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Best Rewards Credit Cards Of January 2025

Updated: Dec 24, 2024, 5:31am
Written By
Credit Card Rewards Expert
Edited By
Deputy Credit Cards Editor
Expert Reviewed
Credit Cards And Loyalty Programs Expert
& 2 others
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

From points to miles to cash back, there’s no lack of variety when it comes to rewards credit cards. Yet different earning rates, ambiguous redemption values and potentially complicated details can make it harder to gauge their total value. We’ve cut through the clutter by breaking down the key features of the best rewards credit cards available today.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

  • 31 Spending Categories Considered
  • 29 Loyalty Programs Covered
  • 210 Credit Cards Rated
  • 53 Years of Industry Experience

Read more
Show Summary

Best Rewards Credit Cards

Find The Best Credit Card

Best Flexible Rewards Credit Cards

Best Rewards Card for Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Though Chase offers a few cards that earn transferable points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card balances phenomenal redemptions with a reasonable annual fee, making it my personal choice to maximize credit card rewards.

Why We Like It

This card is equally good for travelers who want to transfer points to travel partners and those who want to book (with a bonus) through Chase Travel℠ to avoid blackout dates and other restrictions. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card lets you access the lucrative Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. Cardholders reap 25% more value from their points when using them to book travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. They also receive an additional 10% points bonus on each cardholder anniversary based on their previous year’s spending.

The card also features trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, primary auto rental coverage, trip delay insurance, purchase protection and extended warranties.

What We Don’t Like

Many purchases only earn one point per dollar spent, lowering the card’s value as an everyday spend card.

Who It’s Best For

This credit card is best suited for casual and frequent travelers who don’t want to deal with a steep annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

Pros & Cons
  • Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
  • Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
  • Many travel and shopping protections
  • Annual fee
  • No intro APR offer
  • Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Rewards Card for Everyday Spending

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Citi's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 3 points per dollar atRead More

Welcome Bonus

75,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent, Good

Our Expert Take

If you’re looking for a credit card that can help you earn valuable transferable points toward your future travels and that comes with travel and purchase protections, the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card deserves a look.

Why We Like It

The card has a moderately low annual fee and earns solid rewards in a wide variety of categories.

Additionally, cardholders receive $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) every year when booking through CitiTravel.com. You can take this card on the road knowing you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees, as well as enjoy the protections it comes with, like trip delay protection, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost or damaged luggage and car rental insurance.

What We Don’t Like

The $100 hotel credit requires a booking of over $500, not inclusive of taxes and fees, which may be hard to take advantage of if you’re on a budget when traveling. Plus, the highest earning rates are only possible when booking through CitiTravel.com.

Who It’s Best For

This card is a solid choice for those looking for a general travel card that grants you the flexibility of transferable rewards and includes travel protections. The card’s bonus category covers worldwide transactions with no foreign transaction fees. If you are a frequent international traveler or live overseas and don’t want to carry many cards, this is the one to have.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

Paying to fill up at the pump is never fun, but at least you’ll earn something back for it with the Citi Strata Premier. It’s one of the few cards around that earns significant bonus points on both gas stations and supermarkets, 365 days a year. And it’s also the only card on the market that can access Citi’s full roster of valuable airline and hotel transfer partners.

Pros & Cons
  • High rewards rates for many popular categories
  • Ability to transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Some built-in travel protections
  • The $100 hotel benefit is difficult to redeem
  • The highest earning rates are on Citi Travel bookings
  • $95 annual fee
Card Details
  • For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
  • Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Capital One's Website

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10Read More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

Not only are Capital One Rewards valuable, but the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card comes with a slew of upmarket travel benefits that make it worthy of its high-end reputation and a standout among other rewards credit cards in my wallet.

Why We Like It

The Venture X earns 2 points per dollar on every purchase with no foreign transaction fee (rates & fees), a hard-to-beat earning rate for general purchases internationally. Venture X benefits include a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel and a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus worth $100 in travel. These credits can be used on airfare, hotels or car rentals, but only through the site.

Additionally, the card offers access to partner lounges within the Priority Pass and Plaza Premium networks as well as to its growing list of Capital One Lounges. The Venture X also comes with a credit to cover the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® application fee.

Unlike other premium travel cards, the Venture X offers authorized user cards for no additional charge. It also provides several additional travel and consumer benefits, including return protection, extended warranty, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, cellphone protection and a primary auto rental collision damage waiver.

What We Don’t Like

The rewards you earn with this card are not worth much if you want to redeem them as cash back.

Who It’s Best For

The Venture X is great for travelers who want a flexible rewards points program that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners with premium perks and an easy-to-offset annual fee (rates & fees).

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • Annual fee lower than others in its category
  • Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
  • Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
  • Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
  • Capital One lounge network is in its infancy
  • Lack of hotel status benefits
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Flexible Rewards Credit Card for Travel Protections

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 10x Reward Rate

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$550

Regular APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent (750 - 850)

Our Expert Take

I love that the list of included travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® puts it head-to-head with individually-paid policies without the separate cost. Even better, its elevated point redemption rate on travel booked through Chase Travel℠ makes it easy to maximize your points.

Why We Like It

The Reserve’s annual travel credit is one of the easiest to use, since it’s automatically applied to qualifying purchases. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® remains one of the top travel credit cards on the market today due to its generous rewards and benefits structure and the ability to gain 50% more value when redeeming points through Chase Travel℠. The rewards you earn with the Sapphire Reserve may be transferred 1:1 to many popular airline and hotel partners, potentially providing even more value. You can also redeem rewards for gift cards, cash back or merchandise.

The Sapphire Reserve includes extensive airport lounge access, an annual travel credit worth up to $300, a credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck® application fees and a suite of important travel protections, including baggage delay coverage, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel accident insurance and auto rental coverage.

What We Don’t Like

To earn the highest rate of rewards on travel, you need to book your trip through Chase Travel℠, which sometimes prices airline tickets or hotel stays somewhat higher than if booked directly.

Who It’s Best For

Frequent travelers who want to maximize their reward value on travel redemptions would do well to reserve a slot in their wallet for this credit card.

Expert Commentary
Lori Zaino
Lori Zaino
Credit Cards Writer
A credit card enthusiast and avid traveler, Lori has visited more than 60 countries, many of them using credit card points and frequent flyer miles. She has lived in Spain as a freelance writer and editor for around two decades, figuring out the best tips and tricks for using points and miles to live and travel abroad, and writing about it to share her knowledge every step of the way.
Credit Cards Writer

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the most valuable flexible rewards credit cards thanks to its lucrative bonus categories and easy-to-use travel credit. Cardholders can offset the annual fee and get great value when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card, thanks to partnerships with numerous airlines and hotels and its convenient travel booking portal, Chase Travel℠.

Pros & Cons
  • $300 annual travel credit is incredibly flexible
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel℠
  • Points transfer to valuable airline and hotel partners
  • High annual fee
  • Additional fee for each authorized user
  • Excellent credit recommended
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Premium Travel Rewards Card for Lounge Access

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

5X Reward Rate

Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directlyRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 80,000 points

Annual Fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Travelers get access to a long list of credits and benefits with The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply, see rates & fees), including airport lounge access that goes above and beyond just Priority Pass options. Its elevated earnings on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel allow frequent flyers to maximize their points.

Why We Like It

There’s a travel credit or benefit for nearly any scenario. With its unmatched range of benefits and perks, The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a multitude of opportunities for cardholders to make its hefty annual fee worthwhile.

Other benefits of the Amex Platinum card include access to airport lounges worldwide, complimentary elite status with various hotel and car rental loyalty programs and a generous rewards program that offers points for every dollar spent.

Cardholders also get cellphone protection¹ and a ton of opportunities to earn statement credits. However, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The Amex Platinum card has a high annual fee, which may not be worth it for those who don’t travel frequently or take advantage of the card’s perks. Additionally, the card is not widely accepted outside of major cities and tourist destinations.

What We Don’t Like

Many of the statement credit offers have a lot of fine print that can make it inconvenient to earn your credits. The card earns only 1 point per dollar other than airfare or prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.

Who It’s Best For

The Platinum card tends to serve frequent travelers who want luxe travel and lifestyle perks well, as long as they can stomach the high annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Writer
Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.
Credit Cards Writer

Being an Amex Platinum cardholder grants access to the International Airline Program, which can save you money on select first and business class seats on more than 20 airlines as well as premium economy tickets for you and up to seven traveling companions. Start your search on the Amex Travel website to find international flights departing or arriving in the U.S. on any of those premium cabins.

Pros & Cons
  • High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
  • Multiple credits can help justify the fee
  • Comprehensive airport lounge access
  • Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
  • Very high annual fee
  • Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be impractical for many
  • Reward rate outside of travel is subpar for a premium card
Card Details
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Rewards Card for Dining and Groceries

American Express® Gold Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X; EarnRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 points

Annual Fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

If you’re looking to maximize card rewards when grocery shopping, eating out or ordering in, you can’t beat the American Express® Gold Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees). It also offers multiple dining and delivery statement credits.

Why We Like It

You’ll earn rewards quickly, thanks to a 4X multiplier on eligible purchases. In addition to great rewards, the card offers a statement credit of up to $10 per month when you use your card for purchases at partners including Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory and Five Guys and a separate $7 monthly credit to U.S. Dunkin’ purchases. You’ll also automatically get $10 per month in Uber Cash when you add your card to your Uber account, which you can redeem for food delivery with Uber Eats or rides with Uber in the U.S. when you select an Amex card as the payment method. Uber Cash expires at the end of the month and won’t carry over. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Those perks alone are enough to cover the majority of the card’s annual fee. Just keep in mind that using food delivery apps like Grubhub and UberEats comes with extra costs, including delivery and service fees and higher menu prices, which could offset some of the value you’re getting. There’s one more credit, too: You can earn up to $100 in statement credits ($50 semiannually) when dining at participating Resy restaurants and paying with your Gold card (enrollment required).

What We Don’t Like

The annual fee on this card isn’t insignificant. And while you’ll earn extra points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel and get access to Amex’s long list of travel list of transfer partners, it fails to offer any premium travel perks.

Who It’s Best For

Foodies and families who spend a lot on dining and groceries will see a lot of value and appreciate the benefits of this card.

Expert Commentary
Barbara King
Barbara King
Credit Cards Writer
Always dreaming about the next destination, credit cards specialist Barbara King is an avid traveler who optimizes her adventures through the use of points and miles. Barbara has earned and redeemed millions of credit cards points which has enabled her to explore over 50 countries on six continents, enjoying both budget and luxury travel.
Credit Cards Writer

This card makes it easy to earn Membership Rewards points while doing regular grocery shopping since the card earns bonus points at supermarkets. And for the nights that cardholders don’t want to cook, they can make use of the monthly dining and Uber credits (which can be used on Uber Eats orders).

Pros & Cons
  • High rewards earnings possibilities
  • Points transfer option to many partners
  • Add up to five authorized users for no additional annual fee
  • Can choose from regular or rose gold versions
  • Most credits are doled out monthly and can be cumbersome to redeem
  • Limited options to carry a balance
  • High APR for pay over time feature*
Card Details
  • Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Cash-Back Rewards Credit Cards

Best No Annual Fee Cash-Back Rewards Credit Card

Chase Freedom Flex®

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased throughRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200 bonus

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Chase Freedom Flex® includes elevated cash back on three categories year-round plus 5% rotating bonus categories each quarter, which makes it a winning rewards credit card for everyday use by my standards.

Why We Like It

The earning rates on the Freedom Flex are generous for a no annual fee credit card. The Chase Freedom Flex® offers purchase and extended warranty protections, plus travel benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and secondary auto rental collision damage coverage. When you pay your phone bill with the Freedom Flex card, you’ll also receive cellphone protection limited to two claims of up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year. A $50 deductible applies.

One of the central reasons this card remains so powerful is the ability to transfer the points earned on your Freedom Flex to another premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card to redeem them for more value through Chase Travel℠.

What We Don’t Like

Quarterly bonus categories require card members to activate the promotion and watch for spending limits.

Who It’s Best For

This credit card is great for people who want to maximize rewards in a variety of everyday spending categories throughout the year.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

Kudos to Chase for always keeping the rotating categories relevant on the Freedom Flex. From Amazon to PayPal and Starbucks to Walmart, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least one quarter every year (or even several) where the 5 bonus points roll in with almost no effort. Just don’t forget to activate the categories every quarter.

Pros & Cons
  • No annual fee
  • Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
  • Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
  • Generous rewards rate in several other categories
  • Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
  • Quarterly rewards access requires activation every quarter
Card Details
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Rewards Card for Bank of America Customers

Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card

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On Bank of America's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website

Up to 2X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 you spend on travel and dining purchases. Earn 1.5 points for every $1Read More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers solid rewards for travel purchases, and if you’re an eligible Bank of America or Merrill customer, the rewards earned can be multiplied tremendously.

Why We Like It

This card comes with up to $200 in statement credits; $100 for airline incidental purchases like seat upgrades, baggage fees, in-flight services and even airline lounge fees, and a credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fees every four years.

The earning scheme is simple and the card comes with travel protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays, lost luggage, and purchase protections like return protection and purchase security.

What We Don’t Like

Bank of America doesn’t have any travel transfer partners which limits the redemption flexibility of this card compared to other premium travel cards.

Who It’s Best For

Since this card is effectively a points-to-cash card, and there are no transfer partners, you’ll want to look for a rebate on the cash price of your travel. Having a Bank of America relationship will also help maximize your rewards earning.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

The best travel credit cards make it easy to earn back the annual fee every year, and the Premium Rewards credit card is one of those. It’s also a rewards powerhouse for Bank of America Preferred Rewards customers.

Pros & Cons
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry fee credit
  • Visa Signature concierge benefit
  • Flexible reward redemption options
  • High penalty APR
  • High balance transfer fee
  • High standard APR and cash advance APR
  • No airport lounge perks
Card Details
  • Low $95 annual fee.
  • Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases. No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87 – 2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
  • Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
  • Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
  • Travel Insurance protections to assist with trip delays, cancellations and interruptions, baggage delays and lost luggage.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Cash Back Rewards Credit Card for Frequent Amazon Shoppers

Prime Visa

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On Amazon's Website
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Amazon's Website

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible PrimeRead More

Welcome Bonus

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The benefits and top credit card rewards on the Prime Visa make it a must-have for Prime members who shop at Amazon as much as I do.

Why We Like It

If you prefer, you can choose to receive 0% financing on qualifying Amazon.com purchases instead of earning rewards. For Amazon purchases of $50 or more over time, you can opt for a payment plan with a 0% promotional APR for six months, or 12 months for purchases of $250 or more, 19.74% – 28.49% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers thereafter. Just keep in mind that you can’t get promotional financing and cash-back rewards for the same purchase. Despite being a cash-back card, the Prime Visa offers great value for travelers, including no foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and auto rental collision damage waiver.

What We Don’t Like

Your rewards rate on Amazon purchases will drop and you may be downgraded to a different card if you ever cancel your Prime membership.

Who It’s Best For

The Prime Visa caters all its benefits to Amazon Prime members, who can enjoy flexible benefits when it comes to earning rewards or repaying their Amazon purchases.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

The card is a no-brainer for Amazon Prime members. You’ll be hard-pressed to find another card that offers such a great rewards rate on so many different types of purchases.

Pros & Cons
  • 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
  • No spending required for the welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel and shopping protections
  • Prime Big Deal Day benefits
  • Requires an Amazon Prime membership
  • No introductory APR
  • Low cash back for purchases outside of bonus categories
Card Details
  • Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best No Annual Fee Card for Earning Elevated Rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 6.5X Reward Rate

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on up to $20,000 spent in the first year, after that 5% cash backRead More

Welcome Bonus

Up to $300 cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

19.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

As a flat-rate earning credit card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® gives you a chance to earn points that, when combined with the rewards earned on other Chase credit cards, can help get outsized value.

Why We Like It

At a minimum, this card will help you earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on eligible dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases, plus an additional 1.5% cash back on the first $20,000 in purchases the first year. There is no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn.

There is no annual fee, and the card has a welcome bonus to make this an even better proposition.

Although not specifically billed as a travel card, it still comes with a few travel-related protections like trip cancellation and interruption insurance, travel and emergency assistance services and auto rental collision damage waiver.

What We Don’t Like

The only true way to maximize rewards earned through this card is by having a companion card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®. Plus, it charges foreign transaction fees, so feel free to leave it behind the next time you reach for your passport.

Who It’s Best For

This card is best for anyone looking for a card that earns a moderate cash back amount, especially on dining, or even better, for anyone who wants to maximize their Ultimate Rewards® earnings and redemptions by having this card as a companion to premium Ultimate Rewards earning cards.

Expert Commentary
Jenn Underwood
Jenn Underwood
Personal Finance Writer
Credit cards and banking specialist Jenn Underwood brings over 16 years of personal finance experience to the table. After a decade of teaching courses in banking, debt reduction, budgeting and credit improvement, she moved into writing content and fintech product development. Over the last four years, Jenn has contributed to Forbes Advisor and a variety of fintech companies. She has served as a UX consultant, moderated discussions on open banking and been a guest on a number of personal finance podcasts.
Personal Finance Writer

While a number of cards from other issuers offer 5% or more on hotel and rental car bookings made through their travel portals, I appreciate that the Freedom Unlimited earns 5% cash back on all reservations made through Chase Travel℠, including flights.

Pros & Cons
  • Generous welcome offer for a no annual fee card
  • Unlimited 1.5% minimum earn rate for cash-back rewards
  • No minimum redemption amount
  • Introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
  • There’s a foreign transaction fee
  • Ongoing balance transfer fee is high
  • Other cards offer 2% or more as an ongoing rewards rate
Card Details
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% – 28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Rewards Card for Customizable Categories

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

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On Bank of America's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Bank of America's Website

Choose your 3% category

Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up toRead More

Welcome Bonus

$200

Annual Fee

$0

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

With no annual fee and the chance to earn more than 5% cash back with qualifying spend and qualifying accounts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding card for such a low annual fee.

Why We Like It

The 2% and 3% cash-back earning categories are capped at a combined $2,500 each quarter, and those categories earn 1% after hitting that mark.

The rewards you earn can be redeemed as statement credit, deposits into your Bank of America savings or checking accounts, credit to an eligible Merrill account, contributions to a 529 account with Merrill or as a check.

Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can obtain more value from this card as it can help them boost their earnings anywhere from 25% to 75% more cash back.

The card charges no annual fee and offers a cash-back welcome offer to get you started.

What We Don’t Like

Since you have to choose the category each quarter, it does require some planning to get the most value.

Who It’s Best For

If your spending changes throughout the year, and you don’t mind choosing a category every three months, this card can give you a solid 3% back on multiple purchases each quarter.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

It’s all about choice with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Not only do you get to choose your top bonus category, but you can change it every month if you want. You’ll find the most value in this card if you’re also a member of Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program by receiving a 25%-75% earning bonus on everything you buy.

Pros & Cons
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients earn 25% to 75% more cash back
  • Option to change 3% bonus category monthly
  • Bonus earnings at wholesale clubs
  • Bonus rewards have quarterly caps
  • High balance transfer fee
  • Foreign transaction fee
Card Details
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% – 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Airline Rewards Credit Cards

Best Airline Rewards Credit Card

Aeroplan® Credit Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3x Reward Rate

Earn 3x points for each dollar spent on grocery stores, dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services, andRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn up to 100,000 points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Even if you don’t fly Air Canada often, the Aeroplan rewards program is top-notch. The Aeroplan® Credit Card earns miles at superb rates, and I’m impressed that it offers preferred award pricing to cardholders.

Why We Like It

In addition to earning strong rewards, the Aeroplan card offers tons of benefits while flying—including a free first checked bag benefit and access to reduced prices when redeeming points, so you can fly even further. New cardholders receive automatic 25K Status for the remainder of the calendar year plus the following year. It also offers a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit and a comprehensive set of travel insurance, auto rental coverage and purchase protections.

The Aeroplan® Credit Card offers stellar earnings in several everyday spending categories and the ability to use its points for its own Air Canada flights or flights with Star Alliance carriers and other airline partners. The card has an interesting benefit: cardholders will earn an extra 10% bonus after transferring 50,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards® or more in a single transaction to Aeroplan, with a maximum of 25,000 bonus points per calendar year.

What We Don’t Like

Aeroplan miles might not be an immediate choice for U.S.-based flyers.

Who It’s Best For

The Aeroplan card works best for travelers who want to earn rewards with Air Canada and take advantage of the airline program to redeem miles for award flights on Air Canada or its partner airlines for travel around the globe. And it’s worth noting that Air Canada has one of the best partner networks among all airlines on earth.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

Chase and Aeroplan’s co-branded credit card will serve as an excellent companion for Air Canada and Star Alliance frequent flyers, as you earn valuable Aeroplan points on a set of airline partners like United and Lufthansa. Maximize your Aeroplan points and redeem for future flights and hotel stays through an extensive partner network. Enjoy additional points-earning opportunities in key everyday purchase categories.

Pros & Cons
  • Excellent rewards earning
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Travel benefits including perks for Air Canada flyers
  • $95 annual fee
  • Domestic flyers may find the redemption options limiting
Card Details
  • Earn up to 100,000 bonus points
  • Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
  • $95 Annual Fee
  • Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan® Credit Card.
  • Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month – up to 1,500 points per month.
  • Member FDIC
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Rewards Credit Card for British Airways Perks

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Welcome Bonus

Earn 75,000 Avios

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

I don’t fly to or through London enough to need this card, but the British Airways Visa Signature® Card bundles great benefits for British Airways flyers, including discounts on paid flights, statement credits toward taxes and fees on eligible rewards flights and the opportunity to earn a Travel Together ticket. These perks help offset the annual fee and, in turn, get the maximum value out of the card’s rewards.

Why We Like It

British Airways is known for offering a lot of award seat availability, meaning it’s easier to find a redemption and the card perks offset some of the notoriously high fees. The British Airways card offers cardholders the ability to earn a Travel Together Ticket every calendar year after making $30,000 in purchases on the card. This ticket is valid for two years when you redeem Avios on British Airways for a companion traveling on the same flight. You can also use it for a 50% discount on the mileage charge when traveling solo.

Cardholders also can get 10% off British Airways flights starting in the U.S. when booking through a dedicated website and up to $600 in Reward Flight statement credits when you book a reward flight to London on British Airways and pay taxes, fees and carrier charges with the card. British Airways offers a distance-based award chart, so counterintuitively, the British Airways Visa Signature® Card is going to offer the most outsized value for people who often take shorter flights on British Airways partner airlines, like American Airlines.

What We Don’t Like

For an airline card that charges an annual fee, this one is notably absent of benefits while flying like free checked bags or in-flight food and beverage discounts.

Who It’s Best For

Travelers who want to earn award flights with British Airways and partner airlines should seriously consider the British Airways card, as it can help them earn valuable rewards while enjoying some perks with the airline.

Expert Commentary
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Ben Nickel-D'Andrea
Credit Cards Writer
Ben is a credit cards and luxury travel writer, an immigrant with three citizenships and a husband. He speaks English, Spanish and Italian, has a background in linguistics and languages, and travels the world for the love of it. You'll find him flying up front in first or business class all over the world and enjoying food from fine dining to street fare. Ben unpacks the complex network of loyalty programs across the credit card and travel industries with his simple and easy-to-understand, yet relatable, explanations. A nature enthusiast at heart, he lives in Seattle with his husband Jon and their beagle.
Credit Cards Writer

Those who spend enough to earn the Travel Together Ticket can get 50% off the price of their award ticket when traveling solo or get a second seat on the same flight and cabin for a companion at no additional cost beyond taxes and fees. Travel Together Tickets are now valid on British Airways, Iberia and Aer Lingus flights and any of their subsidiaries on itineraries from anywhere in the world and on both one-way or round-trip flights.

Pros & Cons
  • Generous rewards on eligible flights
  • Potential to earn a companion ticket
  • Lucrative welcome bonus
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Rewards rate poor outside of Avios-earning airlines
  • Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule
  • No checked baggage or lounge perks
Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
  • Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and LEVEL.
  • Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel.
  • 10% off British Airways flights starting in the US when you book through the website provided in your welcome materials.
  • Every calendar year you make $30,000 in purchases on your British Airways Visa card, you’ll earn a Travel Together Ticket good for two years.
  • Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
  • Simply tap to pay with your contactless British Airways Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!
  • Member FDIC
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Midtier U.S. Airline Rewards Credit Card

United Quest℠ Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 3X Reward Rate

3 miles on United® purchases. 2 miles on dining, select streaming services & all other travel. 1 mile on allRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 70,000 bonus miles

Annual Fee

$250

Regular APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Despite the above-average annual fee, the United Quest℠ Card stands out for anniversary flight credits, statement credits toward United purchases and perks while flying that make travel a breeze. If you fly United multiple times a year, maximizing your miles with this card is an easy feat.

Why We Like It

The benefits while flying go beyond the checked bags you’re expecting: The card also offers potential upgrades on award flights. Yes, you’ll pay more in annual fees than the average airline card, but United flyers can justify the cost easily. Each year, cardholders can earn an up to $125 United purchase credit and two 5,000-mile anniversary award flight credits. Here’s the catch: these extras don’t come automatically. You’ll need to make United purchases and redeem awards to qualify—though that should be easy enough if you fly United regularly. While you’re flying, enjoy free checked bags, priority boarding and other perks.

What We Don’t Like

Since the anniversary mile bonus requires you to make a booking with and fly eligible award flights with the airline, not all cardholders will maximize this benefit every year.

Who It’s Best For

The card offers travelers who want to earn award flights with United Airlines an excellent way to do so, provided they’re willing to pay the annual fee.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

Don’t let the card’s annual fee scare you off. Even if you’re not a United frequent flyer, the perks can make this card worth your while, and the rewards rates are better compared to most airline cards.

Pros & Cons
  • Up to $125 annual United purchase credit
  • Earn up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually
  • Two free checked bags for cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points per calendar year
  • Primary auto collision damage waiver for eligible rentals
  • Checked baggage benefit only applies to one companion
  • Earnings for general purchases are only 1 mile per dollar
Card Details
  • Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
  • 3x miles on United® purchases
  • 2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services
  • 1x mile on all other purchases
  • Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
  • Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and priority boarding
  • Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
  • Member FDIC
Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Hotel Rewards Credit Cards

Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning IHG Points

IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 26X Reward Rate

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts; 5 points perRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points

Annual Fee

$99

Regular APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Anyone who stays at IHG hotels regularly would do well with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which offers an anniversary free night, “fourth night free” perks and oodles of points-earning opportunities. I love this card more for its benefits than the points, though.

Why We Like It

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a solid option for those who stay at IHG properties regularly. It offers outsized rewards on IHG-brand hotel stays, a free and easy-to-use annual anniversary night, automatic Platinum Elite status and a fourth-night-free perk on award bookings. For a modest annual fee, the card is well worth it.

It also offers the ability to earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 each calendar year and includes travel and purchase protections like baggage delay insurance and purchase protection. The card also gives you $50 United Airlines Travel Bank Cash each calendar year ($25 every six months) after you register your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card with your MileagePlus® account.

What We Don’t Like

Other travel rewards cards offer better earning rates on travel outside of the IHG umbrella.

Who It’s Best For

This IHG card is best for travelers who want to earn free stays at IHG hotels and resorts with their credit card spend and, in exchange for a very modest annual fee, have access to a free night every year.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

The IHG One Rewards Premier blows all other mid-tier hotel credit cards out of the water with perks alone. You don’t even have to use the card regularly to offset its annual fee every year.

Pros & Cons
  • Earn up to 26 points per dollar spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5 points on travel, gas stations, and restaurants and 3 points on all other purchases
  • Free night award every account anniversary
  • Fourth night free on point redemption stays
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status
  • No worthwhile redemption options outside of IHG properties
  • Low overall point value
Card Details
  • Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
  • Enjoy an Anniversary Free Night at IHG Hotels & Resorts. Plus, enjoy a fourth reward night free when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
  • Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts
  • Earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier cardmember
  • Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 ($120 starting 10/1/24) every 4 years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card
  • IHG One Rewards Bonus points are redeemable at Hotels & Resorts such as InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Kimpton®, EVEN® Hotels, Indigo® Hotels & Holiday Inn®
  • Member FDIC
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning Hyatt Points

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

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On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Up to 9X Reward Rate

Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 bonus points per $1 on qualified purchasesRead More

Welcome Bonus

Up to 60,000 Bonus Points

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a free night certificate annually. This perk can easily offset the card’s annual fee, allowing you to fully maximize any Hyatt points you earn. Plus, cardholders get automatic first-tier elite status and can reach higher tiers through their spending.

Why We Like It

The Hyatt card provides one complimentary Category 1 to 4 hotel night each year after the cardmember anniversary. Plus, you have the ability to earn a second complimentary night after spending $15,000 on the card each calendar year. It also comes with automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist elite status, five elite qualifying night credits each year and the opportunity to earn two additional elite qualifying night credits for every $5,000 spent.

What We Don’t Like

Although Hyatt’s footprint is growing, it still has fewer worldwide destinations than many of the other top hotel brands, which could limit your award options.

Who It’s Best For

This card is best suited for Hyatt loyalists who want to earn free stays at Hyatt hotels and resorts and want a jumpstart toward earning status.

Expert Commentary
Barbara King
Barbara King
Credit Cards Writer
Always dreaming about the next destination, credit cards specialist Barbara King is an avid traveler who optimizes her adventures through the use of points and miles. Barbara has earned and redeemed millions of credit cards points which has enabled her to explore over 50 countries on six continents, enjoying both budget and luxury travel.
Credit Cards Writer

For many Hyatt loyalists, earning Globalist status each year is a priority and this card can help them get there faster by providing five elite night credits annually. Plus the complimentary yearly certificate for a category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel counts toward elite status too and can offset the card’s annual fee.

Pros & Cons
  • Annual free night certificate on card member anniversary
  • Complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status
  • High redemption values for points
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Limited number of properties
  • No worthwhile redemption options aside from Hyatt properties
  • No intro APR offer
Card Details
  • Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 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.
  • Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
  • Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
  • Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
  • Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
  • Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
  • Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
  • Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
  • Member FDIC
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 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.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning Wyndham Points

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card *

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6 points per $1 spent on eligible purchases made at participating By Wyndham hotels and at gas stations; EarnRead More

Welcome Bonus

45,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$75

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.99% variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good Credit (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

We picked the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card* for its top credit card rewards-earning rate on Wyndham stays and gasoline purchases, but the annual points bonus and room discounts don’t hurt either.

Why We Like It

Wyndham Rewards gives you lots of options for free stays, especially in North America where they also partner with Vacasa vacation rentals. Each year, you’ll receive 7,500 bonus points, which is enough for a free night at some of Wyndham’s more affordable properties. You’ll also get a 10% discount on your award stays, making it easier to earn free nights with your everyday spending.

Cardholders also enjoy complimentary Platinum elite status with the hotel rewards program, which comes with perks like early check-in, car rental upgrades with Avis and Budget and a status match with the Caesar Rewards program.

What We Don’t Like

Wyndham points expire even if there’s activity on your account, so you can’t hoard points (you shouldn’t anyway).

Who It’s Best For

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card* is a fine choice for Wyndham travelers who want to earn free stays at Wyndham hotels, motels and resorts and would like to enjoy their stays a bit more thanks to the automatic status the card confers.

Expert Commentary
Albert Hsieh
Albert Hsieh
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert
Albert Hsieh is founder and CEO of Foxtrot Dash Inc., a San Francisco-based travel rewards marketplace offering a smart wallet that recommends 30,000 ways to maximize the redemption of hard-earned credit card and travel rewards points. He has proudly redeemed over 30 million reward points, and he and the Foxtrot Dash team boast over three decades of points and miles experience.
 
Albert has had a lifelong passion for aviation largely sparked by his dad, who retired after 30 years with United Airlines at San Francisco and Oakland. Since childhood, Albert grew fascinated by premium air travel and flew “The Tulip” (the nickname for United's fondly remembered "U" logo) to destinations far and near, with Taiwan, Japan and Egypt ranked as his top favorites.
 
With an unwavering commitment to the global travel industry, Albert served for 20 years as a commercial and marketing leader at Fortune 500 travel companies including JetBlue, China Airlines, XOJET and Westfield Airports LAX. He later worked as a consultant for Jet Edge, leading a companywide rebrand before their VistaJet acquisition. In recent years, Albert launched his Instagram feed where he captures his global credit card points and airline miles adventures with impeccable photography of luxury airline cabins and beautiful hotels.
 
His work is regularly featured in social campaigns, and he has drawn mentions in The New York Times and Nob Hill Gazette. On the Money Seed podcast, he has been heard discussing the future of credit card reward points, global travel trends and loyalty programs. When he's not traveling, Albert enjoys life on the West Coast by seeking out new restaurants and world-class wineries, and by spending quality time with loved ones.
Credit Cards and Reward Points Expert

Wyndham loyalists will enjoy the array of perks and benefits offered by the Wyndham Earner Plus card. By providing complimentary PLATINUM loyalty status, this card is primed to ensure an enhanced experience at Wyndham’s 9,000+ properties.

Pros & Cons
  • Automatically receive Wyndham Rewards Platinum elite status
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Enjoy extra discounts on local attractions when booking “Go Free” awards
  • APR can be high, depending on your creditworthiness
  • Target and Walmart only earn 1 point per dollar spent
  • Only hotel redemptions offer good value
Card Details
  • Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
  • Earn 6 points per $1 spent on hotels by Wyndham and qualifying gas purchases
  • Earn 4 points per $1 spent on dining and groceries (excluding Target and Walmart)
  • Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Receive Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM membership, which includes early check-in, car rental upgrades and more
  • Receive 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year
Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning Marriott Points

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card *

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
4.4
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.

Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6 points for every $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3 points for every $1 spent each year (upRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 3 Free Night Awards

Annual Fee

$95

Regular APR

20.74% – 27.74% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

Compared to other Marriott cards, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card* is my favorite because it comes with a free night award every card year anniversary on top of allowing you to maximize your credit card rewards on Marriott charges.

Why We Like It

The annual fee is a steal, considering it includes a free night award. Each year, you’ll get a free night that’s good for a redemption level of up to 35,000 points. You can also receive a complimentary one-year membership to DoorDash DashPass when activated by December 31, 2027.

The card only offers complimentary Silver Elite status, the hotel program’s lowest elite status tier. Benefits include late checkout, earning 10% more points on Marriott purchases as well as complimentary Wi-Fi. However, if you spend $35,000 in a calendar year, you can get an upgrade to Gold elite status which offers more value.

What We Don’t Like

Spending outside of the card’s bonus categories earns 2 Bonvoy points per dollar spent, which isn’t worth as much as you’d get from a 2% cash-back card.

Who It’s Best For

The card comes in handy for those Bonvoy members who want to earn free stays at Marriott hotels and resorts thanks to the points they’ll accrue with every purchase and the free night award opportunities.

Expert Commentary
Ben Luthi
Ben Luthi
Credit Cards Writer
Ben Luthi is a freelance personal finance and travel writer. He started earning credit card rewards in 2013 and leveraged his passion into a writing career. He's contributed to dozens of other publications and companies in the financial and travel spaces.
Credit Cards Writer

The card’s free award night perk alone makes the card worth a spot in any traveler’s wallet. The option to combine the certificate with up to 15,000 points to get more flexibility for your annual stay is a nice touch.

Pros & Cons
  • Free night certificate every year (valued at 35,000 points)
  • 15 Elite Night Credits per year
  • Automatic Silver Elite status
  • $6,000 combined bonus cap on gas, groceries and dining
  • $95 annual fee
Card Details
  • Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening
  • Earn 6 points per dollar on qualifying Marriott Bonvoy hotel stays
  • Earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on groceries, gas stations and dining
  • Earn 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases
  • Points don’t expire as long as you make purchases on your credit card every 24 months
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Best Hotel Rewards Card for Earning Hilton Points

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card

Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website
4.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Apply Now Apply Now
On American Express's Website

Up to 12X Reward Rate

Earn 12X Hilton Honors bonus points on eligible purchases at participating hotels or resorts within the Hilton portfolio; Earn 6XRead More

Welcome Bonus

Earn 165,000 bonus points

Annual Fee

$150

Regular APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

Our Expert Take

The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) includes Hilton statement credits, meaningful elite status and a boatload of points at a palatable price, making it a top rewards card for those who frequently stay within the company’s portfolio.

Why We Like It

Each quarter, you can get up to $50 in statement credits for eligible Hilton purchases. If you spend $15,000 in a calendar year, you’ll also earn a free night reward, which you can use at most Hilton properties around the world.

You’ll also enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold elite status, which comes with perks like food credits and space-available room upgrades. You can even get an upgrade to Diamond status—the rewards program’s highest tier—when you spend $40,000 in a calendar year. Cardholders can also access some special rental car perks by receiving complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status (enrollment required).

What We Don’t Like

Hotel statement credits are provided quarterly, so you’ll need to make multiple purchases over the course of a year to max out this perk.

Who It’s Best For

The card is a great tool for travelers who want to take advantage of the free night and enjoy automatic status with the hotel chain.

Expert Commentary
Julian Kheel
Julian Kheel
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert
With over 15 years of professional experience studying credit cards and travel loyalty programs, Julian Kheel has served as CNN’s senior editor covering travel and credit cards, as well as the editorial director for The Points Guy, and worked as a consultant for the biggest airlines. He is currently the CEO of Tripsight Inc., an award tools company that recently released Points Path, the first browser extension that automatically adds the prices of flights in miles into Google Flights search results to help travelers decide when to best use their travel rewards.
 
Julian first learned the ins and outs of credit card rewards and travel loyalty programs while flying more than 200,000 miles a year as a TV producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment. (And yes, of course it’s all real.) He has previously written about travel and credit cards for U.S. News & World Report, Upgraded Points and Going, and created weekly columns for the travel websites Frequent Miler and Travel Codex.
 
In addition to appearing as a TV analyst to discuss travel and loyalty programs on national segments for CNN, Bloomberg News, CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Yahoo Finance and Cheddar TV, Julian has also been featured on ABC and CBS Radio, and has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics as well.
Credit Cards and Travel Rewards Expert

The Hilton Surpass is a great fit for Hilton fans who don’t want to pay a high annual fee to earn points and status with their favorite hotel chain. The card’s complimentary Hilton Gold elite status and Free Night Reward after spending $15,000 on the card in a year are nice perks and the up to $200 in credits for purchases at Hilton properties each year are more than enough to offset the card’s entire annual fee on their own.

Pros & Cons
  • Complimentary elite Gold status
  • Up to $200 back annually on eligible Hilton purchases
  • 4 points per dollar on U.S. online retail purchases
  • Annual fee
  • Points have a low redemption value aside from Hilton properties
Card Details
  • Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
  • Get up to $200 back each year on eligible Hilton purchases after you use your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
  • Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
  • Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
  • Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
  • Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.
  • Spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status through the end of the next calendar year.
  • Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
  • $150 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Here’s a Summary of the Best Rewards Credit Cards

Credit Card
Best For
Credit Score
Annual Fee
Welcome Bonus
Best Rewards Card for Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards
Excellent, Good
$95
60,000 bonus points
Best Rewards Card for Everyday Spending
Excellent, Good
$95
75,000 bonus points
Best Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card
Excellent
$395
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Best Flexible Rewards Credit Card for Travel Protections
Excellent
$550
60,000 bonus points
Best Premium Travel Rewards Card for Lounge Access
Good,Excellent
$695
Earn 80,000 points
Best Rewards Card for Dining and Groceries
Excellent/Good
$325
Earn 60,000 points
Best No Annual Fee Cash-Back Rewards Credit Card
Excellent, Good
$0
$200 bonus
Best Rewards Card for Bank of America Customers
Good, Excellent
$95
60,000 points
Best Cash Back Rewards Credit Card for Frequent Amazon Shoppers
Good, Excellent
$0
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card
Best No Annual Fee Card for Earning Elevated Rewards
Excellent, Good
$0
Up to $300 cash back
Best Rewards Card for Customizable Categories
Excellent/Good
$0
$200
Best Airline Rewards Credit Card
Good, Excellent
$95
Earn up to 100,000 points
Best Rewards Credit Card for British Airways Perks
Excellent, Good
$95
Earn 75,000 Avios
Best Midtier U.S. Airline Rewards Credit Card
Good/Excellent
$250
Earn 70,000 bonus miles
Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning IHG Points
Good, Excellent
$99
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points
Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning Hyatt Points
Excellent, Good
$95
Up to 60,000 Bonus Points
Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning Wyndham Points
Excellent/Good Credit
$75
45,000 bonus points
Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card for Earning Marriott Points
Good, Excellent
$95
Earn 3 Free Night Awards
Best Hotel Rewards Card for Earning Hilton Points
Good,Excellent
$150
Earn 165,000 bonus points
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
For a limited time, earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $750 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 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.
Earn 45,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 1/8/2025.

Methodology

While there is no single best rewards credit card, Forbes Advisor evaluated over 200 credit cards to determine the best ones for specific scenarios. We considered:

  • Annual fees
  • Welcome offers
  • Ongoing reward rates
  • Reward redemption options
  • Additional cardholder benefits

Forbes Advisor rates credit cards as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compares them to others in a specific use case (the card rating you see on this best rewards cards list). There may be different scores for these two ratings because some factors weigh more heavily when only looking at rewards cards.

Forbes Advisor re-evaluates each credit card list at least every 12 months to determine if any cards need to be added and/or removed. However, a list could be updated sooner if significant changes are made to the mentioned cards or if a new credit card is announced that’s likely to impact the category.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards.


Guide to Rewards Credit Cards


How Do Credit Card Rewards Work?

From a consumer’s perspective, the process of using your credit card to earn rewards looks like the following:

  1. A fee is charged whenever a credit card is used to make a purchase. This transaction processing fee is usually paid by the vendor and either charged to the consumer directly or included in the price of goods or services.
  2. Credit cards track spending and calculate earning rates accordingly. To incentivize credit card use among cardholders, cards may return a portion of these processing fees to offer rewards at a designated rate in the form of points, miles or cash back.
  3. Rewards are issued to your account. Most cards add your rewards to your card account once per month after your billing statement closes, though some may issue rewards more frequently.
  4. Cardholders have access to reward redemptions. Your reward options may include options such as statement credits, airline tickets or hotel stays.

Are Credit Card Rewards Worth It?

Credit card rewards can provide a modest budget boost and allow you to reap extra value from purchases you’re already making. Many rewards credit cards also offer a welcome bonus, which can be more substantial (as long as you meet any spending requirements stated in the card offer).

Whether you are trying to casually earn rewards on your spending or timing a major purchase to secure a welcome bonus, make sure you’ll be able to pay your balance in full each month. Card rewards aren’t worth it if you need to carry a balance and pay interest, as those costs are more than what you’d earn.

According to an October 2024 survey for Forbes Advisor, over a quarter of respondents (26%) currently hold at least $100 in credit card rewards—proof that credit card rewards can add up to meaningful amounts.

Pro Tip
If you’re looking for a card that offers a specific benefit, such as a 0% APR promotion, it may not also offer rewards. Because of this, it’s important to evaluate the long-term relevancy of the card instead of being blinded by a single benefit to ensure you’re choosing the best card for your overall needs.

Types of Credit Card Rewards Programs

Rewards credit cards can provide earnings in many forms, but two common types include cash-back cards and travel rewards cards.

Cash-back cards earn a stated percentage on eligible purchases that can be redeemed as a statement credit or deposited into a bank account. Travel rewards cards, on the other hand, offer points or miles that can be redeemed with one or more designated airlines or hotels.

Here’s a full list of all credit card rewards program types:

  • Cash-Back Rewards
  • Flexible Travel Rewards
  • Airline Miles
  • Hotel Points
  • Business Rewards

Cash-Back Rewards

Flexible Travel Rewards

Airline Miles

Hotel Points

Business Rewards

Ask an expert

How do I determine the best credit card rewards program for my needs?

Troy Liu

Troy Liu

Credit Cards And Loyalty Programs Expert

Robin Frankel

Robin Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

Becky Pokora

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer

 

There is no short answer to this question, but in general, consider looking for a few things:

Where do you plan to use your points? (Transfer to partners, cash back or redeem for travel directly)

Where will you spend the most? (Category and location)?

How much will you spend per month? (Some cards have lower credit lines than others.)

What other benefits are you looking for?

Troy Liu

Troy Liu

Credit Cards And Loyalty Programs Expert

 

Finding the best credit card program for your needs comes down to what fits your lifestyle and habits. If you rarely travel or don’t want the fuss of maximizing rewards through transfer partners, you might want a program where a point is worth a penny, whether you redeem it for cash back, flights or gift cards. Those who are comfortable transferring rewards and are looking to use points for a premium experience should choose a program with maximum loyalty transfer partners or at least one with an airline partner that serves their home airport.

Robin Frankel

Robin Frankel

Credit Cards Writer

 

Focusing on how you want to redeem your rewards can help you determine which program is best for you. Be honest about whether you can use specialty rewards (like branded airline miles) or if you want to learn the intricacies of flexible points. Sometimes, the accessibility of cash back makes it worth more than awards with hypothetical outsized value.

Becky Pokora

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer


Pros and Cons of Rewards Credit Cards

Pros of Rewards Credit Cards Cons of Rewards Credit Cards
Earn cash back, miles or points through normal spending
Rewards credit cards may come with annual fees or higher APRs
Many rewards credit cards include a welcome bonus
Some cards may cap earnings on purchase categories
Rewards cards come in many forms and from multiple issuers
Rewards may expire or be devalued
Rewards cards may include additional cardholder benefits
It may take time or effort to learn how to redeem rewards for the most value

How To Choose the Best Rewards Credit Card

Credit card rewards are an often profitable way to earn a little extra from the purchases you make on your credit card. Whether you choose cash back, points or miles, rewards can add up over time and help you pay for vacations or everyday expenses. Look at your spending and consider your personal goals to determine what kind of rewards program is the best fit for you. Also, consider the negatives of a card. What fees are charged, and what risk do you take on with a rewards card?

Annual Fee

An annual fee is essentially a fee you pay to have a specific credit card. The annual fee will vary by card, but cards charging higher annual fees often grant you additional perks and higher rewards rates that may make the annual fee worth paying.

Sign-Up Bonus

A sign-up bonus, also called a welcome bonus, is an incentive offered by a credit card issuer to encourage new customers to sign up for a credit card. These bonuses can include additional cash back, points or miles for hitting a spending threshold in a certain amount of time after your card approval. Some cards may also offer additional perks, reduced annual fees, introductory APR periods or even merchandise as a sign-up bonus.

0% APR Period

A 0% APR credit card offers a limited period introductory 0% APR on either new purchases, balance transfers or both. This break from interest typically lasts anywhere from six months to nearly two years. With a deferred interest offer, if balances are not paid off by the end of the period, interest will be charged retroactively to the date of the purchase or balance transfer.

Most balance transfers apply a fee for each transfer of $5 to $10 dollars or 3% to 5%, whichever is greater. Make sure you consider the fees when exploring a balance transfer. And if you select a card with only a 0% balance transfer APR, you will likely be assessed interest on any new purchases. Carrying a balance typically nullifies your grace period. Read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure you don’t end up with surprise fees

Foreign Transaction Fees

A foreign transaction fee is typically 1% to 3% of the amount of a purchase and is charged when you make a purchase in a foreign country or in another currency. Some credit cards do not charge foreign transaction fees, so if you plan to travel internationally and use your card, look for one without the fee.


How To Make the Most of Credit Card Rewards

Maximizing credit card rewards starts with educating yourself about your options and considering what’s the best fit for your spending habits. Some strategic ways you can start making the most of your rewards include:

  1. Waiting for an excellent welcome bonus. Credit card issuers occasionally offer increased welcome bonus promotions to incentivize new customers to apply. If you are in no rush, you may want to hold off for one of these offers to come around so you receive the largest bonus available. While you wait, focus on building your credit so you’ll have a high chance of approval when the promotion is running.
  2. Apply for cards that align with your spending habits. Choosing cards with bonus categories that coincide with your frequent purchase types is an easy way to maximize your rewards. If your spending varies, a flat-rate card may be a smart alternative.
  3. Look for card redemptions that match your goals. Many theories about the best value exist when it comes to maximizing redemptions, but the most important factor is that you have redemption options that align with your lifestyle. Anyone can use cash back, but more specialized redemptions like travel won’t be a fit for everyone.
  4. Pay attention to the details. You’ll need to track bonus categories, spending limits, expiration dates and other nuances to ensure you’re earning and redeeming rewards as advertised.
Pro Tip
Spending points when you have them instead of hoarding them is generally a better practice, but saving for high-value redemptions may take priority. Just keep in mind that rewards are depreciating assets, and their value can change at any time.

Best Ways To Use Credit Card Rewards

The best ways to redeem credit card rewards depend on the credit card rewards system and your personal goals. Some of the most valuable types of rewards redemptions include:

  • Cash back
  • Transfers to airline loyalty programs
  • Transfers to hotel loyalty programs
  • Redeeming for travel in the issuer’s portal

If you earn airline miles, hotel points, or flexible rewards, the best ways to use your credit card rewards will typically involve travel. Several rewards cards also offer reasonable cash-back redemptions for maximum flexibility.


Rewards Credit Cards In The News

The end of the calendar year is often a great time to find increased welcome offers on popular credit cards since issuers understand that customers will have above-average spending to coincide with the holidays. The best rewards cards above already note many of these offers, but you can find more options and details in the best sign-up bonuses.

Additionally, some cash-back cards have updated their bonus categories for the fourth quarter of 2024. Chase announced its rotating 5% bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex® for October through December. Similarly, Discover’s 5% bonus categories were also released for the fourth quarter. They both have excellent options that will line up with major household spending.


Who Should Get a Rewards Card?

Everyone could benefit from getting a rewards credit card, assuming their credit is good enough to be approved and they regularly pay their bills in full and on time. A reward of 1% to 5% cash back or 1 to 5 points per dollar spent may not sound like a lot, but it can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.

Find The Best Credit Cards For 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card please visit this page.

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

¹Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best credit card for rewards?

The best credit card depends on your financial needs. Carefully consider your spending habits—do you frequently spend money on gas, groceries, travel or at a particular store? Look for a rewards card or a set of rewards cards that provide you the most return on each dollar you spend, whether it’s cash back for dining purchases or points that can be redeemed for travel, Amazon purchases or more.

What is a rewards program?

The term “rewards program” generally refers to a rewards program agreement—a contract often agreed to during the application process for a rewards card. This program document, sometimes called “offer details,” outlines how rewards are earned, redeemed and whether or not rewards expire, among other terms.

Just like your favorite coffee shop that may allow you to earn points redeemable for a future purchase, there are a variety of credit rewards programs unique to corresponding card issuers. As a cardholder, you’ll earn cash back, miles or points within your card issuer’s respective program. Depending on the program, you’ll have different options for redeeming your rewards.

How do you redeem credit card rewards?

Redemption options and values vary depending on the type of rewards card you carry and the card issuer or co-brand offering the card. Cash back can often be redeemed as a direct deposit, statement credit or purchase. Points can be redeemed on the card issuer’s website if there is a travel or purchase portal with special offers. Airline miles or hotel points can easily be redeemed on an airline or hotel’s website via your personal loyalty account when booking travel.

How do I account for credit card rewards?

While some credit cards allow you to easily see and track your rewards online or in a mobile app, that’s not always the case. With the right information, you can usually figure out exactly how many points a purchase will earn and use that info to maximize your rewards. Learn more about how to track your credit card points and miles.

How much are credit card rewards points worth?

Credit card points vary in value based on the card issuer’s reward program and the type of redemption you choose. Cash back is straightforward since it’s expressed as a straight percentage. Many credit card rewards points work on a similar scale, with 1 point equal to 1 cent. However, some specific reward redemptions may be worth 1.5 cents or more. Airline miles are usually worth about 1 to 1.5 cents each, and hotel points are usually on the lower side of 0.5 to 0.8 cents each.


Next Up In Credit Cards

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
The Forbes Advisor editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Advisor site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Advisor. While we work hard to provide accurate and up to date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Advisor does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof. Here is a list of our partners who offer products that we have affiliate links for.
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