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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Winner + Best travel rewards credit card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best cash back rewards credit card
Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best rewards credit card, no annual fee
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Best airline rewards credit card
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Best hotel rewards credit card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best business rewards credit card
Citi Custom Cash® Card: Best credit card for gas rewards
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best travel rewards credit card, no annual fee*
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best grocery rewards credit card
American Express® Gold Card: Best dining rewards card
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card: Best rewards credit card for fair credit
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best rewards credit card for students
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is our top pick because it earns a high rate of miles on every purchase, has extremely flexible rewards redemption options and offers a valuable sign-up bonus worth $750 in travel.
Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Winner + travel rewards card
|
2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best cash back rewards card
|
3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | $250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
|
Best rewards credit card with no fee
|
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Good / Excellent | |
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®*
Learn More
on Barclays's secure site |
3.9
Best airline rewards credit card
|
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on all other purchases | Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. | Good / Excellent |
Learn More
on Barclays's secure site |
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
|
Best hotel rewards credit card
|
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases. Earn 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card. | Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025. | Good / Excellent | |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Best business rewards credit card
|
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. | Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Excellent |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best gas rewards credit card
|
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. | 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. | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Best travel card with no fee
|
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel | Good / Excellent |
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
|
Best grocery rewards credit card
|
Earn 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | Good / Excellent | |
American Express® Gold Card
|
Best dining rewards card
|
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply | Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | Good / Excellent | |
Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card*
|
Best rewards credit card for fair credit
|
Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases right away, and 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants | N/A | N/A | |
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*
|
Best student rewards credit card
|
3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases | Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months | Limited / Fair |
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: 2X-5X miles
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn elevated rewards on every purchase and 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Along with using miles to cover past travel purchases, you can redeem them for statement credits, checks, Amazon.com purchases and more. Or, you can transfer them mostly at a rate of 1:1 to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: 1%-4% cash back
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card comes with an outstanding cash back rate on everyday spending categories. You’ll 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: 1%-5% cash back
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers the most value for a no-annual-fee rewards card. In addition to a great sign-up bonus, you’ll get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1X-2X miles
The best feature of the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® is its sign-up bonus, which gives you a mountain of valuable AAdvantage miles just for making purchases on the card. Cardholders also enjoy other perks with American Airlines, including your first checked bag free and preferred boarding privileges. Plus, you can also earn a companion certificate each year by spending $20,000 on the card each year.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 3x-12x points
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card can help you earn your way to free night stays — thanks to its huge welcome offer and generous rewards rate. Hilton points do have a low value (around half a cent per point by our estimates) — still, this card beats the earnings on most other travel cards.
The card also offers a slew of other valuable benefits, including automatic Hilton Honors Gold Status* and a Hilton Hotel credit up to $200 that can easily justify its $150 annual fee.
*Enrollment required.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: 1x-3x points
One of the best features of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is its massive sign-up bonus. This card allows you to stack up valuable Ultimate Rewards points on a variety of business categories — including travel — making it one of the most rewarding cards on our list. Further, you’ll get flexible redemption options, including a 1:1 transfer to several airline and hotel loyalty programs.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards: 1%-5% cash back
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers one of the highest cash back rates available on gas — if gas is your highest category of spend in a month. Its unique rewards program lets you earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500), then 1% cash back. Gas is included in the eligible categories.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1.25x-5x miles
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day; 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding no-annual-fee cards because it offers valuable, flexible points that you can transfer to 15-plus travel loyalty programs. With this card, you’ll get a decent sign-up bonus and the same flat-rewards rate on every purchase.
There’s also an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for more than a year. After that, a regular APR of 19.74% - 29.74% (Variable) applies. Note, a balance transfer fee applies.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1%-6% cash back
Earn 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply..
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express lets you earn 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. It also comes with a generous welcome offer, and your cash back is easy to redeem for statement credits or at Amazon.com.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1X-4X points
By our estimates, the American Express® Gold Card gives you the best return on U.S. restaurant purchases of any card. You’ll get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required. Terms apply.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1%-10% cash back
The Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card is the best rewards card for fair credit — unlike most of its competitors, it doesn’t charge an annual fee or require a deposit. Plus, you won’t need a credit history to apply.
You’ll earn cash back on every purchase, with the chance to boost your rate to 1.5% by paying your balance on time each month.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1%-8% cash back
The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card offers some of the best rewards for a student credit card, thanks to its bonus earnings on dining, groceries and entertainment. It also comes with better-than-usual benefits for a starter card, including extended warranty and price protection.
Plus, it’s a great card to bring on your semester abroad, since it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
A rewards credit card gives you cash back, points or miles as a reward for making purchases with the card. For many consumers, cash back is king. However, frequent travelers may find that a travel card’s points or miles are more valuable. The best rewards credit cards come with flexible redemption options, sign-up bonuses and other valuable perks.
Earning cash back rewards is as simple as using your cash back card to make purchases. You’ll typically earn rewards on every purchase, with tiered and rotating rewards cards offering an accelerated rate on specific categories.
Cash back redemption options vary from card to card, but some of the most common options include statement credits, direct deposits into your bank account, checks, gift cards, merchandise and donations.
There are several types of cash back cards, each with its own rewards structure. While there are plenty of choices in each category, the best cash back rewards card will align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Flat-rate cards give the same percentage of cash back on every purchase, regardless of category (usually 1%, 1.5% or 2% cash back). A major benefit of these cards is that you won’t have to track bonus categories or quarterly promotions.
These cards offer higher rewards rates in specific categories — sometimes up to 6% cash back. While some cards offer unlimited cash back at the higher rate, some put caps on how much you can earn per month, quarter or year. General purchases typically earn 1% cash back.
Rotating cash back cards offer high cash back rates in specific categories for a limited amount of time, usually quarterly. Most of these cards require you to opt in to receive the higher rewards rate, which usually comes with a spending cap.
With travel rewards cards, you’ll earn points or miles each time you use the card. You’ll typically get a higher rate on travel-related spending, especially purchases made with the hotel chain or airline associated with the card. Travel cards also have some of the most valuable sign-up bonuses out there.
The redemption process for travel rewards cards can be a bit more complex than that of cash back cards, however. Redemption depends on the type of card you have and how you want to use your rewards, but you’ll usually redeem your points or miles through the card’s rewards portal or the associated loyalty program.
Unlike cash back rewards, which have a fixed value, the value of points and miles vary based on how you redeem them. Adding to the complexity, prices for flights and hotel stays can fluctuate depending on date, location and seat or room type. However, this simple calculation can help you determine point/mile values for any scenario:
Cash price* ÷ Number of points/miles needed for redemption = Points/miles value
There are three main types of travel rewards cards: general travel cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards.
Best for travelers who aren’t loyal to a particular airline or hotel group, these cards give you flexible points for every dollar you spend. Some credit card issuers (like Capital One) refer to their points as “miles,” but the concept is the same.
Depending on the card, you can redeem these points or miles to book travel on your credit card issuer’s travel portal, transfer the points to travel partners or redeem the points for cash back or gift cards.
If you’re a frequent flyer with a favorite airline, airline credit cards can reward you generously for your loyalty. In addition to earning valuable miles on flights and other travel-related purchases, airline cards often provide airline-specific benefits.
Perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and in-flight discounts add significantly to a card’s value. Some cards even accelerate your path to elite status based on your annual spending.
Like airline cards, hotel cards offer great value for travelers who are dedicated to a specific brand. While earning points by staying at your favorite hotels and resorts, you’ll also get hotel-specific perks like elite status, free nights and early check-in. Some of the most popular hotel groups — like Marriott and Hilton — have thousands of properties around the world, allowing you to earn points on a global scale.
With travel rewards cards, you’ll earn points or miles each time you use the card. You’ll typically get a higher rate on travel-related spending, especially purchases made with the hotel chain or airline associated with the card. Travel cards also have some of the most valuable sign-up bonuses out there.
The redemption process for travel rewards cards can be a bit more complex than that of cash back cards, however. Redemption depends on the type of card you have and how you want to use your rewards, but you’ll usually redeem your points or miles through the card’s rewards portal or the associated loyalty program.
Unlike cash back rewards, which have a fixed value, the value of points and miles vary based on how you redeem them. Adding to the complexity, prices for flights and hotel stays can fluctuate depending on date, location and seat or room type. However, this simple calculation can help you determine point/mile values for any scenario:
Cash price* ÷ Number of points/miles needed for redemption = Points/miles value
There are three main types of travel rewards cards: general travel cards, airline credit cards and hotel credit cards.
Best for travelers who aren’t loyal to a particular airline or hotel group, these cards give you flexible points for every dollar you spend. Some credit card issuers (like Capital One) refer to their points as “miles,” but the concept is the same.
Depending on the card, you can redeem these points or miles to book travel on your credit card issuer’s travel portal, transfer the points to travel partners or redeem the points for cash back or gift cards.
If you’re a frequent flyer with a favorite airline, airline credit cards can reward you generously for your loyalty. In addition to earning valuable miles on flights and other travel-related purchases, airline cards often provide airline-specific benefits.
Perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and in-flight discounts add significantly to a card’s value. Some cards even accelerate your path to elite status based on your annual spending.
Like airline cards, hotel cards offer great value for travelers who are dedicated to a specific brand. While earning points by staying at your favorite hotels and resorts, you’ll also get hotel-specific perks like elite status, free nights and early check-in. Some of the most popular hotel groups — like Marriott and Hilton — have thousands of properties around the world, allowing you to earn points on a global scale.
Decide the type of rewards you want to earn. First, determine what kind of reward you want: cash back, points or miles. If you prefer a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards, you’ll likely be better off with a cash back card. But if you travel regularly, miles or points may provide the most value.
Look for a card that rewards you for the spending you’re already doing. Find a card that offers accelerated rewards in the categories you spend the most in each month. For example, if you typically dine out or order in, look for a dining rewards credit card. But if you cook most of your meals at home, a grocery rewards credit card is a better choice.
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Figure out how much time you’ll need to spend maximizing rewards. Credit card rewards don’t have to be complicated, but you can certainly spend a lot of time planning, tracking and redeeming your rewards in order to maximize their value. If you want a low-maintenance option, go for a cash back card.
If you’re willing to invest some time into getting more value out of your rewards, consider pairing a travel credit card with a cash back card that rewards you for everyday spending. You can even get a few rewards cards — just make sure that the benefits and rewards of each card outweigh its annual fee.
Do the math to decide which card is best for you. After narrowing down your choices, compare how much you’ll likely earn from each rewards card during the first year. Factor in the sign-up bonus, rewards earned from spending and annual credits. Then, subtract the annual fee to determine your net benefit from each card.
But remember this: While cash back rewards are typically valued at 1 cent each, the value of points and miles can vary dramatically depending on how you redeem them. For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve® points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash or gift cards, but worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal.
When deciding on a rewards credit card, you should compare more than just the rewards rates. There are plenty of other factors you can use to determine the value of each card. Consider the following features when making a credit card rewards comparison:
For most cards, rewards won’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, some cards can withdraw your rewards if you don’t redeem them or use your card within a given time period. You should always read a card’s terms and conditions before applying.
The tiered-rate Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an impressive 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. It also features elevated earning rates on everyday categories, like dining, groceries and popular streaming services. If you’re looking for a flat-rate option, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gives you 2% cash back on every purchase.
Using a rewards card responsibly can help you build credit, over time. But rewards cards won’t help you build credit faster than other types of credit cards. In order to build credit, you should pay your balance in full and on time every month and maintain a low credit utilization ratio. If building credit is your main goal, you may want to consider one of the best credit cards to build credit instead.
Depending on the issuer, you may be able to combine rewards from two different cards — if the cards earn the same type of rewards. For example, if you have an eligible credit card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, you can combine those points with another card that also earns Ultimate Rewards.
Typically, you’ll need good to excellent credit (a FICO Score of 670 or higher) to be approved for a rewards credit card. The better your credit, the more options you’ll have. That said, there are rewards cards designed for students, people with fair credit and even people with bad credit. Most of these cards offer clear guidelines for upgrading to cards with better terms and rewards once you’ve established a responsible credit history.
Typically, the IRS doesn’t consider credit card rewards taxable income. They are instead treated as rebates or discounts, since you usually earn them as a result of your spending. That said, if the reward doesn’t require that you spend a certain amount to earn it (e.g. a sign-up bonus that you earn instantly), the IRS may consider it taxable income. If you’re unsure about a specific situation, we recommend contacting a tax professional.
To bring you the list of best rewards credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. We rank cards based on the following criteria:
Note that our ratings are a starting point for comparing and choosing the best rewards credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories and which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex℠, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Discover it® Cash Back and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
Sammi Scharf is a staff writer at LendingTree, where she compares and reviews credit cards. She loves to help consumers make the best financial decisions and find products that match their lifestyle. Sammi entered the personal finance space in 2022, when she joined LendingTree as a web content coordinator.
Through her work, Sammi has fostered a profound knowledge of credit card products. She enjoys deep-diving into card benefits that people may not know about and helping readers see how they can leverage all the features on their credit cards to save money.
Before joining the personal finance world, Sammi worked in the home appliances and real estate spaces. She wrote product information about appliances and new homes coming to market. Her passion for explaining products to consumers and helping them tackle major financial decisions led her to personal finance writing. When Sammi is not researching and reviewing credit cards, she’s training for her next race or hitting the beach.
“I’m all about cash back credit cards. I love the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it’s an easy way to earn 2% cash back on everything I purchase. We’re a big Amazon household so I also love the Prime Visa. I’ve been able to use my cash back earnings to purchase furniture from Amazon for my home. Finally, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is my favorite go-to credit card for dining out at restaurants.”
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