20 Best Rewards Credit Cards to Earn Cashback, Points, and Travel Benefits
20 Best Rewards Credit Cards to Earn Cashback, Points, and Travel Benefits
Introduction: A credit card today is more than just a payment method—it’s a financial tool that can reward you for your spending. Every time you swipe, tap, or use your card online, you could be earning cashback, points, or travel miles that add real value to your lifestyle.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a foodie, or someone who prefers straightforward cashback, there’s a rewards credit card designed for you. The challenge is choosing the right one, since every bank and issuer offers multiple options with different benefits, annual fees, and reward structures.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the 20 best rewards credit cards you can get right now. You’ll discover:
- How each card earns rewards
- The key perks, pros, and cons
- Which card is best suited for different lifestyles
- Practical tips to maximize rewards without overspending
Let’s dive into the best options available and find out which card can help you get the most out of your everyday expenses.
What Is a Rewards Credit Card?
A rewards credit card is a type of card that gives you something back when you spend. Instead of just paying bills or shopping, you earn points, cashback, or miles. These can be redeemed for:
- Cash deposits into your account
- Free or discounted flights and hotel stays
- Dining and shopping vouchers
- Entertainment perks and lifestyle benefits
Unlike basic credit cards, rewards cards give you the ability to turn your spending into savings or experiences.
How to Choose the Best Rewards Credit Card
Before applying, consider these factors:
- Your spending habits – Do you spend more on groceries, travel, or dining?
- Rewards structure – Some offer fixed cashback, others bonus categories.
- Annual fees – Premium cards have higher fees but may give better perks.
- Redemption options – Can you use rewards for cash, travel, or gift cards?
- Credit score requirements – Most top rewards cards require good to excellent credit (700+).
Top 20 Best Rewards Credit Cards
Below is the detailed list of 20 top-performing rewards credit cards, each explained with features, pros, cons, and who it’s best for.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® is one of the most popular travel rewards cards because of its flexibility and strong earning potential.
- Rewards Rate: 2X points on travel & dining, 1X on other purchases
- Sign-Up Bonus: Generous bonus after hitting the initial spend requirement
- Annual Fee: Moderate
Pros
✔ Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards
✔ Points transfer to 10+ airline & hotel partners
✔ Strong travel & dining rewards
Cons
✘ Annual fee may not suit casual spenders
✘ Best value requires travel redemptions
Best For: Travelers who want maximum flexibility with rewards.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card is known for simple flat-rate rewards that are easy to manage.
- Rewards Rate: 2X miles on every purchase
- Perks: Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Annual Fee: Moderate
Pros
✔ Straightforward 2X earning on everything
✔ Travel partners for transfer options
✔ Great welcome bonus
Cons
✘ Limited premium perks compared to luxury cards
✘ Miles best used for travel, not cash
Best For: Frequent travelers who value simplicity and flexibility.
3. Citi Premier® Card
The Citi Premier® is perfect for people who want bonus categories beyond just travel.
- Rewards Rate: 3X on dining, groceries, gas & travel
- Annual Fee: Mid-range
- Sign-Up Bonus: Strong bonus on first spend
Pros
✔ Broad bonus categories for everyday spending
✔ Points transferable to airlines
✔ Great for international travel
Cons
✘ Limited luxury perks
✘ Annual fee
Best For: People who want value on both daily purchases and travel.
4. American Express® Gold Card
A favorite for food lovers and frequent flyers.
- Rewards Rate: 4X points at restaurants & supermarkets, 3X on flights
- Perks: Dining credits, airline credits
- Annual Fee: High
Pros
✔ Exceptional rewards for food & groceries
✔ Travel perks and credits
✔ Strong welcome bonus
Cons
✘ High annual fee
✘ Requires strategic use to maximize value
Best For: Foodies and travelers looking for premium lifestyle rewards.
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
A simple cashback card with unlimited rewards.
- Rewards Rate: 2% cashback on everything
- Annual Fee: \$0
- Sign-Up Bonus: Attractive for a no-fee card
Pros
✔ Unlimited 2% cashback
✔ No annual fee
✔ Simple redemption
Cons
✘ Lacks travel perks
✘ No bonus categories
Best For: Anyone who wants straightforward cashback with no hassle.
6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
Flexibility makes this card stand out.
- Rewards Rate: 3% cashback in a chosen category, 2% groceries, 1% others
- Annual Fee: \$0
- Special Feature: Choose your 3% category (gas, dining, online shopping, etc.)
Pros
✔ Customizable bonus category
✔ No annual fee
✔ Great for targeted spenders
Cons
✘ 3% rewards capped monthly
✘ Not ideal for high spenders
Best For: Shoppers who want to customize rewards to their lifestyle.
7. Discover it® Cash Back
A rotating category card for bonus lovers.
- Rewards Rate: 5% cashback in rotating categories, 1% everywhere else
- Annual Fee: \$0
- Perk: Cashback Match for the first year
Pros
✔ Up to 5% cashback in popular categories
✔ No annual fee
✔ First-year match doubles rewards
Cons
✘ Categories rotate every quarter
✘ Requires tracking for maximum value
Best For: People who enjoy bonus categories and maximizing cashback.
8. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
A mix of flat-rate and bonus categories.
- Rewards Rate: 1.5% cashback everywhere, 3% on dining, 5% on travel via Chase
- Annual Fee: \$0
Pros
✔ Good mix of flat-rate and bonus rewards
✔ Pairs well with Chase Sapphire cards
✔ No annual fee
Cons
✘ Rewards value highest when paired with premium Chase cards
Best For: Everyday spenders who want flexibility without annual fees.
9. Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card
Perfect for dining & entertainment lovers.
- Rewards Rate: 3% cashback on dining, streaming, entertainment, groceries
- Annual Fee: \$0
Pros
✔ Strong rewards for dining & fun
✔ No annual fee
✔ Easy to redeem rewards
Cons
✘ Not great for travel
✘ Limited for non-entertainment spending
Best For: People who spend on food, fun, and entertainment.
10. Citi® Double Cash Card
A card for disciplined payers.
- Rewards Rate: 2% cashback (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- Annual Fee: \$0
Pros
✔ Simple 2% cashback
✔ Encourages on-time payments
✔ No annual fee
Cons
✘ No bonus categories
✘ No travel perks
Best For: People who always pay balances in full.
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Pros & Cons of Rewards Cards
Pros
✔ Earn cashback, miles, or points
✔ Access to lifestyle perks & discounts
✔ Great for frequent travelers & foodies
✔ Can offset annual fees with smart use
Cons
✘ Some cards have high annual fees
✘ Complicated reward structures
✘ Risk of overspending just for rewards
Expert Tips to Maximize Rewards
1. Always pay your bill in full – interest cancels out rewards.
2. Match cards with spending – use dining cards for food, travel cards for flights.
3. Take advantage of sign-up bonuses – often the fastest way to earn rewards.
4. Stack loyalty programs – combine with airline & hotel memberships.
5. Use multiple cards smartly – diversify without overcomplicating.
FAQs
Q1. Are rewards credit cards worth it?
Yes, if you pay on time and use them strategically.
Q2. Do rewards expire?
Depends on the issuer—some never expire, others require activity.
Q3. What credit score is needed?
Most require good to excellent credit (700+).
Q4. Can I hold multiple rewards cards?
Yes, many users combine 2–3 cards to cover different categories.
Q5. Which is better: cashback or points?
Cashback = flexibility, Points = higher travel value.
Q6. Do rewards cards charge higher fees?
Premium ones do, but often offset with perks.
Q7. Can I upgrade my card later?
Yes, many issuers allow product changes.
Q8. What’s the easiest rewards card to get?
No-annual-fee cashback cards like Discover it® or Citi Double Cash.
Q9. Do foreign transactions earn rewards?
Yes, but check if the card has foreign transaction fees.
Q10. Should students get rewards cards?
Yes, but start with entry-level options to build credit.
Conclusion: Choosing the right rewards credit card can save you money, earn free trips, and unlock lifestyle perks. From cashback cards with no fees to premium travel cards with luxury benefits, there’s something for everyone.
The best card for you depends on where you spend the most—groceries, travel, dining, or entertainment. But remember, rewards only matter if you use the card responsibly and pay on time.
👉 Ready to upgrade your wallet? Compare the 20 best rewards credit cards above and pick the one that fits your lifestyle. Start earning rewards today!
Disclaimer : This Image is AI-generated And Intended for Illustrative And Educational Purposes Only. This Post Does Not Provide Financial Or Legal Advice.
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