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Best Rewards Credit Cards of March 2024

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of rewards credit cards. You’ve probably heard of them already or maybe even have one (or more!) in your wallet. Just as the name says, they are credit cards that offer rewards on purchases. The three basic types are cashback, points, and travel miles. Currently, there are dozens of them on the market, with different features, so it can be overwhelming to choose one. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation, which means there’s not a single best credit card that will fit everyone. It all depends on one’s needs and financial situation. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how rewards credit cards work and you’ll be able to make an informed decision.

By Hanna Volkava
Updated March 15, 2024

Best Credit Cards for Rewards in March 2024

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Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card best for Car rental

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Venture X Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$395 annually
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.53
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 10,000x 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.
    • 10x Miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 5x Miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 2x Miles on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 75,000x Bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Earn 10x Miles on hotels and rental cars (booked through Capital One Travel), 5x Miles on flights (booked through Capital One Travel), 2x Miles per dollar on every purchase.

    The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card charges an annual fee of $395. The APR for purchases and balance transfers is 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable). The card has a balance transfer fee of 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

    Refer your friends and family to apply for a Venture X card and earn up to 100,000 bonus miles when they’re approved.

  • Pros:
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • Welcome offer
    • Miles don’t expire for the life of the account
  • Cons:
    • Annual Fee
  • Benefits:
    • 10,000 Miles (Anniversary Bonus);
    • 10x Miles on hotels & rental cars (booked through Capital One Travel);
    • 5x Miles on flights (booked through Capital One Travel);
    • 2x Miles on all other purchases;
    • $300 Annual Travel Credit;
    • $200 Vacation Rental Credit;
    • Capital One Lounge;
    • Priority Pass™;
    • Global Entry & TSA PreCheck®;
    • Cell Phone Protection;
    • Hertz President’s Circle® status;
    • Free Additional Cardholders.
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card best for Travel, Daily use

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Venture Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.43
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
    • 2x Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 75,000x Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers rewards of 2 miles for every $1 spent on all purchases, plus 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

    Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

    The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card's APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable). The card has an annual fee of $95. Balance transfer fee: 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

    Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more

    Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs.

  • Pros:
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • High rewards rate
    • Flexible rewards redemption
    • Sign-up bonus
    • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Cons:
    • Annual Fee
    • No intro APR offer
    • Miles transfer to airline partners is less than 1:1
  • Benefits:
    • 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel;
    • 5x miles on hotels and car rentals;
    • 2x miles on every purchase, every day;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • 24/7 Customer Service;
    • The Eno assistant;
    • 24-Hour Travel Assistance Services;
    • Global Entry or TSA Precheck Credit;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Hertz Five Star status;
    • Transfer Your Miles;
    • Capital One Shopping;
    • Shop With Your Rewards;
    • Premier Culinary Experiences;
    • Big-time Sports Events;
    • Must-See Music Events.
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Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® best for Walmart purchases

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Capital One Walmart Rewards®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.48% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
4.03
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Good (580-739)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back at Walmart.com, including pickup and delivery.
    • 2% Cash Back in Walmart stores, at restaurants and on travel.
    • 1% Everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 5% Cash Back in Walmart stores for the first 12 months after approval when you use your Card with Walmart Pay.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.48% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Walmart Rewards® is a card for people who regularly shop at Walmart.

    The Card's APR: 19.48% – 29.99% (Variable). Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

    The Walmart Rewards® Card earns 5% Cash Back on in-store purchases for the first 12 months when using Walmart Pay. The card offers 5% Cash Back at Walmart.com, including pickup & delivery; 2% Cash Back in Walmart stores, at restaurants and on travel; 1% Cash Back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted.

    The Walmart Rewards® Card charges no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee.

  • Pros:
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
  • Cons:
    • No 0% intro APR period
  • Benefits:
    • 5% Cash Back in Walmart stores (for the first 12 months);
    • 5% Cash Back at Walmart.com;
    • 2% Cash Back in Walmart stores, at restaurants and on travel;
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Concierge Services;
    • Mastercard ID Theft Protection™;
    • Travel Assistance Services;
    • MasterRental Coverage;
    • Lost or Damaged Luggage;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.
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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card best for Cash Back, No Annual Fee, Daily use

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Quicksilver Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
4.49
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Cash Bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 15 months that your account is open
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Quicksilver Credit Card from Capital One® offers 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases with a $0 annual fee. It also offers a 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by the standard APR of 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable). The card has a balance transfer fee of 3%. After that, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR (none for balances transferred at the Transfer APR).

    New cardholders will have the opportunity to earn a bonus: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

  • Pros:
    • No minimum redemption is required
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Intro APR period on Purchases
    • Generous sign-up bonus
  • Cons:
    • No bonus rewards categories
    • Other cards offer longer intro APR periods and/or lower APR
    • You need a good credit score to get this card
  • Benefits:
    • $200 Cash Bonus (once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening);
    • Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Complimentary Concierge Service;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • 24-hour Travel Assistance Services;
    • Capital One Shopping;
    • Shop With Your Rewards.
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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card best for Fair credit

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QuicksilverOne Capital One
Annual fee:
$39 annually
Regular APR:
30.74% Variable
Our Rating:
3.58
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Good (580-739)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    30.74% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The QuicksilverOne Credit Card from Capital One gives you 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase. The Card has an annual fee of $39.

    The QuicksilverOne Card has an APR of 30.74% Variable. Balance Transfer Fee: 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

  • Pros:
    • Unlimited high rewards rate
    • Average credit score required
    • Automatically considered for a higher credit line after 6 months
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cons:
    • Annual fee
    • High APR
    • No bonus rewards categories
  • Benefits:
    • 1.5% Cash Back;
    • No Foreign Transaction Fees;
    • Autopay;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Card Lock;
    • ATM Location Services.
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Capital One® Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
30.74% Variable
Our Rating:
3.08
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    30.74% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One® Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases with a $0 annual fee.

    The APR for purchases and balance transfers is 30.74 Variable. The Balance Transfer Fee: $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
  • Cons:
    • No Intro APR period
    • High APR
    • No welcome bonus
  • Benefits:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Emergency Card Replacement;
    • Capital One® Travel.
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Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card best for International students

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Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.43
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $50 Cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a good option for earning Cash Back on general spending. The Card earns 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.

    The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a high interest rate of 19.99% - 29.99% (variable APR). The Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The card has a balance transfer fee of 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Cons:
    • High APR
    • No 0% intro APR offer
  • Benefits:
    • $50 bonus (once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening);
    • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase;
    • Fraud Liability;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Capital One Shopping;
    • Complimentary Concierge Service;
    • 24-hour Travel Assistance Services.
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Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® best for Good credit score

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Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
14.99% - 29.99% Regular
Our Rating:
4.35
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Excellent (580-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1.5% Cash Back on payments.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    14.99% - 29.99% Regular
  • Details:

    The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers 1.5% Cash Back on payments.

    Earn a $200 Bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*

    The card's APR: 14.99% - 29.99% (Regular APR).

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • No Annual fee
  • Cons:
    • No Intro APR reriod
  • Benefits:
    • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*;
    • 1.5% Cash Back;
    • Сontactless card technology.

    *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.

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Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card best for International students

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SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Capital One
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.87
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $50 Cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases.

    The SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has a high interest rate of 19.99% - 29.99% (variable APR).

    The Card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Balance Transfer Fee: 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Cons:
    • High APR
    • No 0% intro APR offer
  • Benefits:
    • $50 Cash bonus (once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening);
    • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®);
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • Fraud Liability;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Complimentary Concierge Service;
    • 24-hour Travel Assistance Services.
View all SavorOne Student Cash Rewards details
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Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® best for Low income

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Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Upgrade
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
14.99% - 29.99% Regular
Our Rating:
4.06
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3% Cash Back on Home, Auto and Health categories.
    • 1% Cash Back on everything else.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    14.99% - 29.99% Regular
  • Details:

    The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Credit Card offers 3% Cash Back on home, auto and health purchase and 1% Cash Back on everything else.

    Earn a $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*.

    The card's APR: 14.99% - 29.99% (Regular APR).

    Apply online and get a credit line from $500 to $25,000 with your Card.

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  • Pros:
    • Every Purchase Earns You Cash Back
    • Increased Cash Back for Three Categories
    • No Limits Abroad
  • Cons:
    • You Can’t Withdraw Cash
    • Cash Back Doesn’t Satisfy Your Monthly Payments
  • Benefits:
    • $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*;
    • 3% Cash Back on home, auto and health purchase;
    • 1% Cash Back on everything else;
    • Сontactless card technology.

    *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking Plus account through Upgrade and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking Plus account within 60 days of the date the Rewards Checking Plus account is opened. If you have previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not open a Rewards Checking Plus account as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking Plus account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking Plus account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after meeting the conditions.

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First Access Visa® Card best for Low income

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First Access Visa® The Bank of Missouri
Annual fee:
$75.00 for the 1st year, $48.00 after
Regular APR:
35.99%
Our Rating:
4.2
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card.
  • Issuer name:
    The Bank of Missouri
  • Details:

    The First Access Visa® Card is a true VISA® credit card that does not require perfect credit for approval.

    The First Access Visa® Card's APR: 35.99%.

    The First Access Visa® Card is not a secured credit card, meaning applicants don’t have to have the amount of their credit limit as a deposit.

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  • Pros:
    • Available to those with bad credit
    • Reports to three major credit bureaus
    • Easy application
    • No security deposit
  • Cons:
    • High APR
    • Several fees
    • Low credit limit
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card;
    • First Access Visa credit card accepted nationwide;
    • Rebuild your credit;
    • Easy and Secure Online Application.
View all First Access Visa® details
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Synovus Bank First Latitude Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
Annual fee:
$39 annually
Regular APR:
19.24% Variable
Our Rating:
1.75
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Poor (0-579)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your First Latitude Secured credit card account.
  • Issuer name:
    Synovus Bank
  • Details:

    First Latitude Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a full-feature Platinum Mastercard® with a credit line based on a security deposit rather than on a credit score.

    The Card earns 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your credit card account.

    The First Latitude Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card charges an annual fee of $39 annually. The APR for Purchases is 19.24% (25.24% for cash advances). These APRs will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

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  • Pros:
    • Available to people with limited credit history
  • Cons:
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
    • Balance transfers are not available
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your First Latitude Secured credit card account;
    • Minimum refundable deposit of $200.00 up to $2,000.00*;
    • Reports Monthly to All 3 Consumer Credit Bureaus to Establish Credit History;
    • Quick and Easy Online Application.
View all First Latitude Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card details
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First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Synovus Bank
Annual fee:
$49 annually
Regular APR:
15.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.8
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.
  • Issuer name:
    Synovus Bank
  • Details:

    The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card for people with a limited credit history.

    The Card earns 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.

    The First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® comes with an annual fee of $49. The card's APR: 15.24% (Variable for purchases), 24.24% (Variable for cash advances).

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • Low APR for Purchases
    • No Minimum Credit Score Required
    • Reports to Three Major Credit Bureaus
    • Suitable Range of Credit Limit
  • Cons:
    • High Annual Fee
    • High Transaction Fees on Cash Advance
    • High Penalty Fees
    • Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments;
    • Accepted Nationwide;
    • No Minimum Credit Score;
    • No Credit History Required.
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First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Synovus Bank
Annual fee:
$39 annually
Regular APR:
19.24% Variable
Our Rating:
3.5
scorer
Credit score
No Credit History to Fair (0-669)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account.
  • Issuer name:
    Synovus Bank
  • Details:

    The First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® Secured is designed to help cardholders build credit with no credit check or minimum credit score required to apply.

    The First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® Secured Credit Card earns 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account.

    The card's APR: 19.24% (Variable for Purchases), 25.24% (Variable for Cash Advances).

    The First Progress Platinum Select MasterCard® has an annual fee of $39. Plus, the card has a foreign transaction fee of 3%.

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • No credit history required
    • No Minimum Credit Score needed
    • Low Annual Percentage Rates
  • Cons:
    • Annual Fee
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Benefits:
    • 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account;
    • Accepted Nationwide;
    • No Minimum Credit Score;
    • No Credit History Required.
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The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 Celtic Bank
Annual fee:
$0 annually (for active M1 Plus customers)
$95 annually
Regular APR:
17.99% - 27.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.91
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 10% You’ll get up to 10% Cash Back with select brands you hold in an eligible portfolio.
    • 1.5% Cash Back on everything else.
  • Issuer name:
    Celtic Bank
  • Details:

    The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 earns up to 10% Cash Back on purchases with eligible brands. All other spending earns 1.5% Cash Back.

    Spend $4,000 with your new Owner’s Rewards credit card in the first 90 days and earn a $300 statement credit.

    The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 comes with a $95 annual fee (the fee is waived for Plus members).

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • High rewards rate
  • Cons:
    • No Intro APR period
    • $95 annual fee (for non-plus members)
  • Benefits:
    • Up to 10% Cash Back on purchases with eligible brands;
    • 1.5% Cash Back on everything else;
    • Visa® Zero Liability.
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Capital One Spark Miles for Business best for Walmart purchases

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Capital One Spark® Miles
Annual fee:
$0 intro for the first year
$95 thereafter
Regular APR:
26.24% Variable
Our Rating:
4.11
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 2x Miles on every purchase for your business with no blackouts or seat restrictions and no minimum to redeem.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 50,000x Miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    26.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Spark® Miles for Business Credit Card has an annual fee of $0 (intro for the first year), then $95. The Card offers 2x miles on every purchase for your business and 5x miles on hotels and car rentals.

    The Card's APR for both purchases and transfers is 26.24% Variable.

    The Capital One Spark® Miles for Business Card offers 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

    Use your miles on flights, hotels, vacation packages and more-you can even transfer miles to any of 15+ travel partners.

  • Pros:
    • Attractive sign-up bonus
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cons:
    • No 0% APR period
    • Annual fee after the first year
  • Benefits:
    • 50,000 bonus miles ( once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening);
    • 5x miles on hotels and car rentals;
    • 2x miles on all purchases;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • $100 Travel Credit;
    • Capital One Lounge.

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

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Capital One® Spark Cash Plus
Annual fee:
$150 annually
Regular APR:
None *
Our Rating:
3.62
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 2% Cash Back for your business on every purchase.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $3,000 Cash bonus: $1,500 once you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional $1,500 once you spend $100,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    None *
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    None *
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One® Spark Cash Plus Credit Card earns 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2% Cash Back on every purchase.

    The Card has no APR because your balance is due in full every month.

    For a limited time, earn up to a $3,000 cash bonus: $1,500 once you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional $1,500 once you spend $100,000 in the first 6 months.

    The Card's annual fee is $150.

  • Pros:
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cons:
    • Annual Fee
  • Benefits:
    • $3,000 cash bonus;
    • $150 cash bonus every year you spend $150,000 or more;
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel;
    • 2% Cash Back on every purchase;
    • Roadside Assistance;
    • Free Employee Cards;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • $0 Fraud Liability.
View all Spark Cash Plus details
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Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Our Rating:
5
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
    • 1.5% Cash Back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $750 Cash bonus once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    18.49% - 24.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Capital One
  • Details:

    The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit earns a $750 cash bonus once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. The Card offers 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.5% Cash Back for your business on every purchase.

    The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit doesn't charge an annual fee.

    The Card's APR is 18.49% - 24.49% Variable.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Cons:
    • No Intro APR period
  • Benefits:
    • $750 cash bonus (once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening);
    • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel;
    • 1.5% Cash Back for your business on every purchase;
    • $0 Fraud Liability;
    • Free Employee Cards;
    • Roadside Assistance.
View all Spark® Cash Select details
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Divvy Cross River Bank
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
None
Our Rating:
4.04
scorer
Credit score
Fair to Excellent (580-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2x - 7x:
    • Points on restaurants.
    • 2x - 5x:
    • Points on hotels.
    • 1.5x - 2x:
    • Points on recurring software subscriptions.
    • 1x - 1.5x:
    • Points on everything else.
  • Issuer name:
    Cross River Bank
  • Details:

    The Divvy Card is a corporate credit card.

    The Divvy Card earns 1-7x rewards, but it doesn't offer a sign-up bonus.

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits or cash back.

    Read full review

  • Pros:
    • No fees
    • Rewards
  • Cons:
    • No sign-up bonus
  • Benefits:
    • Unlimited creation of virtual cards;
    • Scalable credit line;
    • Employee cards for everyone;
    • Enforceable budgets;
    • Expense reports.
View all Divvy details
Apply now
On Cross River Bank‘s site
Card detail

Citi Double Cash best for Cash Back, No Annual Fee, Daily use

Double Cash Citi
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
4.49
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 2% Cash Back on every purchase with unlimited 1% Cash Back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Cash Back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.24% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Citi
  • Details:

    The Citi® Double Cash Credit Card offers a few concrete ways in which you can better your financial situation, improve your credit card habits and enjoy cash back rewards without the fuss of tracking rotating categories. Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.

    Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase with unlimited 1% Cash Back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for purchases.

    The Citi® Double Cash offers a 0% percent introductory APR offer on balance transfers (19.24% to 29.24% variable APR after).

    The Citi Double Cash extends a myriad of security and fraud protections.

  • Pros:
    • Flat-rate Cash Back Rewards on Everything
    • High Rewards Rate
    • No annual fee
    • Attractive Intro APR on Balance Transfers
  • Cons:
    • Losing your 1% Cash-Back Is Pretty Easy
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Balance Transfer Fee
  • Benefits:
    • Citi Entertainment;
    • $200 Cash Back;
    • 2% Cash Back on every purchase;
    • Fraud Protection;
    • The Lost Wallet Service;
    • $0 Liability for Unauthorized Charges.
Card detail

American Express Blue Cash Preferred best for Gas, Groceries, Streaming services, Daily use

Blue Cash Preferred® American Express
Annual fee:
$0 intro annual fee for the first year
$95 for the rest years
Regular APR:
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
5
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
    • 6% Cash Back on streaming (select U.S. streaming subscriptions).
    • 3% Cash Back on transit. Transit includes taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.
    • 3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations.
    • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $250 Back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $250 back in the form of a statement credit.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 12 months from the date of account opening
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card provides high rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, and for streaming services (select U.S. streaming subscriptions), and transit expenses. It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card from American Express® offers a 0% introductory APR promotion. You’ll pay no interest on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months and then an APR of 19.24% - 29.99% Variable. The Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card's Penalty APR is 29.99%.

    The Card also has 0% introductory plan fee on each purchase moved into a plan during the first 12 months after account opening. After that, your plan fee will be up to 1.33% of each purchase moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase and other factors.

    The Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card has a welcome bonus where cardholders earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on the new card within the first six months of card membership.

  • Pros:
    • Excellent cashback bonuses
    • Generous intro APR on purchases
    • Great introductory bonuses
  • Cons:
    • Cashback cap
    • Annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
  • Benefits:
    • Earn $250 Back (in the form of a statement credit);
    • 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%);
    • 6% Cash Back on streaming subscriptions;
    • 3% Cash Back on transit;
    • 3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations;
    • 1% Cash Back on other purchases;
    • Extended warranty;
    • Fraud Protection;
    • Return Protection;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Pay It Plan It®;
    • American Express Experiences;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Chase Freedom Flex℠ best for Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use

Chase Freedom Flex℠
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
5
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
    • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
    • 3% Cash Back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
    • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
    • 5% Back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year (that's $600 cash back).
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Intro APR for the first 15 months that your Account is open
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    20.49% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Chase Freedom Flex card offers Cash Back in a wide variety of categories.

    You’ll earn 5% Cash Back on travel (through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel service, and also for Lyft rides). You’ll also get 3% Cash Back on restaurant purchases, on drugstore purchases and 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

    Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    The card offers a 15-month 0% annual percentage rate for purchases and balance transfers, after which the APR is 20.49% - 29.24% Variable. The card charges no annual fee but 5%, or a $5 minimum fee, on balance transfers.

  • Pros:
    • $200 sign-up bonus
    • High cash back rewards on quarterly rotating bonus categories
    • Decent cash back rewards on select spending categories
    • 0% intro APR on purchases
    • No annual fee
  • Cons:
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Rotating spending categories require activation
    • No intro APR on balance transfers
  • Benefits:
    • 5% Back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year (that's $600 cash back);
    • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories;
    • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards;
    • 3% Cash Back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services;
    • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases;
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • $200 Cash Back;
    • Zero Liability Protection;
    • Extended Warranty Protection;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Cell Phone Protection;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.
Card detail

Chase Freedom Unlimited® best for Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
5
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
    • 3% Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
    • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.
    • 1.5% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Intro APR for the first 15 months that your Account is open
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    20.49% - 29.24% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card offers 0% introductory APR period (20.49% to 29.24% Variable after that) and a sign-up bonus that’s worth far more than most Cash-Back cards offer — all for an annual fee of $0.

    The card offers 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% Cash Back on restaurants and drugstore purchases and 1.5% back on other purchases.

    Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • Generous rewards
    • 0% intro APR
    • Sign-up bonus
  • Cons:
    • Foreign Transaction Fee
  • Benefits:
    • Zero Liability Protection;
    • $200 intro bonus;
    • 5 percent Cash Back on all travel purchased via the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal;
    • 3 percent back on dining;
    • 3 percent back at drugstores;
    • 1.5 percent Cash Back on general purchases;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services;
    • 24/7 Fraud Protection;
    • Redeem for Cash Back;
    • Gift cards.
Card detail

American Express® Gold Card best for Cash Back

American Express® Gold Card
Annual fee:
$250 annually
Regular APR:
21.24% - 29.24% Variable
Our Rating:
2.93
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 4x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 4x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.
    • 3x Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
    • 1x Points on other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The American Express® Gold Credit Card's annual fee is $250. The card offers 4x points on dining (at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and groceries (at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year), 3x on flights (booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com) and 1x on all other purchases.

    The Card's variable APR is 21.24% - 29.24%.

    As a new cardholder, you have the chance to earn an impressive 60,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $4,000 in purchases within your first six months. New cardholders will also have the chance to obtain the alternate Rose Gold art.

    There are no foreign transaction fees with this travel card.

    Add your Gold Credit Card to your Uber account, and you’ll automatically get $10 in Uber Cash each month, for a total of up to $120 per year. You can use your monthly Uber Cash on Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S.

    Dining from the comfort of your home can save you up to $120 annually. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Credit Card at Grubhub, Seamless, Boxed and other participating partners. Enrollment required.

    By booking two consecutive nights or more through the American Express Travel portal at any of 600+ eligible properties with your card, you can receive up to a $100 hotel credit in addition to a possible room upgrade if eligible. The expenses that this credit can cover varies by property, but you can expect money back on qualifying dining, spa services, resort activities and things of that nature.

  • Pros:
    • High rewards rate for select categories
    • Introductory Bonus Points
    • No Foreign Transaction Fee
    • UberCash Credit
    • $120 Dining Credit
  • Cons:
    • Complicated Rewards System
    • High Annual Fee
    • Limited International Acceptance
    • Relatively High Credit Score Requirements
    • Balance transfers are not available
  • Benefits:
    • Up to $120 Uber Cash to Dine or Ride;
    • $100 hotel credit with The Hotel Collection;
    • 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points;
    • 4x Membership Rewards® Points on dining at restaurants;
    • 4x Membership Rewards® Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets;
    • 3x Membership Rewards® Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com;
    • 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases;
    • Additional Cards;
    • American Express Experiences;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Baggage Insurance Plan;
    • Global Assist® Hotline;
    • The Hotel Collection;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Chase Sapphire Preferred® best for Travel, Restaurants, Daily use

Chase Sapphire Preferred®
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Our Rating:
4.25
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
    • 5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
    • 3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
    • 3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
    • 3x Points on select streaming services.
    • 2x Points on other travel purchases.
    • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card offers 5x points on travel (purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit), 3x on dining, online grocery purchases and select streaming services, 2x on travel.

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

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred® has a $95 annual fee. The card’s variable APR is 21.49% to 28.49%.

    My Chase PlanSM Fee is 1.72% (monthly fee) of the amount of each eligible purchase transaction or amount selected to create a My Chase Plan. The My Chase Plan Fee will be determined at the time each My Chase Plan is created and will remain the same until the My Chase Plan is paid in full.

  • Pros:
    • Excellent sign-up bonus
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • 25% more redemption value
    • Unique “My Chase Plan” offer
    • Great Referral Program
  • Cons:
    • There is an annual fee
    • Steep penalty APR of 29.99%
    • No 0% intro APR offer
  • Benefits:
    • 60,000 Bonus Points;
    • $50 in statement credits;
    • 5x points on travel;
    • 3x points on dining;
    • 3x points on online grocery purchases;
    • 3x points on select streaming services;
    • 2x points on other travel purchases;
    • 25% more redemption value;
    • 1:1 Point Transfer;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Baggage Delay Insurance;
    • Travel and Emergency Assistance Services.
Card detail

Chase Sapphire Reserve® best for Travel, Restaurants, Daily use

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual fee:
$550 annually ($75 for each authorized user)
Regular APR:
22.49% - 29.49% Variable
Our Rating:
3.86
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 10x Points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
    • 10x Total points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®.
    • 5x Total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
    • 3x Points on other travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
    • 3x Points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
    • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 60,000x Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    22.49% - 29.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    Earning rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card is very straightforward.

    The card’s variable APR is 22.49% to 29.49%.

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a $550 annual fee.

    New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 10x total points on Chase Dining, 10x total points on hotels and car rentals (when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually), 5x total points on flights (when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually), 3x points on other travel worldwide (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually), 3x points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.

    Transfer your points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs at 1 to 1 value. That means 1,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points equal 1,000 partner miles/points.

    Cardmembers receive a $300 credit each card anniversary to be used toward travel. This credit is applied as a statement credit for travel purchases automatically. The card also offers a $100 statement credit every four years toward the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® Fee.

  • Pros:
    • Generous signup offer
    • Annual $300 travel credit
    • High travel and dining rewards
    • Transfer points to loyalty programs
    • Increase point value by 50%
  • Cons:
    • Typically requires excellent credit
    • High annual fee
  • Benefits:
    • 60,000 bonus points;
    • 10x total points on hotels and car rentals;
    • 10x total points on Chase Dining purchases;
    • 5x total points on flights;
    • 3x points on other travel;
    • 3x points on other dining;
    • $300 Annual Travel Credit;
    • Zero liability protection;
    • 50% more redemption value;
    • Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit ;
    • Complimentary Airport Lounge Access;
    • The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection;
    • Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver;
    • Lost Luggage Reimbursement;
    • Emergency Evacuation & Transportation.
Card detail

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express best for Cash Back, Gas, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Families, Shopping, Groceries

Blue Cash Everyday® American Express
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
4.18
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 3% Cash Back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
    • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
    • 2% Cash Back on gas at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
    • 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • Intro Offer:
    • $200 After you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
  • Purchase Intro APR:
    0% Introductory APR for the first 15 months from the date of account opening
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    19.24% - 29.99% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers up to $200 back after spending $2,000, all within the first 6 months. Plus, earn 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

    The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, followed by a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99%.

    Your Card gives you the option to carry a balance with interest or pay in full each month. So, whether you're managing your monthly expenses or making a large purchase, you can have the payment flexibility you need while continuing to earn rewards.

    When you use your Card to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental Company counter, you can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory.

    Stay in the know with exclusive access to ticket presales and Card Member-only events in a city near you. Check out Broadway shows and concert tours, family and sporting events, and more.

  • Pros:
    • No Annual Fee
    • Provides Gas and Grocery Rewards
    • 0% Intro Offer
    • Welcome Bonus
  • Cons:
    • Limited Redemption
    • Bonus Cash Backs Capped
    • Card not Ideal for Travelling Abroad
  • Benefits:
    • 3% Сash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%);
    • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%);
    • 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%);
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases;
    • $200 back after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months (in the form of a statement credit);
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • 24/7 Global Assist® Hotline;
    • American Express Experiences;
    • Fraud Protection;
    • Pay It Plan It;
    • Additional Cards;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Citi Costco Anywhere Visa® best for Cash Back, Young couples

Costco Anywhere Visa® Citi
Annual fee:
$0
Regular APR:
20.49% Variable
Our Rating:
4.15
scorer
Credit score
Excellent (740-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 4% Cash Back on eligible gas, including gas at Costco for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter.
    • 3% Cash Back on restaurants and eligible travel purchase worldwide.
    • 2% Cash Back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
    • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    20.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Citi
  • Details:

    The Costco Anywhere Visa® Credit Card by Citi has no annual fee. You have to be a Costco member to get the card.

    The Card’s variable APR is 20.49%.

    You'll earn 2% cash back on Costco/Costco.com purchases, you’ll also earn 4% on eligible gas purchases (on up to $7,000 in purchases per year, then 1 percent), 3% on eligible restaurant and travel purchases and 1% on all other purchases.

    With purchase protection, You may be reimbursed if your purchases are stolen or damaged within three to four months after you bought them.

  • Pros:
    • Excellent rewards rate for gas
    • Great rewards for dining and travel
    • Decent APR rate
    • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cons:
    • Costco membership required
    • No welcome offer
    • Limiting redemption policy
  • Benefits:
    • Cash Back Rewards;
    • Damage & Theft Purchase Protection;
    • Extended Warranty;
    • Citi Entertainment®.
Card detail

American Express® Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ best for Hotel

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express®
Annual fee:
$650 annually
Regular APR:
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Our Rating:
3.22
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 6x Points on hotels. For eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
    • 3x Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
    • 3x Points on flights.
    • 2x Points on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 185,000x Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Issuer name:
    American Express®
  • Details:

    The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ Credit Card is a great option for making your stays more luxurious. It has a $450 annual fee.

    The Card's APR: 20.99% to 29.99% (Variable).

    You'll earn 6x points per dollar spent on eligible purchases at Marriott hotels, 3x points per dollar spent on airline tickets and at US restaurants, and 2x points per dollar spent everywhere else. You'll also earn a free night certificate every year after your account anniversary, which you can redeem at Marriott Bonvoy properties that cost up to 50,000 points per night.

    The card also offers an annual credit of up to $300 toward Marriott Bonvoy hotels. It applies to room rates as well as on-site purchases like room service or spa treatments. The current offer includes complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which is normally available only after staying 25 nights in one year.

    The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ Credit Card also provides some helpful protections, including baggage insurance, rental car protection, and a host of purchase protections.

  • Pros:
    • Impressive welcome bonus
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Marriott Platinum Elite status
    • $300 in restaurant credits
    • Annual free-night award
  • Cons:
    • High annual fee
    • High APR on purchases
    • No introductory APR
  • Benefits:
    • 185,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points;
    • 6x points on hotels;
    • 3x points on dining;
    • 3x points on flights;
    • 2x points on all other purchases;
    • Up to $300 Marriott Bonvoy Statement Credit;
    • Up to $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit;
    • Gold Elite status;
    • Free Night Award;
    • 15 Elite Night Credits;
    • Priority Pass™ Select;
    • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®;
    • Premium Internet Access;
    • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance;
    • Premium Global Assist® Hotline;
    • Baggage Insurance Plan;
    • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance;
    • Trip Delay Insurance;
    • American Express Experiences;
    • Return Protection;
    • Fraud Protection;
    • Terms Apply.
Card detail

Chase World of Hyatt best for Hotel

World of Hyatt Chase
Annual fee:
$95 annually
Regular APR:
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Our Rating:
3
scorer
Credit score
Good to Excellent (670-799)
  • Rewards Rate:
    • 9x Points for Hyatt stays.
    • 2x Points for dining out.
    • 2x Points for flights.
    • 2x Points for gym memberships.
    • 2x Points for getting around.
    • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • Intro Offer:
    • 35,000x Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
    • 30,000x Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
    • 2x Points per $1 spent on purchases that earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent in the first 6 months of account opening.
  • Balance Transfer APR:
    21.49% - 28.49% Variable
  • Issuer name:
    Chase
  • Details:

    The World of Hyatt card offers a comprehensive rewards structure. The card has an annual fee of $95.

    Earn 35,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent. You'll also get 4x World of Hyatt points per dollar from the card and 5x points from your automatic Discoverist membership, for a total of 9x on eligible purchases at Hyatt.

    The card’s APR is a variable 21.49% - 28.49%.

    The World of Hyatt card offers additional benefits, like travel and purchase coverage, no foreign transaction fees.

  • Pros:
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • High-value rewards
    • Free night every anniversary year
    • Solid shopping and travel protections
    • Automatic elite status
  • Cons:
    • Annual Fee
    • Extra Fees
    • High regular APR
    • No intro APR offer
    • No worthwhile redemption options aside from Hyatt properties
  • Benefits:
    • Up to 65,000 Bonus Points;
    • A 10% bonus on points earned on eligible room rates and incidental charges;
    • Premium in-room internet;
    • 2pm late check-out upon request where available;
    • 5 qualifying night credits;
    • 2 additional qualifying night credits;
    • One free night each card anniversary year at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort;
    • An additional free night at a Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort after spending $15,000 in an anniversary year;
    • Automatic elite status;
    • Concierge Service;
    • Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance;
    • Trip Delay Reimbursement;
    • Travel Accident Insurance;
    • Lost Luggage Reimbursement;
    • Baggage Delay Insurance;
    • Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
Card detail

Short Review of Best Credit Cards for Rewards

NameBest forReward RateIntro OfferAnnual FeeApply
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
3.53
Car rental
  • 10,000x 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary.
  • 10x Miles on hotels & rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 5x Miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2x Miles on all other purchases.
  • 75,000x Bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $395Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
    3.43
    Travel, Daily use
  • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.
  • 2x Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
  • 75,000x Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
  • $95Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®
    4.03
    Walmart purchases
  • 5% Cash Back at Walmart.com, including pickup and delivery.
  • 2% Cash Back in Walmart stores, at restaurants and on travel.
  • 1% Everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted.
  • 5% Cash Back in Walmart stores for the first 12 months after approval when you use your Card with Walmart Pay.
  • $0Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
    4.49
    Cash Back, No Annual Fee, Daily use
  • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • $200 Cash Bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • $0Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.58
    Fair credit
  • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • No current offer.
  • $39Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.08
  • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • No current offer.
  • $0Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.43
    International students
  • 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase.
  • $50 Cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • $0Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
    4.35
    Good credit score
  • 1.5% Cash Back on payments.
  • $200 Bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • $0Apply now
    On Upgrade‘s website
    Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
    3.87
    International students
  • 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services & at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • $50 Cash bonus once you spend $100 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • $0Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
    4.06
    Low income
  • 3% Cash Back on Home, Auto and Health categories.
  • 1% Cash Back on everything else.
  • $200 Bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
  • $0Apply now
    On Upgrade‘s website
    First Access Visa® Card
    4.2
    Low income
  • 1% Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Access Credit Card.
  • No current offer.
  • $75.00 for the 1st year, $48.00 afterApply now
    On the First Access Visa® Card secure website
    First Latitude Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
    1.75
  • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments made to your First Latitude Secured credit card account.
  • No current offer.
  • $39Apply now
    On Synovus Bank‘s site
    First Progress Platinum Prestige Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
    3.8
  • 1% Cash Back rewards on payments.
  • No current offer.
  • $49Apply now
    On First Progress’s site
    First Progress Platinum Select Mastercard® Secured Credit Card
    3.5
  • 1% Cash Back on payments made to your First Progress Secured credit card account.
  • No current offer.
  • $39Apply now
    On First Progress’s site
    Celtic Bank The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1
    3.91
  • 10% You’ll get up to 10% Cash Back with select brands you hold in an eligible portfolio.
  • 1.5% Cash Back on everything else.
  • No current offer.
  • $95Apply now
    On Celtic Bank‘s site
    Capital One Spark Miles for Business
    4.11
    Walmart purchases
  • 5x Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2x Miles on every purchase for your business with no blackouts or seat restrictions and no minimum to redeem.
  • 50,000x Miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • $95Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Spark Cash Plus
    3.62
  • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 2% Cash Back for your business on every purchase.
  • $3,000 Cash bonus: $1,500 once you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional $1,500 once you spend $100,000 in the first 6 months.
  • $150Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
    5
  • 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • 1.5% Cash Back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
  • $750 Cash bonus once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $0Learn more
    on our partner’s site
    Cross River Bank Divvy
    4.04
  • 2x - 7x:
  • Points on restaurants.
  • 2x - 5x:
  • Points on hotels.
  • 1.5x - 2x:
  • Points on recurring software subscriptions.
  • 1x - 1.5x:
  • Points on everything else.
  • No current offer.
  • $0Apply now
    On Cross River Bank‘s site
    Citi Double Cash
    4.49
    Cash Back, No Annual Fee, Daily use
  • 2% Cash Back on every purchase with unlimited 1% Cash Back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for purchases.
  • $200 Cash Back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.
  • $0Learn more
    American Express Blue Cash Preferred
    5
    Gas, Groceries, Streaming services, Daily use
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on streaming (select U.S. streaming subscriptions).
  • 3% Cash Back on transit. Transit includes taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations.
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • $250 Back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $250 back in the form of a statement credit.
  • $95Learn more
    Chase Freedom Flex℠
    5
    Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use
  • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
  • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • 3% Cash Back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
  • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • $200 Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% Back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target® and Walmart®) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year (that's $600 cash back).
  • $0Learn more
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
    5
    Cash Back, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Daily use
  • 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • 3% Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
  • 3% Cash Back on drugstore purchases.
  • 1.5% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • $200 Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $0Learn more
    American Express® Gold Card
    2.93
    Cash Back
  • 4x Points on dining at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 4x Points on groceries at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 in purchases per year.
  • 3x Points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
  • 1x Points on other eligible purchases.
  • 60,000x Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $4,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $250Learn more
    Chase Sapphire Preferred®
    4.25
    Travel, Restaurants, Daily use
  • $50 Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 5x Points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Anniversary Hotel Credit.
  • 3x Points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
  • 3x Points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs).
  • 3x Points on select streaming services.
  • 2x Points on other travel purchases.
  • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 60,000x Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • $95Learn more
    Chase Sapphire Reserve®
    3.86
    Travel, Restaurants, Daily use
  • 10x Points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
  • 10x Total points on Chase Dining purchases with Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 5x Total points on flights when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
  • 3x Points on other travel worldwide after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually.
  • 3x Points on other dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out.
  • 1x Point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 60,000x Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • $550Learn more
    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
    4.18
    Cash Back, Gas, 0 APR, No Annual Fee, Families, Shopping, Groceries
  • 3% Cash Back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 2% Cash Back on gas at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
  • $200 After you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
  • $0Learn more
    Citi Costco Anywhere Visa®
    4.15
    Cash Back, Young couples
  • 4% Cash Back on eligible gas, including gas at Costco for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter.
  • 3% Cash Back on restaurants and eligible travel purchase worldwide.
  • 2% Cash Back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
  • 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
  • No current offer.
  • $0Learn more
    American Express® Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™
    3.22
    Hotel
  • 6x Points on hotels. For eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
  • 3x Points on dining at U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
  • 3x Points on flights.
  • 2x Points on all other purchases.
  • 185,000x Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • $650Learn more
    Chase World of Hyatt
    3
    Hotel
  • 9x Points for Hyatt stays.
  • 2x Points for dining out.
  • 2x Points for flights.
  • 2x Points for gym memberships.
  • 2x Points for getting around.
  • 1x Points on all other purchases.
  • 35,000x Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 30,000x Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
  • 2x Points per $1 spent on purchases that earn 1 Bonus Point, up to $15,000 spent in the first 6 months of account opening.
  • $95Learn more

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    If you like to travel then you’ll like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You earn 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and new cardholders can expect to get an attractive sign-up bonus. There’s no limit to the rewards you can earn and no minimum redemption amount. You’ll have several redemption options to choose from. One mile is worth 1 cent and it’s valid for any travel purchase. Also, you don’t have to commit to particular airlines or hotel brands. All of this comes with a $95 annual cost.

    Read more about Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One QuicksilverOne is for those with average credit who’d like a taste of excellent credit rewards. The 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases is rarely found on cards with this target group. So, it’s certainly worth the $39 annual fee.

    Read more about Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Citi Double Cash

    The 2% cash back rate and the $0 annual fee make Citi Double Cash Card hard to top. You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay for it. Although it lacks some standard rewards card benefits like an introductory 0% APR period for purchases, we believe the generous cash back rate compensates for it. There is no cap to the cash back you can earn.

    Read more about Citi Double Cash

    American Express Blue Cash Preferred

    The outstanding 6% cash back rate on groceries (up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets) and streaming services (U.S. streaming subscriptions) make Blue Cash Preferred® Credit Card perfect for family people who often shop at traditional supermarkets. Commuters will appreciate the 3% rate on transit and gas purchases. During the first year, there is a 0% APR period (for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 19.24% - 29.99%) and a $0 intro annual fee. Throw in the welcome bonus and you have a card that stands out from the crowd. Still, there are some minor drawbacks like the $95 annual fee after the first year and the $6,000 cap on grocery rewards.

    Read more about American Express Blue Cash Preferred

    Chase Freedom Flex℠

    The Chase Freedom Flex℠ earns you a generous 5% cash back rate on rotating quarterly categories and travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. There is also a 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% on all other purchases. It has a nice bonus offer and a 0% APR intro period for the first 15 months (20.49% - 29.24% variable after that). This is great, considering it’s a no-annual-fee card. However, if you go for this card, you’ll have to activate the bonus categories each period. This won’t be much of a stretch, as you’ll get an activation notification.

    Read more about Chase Freedom Flex℠

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    If you want a card with no annual fee, but with worthwhile rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice. It will earn you a 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases. A 0% APR intro period for the first 15 months (20.49% - 29.24% variable after that​​) is part of the deal too and new cardholders can get a $200 bonus.

    Read more about Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    American Express® Gold Card

    The American Express® Gold Card Card offers 4 points for every dollar spent at restaurants (worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S) and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year) and 3 points per dollar on flights. Along with the $120 dining credit it can be of great value to foodies. However, it should only be considered by those, whose spending on dining and groceries is on the high end. This is because of the hefty $250 annual fee.

    Read more about American Express® Gold Card

    Chase Sapphire Preferred®

    With the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you’ll earn 5x points on travel, 3x points on dining, streaming and grocery. You have several ways to redeem your rewards, but if you redeem them through Chase, they’ll be worth 25% more. There is also a dazzling welcome bonus. You can get all that for a relatively low $95 annual fee.

    Read more about Chase Sapphire Preferred®

    Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is probably the best premium rewards card. That is because of the unmatched combination of the $300 annual travel credit, excellent additional benefits, and its 3X points on travel and dining, which are worth 50% more if redeemed through Chase. If you are a frequent traveler, outweighing the $550 annual fee will be an easy target.

    Read more about Chase Sapphire Reserve®

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    The American Express® Blue Cash Everyday® Card is Blue Cash Preferred® Card’s little brother. It offers a 3% rewards rate on the first $6,000 purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online stores and 2% at U.S. gas stations and selected department stores. A great choice for the more modest spenders in those categories, who are not fans of annual fees.

    Read more about Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    Citi Costco Anywhere Visa®

    This is a card for Costco members and it offers them generous cash back rewards in several categories. These include 4% on gas (for the first $7,000 spend), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on Costco purchases, and 1% on everything else. There is no annual fee, but the Costco yearly membership costs $60 or $120, depending on the membership type. You get your rewards certificate once a year, in February, which can be redeemed only at Costco, in the same year, by December 31st.

    Read more about Citi Costco Anywhere Visa®

    American Express® Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™

    The American Express® Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ Credit Card is for the elite who enjoy spending their time at the Marriott Bonvoy. This card offers many attractive perks, like a free night for every cardholder’s anniversary year and up to $300 annual statement credits for eligible Marriott purchases. The rewards include 6 points per dollar spent at Marriott and 3 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants, 3 points on flights. All these lux treats come at a $650 annual fee cost.

    Read more about American Express® Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™

    Chase World of Hyatt

    This is the card for those who frequent the Hyatt Hotels. They’ll love the many premium benefits, which go from an automatic elite status and free anniversary night to high earning rewards and welcome bonuses. These perks make the $95 annual fee negligible. However, in order to get them you’ll have to do all your bookings with the Hyatt.

    Read more about Chase World of Hyatt

    How do rewards credit cards work?

    How does cash back work?

    Simply put - with a cash back credit card you get some cash back from every purchase. The cash back rate is given in percentages, for example, if the cash back rate is 1.5%, you get $1.5 for every $100 you spend.

    The most straightforward credit cards within this type are the ones with flat-rate cash back on every purchase. There are also cards with tiered rates for several spending categories, and some rotate different categories throughout the year. For example, during the first quarter of the year, you get a higher cash back rate on grocery purchases, during the second quarter it’s applied on entertainment purchases and so on.

    As for the categories, they are usually defined according to the merchant category code, which is used to identify the type of business. This is important because it determines the cash back rate you’ll get if your credit card’s program has categories. So, if you buy milk at the gas station this purchase won’t be recognized as a grocery purchase, but as a gas station one. While some cards recognize only gas as a purchase at gas stations (for example PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card) - there is no common rule for this type of spendings so it’s always better to clarify it separately for each card while applying.

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    When redeeming your rewards, you’ll typically have several options to choose from. These can include checks, direct deposit, a statement credit, miles, gift cards, merchandise, or even a donation. With most credit cards you can redeem your rewards through your account on their website or app. Some of them allow you to set an automatic redemption at a specific period of time or when you reach a certain threshold. You should pay attention to whether and when the rewards expire, so you know when to use them.

    Another type of cash back rewards card is a store card. They usually offer an attractive rewards rate on purchases made at the store, although they might offer rewards for other purchases too. Rewards are typically redeemable at the same store. These cards are targeted for store’s loyalists who are most likely to benefit from them. A great store card is the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card , which besides a 2% cash back for Costco purchases, offers you 3% and 4% cash back in the travel, dining and gas categories.

    See our top picks for cash back credit cards.

    How do travel rewards work?

    Most travel rewards function on a points-based system. Basically, you earn a point (or a mile) for each dollar spent. Depending on what credit card you have, you can also earn extra points on some purchases. You can then use those points or miles to rent a car, purchase flights, hotel stays, cruises, etc.

    Travel rewards programs can be general or loyalty (co-branded). With general travel rewards programs, you usually have a wider range of options and a simple rewards system. They’re flexible because you don’t have to commit to a particular airline or a hotel brand.

    If your card has a loyalty travel rewards program it means that you’ll earn your rewards by using it at the appropriate partner brands. So, you earn points at a specific airline or a hotel brand and that is where they are redeemable too.

    Of course, not all points have the same value, they vary based on the credit card you have. If it’s stated that the card earns you 3x points on travel, that means you get 3 points for each dollar spent. Particular airlines or hotels value the points differently.

    icon-info

    Usually, points can be converted into some kind of service. For example, Delta allows using miles in order to reduce the price of the flight you book, Hilton Honors program’s points are a convenient instrument for paying for your Hilton hotel room. It’s almost impossible to find out the real price of the points, as card issuers don’t indicate it anywhere. But according to market experts and reliable sources Delta values one point somewhere between 0.9 - 1.1 cents, and the Hilton Honors hotels’ program values one point as 0.4 - 0.6 cents. Some credit card issuers, like American Express, have a points calculator, which can be a handy tool to help you manage your travel rewards.

    There are several ways to redeem your travel rewards. You can transfer your points to your selected airline or hotel. This is usually the case with general-purpose travel rewards. Although they offer you flexibility, in most cases the rewards are not a 1:1 transfer. Instead, if you have 15,000 miles, they might become 10,000 miles once you convert them to a particular airline. While with co-branded, loyalty credit cards you can expect to get the full value of your miles. It’s also simpler to redeem your points or miles, you just need to go to the airline or hotel website, as your credit card is already connected to your loyalty account.

    Other redemption options include statement credit or using a travel shopping portal. If you wish to use statement credit just make your travel purchases and then apply your points to them. Some credit cards allow you to use your points by purchasing through their travel shopping portal.

    See our top picks for travel rewards credit cards.

    Which rewards type is better for you?

    First, you need to think about the structure of your spendings (you can even create a spending chart). If you are someone who enjoys fine dining or entertainment, you should look into credit cards that offer higher rates for these categories. If you have a big family so your grocery bills are high and you drive your kids to school every day, a credit card that offers a higher rewards rate for everyday purchases would give you the highest value. While a travel rewards credit card is a good choice for a travel addict.

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    If you don’t want to bother with keeping up with rotating categories or you don’t have a favorite one, there are plenty of flat-rate credit cards you can choose from.

    Finally, if you feel like you’ll benefit from different types of rewards cards – just get a bigger wallet to fit them all! Once you’re set on the type of rewards card that suits your needs best, you can start looking into the other features and benefits.

    How many credit card rewards points can you earn?

    Normally, there isn’t a limit on how many points you can earn with your credit card. However, some of them have a threshold limit for spending in a bonus category.

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    For example, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a 5% rewards rate on up to $1,500 total purchases in bonus categories each activated quarter. After you spend $1,500, a 1% cash back is applied. That means if you reach the threshold amount, every quarter you’ll earn $75 in cash back, which totals $300 a year. And that’s without the rewards you’ll earn with the 1% rate.

    How to compare rewards credit cards?

    The process of choosing the right card is very individual. As it was said before, the starting point is to examine your spending habits. Once you’ve narrowed your choice to a specific rewards category, it’s time to make a comparison of those credit cards based on their other perks. Here’s a guideline on things to take into account when comparing several credit cards:

    • Annual fee – This is the cost that cardholders pay to keep their account open. Some credit cards with rewards have no annual fee, some might have a ridiculously high one. So, if a credit card has no annual fee you don’t have to worry whether you’ll earn enough rewards to justify it. If you have to pay an annual fee for a particular credit card, carefully analyze how much you spend yearly and in which categories. Check our top picks for credit cards with no annual fee to know more about them.
    • Interest rates – You’ll find that many rewards cards have a promotional 0% APR period. However, after that, the interest rates can be quite high. This means if you’re not careful to pay off your balance on time, debt can quickly pile up and it will offset the rewards you’ve earned. In our blog you can learn how to calculate credit card interest.
    • Sign-up bonus – Certain credit cards offer a sign-up bonus. Although some might sound like a sweet deal, make sure you check whether you can achieve the requirement for it, before you commit.
    • Card benefits – You’ll encounter standard benefits, like no fraud liability, with almost all credit cards. While some of them have additional top perks, like a concierge service, travel insurance, or extended warranties. Some credit-building credit cards offer incentives for good spending habits. Look into their specific benefits and that’ll help you decide which one will be the most valuable for you.

    What are the pros and cons of rewards credit cards?

    Rewards cards sound like a great deal, but that doesn’t mean they’re a good fit for everyone. Let’s go through their pros and cons and see why.

    Pros

    • Rewards – pretty obvious, whether they come in cash back or points, rewards are the greatest benefit these cards offer. You go on with your regular daily spending, as usual, only now it earns you extra rewards that could be potentially worth hundreds of dollars.
    • Bonus categories – you can easily find a credit card tailored for your specific needs.
    • Additional perks – we’ve already mentioned some in the previous section. A variety of them are offered by different credit cards and they can make your shopping experience much more enjoyable.
    • Introductory bonuses – no one would mind getting some extra cash with their new credit card. Still, remember to check the requirements, you don’t get it just by getting the card.
    • Better lifestyle – with smart use and carefully following the most lucrative deals your card offers, you can get things that you cannot normally afford.

    Cons

    • Time-consuming – not everyone has that much time on their hand to research all the credit cards and always be on top with all the deals. To get the most out of a rewards credit card, you need to invest a considerable amount of time into it.
    • Higher-than-average APRs – Watch out because rewards cards have a higher APR than other types of credit cards. It’s not a good idea to carry a balance on your rewards credit card.
    • Higher credit score needed – rewards credit cards usually require a high credit score. Not that there aren’t some credit-building rewards cards targeted at those with poor credit. It’s just that they rarely pay off since they come with lower credit limits and higher annual fees.

    Are rewards credit cards worth it?

    Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. When answering it, several factors like spending practices and annual fees, need to be taken into consideration. If you think you’ll likely carry a balance, it’s better to go for a low-interest, no-rewards credit card. Also, after getting it you need to continue to spend as you were before the rewards credit card. Be cautious not to overspend, and remember – it is still money gone.

    Now, what about rewards cards with annual fees? Credit cards with the best rewards and benefits are also those with the highest annual fees. To answer this right away: they are worth it if the value of your rewards earnings plus any extra benefits is higher than the annual fee.

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    We’ll do an example to give you the idea behind this. Let’s take the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card which has a $550$ annual fee. This probably seems like a lot, but don’t jump to any conclusions until you carefully go through our calculations.

    First, you automatically get a $300 annual travel credit on account opening anniversary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics if you’re part of an average U.S. household you spend around $3,000 a year on dining out. With this card, you earn 3x points on dining out, which means you can earn 9,000 points. An average domestic trip of 4 days costs around $581 per person. If you are a family of four that takes such a trip once a year, you’ll earn 6,072 points. Note that you’ll earn 3X on travel after earning the $300 travel credit (581 x 4 = 2324, (2324 – 300) x 3 = 6072).

    This makes in total 15,072 points earned with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card in the travel and dining categories. Your points are worth 1:1 if you redeem them for statement credit, but they’re worth 50% more if you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards. That amounts to 1.5 cents per point, which means your points will be worth $226 you can use towards travel. Together with the travel credit, it sums to $526 a year, which is very close to the $550 annual fee.

    Take note that we didn’t take into account the rewards earned on other purchases, nor the 50,000 bonus points you get if you spend $4,000 in the first three months upon account opening. That’s $750 in travel rewards through Chase Ultimate. Also, many other premium perks go with this card. It’s a top card that only high-spending families or individuals who travel frequently will consider. They will easily offset the annual fee and will even gain much value from the card.

    How to make the most of the rewards credit card?

    There are several ways to maximize the rewards from your credit card. If you have a credit card with bonus categories, make certain you are taking advantage of them by following the rotating quarters or reaching the maximum limit. The sign-up bonuses usually have a deadline which is a few months after the account opening, so meet the threshold amount needed to get it.

    Do not carry your balance on this card if it has a high APR. Use this one for your rewards and find another one with a lower interest for your debt. Unless your card offers an introductory 0% APR period, in which case it’s okay.

    We’ll give you a list of a few more tips with examples on how to make the most out of your rewards credit card:

    1. Keep up with the offers by your credit card’s partners.
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    Capital One Bank’s credit cards have usually valued miles as a 1 cent for 1 mile. However, they have introduced a transferable points program. This means you can transfer your miles directly to their partners, which all value the miles differently. One of their most notable partners is the Emirates, where 1 mile is worth 2 cents. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has an offer of 60,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases during the first 3 months upon account opening. That will earn you a $1,200 ticket if you redeem through the Emirates Skywards. Also, they occasionally have great transfer bonuses.

    1. Make your purchases on an online shopping portal.
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    Online shopping portals enable you to earn miles, points, and other rewards when you make a purchase through them. A great example here is the AmEx Offers, available for American Express cardholders. It’s an excellent program that lets users receive statement credits or bonus rewards points for purchases at selected retailers. There is a wide range of industries, including shopping, travel, restaurants, and others. The list and the offers are changing all the time, but if you keep up with them you could potentially earn hundreds of dollars in rewards.

    Also, Chase has the Ultimate Rewards travel portal which earns extra points on purchases made through it.

    1. Use your rewards credit card(s) smart and anytime you can.
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    Not only you should use your card for every eligible purchase, but you should also be strategic about it. For example, assume you have two rewards credit cards, the Citi Double Cash Card and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express®. The first one effectively earns you a flat 2% cash back rate on all purchases. While the second one earns you a high rewards rate of 6% on grocery and streaming services purchases, 3% on transit and gas, but 1% on everything else. So, you’ll maximize your rewards by using the Blue Cash Preferred® for grocery, streaming services, transit, and gas purchases, and the Citi Double Cash Card for all purchases that are outside those categories.

    1. Carefully go through all the benefits your card offers to not miss out on anything.
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    For example, many cards, including Capital One Venture Rewards, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, and Citi Double Cash Card, have concierge services. Concierge service is a very convenient credit card perk that allows you to get products, services or information, by contacting the representatives. Some things they can do for you include ticket purchases, hotel and restaurant reservations, help with travel planning, and others.

    What credit score do you need to get a rewards credit card?

    This varies from card to card, as each has its distinct requirements. Commonly a good credit score of at least 670 is required. However, those with a credit score above 740 will probably get the best deals. For top cards like the Chase Sapphire, an excellent credit score of above 720 is usually recommended.

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    Yet, there are some, like the Milestone® Mastercard® that offer a 2% cash back and target people with bad credit. Some cards targeting students or young adults, like the Discover it® Student chrome, won’t require a FICO score for approval.

    We’d advise you to check out your credit score before applying and don’t apply for a credit card that is out of your reach. Getting denied won’t hurt your credit, but your application might result in a hard inquiry and that’s what will take away a few credit points.

    FAQ

    What are other credit cards to consider?

    Other rewards credit cards we’d recommend you consider are the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card (great rewards rate on restaurants and grocery purchases for no annual fee), the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card (easily obtainable sign-up bonus) and the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card (great sign-up bonus).

    Who should apply for a rewards card?

    If you have a good credit score, meet all your payments when they are due and you’re okay with the terms and conditions of the card, we’d say – go for it! Rewards credit cards are a great way to earn extra cash with, basically, doing nothing. We’re not saying that those with lower credit scores shouldn’t apply, but they should definitely be more careful. They’ll need to take their time to decide which card would be worth it, considering their financial situation. If they decide to apply for a credit card, they should apply for those designed for people with bad credit, like the Discover it® Secured.

    Do rewards credit cards build credit?

    If you make all your payments on time and keep your balance low, rewards cards can help you improve your credit score.

    Will applying for a rewards credit card affect my credit score?

    It might have only a little effect on your credit score. Unless you apply for many credit cards, in which case many inquiries may be interpreted as financial struggles.
    Hanna VolkavaHanna Volkava

    Financial and product expert

    hv@myfin.us