In the market for a new credit card? Now there are plenty of choices when it comes to the best credit cards for rewards, especially regarding cashback offerings. From straightforward cards that offer a certain percentage back across the board to those that allow you to save more in your favorite spending category, you’ll find something for everyone.
What Are Credit Card Rewards?
Credit card rewards programs come in several different forms. Most of them involve using your cards on either certain types of purchases or those from specific brands. Some credit cards even offer you rewards on every single purchase you make.
Generally, you’ll be able to monitor and redeem your points online from the accompanying account you create on the card issuer’s website. Some cards offer rewards in the form of travel miles, while others offer you cashback that can be redeemed towards your card balance, in the form of a gift card, or even as a check.
Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Rewards
These days, it seems that many major credit card companies are getting a lot more straightforward when it comes to their rewards programs. While complicated point systems were once the norm, now there are plenty of cards that offer perks such as cashback or miles on every single purchase you make.
Join us for a breakdown of some of the best choices when it comes to low or no annual fees, introductory offers, and generous, easy-to-use rewards programs.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases
- Intro Offer: $200 when you spend $1,000 in the first three months
- No Annual Fee
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Back Card is about as straightforward as it gets, with 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase you make. There are no categories to contend with, no points to redeem, and even a 0% APR for the first year.
Chase Freedom Flex
- Rewards: 1-5% cash back in various spending categories
- Intro Offer: $200 when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months
- No Annual Fee
If you’re willing to take a more hands-on approach, then Chase’s Freedom Flex is definitely worth checking out. Each quarter, you’ll be able to earn 5% cashback on up to $1,500 worth of purchases in a variety of rotating bonus categories.
You’ll also earn 5% on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards and an additional 5% on up to $6,000 worth of gas purchases for the first year. The card also offers 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% back on all other purchases.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Rewards: 1-5% cash back in various spending categories
- Intro Offer: $200 when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months
- No Annual Fee
What if everything about the above offer looks good, except for keeping up with the rotating bonus categories? No worries, because Chase Freedom Unlimited offers pretty much the exact same deal except without the bonus categories. In exchange, you’ll get at least 1.5% cashback rather than 1% on every purchase.
Citi Custom Cash Card
- Rewards: 5% cash back in your highest spending category each cycle
- Intro offer: $200 cashback for $750 worth of purchases in the first three months
- No Annual Fee
The Citi Custom Cash Card allows you to earn 5% cashback on up to $500 per billing cycle in the category you spend the most in. The cool thing is that you don’t have to keep up with rotating categories. Simply enjoy extra rewards on whatever you happen to spend the most on. You’ll also get 1% cashback on every other purchase you make and enjoy a 15-month 0% intro APR.
U.S. Bank Cash + Visa Signature Card
- Rewards: 1-5% cash back in various categories
- Intro offer: $200 cash back when you spend $1000 in the first 120 days
- No annual fee
U.S. Bank’s Cash+ Card features an interesting blend of savings on everything from travel to everyday purchases. While there are bonus categories to choose from each quarter, the cool thing is that you get to choose not one but two to save 5% on.
You’ll also enjoy an additional 5% cashback on travel when you book directly through the Rewards Travel Center and 2% back on purchases in the “everyday category.” It includes things like gas and food. All other purchases qualify for 1% cashback, so you’ll enjoy a reward every time you use your card.
Capital One Venture Rewards
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases
- 60,000 bonus miles if you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months+ several track perks
- Annual Fee: $95
While no annual fee is generally the best annual fee, if you travel a great deal, then shelling out $95 each year for a Capital One Venture Reward card might actually be worth it. In addition to racking up more miles faster, you’ll also receive a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and two free visits per year to the Capital One Lounge. If the annual fee is a dealbreaker, check out Capital One’s Venture Rewards instead.
Discover It Cash Back
- Rewards: 1-5% cash back
- Cash back match at the end of the first year
- No annual fee
With Discover It’s Cash Back card, you’ll earn at least 1% cashback on every purchase you make. Each month, you’ll also be able to activate special 5% cashback offers on purchases through Amazon or Paypal, as well as at select stores and gas stations. The main perk that sets this one apart is that Discover will automatically match all of the cashback rewards you’ve racked up at the end of the first year.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Rewards: 3% cash back on dining, streaming, entertainment, and groceries. 1% back on everything else
- Intro Offer: $200 cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months
- No Annual Fee
Gone are the days when you had to be a frequent flyer to earn rewards that could only be redeemed with complicated points systems. The Capital One SavorOne lets you earn cashback for doing everything you love to do anyway.
Citi Double Cash Card
- Rewards: 2% cash back
- Intro Offer: 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months
- No Annual Fee
Want a card that will help you stay on track of your payments? With Citi’s Double Cash Card, you’ll automatically get a 1% cashback credit on every purchase you make and another 1% when you pay it off.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
- Rewards: 1-3% cash back
- Intro Offer: $200 bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
- No Annual Fee
Last but not least, Bank of America’s Customized Cash card is another choice for 3% cashback in the category of your choice each quarter. You’ll also get 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% off on all your other purchases.
We hope this has helped point you in the direction of the best rewards credit card for you!
