Choosing the right rewards credit card can help you maximize your spending by earning cash back, travel points, or other valuable perks. Here are some of the top rewards credit cards available in the U.S., categorized based on different spending habits and preferences.
1. Best for Travel: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
- 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on other travel purchases
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Additional Perks: - Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel
- No foreign transaction fees
2. Best for Simple Travel Rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
- 2 miles per dollar on all purchases
Welcome Bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Additional Perks: - Miles can be transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs
- Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
3. Best for Dining & Groceries: American Express® Gold Card
Annual Fee: $250
Rewards:
- 4x Membership Rewards® points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases)
- 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel
Welcome Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months
Additional Perks: - Monthly dining credits at select restaurants
- No foreign transaction fees
4. Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases
Welcome Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
Additional Perks: - 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
5. Best for Big Travel Spenders: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual Fee: $695
Rewards:
- 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
- 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
Welcome Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
Additional Perks: - Access to Centurion Lounges and other premium airport lounges
- Hotel elite status with select brands
- Various travel and lifestyle credits
6. Best for Rotating Cash Back Categories: Chase Freedom Flex®
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter, upon activation)
- 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- 1% on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Additional Perks: - 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months
7. Best for First-Year Cash Back: Discover it® Cash Back
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, upon activation)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of the first year
Additional Perks: - No foreign transaction fees
- Free access to your FICO® credit score
8. Best for Business Owners: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards:
- 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- 1x points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus: 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months
Additional Perks: - Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel
- Cell phone protection when you pay your bill with the card
Conclusion
The best rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and financial goals. Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel perks, or business rewards, choosing the right card can help you earn valuable benefits while making everyday purchases. Always consider factors like annual fees, rewards structure, and additional perks before applying to ensure the card fits your lifestyle.
