12 Best Rewards Credit Cards of July 2025
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
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Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties. Cash-back cards pay you back a percentage of each transaction. Travel rewards cards give you points or miles that you can redeem for free flights, hotel stays and more. The right rewards credit card for you is all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value.
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Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties. Cash-back cards pay you back a percentage of each transaction. Travel rewards cards give you points or miles that you can redeem for free flights, hotel stays and more. The right rewards credit card for you is all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties. Cash-back cards pay you back a percentage of each transaction. Travel rewards cards give you points or miles that you can redeem for free flights, hotel stays and more. The right rewards credit card for you is all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Rewards credit cards come in two main varieties. Cash-back cards pay you back a percentage of each transaction. Travel rewards cards give you points or miles that you can redeem for free flights, hotel stays and more. The right rewards credit card for you is all about how you spend money and what kind of rewards you value.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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NerdWallet's Best Rewards Credit Cards of July 2025
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Flat-rate cash back
Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for Simplicity + high rate
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Families & households
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for All-around cash back
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Going out & staying in
Discover it® Cash Back: Best for Quarterly categories + matching bonus
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Simple travel rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for Bonus travel rewards
Discover it® Student Chrome: Best for College students
Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card: Best for Rewards on rent payments
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Best for Hotel credit card
The New United℠ Explorer Card: Best for Airline card
Best Rewards Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Bonus travel rewards | $95 | 1x-5x | 75,000 points | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase'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 |
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardApply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back | $0 | 2% | $200 | Apply Nowon Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardApply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Simple travel rewards | $95 | 2x-5x | 75,000 miles | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardApply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website | Best for Going out & staying in | $0 | 1%-8% | $200 | Apply Nowon Capital One's website on Capital One's website |
 Citi Double Cash® CardApply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for Simplicity + high rate | $0 | 2%-5% | $200 | Apply Nowon Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressApply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Families & households | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%-6% | $250 | Apply Nowon American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Discover it® Cash BackApply Nowon Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Quarterly categories + matching bonus | $0 | 1%-5% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Nowon Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit CardApply Nowon Bilt's website on Bilt's website | Best for Rewards on rent payments | None | 1X-3X | N/A | Apply Nowon Bilt's website on Bilt's website |
 The New United℠ Explorer CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Airline card | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | 1x-2x | 60,000 miles | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardApply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Hotel credit card | $95 | 2x-17x | 5 Free Night Awards | Apply Nowon Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Discover it® Student ChromeApply Nowon Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for College students | $0 | 1%-2% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Nowon Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Our pick for: Bonus travel rewards
Rewards breakdown
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, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
- Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
- 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most widely held travel credit cards for a reason: It provides outstanding value and flexibility — including the option of transferring your rewards to popular airline and hotel loyalty programs — for a reasonable annual fee.
Rewards type: Travel points.
Earning rates: 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase. 3 points per $1 on dining (including eligible delivery services and takeout), select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs). 2 points per $1 on travel not booked through Chase. 1 point per $1 on other purchases. Through September 2027: 5 points per $1 spent on Lyft.
Points are worth more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase.
Points can also be transferred to more than a dozen hotel and airline programs, including United, Southwest, Marriott and Hyatt.
Superb bonus offer for new cardholders.
$50 annual credit on hotel stays purchased through Chase.
Annual anniversary points bonus.
Primary rental car coverage.
No foreign transaction fees.
There's a $95 annual fee. That can be a bargain given all the value packed into the card, but fees might be a turn-off for casual travelers.
The rewards you earn on spending are valuable, but if it's perks you're looking for — for example, free checked bags on flights, free hotel upgrades or airport lounge access — look to a branded airline or hotel card or this card's premium sibling, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Our pick for: Simple travel rewards
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Easy-to-earn, easy-to-redeem rewards have rightly made the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card one of the best-loved travel credit cards on the market. If you like the idea of travel rewards, but the details make your head spin, this card is a great way to get started.
Rewards type: Travel points (Capital One refers to them as "miles").
Earning rates: Unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases, plus 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
Miles can be redeemed to pay for travel purchases. You’re not restricted to any particular airline or hotel, and there’s no minimum amount required to redeem. Just book your own travel, then pay for it with rewards. Miles can also be used to book travel directly through Capital One (NerdWallet calculates that they are worth 1 cent per mile for these redemptions.)
Strong bonus offer for new cardholders.
Credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
No foreign transaction fees.
Budget travelers will want to note the $95 annual fee. It can be well worth it, but there are no-annual-fee cards that offer similar simplicity (although with lower rewards rates).
If you're loyal to a particular airline or hotel chain, you may get more value and dedicated perks from one of that brand's own cards.
This card allows you to transfer miles to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, but the options aren't the strongest.
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
If you’re looking for a cash back card to use for everything — or a card to use for “everything else” in a multicard setup — it’s hard to go wrong with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card.
Rewards type: Cash back.
Earning rate: 2% cash back on all purchases. That’s about the best you can do for unlimited flat-rate cash back without paying a fee.
No categories or spending limits to keep track of.
The bonus offer is competitive: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Decent 0% intro APR period.
$0 annual fee.
Cell phone protection.
This card is ideal for those who like to keep things simple, but you can find significantly higher cash-back rates in specific categories if you're OK with managing multiple cards.
Many competing cash-back cards offer a longer intro APR period, if you’ve got a large purchase you need to finance.
There's a foreign transaction fee.
Our pick for: Going out & staying in
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- 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 and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an irresistible (and hard-to-find) combination: high cash-back rates at restaurants AND at grocery stores, as well as on a broad range of entertainment options, all for an annual fee of $0.
Rewards type: Cash back.
Earning rates: 3% cash back on dining, at grocery stores, on entertainment, and on eligible streaming services; 8% on Capital One Entertainment purchases; other purchases earn 1%.
No spending caps on bonus category rewards.
Good bonus offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Good 0% intro APR period.
No foreign transaction fees.
$0 annual fee.
If your food spending is focused specifically on either dining OR groceries, a different card with a higher rewards rate in one of those categories may be a better fit.
Our pick for: All-around cash back
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Intro Offer: 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 choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- 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 the rare cash back credit card that doesn't just have strong bonus categories — in this case, restaurants, drugstores and travel booked through Chase — but also pays more than 1% on purchases outside those categories.
Rewards type: Cash back. (Technically, the rewards are paid as points, but they can be redeemed for cash back at 1 cent apiece.)
Earning rates: 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% at restaurants and drugstores; and 1.5% on other purchases.
No spending caps on bonus categories.
Solid bonus offer: Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Good 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers.
$0 annual fee.
Rewards can be transferred to one of Chase’s Sapphire cards for greater redemption flexibility and potentially higher value.
While you can earn big rewards on travel bookings with this card, it also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not a good companion abroad.
Our pick for: Families & households
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments with a fixed fee. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 20.24% - 29.24%.
- 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.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns stellar rewards — up to 6% cash back in everyday categories — that can easily make its annual fee worth paying for households that spend a lot on groceries, gas, streaming and commuting.
Rewards type: Cash back*.
Earning rates: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 a year in spending (then 1%); 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% at U.S. gas stations; 3% on transit, including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses; and 1% on other purchases.
The welcome offer can take some of the sting out of the fee: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
You get a decent intro APR offer.
Up to $84 a year in Disney Bundle credit ($7 a month); enrollment required.
Terms apply.
The annual fee will be a sticking point for some: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But rewards offset the fee with just $31 a week in supermarket spending. And some cardholders may be able to cover the fee just with the streaming benefits.
Several competing cash back cards offer a longer intro APR period.
Our pick for: Quarterly categories + matching bonus
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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 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 your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Offering rich cash back rewards in common spending categories, as well as a bonus offer that gets more valuable the more you use the card in the first year, the Discover it® Cash Back does well as an everyday card or as one element in a multicard setup.
Rewards type: Cash back.
Earning rates: 5% cash back in quarterly categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending); 1% on other purchases (including spending above the cap in bonus categories).
Bonus categories regularly include big line items in many people's budgets: grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more.
Discover’s signature bonus offer for new cardholders matches all the cash back you earn in your first year, with no limit.
Solid introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
$0 annual fee.
Activating the bonus categories each quarter can be a hassle. If you forget, you don't get 5%.
Bonus rewards are capped, and the bonus categories might not be a good fit for everyone.
You have to wait a year to collect your bonus.
International traveler? Discover doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, but its acceptance outside the U.S. is limited.
Our pick for: Simplicity + high rate
Rewards breakdown
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 18.24% - 28.24%, 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 was one of the first cards to offer unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (albeit with a twist), and it remains a favorite.
Rewards type: Cash back. (Technically, the rewards are paid as points, but they can be redeemed for cash back at 1 cent apiece.)
Earning rate: 2% cash back on all purchases. The 2% comes in two parts: 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. A little bit of complexity there, but nothing major.
No bonus categories to track or spending limits to deal with.
Good offer for new cardholders: 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.
$0 annual fee.
This card’s appeal lies in its simplicity. But if your spending is mostly concentrated in specific categories, you may be able to find higher rewards rates on other cards.
Unlike many cards in its class, this card has no 0% intro APR period for purchases. It does have a good balance transfer offer, though.
The card charges foreign transaction fees.
Our pick for: Rewards on rent payments
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- $0 Annual Fee
- Earn 1x points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
- Earns 3x points on dining, 2x on travel, and 1x on other purchases
- Earn double points on the first of each month (excluding rent, up to 1,000 bonus points)
- Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
- Earn up to 5x Bilt points on Lyft rides when you link your Bilt account and pay with your Bilt card
- Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent payments, credit card statement credits, toward a down payment on a home, etc.
- Other features and benefits include: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Purchase Security, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Cellular Telephone Protection, and Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Select Apply Now to learn more about the product features, terms, and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter.
Rewards type: Points.
Earning rate on rent: 1 point per $1 spent on rent (up to 100,000 points annually). That might not seem like a jaw-dropping rate, but consider that in most cases, you either can't use a credit card for rent at all, or you can't do so without paying an extra fee that more than wipes out the value of your rewards.
Other earning rates: 3 points per $1 at restaurants; 2 points per $1 on travel; 5 points per $1 on Lyft (when you link your accounts); and 1 point per $1 on other spending.
Rewards rates, except for rent, are doubled for purchases on the first day of every month ("rent day").
Flexible redemption options include credit toward rent or a home down payment, booking travel and transferring points to travel partners.
No annual fee.
Primary rental car coverage (terms and limits apply).
Cell phone protection.
Setting up your rent payments to earn rewards can get complicated. For example, Bilt may need to send the landlord a check on your behalf. See our review for full details.
You must use the card at least five times during a statement period to earn most rewards, though you'll still earn 250 points on rent.
Point values vary significantly depending on redemption. Redemptions for statement credit are generally poor value.
No sign-up bonus.
Our pick for: College students
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – 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. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- No credit score required to apply.
- No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% - 26.24% applies.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
Discover offers two fine cards for college students. The Discover it® Student Chrome shines with its no-maintenance rewards structure, its student-friendly bonus categories and features tailor-made for those just getting started with credit.
Rewards type: Cash back.
Earning rates: 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover also matches all the cash back you earn in your first year.
Unlike with Discover's other student card, you don't have to "activate" your bonus rewards. One less thing to keep track of.
$0 annual fee.
Free access to FICO credit score.
Forgiveness for first late payment.
Discover says there's no FICO history requirement to apply.
Although there's no foreign transaction fee, Discover isn’t as widely accepted internationally as other cards. If you're going to be studying abroad, make sure you have a backup plan.
Our pick for: Airline card
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
- Over $400 in partner credits each year
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The New United℠ Explorer Card delivers terrific value, with several perks not offered by other airline cards in its price range. If you fly United regularly — or have the option to — it's a must. (United not an option? See our best airline cards for other picks.)
Rewards type: Airline miles.
Earning rates: 2 miles per $1 spent on United purchases, at restaurants and on hotel stays; 1 mile per $1 on other purchases.
Bonus offer: Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
First checked bag free for you and a companion. (Savings on bag fees can pay for the card with a couple of trips a year.)
Priority boarding.
Two one-time passes to United Club airport lounges each year.
Reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Primary rental car coverage.
Regular travelers should be able to derive more than enough value to justify the annual fee. But those who fly only occasionally should take a longer look.
Other cards provide a free checked bag for more people traveling on your reservation.
As with any branded airline card, you're limited in how you can redeem your rewards.
Our pick for: Hotel credit card
Rewards breakdown
Card details
- Our best offer is back! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
- Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
- Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
- 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
- Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
- Member FDIC
- View Rates & Fees
NerdWallet's take
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card is a solid card for both occasional and regular travelers, with benefits — especially a free night every year — that easily make up for its annual fee. (Not a Marriott customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.)
Rewards type: Hotel points.
Earning rates: 6 points per $1 spent at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels (on top of the points you earn for being a Bonvoy member); 3 points per $1 on grocery store, gas station and dining purchases (on up to $6,000 in combined purchases in those categories each year); and 2 points per $1 on other spending.
Free night award after every account anniversary.
Great bonus offer.
Automatic Silver Elite status and accelerated path to Gold status.
Marriott has a huge footprint with a wide selection of brands and locations, giving you great flexibility in how you use their points. Points can also be transferred to several airline partners.
As with most branded hotel or airline credit cards, the rewards aren't as flexible for redeeming as those on general travel cards.
Although the benefits can easily make up for the annual fee, that's still an out-of-pocket cost.
*For the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• • •
QUICK GUIDE: CHOOSING A REWARDS CREDIT CARD
Choosing the best rewards credit card for you boils down to three basic questions:
Do you want cash back, or are you looking for points and miles you can redeem for travel?
How much complexity are you willing to deal with in a credit card?
Are you open to paying an annual fee?
Whether you're looking for your first rewards credit card ever or you're already playing the rewards game and just want a new card to slot into your rotation, answering these questions will get you most of the way there.
1. Cash back or points/miles?
Cash back is the most flexible kind of credit card reward. With a cash back card, you earn rewards equal to a percentage of the amount you spend. Cash-back rates range from 1% to 6% — that is, 1 cent to 6 cents per dollar spent — depending on the card you use and where you use it. Your monthly statement will show you the rewards you've earned to date; you can also track your rewards online. This page features an assortment of top-rated cash back cards. For additional options, see our roundup of the best cash back credit cards.
» LEARN MORE: Cash back vs. travel rewards — how to choose
Points and miles earned on travel rewards cards can be redeemed for free travel — primarily flights and hotel stays. With a travel card, you earn a certain number of points for each dollar you spend — and that number can vary dramatically based on the card you use and what you're spending money on. Unlike with cash back cards, where 1 cent has the same value no matter which card you earn it on, the value of a point or mile depends on the loyalty program it's tied to and how you choose to redeem it. This page features a number of popular travel rewards cards. For additional options, see our roundup of the best travel credit cards.
» LEARN MORE: How much are points and miles worth?
2. Flat rate or bonus categories?
Once you settle on the type of credit card rewards you're after, you'll want to think about how you spend money. Credit cards generally dole out rewards in one of two ways:
Flat-rate cards pay the same rewards rate no matter what you're spending money on. The flat-rate model is especially popular among cash back cards, where a variety of options pay 1.5% or more on everything. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, for example, pays an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. Flat-rate rewards are a little less common in travel cards but not unheard-of. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, for example, pays 2 miles per dollar on nearly all purchases (see rates and fees). Even on flat-rate travel cards, you'll usually earn extra rewards on travel bookings through the card issuer.
Bonus category cards pay higher rewards rates in specific categories and then a lower base rate (usually 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent) on everything else. Most popular travel rewards cards operate under the bonus category model. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, for example, earns 2 to 5 points per dollar on travel, dining and some other categories and then 1 point per dollar outside those categories. Bonus categories are big among cash back cards, too. Some even have bonus categories that change periodically, that you can choose or that automatically adjust based on your spending. One caution: Many cash back cards (but certainly not all) limit how much spending is eligible for bonus category cash back.
If your spending is concentrated in a few key areas, you may be better off with a bonus rewards card that pays a high rate in those specific categories. If your spending is all over the map, a flat-rate card may be your best option. And if you don't mind putting in a little work, consider carrying multiple cards — one or more with bonus categories that align with your major spending areas, and a flat-rate card for everything else.
» LEARN MORE: Click below to see roundups of cards with bonus rewards in popular categories
3. Annual fee or no?
Some people are dead-set against paying an annual fee on a credit card for any reason. Others are willing to pay a fee if the value they get back from the card exceeds the annual fee. Our advice is not to dismiss a card out of hand because it charges a fee. Do the math to see what you're getting for your money.
Most cash back cards do not charge an annual fee, but there are exceptions — particularly cards that deliver outsize value. Meanwhile, the most popular travel rewards credit cards do charge a fee. These cards tend to provide not only rewards (which is what you get for spending money with the card) but also perks (benefits you get for simply carrying the card). For example, most airline credit cards charge an annual fee — but if a card also gives you free checked bags, gets you into airport lounges and/or reimburses your application fee for TSA PreCheck, that fee might be a bargain.
» LEARN MORE: See the best cards with no annual fee, as well as the best travel cards with no annual fee
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, see this page.
Last updated on June 28, 2025
Methodology
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers, including both those seeking cash-back rewards and those interested in travel rewards. Factors in our evaluation include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as airline or hotel perks or the ability to transfer points. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
How do rewards credit cards work?
How do rewards credit cards work?
There are two main types of rewards credit cards: cash-back cards and points/miles cards:
• With a cash-back credit card, the card issuer "pays you back" a certain percentage of every purchase. For example, if your card earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases and you buy something for $100, you would earn $1.50 in cash back.
• With a points or miles card, the issuer gives you a certain number of rewards points (often called “miles” on airline and travel credit cards) for each dollar you spend. How you use the points or miles depends on the card. Common redemption options include travel, gift cards and merchandise.
With most rewards cards, you can see your accumulated earnings on your monthly statement or through your online account portal, and you can decide when and how to redeem them.
What can I do with credit card rewards?
What can I do with credit card rewards?
What you can do with your credit card rewards depends on the type of rewards you’ve earned and the card’s rules:
• Cash-back rewards are typically redeemable for a credit on your statement, which reduces your outstanding balance. You may also be able to have your rewards deposited into a bank account or sent as a check.
• Points or miles are most commonly redeemed for travel, but you may also be able to redeem them for gift cards, merchandise or cash back. For cards that carry the name of an airline or hotel brand, you typically use your rewards for free travel or upgrades. Some bank-branded credit cards let you transfer their points into airline or hotel programs.
How many credit card rewards points can I earn?
How many credit card rewards points can I earn?
In most cases, there is no limit to how many points or miles or how much cash back you can earn with a credit card. Some cards do limit how much spending is eligible for bonus rewards — that is, higher rewards offered in specific categories — but after you hit that limit, you still earn rewards at the base rate. For example, a card might offer 3% rewards on up to $6,000 a year in spending and then 1% after that.
How much are credit card rewards points worth?
How much are credit card rewards points worth?
How much each point or mile is worth depends on the card that issued it and how you redeem it. As a very general rule of thumb, it’s helpful to think of points and miles as worth an average of 1 cent apiece, although you can certainly get a higher (or lower) value.
In some programs, points are worth 1 cent apiece regardless of how you redeem. In others, you might get 1 cent per point when redeeming for travel and 0.5 cents when redeeming for gift cards or cash back. Airline miles could be worth anywhere from less than 1 cent to more than 5 cents apiece depending on how many miles you need to earn a free flight and how much that flight would have cost if you were paying cash. Hotel points are similarly variable in value. See our points and miles valuation page for NerdWallet’s current values for airline miles and hotel points.
What credit score do I need to get a rewards credit card?
What credit score do I need to get a rewards credit card?
The best rewards credit cards typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, there are some decent rewards-bearing cards for people with fair credit and even bad credit. Keep in mind that credit scores are only one factor in your application. Every issuer has its own criteria for approval.
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Are credit card rewards taxable?
Typically, credit card rewards are not taxable. That's because the IRS generally considers credit card rewards to be discounts or rebates on purchases made with the card, not income.
Do credit card rewards expire?
Do credit card rewards expire?
Whether your credit card rewards expire depends on the card and the rewards program. In most cases, rewards do not expire as long as your account is active — meaning, you are using the card for purchases at least occasionally. Some programs require you to redeem your rewards within a certain time frame, but that's becoming more and more rare.
Is there a limit to the amount of rewards you can earn with a rewards credit card?
Is there a limit to the amount of rewards you can earn with a rewards credit card?
There is usually no limit to the rewards you can earn with a credit card. Some cards do limit how much spending is eligible for "bonus" rewards — that is, higher rewards for certain purchases — but after you hit that limit, you still earn rewards at the base rate. For example, a card might offer 2 points per dollar on up to $10,000 a year in spending and then 1 point per dollar after that. Or a card will offer 3% on groceries on up to $6,000 a year in spending, then 1% after that.
How do you redeem credit card rewards?
How do you redeem credit card rewards?
You can usually redeem rewards through your card issuer's website or app. In some cases, you may need to make a phone call, but that's rare.
Cash back can almost always be redeemed for a credit on your statement. So, for example, if your account has a balance of $200 and you redeem $30 in cash back, your balance would drop to $170. You may also be able to redeem cash back as a deposit into a bank account or even as a check mailed to you, but these options aren't always available. Some cards have a minimum redemption amount, like $20 or $25.
Airline miles and hotel points can be redeemed directly with the airline or hotel chain. Use these rewards to book flights or stays, or to pay for upgrades.
General-purpose credit card points — such as Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Bilt Points and so on — are typically the most flexible reward, although they can also be the most confusing. Depending on the program, you can redeem points to purchase travel through the card issuer's booking portal, redeem them for credit against travel spending or other purchases, transfer them to partner airline and hotel programs, redeem them as cash back, use them to pay for purchases at Amazon or other retailers, or something else.
Is it better to get cash back or travel rewards?
Is it better to get cash back or travel rewards?
Whether cash back rewards or travel rewards are better for you depends entirely on your spending habits and your appetite for complexity. Cash back is the easiest kind of reward to manage — $1 is worth $1 no matter how you use it. So if you want the flexibility to use your rewards for anything without worrying about whether you're getting the "best deal," opt for cash back. With travel rewards, points sometimes have a fixed value (1 cent per point is common), but often the value you get from each point or mile often depends entirely on how you redeem it. You might get 1 cent worth of value per point, you might get a fraction of a cent, you might get multiple cents. Some people love the challenge of squeezing maximum value out of their rewards. See our points and miles valuation page for NerdWallet’s current assessment of how much these rewards should be worth. Learn more here: How to choose between cash back and travel rewards.
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