Best Credit Cards for Bills, Utilities & Recurring Expenses of December 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
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When you track your household spending, you see just how much of your money goes to the recurring costs of daily life — trips to the grocery store, utility bills, commuting, monthly memberships and subscriptions, and so on. Using a credit card that gives you extra cash back for those expenses is a relatively low-effort way to reduce the real cost of living.
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NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
When you track your household spending, you see just how much of your money goes to the recurring costs of daily life — trips to the grocery store, utility bills, commuting, monthly memberships and subscriptions, and so on. Using a credit card that gives you extra cash back for those expenses is a relatively low-effort way to reduce the real cost of living.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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When you track your household spending, you see just how much of your money goes to the recurring costs of daily life — trips to the grocery store, utility bills, commuting, monthly memberships and subscriptions, and so on. Using a credit card that gives you extra cash back for those expenses is a relatively low-effort way to reduce the real cost of living.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
When you track your household spending, you see just how much of your money goes to the recurring costs of daily life — trips to the grocery store, utility bills, commuting, monthly memberships and subscriptions, and so on. Using a credit card that gives you extra cash back for those expenses is a relatively low-effort way to reduce the real cost of living.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Bills, Utilities & Recurring Expenses of December 2024
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Consistent cash back
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Household expenses
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Utilities, commuting and more
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Your choice of expenses
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best for Earning more automatically
Prime Visa: Best for Regular purchases and deliveries
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Superstores, big box runs & bills
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: Best for Wholesale shoppers
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Paying rent
MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card: Best for Home maintenance
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Credit Cards for Bills, Utilities & Recurring Expenses
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Household expenses | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Superstores, big box runs & bills | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | 1.5%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Consistent cash back | $0 | 2% | $200 | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Utilities, commuting and more | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit CardApply Now on Bilt's website on Bilt's website | Best for Paying rent | None | 1X-3X | N/A | Apply Now on Bilt's website on Bilt's website |
 Citi Custom Cash® CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Earning more automatically | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Your choice of expenses | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Prime VisaApply Now on Amazon.com's website on Amazon.com's website | Best for Regular purchases and deliveries | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Amazon.com's website on Amazon.com's website |
 Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by CitiApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Wholesale shoppers | $0 | 1%-4% | N/A | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card | Best for Home maintenance | $0 | N/A | N/A |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Household expenses
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a strong choice for families, with rewards of up to 6% cash back across a range of categories, including major line items in the typical household budget. Terms apply.
Our Take
You earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% back at U.S. gas stations; 3% back on transit, including taxis, rideshare services, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; and 1% elsewhere. There's a great bonus offer for new cardholders and other amenities like extended warranties and return protection on eligible card purchases, giving you additional safeguards for new appliances or other big-ticket items. Terms apply.
The rich rewards come at a cost: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a strong choice for families, with rewards of up to 6% cash back across a range of categories, including major line items in the typical household budget. Terms apply.
Superstores, big box runs & bills
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot at specific merchants that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the highest-paying categories on other cards. Plus, you can earn elevated rewards on bills and utilities.
Product Details
- 6% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose.
- Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
- 3% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category like gas stations & EV charging stations (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), bills and home utilities.
- 1.5% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases.
- 6% Cash Back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card earns 6% back on up to $1,500 a quarter in combined spending at two retailers you choose (see list of options below). You also earn 3% on up to $1,500 per quarter spent in an "everyday" category you choose, such as bills/utilities, gas and wholesale clubs. All other purchases earn 1.5% — a major edge over other cards that pay only 1% on non-bonus-category spending.
The card charges an annual fee, although $31 a week in spending at your chosen retailers will return enough cash back to offset it. The rewards structure requires a bit of work, since it's on you to lock in your 6% and 3% options each quarter.
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot at specific merchants that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the highest-paying categories on other cards. Plus, you can earn elevated rewards on bills and utilities.
Consistent cash back
It doesn’t get easier than the 2% cash back that you get everywhere with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. That makes it a useful pick for common expenses like medical and veterinary expenses, home repairs, utility bills — you name it.
Product Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card has no bonus categories to keep track of — just straight 2% cash back. There's an intro APR period, plus a superb bonus offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. And the annual fee is a sweet $0.
You could earn more than 2% in major spending categories if you're willing to manage cards with more complicated rewards programs. But you could also pair this card with one of those others, so you're always earning at least 2%.
It doesn’t get easier than the 2% cash back that you get everywhere with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. That makes it a useful pick for common expenses like medical and veterinary expenses, home repairs, utility bills — you name it.
Utilities, commuting and more
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5% cash back in your choice of spending categories each quarter. The available categories include an array of recurring expenses and several options not often found on other cards.
Product Details
- $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 28.99%.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined spending each quarter in two categories of your choice, from a list of 12 (see list below). Options include home utilities, cell phone providers, ground transportation like bus and train tickets, gym memberships, and internet and streaming services. You also get 2% cash back in one “everyday” category of your choice (grocery stores, restaurants, or gas and EV charging stations) and 1% on other purchases. There's a bonus offer, an intro APR period and an annual fee of $0.
This rewards program can be a lot to keep up with, and it’s not always possible to anticipate where you’ll spend the most in the future. That can make it hard to pick the optimal categories and earn the most cash back you can. Plus, if you forget to pick any categories, you’ll only earn 1% cash back on everything.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns 5% cash back in your choice of spending categories each quarter. The available categories include an array of recurring expenses and several options not often found on other cards.
Paying rent
When is 1X an eye-popping rewards rate? When you're able to earn it on rent without paying a transaction fee. The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card allows you to put what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense on a credit card and still come out ahead on rewards.
Product Details
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining
- Earn 2x points on travel
- Earn 1x points on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card earns 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent payments (up to 100,000 points annually) while avoiding the transaction fees that landlords often tack onto credit card payments — if they take cards at all. (See our review for details on how it works.) It also earns 5X on Lyft (when you link your accounts and pay with the card), 3X on dining, 2X on travel and 1X on other purchases. Non-rent purchases earn extra rewards on "Rent Day," the first of every month. Redemption options include transfers to several major airline and hotel loyalty programs.
Point values vary based on how you use them, and the value to redeem for cash or statement credit is low. There's no sign-up bonus, which is atypical for a rewards card. And you have to use the card at least five times in a billing cycle or you'll earn no rewards on most purchases beyond a flat 250 points for your rent payment.
When is 1X an eye-popping rewards rate? When you're able to earn it on rent without paying a transaction fee. The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card allows you to put what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense on a credit card and still come out ahead on rewards.
Earning more automatically
With the Citi Custom Cash® Card, you don’t have to choose or keep track of bonus categories. Just use your card, and you’ll automatically earn 5% cash back in the eligible category where you spend the most money each billing cycle.
Product Details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent per billing cycle in whichever one of these categories was your highest-spending: restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment. Other spending earns 1%. The card comes with a good bonus offer and an intro APR period, and the annual fee is $0.
The $500 cap can limit your earning potential in categories where you might exceed it (hello, groceries!). And keep in mind your bonus rewards are limited to a single category. You could spend $100 in each of five eligible categories — but you'd earn 5% on only $100.
With the Citi Custom Cash® Card, you don’t have to choose or keep track of bonus categories. Just use your card, and you’ll automatically earn 5% cash back in the eligible category where you spend the most money each billing cycle.
Your choice of expenses
The configurable 3% cash back on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you tailor your rewards to your spending plans — choose a new category every month if it works for you.
Product Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
You earn 3% back in a category of your choice and 2% back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on the first $2,500 of combined spending in these categories per quarter. Other spending earns 1%. The 3% options: gas/EV charging; online shopping (including cable, streaming, internet and phone plans); dining; travel; drugstores; or home improvement/furnishings. You can change your 3% category once a month. Throw in a nice intro APR period, a great bonus offer and the unbeatable annual fee of $0, and it's a strong addition to the family wallet.
You'll need to be OK with tracking bonus categories and how much you're spending in them. The $2,500 quarterly spending cap applies to the 3% and 2% categories combined; big spenders may hit that cap pretty early.
The configurable 3% cash back on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you tailor your rewards to your spending plans — choose a new category every month if it works for you.
Regular purchases and deliveries
If the Amazon delivery driver has worn a path to your door with regular shipments of household staples, you ought to be putting those purchases on Amazon's Prime Visa and earning unlimited 5% cash back at the everything store.
Product Details
- Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership.
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
- No annual credit card fee.
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day.
- Member FDIC.
Our Take
You earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market; 5% on purchases through Chase Travel; 2% at restaurants, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare); and 1% on other purchases. Plus there's this for new cardholders: Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
The card itself doesn't have an annual fee, but you must have an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 a year. And unlike most cards on this page, it doesn't come with a 0% intro APR offer.
If the Amazon delivery driver has worn a path to your door with regular shipments of household staples, you ought to be putting those purchases on Amazon's Prime Visa and earning unlimited 5% cash back at the everything store.
Wholesale shoppers
If you dread making multiple stops to finish your to-do list, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi could be your wallet's MVP. Fill up your tank, pick up a year's worth of ketchup and purchase a new washer-dryer all in one trip. The gas rewards are among the highest you'll find, and families who dine out often will be handsomely rewarded.
Product Details
- Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card earns 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year; 3% on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% on other purchases.
There's no intro APR period or sign-up bonus, and while the card itself doesn't have an annual fee, you need to be a Costco member, which costs at least $65 a year.
If you dread making multiple stops to finish your to-do list, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi could be your wallet's MVP. Fill up your tank, pick up a year's worth of ketchup and purchase a new washer-dryer all in one trip. The gas rewards are among the highest you'll find, and families who dine out often will be handsomely rewarded.
Home maintenance
Unlike store cards whose rewards have value only if you return to the store and spend more money, the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card gives you an immediate 5% discount on almost everything you buy. That makes it a compelling choice not just for loyal Lowe's customers, but also for those who spend heavily on home improvement elsewhere and could easily shift to Lowe's.
Product Details
- Get 20% off your purchase today when you open and use a new account. Up to $100 discount. Exclusions and more restrictions apply. Valid now - 1/31/25.
- Then, enjoy everyday savings of 5% off your eligible purchase or order when charged to your MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card.
- Cardholders unlock free Silver Key Status with MyLowe's Rewards Loyalty program.
- No Interest if Paid in Full within 6 Months. Offer applies to purchase or order of $299 or more on your MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card.
- For MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card purchases of $2,000 or more, select 84 Fixed Monthly Payments at 9.99% APR.
Our Take
This card provides an immediate 5% discount on most purchases (exceptions include gift cards; shipping, fees and taxes; and certain high-end brands). New cardholders get a coupon good for 20% off their first purchase, up to a maximum savings of $100 off. You also get "Silver Key" status in the MyLowe's Rewards program, which includes free standard shipping on all orders and a higher earning rate for rewards points, which can be redeemed for purchases at the store (see our review for details). Finally, the annual fee is $0.
There isn't a true 0% APR offer on this card. Purchases of $299 and up are eligible for deferred interest financing, which isn't the same as 0% because you can get hit with back interest if you don't pay in full by the end of the promo period. Of note: If you choose this financing option on a purchase, you don't get the 5% discount.
Unlike store cards whose rewards have value only if you return to the store and spend more money, the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card gives you an immediate 5% discount on almost everything you buy. That makes it a compelling choice not just for loyal Lowe's customers, but also for those who spend heavily on home improvement elsewhere and could easily shift to Lowe's.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR BILLS, UTILITIES & RECURRING EXPENSES
Verify details on issuer's website before applying
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Consistent cash back
Among flat-rate cash-back cards, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases, which is excellent. But in addition, the card offers a rich sign-up bonus and a decent intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. That's an impressive, hard-to-find combination of features on a card with a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Household expenses
If your household spends a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is for you. The rewards it pays in those categories — particularly at U.S. supermarkets and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions — are among the richest of any card. There's a nice welcome offer for new cardholders and an introductory APR period, too. The generous benefits come at a cost, though: Unlike most cash-back cards, this one charges an annual fee. Terms apply. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Utilities, commuting and more
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
Full list of 5% categories on the U.S. Bank Cash+
Fast food.
Home utilities.
TV, internet and streaming.
Department stores.
Cell phone providers.
Electronics stores.
Sporting goods stores.
Movie theaters.
Gyms/fitness centers.
Furniture stores.
Ground transportation.
Select clothing stores.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Your choice of expenses
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Our pick for: Earning more automatically
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a lot of value for a $0 annual fee: 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle (1% back on other spending). The list of eligible 5% categories is varied and includes biggies like restaurants, grocery stores and more. And unlike with its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Read our review.
Prime Visa from Amazon
Our pick for: Regular purchases and deliveries
If you drop a lot of money at Amazon and/or Whole Foods Market, this is the card for you, with 5% back on such purchases, plus bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations, plus local transit and commuting (including rideshare). There's no annual fee, but you have to be a Prime member, and that does have a fee. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Superstores, big box runs & bills
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot of money at retailers that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the bonus categories offered by other credit cards. The card also offers a higher-than-usual rate on spending outside its bonus categories. The downside: There's an annual fee. Read our review.
Full list of 6% merchants
Ace Hardware.
Apple.
Amazon.com.
Anthropologie.
Bed, Bath, & Beyond.
Best Buy.
Chewy.com.
Crate & Barrel.
Disney.
Home Depot.
Ikea.
Kohl's.
Lowe's.
Lululemon.
Macy's.
Menards.
Nordstrom.
Pottery Barn.
QVC.
Restoration Hardware.
Target.
Walmart.
Wayfair.com.
Williams Sonoma.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Our pick for: Wholesale shoppers
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi turns everyday spending into rewards you can redeem at Costco (although you can only redeem them once a year). You earn bonus rewards on gas, at restaurants, on travel and at Costco itself. There's no annual fee for the card, but you have to be a Costco member (which does require a fee). Read our review.
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card
Our pick for: Rent payments
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.
MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Home maintenance
Unlike store cards whose rewards have value only if you return to the store and spend more money, the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card gives you an immediate 5% discount on almost everything you buy, with a $0 annual fee. That makes it a compelling choice not just for loyal Lowe's customers, but also for those who spend heavily on home improvement elsewhere and could easily shift to Lowe's. Read our review.
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NerdWallet's Robin Saks Frankel contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page.
Last updated on November 18, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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