Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2024
Looking for the best rewards credit cards of 2024? Our curated list covers a variety of options to suit different spending habits and financial goals. Whether you prefer straightforward cash back or travel rewards, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the right card for you.
Top 10 Rewards Credit Cards of 2024
Credit card
Annual fee
Intro offer
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Earn an extra 1.5% cash back on every purchase during your first year, up to $20,000 in spending—allowing you to earn up to $300 in cash back!
Cash Back Rewards Details:
- 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, where you can redeem for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
- Receive 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- Receive 3% cash back on other purchases, up to $20,000 in the first year.
After the First Year or Reaching $20,000 Spend:
- Get 5% cash back on travel bought through Chase Travel℠.
- 3% cash back on drugstore spending and dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
- Get Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Flexible Cash Back Redemption:
Redeem your cash back with no minimum required. You can opt for a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. As long as your account is open, your Cash Back rewards won’t expire!
0% Intro APR Offer:
Take advantage of 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from the first day your account is opened. After this period, a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% applies.
No Annual Fee:
Enjoy all the benefits of your Freedom Unlimited® card with no annual fee.
Monitor Your Credit Health:
Track your credit score and receive alerts with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest score and more.
Member FDIC:
Chase is a Member FDIC, providing protection for your funds.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period
- High rewards rate
- No minimum redemption threshold
Cons:
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Spend $500 and get $200 bonus on purchases within the first 3 months.
- Receive unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases & qualifying balance transfers from account opening. After this period, a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies. Balance transfers made within the first 120 days are eligible for the introductory rate with a fee of 3%, after which a balance transfer fee of up to 5% (minimum $5) applies.
- No annual fee.
- No need to track categories or remember spending limits; cash rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
- Access top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dining reservations, and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Enjoy up to $600 in mobile phone protection against damaging or theft, subject to a $25 deductible.
Pros:
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period
Cons:
- No bonus categories
Welcome Offer: Get $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months—equivalent to $1,000 in travel.
Unlimited Miles: Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Travel Bonus: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, offering the best prices on thousands of options.
No Expiration: Miles never expire as long as your account is open, with no limit on how many you can earn.
Travel Credits: Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Flexible Redemption: Use miles to cover any travel purchase or book trips through Capital One Travel.
Hotel Perks: Enjoy benefits like a $50 experience credit and room upgrades with the Lifestyle Collection.
Transfer Options: Transfer your miles to more than 15 travel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
Advantages:
- High rewards rate
- Flexible redemption options for rewards
Disadvantages:
- Annual fee required
- Requires good to excellent credit
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points:
- Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months to earn 60,000 bonus points, redeemable for $750 through Chase Travel℠.
Reward Highlights:
- 5x points on travel booked with Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on other travel purchases
- 1x points on all other purchases
- Annual $50 hotel credit with Chase Travel℠
Boosted Redemption Value:
- Redeem points for 25% more value on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises via Chase Travel℠, making 60,000 points worth $750.
Travel Protections:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and lost luggage insurance included.
Additional Perks:
- Free DashPass access with $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees for a minimum of one year when activated by December 31, 2027.
Member FDIC
Advantages:
- Attractive bonus offer for new cardholders
- Bonus categories for earning extra points
- Primary coverage for rental cars
- Flexible options for redeeming rewards
- Partnerships for transferring points
Disadvantages:
- Annual fee required
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Complex rewards structure
Welcome Offer: Get $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months—equivalent to $1,000 in travel.
Unlimited Miles: Earn 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Travel Bonus: Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, offering the best prices on thousands of options.
No Expiration: Miles never expire as long as your account is open, with no limit on how many you can earn.
Travel Credits: Receive up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®.
Flexible Redemption: Use miles to cover any travel purchase or book trips through Capital One Travel.
Hotel Perks: Enjoy benefits like a $50 experience credit and room upgrades with the Lifestyle Collection.
Transfer Options: Transfer your miles to more than 15 travel loyalty programs for added flexibility.
Advantages:
- High rewards rate
- Flexible redemption options for rewards
Disadvantages:
- Annual fee required
- Requires good to excellent credit
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
$250
Welcome Offer:
- Receive a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee:
- Enjoy $0 annual fee for the first year; thereafter, it will be $95 per year.
Flexible Payment Options:
- Take advantage of $0 introductory plan fees with Plan It® for splitting large purchases into monthly payments. This offer is valid for plans initiated within the first 12 months from account opening. Subsequent plans will incur a monthly fee of up to 1.33%, based on the duration of the plan and other factors.
Introductory APR:
- Benefit from 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months. Afterward, a variable APR ranging from 19.24% to 29.99% will apply.
Cash Back Categories:
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1%).
- Receive 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services.
- Get 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, including taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, and buses.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Cash back is credited as Reward Dollars, redeemable as statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
Disney Bundle Credit:
- Enjoy a $7 monthly statement credit when you spend $9.99 or more on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription using your Blue Cash Preferred Card. This offer is valid at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
Terms Apply
Advantages:
- High rewards rate
- Generous bonus categories
- Introductory APR period
- Cash rewards
Disadvantages:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Spending limits on bonus rewards
- Earn a $200 bonus when you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening your account.
- Get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter in categories you choose, with new options available each quarter.
- Receive 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards platform offering cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
- Enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, plus unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum redemption for cash back rewards. Redeem as a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking or savings accounts. Rewards don’t expire as long as your account is open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers from account opening, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% applies.
- No annual fee – Benefit from all the features of the Freedom Flex® card without paying an annual fee.
- Track your credit health with Chase Credit Journey, offering free access to your latest credit score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- No annual fee
- Attractive sign-up bonus
- Multiple bonus categories
- Earn cash rewards
- Introductory APR offer
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Rewards structure can be complex
Boost your rewards with Discover’s special offer! During your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you earn—there’s no limit to how much you can earn or match. For example, if you earn $150 cash back, Discover will double it to $300!
Here’s what you get:
- 5% Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at various places each quarter, like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- 1% Cash Back: Get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Easy Reward Redemption: Redeem your cash back for cash at any time.
Quick and Easy Application: Apply today and receive a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Added Protection: Discover helps you safeguard your personal information by removing it from select people-search websites that might sell your data. This service is free when you activate it through the mobile app.
0% Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 15 months. After that, a variable APR of 18.24% to 28.24% applies based on your creditworthiness.
No Annual Fee! Terms and conditions apply.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period
- Bonus categories for extra rewards
- Cash back on all purchases
Cons:
- Reward structure can be complex
- Spending limits on bonus rewards
- Limited acceptance outside the U.S
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Earn a $200 Statement Credit
Receive a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 on your new Card within the first 6 months.No Annual Fee
There’s no annual fee for this card.Balance Transfer Offer
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.99% applies.Cash Back at U.S. Supermarkets
Earn 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% after that.Cash Back on U.S. Online Retail Purchases
Earn 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, up to $6,000 annually, then 1% thereafter.Cash Back at U.S. Gas Stations
Earn 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.Cash Back Redemption
Cash Back is received as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or at checkout on Amazon.com.Disney Bundle Offer
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Get $7 back each month as a statement credit when you spend $9.99 or more monthly on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) using your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.Home Chef Offer
Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.Terms and Conditions
Terms Apply.
Advantages:
- High rewards rate
- Generous bonus categories
- Introductory APR period
- Cash rewards
Disadvantages:
- Annual fee applies
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Spending limits on bonus rewards
- Receive a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter across two categories of your choosing.
- Get 5% cash back on prepaid flights, hotels, and car rentals when booked directly through the Rewards Travel Center.
- Collect 2% cash back in one everyday category, such as gas stations, EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, with a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74% afterward.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Multiple bonus categories
- Generous rewards rate
Cons
- Rewards structure can be complex
Full List of Editorial Picks: Best Rewards Credit Cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Our Pick For: All-around cash back
Highlights: Get 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and 3% on dining and drugstores.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Our Pick For: Flat-rate cash back
- Highlights: Enjoy an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, making it a straightforward choice for consistent cash back.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Our Pick For: Families & households
- Highlights: Earn 6% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 per year), 3% on transit, and 1% on other purchases, ideal for family expenses.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Our Pick For: Going out & staying in
- Highlights: Earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, with no annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex®
- Our Pick For: Quarterly categories + cash bonus
- Highlights: Enjoy 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500) and 1% on all other purchases.
Discover it® Cash Back
- Our Pick For: Quarterly categories + matching bonus
Highlights: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500) and get your cash back doubled at the end of your first year.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Our Pick For: Maximum customizability rewards
- Highlights: Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined purchases in two categories of your choice each quarter, and 2% on one everyday category.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Our Pick For: Flexible foodie rewards
- Highlights: Earn 4x points on dining, 2x on groceries, gas stations, and streaming services, and 1x on other purchases.
World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Our Pick For: Hotel credit card
- Highlights: Earn 4x points on Hyatt purchases, 2x on dining, airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, and 1x on other purchases.
Understanding Cash-Back Rewards Cards
How Cash-Back Rewards Work:
- Flat-Rate Cards: Earn a fixed percentage back on every purchase.
- Tiered Cards: Rewards vary based on spending categories.
- Cards with Rotating or Customizable Categories: Earn higher cash back in specific categories that change periodically or can be chosen.
What Determines Your Bonus Rewards?
Factors include spending categories, annual spending limits, and promotional offers.
How to Redeem Cash-Back Rewards: Typically through account statements, gift cards, or direct deposits.
Understanding Travel Rewards Cards
How Travel Rewards Work:
- Earn points or miles for travel-related expenses and general spending.
What is a Credit Card Point or Mile Worth?
Value varies by card and redemption method but typically ranges from 1 cent to 2 cents per point.
How to Redeem Travel Rewards: Points can be redeemed for travel expenses, statement credits, or transferred to travel partners.
Determining the Right Kind of Rewards Card for You
Rewards Cards Aren’t for Everyone: Consider if you can maximize the rewards with your spending habits.
Look at Both ‘Earn’ and ‘Burn’: Evaluate how much you can earn and how easily you can redeem rewards.
‘Best’ is a Personal Matter: The ideal card depends on your individual spending patterns and financial goals.
How to Compare Rewards Cards
- Annual Fee: Weigh the cost against potential rewards.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Check if it aligns with your spending plans.
- 0% Intro APR Period: Useful for balance transfers or large purchases.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Important for international travel.
- Perks: Look for travel insurance, extended warranties, and other benefits.s who are likely to repay their debts on time.
Pros and Cons of Rewards Cards
Pros:
- Potential for significant savings or travel benefits.
- Sign-up bonuses can provide immediate value.
- Perks and additional benefits can enhance your overall experience.
Cons:
- Annual fees may negate rewards if not used effectively.
- High interest rates if balances are not paid in full.
- Rewards may come with restrictions or limitations.
Making the Most of Your Rewards Card
- Use the Card for the Bulk of Your Spending: Maximize rewards by using your card for everyday purchases.
- Pair Cards to Earn Even More: Use different cards for different spending categories to optimize rewards.
- Redeem Rewards Thoughtfully: Choose redemption options that offer the highest value.
- Use the Freebies: Take advantage of additional card perks and benefits.
Other Cards to Consider
If the cards listed don’t meet your needs, explore options like cash back on specific purchases or cards tailored to your spending patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cards like the Citi Double Cash® Card offer a high flat-rate cash back on all purchases.
Yes, several options like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® come with no annual fee.
Use your rewards card for all eligible purchases, pay off balances monthly, and take advantage of sign-up bonuses and category-specific rewards.
Methodology
Our selections for the best 0% APR credit cards are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the card’s introductory APR period, ongoing APR, balance transfer fees, rewards programs, and additional benefits. We consider consumer needs and financial habits to provide recommendations that offer the best value.