category king credit cards

10 Category King Credit Cards – Earn 5% Cash Back or More

ByChristina Castle Last Updated:

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Allcards. Commissions do not affect our authors’ or editors’ opinions or evaluations. From our partners: See our advertiser disclosure here.

Category king credit cards help you maximize your credit card rewards. The key is making sure choose the right ones. Below you’ll find our favorite category king credit cards that earn 5% cash back or 5x points or miles on at least one category.

What Is a Category King Credit Card?

Category king credit cards are the third choice in the 1-2-3 cash back system. Category king credit cards offer at least 5% cash back or 5x points or miles on at least one spending category. Before choosing a category king card, you should already have what we call a daily driver credit card, or a credit card that earns elevated rewards your everyday purchases. Credit cards that earn a flat 2% cash back are excellent daily driver credit cards.

Next, you’ll want to choose a triple play credit card. A triple play is a credit card that pays 3% cash back or earns 3x points or miles on at least three spending categories. You can find several triple play credit cards without annual fees here.

Once you have your daily driver and your triple play credit cards, it’s time to choose your category king. And since many category king credit cards don’t have annual fees, you may even decide to choose more than one.

Category King Credit Cards

Ready to maximize your cash back? Check out the cards below and choose one or two that match your spending.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn a $250 statement credit

Est. Value

$250

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

18.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good, Excellent

Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on groceries up to $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, then 1% and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit. Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent Category King card for U.S. supermarket spending. The card offers 6% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, up to $6,000 a year, then 1%. After you max out your 6% cash back limit at supermarkets, you can switch to a different card, preferably one that earns at least 2% cash back on all purchases. This card also offers 6% cash back on U.S. streaming subscriptions with no cap. The annual fee is waived for the first year, and there’s a 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then 18.49% - 29.49% variable APR.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Gas
3% cash back at U.S. gas stations
3% cash back
Transit
3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more)
6% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
6% cash back on groceries up to $6,000 per year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%
6% cash back
Streaming services
6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • Up to 6% cash back

Cons

  • Annual fee
  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved01/19/2023
825
Not Provided
$6,000
Approved05/04/2023
738
Experian
$20,000
Approved05/04/2023
748
TransUnion
$20,000
Approved05/04/2023
755
Equifax
$20,000
Approved09/16/2024
805
Experian
$25,000

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.8

★★★★★☆

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Welcome Offer

$200 bonus

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% to 28.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of your choice. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel, and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers 5% cash back on any two categories you choose on up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter. Here’s a list of the categories you can choose from:

  • Home utilities
  • Fast food
  • TV, internet and streaming
  • Department stores
  • Cell phone
  • Electronic stores
  • Sporting goods stores
  • Gyms/fitness centers
  • Ground transportation
  • Movie theaters
  • Furniture stores
  • Select clothing stores

This is a great card to use for something like utilities, which don’t often qualify for anything other than 2% cash back with other credit cards. You can also earn 2% cash back on one everyday category (gas and EV charging stations, restaurants, grocery stores, and grocery delivery) and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. On top of that, there’s a small welcome offer and no annual fee.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
2% cash back
Rotating Categories
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
5% cash back
Airfare
5% cash back on prepaid air booked directly in the Rewards Center
5% cash back
Hotels
5% cash back on prepaid hotels booked directly in the Rewards Center
5% cash back
Rental Cars
5% cash back on prepaid car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved09/01/2023
780
Not Provided
$10,000
Approved02/06/2023
778
Experian
$10,000
Approved02/06/2023
809
Equifax
$10,000
Approved02/06/2023
820
TransUnion
$10,000
Approved01/11/2024
797
Experian
$17,000
Approved09/21/2023
800
Experian
$500
Approved01/09/2023
809
Experian
$9,000
Approved10/21/2024
810
Not Provided
$10,000
Approved08/05/2023
749
Not Provided
$500
Approved08/05/2023
803
Not Provided
$500
Approved08/05/2023
808
Not Provided
$500
Approved08/05/2023
829
Not Provided
$500
Approved06/19/2023
663
TransUnion
$600
Approved04/24/2024
838
TransUnion
$20,000
Approved05/30/2023
744
Experian
$6,500
Approved05/30/2023
752
Equifax
$6,500
Approved05/30/2023
772
TransUnion
$6,500
Denied10/02/2023
791
Experian
---
Denied10/02/2023
811
Equifax
---

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★★☆

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 in cash back

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.49% – 28.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good 670 – 739, Excellent 740 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent, then 1%. Unlimited 1% cash back on other purchases.

The Citi Custom Cash® Card automatically figures out what category you spend the most money in every month and then gives you 5% cash back for that category on up to $500 spent per billing cycle. You don’t have to do anything–no enrollment, no signing up for a rotating category, nothing. Eligible categories include:

  • Restaurants
  • Grocery Stores
  • Gas Stations
  • Select Travel
  • Select Transit
  • Select Streaming Services
  • Drugstores
  • Home Improvement Stores
  • Fitness Clubs
  • Live Entertainment

There’s no annual fee, and you get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
4% cash back
Select Categories
Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel(SM) portal through 6/30/2026.
5% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved02/06/2023
748
Experian
$3,800
Approved02/06/2023
759
TransUnion
$3,800
Approved02/06/2023
761
Equifax
$3,800
Approved10/04/2023
784
Experian
$5,300
Approved10/04/2023
801
TransUnion
$5,300
Approved10/04/2023
811
Equifax
$5,300
Approved03/26/2024
741
TransUnion
$3,800
Approved03/26/2024
742
Experian
$3,800
Approved03/26/2024
751
Equifax
$3,800
Approved09/13/2023
800
Not Provided
$11,600
Approved01/17/2024
762
TransUnion
$6,800
Approved10/24/2023
720
Equifax
$8,000
Approved07/17/2023
790
Equifax
$3,000
Approved01/17/2023
800
TransUnion
$5,300
Approved05/10/2024
735
Equifax
$6,800
Approved07/09/2024
743
Experian
$6,900
Approved07/09/2024
751
TransUnion
$6,900
Approved07/09/2024
765
Equifax
$6,900
Denied05/12/2023
800
Not Provided
---
Denied05/19/2024
762
Not Provided
---

Chase Freedom Flex®

Learn More

Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★★☆

Chase Freedom Flex®

Welcome Offer

$200

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74%–28.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate and on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM. Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases.

The Chase Freedom Flex® allows you to earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating categories per quarter you activate. The categories can include gas, groceries, Amazon, dining, and streaming services. If you pair this card with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® you can get 5% cash back on the rotating category and 1.5% cash back on everything else, or 3% cash back for the first year.

All information about Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by allCards.com. Chase Freedom Flex® is no longer available through allCards.com.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Drugstores
3% cash back on drugstore purchases
3% cash back
Dining
3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
5% cash back
Travel
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM)

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back
  • Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
  • Keeping track of quarterly bonus categories
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/02/2023
741
TransUnion
$14,000
Approved04/02/2023
748
Experian
$14,000
Approved08/02/2023
800
Not Provided
$19,000
Approved10/24/2023
800
Not Provided
$8,600
Approved09/03/2023
795
Experian
$22,500
Approved09/03/2023
847
TransUnion
$22,500
Approved07/08/2024
800
Not Provided
$23,000
Approved06/02/2023
789
TransUnion
$12,000
Approved06/02/2023
791
Experian
$12,000
Approved04/12/2024
772
Not Provided
$20,000
Denied07/16/2024
780
Experian
---

AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card

AAA Travel Advantage
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.0

★★★★☆

AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

$100

Est. Value

$100

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.24% to 33.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on gas and EV charging stations on the first $7,000 spent in a calendar year, then 1%. Earn 3% cash back on groceries, AAA purchases, travel purchases, and at restaurants. 1% cash back on other purchases.

The AAA Travel Advantage Visa Signature® Credit Card offers a great rewards rate on gas: 5% cash back on the first $7,000 spent per calendar year. It also offers elevated cash back on everyday purchases such as groceries and dining. There is a small welcome offer with an easily achievable spend. There’s no annual fee and you don’t need to be a AAA member to apply.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 3% cash back on grocery store purchases.
3% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 3% cash back on AAA purchases
3% cash back
Travel
Earn 3% cash back on travel purchases
3% cash back
Dining
Earn 3% cash back at restaurants
5% cash back
Gas
Earn 5% cash back on gas purchases and electric vehicle-charging stations on the first $7,000 spent in a calendar year, then 1% thereafter.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved02/18/2023
784
Equifax
$17,000
Denied04/09/2023
821
Not Provided
---

Abound Platinum Visa® Credit Card

Abound Visa Platinum
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.4

★★★★★☆

Abound Platinum Visa® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

N/A

Est. Value

Annual Fee

$0

APR

as low as 15.50% APR Variable

Credit Req’d

Good 670 – 739

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on gas purchases paid at the pump, 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The Abound Platinum Visa® Credit Card is a great card for gas purchases, offering an unlimited 5% cash back on gas paid at the pump. Abound Credit Union is based in Kentucky, but anyone can become a member by joining the USA Cares Association or the ECTC Military Education Association. However, there is no welcome offer, no 0% intro APR offer, and no travel perks or benefits.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
5% cash back
Gas
5% cash back on fuel purchases paid at the pump

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • No welcome bonus
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved01/05/2023
777
TransUnion
$2,500
Denied05/05/2023
750
Not Provided
---

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.9

★★★★★☆

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points

Est. Value

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% – 27.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM. Earn 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs). Earn 2x points on all other travel purchases and 1x points on other purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be the best bang for your buck among travel credit cards. Your points get a 25% boost in value when redeemed for travel through Chase TravelSM. You can also earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays purchased through Chase TravelSM.

1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on all other purchases
2x points
Travel
2x points on all other travel purchases
3x points
U.S. supermarkets
Earn 3x points on online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
3x points
Streaming services
Earn 3x points on select streaming services
3x points
Dining
3x points on dining
5x points
Travel
5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM)

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points
  • Up to 5x points

Cons

  • Annual fee
  • High APR
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved05/20/2024
750
Not Provided
$7,500
Approved05/02/2024
797
Experian
$22,500
Approved05/02/2024
848
TransUnion
$22,500
Approved06/03/2024
716
Not Provided
$5,000
Approved03/04/2024
590
Not Provided
$5,000
Approved01/30/2024
645
Equifax
$9,000
Approved01/30/2024
645
TransUnion
$9,000
Approved01/30/2024
666
Experian
$9,000
Approved05/06/2024
832
Not Provided
---
Approved05/06/2024
833
Not Provided
---
Denied01/04/2024
783
Not Provided
---
Denied04/18/2024
707
Equifax
---
Denied04/18/2024
714
Experian
---
Denied01/17/2024
795
Not Provided
---
Denied05/29/2024
727
Not Provided
---
Denied06/12/2024
770
Not Provided
---

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Amex Platinum Card
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points

Est. Value

Up to $1,600

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: 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. Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases. Terms Apply.

The The Platinum Card® from American Express signals status like few other credit cards. Cardmembers earn exclusive perks and a massive upfront welcome offer. The annual fee is high but for frequent travelers, benefits like airport lounge access and concierge services make this card worth paying for.

1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on other eligible purchases
5x points
Airfare
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
5x points
Hotels
5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Excellent annual credits
  • Lounge access
  • Up to 5x points

Cons

  • Annual fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/25/2024
649
Not Provided
---
Approved03/20/2024
800
Not Provided
---
Approved04/28/2023
812
Equifax
---
Approved04/28/2023
820
TransUnion
---
Approved04/28/2023
825
Experian
---
Approved08/16/2023
698
Equifax
$25,000
Approved08/16/2023
709
Experian
$25,000
Approved08/16/2023
728
TransUnion
$25,000
Approved12/11/2023
695
TransUnion
---
Approved12/11/2023
713
Experian
---
Approved12/11/2023
714
Equifax
---
Approved01/04/2023
696
Not Provided
---
Approved06/21/2023
700
Not Provided
---
Approved01/23/2023
675
Not Provided
$6,000
Approved11/01/2023
683
Experian
---
Approved11/01/2023
703
TransUnion
---
Approved11/01/2023
718
Equifax
---
Approved08/17/2023
737
TransUnion
---
Approved08/17/2023
742
Equifax
---
Approved08/17/2023
758
Experian
---
Approved05/29/2024
680
Experian
---

Prime Visa

Learn More

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

Prime Visa

Welcome Offer

Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.49% – 29.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Rewards: Unlimited 5% cash back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase TravelSM purchases with an eligible Prime membership. 2% cash back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Eligible Prime cardmembers also earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com.

The Prime Visa is ideal for anyone who uses Amazon regularly. The welcome offer is small, but the card is a real banger regarding cashback on Amazon purchases and Chase TravelSM purchases. No annual fee means it costs nothing to keep it tucked away for when it’s needed, although you will need an Amazon Prime membership.

All information about Prime Visa has been collected independently by allCards.com. Prime Visa is no longer available through allCards.com.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
2% cash back
Dining
Earn unlimited 2% back at restaurants.
2% cash back
Gas
Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations.
2% cash back
Transit
Earn unlimited 2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
5% cash back
Select Categories
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership.
5% cash back
Travel
Earn unlimited 5% back on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
10% cash back
Select Categories
Eligible Prime cardmembers earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Need a Prime membership to get the best rewards

Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

Discover It Cash Back
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.4

★★★★★☆

Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

Welcome Offer

Unlimited Cashback Match the first year

Est. Value

Cashback Match the first year

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% to 27.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate. Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

The Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card ticks a lot of boxes. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on various categories that rotate every quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. There is a quarterly maximum of $1,500 in purchases for the 5% category. Whatever you earn in cash back during your first year, Discover will match that amount. And there’s an introductory 0% intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved09/24/2021
786
Equifax
$3,000
Approved08/06/2021
705
Experian
$9,000
Approved06/21/2022
673
Experian
$11,500
Approved06/21/2022
677
TransUnion
$11,500
Approved06/21/2022
684
Equifax
$11,500
Approved11/24/2021
672
Experian
$1,100
Approved05/01/2021
666
Experian
$6,500
Approved09/24/2021
746
TransUnion
$3,000
Approved09/24/2021
772
Experian
$3,000

More Category King Credit Cards

Below are more category king credit cards you may want to consider. You’ll notice we include the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® in the list below. Even though it doesn’t offer remarkably high rewards, it is still a category king because it earns rewards on rent payments. Rent for many people is the biggest monthly expense and no other card that we know of offers rewards on rent payments.

All information about Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by allCards.com. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is no longer available through allCards.com.

Card NameRewards HighlightAnnual Fee
Bilt World Elite Mastercard®Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee. Up to 100,000 points each calendar year.$0
Sam's Club MastercardEarn 5% back in Sam’s Cash on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%).$0
PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card5x points on gas paid at the pump and EV charging stations.No Annual Fee
AAA Daily Advantage Visa Signature® Credit CardEarn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases. Combined earn of 5% cash back on grocery store and 3% cash back on wholesale club & gas purchases on the first $10,000 spent in a calendar year, then 1% thereafter.$0
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardEarn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at over 7,000 hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.$95
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire CardEarn 14x points for eligible purchases at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio.$550
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®Earn 10x AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on eligible hotels and car rentals booked through aa.com.$595

Summary

Make sure the credit card or cards you choose are an easy match for your typical spending. For example, if you don’t travel often, a credit card paying 5x points on travel isn’t going to help you.

Also, some of the credit cards above earn 5% cash back on rotating categories. But you’ll have to remember to activate those categories every quarter. If that’s difficult to do then it’s not the right card for you. Instead, you may prefer a simplier card like the Citi Custom Cash® Card.

Christina Castle manages all of our credit card data (and there’s a lot). She enjoys spending her dough on books and the occasional Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. Christina feels fortunate she was raised in a household with parents who taught her the importance of budgeting, saving, and financial independence. It brings her great joy to be a part of helping others find ways to achieve their financial goals.