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The Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2017
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We researched over 500 credit cards to find the best credit cards for rewards. With so many cards offering points, miles and other perks to choose from comparing cards can be very difficult. The best credit cards reward program will also depend upon your personal or business spending habits. To help you out we've compiled our list of the best rewards cards of 2017 as well as some tips and tools to help you compare all your rewards credit card options.
We focused on credit cards with rewards that would be best for everyday use. If you could have only one rewards card these are the cards we think you should choose from. Our picks account for bonuses that you'll earn with the cards as well as spending rewards. If you don't care about bonuses then consider one of the cash back cards which typically have smaller bonuses than the travel cards but can be very competitive otherwise.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Airline Miles Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is best suited for cardholders that are willing to go the extra mile to get more out of their spending. If you're the type of person that enjoys figuring out how to get the most bang for your buck, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of your best options. While the cards mentioned below will have a better overall rate on general spending categories, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card performs much better if you tie yourself to their Ultimate Rewards program. In doing so, you can earn as much as 2.5% of your total spending in rewards on dining and travel. An additional benefit of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, over some of the generic travel cards, is the ability to use Ultimate Rewards points as cash back at a penny a piece. Most generic rewards cards like those in the American Express or Citi ThankYou programs force you to take a significant discount when using points for cash back rewards. Chase has recently upped the welcome bonus on the card to 50,000 UR points, making it also one of the best signup promos for 2017.
Highlights
Rewards Rate: 1.25 - 2.5%
Signing Bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points worth $625 in Travel Rewards when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards® when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Double on travel and dining.
Points can be transferred directly to a number of hotel and airline partners at a 1:1 ratio for use in their loyalty programs
Rewards are usable as cash back as well as statement credits
Barclaycard Arrival Plus: Best All Around Travel Rewards
For rewards credit cards that you can use everyday, the Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard is hands down the best. If you travel just once a year, or even once every two years, the lucrative yet simple rewards from this credit card are too good to pass up. The standout feature of the card is the 2.1% rewards rate you'll receive on all your spending, when used as a statement credit on any travel expense. With many other cards you could only come close to these rewards if you spent on specific categories, or used the awards at a single chain of airlines or hotels. With the Arrival, you can spend your money anywhere and redeem the rewards for any travel purchase.
Putting the card over the top is also one of the largest signing bonuses available. At 50,000 miles, worth $500 dollars, new cardholders are offered a fantastic promotion for getting the Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard® -- to qualify cardholders must spend at least $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. When Barclaycard rebranded the Arrival Plus earlier this year, they expanded the categories of expenses that fall under travel. This added Taxis, Buses, Limousines, Tourist Attractions, Timeshares and Campgrounds to the mix. This vastly increases the number of day to day expenses that the miles could be used for.
The Barclaycard Arrival Plus is our best rewards card for someone that spends more than $1000 a month, and has sufficient travel expenses each year. This will allow you to satisfy all the spending requirements necessary to qualify for the signing bonus, as well as make the cards rewards more worthwhile when compared to a no annual fee option. It also ensures that you have actual uses for the miles earned with the card.
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best Cash Back Rewards
The Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a little more flexibility at the cost of some overall value. All else being equal cash back is our favorite rewards mechanism, and that's just want the Quicksilver gives you. With 1.5% cash back on all spending, the Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a relatively good return without many hoops to jump through. Best of all, with no annual fee it is a rewards card with nearly no financial burdens. New card members qualify for a one time $150 bonus if they spend $500 dollars on purchases within the first 3 months. The early spend promo is one of the smaller bonuses available, but also among the easiest to achieve in the cards we've surveyed.
The previously mentioned travel rewards cards are more generous overall, so if you travel at all it's a better financial decision to go with one of those. If however you're for a no hassle rewards card for your primary credit card, there is no substitute for this card. While other rewards cards, including some other cash back cards can offer you a higher rate, it will usually come at the cost of increased hassle. This may include higher percentages only if you make purchases in specific categories, or through featured categories that rotate every 3 months. If you want just one card to depend on, go with Capital One's offering.
Highlights
Rewards Rate: 1.5% Cash Back on all spending
Early spend Bonus: $150 bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months
When it comes to the best hotel credit cards, consumers should really consider the Starwood Preferred Guest first. With both the personal and business versions of this American Express offering, cardholders can enjoy one of the highest average dollar per point values of any loyalty program. Starpoints from the SPG program are worth an astounding 2.4 cents per point. On general spending alone the card rewards you with 2.4% on your spending, double that if it is used at a Starwood affiliated resort or hotel. With over 1100 properties worldwide, including familiar brands such as the Westin, Sheraton and W hotels, travelers can find a redemption option in nearly every corner of the world.
As an additional benefit, Starpoints earned through the credit card and the SPG loyalty program can be exchanged for loyalty rewards at most major airlines. With most airlines accepting these transfers at a 1:1 ratio, you can use Starpoints to top off an awards travel booking, adding just a little more flexibility in your rewards use. New cardholders also qualify for a 25,000 point signing bonus, worth nearly $500 dollars in hotel stays.
Highlights
One of the highest dollar value per reward of all credit cards we surveyed
Rewards are usable at nearly 1000 properties and 32 airlines through the points transfer program.
Signing Bonus: 25,000 bonus Starpoints® after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months
Rewards Rate: 2.4% - 4.8%
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer: Best Flat Rate Cash Back Rewards
The Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer is the new entrant in flat rate cash back rewards and it bests just about everything we've seen offered thus far. By providing you with 1% cash back at the time of a purchase and another 1% when you pay that purchase off, it's one of the best rewards offerings we've seen in a long time. The lack of a bonus makes it less worthwhile than some of the other cards in the short term, since those hundreds of dollars of extra rewards can be pretty valuable right now. With no annual fee and 1% cash back immediately when you make a purchase and another 1% back when you pay off your bill the Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer is otherwise quite hard to beat. Citi is also currently offering an introductory purchase and balance transfer APR. It's just begging you to make the switch.
Highlights
Rewards Rate: 1% Cash back on all spending and another 1% back when you pay it off
No annual fee
Chase Sapphire Reserve℠: Best Rewards-Luxury Card Hybrid
The Chase Sapphire Reserve℠ is a hybrid between a rewards card and a premium credit card. For a hefty annual fee of $450, cardholders get access to some of the best rewards rates of any credit card, the highest credit card welcome bonus, and a slew of ancinilary travel benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve℠ gives a 4.5% rewards rate on travel and dining out, and 1.5% on everything else. Those who spend at least $4,000 on the card within the first 3 months of account opening can qualify for 100,000 bonus points. That works out to a $1,500 value when redeemed for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal.
Like many $450 credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Reserve℠ comes with Priority Pass Select. This gives access to over 900 airport lounges worldwide – a good benefit to anyone who calls an airport their second home. Additionally, frequent travelers are sure to benefit from the $300 annual travel credit. Once you make a purchase on the Chase Sapphire Reserve℠ that is coded as ‘travel’ you’ll be reimbursed, up to $300 each year. That alone makes up for most of the annual fee.
Highlights
Rewards Rate: 1.5 – 4.5%
Signing Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points worth $625 in Travel Rewards when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards® when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$300 annual travel credit
Priority Pass Select membership grants access to airport lounges
BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card: Best No Annual Fee Travel Rewards
If you're looking for to choose among the best rewards credit cards for travel but don't want an annual fee, the BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card is the best choice as of 2017. It gives you a 1.5% rewards rate on all your purchases, which is better than what most credit cards provide. If you have a banking relationship with BofA, you can boost your rewards rate by anywhere between 10% 75%, depending on your deposit level. What makes this card good for travel is the fact that it comes with no foreign transaction fees. That means you can use it overseas without incurring the standard 3% fee most other credit cards would charge you.
Highlights
1.5 reward points on all spending
No Annual Fee
20,000 point signing bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
Summary Of Best Rewards Credit Cards
For those of you who want a quick answer to which cards made our 'Top Rewards' list and why, the table below summarizes the key facts.
Best For...
Card
Rewards Earn Rate
Annual Fee
Hotel Rewards
Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
2x points on Starwood Purchases, 1x on everything else
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
All Around Travel Rewards
Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®
2x miles on all purchases
$89 - Waived first year
Earning Airline Miles
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
2X points on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
$0 Intro for the First Year. Then $95
Flat Rate Cash Back
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
1% cash back on all purchases, and another 1% when you pay those purchases off
$0
Rewards-Luxury Card Hybrid
Chase Sapphire Reserve℠
3X points on travel and dining at restaurants & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases
$450
No Annual Fee Travel Rewards
BankAmericard Travel Rewards® Credit Card
1.5X points all other purchases
$0
Cash Back with Bonus
Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
$0
Compare The Best Rewards Credit Cards
If you'd like to see how the credit cards we've discussed perform for you, use our embedded tool to see what you can earn from rewards. By changing your spending patterns you can see how each card performs for you.
Name
Savings Through (Through 24 Months)
Rewards
Dollars
Card
Annual Fee
2-yr Net Rewards Rate
The Net Rewards Rate is equal to the Rewards Value over two years divided by the total spending. The total spending is equal to the values entered into the tool and multiplied by 24 months. See the Rewards Value note to see details on how it is calculated.
The estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone. They are not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Bonus Value
The bonus field shows our estimate for the value of the card’s sign-up bonus. If the bonus is point or mile based, we multiply the total bonus points/miles by our estimate for their value to arrive at a dollar equivalent. We display $0 if there is no bonus or if the user doesn’t qualify for the bonus based on the current spending entered into the tool.
The estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone. They are not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
2-yr Rewards Value
The Rewards Value is calculated by adding together the rewards earned from charging purchases to the card over two years and any sign-up bonuses (if applicable). They are then multiplied by our estimated point/mile value, with any annual fees (if applicable) subtracted. All values are based on our own estimates for the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using a card.
The estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone. They are not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $95
APR
16.99% - 23.99% Variable
Card Details
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Earn 5,000 bonus points after you add the first authorized user and make a purchase in the first 3 months from account opening
No foreign transaction fees
1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Enjoy 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days - that's enough to redeem for a $400 travel statement credit toward an eligible travel purchase
Earn 2X miles on all purchases
Get 5% miles back to use toward your next redemption, every time you redeem
Miles don't expire as long as your account is open, active and in good standing
No foreign transaction fees on purchases made while traveling abroad
0% introductory APR for 12 months on Balance Transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply, 16.99%, 20.99% or 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening*
50,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $625 in airfare on any airline, anytime with no blackout dates when booked through the ThankYou Travel Center or $500 in gift cards when redeemed at thankyou.com
Earn 3X Points on Travel, Including Gas Stations
Earn 2X Points on Dining Out & Entertainment
Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
Points Transfer allows you to transfer points to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs
Earn 35,000 points once you spend $2,500 on your card within the first 90 days
10 points per $1 spent at Carlson Rezidor hotels
5 points per $1 spent everywhere else
Automatic upgrade to Gold Elite Status
Cardmembers who've already reached Concierge Elite Status will receive 15 qualifying nights toward obtaining or maintaining Concierge Elite status
Redeem Gold Points towards free nights at Carlson Rezidor hotels, gift cards, prepaid cards, charitable initiatives, vacation savings, and exchanges for airline miles
Visa Signature concierge privileges
Travel & Emergency Assistance Services, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, and Travel Accident Insurance for card purchases
Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days
Earn 6 points per $1 on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
No blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights & redeem for any seat, any time on JetBlue-operated flights. Points required for an Award Flight will vary based on the published base fare at the time of booking
Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don't expire
Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
50% savings on eligible inflight purchases like cocktails and food & the primary cardmember's first checked bag is free on JetBlue-operated flights
Enjoy TrueBlue Mosaic benefits for one year after you spend $50,000 or more on purchases each calendar year with your card
Enjoy a $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more with your JetBlue Plus Card
Get a $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days after account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on every purchase. Every time you redeem, get a 5% cash rewards redemption bonus to use toward your next redemption
Redeem your cash rewards for a deposit into a U.S. checking or savings account, a statement credit or gift cards. Redemptions start at $50
Cash rewards do not expire as long as your account is open, active and in good standing
Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases.
Plus, you'll get a 0% introductory APR for 15 months for each balance transfer made within 45 days of account opening. After that a variable APR will apply, 15.99%, 20.99% or 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
20,000 online bonus points if you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days - that can be a $200 statement credit towards travel purchases
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on purchases
Enjoy 1.8% cash rewards on qualified mobile wallet purchases, like Apple Pay® or Android Pay™, during the first 12 months from account opening
No category restrictions or sign ups and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® Card
0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a 13.99%-25.99% variable APR; balance transfer fees apply
$0 Annual Fee
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
Earn 30,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months and a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
Earn 2 miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile for every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
Check your first bag free on every Delta flight - that's a savings of up to $200 per round trip for a family of four.
Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding.
Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Earn 20,000 FlexPoints after you spend $3,500 in net purchases on your card within the first four months.
Earn 1 FlexPoint for every $1 of eligible net purchases charged to your Card
Earn 2 FlexPoints for every $1 spent on gas, grocery or airline net purchases - whichever you spend most on each monthly billing cycle - and on most cell phone expenses
3 FlexPoints per $1 on qualifying charitable donations
Redeem FlexPoints on airline tickets, statement credits, gift cards and more
No foreign transaction fee
EVM chip technology for added security abroad
Receive an airline allowance of up to $25 with every award travel ticket to use toward baggage fees, in-flight food or drinks and more
Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening;Earn a $25 Bonus when you add your first authorized user and make a purchase within this same 3-month period
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase — it's automatic
Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 15.99-24.74%. Balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount transferred, $5 minimum
No minimum to redeem for cash back
Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open
One-time $150 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Use your Quicksilver card and get 50% back as a statement credit on your monthly Spotify Premium subscription, now through April 2018
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases for 9 months; 13.99%-23.99% variable APR after that
Balance transfers also have a 0% intro APR for 9 months; 13.99%-23.99% variable APR after that; a 3% fee applies to each balance transferred
Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Note: The information in this box was provided by
Capital One® and is not part of our independent analysis.
Earn 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
No blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights & redeem for any seat, any time on JetBlue-operated flights. Points required for an Award Flight will vary based on the published base fare at the time of booking
Points awarded in your TrueBlue account don't expire
Earn and share points together with Family Pooling
50% savings on eligible inflight purchases like cocktails and food on JetBlue-operated flights
Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
Earn 3X points at U.S. gas stations, 2X points at U.S. restaurants, 1X point on other purchases
Redeem points for travel, gift cards, cash redemption options or merchandise through Go Far® Rewards
Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Propel American Express® Card
Earn an annual relationship bonus of 10% on non-bonus rewards points if you maintain a qualifying Wells Fargo account
0% Intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a 13.99%-25.99% variable APR; balance transfer fees apply
$0 Annual Fee
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
3% cash back rewards at restaurants and 2% cash back rewards on gas and at grocery and drug stores, up to $1,500 spend per quarter in these combined purchase categories
1% unlimited cash back rewards on all other purchases
Earn 10,000 Stash points towards free stays at one-of-a-kind hotels when you make $1,500 in purchases on your Stash Visa Card within 90 days of opening your account
Enjoy 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 months from date of account opening and 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer; after that, the variable APR will be 14.49% - 24.49% based upon your creditworthiness*
There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater*
Earn 2X Points on Dining Out & Entertainment
Earn 1X Points on All Other Purchases
Points are redeemable for gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, and department and home stores. 2,500 ThankYou® Points can be redeemed for a $25 gift card at thankyou.com
No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
Earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. Offer ends 11/09/2016. ; Earn 5,000 Medallion® Qualifying Miles and 35,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 4 months.
In addition, earn a $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 4 months. Offer expires on 7/5/2017.
Earn 2 miles on every dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Check your first bag free on every Delta flight - that's a savings of up to $200 per round trip for a family of four.
Settle into your seat sooner with Priority Boarding.
Earn 7,500 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months
1 point for every $1 spent
Points can be redeemed in the form of statement credit, gift cards, merchandise and used toward travel: flights, hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and for any travel package
Global Assistance hotline, roadside assistance, travel accident protection, and car rental loss and damage protection
Exclusive access to ticket presales and American Express cardmember-only events
Extended warranty and protection for purchases made on the card
Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you use your new Card to make $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
3X points for flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points at US restaurants, US gas stations, and at US supermarkets. 1X points on other purchases.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
$100 Airline Fee Credit. Up to $100 a calendar year for baggage fees at one airline.
Get a $75 hotel credit on qualifying charges, plus a room upgrade upon arrival, when available with The Hotel Collection at americanexpress.com/hc.
$0 Intro Annual Fee for the 1st year, then $195.
Expanding merchant acceptance: Over 1 million more places in the U.S. started accepting American Express® Cards in the last year.
Earn 35,000 bonus miles when you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on Haiwaiian Airlines
Earn $1 for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Primary cardholder is eligible to earn a $100 discount off one coach companion ticket for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines on each account anniversary upon payment of annual fee
Receive a one-time 50% Off companion discount for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
As a primary cardholder, receive a complimentary first checked bag every time you use your card to purchase eligible tickets directly from Hawaiian Airlines
Earn two complimentary nights at any participating Tier 1-4 Ritz-Carlton Hotel, after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn two complimentary nights at any participating Tier 1-4 Ritz-Carlton Hotel, after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
5 points for every $1 spent on Ritz-Carlton or partner hotels
2 points for every $1 on airline tickets purchased directly with the airline
1 point per $1 otherwise
Complimentary upgrades to the Ritz-Carlton Club Level three times annually on paid stays of up to 7 nights
$300 annual airline incidentals credit
$100 hotel credit on stays of two nights or longer
Worldwide Airport Lounge Access
Automatic gold elite status your first year
No foreign transaction fees
Personal service assistance to cardmembers
Automatic Gold Elite Status your first year
Maintain Gold Elite thereafter by spending 10,000 each year
New! Free Social Security Number alerts, we’ll monitor thousands of risky websites when you sign up.*
You could turn $150 into $300 with Cashback Match™. Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter like gas stations, Amazon.com, restaurants, wholesale clubs and more, up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. Plus, 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem your cash back for any amount, any time. Cash rewards never expire.
100% U.S. based customer service.
Get your FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, on mobile and online.
No annual fee.
Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
New! Free Social Security Number alerts, we’ll monitor thousands of risky websites when you sign up.*
Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter - no sign-ups needed. Plus, 1% cash back on all your other purchases.
Redeem your cash back for any amount, any time. Cash rewards never expire.
100% U.S. based customer service.
Get your FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, on mobile and online.
No annual fee.
Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
New! Free Social Security Number alerts, we’ll monitor thousands of risky websites when you sign up.*
Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter like Amazon.com, restaurants, ground transportation and more, up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate.
Good Grades Rewards: $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
Get 100% U.S. based customer service & your FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, on mobile and online.
Freeze It® on/off switch for your account that prevents new purchases, cash advances & balance transfers in seconds.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 13.99% - 22.99%.
Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
New! Free Social Security Number alerts, we’ll monitor thousands of risky websites when you sign up.*
Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases every quarter - no sign-ups needed. 1% cash back on all your other purchases.
Good Grades Rewards: $20 cash back each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years.
No annual fee. No late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late.
Get 100% U.S. based customer service & your FICO® Credit Score for free on monthly statements, on mobile and online.
Freeze It® on/off switch for your account that prevents new purchases, cash advances & balance transfers in seconds.
0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 13.99% - 22.99%.
Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
No Annual Fee, cash back on every purchase, and helps you build your credit with responsible use.
Your Secured Card requires a refundable security deposit up to the amount we can approve of at least $200 which will establish your credit line. You will need to provide your bank information when submitting your security deposit.
We will automatically begin reviewing your account starting at 8 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit.
Earn 2% cash back at restaurants & gas stations on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, 1% cash back on all your other purchases.
Get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
New! Free Social Security Number alerts, we’ll monitor thousands of risky websites when you sign up.*
Click "APPLY NOW" to see rates, rewards, FICO® Credit Score terms, Cashback Match™ details & other information.
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
343
x $1 =
$343
Bonuses
171
x $1 =
$171
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
514
PCB Preferred World MasterCard
$95
1.38%
$0
$496
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
$95
APR
13.49% - 24.49% Variable
Card Details
0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months. When the offer expires the variable APR will be from 13.49% up to 24.49%
2% Cash Back on Purchases
Cash back can only be redeemed for statement credit after you have earned a minimum of $25
$150 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
From June 2015 through December 2020, Bank of America is guaranteeing to Susan G. Komen® $3 million in conjunction with its Pink Ribbon Banking credit card and checking program.
Susan G. Komen ® has received more than $7 million from Bank of America from this program since 2009.
Earn 1% cash back on every purchase, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 3% on gas for the first $2,500 in combined grocery/wholesale club/gas purchases each quarter.
No annual fee
No changing categories and no expiration on rewards
Get a 10% customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America® checking or savings account
0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
Earn a $150 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter like gas stations, restaurants and drugstores
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - it's automatic
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 15.99-24.74%. Balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount transferred, $5 minimum
No minimum to redeem for cash back
Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open
5 points for every $1 spent on priceline.com purchases
1 point for every $1 spent otherwise
Redeem points for statement credits against purchases made on the Priceline credit card: can be used to pay for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, gift cards, or any other purchase on the card
Reward redemptions begin at $25
Get 10% points back every time you redeem points for statement credits toward eligible priceline.com or travel purchases of $25 or more made in the last 120 days
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Use your QuicksilverOne card and get 50% back as a statement credit on your monthly Spotify Premium subscription, now through April 2018
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
Get access to a higher credit line after making your first 5 monthly payments on time
Fraud coverage if your card is ever lost or stolen
Use online banking to access your account, even from your smartphone, with our mobile app
Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
Note: The information in this box was provided by
Capital One® and is not part of our independent analysis.
Earn 10,000 Bonus WorldPoints® points if you make your first transaction in the first 60 days
2x points per $1 on Norwegian purchases
1 point per $1 on everything else
No annual fee
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
34,320
x $0.01 =
$343
Bonuses
10,000
x $0.01 =
$100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
443
REI Credit Card
No Annual Fee
1.45%
$100
$100 REI gift card upon approval and first purchase within 60 days of account opening
$522
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
11.24% to 23.24% Variable
Card Details
REI gift card upon approval and first purchase
5% back at REI
2% back on Grocery purchases through 03/31/2017
1% back everywhere else
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
42,240
x $0.01 =
$422
Bonuses
0
x $0.01 =
$100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
522
World Wildlife Fund Credit Card
No Annual Fee
1.72%
$100
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$618
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
13.24% - 23.24% Variable
Card Details
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
3% cash back on gas, and 2% cash back at grocery stores for the first $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter
1% cash back elsewhere.
0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
518
x $1 =
$518
Bonuses
0
x $1 =
$100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
618
Prime Rewards Credit Card
No Annual Fee
1.23%
$100
$100 Cash Back bonus when you spend $500 on qualifying purchases, in the first 3 months
$443
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
11.99% - 21.99% Variable
Card Details
3 years at Prime Rate (intro currently 4.00% variable APR) on balance transfers made in the first 60 days. Variable 11.99%-21.99% APR thereafter.
No fees on balance transfers made in the first 60 days
1% Unlimited Cash Back on all qualifying purchases
$100 Cash Back bonus when you spend $500 on qualifying purchases, in the first 3 months
$150 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Earn 1% cash back on every purchase, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 3% on gas for the first $2,500 in combined grocery/wholesale club/gas purchases each quarter
No changing categories and no expiration on rewards
0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases AND for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers
Get a 10% customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America® checking or savings account
If you're a Preferred Rewards client, you can increase that bonus to 25% - 75%
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
343
x $1 =
$343
Bonuses
0
x $1 =
$100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
443
BankAmericard Cash Rewards™ for Students
No Annual Fee
1.23%
$100
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$443
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
13.24% - 23.24% Variable
Card Details
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
3% cash back on gas, and 2% cash back at grocery stores for the first $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter
1% cash back elsewhere.
0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate, currently 13.99% to 23.99%.
No annual fee.
2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x); 1x points on other purchases.
Use your Card 20 or more times on purchases in a billing period and earn 20% more points on those purchases less returns and credits.
Expanding merchant acceptance: Over 1 million more places in the U.S. started accepting American Express® Cards in the last year.
Terms Apply.
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
42,240
x $0.01 =
$422
Bonuses
10,000
x $0.01 =
$100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
522
MLB® Credit Card
No Annual Fee
1.72%
$100
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$618
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
13.24% - 23.24% Variable
Card Details
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
3% cash back on gas, and 2% cash back at grocery stores for the first $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter
1% cash back elsewhere.
0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
518
x $1 =
$518
Bonuses
0
x $1 =
$100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
618
U.S. Pride® Credit Card
No Annual Fee
1.72%
$100
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
$618
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
13.24% - 23.24% Variable
Card Details
$100 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
3% cash back on gas, and 2% cash back at grocery stores for the first $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter
1% cash back elsewhere.
0% APR for the first 12 billing cycles and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days, then, 13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR. 3% fee (min $10) applies to balance transfers.
Get $100 back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. You will receive $100 back in the form of a statement credit.
Introductory Offer: Earn 25¢ off** per gallon For every $100 you spend with your BP Visa® Credit Card or BP Credit Card for the first 90 days your account is open (excluding non-BP gas stations)
25¢ off per gallon for every $100 you spend at BP
15¢ off per gallon for every $100 you spend for eligible groceries, dining and travel
5¢ off** per gallon for every $100 you spend everywhere Visa® credit cards are accepted (excluding non-BP gas stations)
2 points for every $1 spent on all Holland American purchases
1 point for every $1 spent otherwise
Redeem rewards towards discounted, reduced, and free cruise redemptions
Visa Signature rewards include access to exclusive events and special offers, travel and emergency assistance, travel accident insurance, roadside dispatch, lost luggage reimbursements, and auto rental collision damage waiver
25,000 bonus points after you spend $2,500 in first 3 billing cycles. Also, earn another 25,000 bonus points after you spend total of $5,000 in the first 6 billing cycles
Earn 3,000 points, after making $500 in purchases, outside of Farmers®, within 90 days of account opening
Earn 3x points on Farmers Products, plus 3x points for gas purchases, 3x points for home improvement purchases, and 1x point everywhere else Visa is accepted
0% introductory APR on all purchases in the first 12 months. After that the APR is 13.24% to 20.24% based on Prime Rate and creditworthiness
15,000 bonus miles after you make a purchase with the World MasterCard® credit card - enough for up to 3 roundtrip off-peak tickets, with taxes and fees from $11.20 per award
Earn 5,000 anniversary bonus FREE SPIRIT™ miles when you spend at least $10,000 in purchases annually and pay your annual fee
Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year
a $59 fee will apply to World Mastercard® accounts thereafter
3 points for every $1 spent on all purchases at a Gulf Station
1 point per $1 everywhere else
No annual fee
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
43,920
x $0.01 =
$439
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
439
Stand Up To Cancer® Credit Card
No Annual Fee
0.95%
$0
$343
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
13.74%, 24.74%
Card Details
Earn 1 Real Life Rewards® point for each $1 spent on purchases
Redeem points for a charitable contribution to Stand Up To Cancer or redeem for gift cards, cash deposits to a Fifth Third Account or a credit card statement credit.
Low 0% introductory APR for your first 12 billing cycles after the account is opened on purchases and balance transfers. After that, your variable APR will be 13.74% to 24.74% based on your creditworthiness.
No annual fee.
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
34,320
x $0.01 =
$343
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
343
Key2More Rewards® Credit Card
No Annual Fee
0.95%
$0
$343
Graph Card
More Details
Annual Fee
No Annual Fee
APR
13.74% - 22.74% Variable
Card Details
No annual fee
Special low Introductory APR of 0% for the first 6 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (made within 60 days of account opening). After that, the variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers will apply, currently 13.74% - 22.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn five (5) KeyBank Relationship Rewards® points for every $1 in eligible credit card purchases* with no monthly maximum
Earn up to 10,000 rewards points after 5 purchase transactions in the first 60 days of opening.
Get 10,000 MyCruise Points after making a transaction within 65 days of account opening; $300 discount off a future cruise of at least 7 nights or more in a Concierge Class stateroom, after $5,000 in transactions within your first 60 days
10,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in first 3 billing cycles. Also, earn another 10,000 bonus points after you spend total of $3,000 in the first 6 billing cycles
3X miles for every dollar spent on eligible US Airways and American Airlines purchases. Earn 2X miles for every dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals. 1x mile for every 1 dollar spent on all other purchases.
Apply for Global Entry with TSA Pre_™ and, upon approval, experience expedited, more efficient security screenings, moving you smoothly through U.S. customs when returning from traveling abroad.
Pay for the $100 Global Entry application fee with your card and you’ll automatically receive a $100 statement credit 2-3 weeks after your transaction.
Earn 40,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening*
40,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $500 in airfare on any airline, anytime with no blackout dates or $400 in gift cards
$250 Air Travel Credit each year, and receive a statement credit, up to $100 every 5 years, as reimbursement for your application fee for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®
4th night hotel benefit for any hotel stay at hotels booked through the Citi Prestige® Concierge
Transfer points to a variety of travel loyalty programs from airlines to hotels
For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening*
Admirals Club® membership for you and guests with you*
Complimentary Admirals Club® lounge access for authorized users
Earn 10,000 AAdvantage® Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) after you spend $40,000 in purchases within the year*
No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases*
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases*
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to eight companions traveling with you on the same reservation*
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
New! Up to $200 Uber Savings Annually.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible hotels booked on amextravel.com.
As a Platinum Card Member, you can enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More. Terms Apply.
$200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 a year in baggage fees and more at one airline. Terms Apply.
Terms Apply.
Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
Card
Rewards
Estimated Rewards Value
Dollars*
Spending Rewards
34,320
x $0.01 =
$343
Less Annual Fees
-$1,100
Total Net Estimated Rewards Through 24 Months
-757
How To Find The Best Rewards Credit Card
If you want to look at more options than the ones we've listed, here are some considerations we think you should make in your quest to find the best rewards card. Use this guide as a framework for evaluating any credit card offers you come across to help you compare how each card might fit into your personal spending decisions.
Take a look at your spending habits
Consumers shopping for a rewards credit card often just want a single answer to "What is the best rewards card?" Unfortunately the answer is "It depends." Which rewards card will be the best for you will depend entirely on your personal spending, travel and credit habits. Before researching cards take a moment to consider your personal preferences, it will go a long way in helping you find the best rewards card.
Do You Keep A Balance On Your Credit Card? In exchange for giving you bonuses and rewards, rewards credit cards will generally have a significantly higher interest rate. If you're unable to pay off the entirety of your monthly charges, you'll easily pay more in additional interest than you could earn from rewards. Rewards card are only a good option for consumers that keep very low to no credit card debt on a monthly basis. If you are having difficulty zeroing out your balance, consider a low interest credit card first. You're much better off reducing your interest payments than trying to get a percentage point or two in rewards.
Be Honest To Yourself About How You Use Rewards: Cards that give you a large amount of rewards are great, if you use them. Americans rack up millions of dollars of frequent flyer miles, hotel loyalty points and credit card rewards that are never used. For those consumers these rewards might as well be worth 0. Take inventory of how much you travel or how much you spend in different categories since it will make a large impact in what rewards can make sense.
You might also consider whether you're the type to save up towards one big redemption or want to be able to benefit from rewards as frequently as possible. Many loyalty program affiliated cards can require you to rack up thousands in points and miles before you can actually use them. Lastly, think about how much do you value flexibility. Aggressive consumers can get a much better dollar value out of their rewards, but it will usually limit their choices for rewards redemption.
How Much Are You Going To Spend On A New Card: Cards with the highest rewards rates often come with an annual fee. With many no-fee rewards credit card options available, the decision to pay an annual fee will depend on the amount you will spend on the card. As a rule of thumb, you should plan to spend at least $1,000 a month for a fee-based rewards card to be viable.
Understand how different cards work
In examining the different rewards credit cards we looked at different factors that come into play when choosing the best. Understanding all these different aspects can help you figure out just how good a card really is.
Take A Look At How The Rewards Work: While most cards use the same set of terms (points, miles, cash back), the ways these rewards work will vary tremendously. Look to see if rewards can be applied as statement credits, cash back or solely through an award redemption. Statement credits and cash back are our favorite options when available. Some cards allow you to transfer your rewards to other loyalty programs giving you another way to use what you've earned.
Rewards Rate: If your rewards card is going to be your primary card then the rewards rate for general spending is very important. For everyday spending you can expect to earn to 2% of what you spend as rewards. The more flexible the type of reward you get from the card, the lower the rewards rate you can expect. Travel rewards cards will generally have among the highest rewards rates.
Signing Bonuses Matter: The promotions offered to new card holders are a major portion of the value you can get from a new rewards card. Earning these bonuses will require you to either make a purchase on the card or spend a certain amount within a set time limit. With the value of signing bonuses ranging from $50 - $500 making sure you can fulfill the qualifications can change the value of a card tremendously. Be sure to make sure you are eligible. You may not qualify for the signing bonus if you already have a similar credit card with the same issuer.
Comments and Questions
* See the online credit card application for details about terms and conditions. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. When you click on the "Apply Now" button, you can review the credit card terms and conditions on the issuer's website.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by the credit card issuer. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through the credit card issuer Affiliate Program.
These responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
How We Calculate Rewards: ValuePenguin calculates the value of rewards by estimating the dollar value of any points, miles or bonuses earned using the card less any associated annual fees. These estimates here are ValuePenguin's alone, not those of the card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer.
Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the offers that appear on this website are from companies which ValuePenguin receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. For more information please see our Advertiser Disclosure.
