Updated: June 19, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
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.
Read more
The world of rewards credit cards can be daunting, confusing and overwhelming for some. To make the decision easier, we narrowed it all down to the information you need to know, along with the top rewards credit cards you should know about.
These cards all have the potential to earn you valuable rewards for spending on them. That doesn’t take into account the excellent benefits many of them come with, including airport lounge access, concierge service, complimentary hotel loyalty status and more.
So regardless of what type of rewards you want to earn, there are plenty of options to choose from.
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.
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Rewards Summary | Recommended Credit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95* | Earn 1%–6% cash back | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) | A strong cash back card for gas and groceries | |
$0 | Earn 1%–10% cash back | 670–850 (Good–Excellent) | N/A | |
$0 | Earn 1%–3% cash back | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) | N/A | |
$0 | Earn 1.5–5% cash back | 670–850 (good to excellent) | An excellent no-annual-fee card that lets you earn unlimited cash back | |
$0 | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | Flat cash back with a lengthy intro 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases | |
$0 | Earn 1%–5% cash back | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | 5% cash back on your highest qualifying spend category up to $500 per month | |
$0 | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | The best 2% unlimited cash back credit card to date. |
The links in the table above will take you to one of our partner's sites where you can compare and apply for a selected credit card.
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.
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.
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 $250 as a statement credit by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first six months.
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, then a variable APR of 18.24%-29.24% after that.
Prime Visa Card - Best for Amazon Prime members
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card charges no annual fees. New cardholders earn a $100 Amazon gift card immediately upon approval.
Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it does away with foreign transaction fees.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card - Ideal for earning cash back at grocery stores and on dining and entertainment
The no-annual-fee Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a $200 early spend cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.
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, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24% after that.
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 $200 statement credit if they spend $2,000 on purchases in the first six months. This card offers:
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, then a variable APR of 18.24%-29.24% after that.
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.
This card also comes with a 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49% after that.
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, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24% after that.
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.
You might also benefit from this card’s intro 0% APR offer on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49% - 28.49%.
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.
This card also offers an intro 0% APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 19.74%—28.49% after that.
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 earn 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, then a variable APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% after that.
Citi® Double Cash Card - Perfect for everyday use
The Citi® Double Cash Card comes with no annual fees.
Using this card to transfer balances from other cards might work well for you because it offers an intro 0% APR offer on balance transfers for 18 months and a variable APR of 18.49%—28.49% after that.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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.
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.
Read more about Cash Back vs. Points here.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Ideal for travelers who use Chase Travel℠
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.
Cardholders get 25% more value for their points when they redeem them through Chase Travel℠. 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 has no annual fee.
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 for use outside 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, followed by a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.24%. 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 also get a $15 annual streaming service credit. This card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles and a variable APR of 17.24% to 28.24% after that.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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.
For example, here are two rewards cards that are designed for two very different consumers.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
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 Savor 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.
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.
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.
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.
>> MORE: HOW TO TRAVEL HACK RESPONSIBLY: USING CREDIT CARDS & OTHER METHODS
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.
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.
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.
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.
If a travel credit card is for you, think about these factors as you sort through different travel credit cards:
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.
If a cash back credit card suits your needs, the vetting process is simpler.
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.
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.
Credit card rewards are meant to enhance your spending experience, not to incentivize further spending than needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sign-up bonus
Annual Earnings
Annual Fee
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 are not taxable. The IRS has deemed them to be rebates and not income. Therefore, your rewards are not taxable.
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.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card From American Express, please click here.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
About Brett Holzhauer, CPFC
Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and a personal finance reporter at MoneyGeek. He has written for several leading publications, including Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, CNBC and ValuePenguin.
Holzhauer has a journalism and mass communications degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.
