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10 Great Rewards Cards That Earn Cash Back or Points of October 2026
October, 2026Not sure whether you want cash back or points? Compare both here. Cash back is simple and flexible, while points can be worth more when you redeem them for travel.
Read MoreShow Less
Cash back or points: how to decide
Choose cash back for simplicity. It's easy to understand and can be used on anything.
Choose points for travel. Points can stretch further when you redeem them for flights and hotels.
Match the card to your spending. Either way, the right bonus categories make the biggest difference.
Our pick for: Travel cash back
Annual fee$0Rewards rate4%CashbackIntro offerN/ARecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 21 billing cyclesBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 21 billing cyclesRegular APR17.24%-28.24% Variable APRRewards breakdown
4%Cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Center.Card details
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 21 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24% - 28.24%.
- 4% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Center when you use your card.
- Get a $20 annual statement credit for 11 consecutive months of purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Cell Phone Protection: Your eligible cell phone can be reimbursed up to $600 in the event it is stolen or damaged when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card is mainly about its long intro period, with travel cash back and a few extras on top. It's a strong option whichever kind of rewards you prefer.
Read full reviewProsEarns cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked through U.S. Bank's travel center.
An annual statement credit after 11 consecutive months of purchases.
Cell phone protection when you pay your monthly phone bill with the card.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsRewards only apply to travel booked through U.S. Bank's travel center.
No welcome bonus.
Our pick for: Rotating bonus categories
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1%-5%CashbackIntro offer$250Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 monthsBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR18.49%-27.99% Variable APRRewards breakdown
5%Cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.1%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- Limited Time Offer! Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- New Benefit! Earn rewards worldwide with no foreign transaction fees
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Freedom Flex® rewards people who like to track categories, with high cash back in a rotating lineup. It earns well on everyday spending.
Read full reviewProsEarns bonus cash back in categories that rotate each quarter (activation required), plus extra on travel booked through Chase, dining and drugstores.
No minimum to redeem cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsYou have to activate the bonus categories each quarter, and bonus earnings are capped.
Our pick for: Choose-your-category cash back
Apply Nowon Bank of America's websiteon Bank of America's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1%-6%CashbackIntro offer$200Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cyclesBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 daysRegular APR17.74%-27.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
6%Cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).3%Cash back in the category of your choice after the first year (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).2%Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).1%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Customized Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to groceries - BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you pick where you earn the most cash back. It's a solid everyday card to keep for the long run.
Read full reviewProsEarns bonus cash back in a category you choose, plus at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to a quarterly cap.
Bank of America Rewards members can earn more cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsBonus cash back is capped each quarter.
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back
Apply Nowon Bank of America's websiteon Bank of America's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1.5%CashbackIntro offer$250Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 billing cyclesBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 daysRegular APR17.74%-27.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
1.5%Cash back on all purchases.Card details
- Limited Time Offer! $250 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee.
- Turn daily purchases into everyday wins. Simply use your Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card for the things you already buy - from gifts to groceries - BofA Rewards™ members earn more cash back.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 17.74% - 27.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
NerdWallet's take
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card keeps rewards simple, with the same cash back rate on everything. It's a strong option whichever kind of rewards you prefer.
Read full reviewProsEarns unlimited flat-rate cash back on every purchase, and rewards don't expire while your account is open.
Bank of America Rewards members can earn more cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsNo bonus categories.
The highest rewards rates require Bank of America Rewards status.
Our pick for: Cash back on everything
Annual fee$0Rewards rate2%-5%CashbackIntro offer$200Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Balance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 monthsRegular APR18.49%-28.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
2%Cash back on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.Card details
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 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.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Citi Double Cash® Card earns a strong flat rate on everything without any categories. It earns well on everyday spending.
Read full reviewProsEarns cash back on every purchase: once when you buy and again as you pay.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsOur pick for: Quarterly cash back + first-year match
Apply Nowon Capital One's websiteon Capital One's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1%-5%CashbackIntro offerCashback Match™Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 6 monthsBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 monthsRegular APR17.74%-26.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
5%Cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.1%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- Get a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers and 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months; balance transfer fee applies. Then 17.74% to 26.74% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- No annual fee
- Terms and conditions apply
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer pairs a long transfer offer with a first-year match on everything you earn. It's a solid everyday card to keep for the long run.
Read full reviewProsEarns bonus cash back in categories that change each quarter (activation required), plus cash back on everything else.
Redeem cash back for any amount.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsBonus categories are capped each quarter.
Our pick for: Everyday cash back
Apply Nowon American Express' websiteon American Express' websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1%-3%CashbackIntro offerAs High as $200 cash back. Find Out Your Offer.Recommended creditGood - ExcellentPurchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account openingBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account openingAPR19.74%-28.74% Variable APRRewards breakdown
3%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).3%Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).3%Cash Back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).1%Cash Back on other purchases.Card details
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.74%-28.74%.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays extra where many households spend most: groceries, online shopping and gas. It's a strong option whichever kind of rewards you prefer.
Read full reviewProsEarns bonus cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on U.S. online retail purchases and at U.S. gas stations, up to an annual cap.
A monthly statement credit for eligible Disney+, Hulu or ESPN subscription purchases.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsAmerican Express isn't accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard.
Bonus cash back is capped each year.
Our pick for: Flexible travel points
Annual fee$95Rewards rate1x-5xPointsIntro offer75,000pointsRegular APR19.49%-27.74% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
5xPoints on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.3xPoints on dining.3xPoints on vacation homes at top brands.3xPoints on on gas & EV charging.3xPoints on top streaming services.3xPoints on online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs).2xPoints on all other travel purchases.1xPoint on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, 3x on vacation homes at top brands, 3x on gas & EV charging, 3x on top streaming services and online groceries (excluding Walmart, Target, and wholesale clubs), 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.
- Earn up to $100 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Emergency Evacuation and Transportation, and more.
- Get a year of complimentary Apple TV when activated by December 31, 2026 - a value of $180.
- Complimentary DashPass membership, a $120 value for 12 months. Enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders, plus exclusive Chase savings on grocery, everyday essentials, and more. Activate by 12/31/29.
- Receive one statement credit of up to $120 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card for a Global Entry, TSA Precheck® or NEXUS application.
- Transfer points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a popular all-around travel card with flexible points and solid travel protections. It earns well on everyday spending.
Read full reviewProsEarns bonus points on travel booked through Chase Travel, dining, select streaming services, online groceries and more.
An annual statement credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel.
Trip cancellation and interruption insurance and auto rental coverage.
ConsAnnual fee: $95
Our pick for: Flexible travel miles
Apply Nowon Capital One's websiteon Capital One's websiteAnnual fee$0Rewards rate1.25x-5xMilesIntro offer40,000milesRegular APR18.74%-28.74% Variable APRRecommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Rewards breakdown
5xMiles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.1.25xMiles on every purchase, every day.Card details
- Earn a bonus of 40,000 miles once you spend $1,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $400 in travel
- 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR; this product does not have an introductory APR period, 4% fee on amounts transferred at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost is an easy way to earn flexible travel miles without an annual fee. It's a solid everyday card to keep for the long run.
Read full reviewProsEarns unlimited miles on every purchase, plus more on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Use miles to cover any travel purchase or book through Capital One Travel; miles don't expire.
No foreign transaction fees.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsEarns at a lower rate than some travel cards with an annual fee.
Our pick for: All-around cash back
Annual fee$0Rewards rate1.5%-5%CashbackIntro offer$200Recommended credit score690-850(Good - Excellent)Purchase intro APR0% intro APR on purchases for 15 monthsBalance transfer intro APR0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 monthsRegular APR18.49%-27.99% Variable APRRewards breakdown
5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.3%Cash back on drugstore purchases.3%Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.1.5%Cash back on all other purchases.Card details
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.49% - 27.99%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an easy everyday card: no categories to track, with a few bonus areas. It's a strong option whichever kind of rewards you prefer.
Read full reviewProsEarns cash back on every purchase, with more on travel booked through Chase, dining and drugstores.
No minimum to redeem cash back.
Annual fee: $0.
ConsForeign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Compare the Best Cash Back Or Points Credit Cards
| Credit card | Rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® CardApply Nowon U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Travel cash back | $0 | 4% | N/A | Apply Nowon U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 Chase Freedom Flex®Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Rotating bonus categories | $0 | 1%-5% | $250 | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Choose-your-category cash back | $0 | 1%-6% | $200 | Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back | $0 | 1.5% | $250 | Apply Nowon Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 Citi Double Cash® CardApply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Cash back on everything | $0 | 2%-5% | $200 | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
| Discover it® Cash Back - 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Quarterly cash back + first-year match | $0 | 1%-5% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Everyday cash back | $0 | 1%-3% | As High as $200 cash back. Find Out Your Offer. | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Flexible travel points | $95 | 1x-5x | 75,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
| Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card - Miles Boost Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Flexible travel miles | $0 | 1.25x-5x | 40,000 miles | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Chase Freedom Unlimited®Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for All-around cash back | $0 | 1.5%-5% | $200 | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
