The 10 Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2024
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In today’s financial landscape, the right rewards credit card can be a gateway to a world of savings, perks, and privileges that enrich your spending experience. From cash back and travel rewards to exclusive access to events and luxury benefits, the variety and value offered by the top rewards credit cards have never been more enticing. This guide delves into the 10 best rewards credit cards available to consumers. It looks at each card’s unique advantages, rewards rates, and the kind of spender who would benefit most.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a savvy shopper, or someone looking to maximize returns on everyday purchases, this curated list aims to help you navigate the myriad of options for finding the perfect credit card that meets your financial needs and generously rewards your spending habits.
The 5 Best Rewards Credit Cards Focused on Cash
| Card Name | Welcome Offer | Cash Rewards Rate |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 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. | 1.5% – 5% |
| Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT 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. | 2% |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. | 1% – 6% |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 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. | 1% – 5% |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months | 2% |
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Our Rating: 4.9
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase (after your first year or $20,000 spent). 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. 1.5% cash back on other purchases.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
Our Rating: 4.9
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Welcome Offer
Earn $200 cash back
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
19.24% – 29.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our Rating: 4.5
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Welcome Offer
Earn a $250 statement credit
Est. Value
$250
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services and on groceries up to $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, then 1%. 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit. 1% cash back on other purchases. Terms Apply.
4. Citi Custom Cash® Card
Our Rating: 4.7
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn $200 in cash back
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
19.24% – 29.24% 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.
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our Rating: 4.9
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
The 5 Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards Focused on Travel
| Card Name | Welcome Offer | Travel Rewards Rate |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 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℠. | 1x – 5x |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | 2x – 5x |
| Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card | Get 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days the account is open. | 1.5x |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. | 1x – 5x |
| Citi Premier® Card | Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com. | 1x – 10x |
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our Rating: 4.9
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Est. Value
Up to $1,290
Annual Fee
$95
APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase. 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs). 2x points on other travel. 1x points on other purchases.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.5
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 Miles
Est. Value
Up to $1,300
Annual Fee
$95
APR
19.99% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases and 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars through Capital One.
3. Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card
Our Rating: 4.0
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card
Welcome Offer
25000 points
Est. Value
250
Annual Fee
$0
APR
17.99% – 27.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: Earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our Rating: 4.5
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer
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
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Cardholders will earn 5x membership reward points for every dollar spent when booking travel directly with American Express. Terms Apply.
5. Citi Premier® Card
Our Rating: 4.7
Citi Premier® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Est. Value
Up to $1,050
Annual Fee
$95
APR
21.24% – 29.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good 670 – 739, Excellent 740 – 850
Rewards: Earn 10x points on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi through June 30, 2024. 3x points at gas stations, restaurants, hotels, air travel, and U.S. supermarkets. 1x points on all other purchases.
10 Reasons Why You Should Own a Rewards Credit Card
- Cash Back on Purchases: Many rewards credit cards offer cash back on purchases, allowing cardholders to earn a percentage of their spending back, saving money on every transaction.
- Travel Rewards: Earn points or miles on everyday spending that can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and other travel-related expenses, making travel more affordable and accessible.
- Welcome Bonuses: Rewards credit cards often come with generous welcome bonuses for new cardholders who meet initial spending requirements, providing a significant point or cash-back boost early on.
- Category Bonuses: These cards frequently offer higher reward rates in specific categories such as groceries, dining, gas, and travel, enabling cardholders to maximize rewards on their most common expenses.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Many top rewards credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel and purchases, saving cardholders money on each transaction made abroad.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Rewards can often be redeemed in various ways, including statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel bookings, or transfers to airline and hotel partners, offering flexibility and value.
- Exclusive Perks and Benefits: Cardholders can enjoy various exclusive benefits such as airport lounge access, travel insurance, extended warranties, and concierge services, enhancing the travel and shopping experience.
- Purchase Protection: Many rewards cards offer purchase protection, such as coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged items and extended warranty protection, providing cardholders with peace of mind.
- Credit Building: By using a rewards credit card responsibly, making payments on time, and keeping balances low, cardholders can build or improve their credit score over time, enhancing their financial health.
- Personalized Offers and Discounts: Cardholders often receive personalized offers, discounts, and early access to sales from partner retailers and brands, saving money and offering exclusive shopping opportunities.
How To Pick The Best Rewards Credit Card For You
1. Assess Your Spending Patterns
- Analyze Your Expenses: Categorize your spending over the past few months to identify where you spend the most (e.g., groceries, travel, dining, gas).
- Prioritize Categories: Determine which categories are most frequent or significant to target with a rewards card.
2. Define Your Rewards Preferences
- Type of Rewards: Decide if you prefer cash back, points, or miles. Consider what will be most beneficial for your lifestyle.
- Redemption Flexibility: If you value choice (e.g., statement credits, travel bookings, merchandise), look for cards with flexible redemption options.
3. Consider the Card’s Costs vs. Benefits
- Annual Fees: Evaluate whether the rewards and benefits of a card outweigh its annual fee.
- Interest Rates: The interest rate becomes crucial if you carry a balance. However, the best strategy is paying off your monthly balance to avoid interest charges.
- Welcome Offers: High welcome bonuses can significantly boost your rewards, but pay attention to the spending requirements.
4. Evaluate Additional Perks and Features
- Bonus Categories: Some cards offer higher reward rates on specific categories. Ensure these align with your primary spending areas.
- Introductory APR Offers: If you plan on making a large purchase, an introductory APR offer can save you on interest.
- Added Benefits: Consider perks like travel insurance, extended warranties, purchase protections, and exclusive event access.
5. Research and Compare Cards
- Use Online Tools: Utilize comparison websites and tools to compare card features, rewards rates, and user reviews.
- Read the Fine Print: Always read the terms and conditions for insight into fees, rate changes, and reward limitations.
- Consult Financial Advice: If necessary, consult with a financial advisor to help you choose the card that best suits your financial situation and goals.
6. Apply Strategically
- Check Your Credit Score: Know your credit score and apply for cards within your credit range to increase your chances of approval.
- Limit Applications: Each application can impact your credit score, so apply for one card at a time and wait for a decision before trying another.
7. Plan for Responsible Use
- Pay Balances in Full: Avoid interest and build your credit score by paying off your monthly balance.
- Track Your Spending: Regularly monitor your spending to ensure you’re maximizing rewards without overspending.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I choose the best rewards credit card for my needs?
Choosing the best rewards credit card involves assessing your spending habits, lifestyle, and rewards preferences. Start by identifying where you spend the most money (e.g., groceries, travel, dining out) and look for cards that offer the highest rewards rates in those categories.
Consider the card’s annual fee and ensure the rewards and benefits outweigh the cost. Also, consider how you prefer to redeem your rewards—whether you want flexible cash back, travel rewards, or specific perks. Lastly, consider any additional benefits like sign-up bonuses, introductory APR offers, and added protections that could provide extra value.
Are rewards credit cards worth the annual fee?
Whether a rewards credit card’s annual fee is worth it depends on how much you spend and how you utilize the card’s benefits. Suppose you earn enough rewards and take full advantage of the card’s perks (such as airport lounge access, annual travel credits, or complimentary insurance). In that case, the value you receive can significantly outweigh the cost of the annual fee.
Calculating your potential rewards earnings and benefit usage each year is important to ensure the card remains a good value for you. For some, a card with no annual fee might be more appropriate if their spending habits or rewards utilization don’t justify the cost.
Can I have multiple rewards credit cards?
Yes, having multiple rewards credit cards can be a strategic way to maximize your rewards by leveraging different cards for their specific bonus categories or perks. For example, you might use one card for dining and entertainment to enjoy higher cash-back rates in those categories and another for travel to earn miles or receive travel protections.
However, it’s important to manage multiple cards responsibly. Ensure you can keep up with multiple payment due dates to avoid late fees and interest charges and consider the impact on your credit score. Additionally, ensure the combined annual fees are justified by the rewards and benefits you receive.
Final Thought on the Best Rewards Credit Cards
As we’ve explored the 10 best rewards credit cards, it’s clear that the right card can significantly enhance your spending efficiency, offering savings and a suite of benefits tailored to your lifestyle.
Whether your priority is traveling the world, maximizing cash back on daily expenses, or enjoying premium perks, there’s a card out there for you. Remember, the best rewards credit card aligns with your spending habits and rewards preferences, offering valuable returns and benefits that outweigh costs.
Use this guide as a stepping stone to delve deeper into each card’s offerings and choose one that meets your financial needs and rewards you generously for every dollar spent. In the dynamic world of rewards credit cards, staying informed and mindful of your choices can turn everyday spending into a rewarding experience.
