12 Best Rewards Credit Cards
Introduction
Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties. Cash-back credit cards reward you with a percentage of every purchase, whereas travel rewards cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. Finding the right rewards credit card depends on your spending patterns and whether you prefer cash savings or travel benefits.
For American consumers, rewards credit cards have become one of the smartest financial tools available. Used responsibly, these cards can turn everyday spending—like groceries, gas, dining, and travel—into real value. Whether that value comes in the form of statement credits, gift cards, airline miles, or hotel nights depends entirely on your lifestyle and preferences.
In this guide, we break down the 12 best rewards credit cards available to U.S. cardholders today. Each card on this list stands out for its rewards structure, value for money, and overall usefulness for American consumers. We’ll cover ratings, annual fees, rewards rates, intro offers, and—just as importantly—why each card deserves a spot on this list.
How We Chose the Best Rewards Credit Cards
These cards were selected based on several important factors that matter most to Americans:
- Strong rewards earning potential
- Reasonable or $0 annual fees
- Competitive intro offers
- Easy and flexible reward redemption
- Long-term value beyond the first year
- Suitable for different lifestyles (families, travelers, students, food lovers)
Now, let’s dive into the best rewards credit cards you can apply for today.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% on travel booked through Chase
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Intro Offer: Earn a bonus after meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months.
Why It Made the List:
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the most well-rounded rewards cards in the U.S. It combines simplicity with strong bonus categories, making it ideal for people who want to earn rewards without juggling multiple cards.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
This card fits everyday spending habits—restaurants, pharmacies, and travel—while offering unlimited rewards and no annual fee. It’s also a perfect entry point into the Chase rewards ecosystem.
2. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 2% unlimited cash rewards on all purchases
Intro Offer: Cash bonus after qualifying purchases in the first few months.
Why It Made the List:
This is one of the best flat-rate rewards cards available. No categories, no caps—just consistent value.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
For people who don’t want to track spending categories or optimize purchases, this card delivers steady rewards on everything from utility bills to groceries.
3. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:
- 5x points on Chase travel
- 3x on dining, select streaming, and online groceries
- 2x on other travel
- 1x on all other purchases
Intro Offer: Large points bonus after meeting a spending threshold.
Why It Made the List:
This card is a favorite among travelers for a reason. Its flexible points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
If you travel even once or twice a year, the value easily outweighs the annual fee. It’s ideal for turning everyday spending into discounted vacations.
4. Citi Double Cash® Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.8/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 1% when you buy
- 1% when you pay (total 2%)
Intro Offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements.
Why It Made the List:
Citi Double Cash® rewards responsible behavior—spending and paying on time.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
It’s perfect for budget-conscious consumers who want simple, reliable rewards without an annual fee or rotating categories.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:
- 2x miles on every purchase
- Higher rates on Capital One travel bookings
Intro Offer: Large welcome bonus in miles.
Why It Made the List:
This card combines simplicity with strong travel value.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Miles are easy to redeem for flights, hotels, or statement credits against travel purchases—no complicated award charts.
6. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $95 (often waived first year)
Rewards Rate:
- 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to annual limit)
- 6% on select streaming services
- 3% on gas and transit
- 1% on other purchases
Intro Offer: Statement credit after qualifying spend.
Why It Made the List:
This card offers some of the highest cash-back rates available.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Families and households with heavy grocery spending can easily earn hundreds of dollars in rewards every year.
7. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:
- 4% on dining, entertainment, and streaming
- 3% on groceries
- 1% on everything else
Intro Offer: Cash bonus after meeting spend requirement.
Why It Made the List:
This card is built for people who love eating out and enjoying entertainment.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Dining and entertainment are major spending categories in the U.S., and this card rewards those habits generously.
8. Discover it® Cash Back
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.8/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% on rotating quarterly categories
- 1% on other purchases
Intro Offer: First-year cash-back match.
Why It Made the List:
The first-year rewards match can double your earnings.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Rotating categories often include gas, groceries, and online shopping—key spending areas for most households.
9. Chase Freedom Flex®
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.8/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% rotating categories
- 5% on Chase travel
- 3% dining and drugstores
- 1% elsewhere
Intro Offer: Cash bonus after minimum spend.
Why It Made the List:
It combines category bonuses with fixed everyday rewards.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Perfect for people who like maximizing rewards without paying an annual fee.
10. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:
- High points on Marriott hotel stays
- 2x points on other purchases
Intro Offer: Large bonus points after qualifying spend.
Why It Made the List:
Hotel rewards can offer excellent value for frequent travelers.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Ideal for road trips, family vacations, and business travel within the U.S.
11. United℠ Explorer Card
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $0 first year, then $95
Rewards Rate:
- Miles on United purchases, dining, and hotels
- Miles on everyday spending
Intro Offer: Airline miles bonus after spending requirement.
Why It Made the List:
United flyers get extra value through free checked bags and priority boarding.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
United has one of the largest domestic route networks, making this card useful across the country.
12. Discover it® Student Chrome
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.6/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 2% at gas stations and restaurants (up to cap)
- 1% on all other purchases
Intro Offer: First-year cash-back match.
Why It Made the List:
It’s one of the best rewards cards for students building credit.
Why It’s Great for Americans:
Perfect for college students who want rewards while establishing a credit history.
Top 10 FAQs – Rewards Credit Cards
1. What is the best rewards credit card overall?
It depends on your spending habits, but Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® are top all-around choices.
2. Cash back or travel rewards—what’s better?
Cash back is simpler; travel rewards often provide higher value if you travel regularly.
3. Do rewards expire?
Most do not, as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
4. Are rewards taxable?
Generally, no. Rewards are considered rebates, not income.
5. Can I carry multiple rewards cards?
Yes, many Americans use multiple cards to maximize rewards in different categories.
6. Do rewards cards hurt your credit score?
Not if used responsibly. Paying on time is key.
7. What credit score is needed?
Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit, though student cards are more flexible.
8. Are annual fee cards worth it?
Often yes, if the rewards and perks exceed the fee.
9. Can rewards be redeemed for cash?
Most cash-back cards allow statement credits or deposits; travel cards offer flexible redemptions.
10. What’s the biggest mistake with rewards cards?
Overspending just to earn rewards—interest charges can wipe out benefits.
Final Thoughts
Rewards credit cards are powerful tools when used wisely. Whether you prefer straightforward cash back or flexible travel rewards, the right card can turn everyday spending into real value. The 12 best rewards credit cards listed here cover every type of American consumer—from students to frequent travelers and families.
Choose a card that matches your lifestyle, pay your balance on time, and let your rewards work for you.
