Best Credit Cards for Everyday Spending
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Finding the perfect everyday credit card can feel as daunting as sifting through the latte menu at a coffee shop. Fortunately, finding your perfect match is easier than ordering a skinny, half-sweet, extra-foam, soy milk latte. That’s because we’ve sorted through dozens of credit cards to bring you the best ones all in one place.
These cards reward you for gas, groceries, dining, and more, all for low or no annual fees. Here’s our list of the best credit cards for everyday spending for consumers and business owners.
Overview of the Best Credit Cards for Everyday Spending
Card Name | Annual Fee | Best For |
---|---|---|
Citi® Double Cash Card | $0 | Earning 2% on purchases when you pay your balance in full every month |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | 2% cash back on all purchases |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | Travel and earning 3% cash back on dining and drugstores |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 | 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S online retail purchases, and at U.S. stations gas (up to $6,000 per year in each category, then 1%) |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95., waived for the first year | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and select U.S. streaming services |
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | No Annual Fee | Earn 5x on gas and at EV charging stations |
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats, and 3% cash back on groceries, popular streaming services, dining, and entertainment |
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 4x points on dining and 2x points on groceries, gas, and streaming services |
Chase Freedom Flex® | $0 | 5% cash back on quarterly bonus categories |
Citi Custom Cash® Card | $0 | 5% cash back on your top spending category |
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card | $0 | 4% cash back on gas, 3% cash back on dining, and 2% cash back on groceries |
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card | $0 | Elevated cash back on all purchases |
Prime Visa | $0 | Amazon Prime members |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | Occasional or frequent travelers and for earning 3x points on online groceries, select streaming services, and dining |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | $95 | Earning at least 2x miles on every purchase |
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | $0 | Small businesses |
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | No annual fee | Businesses with expenses at or under $50,000/year |
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | No annual fee | Businesses with expenses at or under $50,000/year and want to maximize rewards by transferring them to a travel partner |
Revenued Business Card Visa® Commercial Card | $0 | Earning 3% cash back on all purchases |
Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $0 intro for first year; $95 after that | Earning unlimited 2x miles on all purchases |
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | $125 | Business travelers who prefer to stay at Marriott properties |
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | $195 | Business travelers who prefer to stay at Hilton properties |
Best Credit Cards for Everyday Spending
Citi® Double Cash Card
Citi® Double Cash Card pays you cash back twice — once when you purchase an eligible item and again when you pay your bill. It’s best if you can pay your bill in full every month so you can earn your 2% cash back right away.Rewards:
0% APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months.
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great card for people who don’t like to track categories. You get rewarded for every purchase, and it has a handsome welcome bonus that’s easy to achieve.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months from account opening.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent option for people who like to travel and will book through Chase Travel(SM). Earning 5% cash back on travel with no annual fee isn’t something most cards offer.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Welcome Offer: 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.
Annual Fee: $0
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays high rewards on categories in which most people spend the most. It is a useful card to keep in your wallet and use for everyday purchases while earning up to 3% cashback. The cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0
*Terms Apply
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If you have a large family that spends big on groceries or you drive a lot, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will pay you back in these high-spending categories. There is an annual fee, but if you spend at least $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets per year, you’ll more than make back the annual fee. The cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and on balance transfers for the first 12 months.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
*Terms Apply
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card offers 5x points on gas purchases and purchases at EV charging stations, which is great if you spend a lot on gas. In addition, you earn 3x on all supermarket purchases (which includes most Walmart and Target locations), restaurants, and streaming services. The interest rate isn’t bad, and approval-wise, we’ve seen credit scores as low as 679 get approved.Rewards:
Welcome Offer: 15,000 Bonus Points when you spend $1,500 in first 90 days
Annual Fee: No Annual Fee
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card requires careful planning because you must choose your top two categories quarterly, but it can pay off if you choose the categories you spend the most. You also get to choose another category to earn 2% for everyday spending to increase your cashback earnings.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles and balance transfers.
Welcome Offer: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards you for dining out, entertainment, groceries, and more. You also earn 1% back on everything else. You don’t have to worry about rotating categories, so it’s easy to manage.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Welcome Offer: $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card pays in points, but you can redeem your points instantly as a statement credit. The card pays the most for dining out but pays decent rewards on other everyday purchases too.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months months.
Welcome Offer: Earn 25,000 bonus points. Just spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. That's a $250 value redeemable towards merchandise, gift cards, cash back, travel and more.
Annual Fee: $0
Chase Freedom Flex®
If you like rotating categories, you can switch up which categories you earn 5% cashback to make the most of rewards with Chase Freedom Flex®. You’ll always earn a high percentage on dining and drugstore purchases but you can also earn 5% cash back on rotating categories to maximize your earnings.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months months.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $0
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card adapts to how you spend, so you earn the highest rewards in the categories you spend the most. However, it has a high balance transfer fee, so consider other options for balance transfers while enjoying the high rewards are your categories with the highest spending.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 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.
Annual Fee: $0
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card rewards you on the first $8,000 in combined spending on everyday purchases like gas, dining, and groceries. It’s an optimal card for everyday purchases, but you may consider another card for travel purchases to earn higher rewards.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 months billing cycles.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 Bonus after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first 3 months following account opening of a PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card.
Annual Fee: $0
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card pays one of the highest cashback rates on ‘everything’ up to $10,000. After that, the percentage drops, but it’s a nice bonus for everyday spending, and you don’t have to track any categories.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer:
Annual Fee: $0
Prime Visa
You may be eligible for the Prime Visa if you’re an Amazon Prime member. Not only can you earn 5% back on your Amazon purchases, but you can also earn elevated cash back on dining and gas.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer: Prime members can get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval for a limited time only.
Annual Fee: $0
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card pays the highest rewards for travel that you book through Chase Travel(SM). Plus, if you redeem your rewards for travel through Chase Travel(SM), you’ll get a 25% bonus on your point earnings.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Annual Fee: $95
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you enjoy traveling, you can earn 2x miles for every purchase with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, with a bonus for any travel booked through Capital One Travel. If you don’t travel, you should consider other cards.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer: Limited-time offer: For a limited time, earn 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit in your first cardholder year – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.
Annual Fee: $95
Best Business Credit Cards for Everyday Spending
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card rewards you for the things your business needs the most, including office supplies and utilities. You’ll also earn cash back for dining out and gas, two other high costs for most businesses.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
Welcome Offer: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening..
Annual Fee: $0
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card card helps you earn cashback on all business expenses with a high limit of $50,000 per year. In addition, you don’t have to worry about rotating categories and can earn 1% on all other spending.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from date of account opening.
Welcome Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
Annual Fee: No annual fee
*Terms Apply
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
If you want a business credit card that’s easy to manage and pays you back for your business purchases, check out The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. It offers a nice welcome bonus, and you don’t have to worry about rotating categories.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: Get 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from date of account opening.
Welcome Offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: No annual fee
*Terms Apply
Revenued Business Card Visa® Commercial Card
Revenued Business Card Visa® Commercial Card offers 3% on all purchases, making it easy to carry without worrying about rotating categories. It also offers a credit limit that grows with your business, helping you achieve your business goals.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer:
Annual Fee: $0
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Capital One Spark Miles for Business card pays 2x miles on all purchases, making it easy to afford your business travel needs by redeeming your miles. While there’s no 0% introductory APR, you don’t have to worry about rotating categories.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer: Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles - equal to $500 in travel once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is for business travelers who prefer Marriott Bonvoy properties. You can earn 6x points for every dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, plus enjoy rewards on all other purchases.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
Annual Fee: $125
*Terms Apply
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
If you travel for business and prefer Hilton hotels, you can earn bonus points for your stays using the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card. It has an annual fee, but most cardholders can make that back within the first couple of months.Rewards:
0% Intro APR Offer: None
Welcome Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee: $195
*Terms Apply
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for Everyday Spending
When choosing the best credit card for everyday spending, it’s important to consider these factors:
Rewards
Look at the rewards, limits, and what to do to earn them. For example, if you can get 5% cash back on gas, but there’s a limit of $200, the reward isn’t worth as much as you’d think. Do the math to determine which card can pay you the most.
Welcome Offer
Many credit cards have a nice welcome offer to encourage you to choose that card. Review the welcome offer and what you’ll have to do to achieve it to see if it’s doable.
Read more: Best Credit Card Sign-up Bonuses
Annual Fee
Avoid cards with an annual fee unless you know you can make it back quickly and earn more money from using the card.
Additional Perks (No Foreign Transaction Fees, Travel Benefits, 0% Intro Apr, Credits)
Consider any additional benefits you may want. For example, if you travel internationally, look for a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you want travel benefits, look for cards that offer travel insurance, access to airport lounges, or other related perks.
Related: Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards
Also, if you plan to keep or transfer a balance, look for cards that offer a 0% intro APR for purchases and balance transfers.
FAQs
Is it worth paying an annual fee for a credit card for everyday spending?
If your rewards exceed the annual fee, it’s worth it. However, if you don’t see yourself using the card often enough, the annual fee may not be worth it. So do the math, and consider how likely you are to use the card to determine if paying an annual fee makes sense.
Can you have more than one credit card for everyday spending?
You can but it may be difficult to manage several cards. Instead, consider one card for everyday spending and other cards for specific spending, such as travel or business purchases.
Is it better to get a credit card that pays 5% cash back on rotating categories or a credit card that pays 2% cash back on all purchases?
Do the math to determine which card makes the most sense for you. For example, if a card has a limit of $1,000 for the 5% cash back categories, you’ll earn $50 max. But if you have a card with 2% cashback on all purchases with no limit and you spend $3,000 in a month, you can earn $60.
To determine which is better, consider your spending habits and the maximum amount you can earn on each category.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best credit card for everyday spending can help you earn cash back or rewards by doing nothing more than your normal routine. Choose the card that offers elevated rewards for the categories you spend the most on every month. Consider the card’s annual fee, if any, and the perks. Remember, the perks are only worth having if you’ll use them.