Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Choosing a rewards credit card can be overwhelming. You don't just have to consider the reward structures, but the categories, credit score requirements, annual fees and other factors.
To help streamline your search, CNBC Select has named the best rewards credit cards in a variety of categories, including for bad credit, welcome bonus, airport lounge access and online shopping.
See our methodology for more on how we chose the best rewards cards.
Best rewards credit cards of February 2026
- Best welcome bonus: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best for dining: American Express® Gold Card
- Best for no annual fee: Citi Double Cash® Card
- Best for flat-rate cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Best for drugstores: Chase Freedom Unlimited® (See rates and fees)
- Best for travel rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (See rates and fees)
- Best for bad credit: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card
- Best for airport lounge access: American Express Platinum Card®
- Best for balance transfers: Citi Simplicity® Card
- Best for luxury travel: Chase Sapphire Reserve® (See rates and fees)
- Best for online shopping: Prime Visa (See rates and fees)
- Best for entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best welcome bonus
Who's this for? The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is ideal if you're seeking a welcome bonus with a manageable spending requirement and a reasonable annual fee.
Standout rewards: The Capital One Venture earns bonus miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, as well as an above-average return on all other purchases. Rewards can be redeemed at a fixed value or transferred to various airline and hotel partners, including Emirates Skywards, Avianca LifeMiles and Wyndham Rewards.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a reasonable annual fee and earns flexible travel rewards, which makes it a great travel card for beginners or heavy travelers.
- 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- No introductory APR
- There’s a $95 annual fee
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that's equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
$0Â at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Best for dining
Who's this for? The American Express® Gold Card helps you earn travel rewards on everyday spending, including dining out and groceries.
Standout rewards: The American Express Gold Card also offers over $400 in annual value through credits related to dining and rideshares.
The American Express Gold Card is great for earning valuable Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
- You can earn $400+ in dining and rideshare credits every year (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Exceptionally rewarding for eligible restaurant and U.S. supermarket purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Larger annual fee
- Credits are more complicated, you earn them monthly or semi-annually
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.  Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- 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 get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That's up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $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. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $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.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Foreign transaction fee
None
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
3.30% APY as of 12/30/2025
Min balance to open = $0
1.00% APY as of 06/24/2024
Min balance to open = $0
Best for no annual fee
Who's this for? With no annual fee and at least 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay, the Citi Double Cash Card is a flat-rate rewards card that won't eat into your savings.
Standout rewards: You can also transfer rewards to Citi ThankYou® transfer partners, albeit at lower ratios than what's available with premium Citi credit cards.
The Citi Double Cash® Card is one of the best no-annual-fee cash-back cards thanks to its straightforward rewards structure.
- Long intro-APR for balance transfers
- High flat-rate cash-back rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR doesn't apply to purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Balance transfer fee
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Foreign transaction fee
3%
Best for flat-rate cash back
Who's this for? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is one of the best options for earning cash rewards without having to navigate limited bonus categories. You'll earn 2% in cash rewards on all purchases with no caps on how much you can earn.
Standout benefits:Â Redeem your rewards by putting them toward your card balance, turning them into a gift card or as a cash deposit into an eligible Wells Fargo account.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great if you want simplicity thanks to its flat-rate 2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases and $0 annual fee.
- High flat-rate return on purchases
- Intro-APR for purchases and qualifying balance transfers for a year
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Limited redemption options unless you pair it with a Wells Fargo card that allows point transfers
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.Â
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.Â
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.Â
- $0 annual fee.Â
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.Â
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.Â
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.Â
Balance Transfer Fee
3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%, min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
Best for drugstores
Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the best cash back cards on the market, ideal for anyone who wants to maximize cash back at drugstores.
Standout rewards: The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns bonus cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travelâ„ , as well as at drugstores and on dining at restaurants (including takeout). You'll also earn an above-average return on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a no-annual-fee card that earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and a lucrative welcome bonus.
- Valuable welcome bonus and high rewards rates
- Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Has a foreign transaction fee
- Few rewarding ongoing benefits
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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 1.5% 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 18.24% - 27.74%.
- 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
Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, in the first 60 days. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign transaction fee
3%Â of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
$0
With over 4,700 branches, Chase has the largest branch network in the U.S. plus access to more than 15,000 ATMs.
$0
Bank from anywhere with access to more than 15,000 Chase ATMs, more than 4,700 Chase branches, the Chase Mobile® app and Chase.com.
Best for travel rewards
Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a versatile card with a strong suite of benefits and a generous rewards program.
Standout rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders earn bonus points on travel, streaming services, online grocery purchases and dining. When you factor in how valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be when redeemed for travel, it places this card firmly in the conversation for the best travel credit card. You can also take advantage of up to $50 in statement credits toward hotel stays booked through Chase TravelSM each account anniversary year.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Long list of travel and shopping protections
- $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit
- Has an annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy beneï¬ts such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase TravelSM
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for bad credit
Who's this for? Anyone who wants to build or rebuild their credit will appreciate the rewards you can earn with the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card.
Standout benefits: A typical rewards credit card earns at least 1% on all purchases, and secured credit cards often offer no rewards. All this makes the Quicksilver Secured's 1.5% cash back on every purchase that much more special.
The Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card is an unusually rewarding card because you earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Simple rewards structure with no caps or categories to track
- Available if you have fair credit
- High APR
- Has an annual fee
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Balance transfer fee
- $0Â at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
Best for airport lounge access
Who's this for? The American Express Platinum Card® is one of the best premium credit cards available and is loaded with all sorts of perks.
Standout rewards: The Amex Platinum is hard to beat if you want access to airport lounges. Cardholders get access to Priority Passâ„¢ Select lounges (enrollment required), American Express Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges, Escape Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs.
The American Express Platinum Card® is a premium card loaded with annual statement credits, entertainment benefits, extensive airport lounge access, elite status perks and more. (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges, including Priority Passâ„¢ Select lounges (enrollment required) and Amex Centurion lounges
- Statement credit offers worth up to twice what the annual fee costs
- Elite status perks for hotels and rental cars (Enrollment required for select benefits mentioned)
- High annual fee
- Many statement credit offers are complicated and are earned in increments or limited to specific purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.Â
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.Â
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.Â
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.Â
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.Â
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.Â
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.Â
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.Â
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.Â
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.Â
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.Â
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.Â
- $895 annual fee.Â
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Balance transfer fee
N/A
Foreign transaction fee
None
Best for balance transfers
Who's this for? If you have credit card debt and are looking to save on interest, the Citi Simplicity® Card is one of the best options for intro offers on balance transfers.
Standout rewards: The Citi Simplicity Card doesn't earn rewards, but its intro APR period on balance transfers is exceptionally generous.
The Citi Simplicity® Card may not earn rewards, but it can still save you money due to its amazing intro-APR offers.
- One of the longest intro-APR offers for balance transfers
- No annual fee
- No rewards
- No welcome bonus
Best for luxury travel
Who's this for? If you're a frequent traveler looking to make your flights and hotel stays more luxurious, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® should be on your radar.
Standout rewards: The Sapphire Reserve is geared toward frequent travelers, offering bonus points on dining and travel. You'll also receive benefits like a $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access, up to $500 in annual credits for stays with The EditSM by Chase Travel and much more. The points you earn with this card may be worth more if you take advantage of Chase's hotel and airline partners.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a standout premium credit card with plenty of luxury perks and statement credits to justify its annual fee.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests.
- Up to $300 in annual travel credit each account anniversary year
- You can transfer rewards to all of Chase's travel partners including World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and many more
- Top-tier travel and shopping protections
- High annual fee
- Requires a high credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase TravelSM, including The EditSMÂ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority PassTM Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater
Best for online shopping
Who's this for? Frequent Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers will want to look into the Prime Visa. The card also offers a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.
Standout rewards: All Prime Visa purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods earn a generous 5% cash back with an eligible Prime membership. Cardholders also get bonus cash back at gas stations, restaurants, on local transit and commuting (including rideshare) and Chase Travelâ„ purchases.
The Prime Visa is only available to Amazon Prime members ($139 for an annual membership and $14.99 for a monthly membership) but is very rewarding for Amazon purchases.
- High rate of return at Amazon and Whole Foods
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- Requires an Amazon Prime membership
- If you choose the promo APR you won't earn rewards on those purchases
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- 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
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
Best for entertainment
Who's this for? If a good portion of your budget goes toward entertainment (think: seeing a movie, eating out or attending a concert), the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card can help you rack up cash back on those purchases.
Standout rewards: Capital One Savor cardholders earn bonus cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services and at grocery stores. No matter how you like to unwind, this card can make it more affordable.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding options for earning cash back in categories such as entertainment and dining without paying an annual fee.
- One of the most rewarding cash back cards for entertainment and streaming services
- No annual fee
- Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
- High APR
- Requires a good to excellent credit score
Highlights
Highlights shown here are provided by the issuer and have not been reviewed by CNBC Select's editorial staff.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account, and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top-rated mobile app
Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 12 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
Best rewards credit cards comparison
| Credit score requirement | Annual fee | Rewards | Standout benefits | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Good to excellent | $95 | 5X miles on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles on every other purchase | Up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck; Travel and purchase protections |
| American Express® Gold Card | Good to excellent | $325* | 4X points at restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X) and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked through Amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases | Dining credits, *Uber credits (enrollment required) |
| Citi Double Cash® Card | Good to excellent | $0 | 2% cash back on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% cash back as you pay for those purchases. | Intro-APR offer |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Good to excellent | $0 | 2% cash rewards on eligible purchases | Intro-APR offer, cell phone protection |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Good to excellent | $0 | 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. | Intro-APR offer, shopping and travel protections |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Good to excellent | $95 | 5X points on travel purchase through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, online groceries and select streaming services; 2X points on all other travel; 1X points on all other purchases | $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit; 10% anniversary points boost; Travel and purchase protections |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured Credit Card | Limited to fair credit | $0 | 1.5% cash back on every purchase | No foreign transaction fees |
| American Express Platinum Card® | Good to excellent | $895 ** | Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year, 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and 1X points on all other eligible purchases | Travel credits, Uber credits*, shopping credits*, airport lounge access, trusted traveler program credits (*enrollment required) |
| Citi Simplicity® Card | Good to excellent | $0 | None | Intro-APR offer |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Excellent | $795 | 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases | Travel credit, airport lounge access, trusted traveler programs credit |
| Prime Visa | Good to excellent | $0 | 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), unlimited 1% back on all other purchases | No foreign transaction fee, shopping and travel protections |
| Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | Good to excellent | $0 | 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; Terms apply, 3% cash back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 3% cash back on popular streaming services and entertainment, and 1% cash back on all other purchases | No foreign transaction fee |
*For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
**For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.
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Types of rewards credit cards
Reward credit cards typically follow one of three structures.
- Cash back: You receive a percentage of your purchase total back. Charge $100 on a 1% cash back card and you'll earn $1.
- Points and miles: Earn points or miles on purchases. The value of 1 point or 1 mile doesn't always equal 1 cent — it might be more or less, depending on the card and the way you redeem rewards. Points or miles are usually leard on travel rewards credit cards.
Additionally, rewards cards can be broken down into three categories, based on how you earn rewards:
- Flat-rate rewards: This type of rewards credit card comes with a single rewards rate that applies to all purchases. For example, the Citi Double Cash® Card earns 2% cash back on everything you buy (1% cash back on all purchases and 1% when you pay off your bill.)
- Bonus categories: These credit cards offer elevated rewards rates on certain spending categories. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 8X points on purchases through Chase Travelâ„ , plus 3X points on dining worldwide and 4X on flights and hotels booked direct. Any purchases outside these categories earn only 1X points.
- Rotating categories: This type of card offers higher rewards rates on specific bonus categories that change each month or quarter. The Chase Freedom Flex® is a great example, earning 5% back on activated, rotating bonus categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%).
In addition to the varying value of cash back, points and miles, redemption options also fluctuate. You may be able to redeem for a statement credit, travel, gift card, merchandise or more, depending on your card.
Should you open a rewards credit card?
Whether you should open a rewards credit card depends on your spending habits and how you plan to use the card.
If you're going to carry a balance, even the best rewards credit cards won't be worth it for you; high interest rates will cancel out any value from the rewards you earn.
Consider how complex you want your credit card strategy to be. If you enjoy chasing the best value and don't mind putting some thought into managing your cards, a rewards card with bonus rewards or rotating categories may be a good fit. If you'd rather keep things simple, you might do better with a flat-rate rewards card that earns the same rate on all purchases.
You'll also want to ensure the card's bonus categories align with your everyday spending. If groceries are a big part of your budget, look for a card that earns an elevated rewards rate at grocery stores. If you have a long daily commute, you may benefit from a card that offers bonus rewards at gas stations. Consider perks and benefits as well, since they may increase the card's value. This may be especially important if you're considering cards with annual fees.
If a rewards credit card matches your lifestyle and offers valuable perks you can easily take advantage of, that card may be worth it. At the very least, if you never carry a balance and treat spending on a credit card like a debit card, even a no-annual-fee cash back card can offer rewards on purchases you were already planning to make.
How to choose a rewards credit card
Rewards credit cards come in all shapes and sizes. It's important to choose a card that best matches your spending habits rather than adjusting your spending to maximize rewards.
First, decide if you're willing to pay an annual fee. Rewards cards can have annual fees of up to $895 (or more), which can be worthwhile for the right cardholder, but not for everyone. Calculate whether an annual fee is within your budget and whether it can be outweighed by the card's benefits.
Don't want to pay your credit card's annual fee? Here's how to ask for a retention offer
Next, figure out which type of rewards you want to earn. If you want a straightforward rewards strategy, plenty of flat-rate rewards cards offer the same rewards rate on all purchases. But if you want to maximize rewards on common spending categories, such as travel, dining and gas, consider cards with bonus categories that offer 5% back (or more).
It's also a good idea to consider the card's welcome offer. Some of the best rewards credit cards feature large welcome bonuses for new cardholders worth hundreds of dollars. And if you're planning a big purchase, look for cards with a 0% APR offer. That way, you can still earn rewards but with a set period of time to pay off the purchase without interest.
Lastly, consider the added card perks, such as annual statement credits or airport lounge access. These benefits offer enhanced value and, if your card carries an annual fee, help make up for the yearly charge.
How to compare rewards credit cards
Here are three key factors to focus on when comparing your rewards credit card options:
Cost
The main expenses to consider is are the interest rate and annual fee. But you should also consider lthe cost of adding authorized users, cash withdrawals and other services.
If you expect to pay your bill on time each month, the interest and late fees may be less important. But a lower APR is worth considering if you anticipate carrying a balance.
Rewards
Comparing credit card rewards can sometimes feel like comparing apples to oranges, especially when it comes to travel rewards. Cash back rewards are straightforward — $1 in rewards generally equals $1 in cash. However, flexible travel rewards can vary in value dramatically depending on the program and how you redeem your points or miles.
In addition to the value of the rewards, compare the rate at which you'll earn rewards on various purchases. Many cards offer bonus rewards on common expenses like dining, groceries or gas, while others provide a flat-rate return on all purchases. Choose a card that aligns with how you typically spend.
Benefits
Credit card perks can provide significant value and often offset the annual fee. Tangible benefits like annual statement credits are easy to quantify, while other perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance depend on how often you use them. Consider every perk you'll have access to with each card and what they're worth to you.
Make the most of your rewards card benefits
To maximize your rewards credit card, you'll want to look beyond the rewards you earn and examine the added benefits, credits and insurance coverages. These benefits often offset the cost of a card's annual fee, so it's important to understand how they work.
Statement credits
Your rewards credit card may offer statement credits for specific purchases or a category of purchases. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve has an annual travel credit of up to $300 that applies to everything from flights to toll bridges and highways. Other cards have offers that apply to specific brands or services. Many of the top travel credit cards offer an application fee credit for trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Insurance perks
Insurance coverage is an often-overlooked benefit with many of the best rewards credit cards. Credit card insurance perks can include cell phone protection, trip delay reimbursement, rental car insurance, extended warranty protection, purchase protection and much more.
Brand-specific perks
If you book travel largely with one hotel chain or airline, opening a rewards credit card with brand-specific perks make senses. Co-branded credit cards can offer automatic elite status, bonus rewards, brand-specific credits and fee waivers. Many airline cards come with a checked-bag benefit and hotel cards often grant free elite status to cardholders. These perks only apply in specific circumstances, so they won't make sense for everyone.
Find the best rewards credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.
Pros and cons of rewards credit cards
- Savings: With the right card, you can earn rewards on all of the purchases you were going to make anyway.
- Welcome bonuses: Rewards credit cards usually have the best welcome bonus offers, worth $500 or more.
- Built-in protection: Reward cards may come with travel insurance benefits, liability protection and extended product warranties
- High APR: Rewards credit cards usually have exceptionally high interest rates, with APRs regularly topping 20%.
- Hard to get approved for: Reward credit cards have stricter requirements, including a good credit score for the most lucrative offers.
- Annual fees: The best premium cards can have annual fees of $395 or more.
FAQs
What is a rewards credit card?
A rewards credit card lets you earn cash back, points or miles on purchases made with the card. Beyond rewards, these cards usually come with additional perks like travel and purchase protections and statement credits.
What is a cash rewards credit card?
Cash-back credit cards return a portion of your spending as cash (typically 1% to 5% of your purchase balance). You can earn rewards based on a flat-rate, tiered or revolving-category structure, usually as a statement credit, bank deposit or gift card.
Is a rewards card a good idea?
Rewards credit cards are worth it as long as you regularly shop in the categories that earn benefits you will use and if you think you'll earn enough to counter the annual fee. If you're making purchases you normally wouldn't, it's not really a areward.
Do credit card rewards expire?
Credit card rewards usually don't expire if your account is open and in good standing. If you close your card, you could lose your rewards or have a limited time to redeem them. Read the fine print of your credit card account to see.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Because they are considered discounts or rebates rather than income, rewards are usually not taxable. However, miles and points can be taxed in some situations, such as if you earn them by opening a bank account with no spending requirement. Consult a tax professional if you're uncertain.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed financial decisions. Every credit card list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best rewards credit cards.
Our methodology
To determine which cards are the most rewarding, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions, focusing on cards that offer a return for your spending — whether cash back, travel points, miles or other benefits. Â
We compared each on a range of features, including rewards structure, welcome bonuses, annual fees, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees.
We also considered additional perks, such as ongoing travel or merchant statement credits, the application process, cardholder protections and how difficult it is to redeem points.
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We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
We used consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine which bonus categories were most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile depends on what it can be redeemed for, we also considered transferability and the option to get cash back.Â
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For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card from American Express®, please click here.
Information about Amazon credit cards has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer prior to publication; if you purchase something through Select links, we may earn a commission.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective benefits guide for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
*Eligibility and Benefit level vary by card and terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
