Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties: cash-back cards and travel cards. Cash-back cards pay you back a percentage of the amount of each transaction. Travel rewards credit cards give you points or miles for each dollar you spend; you redeem those rewards for free flights, hotel stays and more. No single rewards credit card is right for everyone. It`s all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value. Check out our Nerd-reviewed picks below and apply today to start earning in no time.
Show summary
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Easy Earnings, Effortless Redemptions
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Cash back — high flat rate + incentives
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: Best for Big Rewards Across Top Spending Categories
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Airline Miles and a Large Bonus
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for The Ultimate Family Card
What type of rewards card is right for you?
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
Miles on every purchase, every day.
2x-5x
$95
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
2x-5x
$95
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Unlimited Cash rewards on purchases.
2%
$0
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
2%
$0
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
Points per $1 on Air Travel.
Points per $1 on Hotels.
Points per $1 spent at Supermarkets.
Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations.
Points per $1 spent at Restaurants.
Point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
1x-10x
$95
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
1x-10x
$95
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
Points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
Points on dining.
Points on select streaming services.
Points on online groceries.
Points on all other travel purchases.
Point on all other purchases.
1x-5x
$95
Get up to $1,050 in Chase Travel℠ value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
1x-5x
$95
Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
Cash back on drugstore purchases.
Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
Cash back on all other purchases.
1.5%-5%
$0
Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
1.5%-5%
$0
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
Cash Back on other purchases.
1%-6%
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
1%-6%
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.