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11 Excellent Rewards Credit Cards of 2021
A rewards credit card can help you earn cash back, travel rewards, and other perks with everyday purchases. Compare these deals, some of which are from our partners, to find the one for you.
A rewards credit card can help you earn cash back, travel rewards, and other perks with everyday purchases. Compare these deals, some of which are from our partners, to find the one for you.
Show summary
Excellent for
Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
Pros
- High rewards rate and no minimum redemption
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has foreign transaction fee
- Requires good/excellent credit
Excellent for
Airline Miles and a Large Bonus
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1x-2x
Points
Intro offer
80,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
on Chase's website
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus earn up to $50 in statement credits towards grocery store purchases within your first year of account opening.
- Earn 2X points on dining including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out and travel. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Get unlimited deliveries with a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders over $12 for a minimum of one year with DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service. Activate by 12/31/21.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get up to $60 back on an eligible Peloton Digital or All-Access Membership through 12/31/2021, and get full access to their workout library through the Peloton app, including cardio, running, strength, yoga, and more. Take classes using a phone, tablet, or TV. No fitness equipment is required.
on Chase's website
Pros
- A large bonus
- No foreign transaction fee
- Cool factor - metal card
- Earn more points on travel and dining at restaurants
- Premium travel protection benefits
Cons
- $95 annual fee
Excellent for
Flat Rate Cash Back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-2%
Cashback
Intro offer
$0
Recommended Credit Score
- 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.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- 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 a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
on Citibank's application
- 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.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- 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 a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
on Citibank's application
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
Excellent for
Everyday Spending
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards Rate
1%-6%
Cashback
Intro offer
$300
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates and Fees
on American Express's website
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates and Fees
on American Express's website
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
Excellent for
Customizable rewards
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
- No annual fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No expiration on rewards
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
- No annual fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No expiration on rewards
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
Pros
- No annual fee
- Cash bonus offer
- Cash rewards
Cons
- If you're a big spender with excellent credit and willing to pay an annual fee, there are cards with higher rewards
Excellent for
Bonus offer + 0% period for purchases
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
- One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; 15.49%-25.49% variable APR after that
- Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
on Capital One's website
- One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; 15.49%-25.49% variable APR after that
- Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
on Capital One's website
Pros
- High rewards rate and no minimum redemption
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Other cards have longer 0% periods
- No bonus rewards categories
- Requires good/excellent credit
Excellent for
Bonus Categories and First Year Cashback Match
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Recommended Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
- Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
- #1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily.
- No annual fee.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- View Rates and Fees
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
- Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
- #1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily.
- No annual fee.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- View Rates and Fees
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Pros
- Cash back match at the end of your first year
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
Cons
- Slightly less merchant acceptance for Discover in US - acceptance outside of US can be an issue
- If you value simplicity, a flat rate cash back card may be better
Excellent for
Low Intro APR and No Annual Fee
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
Excellent for
Everyday Spending With No Fee
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1%-3%
Cashback
Intro offer
$200
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn $200 back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates and Fees
on American Express's website
- Earn $200 back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.99% to 23.99%.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates and Fees
on American Express's website
Pros
- Bonus rewards at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations
- No annual fee
- Bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- American Express isn't accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- Requires good/excellent credit
- $25 minimum redemption
Excellent for
Relationship rewards
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
1.5x-2x
Points
Intro offer
50,000
Points
Recommended Credit Score
- Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
- No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA Pre✓®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Low $95 annual fee
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
on Bank of America's website
- Receive 50,000 online bonus points - a $500 value - after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase
- No limit to the points you can earn and your points don't expire
- Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center
- Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA Pre✓®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
- Low $95 annual fee
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
on Bank of America's website
Pros
- Sign-up bonus
- Earn more points on travel and dining
- Premium travel protections
- Higher rewards rates for Bank of America and Merrill customers
Cons
- Annual fee
- Highest rewards rate limited to certain customers
Excellent for
Bonus offer, 0% period, cell phone protection
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5%
Cashback
Intro offer
$150
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $150 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.49% to 24.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee
- 1.8% cash rewards on digital wallet purchases including Google Pay™ or Apple Pay® during the first 12 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card
- No category restrictions or sign ups and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates and Fees
on Wells Fargo's website
- Earn a $150 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.49% to 24.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee
- 1.8% cash rewards on digital wallet purchases including Google Pay™ or Apple Pay® during the first 12 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card
- No category restrictions or sign ups and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates and Fees
on Wells Fargo's website
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Sign-up bonus
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
- Offers cell phone protection when bill is paid with card
Cons
- Requires good/excellent credit
| Credit Card | NerdWallet Rating | Rewards Rate | Intro Offer | Annual Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent for Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 1.5%-5% Cashback | $200 | $0 | on Chase's website | |
Excellent for Airline Miles and a Large Bonus | 1x-2x Points | 80,000 Points | $95 | on Chase's website | |
Excellent for Flat Rate Cash Back | 1%-2% Cashback | $0 | $0 | on Citibank's application | |
Excellent for Everyday Spending | 1%-6% Cashback | $300 | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | on American Express's website | |
Excellent for Customizable rewards | 1%-3% Cashback | $200 | $0 | on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706 | |
Excellent for Bonus offer + 0% period for purchases | 1.5% Cashback | $200 | $0 | on Capital One's website | |
Excellent for Bonus Categories and First Year Cashback Match | 1%-5% Cashback | Cashback Match™ | $0 | on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264 | |
Excellent for Low Intro APR and No Annual Fee | 1%-5% Cashback | $200 | $0 | on Chase's website | |
Excellent for Everyday Spending With No Fee | 1%-3% Cashback | $200 | $0 | on American Express's website | |
Excellent for Relationship rewards | 1.5x-2x Points | 50,000 Points | $95 | on Bank of America's website | |
Excellent for Bonus offer, 0% period, cell phone protection | 1.5% Cashback | $150 | $0 | on Wells Fargo's website |