Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel miles, or points, finding the right rewards credit card can significantly boost your financial benefits.
Best Reward Credit Cards – Quick Answer
- Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa – Best for Cashback Rewards
- PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card – Best for Point Rewards
Remember to compare offers, read the fine print, and choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
Compare Reward Credit Cards
| Company | Card name | Annual Fee | APR: | Max. Credit | Annual Fee | Card System | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Destiny® Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more |
| Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more |
| First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $25 | 23.74% | $2,000 | $25 | Master Card | Explore more |
| OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card | $0 | 29.99% | $3,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more |
| First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $29 | 24.49% | – | $29 | Master Card | Explore more |
| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 17.99% | – | $95 | Visa | Explore more |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | $0 | Visa | Explore more |
| PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | $0 | Visa | Explore more |
| Milestone® Gold Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more |
| OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | $35 | 25.64% | $3,000 | $35 | Visa | Explore more |
| Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 29.99% | $2,000 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more |
| Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card | $75 | 35.99% | $300 | $75 | Visa | Explore more |
| Upgrade Card | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more |
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| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more |
| Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more |
| American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card | $95 | 18.49% | $30,000 | $95 | American Express | Explore more |
| American Express® Gold Credit Card | $250 | 20.49% | $25,000 | $250 | American Express | Explore more |
| Citi Rewards+ Card | $0 | 17.99% | $500 | $0 | Master Card | Explore more |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $0 | 20.24% | $50,000 | $0 | American Express | Explore more |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 | 20.99% | $50,000 | $695 | American Express | Explore more |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | $525 | 20.99% | $5,000 | $525 | Visa | Explore more |
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| Company | Overall Rating | Card name | Annual Fee | APR: | Max. Credit | Annual Fee | Card System | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| Destiny® Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| Indigo® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| First Latitude Platinum Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $25 | 23.74% | $2,000 | $25 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| OpenSky® Plus Secured Visa® Credit Card | $0 | 29.99% | $3,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| First Progress Platinum Elite Mastercard® Secured Credit Card | $29 | 24.49% | – | $29 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $95 | 17.99% | – | $95 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | $0 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card | $0 | 17.99% | – | $0 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| Milestone® Gold Mastercard® | $75 | 24.90% | $300 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card | $35 | 25.64% | $3,000 | $35 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| Surge® Platinum Mastercard® | $75 | 29.99% | $2,000 | $75 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card | $75 | 35.99% | $300 | $75 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| Upgrade Card | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa | $0 | 14.99% | $25,000 | $0 | Visa | Explore more | |
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| American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card | $95 | 18.49% | $30,000 | $95 | American Express | Explore more | |
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| American Express® Gold Credit Card | $250 | 20.49% | $25,000 | $250 | American Express | Explore more | |
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| Citi Rewards+ Card | $0 | 17.99% | $500 | $0 | Master Card | Explore more | |
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| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | $0 | 20.24% | $50,000 | $0 | American Express | Explore more | |
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| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 | 20.99% | $50,000 | $695 | American Express | Explore more | |
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| United Club℠ Infinite Card | $525 | 20.99% | $5,000 | $525 | Visa | Explore more |
What Is a Rewards Credit Card?
A rewards credit card is a type of credit card that offers incentives for your spending. These rewards typically come in the form of cash back, points, or miles. Every time you make a purchase with your rewards card, you earn a percentage back based on the card’s reward structure.
While rewards cards function like standard credit cards in terms of credit limits, interest charges, and monthly payments, they provide additional value through their rewards programs. This added benefit can translate into significant savings or enhanced purchasing power over time.
Rewards Credit Cards FAQs
How do rewards credit cards work?
Rewards credit cards allow you to earn cash back, points, or miles on your purchases. The amount you earn is typically a percentage of your spending and can be redeemed for various rewards such as statement credits, travel, gift cards, or merchandise.
Are there any drawbacks to rewards credit cards?
While rewards cards offer great benefits, they often come with higher interest rates and annual fees. Some people might also be tempted to overspend to earn more rewards. It’s crucial to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can outweigh the rewards.
What credit score do I need for a rewards credit card?
Most rewards credit cards require good to excellent credit (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher). However, some cards are available for those with fair credit. Always check the card’s requirements before applying.
How can I redeem my credit card rewards?
Redemption options vary by card but often include statement credits, direct deposits, travel bookings, gift cards, and merchandise. Some programs also allow you to transfer points to travel partners or use them to shop on Amazon.
Do rewards expire?
This depends on the specific card and program. Some rewards never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing, while others may expire after a certain period. Always check your card’s terms and conditions regarding reward expiration.
Types of Credit Card Rewards
Credit card rewards generally fall into three main categories:
- Cash Back
- Points
- Miles
1. Cash Back Rewards
Some popular cash back cards in 2024 include:
Total Visa® Unsecured Credit Card
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your Total Credit Card
- $300 credit limit (subject to available credit)
- No security deposit, simply pay a one-time $95 program fee to open your account.
- $75 annual fee for the first year
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- Earn Cash Back for Everyday Purchases
- $100 Bonus Offer Statement Credit When you spend $1,500 in the first 90 days
- Annual Fee: $0
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months
Line of credit
$0
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$0
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
Interest
17.99% – 17.99%
American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card
- Cash Back with No Annual Fee
- Earn 20% back on Amazon.com purchases in the first 6 months
- 0% intro APR for 15 months
Line of credit
$30,000
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$95
Travel Insurance
Yes
ATM fee
Interest
18.49% – 29.49%
Cash back rewards are straightforward and flexible. You earn a percentage of your purchases back as cash, which can typically be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
2. Points Rewards
Some top points rewards cards include:
PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
- 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
- 4 x points on all travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Members
- Annual Fee: $95
- 0% Balance Transfers Promo APR for 12 months
Line of credit
$0
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$95
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
Interest
17.99% – 17.99%
American Express® Gold Credit Card
- Annual Fee: $ 250
- 0% Intro APR on eligible charges for 12 months
- Earn rewards on dining, groceries, and flights
- Earn 5 000 bonus Membership Rewards® points when you activate your new card.
Line of credit
$25,000
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$250
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
Interest
20.49% – 28.49%
Citi Rewards+ Card
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- 17.99% – 27.99% Variable APR
- $0 annual fee
- Earn 2 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent at supermarkets and gas stations
Line of credit
$500
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$0
Travel Insurance
No
ATM fee
Interest
17.99% – 27.99%
Points-based rewards allow you to earn points for every dollar spent. These points can often be redeemed for a variety of options, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, or even cash back.
3. Miles Rewards
Some of the best travel rewards cards in 2024 are:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Earn 2x miles on dining at restaurants including takeout and delivery
- 20.24% to 29.24% variable APR on purchases
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Earn 10x points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
- Annual Fee: $695
- 20.49% to 27.49% variable APR
- Get $200 back in credits every year on selected hotel bookings
Line of credit
$50,000
Interest-free payment period
0 Days
Annual fee
$695
Travel Insurance
Yes
ATM fee
Interest
20.99% – 28.99%
United Club℠ Infinite Card
- No foreign transaction fee
- 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Annual fee $525
- 20.99% to 27.99% variable APR
Miles rewards are typically geared towards frequent travelers. These cards allow you to earn miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel expenses.
Flat Vs. Tiered Rewards Structures
Rewards credit cards typically offer either a flat-rate or a tiered rewards structure:
- Flat-rate rewards: Offer the same reward rate on all purchases
- Tiered rewards: Provide higher rewards in specific spending categories
Flat-rate cards, like the Citi® Double Cash Card, are simple to use and beneficial for those with varied spending habits. Tiered rewards cards, such as the American Express® Gold Card, can offer higher rewards in specific categories, making them ideal for those who spend heavily in particular areas.
How to Choose the Best Rewards Credit Card
Selecting the right rewards credit card depends on your individual spending habits, financial goals, and lifestyle. Here are some factors to consider:
Your spending patterns
Type of rewards you prefer (cash back, points, or miles)
Annual fees and interest rates
Sign-up bonuses and introductory offers
Additional perks and benefits
Redemption options and flexibility
Your credit score and approval odds
Factors To Consider
Maximizing Your Credit Card Rewards
Follow these steps to get the most out of your rewards credit card:
Steps
Pay your balance in full each month
Avoid interest charges that can negate your rewards
Use the right card for each purchase
Match your spending to the card that offers the highest rewards for that category
Take advantage of sign-up bonuses
Meet the spending requirements to earn lucrative welcome offers
Leverage bonus categories
Stay aware of rotating categories and special promotions
Combine cards strategically
Use multiple cards to maximize rewards across all spending categories
Redeem rewards wisely
Understand the value of your points or miles and choose redemption options that offer the best return
Compare and Apply for Rewards Credit Cards
At Financer.com, we simplify the process of finding and applying for the best rewards credit cards. Our online comparison tool allows you to:
- Compare multiple credit card offers side-by-side
- Filter cards based on your preferences and needs
- Read genuine customer reviews
- Access instant results without affecting your credit score
- Apply online directly through our secure platform
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Get the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Want a rewards card with a 0% APR?
Get the Penfed PathFinder Rewards Visa Signature® Card today.
See if you qualify
- 50,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
- 4 x points on all travel categories for PenFed Honors Advantage Members
- Annual Fee: $95
- 0% promotional rate for 12 months on balance transfers
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