Top 10 Rewards Credit Cards
Rewards credit cards are a type of credit card that offers incentives for making purchases. These incentives can come in various forms such as cashback, points, or travel miles, which can be redeemed for a variety of rewards.
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Rewards credit cards are designed to benefit users who regularly use their credit cards for everyday purchases and can pay off their balances in full each month. By doing so, cardholders can maximize the benefits offered by these cards while avoiding interest charges. Cashback rewards provide a percentage of the purchase amount back to the cardholder, either as a statement credit or direct deposit. Points-based rewards can usually be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, or travel through the card issuer's rewards portal. Travel rewards, often associated with airline or hotel loyalty programs, can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses. Many rewards credit cards also come with additional perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and access to exclusive events. However, it's important to be aware of potential downsides, such as annual fees, higher interest rates, and specific redemption restrictions, which can affect the overall value of the rewards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred CardView AllChase Sapphire Preferred Card - Travel rewards card with versatile points and premium benefits.
American Express Gold CardView AllAmerican Express Gold Card - Premium rewards card with dining, travel perks, and points.
Citi Premier CardView AllCiti Premier Card - Travel rewards card with points on everyday spending.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardView AllCapital One Venture Rewards Credit Card - Travel rewards, unlimited miles, no foreign transaction fees.
Chase Freedom UnlimitedView AllChase Freedom Unlimited - Cash back card with no annual fee.
Discover it Cash BackView AllDiscover it Cash Back - Credit card offering rotating 5% cash back categories.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred CardView AllAmerican Express Blue Cash Preferred Card - High cashback on groceries, gas, and streaming services.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express CardView AllWells Fargo Propel American Express Card - No annual fee, rewards on travel, dining, streaming services.
Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit CardView AllBank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card - Versatile rewards card with customizable cash back options.
Top 10 Rewards Credit Cards
1.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a popular travel rewards credit card known for its generous points system and flexible redemption options. Cardholders earn 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal at a 25% higher value or transferred to various airline and hotel partners. The card also offers valuable travel protections and a sizable sign-up bonus, making it a favorite among travelers.
Pros
Generous sign-up bonus- 2x points on travel/dining
- no foreign transaction fees
- versatile point redemption
- travel insurance benefits.
Cons
$95 annual fee- high credit score requirement
- limited airport lounge access
- no introductory APR
- not ideal for non-travelers.
2.
American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card is a premium charge card offering robust rewards and benefits. Cardholders earn high points on dining, groceries, and select travel, making it ideal for foodies and frequent travelers. It features no preset spending limit, flexible payment options, and valuable perks like dining credits and travel protections. With an annual fee, it's best suited for those who can maximize its rewards and benefits. Membership includes access to exclusive events and personalized services.
Pros
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High rewards on dining and groceries
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$120 dining credit
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No foreign transaction fees
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Travel benefits
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Purchase protection.
Cons
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High annual fee
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Limited acceptance
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Complicated rewards system
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Requires good credit
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Rewards categories may change.
3.
Citi Premier Card
The Citi Premier® Card is a versatile rewards credit card offering 3X points on air travel, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations, and 1X on all other purchases. It features a generous sign-up bonus and an annual $100 hotel savings benefit through Citi's ThankYou® Travel Center. Ideal for frequent travelers and everyday spenders, the card comes with an annual fee but provides valuable perks and extensive point redemption options, including travel, gift cards, and more.
Pros
- Generous rewards rate
- Flexible redemption options
- No foreign transaction fees
- Annual hotel savings benefit
- Transfer points to travel partners
Cons
- $95 annual fee
- Requires good credit
- Limited lounge access
- No intro APR offer
- Complex rewards structure
4.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a travel-focused credit card offering unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase. It features a generous sign-up bonus and flexible redemption options, including travel expenses and transferring miles to airline and hotel partners. The card includes travel perks like no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance. With an annual fee of $95, it's ideal for frequent travelers seeking straightforward, valuable rewards.
Pros
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Unlimited 2x miles on every purchase
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No foreign transaction fees
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Flexible redemption options
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Generous sign-up bonus
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Travel benefits and protections.
Cons
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Annual fee after the first year
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High APR for some users
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Limited travel partners
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Requires good/excellent credit
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No introductory APR offer.
5.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a popular cash-back credit card offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. It also provides 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases. New cardholders can benefit from a generous introductory offer, including a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. It’s ideal for those seeking versatile rewards and simplicity.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back
- Intro APR offer
- Travel and dining rewards
- Purchase protection.
Cons
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Foreign transaction fee
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Requires good credit
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Higher APR after intro
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Limited bonus categories
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No direct airport lounge access.
6.
Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back is a popular credit card offering 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, such as groceries, gas, or dining, up to a quarterly maximum, after activation. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. It features no annual fee, a dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned in the first year, and includes benefits like free access to your FICO® credit score. The card is ideal for users seeking to maximize rewards through strategic spending.
Pros
- 5% cash back on rotating categories
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No annual fee
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Cashback match for the first year
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Free FICO credit score
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No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
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Spending caps on bonus categories
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Rotating categories require activation
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Limited international acceptance
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High APR after introductory period
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No travel rewards.
7.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers exceptional rewards for everyday spending, featuring 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% on other purchases. It comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter. Additional benefits include purchase protection, return protection, and access to Amex Offers, making it a versatile choice for families and frequent shoppers.
Pros
- High cash back on groceries
- High cash back on streaming services
- No annual fee first year
- Travel benefits
- Purchase protection.
Cons
- High annual fee after first year
- Foreign transaction fee
- Limited acceptance abroad
- Cash back redemption restrictions
- Requires good credit.
8.
Wells Fargo Propel American Express Card
The Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card is a no-annual-fee rewards credit card offering 3x points on dining, travel, transit, and popular streaming services, and 1x points on other purchases. It features a generous welcome bonus, cell phone protection, and zero foreign transaction fees. Ideal for frequent travelers and everyday spenders, it combines robust rewards with practical benefits, making it a versatile choice for maximizing everyday spending.
Pros
- No annual fee
- 3x points on multiple categories
- cell phone protection
- travel benefits
- wide acceptance.
Cons
- Limited international acceptance
- high APR
- no intro APR on purchases
- points redemption complexity
- average customer service.
9.
Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card offers flexible cashback options, allowing cardholders to earn 3% on a category of their choice, such as gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. There's no annual fee, and rewards can be boosted by up to 75% for Preferred Rewards members. The card also features a competitive introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Pros
- Customizable rewards categories
- No annual fee
- Introductory 0% APR
- Online and mobile banking tools
- Cash back on everyday purchases.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees
- Rewards capped on higher categories
- High APR after introductory period
- Limited travel benefits
- Requires good credit.