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Credit Cards

The best rewards credit cards of March 2024

We analyzed 111 rewards credit cards using an average American's annual spending budget and digging into each card's perks and drawbacks to find the best of the best based on your consumer habits.

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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Picking the right rewards credit card may feel overwhelming. That's because there are so many different options that it's hard to know which is best for you.

You don't have to be an aggressive points optimizer to enjoy the perks that come with a good rewards credit card. With the right card and good financial habits (paying your balance off on time and in full each month), you can earn $2,000 or more in rewards over five years (and that's after the annual fee). That breaks down to roughly $400 to $500 a year (a little higher the first year if you take advantage of a welcome bonus), and it's money you can use to buy more groceries, book airline travel or splurge on a new iPad.

To relieve some of the stress, CNBC Select analyzed 111 popular rewards cards using an average American's annual spending budget and digging into each card's perks and drawbacks to find the best of the best based on various consumer habits.

Many of these cards also provide additional perks, such as discounts at select retailers, travel insurance, annual statement credits and more that make using a rewards card truly worthwhile. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best rewards cards.)

Best rewards credit cards of March 2024

Best for dining

American Express® Gold Card

On the American Express secure site
  • Rewards

    4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants (plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1X points on all other purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

  • Annual fee

    $250

  • Intro APR

    Not applicable

  • Regular APR

    See Pay Over Time APR

  • Balance transfer fee

    N/A

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

  • See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment)
  • Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit)
  • Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com
  • Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen
  • No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

  • No introductory APR period
  • $250 annual fee
  • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,074
  • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,969

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for earning travel rewards on common everyday spending categories like dining and groceries.

Standout rewards: Whether you like to dine out or cook at home, you'll earn bonus points on restaurant and U.S. supermarket spending. Travelers also benefit from earning bonus points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com.

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Best for welcome bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

On Capital One's secure site
  • Rewards

    5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

  • Annual fee

    $95

  • Intro APR

    N/A for purchases and balance transfers

  • Regular APR

    19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

  • Balance transfer fee

    $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years

Cons

  • No introductory APR
  • There’s a $95 annual fee

Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal if you're seeing an excellent intro bonus offer with a manageable spending requirement and a reasonable annual fee (see rates and fees).

Standout rewards: This card earns bonus miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as an above-average return on all other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed at a fixed value or transferred to various airline and hotel partners.

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Best for no annual fee

Citi Double Cash® Card

  • Rewards

    Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24

  • Welcome bonus

    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.

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases

  • Regular APR

    19.24% - 29.24% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies; after that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies

  • Foreign transaction fee

    3%

  • Credit needed

    Fair/Good/Excellent

  • See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
  • Simple cash-back program that doesn't require activation or spending caps
  • One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months

Cons

  • 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
  • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $443
  • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213

Who's this for? The Citi Double Cash® Card is a solid choice if you're looking to maximize your money without having to worry about rotating rewards categories or joining a credit union.

Standout rewards: The Citi Double Cash earns at least 2% cash back on every purchase with 1% back when you buy, plus an additional 1% back when you pay for those purchases. This straightforward rewards structure allows you to earn double what most cards offer on everyday purchases.

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Best for cash back

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

On Chase's Secure site
  • Rewards

    Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

  • Welcome bonus

    INTRO OFFER: 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!

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

  • Regular APR

    20.49% - 29.24% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

  • Foreign transaction fee

    3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

  • Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
  • Generous welcome bonus

Cons

  • 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card, our top cash-back card, is ideal for anyone looking for a simple way to maximize cash back on everyday spending.

Standout rewards: Cardholders earn bonus cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, as well as on drugstores and dining at restaurants (including takeout), plus an above-average return on all other purchases.

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Best for college students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

On Discover's secure site
  • Rewards

    Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases-automatically.

  • Welcome bonus

    Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% for 6 months on purchases

  • Regular APR

    18.24% - 27.24% Variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Fair / New to Credit

  • *See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • Cash-back program
  • Generous welcome bonus

Cons

  • Cash-back categories must be activated each quarter
  • Cash-back program limits earnings: Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in various categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases, then 1%
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and college student to apply for this card

Who's this for? Unlike many student credit cards, the Discover it® Student Cash Back provides an opportunity to earn cash-back rewards while you're in college and building your credit history.

Standout rewards: The Discover it Student Cash Back offers rotating quarterly categories where you'll earn 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases (then 1%) and 1% back on all other purchases. To qualify for the bonus cash back, you'll need to activate the new categories each quarter.

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Best for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

On the American Express secure site
  • Rewards

    6% cash 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% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. 

  • Annual fee

    $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

  • Intro APR

    0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening

  • Regular APR

    19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.

  • Balance transfer fee

    Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

  • Foreign transaction fee

    2.7%

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • High 6% cash back at U.S. supermarket spending (up to $6,000 a year, then 1%)
  • Unlimited 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • Unlimited 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit

Cons

  • 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad
  • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $679
  • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,397

Rewards totals incorporate the cash back earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a great choice for anyone who regularly spends big at grocery stores and gas stations.

Standout rewards: Cardholders who have cut the cord can take advantage of an unlimited 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 6% back on the first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year. Cardholders also earn bonus cash back on transit and at U.S. gas stations.

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Best for travel rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

On Chase's secure site
  • Rewards

    Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

  • Annual fee

    $95

  • Intro APR

    None

  • Regular APR

    21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

  • Balance transfer fee

    Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

  • Terms apply.

Pros

  • Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • Transfer points to leading frequent travel programs at a 1:1 rate, including: IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™ and World of Hyatt®
  • Travel protections include: auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement
  • No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No introductory 0% APR

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a versatile card with a strong suite of benefits and a generous rewards program.

Standout rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card members earn bonus points on travel, streaming services, online grocery purchases and dining. When you factor in how valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be when you redeem them for travel, it places this card firmly in the conversation for the best travel credit card.

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Best for luxury travel

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

On Chase’s secure site
  • Rewards

    Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

  • Annual fee

    $550

  • Intro APR

    None

  • Regular APR

    22.49% - 29.49% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    5%, minimum $5

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Excellent

  • Terms apply.

Pros

  • $300 annual travel credit for travel purchases
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every four years
  • Priority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide
  • Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
  • Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
  • Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership

Cons

  • High annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card’s perks
  • No introductory APR
  • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469
  • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? If you're a frequent traveler looking to make your flights and hotel stays more luxurious, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® should be on your radar.

Standout rewards: This card is geared toward frequent travelers, offering bonus points on dining and travel, plus benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access and no foreign transaction fees. The points you earn with this card are worth 1.5 cents apiece when redeemed through Chase Travel℠, or potentially more when taking advantage of Chase's hotel and airline partners

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Best for online shopping

Prime Visa

  • Rewards

    Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), 10% back or more on a rotating selection of products and categories at Amazon.com, unlimited 1% back on all other purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card (or more) instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

  • Annual fee

    $0 (but Prime membership is required)

  • Intro APR

    None

  • Regular APR

    19.49% - 27.49% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

Terms apply.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • $100 Amazon.com gift card upon approval, with no spending requirements
  • 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
  • No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

  • Prime membership is required
  • The 5% back on groceries only applies to groceries bought on Amazon.com or at Whole Foods Market
  • Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $792
  • Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,960

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? Frequent shoppers on Amazon and at Whole Foods will want to look into the Prime Visa. The card also offers a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.

Standout rewards: All Prime Visa purchases you make at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods earn a generous 5% cash back. Cardholders also get bonus cash back at gas stations, restaurants, on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) and on Chase Travel purchases.

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Best for airport lounge access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

On the American Express secure site
  • Rewards

    Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.

  • Annual fee

    $695

  • Intro APR

    None

  • Regular APR

    See Pay Over Time APR

  • Balance transfer fee

    N/A

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit Needed

    Excellent/Good

  • See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • Up to $200 in annual airline fee credits
  • $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
  • Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive a statement credit that covers the full cost each month. $12.95 plus applicable taxes. Plus Up Benefits not eligible.

Cons

  • $695 annual fee
  • No special financing offers on new purchases

Who's this for? The Platinum Card® from American Express is a top-tier premium credit card, that's loaded with all sorts of perks.

Standout rewards: If you want access to airport lounges, the Amex Platinum card is hard to beat. Cardholders get access to Priority Pass lounges, American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges, Escape Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs.

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Best for bad credit

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

On Discover's secure site
  • Rewards

    Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

  • Welcome bonus

    Discover will match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    N/A on purchases

  • Regular APR

    28.24% Variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    New / Rebuilding

  • *See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • Cash-back program
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit

Cons

  • Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%
  • Low credit line prevents cardholders from charging high-cost items or many expenses

Who's this for? Secured credit cards provide an opportunity to grow or repair your credit score, so they typically don't offer rewards or other benefits. However, Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an exception.

Standout rewards: Discover it Secured cardholders earn 2% back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter. All other spending earns a standard 1% back. That's a nice return, but it's even better for the first year because Discover will match all of the cash back you earn for the first year.

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Best for entertainment

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
  • Rewards

    4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 4% on eligible streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening

  • Annual fee

    $95

  • Intro APR

    None

  • Regular APR

    19.99% - 29.99% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    4% for promotional APR offers; none for balances transferred at regular APR

  • Foreign transaction fee

    None

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

Terms apply.

Pros

  • Unlimited 4% cash back on entertainment purchases
  • Ability to redeem rewards at any amount, unlike some other cards with $25 minimums
  • No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • No introductory 0% financing offers for purchases or balance transfers

Who's this for? If you need to relax, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card earns cash back where it matters most.

Standout rewards: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card members earn bonus cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services and at grocery stores. No matter how you like to unwind, this card can make it more affordable.

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Best for 0% APR

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

  • Rewards

    None

  • Welcome bonus

    None

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

  • Regular APR

    18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

  • Balance transfer fee

    5%, min: $5

  • Foreign transaction fee

    3%

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Long introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
  • Access to Visa Signature® Concierge
  • Get up to $600 cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
  • Access to My Wells Fargo Deals to earn cash back in the form of an account credit when shopping, dining

Cons

  • No rewards
  • No welcome bonus
  • 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card offers an unreasonably generous intro APR for both purchases and balance transfers.

Standout rewards: Wells Fargo Reflect Card members can take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a full 21 months (18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter). For a balance transfer to qualify for the intro APR, it must be made within 120 days from account opening, and a balance transfer fee of 5% of the amount transferred applies ($5 minimum).

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Best for balance transfers

Citi Simplicity® Card

  • Rewards

    None

  • Welcome bonus

    None

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% Intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer and 0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases from date of account opening.

  • Regular APR

    19.24% - 29.99% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

  • Foreign transaction fee

    3%

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

  • Terms apply.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Balances can be transferred within 4 months from account opening
  • One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers

Cons

  • 3% foreign transaction fee
  • No rewards program

Who's this for? If you have credit card debt and are looking for ways to save on interest, the Citi Simplicity® Card is one of the best options for 0% intro APR balance transfer offers.

Standout rewards: The Citi Simplicity Card doesn't provide any rewards, but its intro-APR period for balance transfers is exceptionally generous. You'll get a 0% intro APR for 21 months on balance transfers, then a variable 19.24%-29.99% applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% ($5 minimum for balances transfer you complete within four months of account opening. After that, the balance transfer fee increases to 5% ($5 minimum).

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Best for rotating bonus categories

Chase Freedom Flex℠

  • Rewards

    5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • Welcome bonus

    Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.

  • Annual fee

    $0

  • Intro APR

    0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

  • Regular APR

    20.49% - 29.24% variable

  • Balance transfer fee

    Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

  • Foreign transaction fee

    3%

  • Credit needed

    Excellent/Good

  • Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
  • Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card

Cons

  • Bonus categories must be activated each quarter
  • 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who’s this for? If you’re looking to maximize cash-back rewards, consider a rotating bonus category card like the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

Standout rewards: Chase Freedom Flex cardholders earn 5% on the first $1,500 in combined purchases in different categories each quarter. You'll need to activate the categories to earn the bonus cash back. In addition to rotating rewards, you can earn bonus cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, dining and drug stores purchases.

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More on our best rewards credit cards

American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card offers a stellar for dining, grocery and travel purchases, as well as statement credits that can almost entirely offset its annual fee (see rates and fees). You'll get the most value from your Membership Rewards points when redeeming for travel through transfer partners.

Rewards

  • 4X points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4X points on up to $25,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year
  • 3X points on flights you book directly with an airline or through Amex Travel
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Annual fee

$250 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

Cardholders can receive an annual dining credit of up to $120 ($10 a month) at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations (enrollment required). Cardholders also receive up to $120 in Uber Cash per year ($10 a month) after adding the card to their Uber account. Terms apply.

Gold Card members can also participate in Amex Offers, which allow targeted cardholders to earn statement credits or bonus Membership Rewards® points at select retailers. These limited-time offers are location-based and additional terms apply.

The best way to use Amex points is to transfer them to an airline or hotel partner to book travel, but they can also be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, and when checking out at retailers like Amazon.

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a versatile and rewarding travel card with a welcome bonus that's worth taking a closer look at.

Rewards

  • 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One travel
  • 2X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee

$95 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

Every four years, cardholders receive a credit of up to $100 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership. This card has no foreign transaction fees and comes with a bunch of additional travel perks, such as access to extended warranty protection*, purchase security, travel accident insurance*, roadside assistance* and car rental collision insurance*.

Capital One miles can be used to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more directly through Capital One Travel, or to offset recent travel purchases at a fixed value of one cent per point. Alternatively, they can be transferred to various hotel and airline partners including Accor Live Limitless, Air Canada Aeroplan, Etihad Guest and others to get even more value from your miles.

*Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details.

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Citi Double Cash® Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a straightforward no-annual-fee cash-back card.

Rewards

  • 5% back on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through the Citi travel site
  • 2% back on all other purchases, 1% back when you buy and 1% back when you pay

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Citi Double Cash Card offers cardholders a 0% APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers initiated within four months of opening an account. After the intro period ends, there's a 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount you transfer with a $5 minimum for transfers completed in the first four months. After that, the balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount you transfer ($5 minimum).

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Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card earns a minimum of 1.5% back on every purchase, which ensures you're earning a healthy return regardless of where you're shopping.

Rewards

On up to $20,000 spent in the first year:

  • 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service)
  • 3% on all other purchases

After your first year or $20,000 spent:

  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
  • 3% back at drugstores
  • 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
  • 1.5% on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus

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!

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

Cardholders can benefit from a 0% APR for the first 15 months from account opening on new purchases and balance transfers (after, 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR). There's an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, it's either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Freedom Unlimited cardholders receive three free months of DoorDash DashPass, which comes with reduced fees (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). You can also receive three free months of Instacart+ membership and $10 in Instacart statement credits each quarter (enroll by July 31, 2024).

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Discover it® Student Cash Back

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an unusually rewarding credit card for students.

Rewards

  • 5% back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating quarterly categories (activation required)
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Discover will match the cash back you earn in the first year of card membership.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

You'll need to be an eligible student to qualify for this card, but it is available even if you have poor credit or a limited credit history. Students traveling overseas can take advantage of no foreign transaction fees.

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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Anyone who prefers to earn cash-back rewards will want to consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.

Rewards

  • 6% back on up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets
  • 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • 3% back on transit
  • 3% back at U.S. gas stations
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn $250 back after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening.

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

This card has two ongoing statement credit offers that cardholders can take advantage of:

  • Up to $120 in Equinox+ credit annually ($10 a month, enrollment required)
  • Up to $84 in Disney bundle credit ($7 a month, enrollment required)

Cardholders can also potentially save money on their purchases by taking advantage of Amex Offers.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an incredibly flexible travel rewards credit card that comes with useful travel and shopping protections, plus a modest annual fee.

Rewards

  • 5X points on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • 5X points on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
  • 5X points on eligible Peloton purchases over $150 (earn a max of 25,000 points through Mar. 31, 2025)
  • 3X points on dining
  • 3X points on online grocery purchases
  • 3X points on select streaming services
  • 2X points on travel
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

On every account anniversary, card members receive a 10% bonus based on the total purchases from the previous year. If you earned 50,000 points from purchases, at the end of that year you'd receive a 5,000-point bonus. You can also earn up to a $50 statement credit each year for hotel stays you purchase through the Chase travel site.

This card has no foreign transaction fees and offers insurance such as trip delay reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption coverage and primary rental car insurance. Cardholders can also enroll to receive one year of free DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2024), six months of free Instacart+ membership (activate by July 31, 2024) and $15 in quarterly Instacart statement credits through July 2024.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is loaded with luxury perks and valuable ongoing benefits that can easily make the annual fee worth it.

Rewards

  • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through the Chase Travel℠ site
  • 10X points on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
  • 10X points on Chase Dining purchases
  • 10X points on eligible Peloton purchases ( up to 50,000 points through Mar. 31, 2025)
  • 5X points on flights purchased through the Chase Travel℠ site
  • 3X points on travel
  • 3X points on dining
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee

$550

Notable perks

Every card anniversary year, cardholders get a $300 travel credit, which automatically applies to eligible purchases. Plus, cardholders can get a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit worth up to $100 every four years. Both of those credits are on top of the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership (valued at roughly $469 a year), which grants you unlimited visits to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.

This card also comes with a host of top-notch travel and purchase protections, including:

Having this card also increases the value of your points by 50% when you redeem for travel through the Chase Travel℠ site. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruise reservations when you redeem through Chase Travel℠. This is a good way to boost the value of your Chase points.

On top of earning bonus points for Lyft rides, you can enroll to receive two years of free Lyft Pink All Access, which is worth $199 a year (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). You can also take advantage of one year of free DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024) and $5 in monthly DoorDash credit. Plus, Sapphire Reserve cardholders get $15 in monthly Instacart credit (through July 2024) and one free year of Instacart+ (enroll by July 31, 2024).

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Prime Visa

The Prime Visa is only available to Amazon Prime members ($139 for an annual membership and $14.99 for a monthly membership) but is especially rewarding for Amazon purchases. If you're not a member, you can get the Amazon Visa, which offers 3% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods.

Rewards

  • 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods and on travel purchased through Chase
  • 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Receive an instant $100 Amazon gift card upon approval.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Prime Visa has no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection and extended warranty protection. It also has valuable travel insurance including, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and rental car coverage.

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The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium credit card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more.

Rewards

  • 5X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
  • 5X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.

Annual fee

$695 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

The American Express Platinum card has an incredible list of statement credit offers that can be worth over $1,500 when maximized, including:

  • Up to $300 in Equinox credit (enrollment required)
  • Up to $200 in airline fee credits
  • $200 in Uber Cash each year
  • Up to $155 in Walmart+ credits
  • $200 in prepaid hotel credit for bookings through Amex Travel
  • Up to $240 in digital entertainment credits (up to $20 back each month)
  • Up to $100 in Saks 5th Avenue credits each year (enrollment required)
  • Up to $189 in CLEAR Plus credit
  • Up to $100 in Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credits

On top of excellent airport lounge access, cardholders can enroll for Marriott Bonvoy Gold status, Hilton Honors Gold status and rental car perks with National, Avis and Hertz. It also has all of the built-in protections you'd want from a premium travel card, including trip delay reimbursement*, trip cancellation/interruption coverage*, return protection, purchase protection** and extended warranty coverage**. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

*Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

**Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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Discover it® Secured Credit Card

The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is easier to qualify for because it requires an upfront deposit. Plus, it has a generous rewards structure for a secured credit card.

Rewards

  • 2% back on the first $1,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each quarter
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Discover will match the cash back you earn in the first year of card membership.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

You'll need to make a minimum deposit of $200 to qualify for this card. However, after seven months, Discover will automatically review your account to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured credit card. This card has no foreign transaction fees.

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining.

Rewards

  • 10% back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases
  • 4% back on dining
  • 4% back on entertainment
  • 4% back on eligible streaming services
  • 3% back at grocery stores
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn $300 cash after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

Through Nov. 14, 2024, cardholders can receive a monthly statement credit to cover an Uber One membership. This card also has no foreign transaction fees and grants you access to exclusive events and experiences through Capital One Entertainment and Capital One Dining.

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Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is hard to beat if you want to pay less interest and pay down credit card debt faster.

Rewards

None

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

This card's intro 0% APR offer applies to purchases as well as balance transfers. So for the first 21 months, you'll get 0% APR on purchases, then a variable 18.24%, 24.74% or 29.99% APR applies.

If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card, you can qualify for cell phone protection. This coverage has a $25 deductible and covers up to $600 per claim, with a maximum of two claims per year.

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Citi Simplicity® Card

The Citi Simplicity® Card doesn't offer any rewards but can help you pass less credit card interest.

Rewards

None

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

In addition to this card's balance transfer intro APR, it also offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, after that a 19.24%-29.99% variable APR applies.

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Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is an excellent cash-back card for maximizing your spending in a variety of categories.

Rewards

  • 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating quarterly categories
  • 5% back on travel purchases through the Chase Ultimate Rewards site
  • 5% back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
  • 3% back on dining
  • 3% back at drugstores
  • 1% back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% back on up to $12,000 in combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) in the first year.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Freedom Flex offers a competitive 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on new purchases and balance transfers (after, 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR). There's an intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, it's either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Cardholders can also enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024) and three complimentary months of Instacart+ (enroll by July 31, 2024). Additionally, you'll receive $10 in Instacart credit each quarter through July 31, 2024.

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How to choose a rewards credit card

Rewards credit cards come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to take some time to choose the card that best matches your spending habits. You want a card that will reward you for your everyday purchases without having to adjust your spending to maximize card rewards.

You should decide if you're willing to pay an annual fee for a card since this can help narrow down choices. Rewards cards can have annual fees of up to $550, which can be worthwhile, but not for everyone. Make sure you do the math to see if an annual fee is within your budget and if it can be outweighed by the card's benefits.

Don't want to pay your credit card's annual fee? Here's how to ask for a retention offer

Next, you should figure out what type of rewards you want to earn and if you want a simple rewards program or one that may require some work. If you want a straightforward card, some generic rewards cards offer the same amount of rewards on all purchases, which require little planning. But if you want to maximize rewards in common spending categories, such as travel, dining and gas, consider bonus rewards cards that offer over 5% back on purchases and may require activation.

Here's how credit card issuers classify purchases for bonus rewards

It's also a good idea to consider the card's welcome offer. Some of the best rewards credit cards come with large welcome bonuses for new cardholders worth hundreds of dollars. And if you're planning a big purchase, look for cards with a 0% APR offer — this way, you can still earn rewards but will have more than a year without interest charges to pay off the purchase.

Rewards aside, consider the added card perks, such as annual statement credits, lounge access and 0% APR periods, that can provide enhanced value.

Learn more: How to choose the best credit card in 3 easy steps

Different types of rewards credit cards and how rewards work

There are several different kinds of rewards cards. Rewards credit cards typically provide one of three reward structures: cash back, points or miles. The way you earn and redeem rewards varies based on the type of credit card you open.

  • Cash back: Receive a percentage of spending back, directly related to how much you spent. Spend $100 on a 1% cash-back card and earn $1 in cash back.
  • Points and miles: Earn points or miles on purchases. The value of one point or one mile isn't always equal to one cent. They might be worth more or less than a penny depending on the credit card you have and the way you redeem rewards. Typically, you can earn points and miles on travel rewards credit cards.

Additionally, rewards cards can be broken down into three groups based on how you earn rewards:

  • Flat-rate rewards: This type of rewards credit card comes with a single rewards rate that applies to all purchases. For example, the Citi Double Cash® Card earns 2% cash back on everything you buy (earn 1% cash back on all purchases and 1% when you pay off your bill)
  • Bonus categories: These credit cards offer an elevated rewards rate in certain spending categories. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® from our list of the best travel rewards credit cards offers 10X points on hotels and car rentals and 5X points on flights booked through Chase Travel℠, plus 3X points on dining and all other travel purchases. Any purchases outside of these categories only earn 1X points.
  • Rotating categories: This type of card offers a higher rewards rate in specific bonus categories that change every quarter. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great example. This cash rewards credit card earns 5% back in rotating categories on up to $1,500 in purchases made each quarter (then 1%). You need to activate the categories every quarter to earn bonus cash back.

In addition to the value of cash back, points and miles varying, redemption options also fluctuate. You may be able to redeem for a statement credit, travel, gift card, merchandise or more, depending on the card you have.

Making the most of your rewards card

To make the most of your rewards card, you should familiarize yourself with the benefits and fees. Take note of any annual fees and the APR associated with your account, as well as the rewards rates and added perks, such as annual statement credits.

Once you're familiar with the terms of your card, you can start to take full advantage of them. That may include setting reminders to use the $120 dining credit provided by the American Express® Gold Card or submitting a Global Entry application with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to receive up to $100 credit.

If you have multiple credit cards, consider the rewards offered by each card before deciding which to use. Let's say you have the Citi Double Cash® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Use the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for all your travel and dining expenses to earn 3X points, then use the Citi Double Cash® Card for everything else to earn an effective 2% cash back: 1% when you buy and 1% after you pay your bill.

Finally, pay attention to reward values when choosing redemption options. While rewards on cash-back credit cards maintain consistent value no matter how you spend them, that's rarely the case with travel rewards credit cards. Often, travel rewards are worth less if redeemed on non-travel purchases. On the other hand, if you transfer your rewards points or miles to one of the eligible loyalty programs your card issuer partners with, you can sometimes increase the value of your points.

Find the best rewards credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.

FAQs

A rewards credit card lets you earn cash back, points or miles when making purchases with that card. Beyond rewards, these cards sometimes come with additional perks like travel and purchase protections.

Whether a rewards credit card would be a good addition to your wallet depends on whether it fits your spending habits and how you're going to use it.

For example, if you're going to carry a balance, even the best rewards credit cards won't be worth it for you. High interest rates will negate the value of any rewards that you earn.

Secondly, think about how complex you want your credit card strategy to be. If you find chasing the best value exciting and don't mind putting some thought into managing your cards, a rewards card with bonus rewards or rotating categories may be a good fit. If that sounds too complicated, you might do better with a flat-rate rewards card earning the same cash-back rate on everything you buy.

Finally, ensure that the card's bonus categories match your everyday spending. If groceries are a big part of your family's budget, you might want to get a card that earns an elevated rewards rate at grocery stores. If you have a long daily commute, it may be a good idea to apply for a credit card that offers bonus rewards at gas stations. Consider perks and benefits as well since they may increase the card's value. This may be an especially important factor if you're looking into cards with annual fees.

All in all, if a rewards credit card matches your spending habits and offers perks you can easily take advantage of to offset the annual fee, that card may be worth it for you. At the very least, if you don't ever carry a balance and treat spending on a credit card as you would a debit card, using a no-annual-fee cash-back card would give you rewards for the spending you were already going to do anyway.

If you pay for purchases with cash or debit, you're leaving extra money on the table. Using one of the rewards credit cards mentioned above can earn you more than $2,000 in rewards over five years. This is a large amount of money that can help offset the cost of past purchases or fund upcoming expenses.

Note, however, that using a rewards card only makes sense if you pay off your credit card bill in full every month. Otherwise, you'll be hit with interest charges. Not even the most generous rewards rates can offset the high APRs of credit cards. For that reason, if you tend to carry a balance, you might want to reevaluate your card spending habits before applying for a new card.

Additionally, rewards credit cards often require good or excellent credit (FICO scores above 670), so check your credit score before applying for one of these cards. And if your credit score could use some work, consider CNBC Select's list of the best credit cards for bad credit.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best rewards credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which rewards credit cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed 111 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. that offer rewards programs, from cash back to points and miles. We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit score and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

Select teamed up with location intelligence firm Esri. The company's data development team provided the most up-to-date and comprehensive consumer spending data based on the 2019 Consumer Expenditure Surveys from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can read more about their methodology here.

Esri's data team created a sample annual budget of approximately $22,126 in retail spending. The budget includes six main categories: groceries ($5,174), gas ($2,218), dining out ($3,675), travel ($2,244), utilities ($4,862) and general purchases ($3,953). General purchases include items such as housekeeping supplies, clothing, personal care products, prescription drugs and vitamins, and other vehicle expenses.

CNBC Select used this budget to estimate how much the average consumer would save over the course of a year, two years and five years, assuming they would attempt to maximize their rewards potential by earning all welcome bonuses offered and using the card for all applicable purchases. All rewards total estimations are net the annual fee.

It's important to note the value of a point or mile varies from card to card and based on how you redeem them. When we calculated the estimated returns, we assumed that cardholders are redeeming points/miles for a typical maximum value of 1 cent per point or mile. (Extreme optimizers might be able to achieve more value.)

Our final picks are weighted heavily toward the highest five-year returns since it's generally wise to hold onto a credit card for years. This method also avoids giving an unfair advantage to cards with large welcome bonuses.

While the five-year estimates we've included are derived from a budget similar to the average American's spending, you may earn a higher or lower return depending on your shopping habits.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of credit cardsbanking and money, and follow us on TikTokFacebookInstagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

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For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express®, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Student Cash Back, click here.  

For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.  

Information about Amazon credit cards has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication; if you purchase something through Select links, we may earn a commission.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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