A rewards credit card can be an excellent financial tool to earn rewards on your expenses. Whether you’re interested in cash back or travel rewards, either product can earn you valuable rewards.
The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.
Whether you get a cash back or travel rewards credit card, you get the ability to capitalize on your spending. This is the case with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, the best cash back card we’ve selected, and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, our top pick from the travel cards segment. You can also choose from various other great options we’ve selected based on your specific requirements.
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MoneyGeek’s Take: Rewards Cards You Can't Go Wrong With This Year
To determine which rewards credit cards are the best, we analyzed 94 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. that offer rewards. We compared each card against a long list of criteria, including the value of the rewards given, welcome bonus, APR, foreign transaction fees and customer reviews. We also looked into the perks associated with each card and the ease of redeeming the rewards earned.
There are many different rewards credit cards to choose from, and the best card for you may be different from the best card for someone else. Yet all of the best rewards credit cards have two things in common: easy-to-earn rewards for your purchases and excellent perks. We've compiled the best offers currently out there to give you a good starting point for your research.
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You will need at least a “good” credit score for most rewards credit cards, which is considered above a 670. And when rewards credit cards are mentioned, that is typically referring to three different types of credit cards: cash back, travel rewards or store credit cards.
Best Cash Back Cards for Consumers and Business Owners
The best cash back cards for consumers and business owners vary greatly, based on each person’s spending habits. Keep in mind that consumer cash back credit cards and business cash back credit cards are nearly identical, but their cash back categories can be different in some cases.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express - Great for capitalizing on grocery spending The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express charges a $95 annual fee but lets you make up for it in different ways. For starters, you stand to earn a welcome bonus of $400 as a statement credit by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months.
Spending up to $6,000 per year on groceries at U.S. supermarkets comes with 6% cash back, and you also get 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Spending on gas at U.S. gas stations and on transit earns 3% cash back.
You get 1% cash back on all other purchases.
If you use your card to pay for your Equinox+ membership, you get a $10 statement credit each month. This card also comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases for 12 months.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card - Best for Amazon Prime members The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card charges no annual fees. New cardholders get a $100 Amazon gift card immediately upon approval.
Eligible Prime members get 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
Spending at gas stations, restaurants and drugstores comes with 2% cash back.
All other purchases come with 1% cash back.
Cardholders may also earn 10% cash back or more on a rotating selection of Amazon products and categories through limited-time offers.
Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it does away with foreign transaction fees.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card - Ideal for earning cash back at grocery stores and on dining and entertainment
The no-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a $200 early spend cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.
Spending on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services as well as at grocery stores comes with 3% cash back.
You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card charges no foreign transaction fees, which makes it perfect for use outside of the U.S. It also comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express - Great for earning cash back on online retail, gas and grocery purchases in the U.S. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express charges no annual fees. New cardholders may earn a welcome bonus in the form of a $250 statement credit if they spend $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. This card offers:
3% cash back at U.S. grocery stores on spending of up to $6,000 each year.
3% cash back of up to $6,000 each year on gas purchases at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases.
Using this card to spend $13.99 or more per month on an eligible Disney Bundle subscription comes with $7 back every month. If you buy Home Chef meal solutions online, you get up to $15 in statement credits every month. This card also comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Chase Freedom Unlimited - Perfect for Chase Ultimate Rewards members The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited Card offers higher-than-usual cash back on gas station purchases in the first year, and it gives you the ability to earn a spend-based welcome bonus.
Using this card to make travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards platform comes with 5% cash back.
Drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services) earn 3% cash back.
You get 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card also comes with a 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card - Great for everyday use
The no-annual-fee Capital One Quicksilver card is perfect for everyday use because it offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. As a new cardholder, you get to earn a $200 early spend cash bonus by spending $500 on purchases in the first three months. This card is perfect for use outside of the U.S., given that it does not charge foreign transaction fees. It also comes with an intro 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card - Ideal for earning more cash back through your highest spending category The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card comes with no annual fees. New cardholders earn $200 cash back if they spend $750 on purchases in the first three months.
This card offers 5% cash on up to $500 spent in your highest eligible spend category every billing cycle. Categories that may fall under this bracket include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, drugstores, fitness clubs, home improvement stores, live entertainment, select transit, select streaming and select travel services.
You get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You might also benefit by this card’s intro 0% APR offer on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months.
Chase Freedom Flex℠ - Ideal for earning cash back on travel, dining and drugstore purchases The Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card does not charge any annual fees. It comes with a spend-based welcome bonus and offers higher-than-usual cash back on gas station purchases during the first year.
You earn 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories that you need to activate. Examples include grocery stores, eBay, Amazon.com, car rental agencies and select streaming services.
Travel purchases made via Chase Ultimate Rewards earn 5% cash back.
You earn 3% cash back on drugstore and dining purchases (including takeout and eligible delivery services).
All other purchases come with 1% cash back.
This card also comes with an intro 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card - Best for everyday use The no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is perfect for everyday use because it offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. If you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first three months, you get a $200 cash rewards bonus. You might also benefit by using this card’s intro 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months.
Citi® Double Cash Card - Perfect for everyday use The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with no annual fees.
It lets you earn up to2% cash back on all purchases.
You earn 1% back when you make purchases and an additional 1% when you make your payments.
Using this card to transfer balances from other cards might work well for you because it comes with an intro 0% APR offer on balance transfers for 18 months.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
A great cash back card for gas and grocery shopping
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$95Annual Fee
3% Cash BackRewards Rate
6xRewards Rate on Entertainment
6xRewards Rate on Groceries
We've taken a liking to the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express mainly because of its noticeably high cash back rates.
Shopping at supermarkets and paying for select streaming subscriptions gives you a whopping 6% cash back, although a maximum limit applies on grocery spending. The 3% cash back on gas and transit and 1% on all other purchases are also very welcome.
American Express gives you the ability to pay for your purchases in installments through two Pay It Plan It methods.
Fraud protection ensures that you will not have to bear the brunt of fraudulent charges.
Pros
0% intro APR for the first year, then a variable APR of 18.24% – 29.24%
Generous welcome offer
Cash back up to 6% on select categories
Use earned cash back as a statement credit
Cons
High annual fee
Foreign transaction fee
Cash advance fee
Penalty APR may apply in cases of late and returned payments
Cannot use cash back to pay minimum due
6% cash back on groceries applies to $6,000 worth of spending in a calendar year — then it becomes 1%
Advanced cash back rates apply only on purchases made in the U.S.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in spending — followed by 1%.
Earn 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions.
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (trains, buses, taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, etc.).
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem reward dollars as statement credit.
Benefit through intro APR, annual fee and bonus cash back offers.
Use the Pay It method for purchases under $100 and make payments through the month.
Use the Plan It method for purchases over $100. Split them up into monthly payments with fixed monthly fees and no interest.
Get added peace of mind through car rental loss and damage insurance, return protection and fraud protection.
Use the American Express Experiences platform and access presale tickets and member-only events.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great no annual fee rewards card for Amazon Prime members
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
1% – 5% Cash BackRewards Rate
2xRewards Rate on Dining
2xRewards Rate on Gas
We love the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card because of its welcome bonus, high cash back rate on Amazon purchases and added perks. For starters, all cardholders get a $100 Amazon Gift Card soon after their applications’ approval. Not having to pay an annual fee is a definite advantage.
As a Prime member, you earn 5% cash back when you use this card to make purchases through Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. You get 2% back at gas stations, drugstores and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases.
Using this card outside of the country makes sense as it comes with no foreign transaction fees. Additional benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance and lost luggage reimbursement.
Pros
New cardholder welcome bonus
High unlimited cash back of 5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market
2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores
1% cash back on all other purchases
No annual credit card fee
No foreign transaction fee
Hassle-free rewards redemption on Amazon.com
Cons
Need an eligible Amazon Prime account membership to apply
High APR
$100 Amazon gift card as welcome bonus
High cash back for purchases at Amazon.com
Rewards points can be easily redeemed for purchases at Amazon.com, and for cash back, gift cards and travel on Chase
No foreign transaction fees
Travel accident insurance
Lost luggage reimbursement
Baggage delay insurance
Travel and emergency assistance
Zero fraud liability
Auto rental collision damage waiver
Roadside dispatch
Extended warranty protection
Purchase protection
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great no-annual-fee card that comes with rewards
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
3% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
3xRewards Rate on Entertainment
2xRewards Rate on Groceries
We love the no-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Cardbecause it gives you the ability to earn unlimited 3% cash back across different categories and 1% cash back on all others. New cardholders stand to earn a $200 early spend bonus, provided they spend $500 on purchases in the first three months. Being able to redeem your cash back in multiple ways is a definite plus.
An introductory 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 17.99% - 27.99% thereafter may lead to reasonable savings.
Using this card during your international travels is perfect because it comes with no foreign transaction fees.
Cardholders also stand to benefit through complimentary travel accident insurance and travel assistance services.
Pros
No annual fees
Earn 3% cash back on entertainment, dining, popular streaming services and at grocery stores
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back when you book tickets through Vivid Seats
Earn a $200 cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months
Earn cash back that does not expire for the life of the card
Redeem cash back in the form of a statement credit or a check
You may also use your cash back rewards through PayPal and Amazon.com
Pay no foreign transaction fees
Get complimentary extended warranty, travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services and concierge services
Get protection against unauthorized use of your card through $0 fraud liability
Get special access to premier culinary experiences as well as music and sporting events
Cons
The APR that applies on purchases after the first 15 months is based on your creditworthiness
Cash advance fee
Balance transfer fee
$0 annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores
1% cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months
Redeem your cash back as a statement credit, as a check or through Amazon.com or PayPal
Credit rating-dependant APR on purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Complimentary travel accident insurance and access to 24-hour travel assistance services
Complimentary 24-hour access to concierge services
Purchases made using card protected by extended warranty
$0 fraud liability to safeguard against fraudulent use
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A simple cash back card that’s best for everyday purchases.
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
1–3% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
1xRewards Rate on Gas
1xRewards Rate on Groceries
We love the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express because it charges no annual fee and lets you earn high cash back across specific categories. You earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000 on grocery purchases at U.S. supermarkets each year. The same also applies on U.S. online retail purchases and gas purchases at U.S. gas stations. You earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
A welcome offer lets you earn up to $250 back by spending $2,000 on purchases in your first six months to receive $100 as a statement credit and up to $150 back by using your card to make purchases through PayPal in those same six months to receive 20% back as statement credits. This card also comes with an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 18.24% – 29.24% after.
Using this card outside of the U.S. might not a good idea because it charges foreign transaction fees.
Pros
Competitive cash back rates on supermarkets, gas and online retail purchases in the U.S.
No annual fees
Decent welcome bonus
Low intro APR with a long introductory period
Split purchases of more than $100 into monthly payments through the Plan It feature
Cons
Minimum redemption amount is required
Spending cap on cash back earned through bonus categories
Not ideal for travel due to foreign transaction fees
3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% cash back
3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% cash backk
3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% cash back
1% cash back on all other purchases
0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening, then a variable APR of 18.24% – 29.24% after.
Earn up to $250 back by spending $2,000 on purchases in your first six months to receive $100 as a statement credit and up to $150 back by using your card to make purchases through PayPal in those same six months to receive 20% back as statement credits.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Best cash back rewards credit card for everyday spending
Good-ExcellentCredit Needed
$0Annual Fee
1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
1.5xRewards Rate on Dining
1.5xRewards Rate on Online Shopping
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is all about cash back rewards, as suggested by the name. Taking advantage of cash back rewards is super easy since there aren’t any purchase limitations or requirements; you enjoy a flat 1.5% cash back all day, every day.
Thus, this is a simple and easy-to-use card that doesn’t require you to keep track of spending limits or bonus categories (that would otherwise boost your cash back percentage). More importantly, you can redeem your cash back rewards points whenever you want. There’s no need to amass $25, $50 or any other arbitrary amount before you can take advantage of your spending habits.
Aside from its excellent rewards offer, this credit card offers extremely low fees and an attractive welcome bonus. The $200 in cash is yours as soon as you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months.
You’ll also benefit from a 15-month 0% APR period, making this even more appealing for folks new to cash back rewards or other programs.
Pros
Very high, versatile cash back rewards
No minimum redemption amount
Welcome bonus is solid
No annual/foreign transaction fees
15-month 0% APR introductory period, then a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.24%
Cash back rewards never expire
Cons
Have to have good/excellent credit
Has a 3% transfer fee
No bonus rewards if you like the idea of bonus categories
$200 cash bonus applies after spending $500 within the first three months
Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
No bonus categories or rotating bonus percentages to worry about
Cash back rewards can be used anytime — no point/value minimums
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great no annual fee cash back card with a unique bonus category system
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
1% – 5% Cash BackRewards Rate
15 monthsAPR Offer Duration
15 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card might be a great addition to your credit card portfolio if you wish to earn higher-than-usual cash back without paying any annual fees. In addition, you stand to earn $200 cash back if you spend $1500 on purchases within the first six months.
This card offers 5% cash back on purchases up to $500 from your highest eligible spend category every billing cycle. The categories include grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, home improvement stores, drugstores, live entertainment, fitness clubs, and select travel, transit and online streaming services. All other purchases come with 1% cash back. What helps is you don’t have to sign up for bonus categories, and the allocation of cash back happens automatically.
You may redeem the cash back you earn as a statement credit, a check by mail or a direct deposit to your bank account. You may also use it for booking travel, shopping at Amazon.com or buying gift cards.
This card might also work well for you if you want to transfer a balance from a different credit card or if you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account. This is because it comes with a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then a variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24%.
Other benefits include free access to your FICO Score and Citi Entertainment.
Pros
$200 cash back after you spend $1500 within the first six months
5% cash back on up to $500 spent in the top category every month
An introductory APR offer that is valid for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% – 28.24%
No annual fee
Protection against unauthorized charges
Cons
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
Relatively low limit of $500 per month for a 5% cash back on the top-spending eligible category
You need a credit score that is either good or excellent.
Only 1% cash back for purchases made on categories other than the high spend category
One-time balance transfer fee of $5 or 5%
Late payment fee of $41
No annual fee.
5% cash back on the top purchase category on spending of up to $500 every month.
The spend category can change from one month to another, depending on what you spend most on.
You get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro 0% APR applies for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then 18.24% – 28.24% variable APR thereafter
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great no annual fee cash back card with a 0% APR offer
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
2% Cash BackRewards Rate
2xRewards Rate on Gas
2xRewards Rate on Groceries
We think the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card might work well you if you wish to earn cash back and pay no annual fee. As a new cardholder, you may earn a $200 cash rewards bonus if you spend $1,000 on purchases during the first three months. This card also comes with a 0% APR offer for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases. You may use the cash back you earn to offset eligible purchases, you may redeem it as a credit to an existing Wells Fargo credit card, checking or mortgage account, you may redeem it through ATMs or you may use it to purchase gift cards.
Additional benefits come in the form of cell phone protection and access to a 24/7 concierge service as well as the Visa Signature Hotel Collection. Using this card outside of the U.S. might not work well for you, given its 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros
2% cash back rewards on all spending
Unlimited cash back rewards that don't expire
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
$200 welcome bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within three months from account opening
Access to Visa Concierge and Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection
Cons
3% foreign transaction fee
Balance transfer fees
Limitations on welcome bonus eligibility
No annual fee
2% cash back on all purchases
Redeem cash back as a statement credit, a direct deposit to a Wells Fargo account, or a mailed check
Spend $1,000 within three months from account opening to earn a $200 welcome bonus
Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for first 15 months
3% foreign transaction fee
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
2% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
2xRewards Rate on Gas
2xRewards Rate on Groceries
We think the Citi® Double Cash Card is a great no-annual-fee card because it lets you earn up to 2% cash back on purchases across all categories. You may redeem your cash back in the form of a statement credit, a direct deposit, a check or even by converting it to points.
You may look forward to savings by using the card's 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.24% – 28.24% (Variable) if you wish to pay off existing balances from high-interest cards.
Features such as 24-hour fraud protection, identity theft solutions, $0 liability on unauthorized charges and the lost wallet service are in place to safeguard cardholders' interests.
All cardholders get access to Citi Entertainment, through which they may purchase presale tickets.
Pros
Pay no annual fees
Pay 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months
Earn up to 2% cash back on purchases across all categories
No caps on earning cash back
Options to redeem cash back rewards include a statement credit, direct deposit, check or conversion to points
Purchase tickets to scores of events, including presale tickets, through Citi Entertainment
Increased account safety through 24-hour fraud protection and $0 liability on unauthorized charges
Complimentary Lost Wallet service and identity theft solutions
Cons
Cash back rewards expire if you do not earn any cash back from purchases or payments for those purchases in a 12-month period
Foreign transaction fees
Cash advance fees
Balance transfer fees
Penalty APR applies in case of late and returned payments
$0 annual fees
Up to 2% unlimited cash back on purchases
Redeem cash back rewards as a statement credit, a check or a direct deposit
Converting cash back rewards to Thank You points is an option
Intro 0% APR offer on balance transfers for the first 18 months, then variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.24% after that.
Get access to presale tickets via Citi Entertainment
24-hour fraud protection, $0 liability on unauthorized charges and identity theft solutions provide added peace of mind
Get emergency cash through the lost wallet service
Foreign transaction fees apply on international transactions
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
When you are selecting a card for yourself or your business, whether it is cash back or travel rewards, it is essential to remember one key factor: apply for a card that best complements you or your business’ needs. Whether you base your choice on the specific rewards wanted or on maximizing each purchase with bonus categories, you want to choose a card that best fits your needs, rather than simply picking one because of a recommendation from a colleague.
Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards
There are several top credit cards for travel rewards, meaning that there are excellent cards for many different consumers. But the best travel credit card for you is the one that complements your spending and travel needs the best.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card - Ideal for travelers who use Chase Ultimate Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card charges a $95 annual fee, but it lets you make up for it in different ways. For starters, it comes with a sizable spend-based welcome bonus. In addition, you get up to $50 in statement credits for hotel bookings made through Chase Ultimate Rewards each account anniversary year.
You earn 5X points per dollar on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards; on dining (including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out); on online grocery purchases (excluding wholesale clubs, Target and Walmart); and on select streaming services.
Travel purchases made outside of Chase Ultimate Rewards earn 2X points per dollar.
All other purchases earn 1X points per dollar.
Cardholders get 25% more value for their points when they redeem them through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Transferring your points to various popular airline and hotel loyalty programs is an option. This card comes with no foreign transaction fees. You may also benefit through your card’s comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature - Perfect for U.S. Bank Altitude Rewards Program members
The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature waives its $95 annual fee for the first year.
Spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 120 days brings with it 50,000 bonus points.
You get 5x points per dollar on prepaid hotel and car rental bookings made directly through the Altitude Rewards Center.
Travel, gas station and EV charging station purchases earn 4X points per dollar.
You earn 2X points per dollar at grocery stores and on grocery delivery, dining and streaming services.
All other purchases earn 1X points per dollar.
If you use your card to pay for an eligible streaming service, you get a $30 annual credit. You also get up to $100 in statement credits for payments made toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees once every four years. This card does away with foreign transaction fees, making it perfect to use outside of the U.S.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Best for international travelers
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is our top pick for the best overall travel rewards credit card. You earn 20,000 bonus miles by spending $500 on purchases in the first three months. This card offers** 5X miles per dollar** on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel. You get 1.25X miles per dollar on all other purchases. Transferring your miles to over 15 airline and hotel loyalty programs is simple. Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it charges no foreign transaction fees. It also has a 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months. Besides, this card comes with no annual fees.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card - Ideal for earning rewards on dining, at grocery stores and more
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card does not charge annual fees, and it does away with foreign transaction fees as well. New cardholders earn 20,000 bonus points if they spend $1,000 within the first 90 days.
You get 4X points per dollar on dining (including takeout and restaurant delivery).
Grocery store, grocery delivery, gas station, EV charging station and streaming service purchases earn 2X points per dollar.
You get 1X points per dollar on all other purchases.
You also stand to get a $15 annual streaming service credit. In addition, this card comes with a 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
A good rewards card with multiple bonus categories
ExcellentRecommended Credit
$95Annual Fee
1–5 pointsRewards Rate
5xRewards Rate at Hotels
4xRewards Rate on Gas
We like the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card because it offers high reward rates on various categories. It also comes with a welcome offer that lets you earn 50,000 bonus points by spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 120 days. While this card charges a $95 annual fee, you don’t have to pay it for the first year.
Using this card to pay for prepaid hotel and car rental bookings through the Altitude Rewards Center comes with 5x points per dollar. You earn 4x points on other travel purchases as well as at gas and EV charging stations. You get 2x points at grocery stores and on grocery delivery, dining and streaming services. All other purchases earn 1x points.
Cardholders may benefit by receiving $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases through service providers such as Netflix, Apple TV+ and Spotify. You also get up to $100 in statement credit toward TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fees once every four years.
Using this card internationally makes sense as it comes with no foreign transaction fees. It also offers cell phone protection.
Pros
$0 intro annual fee for the first year
Generous rewards
No foreign transaction fee
Cons
Has a $95 annual fee after the first year
Limited to individuals with excellent credit
Get 5x points on car rentals and hotels booked through the Altitude Rewards Center.
Earn up to 4x points on travel and at gas and EV charging stations.
Earn 2x points on grocery and dining.
Get a $30 credit for annual streaming service purchases through popular streaming service providers.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
The best travel rewards card with no annual or foreign transaction fees
Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
$0Annual Fee
1.25 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
1.25xRewards Rate on Air Travel
1.25xRewards Rate on Entertainment
We feel the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is best suited for people who wish to earn rewards that they may redeem for travel or other purchases.
No annual fees keep your costs to a minimum, as does not having to pay any international transaction fees.
New applicants can benefit through the card's intro APR and bonus miles.
Travel-specific coverage provides added peace of mind when you're traveling. Access to a host of culinary, sports and music events will ensure that you don't miss out on important events.
Pros
No annual fees
Earn 1.25 miles for every dollar
Earn miles that remain valid for the life of your account
Redeem miles in different ways
Intro 0% APR offer
No foreign transaction fees
Access to premier events
$0 fraud liability
Virtual card numbers
Use for balance transfers
Set up an authorized user
Cons
Redeeming points as statement credit requires that you make redemptions within 90 days from the date of your travel purchase
Not all benefits available for authorized users
Pay no interest on purchases for the first 15 months because of the intro 0% APR offer, then variable APR 19.24% – 29.24% after that.
Earn a 20,000 miles bonus if you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening.
Redeeming your miles for a statement credit toward travel and other purchases is simple.
You may redeem your miles through more than 10 travel loyalty programs, such as Flying Blue, Club Premier, Asia Miles, Aeroplan, MilleMiglia, Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest.
Use your miles when you check out using PayPal or when you shop at Amazon.
Pay no annual fees.
Pay no fees when making purchases in foreign countries.
APR for purchases applies on balance transfers.
Get extra protection when traveling through auto rental collision damage waiver and travel accident insurance.
Get additional warranty protection on eligible purchases at no extra cost.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
We love the no annual fee U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card not only because it lets you earn reward points faster when you spend on bonus categories, but also because of its intro offers. If you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, you earn 20,000 bonus points, valued at $200. You may also benefit through the card’s 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles, then 19.24% – 28.24% variable APR after intro period.
This card offers 4x points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery; 2x points on streaming services, and at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations and EV charging stations; and 1x points on all other purchases. Redeeming your points instantly to shop almost anywhere is possible once you enroll in Real-Time Rewards.
Using this card outside of the U.S. is perfect because it comes with no foreign transaction fees. You also get a $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases from Netflix, Apple TV+, Apple Music, Hulu, Spotify and more.
Pros
High rewards on dining-related purchases
0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles, then 19.24% – 28.24% variable APR after the intro period.
No annual fee
Annual bonus for streaming services
Zero fraud liability
Cons
Low base rewards rate
Balance transfers attract a 3% fee (except during the introductory period)
Pay no interest on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles because of the intro 0% APR offer
Earn 20,000 bonus points if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
Earn 4x points on takeout, food delivery and dining
Get a $15 credit once a year when you use your card to pay for eligible streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Music
Redeem your reward points for cash back, gift cards, travel or merchandise
Use the U.S. Bank mobile app to lock and unlock your card in case you lose or misplace it
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Comparing credit card rewards programs is an art form of sorts. Think of each reward system as currencies in different countries. You wouldn’t compare one U.S. dollar to one Mexican peso and say they are the same. The same can be said for travel rewards credit cards. Each currency has its unique value and shouldn’t be weighed against another reward program.
Similarly, each rewards credit card is created differently, targeting different types of consumers. So it isn’t realistic to compare them to say one is better than the other. However, you can compare them side by side to see how each card would work best for your needs, your spending habits and the rewards you want to earn.
Annual fees: Most of the top rewards and cash back cards we've selected come with no annual fees. For those cards that do charge annual fees, you can often offset those fees by fully taking advantage of the added perks that the card issuers offer.
APR: It is common for cash back/travel rewards credit cards to come with higher APRs than regular cards. However, there may be noticeable differences in APRs from one card to the next.
Rewards/cash back: The best rewards/cash back cards either offer tiered earn rates on bonus categories or let you earn a flat high rate on all purchases. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited Card lets you earn up to 5% cash back through category-based spending but offers just 1% cash back on categories that don't fit the bill. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, on the other hand, offers flat 2% cash back on all purchases.
Introductory offers: Most of the top rewards/cash back cards we've selected give new cardholders the ability to earn welcome bonuses by meeting spend-based requirements. In this case, you need to spend at least a predetermined amount within a stipulated time frame.
Foreign transaction fees: This aspect requires your attention if you plan to use your card outside of the U.S. because you might need to pay foreign transaction fees of 3% or more on every international transaction. Some of the cards on this page that do away with this fee include the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.
Additional features: Additional features and benefits may vary considerably depending on the card you select. Examples of added perks include cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty, travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver and trip delay reimbursement.
For example, here are two rewards cards that are designed for two very different consumers.
An Example on How to Compare Reward Cards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Sign-up bonus: Earn $400 back as a welcome bonus if you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first six months.
Spending categories: 6% cash back on grocery purchases of up to $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations and on transit. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Benefits of card membership: Low intro APR, $120 Equinox+ credit each year, payment flexibility through Pay It Plan It, car rental loss and damage insurance, return protection and more.
Annual fee: $95
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 early spend bonus if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.
Spending categories: 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Benefits of card membership: Low intro APR, no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty, travel accident insurance, 24-hour travel assistance services, complimentary concierge service and more.
Annual fee: $0
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best suited for people who wish to make the most of their grocery spending and also want to earn high cash back on gas and transit purchases. While Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card’s cash back rate on grocery purchases is not as high as that of the Blue Cash Preferred Card, it does not come with a maximum spending limit that qualifies for the high cash back rate. Besides, it works better for international use because it does away with foreign transaction fees.
Credit card rewards are an extremely lucrative incentive for both credit card issuers and consumers to earn rewards on their spending. There is ample opportunity to earn credit card rewards for your spending, but it can get complicated.
In short, credit card issuers give rewards in the form of hotel points, airline points or issuer-specific rewards that can be redeemed or transferred to your preferred rewards programs. The amount of points they give is based on your spending, along with a potential sign-up bonus.
Once you earn the points, they can be redeemed for a number of items or experiences. Keep in mind that not all redemptions are created equal.
Before you redeem your points, look into the cash price of the redemption. This will give you an idea if the redemption is a valuable one or not. Issuers will provide you with options to use your points efficiently and non-efficiently. The efficient manners are likely to be travel, while the not-so-efficient redemptions are statement credit, gift cards and merchandise.
Understanding How Cash Back Cards Work
Cash back credit cards are a simple yet efficient way to save on your daily purchases. Because cash back credit cards don’t have any complicated redemption processes like some travel rewards credit cards, it is preferred by many.
When using a cash back credit card, you earn cash back based on how much you spend in specific categories. There are also cash back credit cards that award a flat rate for cash back on all spending. One is not better than the other — it simply depends on if you spend more in the categories or if your spending is less predictable. In addition, there are cards that have rotating categories each quarter, so someone with less predictive spending could benefit from a card like this.
Nearly all consumers can benefit from a cash back credit card. Saving money on your day-to-day purchases is universal. However, if you enjoy traveling, consider that those same purchases could earn you more valuable rewards on a travel rewards credit card. If simplicity and saving money are your largest priorities, a cash back credit card will serve you well.
FAQs About Cash Rewards Cards
Cash rewards cards are a very popular tool to save money on your day-to-day purchases. They are much less complicated than travel rewards credit cards because cash back is based on your purchases.
Credit scores needed for cash back credit cards vary. Some cash back credit cards are for consumers with poor credit, while others are for people with excellent credit. So when you are looking for a cash back credit card, research each card to see what credit score it requires.
One is not better than the other. However, cash back credit cards do have limited opportunity. You can only earn a fixed rate of cash back based on your spending patterns. However, with travel rewards credit cards, the opportunities are much greater. Points can be used in various ways, and because cash values of flights and hotels fluctuate, you can earn outstanding value for your spending.
Yes, you can. Each credit card issuer handles their cash back programs differently, but in many cases, you can apply the cash back you earn to the balance on your credit card.
Bonus categories are categories in which the credit card issuer gives additional cash back for your spending. For example, grocery stores are a popular bonus category for cash back credit cards.
Find more information about how the various cash back cards work and our pick of the top cash rewards cards on our best cash back credit cards page.
Understanding How Travel Credit Cards Work
Travel credit cards work by rewarding cardholders with travel rewards for spending money on their credit cards. The rewards come in many forms, including hotel points, airline points or points specific to the card issuers like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards. Each of these points has different values and varied opportunities to redeem them.
Travel credit cards aren’t always the best solution for every consumer. If you rarely travel or don't anticipate traveling much, you may have better opportunities with a cash back credit card. But even if you travel a few times per year, a travel credit card can help you save on hotels, flights, rental cars and other expenses. In addition, several travel credit cards come with complimentary travel insurance, protecting your trip in the event things go awry.
While most travel credit cards charge annual fees, it’s possible to make up for the same by earning adequate rewards and making use of benefits such as travel insurance, airport lounge access and upgrades in loyalty program status. However, it’s important to analyze the benefits and determine how often you plan on using them before paying an annual fee.
FAQs About Travel Rewards Cards
Travel rewards cards are a very popular tool to save money on flights, hotels and other travel-related expenses. However, because the rewards programs are so varied, it can be complicated to grasp at first. The answers to these common questions can help you decide which travel rewards card best fits your travel habits and goals.
For most airline or hotel credit cards, you will need to have at least a 670 credit score, which is considered “good.” Because the rewards are lucrative, banks want to approve consumers with established credit.
Points and miles from travel credit cards are calculated through the spending categories on each card. When analyzing travel credit cards, it is important to understand how many points a card will award per $1 spent in each category. From there, you can get a sense of how many points you can earn based on your spending habits.
You can use credit card points on car rentals. However, you won’t be able to use them on motorcycle rentals.
You can redeem points and miles earned from credit cards in multiple ways. You can either redeem the points directly through the credit card servicer or transfer the points to your preferred frequent flyer program. Every credit card servicer has its own unique program, so you’ll want to research each thoroughly to understand the program’s rules and benefits.
Business rewards credit cards work nearly identical to other rewards credit cards. The only difference is that business rewards credit cards typically have spending categories geared towards business owners, such as office supply stores and travel.
Generally speaking, a business credit card would be a great idea for any business owner. And the best part is that you don’t need to own a multi-million dollar business. Even if you have a side hustle or occasionally resell items online, you are considered a business. And if you incur any expenses from your business, a business credit card can provide you with additional working capital and, at the same time, give you the opportunity to earn rewards to save your business money.
However, there are a few downsides of business rewards cards to be aware of. First, the card issuer will likely require a personal guarantee, meaning you will need to give your Social Security number when you apply. Also, business credit cards tend to have high interest rates. So using a business credit card to float debt is not an advantageous idea. If you need a loan, applying for a small business loan might be a better route.
FAQs About Business Rewards Cards
Business rewards cards can be very beneficial for business owners. But while they work similarly to personal rewards cards, there are a few nuances to be aware of.
The size of your company does not matter when it comes to a business rewards card. However, in your application process, the issuer will likely ask how many employees you have and the company’s yearly revenue.
A 670 or higher is needed to be approved for a business rewards credit card. If you aren’t approved, try calling the credit card issuer’s reconsideration line. You can find this by searching “_______ (insert card issuer’s name) reconsideration line.” They can help you understand why you were denied and inform you of any additional documentation they may need.
Yes, they do. However, be aware that major banks tend to offer business credit cards with much more lucrative rewards.
That is hard to say as there are dozens of business rewards credit cards to choose from. However, some of the more popular ones are listed in this article.
How to Choose the Right Rewards Card or Cards for You
Choosing the best rewards credit card may be daunting, as there are dozens to choose from. To simplify the process, there is one question to keep in mind: What is my goal? Is it earning travel rewards, or do you simply want to earn cash back to save on your purchases? From there, you can reverse engineer to the right rewards card.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VETTING TRAVEL CARDS
If a travel credit card is for you, think about these factors as you sort through different travel credit cards:
Do you want luxurious travel benefits? Or are you more focused on budget/efficient travel?
Where do you spend mostly?
Do you prefer airline miles? Hotel points? Or rewards that can be used for either?
Do you travel mostly alone? Or do you travel with a partner/family?
Are you open to paying an annual fee for a rewards card?
These questions, along with understanding your motive for getting a travel rewards credit card, can help you select a card that is right for you, your travel habits and spending patterns.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN VETTING CASH BACK CARDS
If a cash back credit card suits your needs, the vetting process is simpler.
Is your spending specific to one or two categories (i.e., groceries, gas, etc.)?
If the answer is yes, find a credit card that will reward you most for those categories.
If the answer is no, find a credit card that will reward you for your generalized spending habits.
4 Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards & Building Better Credit Habits
Earning credit card rewards is exciting as you are earning rewards for money you would normally spend anyway. However, earning credit card rewards is a careful dance, as you never want to spend more money simply to earn a few extra points. This is one of many tips on maximizing your credit card rewards and managing your credit efficiently.
1
Spend efficiently, not recklessly
Credit card rewards are meant to enhance your spending experience, not to incentivize further spending than needed.
2
Maximize your rewards potential
Each point you earn has a potential value that can be earned. However, the different redemptions will net you a different value. For example, turning your points into cash back on your statement will likely net you a lower value than using your points for travel.
3
Pay off your balance in full
If you are paying interest on your statements, the value of your points is likely zero since the extra money you are spending in interest will negate the value of the points.
4
Mix and match cards
If you want to maximize every single purchase, don’t hesitate to work your way up to have multiple rewards credit cards. By having multiple cards that award bonus points for specific spending categories, you will be able to earn heaps of rewards over time.
How We Rank Rewards Credit Cards
We compile and rank our lists of suggested credit cards based on publicly available data from card issuers and other reputable sources like the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau.
We analyze and compare over 55 data points for approximately 2,500 cards to assign a rating for each card feature. These data points include annual fees, interest rates, rewards, benefits, and more.
These ratings are stack ranked and weighted based on the most relevant features for each card category (cash back, business, etc.). These rankings determine the top suggestions for each type of user or card category.
Top Rating Criteria for Rewards Cards
Sign-up bonus
Annual Earnings
Annual Fee
Expert Advice For Finding the Right Card
In this section, we’ve asked financial experts from across the U.S. to weigh in on some important aspects about rewards credit cards. Go through their answers to further your knowledge a little more.
What are the possible pros and cons of using a rewards card to make a large purchase and then transferring the balance to a balance transfer card?
When transferring reward points to different airline or hotel loyalty programs, why does their worth vary?
What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of adding authorized users to a primary credit card with regards to earning rewards?
Taylor Jessee
Director of Financial Planning at Taylor Hoffman Wealth Management, Inc.
May Jiang
CPA, CFP®, Founder of Beyond Profit and Wealth Consulting
Dr. Scott J. Takacs
Professor of Business Administration and Economics at Georgetown College
Chuck Lopez
Lecturer at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Sahar Bahmani
Professor of Finance at the University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Steven Shagrin
JD, Certified Money Coach/Master Money Coach & Trainer, Certified Professional Retirement Coach, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, Registered Life Planner, Former CFP®
Donna Bobek-Schmitt
Professor of Accounting, Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina
Dr. Andrew Burnstine
Associate Professor of Marketing at Lynn University
Katrina Soelter, CFP®
Director, Wealth Management at KCS Wealth Advisory, LLC
Angel Carrete Rodriguez
Assistant Professor of Finance at Concordia College
Deanne Butchey
Teaching Professor, Department of Finance at the College of Business, Florida International University
Tolen Teigen
Chief Investment Officer at FinDec, CFA, CFP, AIF, C(k)P, ChFC, CASL, AEP and MSFS
Kimberly Foss
CFP®, CPWA®, is the Founder and President of Empyrion Wealth Management™
Reilly White
Associate Professor of Finance at the University of New Mexico
Dr. Aniruddha Pangarkar
Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Amit Sinha
Professor of Finance and Quantitative Methods at Bradley University
Dan Horne
Michael A. Ruane Professor of Marketing at Providence College School of Business
Dr. Jeff Jones
Head of the Finance and General Business Department at Missouri State University
Scott E. Hein, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Finance at Rawls College of Business, Texas Tech University
Mark M. Ulrich
Assistant Professor of Accounting at CUNY Queensborough Community College, MBA, CPA
Joseph K. Grant
Professor at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Dr. Dima Leshchinskii
Associate Professor of Finance at Menlo College
Lawrence J. White
Professor of Economics, Stern School of Business, New York University
Xavier Garza-Gomez
Professor of Finance at the University of Houston-Victoria
Dr. Sahar Milani
Associate Professor of Economics at St. Lawrence University
Bill Schretter, CLU, ChFC, CFP, ATA, CFC
CFP Board Ambassador and an Adjunct Faculty Member at UC
Dr. Scott Thorne
Instructor in Marketing at Southeast Missouri State University
Dr. Julie Heath
Executive Director of the Alpaugh Family Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati
Brynne Conroy
Author of "The Feminist Financial Handbook," Owner of the blog Femme Frugality and Co-Host of the "Mom Autism Money" Podcast
Guan Jun Wang
Associate Professor of Finance at Savannah State University
Sam Dogen
Founder of Financial Samurai
Amy Blacklock
Co-Founder of Women Who Money and Co-Author of "Estate Planning 101"
Brooke Reavey
Associate Professor of Marketing at Dominican University
John Schmoll
Founder of Frugal Rules
Wooyang Kim, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Marketing at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Elizabeth Minton
Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Wyoming
Bob Haegele
Personal Finance Writer
Andrew Herrig
Owner of Wealthy Nickel
Martha Cruz Zuniga
Clinical Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics at The Catholic University of America
Ariel Belasen
Professor of Economics and Finance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Joseph Vu
Associate Professor of Finance at DePaul University
Scott Lail
Assistant Professor of Accounting at Wingate University
Dr. Ajay Patel
Thomas S. Goho Chair in Finance, Area Chair and Professor at Wake Forest University
Dr. Eric R. Kushins
Assistant Professor of Management at Campbell School of Business
Hugo Benitez-Silva
Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics at Stony Brook University
Dr. Paul Rose
Professor and Associate Dean at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Priya Raghubir
Professor of Marketing at New York University Stern School of Business
Henry McKoy
Faculty Member and Director of Entrepreneurship, School of Business; Managing Director of the Eagle Angel Network at North Carolina Central University
Nicole Hunter
Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the University at Buffalo School of Management
Stephanie Black, PhD
Associate Professor at Texas A&M University – San Antonio
W. Eric Lee
Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Norther Iowa
Dr. Chandan Kumar Jha
Assistant Professor of Finance, Madden School of Business, Le Moyne College
Tom Hall
Associate Professor & Associate Director of the Center for Public History at Christopher Newport University
Dr. Kwamie Dunbar
Associate Professor of Finance at Simmons University
Jaime Peters
Assistant Dean & Assistant Professor of Finance at Maryville University
Sean Spence
Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at George Mason University
Dr. Chris Phillips
Professor of Economic and Statistics at Somerset Community College
Dr. Brock Zehr
Associate Professor Business & Economics at Huntington University
Drew Gold
Associate Professor at Saint Leo University
Ron Cheung
Professor of Economics in the Economics Department at Oberlin College
Norbert Tschakert, Ph.D., CPA
Gassett-Schiller '83 Professor of Accounting at the Bertolon School of Business at Salem State University
Dr. Randal Ice
Barnabas Professor of Finance at the University of Central Oklahoma
Suzanne Fogel
Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Marketing at DePaul University
Dr. Jukka Laitamaki
Clinical Professor at New York University School of Professional Studies
Michael Bond
Adjunct Lecturer in Finance at the Eller College of Management
Jared Watson
Assistant Professor of Marketing at New York University Stern School of Business
Andrea Francis
Professor of Accounting at LaGuardia Community College
Kristy Shen
Author of "Quit Like a Millionaire"
Andrew Macdonald, CFA, CFP
Adjunct Professor of Finance, Knauss School of Business, University of San Diego
Cristian Tiu
Chair and Associate Professor of Finance at the University at Buffalo
Wei-Chung Wang
Professor of Business and Economics and Associate Provost at Juniata College
Suman Banerjee
Associate Professor of Finance, School of Business at Stevens Institute of Technology
Dr. Jayendra S. Gokhale
Associate Professor at the Daytona Beach Campus of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
Frank G. Cabano
Assistant Professor, Marketing and Management at The University of Texas at El Paso
Jim Connell, DBA
Associate Professor of Finance in the Stephens College of Business at the University of Montevallo
Dr. Jack McCann
Course Lead and Graduate Faculty in HRM at Purdue University Global
Matthew Imes
Assistant Professor of Finance at Stetson University
Kaustav Misra, Ph.D.
Associate Dean, School of Business, Central Connecticut State University
Robert Murphy
Associate Professor at Boston College
A. Can Inci
Professor of Finance at Bryant University
Thomas J. Norman
Professor at California State University - Dominguez Hills
Raymond P. H. (Pat) Fishe
The Patricia A. and George W. Wellde, Jr. Distinguished Chair in Finance and Professor of Finance at the University of Richmond
Selin A. Malkoc
Associate Professor of Marketing at The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business
Majed Muhtaseb
Professor of Finance at Cal Poly Pomona
Dr. Yuliya Strizhakova
Associate Professor of Marketing at the Rutgers University–Camden School of Business
Dr. Arun Upadhyay
Associate Professor - Department of Finance at Florida International University
David Hart
Executive in Residence at Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Unnati Narang
Assistant Professor of Business Administration at University of Illinois
Rutherford Cardinal Johnson
Lecturer of Economics at the University of Minnesota
Yong Chao, PhD
Professor of Economics at the College of Business, University of Louisville
Eric Lustig
Professor of Law and Director at the Center for Business Law, New England Law | Boston
Carlo Silvesti
Adjunct Professor of Accounting, Gwynedd Mercy University
Randal Ice, Ed.D.
Professor of Finance at the University of Central Oklahoma
John Lopez
Senior Professor of Practice at C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston
Gregory Germain
Professor at Syracuse University College of Law
Vicki Cook
Co-Founder of Women Who Money, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and Co-Author of "Estate Planning 101"
J. Cameron Verhaal
Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business
Mathew S. Isaac, Ph.D.
Professor of Marketing, Albers School of Business and Economics at Seattle University
Martina
Founder of Stack Your Dollars, LLC
Anna Barker
Founder, LogicalDollar
Lyle M. Rupert
C. Louis and Charlotte Cabe Distinguished Professorship in Economics and Business
Suchot Sunday
Entrepreneur & Business Coach
Howard Davidoff
Professor at at Brooklyn College
Andrew Ching, PhD
Professor, Carey Business School at the Johns Hopkins University
Jack Yoest Jr.
Assistant Professor of Practice in Leadership and Management at The Catholic University of America
Larry Connatser
Family Financial Management Specialist at Virginia Corporate Extension
FAQs About Rewards Credit Cards
Having a rewards credit card in your wallet can be very lucrative. But to maximize your earning potential, it’s important to understand how rewards programs work, what the rewards are worth, redemption options and more.
Credit card rewards points work through spending money on a credit card. The card issuer will award you points based on where you shop and how much you spend. The points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards or other items.
Credit card rewards are unique in that their value is determined by a few different factors. Some credit card rewards, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, have a fixed value when redeemed through the Chase travel portal. However, if you transfer those same points to one of their many travel partners, the value can vary.
Credit card rewards can be redeemed for several different items or experiences, including rental cars, flights, hotels, cruises and more. In some cases, you can redeem them for merchandise and gift cards.
Brett Holzhauer is a personal finance reporter. He has written for several leading publications and is mentioned in many others, including Forbes Advisor, Lending Tree, CNBC and ValuePenguin. An alum of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State, when he is not reporting, Brett is likely scuba diving, golfing or watching college football. He tweets regularly at @brett_holzhauer.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available. Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more aboutour editorial policies andexpert editorial team. Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.