Consider how you could make the most of any bonus features, such as statement credits, 0% intro APR offers, cellphone protection and extended warranties.
What is a rewards credit card?
With a rewards credit card, you earn rewards in the form of a percentage back on your spending each time you make a purchase. Some rewards cards earn cash back on spending, while others earn points or miles that you can redeem towards travel. What the rewards are called is not as important as the ways the issuer allows you to redeem them.
How do rewards credit cards work?
When you make a purchase with a rewards credit card, you’ll basically get a kickback for every dollar spent. This is generally expressed as a number of points or miles per dollar, which can range from 1 point to over 20 points depending on the card, or as a percentage of your purchase, such as 2% cash back.
Exactly how those rewards per dollar are calculated will depend on your card. Some credit cards have flat rates in certain categories year round, while others will rotate the highest earning categories each quarter or allow you to customize them based on your spending habits.
As you spend, you’ll continue accumulating rewards in your account. Many rewards credit cards also offer welcome bonuses once you meet a certain spending requirement in the first few months, and this can be a great way to give your rewards balance an early boost.
How you redeem your credit card rewards will depend on what specific card you have and the type of rewards. Some common redemption options include:
Book travel through the issuer’s portal.
Receive a statement credit on your account.
Cover recent purchases.
Transfer points to travel partners.
Request direct deposit or check.
Purchase gift cards.
Shop online with select retailers.
Keep in mind that not all redemption options yield the same value. Generally speaking, booking travel through your issuer will offer the most value for points, while purchasing gift cards or shopping online with points will deliver the least.
Types of rewards credit cards
Here are the different types of rewards credit cards you’ll find on the market:
Cash-back credit cards
With a cash-back credit card, rewards are typically expressed as a percentage of what you spend on the card. For example, a card may earn 2% back on all purchases, or may earn an elevated rate on purchases in a specific category — like 5% back on gas station spending.
Many cash-back credit cards are available for no annual fee. Some common redemption options with cash-back rewards include a statement credit, bank deposit, check or gift cards.
Travel rewards credit cards
A travel rewards credit card typically earns points or miles and allows you to redeem your rewards for travel. In many cases, you’ll earn an elevated rate for purchases in specific categories, such as 3 points per $1 spent on restaurant dining and takeout. There are travel credit cards with no annual fee, but premium benefits come with a price tag to match.
Some travel cards let you transfer rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs. You’ll also generally have the choice to book travel through the issuer’s portal — sometimes at a boosted value per point. Cobranded travel cards are tied to specific airlines or hotel chains. These are less flexible in terms of booking travel than cards with general rewards, but may provide benefits such as free checked bags or elite status, which can be useful if you are loyal to a brand.
Business rewards credit cards
A business rewards card can earn cash back or travel rewards and are designed for business owners, typically offering higher rewards on common business spending categories. In addition to rewards, business credit cards are useful for separating personal expenses from business ones, streamlining employee spending and accessing expense management tools.
“Rewards credit cards have literally changed my life. Since I started actively collecting and redeeming points and miles, I’ve been able to take my family on trips I never thought would be possible. Some of the cobranded cards I hold come with automatic elite status, which means we’ve been upgraded to suites and gotten other luxury perks we never would have had access to otherwise.”
Robin Saks Frankel, Credit cards lead editor, ˽ýӳ Blueprint
Earning and redeeming rewards
How to earn rewards
Earning rewards with a rewards credit card is simple — just use your card to checkout in person or online. Using the right rewards card can earn you anywhere from 1% to 6% back on your spending.
Most rewards credit cards also offer welcome bonuses, where you can earn bonus cash back or points if you hit a spending target shortly after opening the account. For example, you might be able to earn a $200 bonus if you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Depending on the specifics of your card, rewards may show up immediately after each purchase posts to the account or rewards may post all at once after a billing cycle ends.
How to redeem rewards
You can request reward redemptions in your online account. Common redemption options include statement credits, deposits into a bank account, paper checks and gift cards. Some credit cards also allow you to shop with points at participating online merchants, or to use your rewards to buy merchandise through the issuer.
With a travel card, you can use rewards to book travel via your issuer’s travel portal or transfer rewards to airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you have a cobranded airline or hotel credit card, you can book directly with that specific airline or hotel chain, or its alliance partners.
How much are credit card rewards worth?
This depends on the specific credit card you’re using, and the value you get for your rewards can even change depending on the redemption method.
Here’s an example: a Chase Ultimate Rewards point is worth 1 cent if redeemed for cash back. But it can be worth as much as 1.5 cents if redeemed through the Chase Travel℠ portal using the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. On the other hand, it’s worth only 0.8 cents if using Ultimate Rewards points to shop with Amazon or PayPal.
Similarly, points on your Bilt World Elite Mastercard® can be redeemed for travel in the Bilt portal at a value of 1.25 cents each, but if you use them for a statement credit, you’ll get just 0.55 cents each.
Tips for maximizing your credit card rewards
There are several things to keep in mind to extract maximum value from your credit card rewards.
Don’t carry a balance. Incurring high credit card interest from carrying a balance will wipe out the value of any rewards you earn.
Only pay an annual fee if the math checks out. A card with an annual fee is worth it if you get enough value from the rewards and benefits to offset the cost of the fee. But make sure to do the math so you’re not paying more than you’re getting.
Use multiple rewards credit cards. Use specific cards for spending in certain categories to maximize rewards earned on each purchase. But only if you can carefully manage the payments and avoid incurring interest or late charges. You may even select cards that earn rewards in the same ecosystem, like American Express Membership Rewards® points.
Be aware of any quarterly or annual spending caps. With some cards, the earning rate drops after you hit a quarterly or annual spending cap. For instance, if your card earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then the earning rate drops to 1%, you may wish to have a backup card to put your spending on after you hit the cap.
Select the most lucrative redemption options. A good rule of thumb is to only take redemptions where you get a value of 1 cent per point or higher. If you’re using a travel card that lets you transfer rewards to partners, this is often the best way to get outsized value for your rewards.
Transfer travel rewards for outsized value. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Bilt Card all let you transfer points to World of Hyatt. You may be able to then redeem points for a stay at a Hyatt property at a value of 2 or even 3 cents per point.
Pros and cons of rewards credit cards
While the prospect of scoring rewards on all your spending is enticing, there are still some potential drawbacks:
Pros
Offset your everyday spending by earning rewards.
Redeem for award travel to take vacations you wouldn’t otherwise take.
Score a welcome bonus for hitting a spending target in the first few months.
Enjoy perks like purchase protections, travel coverages or a 0% intro APR period.
Cons
Typically require good to excellent credit to qualify.
Often come with high regular APRs.
May charge an annual fee.
Should you get a rewards credit card?
Treat plastic like it’s cash and only spend what you can pay in full each month — if you approach credit cards with this mindset, then a rewards credit card offers a unique opportunity to offset your living costs a bit. The right cash-back credit card could earn you anywhere from 1% to 6% back on purchases, while a travel card could help you swing amazing deals on flights or make hotel stays much more affordable than you previously thought possible.
However, if you tend to roll over a balance from month to month, a rewards card is likely not for you. They tend to have high APRs, meaning you’ll incur expensive interest charges for carrying a balance. Any value you’d get from the rewards will be quickly erased by what you pay in interest.
We don’t recommend carrying a balance on your credit card, but if you do, a card with a lengthy 0% introductory APR period can sometimes help alleviate the pain of interest charges. These cards are meant for people with good-to-excellent credit, and they charge no interest for introductory periods that may be as short as six months or can be up to 21 months.
Alternatives to rewards credit cards
Rewards credit cards are a great way to get a little something extra from your everyday spending, but they’re not for everyone. Consider these alternative credit cards if:
You carry a balance from month to month. Interest rates on credit cards are vastly higher than rewards rate and interest charges will quickly devour any rewards you earn. You’ll likely be better off with a card that offers a 0% intro APR to give you more breathing room to pay down expenses over time.
You have existing credit card debt. If you’re struggling to tackle an existing credit card balance, earning rewards will only be a drop in the bucket. Consider instead a balance transfer card to hold interest at bay, often for over a year, so you can make real progress on paying off your credit card debt.
You’re new to credit. Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit to qualify, and you’re unlikely to be approved if you don’t have much credit history. For those still in school, your best bet might be a student credit card. Don’t fret if you’re no longer hitting the books — you can still get your foot in the door with a starter credit card.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Rewards credit cards are typically aimed at consumers with good to excellent credit, meaning a FICO Score 670 or higher. If your score is poor or fair, consider working to improve your credit with a secured credit card — you’ll have to provide the issuer a security deposit in the amount of your desired credit limit. After demonstrating responsible spending and payment behavior with the secured card, you may eventually qualify for an unsecured rewards card.
It depends on your card. While some cards let you earn unlimited rewards, others have a quarterly or annual spending cap on purchases in certain categories. After you hit that cap, your rate in that category will drop to the base earning rate until the new quarter or new year comes around.
This also depends on your specific card. With some cards, your rewards won’t expire as long as the account is open. Other cards have rewards that expire on a rolling basis, so if you don’t redeem them within their “lifespan” you’ll lose them. This is more common with cobranded airline and hotel credit cards.
Some cards will credit you any outstanding rewards when you close your account, while other card accounts will consider your rewards forfeit.
The best credit card for rewards depends on factors such as your credit profile and spending habits. For many people, the Chase Freedom Flex offers powerful earning potential. But if you’re a college student with limited credit history, a card like the Discover it® Student Cash Back will be more accessible to you. Then again, if you’re a frequent traveler, you may value the flexibility offered by the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card with their airline and hotel partners.
