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CREDIT CARDSCREDIT CARDSBEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS OF JANUARY 2024
Advertiser disclosureBEST OF
16 BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS OF JANUARY 2024
By
NerdWallet
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 2, 2024
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate
us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the
product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our
opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make
money.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best travel credit cards || Best
cash back credit cards || Best airline credit cards
Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties: cash-back cards and travel
cards. Cash-back cards pay you back a percentage of the amount of each
transaction. Travel rewards credit cards give you points or miles for each
dollar you spend; you redeem those rewards for free flights, hotel stays and
more. No single rewards credit card is right for everyone. It's all about how
you spend money and what kind of rewards you value.
Some of our selections for the best rewards credit cards can be applied for
through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for
the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet,
followed by the full list of our picks.
Show More
Show summary
NERDWALLET'S BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS OF JANUARY 2024
* Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Cash back — bonus categories + high
ongoing rate
* Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Travel rewards — flat-rate
rewards
* Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Cash back — high flat rate +
incentives
* Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Travel rewards — bonus categories
* Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Dining and groceries
+ no annual fee
* Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Cash back —
families (groceries, gas, commuting, streaming)
* Discover it® Cash Back: Best for Cash back — bonus categories + cash-back
match
* Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Cash back — 5% categories tailored to your
spending
* U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card: Best for Road trips
* Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best for Cash back — up to 5% in multiple categories +
cash bonus
* Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for College students
* U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: Best for Flexible foodie rewards
+ no annual fee
* U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Cash back — maximum
customization potential
* World of Hyatt Credit Card: Best for Hotel credit card
* Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for Airline credit card
* Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Rewards on rent payments
BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Credit card
NerdWallet rating
Annual feeRewards rateIntro offer
Learn more
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
5.0/5
Best for Cash back — high flat rate + incentives
$0
2%
cashback
$200
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
5.0/5
Best for Cash back — bonus categories + high ongoing rate
$0
1.5%-5%
cashback
Unlimited Matched Cash Back
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
5.0/5
Best for Travel rewards — bonus categories
$95
1x-5x
points
60,000
points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
5.0/5
Best for Dining and groceries + no annual fee
$0
1%-10%
cashback
$200
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
4.7/5
Best for Travel rewards — flat-rate rewards
$95
2x-5x
miles
75,000
miles
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
5.0/5
Best for Cash back — families (groceries, gas, commuting, streaming)
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
cashback
$250
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
4.6/5
Best for Road trips
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
1x-5x
points
50,000
points
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
Discover it® Cash Back
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
4.9/5
Best for Cash back — bonus categories + cash-back match
$0
1%-5%
cashback
Cashback Match™
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
5.0/5
Best for Cash back — up to 5% in multiple categories + cash bonus
$0
1%-5%
cashback
$200
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
4.9/5
Best for Flexible foodie rewards + no annual fee
$0
1x-4x
points
20,000
points
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
4.3/5
Best for Cash back — maximum customization potential
$0
1%-5%
cashback
$200
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
World of Hyatt Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
5.0/5
Best for Hotel credit card
$95
1x-9x
points
30,000
points
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Rates & Fees
4.7/5
Best for Cash back — 5% categories tailored to your spending
$0
1%-5%
cashback
$200
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Rates & Fees
Discover it® Student Chrome
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
5.0/5
Best for College students
$0
1%-2%
cashback
Cashback Match™
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
5.0/5
Best for Airline credit card
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
1x-2x
miles
40,000
miles
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Bilt's website
on Bilt's website
Rates & Fees
4.5/5
Best for Rewards on rent payments
None
1X-3X
N/A
Apply Now
on Bilt's website
on Bilt's website
Rates & Fees
FIND THE RIGHT CREDIT CARD FOR YOU.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out
there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Get Started
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out
there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Take Quiz
Our pick for
CASH BACK — HIGH FLAT RATE + INCENTIVES
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH® CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH® CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a combination of features that few
other flat-rate cards can match, starting out with a rich and unlimited 2% cash
back on every purchase.
Product 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 15 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.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* Aside from the excellent flat cash-back rewards rate, new cardholders also
are eligible for a generous sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus
after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. There's also an intro
APR period.
Cons
* There's a foreign transaction fee, common among cash-back credit cards. And
you can find cards with richer rates on popular spending categories, if
you're willing to put up with their more complex reward structures.
Why We Like It
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a combination of features that few
other flat-rate cards can match, starting out with a rich and unlimited 2% cash
back on every purchase.
Our pick for
CASH BACK — BONUS CATEGORIES + HIGH ONGOING RATE
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED®
5.0
NerdWallet rating
CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED®
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Unlimited Matched Cash Back
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash
back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked
through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. New cardholders get a
great bonus offer, too.
Product Details
* SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your
purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match
all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn.
Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
* Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You'll
enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants,
including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel
purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that
lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5%
cash back on all other purchases.
* 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 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!
* 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, real-time alerts, and more.
* Member FDIC
Our Take
Pros
* This card earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at
restaurants and drugstores; and 1.5% on other purchases. There's a great
intro APR offer, and new cardholders who apply through NerdWallet can snag
this bonus offer: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match
all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit
to how much cash back you can earn.. If you're a maximizer, you can transfer
your rewards to one of Chase's Sapphire cards to boost their value by 25% or
50%.
Cons
* While you can earn big rewards on travel bookings with this card, it also
charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not a good companion abroad.
Why We Like It
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash
back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked
through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. New cardholders get a
great bonus offer, too.
Our pick for
TRAVEL REWARDS — BONUS CATEGORIES
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED® CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED® CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-5x
Points
Intro offer
60,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides outstanding value and flexibility —
including the option of transferring your rewards to popular airline and hotel
loyalty programs — for a reasonable annual fee.
Product Details
* Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3
months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase
Ultimate Rewards®.
* Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®,
3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate
Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
* Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and
cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth
$750 toward travel.
* Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision
Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
* Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower
service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31,
2024.
* Member FDIC
Our Take
Pros
* You earn 5 points per $1 spent on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate
Rewards®; 3 points per $1 spent on dining (including eligible delivery
services and takeout), select streaming services, and online grocery
purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per
$1 spent on travel not purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; and 1 point
per $1 spent on other purchases. Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when you
redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to
several other loyalty programs, including United, Southwest, Marriott and
Hyatt. The card also comes with a superb sign-up bonus.
Cons
* The rewards you earn on your spending are valuable in themselves, but if it's
perks you're looking for — for example, free checked bags on flights, free
hotel upgrades or automatic travel credits — look to a branded airline or
hotel card or this card's premium sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Why We Like It
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides outstanding value and flexibility —
including the option of transferring your rewards to popular airline and hotel
loyalty programs — for a reasonable annual fee.
Our pick for
DINING AND GROCERIES + NO ANNUAL FEE
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
CAPITAL ONE SAVORONE CASH REWARDS CREDIT CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
CAPITAL ONE SAVORONE CASH REWARDS CREDIT CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-10%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a powerhouse
card for foodies — whether they prefer to dine out or cook at home.
Product Details
* Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the
first 3 months from account opening
* Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming
services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and
Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
* Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus
complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
* Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
* Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital
One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip
options. Terms apply
* No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash
back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how
much you can earn
* 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% -
29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
* No foreign transaction fee
* No annual fee
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* The card earns 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 3%
cash back on dining, grocery stores, eligible streaming services and
entertainment. (1% back on other purchases.) That's an impressive and
hard-to-find combination of rewards categories. Plus, there's a rich sign-up
bonus and an intro APR offer.
Cons
* If your spending is more focused specifically on either dining OR groceries,
then other cards with higher rewards rates in one of those categories may be
a better fit.
Why We Like It
The $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a powerhouse
card for foodies — whether they prefer to dine out or cook at home.
Our pick for
TRAVEL REWARDS — FLAT-RATE REWARDS
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
4.7
NerdWallet rating
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
4.7
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
2x-5x
Miles
Intro offer
75,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
Easy-to-earn, easy-to-redeem rewards have rightly made the Capital One Venture
Rewards Credit Card one of the best-loved travel credit cards on the market.
Product Details
* Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases
within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
* Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
* Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel,
where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
* Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how
many you can earn
* Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
* Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking
a trip through Capital One Travel
* Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of
cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
* Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* You earn 5 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through
Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on all other purchases. Miles
can be redeemed for credit on your statement against most travel expenses.
You’re not restricted to any particular airline or hotel, and there’s no
minimum amount required to redeem. Just book your own travel, then pay for it
with rewards. The great sign-up bonus starts you off right, too.
Cons
* If you're loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, you may get more
value from one of that brand's own cards. This card allows you to transfer
miles to several airline frequent-flyer programs, but the options aren't very
strong.
Why We Like It
Easy-to-earn, easy-to-redeem rewards have rightly made the Capital One Venture
Rewards Credit Card one of the best-loved travel credit cards on the market.
Our pick for
CASH BACK — FAMILIES (GROCERIES, GAS, COMMUTING, STREAMING)
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
BLUE CASH PREFERRED® CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS
5.0
NerdWallet rating
BLUE CASH PREFERRED® CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$250
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
If groceries, gas and/or commuting are among your most common expenses, the Blue
Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a winner.
Product Details
* Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in 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%. Variable APRs will not exceed 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.
* Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an
auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash
Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment
required.
* Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and
ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement
credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription
(subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment
required.
* Terms Apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* This card offers industry-leading rewards at U.S. supermarkets — 6% cash back
on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%) — supplemented by 3% cash back
at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis,
rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and parking). You also get 6% cash back on
select U.S. streaming subscriptions. All other purchases earn 1% back. A
welcome offer adds to the appeal.
Cons
* This card has a high annual fee, although if you spend at least $31 a week at
U.S. supermarkets, the cash back will offset it. Because it’s from American
Express, you might have trouble using it in some places.
Why We Like It
If groceries, gas and/or commuting are among your most common expenses, the Blue
Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a winner.
Our pick for
ROAD TRIPS
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
4.6
NerdWallet rating
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
4.6
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-5x
Points
Intro offer
50,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
720
850
Excellent
Get your free credit score
720-850
(Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice for
travelers, especially those who hit the open road frequently. It also earns
solid rewards in a variety of other everyday categories, and its recurring
credits can make the annual fee more palatable.
Product Details
* Intro Offer: Earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in eligible
purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. That's a $500 value
redeemable towards travel, gift cards, cash back, merchandise and more.
* 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude
Rewards Center.
* 4X points on travel, gas stations, and EV charging stations.
* 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $30 credit for annual streaming
purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and
more!
* 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, and dining.
* Receive up to $100 in statement credits for reimbursement toward your TSA
PreCheck® or Global Entry® application fee once every four years.
* 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
* Points never expire.
* Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly
payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
* Protection and assistance when traveling with Trip Cancelation/Interruption,
Trip Delay Reimbursement and SmartDelay.
* Complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership that gives access to more than
1,300 VIP lounges worldwide.
* Terms and conditions apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* Earn a whopping 4X back on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV
charging stations, plus 5X back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked
through the Altitude Rewards Center and 2X per $1 spent at grocery stores, on
dining and on eligible streaming services. There is an annual fee: $0 intro
for the first year, then $95. But there's also a generous sign-up bonus and
other perks.
Cons
* If you spend a lot on groceries, dining and streaming, you can find cards
with richer rates. You also won't be able to move points earned with this
card over to its more premium sibling — the U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa
Infinite® Card — to take advantage of that card's higher point values for
eligible travel redemption through U.S. Bank.
Why We Like It
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is an excellent choice for
travelers, especially those who hit the open road frequently. It also earns
solid rewards in a variety of other everyday categories, and its recurring
credits can make the annual fee more palatable.
Our pick for
CASH BACK — BONUS CATEGORIES + CASH-BACK MATCH
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
DISCOVER IT® CASH BACK
4.9
NerdWallet rating
DISCOVER IT® CASH BACK
4.9
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The bonus categories, $0 annual fee and new-cardmember bonus make this card an
all-around winner. There's also a solid 0% intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15
months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of
17.24%-28.24% Variable APR.
Product Details
* INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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.
* 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 17.24% to 28.24% Standard
Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
* No annual fee.
* Terms and conditions apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* This card has broad bonus categories that you activate each quarter, allowing
you to earn 5% cash back at such places as restaurants, grocery stores and
gas stations. (The 5% rewards are capped at $1,500 in spending per quarter;
after that, you get 1%. There’s also a distinctive sign-up bonus: INTRO
OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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.
Cons
* Keeping track of the changing bonus categories, and remembering to opt in to
them every three months, can be a hassle.
Why We Like It
The bonus categories, $0 annual fee and new-cardmember bonus make this card an
all-around winner. There's also a solid 0% intro APR offer: 0% intro APR for 15
months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of
17.24%-28.24% Variable APR.
Our pick for
CASH BACK — UP TO 5% IN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES + CASH BONUS
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
CHASE FREEDOM FLEX℠
5.0
NerdWallet rating
CHASE FREEDOM FLEX℠
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories
(some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus offer
for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich
card.
Product Details
* Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months
from account opening.
* 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each
quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
* 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier
rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift
cards and more
* 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including
takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% 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!
* 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 Flex℠ card
* Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your
credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
* Member FDIC
Our Take
Pros
* This card earns 5% cash back in bonus categories that change every three
months (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, then 1%); 5% on travel
booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% on
other purchases. New cardholders can snag this sign-up bonus: Earn a $200
Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account
opening. Finally, if you have one of Chase's Sapphire cards, you can transfer
your rewards to it for greater value and flexibility.
Cons
* Activating and tracking the bonus categories can be a hassle. For an option
that does away with the 5% categories in exchange for a higher ongoing rate
on "everything else," check the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. And it charges a
foreign transaction fee, so it's not the best choice for international
travel.
Why We Like It
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories
(some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus offer
for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich
card.
Our pick for
FLEXIBLE FOODIE REWARDS + NO ANNUAL FEE
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® GO VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
4.9
NerdWallet rating
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® GO VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
4.9
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-4x
Points
Intro offer
20,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
720
850
Excellent
Get your free credit score
720-850
(Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card gives you hard-to-beat rewards
at restaurants and pretty-good rewards at grocery stores, gas stations and EV
charging stations for an unbeatable $0 annual fee. Other cards rival its rate at
restaurants, but they have annual fees of $95 to nearly $500.
Product Details
* Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible
purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. That's a $200 value
redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
* 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
* 2X points on streaming services. Plus, a $15 credit for annual streaming
purchases like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify®, Apple Music, Disney+, HBO Max and
more!
* 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging
stations
* 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
* 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing
cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 18.24% - 29.24%.
* No Annual Fee
* Points never expire
* Every Altitude® Go Visa Card is made with recycled plastic, helping to reduce
the amount of plastic waste in the environment.
* Terms and conditions apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* Earn 4 points per $1 spent on dining purchases, which includes takeout and
delivery; 2X points at grocery stores (including grocery delivery), gas
stations, EV charging stations and streaming services; and 1X points on other
eligible purchases. There's also a bonus, an intro APR period and an annual
credit on eligible streaming services. Plus, points are worth 1 cent apiece
regardless of how you redeem them, even for cash back.
Cons
* Unlike some other dining cards, there are no bonus rewards for
"entertainment" spending like movies, sporting events, live music, theme
parks, etc. Also, you cannot pool this card's rewards with other U.S. Bank
Altitude cards.
Why We Like It
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card gives you hard-to-beat rewards
at restaurants and pretty-good rewards at grocery stores, gas stations and EV
charging stations for an unbeatable $0 annual fee. Other cards rival its rate at
restaurants, but they have annual fees of $95 to nearly $500.
Our pick for
CASH BACK — MAXIMUM CUSTOMIZATION POTENTIAL
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
U.S. BANK CASH+® VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
4.3
NerdWallet rating
U.S. BANK CASH+® VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
4.3
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The unique rewards system on the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card makes it
a potentially lucrative option for people who don't mind (or who even enjoy)
actively managing their credit card accounts.
Product Details
* $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the
first 120 days of account opening.
* 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter
on two categories you choose
* 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in
the Rewards Center
* 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging
Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
* 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
* 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing
cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% - 29.74%
* No Annual Fee
* Terms and conditions apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* A rotating category card with a twist: You pick your bonus categories. You
earn 5% cash back in two categories you choose, on up to $2,000 per quarter
in combined spending (then 1%); unlimited 2% cash back in an "everyday"
category of your choice; and 1% on all other non-bonus-category spending.
There's a good sign-up bonus, and the annual fee is $0.
Cons
* Rotating category cards involve work, and this one adds an extra layer of
effort because you have to pick your categories each quarter. Forget to do
so, and you'll earn only 1%. Further, the 5% categories tend to be more
specialized than on comparable cards, so you might have trouble maxing out
bonus rewards.
Why We Like It
The unique rewards system on the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card makes it
a potentially lucrative option for people who don't mind (or who even enjoy)
actively managing their credit card accounts.
Our pick for
HOTEL CREDIT CARD
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
WORLD OF HYATT CREDIT CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
WORLD OF HYATT CREDIT CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Apply Now
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-9x
Points
Intro offer
30,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
Although Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, the outstanding value delivered
by World of Hyatt Credit Card makes it worth considering for anyone who spends a
lot of time in hotels.
Product Details
* Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3
months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning
2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening
on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
* Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your
account is open.
* Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category
1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
* Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening,
and each year after that for as long as your account is open
* Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000
in a calendar year
* Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend
$5,000 on your card
* Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays - 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent at
Hyatt hotels & 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
* Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased
directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness
club and gym memberships
* Member FDIC
Our Take
Pros
* You earn 4 points per dollar spent with Hyatt, 2 points per dollar on an
array of common spending categories (see the product details tab), and 1
point per dollar on other spending. Hyatt points are also worth significantly
more than most other hotel points. You get a free night each anniversary year
and can earn another with $15,000 a year in spending. There's a decent
sign-up bonus, automatic elite status and more.
Cons
* Hyatt's relatively small footprint — about 850 properties compared with 5,000
or more for other chains — means you won't have as many locations to choose
from as you'd get with other hotel cards.
Why We Like It
Although Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, the outstanding value delivered
by World of Hyatt Credit Card makes it worth considering for anyone who spends a
lot of time in hotels.
Our pick for
CASH BACK — 5% CATEGORIES TAILORED TO YOUR SPENDING
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Rates & Fees
CITI CUSTOM CASH® CARD
4.7
NerdWallet rating
CITI CUSTOM CASH® CARD
4.7
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
630
850
Fair - Excellent
Get your free credit score
630-850
(Fair - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a twist on existing 5%-back credit cards:
You'll earn 5% back automatically based on your spending habits, not based on
rotating quarterly bonus calendars. Terms apply. That makes it a low-maintenance
— and potentially valuable — option.
Product Details
* Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months
of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou®
Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
* 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that,
the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
* Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each
billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also,
earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
* No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each
billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the
eligible categories.
* No Annual Fee
* Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* This card earns 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your highest-spend
category per billing cycle (from a list of eligible options). And those
options happen to be popular spending categories like restaurants, grocery
stores, streaming services, select travel expenses and more. There's also a
sign-up bonus and an intro APR period, all for an annual fee of $0.
Cons
* The monthly spending cap on your 5% rate will limit the amount of cash back
you can accrue. And all other spending beyond your one eligible bonus
category will earn just 1% back.
Why We Like It
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a twist on existing 5%-back credit cards:
You'll earn 5% back automatically based on your spending habits, not based on
rotating quarterly bonus calendars. Terms apply. That makes it a low-maintenance
— and potentially valuable — option.
Our pick for
COLLEGE STUDENTS
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
DISCOVER IT® STUDENT CHROME
5.0
NerdWallet rating
DISCOVER IT® STUDENT CHROME
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Discover's website,
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
630
689
Fair
Get your free credit score
630-689
(Fair)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student
Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly
bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for
your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement
for this card.
Product Details
* INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will
automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first
year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200.
There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar
match.
* Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined
purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on
all other purchases.
* Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
* No credit score required to apply.
* 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.
* No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
* 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase
APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
* Terms and conditions apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* You earn 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in
combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
(Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your
bonus rewards.) The annual fee is $0. There's also Discover's signature bonus
for new cardholders.
Cons
* Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isn’t as widely
accepted abroad as other cards. If you plan to travel internationally, make
sure you have a backup plan.
Why We Like It
Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student
Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure and student-friendly
bonus categories. You also get a free FICO score, low fees, and forgiveness for
your first late payment. Plus, Discover says there's no FICO history requirement
for this card.
Our pick for
AIRLINE CREDIT CARD
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
DELTA SKYMILES® GOLD AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
DELTA SKYMILES® GOLD AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD
5.0
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Rewards rate
1x-2x
Miles
Intro offer
40,000
Miles
Recommended Credit Score
690
850
Good - Excellent
Get your free credit score
690-850
(Good - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
With double miles not just on Delta purchases but also everyday spending
categories, you can pile up rewards fast with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American
Express Card. And the top-notch checked-bag benefit can save hundreds of dollars
a year if you travel often and not necessarily light.
Product Details
* Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card
in your first 6 months.
* Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
* Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
* Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta
flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to
partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
* Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants
worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
* Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
* $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card
in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
* Want even more flexibility? Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for
every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
* Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta
in-flight purchases after using your Card.
* No Foreign Transaction Fees.
* With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any
other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
* Terms Apply.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* You'll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, at restaurants and
at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. Terms apply.
There's a great welcome offer for new cardholders, too. And if you like to
travel as a group, this card provides a free checked bag for yourself and up
to eight other people traveling on your reservation. You also get priority
boarding.
Cons
* As with other co-branded airline cards, if you’re redeeming miles for
flights, your options are limited. You won’t pay foreign transaction fees,
but it’s an American Express card, and AmEx isn't as widely accepted outside
the U.S. as Visa and Mastercard.
Why We Like It
With double miles not just on Delta purchases but also everyday spending
categories, you can pile up rewards fast with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American
Express Card. And the top-notch checked-bag benefit can save hundreds of dollars
a year if you travel often and not necessarily light.
Our pick for
REWARDS ON RENT PAYMENTS
Apply Now
on Bilt's website
on Bilt's website
Rates & Fees
BILT WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD® CREDIT CARD
4.5
NerdWallet rating
BILT WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD® CREDIT CARD
4.5
NerdWallet rating
Rates & Fees
Apply Now
on Bilt's website
on Bilt's website
Rates & Fees
Annual fee
None
Rewards rate
1X-3X
Points
Intro offer
N/A
Recommended Credit Score
650
850
Fair - Excellent
Get your free credit score
650-850
(Fair - Excellent)
Get your free credit score
Why We Like ItPros & ConsProduct Details
The no-annual-fee Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by
offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional
fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest
monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter.
Product Details
* Bilt enables members to earn up to 100,000 points each calendar year on rent
at any rental property in the country without a transaction fee.
* 1X points on rent and other purchases
* In addition to 1X points on rent, cardholders earn double points on other
purchases made on Rent Day (the 1st of the month) up to 10,000 points
* 2X points on travel when booked directly through a hotel, airline, or car
rental agency.
* 3X points on dining.
* Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
* With each ride booked in the Lyft app, Bilt cardholders can earn up to 5X
Bilt Points.
* Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and
conditions.
* View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Pros
* This card earns 1 point per dollar spent on rent (up to 100,000 points
annually). That might not seem like a jaw-dropping rate, but consider that in
most cases, you either can't use a credit card for rent at all, or you can't
do so without paying an extra fee that more than wipes out the value of your
rewards. The card also earns 3X points at restaurants, 2X on travel, 5X on
Lyft (when you link your accounts) and 1X elsewhere. Those rewards rates,
except for rent, are doubled for purchases on the first day of every month
("rent day"). Among redemption options: credit toward rent or a home down
payment, and travel, including options to transfer them to airline and hotel
partners.
Cons
* You must use the card at least five times during a statement period to earn
rewards, so it's not practical as a just-for-rent card. There's no sign-up
bonus. If the manager of your property requires that you pay rent by check
rather than through an online portal, you can still earn rewards, but Bilt
needs to send a check on your behalf.
Why We Like It
The no-annual-fee Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by
offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional
fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest
monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST REWARDS CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the
issuer’s website.
CITI DOUBLE CASH® CARD
Our pick for: Cash back — high flat rate
Year after year, the Citi Double Cash® Card has been a top choice among
flat-rate cash-back cards. You earn 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you
buy something and 1% when you pay it off. There's no 0% intro period for
purchases and no bonus categories, but the high rewards rate more than makes up
for the lack of bells and whistles. Read our review.
CITI CUSTOM CASH® CARD
Our pick for: Cash back — 5% categories tailored to your spending
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back
automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per
billing cycle (1% back on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is
varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And
unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to
keep track of. Read our review.
WELLS FARGO ACTIVE CASH® CARD
Our pick for: Cash back — high flat rate + incentives
Among flat-rate cash-back cards, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Wells Fargo
Active Cash® Card. It earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases, which is
excellent. But in addition, the card offers a rich sign-up bonus and a generous
0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers. That's an impressive,
hard-to-find combination of features on a card with a $0 annual fee. Read our
review.
CHASE FREEDOM FLEX℠
Our pick for: Cash back — up to 5% in multiple categories + cash bonus
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you
activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at
drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches
the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of
dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and a 0%
intro APR period, too. Read our review.
DISCOVER IT® CASH BACK
Our pick for: Cash back — bonus categories + cashback match
The Discover it® Cash Back earns bonus cash back in quarterly categories that
you activate. In past years, those categories have included common spending
areas like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and specific major
retailers. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending aligns with
those categories (and for most households, it probably will), you can rake in
serious rewards. You also get the issuer's signature "cash-back match" bonus in
your first year. Read our review.
CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED®
Our pick for: Cash back — bonus categories + high ongoing rate
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash
back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked
through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new
cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet
bonus. Read our review.
BLUE CASH PREFERRED® CARD FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS
Our pick for: Cash back — families (groceries, gas, commuting, streaming)
If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming
services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The
rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on
select streaming services — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice
welcome offer for new cardholders and an introductory 0% APR period, too. The
generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one
charges an annual fee. Read our review.
CAPITAL ONE SAVORONE CASH REWARDS CREDIT CARD
Our pick for: Dining and groceries + no annual fee
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on
dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are
nevertheless quite good (see rates and fees). The sign-up bonus is smaller than
on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid (see rates and fees). Read
our review.
U.S. BANK CASH+® VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
Our pick for: Cash back — customizable rewards
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank
Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card
available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5%
categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter.
There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® GO VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
Our pick for: Flexible food rewards + no annual fee
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is perhaps the most
cost-effective restaurant card on the market, earning a whopping 4 points per
dollar on dining purchases including takeout and delivery. You can find higher
rates on dining, but not on cards with no annual fee. Read our review.
CAPITAL ONE VENTURE REWARDS CREDIT CARD
Our pick for: Travel rewards — flat-rate rewards
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known
general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You
earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One
Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a
value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and
other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great
sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks (see rates and fees). Read our review.
CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED® CARD
Our pick for: Travel rewards — bonus categories
For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus
rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select
online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for
travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline
and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review.
DISCOVER IT® STUDENT CHROME
Our pick for: College students
Simplicity makes the Discover it® Student Chrome a standout for students
searching for their first credit card. You'll earn bonus cash back at
restaurants and gas stations with no activation required and no rotating
categories to keep track of. Read our review.
BILT WORLD ELITE MASTERCARD® CREDIT CARD
Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card
rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional fee. The ability to
earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense
makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining
and travel, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and
loyalty programs. Read our review.
DELTA SKYMILES® GOLD AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD
Our pick for: Airline credit card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card pays bonus rewards not only on
Delta flights but also at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, making
it the rare airline card that's great for everyday spending. A best-in-class
checked-bag benefit (first bag free for you and up to eight others on your
reservation), priority boarding and the opportunity to earn a flight credit each
year make this card a bargain for Delta stalwarts. Read our review.
Not a Delta flyer? See our best airline cards for other options.
WORLD OF HYATT CREDIT CARD
Our pick for: Hotel credit card
Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a
look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of
points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared
with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite
status and more. Read our review.
Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.
U.S. BANK ALTITUDE® CONNECT VISA SIGNATURE® CARD
Our pick for: Road trips
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous
cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the
quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV
charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries,
dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its
annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95. Read our review.
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
By Kimberly Palmer, NerdWallet
UNDERSTANDING CASH-BACK REWARDS CARDS
HOW CASH-BACK REWARDS WORK
With a cash-back credit card, you earn rewards equal to a percentage of the
amount you spend. Cash-back rates range from 1% to 6% — that is, 1 cent to 6
cents per dollar spent — depending on the card you use and where you use it.
Your monthly statement will show you the rewards you've earned to date; you can
also track your rewards online.
Cash-back cards come in three main varieties: flat-rate, tiered and
bonus-category.
FLAT-RATE CARDS
The simplest cash back cards earn the same percentage on every purchase, no
matter where you use your card. Examples include:
* The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, which earns 1.5% cash
back on purchases.
* The Citi Double Cash® Card, which earns 2% on purchases — 1% for every dollar
you spend and 1% for every dollar you pay back.
TIERED CARDS
These cards pay a higher rate in certain categories and 1% back on everything
else. Every card has its own structure, designed to appeal to a specific type of
consumer. For example:
* The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a good card for
families. It earns 6% back on up to $6,000 in spending per year at U.S.
supermarkets (1% after that); 6% back on select U.S. streaming services; 3%
back at U.S. gas stations and on transit expenses like taxis, tolls, trains
and buses; and 1% everywhere else (terms apply).
* The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a nice option for people
who like a night out. It pays 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, as
well as popular streaming services and grocery stores (excluding superstores
like Walmart and Target). It pays 1% on all other purchases
CARDS WITH ROTATING OR CUSTOMIZABLE CATEGORIES
Cards with bonus categories that change from time to time require more effort
from you. You have to have to "opt in" or "activate" the bonus categories
online. Some cards even let you (or make you, depending on your perspective)
choose your own categories. Once you've opted in, spending in the bonus
categories earns a higher rate, although the amount of spending eligible for the
bonus rate is typically capped. Examples:
* The Discover it® Cash Back pays 5% cash back in bonus categories that change
every three months, on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter. (Category
activation required.) All other spending earns 1%. Common quarterly
categories include grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.
* The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card lets you customize your categories.
You earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in combined quarterly spending on two
categories you choose from a pretty extensive list, plus 2% back in one
“everyday” category you choose, such as gas stations or grocery stores. All
other purchases earn 1% back. Category options are subject to change, and you
must make your choices each quarter.
WHAT DETERMINES YOUR BONUS REWARDS?
When a card pays bonus cash back in specific categories, you earn those higher
rewards based on where you use your card, not what you buy. If the category is
"grocery stores," for example, then anything you buy at a supermarket will count
— not just groceries. Conversely, groceries bought somewhere else, such as at a
drugstore, wouldn't qualify for grocery store rewards.
Each merchant that accepts credit cards is assigned a category code by credit
card networks like Visa. The code identifies the type of merchant it is, and
these codes are what trigger your bonus rewards.
HOW TO REDEEM CASH-BACK REWARDS
Despite the term "cash back," most people don't actually take their cash-back
rewards in the form of, well, cash back. The easiest and most common thing to do
is to apply your rewards to your account as a statement credit. This directly
reduces the amount you owe. (If your balance is $80, for example, and you redeem
$30 in cash back, your balance becomes $50.) You're not getting literal cash
back from the issuer, but less cash will be coming out of your pocket to pay the
bill, so the effect is the same.
Depending on the card, you could also get your rewards deposited directly into
your bank account or receive them as a check in the mail. Some cards set a
minimum amount to redeem, usually $20 or $25. Other cards have no minimum for
redemption.
» MORE: For cash-back options beyond those featured on this page, see our best
cash-back credit cards.
UNDERSTANDING TRAVEL REWARDS CARDS
HOW TRAVEL REWARDS WORK
BY SAM KEMMIS, NERDWALLET POINT AND MILES EXPERT
With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use
the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories.
For example, some travel rewards cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®,
offer bonus points on any travel spending, while others grant bonus points only
when you use the card with a specific airline or hotel chain.
Not all points and miles earned on travel cards are the same:
* General-purpose travel cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card,
the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit
Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that
can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs.
* Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the
Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used
only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to
transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a
poor value.)
WHAT IS A CREDIT CARD POINT OR MILE WORTH?
How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel
cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per
point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points,
finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how
you redeem them.
To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices
and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:
Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and
exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class
valuations and details about our methodology.
Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we
looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that
anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can
expect to reach.
You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If
you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are
doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles,
that’s even better.
HOW TO REDEEM TRAVEL REWARDS
How you go about cashing in your travel rewards depends on the type of card you
earned them on and what you want to do with them. In most cases, you'll be
redeeming either through your card issuer or through the loyalty program tied to
the card.
REDEEMING REWARDS ON GENERAL-PURPOSE TRAVEL CARDS
With a general-purpose travel card, you can usually use your points to pay for
travel ahead of time by going through your card issuer's booking portal, which
operates much like Orbitz or Expedia. Many cards also allow you to turn your
points into statement credit for travel expenses already incurred. With this
option, you use your card to book travel however you want, and then wipe out the
cost on your statement by applying your points to your balance. You'll also go
through your issuer's rewards portal to transfer points to airline or hotel
programs.
You might have other options for using your points on general travel cards, such
as for cash back or gift cards, but be careful with these options. You'll often
get a lower value per point for non-travel redemptions.
REDEEMING AIRLINE OR HOTEL REWARDS
When your rewards are airline miles or hotel points, you typically redeem them
for free flights or stays by signing in to your account in the associated
loyalty program, such as Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, Marriott Bonvoy or
Hilton Honors. Enter your desired booking dates, then choose to see the price
expressed in miles or points. Depending on the program, there may be limits and
restrictions. An airline may have "blackout dates" when you can't get a free
flight, for example, or a hotel may make only a certain number of rooms
available for reward redemptions on a first-come, first-served basis.
DETERMINING THE RIGHT KIND OF REWARDS CARD FOR YOU
There are so many options among rewards credit cards that picking the right one
for you can be daunting. Make the process easier by approaching it
systematically.
REWARDS CARDS AREN'T FOR EVERYONE
The first step is determining whether a rewards card is right for you at all.
The best rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit — generally
defined as a credit score of 690 or above — although there are a handful of
options for fair or even bad credit.
A rewards card makes sense if you pay your bill in full every month. If you
carry a balance from month to month, the interest you'll pay can quickly wipe
out the value of your rewards; you'd be better off with a low-interest credit
card, or a balance-transfer credit card that would allow you to pay down your
debt over a defined period of time with 0% interest.
LOOK AT BOTH 'EARN' AND 'BURN'
You'll want a rewards credit card that makes sense on both the "earn" side and
the "burn" side. That means a card that rewards you for the kind of spending you
do (earn) and that gives you rewards you can use (burn). For example, earning 5%
cash back on home improvement stores might not do much for someone who lives in
a small studio apartment. And if you never travel, airline miles are pretty much
worthless.
The right choice also will depend on how much effort you’re willing to put into
learning a rewards program and understanding a card’s built-in perks. Annual
fees and sign-up bonuses can also sway your decision.
'BEST' IS A PERSONAL MATTER
Because of those factors, there’s no single “best” rewards card for everybody.
Best might be a simple, flat-rate cash-back card, a premium travel card laden
with benefits, or something in between. If you’re having trouble deciding on a
type of rewards card, give special consideration to cash back. A NerdWallet
study has shown cash-back credit cards are better for most people than travel
cards.
» MORE: Our guide to choosing a rewards credit card.
HOW TO COMPARE REWARDS CARDS
We've discussed how to evaluate a credit card's rewards structure. But rewards
rates aren't the only factor to consider when choosing a rewards credit card.
ANNUAL FEE
The credit cards with the richest rewards often charge annual fees. This is
especially the case with travel credit cards. Typical annual fees range from
around $90 to more than $500. Although some people are dead-set against paying
them, annual fees can be worth it (or even a bargain) if the rewards and perks
you earn outweigh the cost, and some cards waive the annual fee for the first
year.
Most cash-back cards don't charge an annual fee. You can find good travel cards
without an annual fee, although their rewards rates and sign-up bonuses tend to
be small than those offered by their full-fee siblings.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best no annual fee credit cards
SIGN-UP BONUS
Also known as welcome offers, sign-up bonuses can give you a nice wad of cash or
hundreds or thousands of points or miles for spending a certain amount in the
first few months you have the card. But don't just look at the windfall you
stand to receive. Pay attention also to the spending requirement. In general,
the bigger the bonus, the more you'll have to spend to earn it. Avoid
overspending to get a bonus.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best offers for new cardholders
0% INTRO APR PERIOD
You don’t normally want to carry a balance from month to month with rewards
cards, but some of them offer 0% introductory APR periods on new purchases,
balance transfers or both. A 0% period can be helpful if you have a big purchase
coming up that you'd like a little time to pay off (which could also help you
earn the sign-up bonus).
» MORE: NerdWallet's best 0% and low-interest credit cards
FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEES
If you travel abroad, or plan to, look for a card that doesn't slap a surcharge
on purchases made outside the U.S. Foreign transaction fees typically run about
3% of the purchase amount. A good travel card won't charge these fees, but many
cash-back cards do.
» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards with no foreign transaction fee
PERKS
Rewards are what you get for using a credit card. Perks are what you get simply
for carrying the card — and depending on the card, perks can deliver even more
value than rewards. Travel cards, in particular, are known for their perks.
Examples include:
* Automatic credit for travel expenses. Several general travel cards will
reimburse hundreds of dollars a year in travel expenses. This might apply to
any travel purchase, or to specific expenses such as airline fees or Uber
rides. Learn more about travel credits.
* Reimbursement for TSA Precheck and Global Entry. More and more cards are
paying you back for the application fee for these trusted traveler programs,
which help you get through airport security and customs more quickly. Learn
more about trusted traveler programs, and see which cards offer
reimbursement.
* Airport lounge access. The biggest airlines (American, Delta, United) all
offer high-end, high-annual-fee credit cards that get you into their airport
lounges when you travel, and some lower-fee airline cards offer discounted or
limited access. Several general travel cards get you into lounges in
worldwide networks such as Priority Pass. American Express even has its own
lounge network. Learn more about cards with lounge access.
* Free checked bags and priority boarding. Exclusive to airline cards, these
perks make travel a lot easier because you don't have to stuff everything
into a carry-on to avoid a bag fee, and you don't have to fight for
overhead-bin space because you're among the first to board the plane. The
checked-bag perk alone can easily pay the annual fee on some cards. Learn
more about free checked bags.
* Free nights and other amenities. Credit cards issued by hotel chains offer
perks that general travel cards can't match. Some of them give you one free
night a year, which can make up the cost of the card immediately. Other
benefits include free breakfast, free internet and early check-in or late
check-out.
PROS AND CONS OF REWARDS CARDS
PROS
* Rewards cards make purchases work harder for you. Earning rewards on every
dollar you spend is like finding change in your couch cushions every day.
Save up that change, and pretty soon you’re talking real money.
* They allow you to travel more often, or more luxuriously, at a discount.
Travel rewards credit cards can make it possible to sit in first class,
upgrade to a suite or skip the long security line. Even if you don’t cash in
points to travel like an Instagram influencer, they can help you travel for
less money.
* They can help protect you if your vacation falls apart. Many travel cards
will compensate you if your bags get lost, your flight gets significantly
delayed or canceled, or you have to cut your trip short because of a family
emergency or illness. Many also offer coverage for your rental car. This all
comes at no additional cost to you.
CONS
* Rewards cards typically have higher APRs. That means credit card debt will
cost you more over time. For a major purchase you’d like to pay back over
time, look into a card with a 0% introductory APR offer. In general, use a
rewards card only for purchases you’ll be able to pay in full when your
statement comes.
* Annual fees add up, especially if you carry multiple rewards cards.
* They require a fair amount of mental energy. Some people relish the challenge
of maximizing every purchase and piecing together a complicated, yet heavily
subsidized, vacation itinerary. Others have zero interest in memorizing which
card to use at gas stations, which to use at grocery stores, and which to use
at restaurants. If you want rewards with little effort, a flat-rate cash back
card or a travel card with a straightforward rewards program (no fancy
transfers to airline partners or complicated redemptions) will make jumping
into the pool of rewards cards warm and inviting.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR REWARDS CARD
USE THE CARD FOR THE BULK OF YOUR SPENDING
Put all your ordinary expenses on the card, including monthly bills, to rack up
rewards more quickly. That’s the power of a rewards card: getting extra value
from your regular spending. Before applying for a card, make sure you’ll be able
to meet the spending minimum required to earn the sign-up bonus. Be careful to
never overspend just for rewards.
PAIR CARDS TO EARN EVEN MORE
Consider using complementary cards to extract maximum rewards for your spending.
For example, one card might offer high rewards for restaurant spending, while an
airline card gives you free checked bags and a third card gives you a nice rate
on all other spending. If you have a card with a sign-up bonus, consolidate
spending on that card until you earn that bonus.
REDEEM REWARDS THOUGHTFULLY
Redeem your rewards in the way that delivers maximum value. With travel cards,
you usually get a better redemption rate when you redeem for travel expenses
than you would if you opted for cash back. Cash-back cards, meanwhile, may give
you the highest redemption rate for statement credit, but a lower rate if you
redeem points for gift cards. Some rewards can be transferred to travel
partners, such as airlines and hotels, at a valuable rate. Learn what the
options are and what your rewards are worth.
USE THE FREEBIES
A free checked bag can save you $60 on a roundtrip domestic flight. Access to
airport lounges means free snacks and a more relaxing space in which to wait for
your flight. Global Entry reimbursement is worth $100, and you’ll be spared
having to remove your shoes to go through a metal detector at the airport. Take
advantage of all the perks you’re offered, especially if you’re paying an annual
fee.
OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER
Rewards cards come in a variety of flavors to fit different consumer preferences
and spending patterns. This roundup highlights the best cards in each particular
category, but there may be a better card for you. Find other great cards in our
specialized roundups:
* Best cash-back credit cards
* Best general travel credit cards
* Best airline credit cards
* Best hotel credit cards
* Best premium credit cards
* Best cards for restaurant rewards
* Best cards for grocery rewards
* Best cards for gas rewards
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express,
see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American
Express Card, see this page.
Last updated on January 2, 2024
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best rewards credit cards based on
overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their
suitability for specific kinds of consumers, including both those seeking
cash-back rewards and those interested in travel rewards. Factors in our
evaluation include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure
(for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options,
bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other
noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer
points. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do rewards credit cards work?
There are two main types of rewards credit cards: cash-back cards and
points/miles cards:
• With a cash-back credit card, the card issuer "pays you back" a certain
percentage of every purchase. For example, if your card earns 1.5% cash back on
all purchases and you buy something for $100, you would earn $1.50 in cash back.
• With a points or miles card, the issuer gives you a certain number of rewards
points (often called “miles” on airline and travel credit cards) for each dollar
you spend. How you use the points or miles depends on the card. Common
redemption options include travel, gift cards and merchandise.
With most rewards cards, you can see your accumulated earnings on your monthly
statement or through your online account portal, and you can decide when and how
to redeem them.
What can I do with credit card rewards?
What you can do with your credit card rewards depends on the type of rewards
you’ve earned and the card’s rules:
• Cash-back rewards are typically redeemable for a credit on your statement,
which reduces your outstanding balance. You may also be able to have your
rewards deposited into a bank account or sent as a check.
• Points or miles are most commonly redeemed for travel, but you may also be
able to redeem them for gift cards, merchandise or cash back. For cards that
carry the name of an airline or hotel brand, you typically use your rewards for
free travel or upgrades. Some bank-branded credit cards let you transfer their
points into airline or hotel programs.
How many credit card rewards points can I earn?
In most cases, there is no limit to how many points or miles or how much cash
back you can earn with a credit card. Some cards do limit how much spending is
eligible for bonus rewards — that is, higher rewards offered in specific
categories — but after you hit that limit, you still earn rewards at the base
rate. For example, a card might offer 3% rewards on up to $6,000 a year in
spending and then 1% after that.
How much are credit card rewards points worth?
How much each point or mile is worth depends on the card that issued it and how
you redeem it. As a very general rule of thumb, it’s helpful to think of points
and miles as worth an average of 1 cent apiece, although you can certainly get a
higher (or lower) value.
In some programs, points are worth 1 cent apiece regardless of how you redeem.
In others, you might get 1 cent per point when redeeming for travel and 0.5
cents when redeeming for gift cards or cash back. Airline miles could be worth
anywhere from less than 1 cent to more than 5 cents apiece depending on how many
miles you need to earn a free flight and how much that flight would have cost if
you were paying cash. Hotel points are similarly variable in value. See our
travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline
miles and hotel points.
What credit score do I need to get a rewards credit card?
The best rewards credit cards typically require good to excellent credit for
approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better.
However, there are some decent rewards-bearing cards for people with fair credit
and even bad credit. Keep in mind that credit scores are only one factor in your
application. Every issuer has its own criteria for approval.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Typically, credit card rewards are not taxable. That's because the IRS generally
considers credit card rewards as discounts or rebates, not income.
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