Find the Best Credit Card by Rewards Type
Finding the right rewards credit card can seem daunting – especially with thousands of options to choose from in several different categories. The BestCards team is here to help, however! We’ve put together a handy guide to help you compare rewards credit cards.
The Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
Ideal for frequent travelers travel rewards credit cards offer a great variety of travel-related perks, ranging from airlines and hotels to cruises, destination experiences, and much more. Explore the top travel credit cards from the experts at BestCards.com!
BEST FEATURES
- Patented black-PVD-coated metal card—weighing 22 grams
- 2% value for airfare redemptions with no blackout dates or seat restrictions
- 1.5% value for cash back redemptions. Earn one point for every one dollar spent.
- Priority Pass™ Select
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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What are Your Credit Card Points Worth?
Ever wondered what your credit card points and miles are worth? Here are the latest credit card point values from BestCards:
The Best Travel Card Statement Credits
Travel credit cards bring a lot to the table for the frequent adventurer. Check out the best travel card statement credits
Capital One and Hopper Launch New Travel Portal
Capital One and Hopper are partnering for the new Capital One Travel portal. Read about the launch and how to maximize your travel savings:
The Best Airline Credit Card
Airline rewards credit cards are almost always co-branded and offer benefits or enhanced rewards earning that is exclusive to the partner airline. Some of these perks are not found in general travel credit cards, such as a free checked baggage or priority boarding.
BEST FEATURES
- 6X points on JetBlue purchases, 2X at restaurants and grocery stores, and 1X on all other purchases
- Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation
- Earn 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary
- Save 50% on in-flight cocktail and food purchases
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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Dining Programs: How to Earn Airline Miles with Any Credit Card
Dining Programs 101: Learn how to earn miles with any credit card, which airlines offer dining programs, and which one to sign up for.
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Credit Cards
Thinking about getting an airline credit card? BestCards has the ultimate guide to picking your perfect airline card for perks and rewards.
How to Choose an Airline Rewards Card
Travel credit cards are a great way to earn rewards for both travel and everyday purchases. Airline credit cards are especially great for those who frequently travel – either for work or play! But what are the best airline cards, and how should you choose a card that suits your needs?
The Best Hotel Credit Card
Like airline cards, hotel rewards credit cards are often co-branded and give cardholders bonus benefits tied to the card’s partner hotel chain. These extras include more flexible checkout options and even opportunities to earn free night stays.
BEST FEATURES
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio
- 6X Hilton Honors points per $1 spent on purchases at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations
- 3X Hilton Honors points on all eligible purchases
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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Dining Programs: How to Earn Airline Miles with Any Credit Card
Dining Programs 101: Learn how to earn miles with any credit card, which airlines offer dining programs, and which one to sign up for.
The Ultimate Guide to Airline Credit Cards
Thinking about getting an airline credit card? BestCards has the ultimate guide to picking your perfect airline card for perks and rewards.
How to Choose an Airline Rewards Card
Travel credit cards are a great way to earn rewards for both travel and everyday purchases. Airline credit cards are especially great for those who frequently travel – either for work or play! But what are the best airline cards, and how should you choose a card that suits your needs?
The Best Cash Back Credit Card
Perhaps one of the most popular types of credit card rewards comes from cash back rewards credit cards. After all, who doesn’t like getting money back into their account after making purchases? Cash back credit cards usually earn rewards on every qualifying purchase. Build your credit without breaking the bank, and check out these reviews of cash back credit cards today.
BEST FEATURES
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
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- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- View the full terms and conditions here
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The Best No Annual Fee Credit Cards
Looking for a credit card but don’t want to pay an annual fee? Here are some of the very best no annual fee credit card offers available:
Best Credit Card Perks for Fighting Inflation
Using a credit card can aid your budget during these times of inflation (and even after). Check out the best credit card perks for fighting inflation here.
The Best Cash Back Credit Cards
There are plenty of cash back rewards credit cards out there. We’ve narrowed them down and found the very best cash back credit cards for you
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The Best Auto Rewards Credit Card
Car lovers can save both on vehicle purchases as well as accessories from their preferred automaker with co-branded auto credit cards. Choose from GM, Dodge, Mopar, Chrysler, and many more – we lay out all the details you’ll need in easy-to-read reviews, so you can make an informed decision quickly and easily.
BEST FEATURES
- Earn 5% back on FCA US purchases, 2% back on gas and travel purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
- Redeem rewards for double the value at FCA U.S. dealerships
- 0% APR special financing for 6 billing cycles on every FCA US dealership purchase of $499 or more
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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What Are Auto Rewards Credit Cards – and Are They Worth Getting?
Recently, more and more lenders have begun offering automotive rewards cards to tempt consumers to use their credit card as a way to earn rewards towards cashback – either on parts or as savings towards a new vehicle.
Want to Dodge Auto Loan Debt? A Credit Card Could Help
Americans are saddled with more than $1.2 trillion in auto loan debt. Can a credit card like the Dodge DrivePlus Mastercard® be a viable alternative to an auto loan?
Retail & Auto Rewards Credit Cards to Help You Save Money This Fall
Fall and winter are among the best times of the year to explore everything Mother Nature has to offer. Rewards credit cards can help you save money while gearing up for outdoor fun. Here’s what you need to know to save money when getting ready this fall:
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The Best Gas Rewards Credit Card
If you find that you drive a lot for your job, put that commute to work. Anyone who spends a lot of time in their car knows that gas can come at a premium – so why not earn rewards (and discounts) while you’re stuck at the pump? These co-branded gas rewards credit cards offer great bonuses and discounts at their respective fueling stations; choose from Exxon, Chevron, and more!
BEST FEATURES
- Earn 5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- Earn 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members. Club members earn 1% cash back
- Earn 3% cash back on dining and takeout
- Earn 1% cash back on other purchases at Sam’s Club and wherever Mastercard is accepted
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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The Best Gas Rewards Credit Cards
Looking for the best gas rewards credit cards of 2021? Here are BestCards’ top picks, including some impressive savings:
Best Credit Card Perks for Fighting Inflation
Using a credit card can aid your budget during these times of inflation (and even after). Check out the best credit card perks for fighting inflation here.
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The Best Retail Credit Card
If you find that you spend a lot with certain brands, why not put that loyalty to better use? Anyone who spends a lot of time shopping knows that prices are rising – so why not earn rewards (and discounts) while you’re at the register?
BEST FEATURES
- With an initial payment of just $50, you can afford to shop from all the top brand names
- Buy On Trust TODAY, Pay LATER
- All The Big Name Brand Laptops, TV’s & More
- Up to $5,000 approval
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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Tandym Offers Store Card Innovation for Brands
Fintech Tandym allows e-commerce businesses to provide consumers with private-label, store-branded credit cards. Read more:
Should You Open a Store Card This Holiday Season?
With the holidays here, should you open a store credit card when shopping? Here’s why you should think twice before applying for one.
What Are Catalog Credit Cards?
What is a catalog credit card, and why should you apply for one? Find out everything you need to know about this type of payment card.
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The Best Crypto Credit Card
Crypto rewards cards, including crypto credit, debit, and prepaid cards, are innovative products that often offer cash back rewards in the form of cryptocurrency. Browse the best crypto rewards card offers to find the ideal card for your spending style:
BEST FEATURES
- Earn crypto rewards on every purchase
- Earn rewards in 60+ cryptos on every purchase
- Get up to 3% crypto back* on every purchase
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- View the full terms and conditions here
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The Best Fintech & Crypto Credit Cards
Neobank and fintech cards are everywhere nowadays, but which are the best? Here are BestCards’ top fintech credit cards:
American Express Announces First Crypto Rewards Card
American Express will launch its first crypto rewards credit card with Abra later this year. Here is everything to know about the new card:
BlockFi Rewards Flex Offers Choice of Up to 5 Cryptos
BlockFi has introduced BlockFi Rewards Flex – allowing BlockFi cardholders to choose from 6 cryptocurrencies to earn rewards.
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What Should You Look For When Comparing Rewards Credit Cards?
Determining the right type of credit card for you isn’t easy. The BestCards team is here to help, however! We’ve put together a handy guide to help you compare rewards credit cards. After all, the rewards rate isn’t the only factor you should consider when shopping for a new rewards card. Other metrics to look out for include:
Fees
- Annual Fee – Does the card charge an annual fee? If it does, do the rewards offset this annual fee? This last question will determine whether the proverbial juice is worth the squeeze when considering the rewards structure of a card that charges an annual fee.
- Foreign Transaction Fees – Always check to see if the credit card offer you’re interested in has fees associated with foreign transactions. This is particularly important if you’re looking for a travel rewards card. If you’re going to use a credit card for travel, but it charges you extra fees for foreign transactions, it may not be worth your time. Many rewards credit cards do not charge an annual fee, so consider this when looking for a card to use abroad.
Bonuses
- Intro APR Period – Does the card offer an introductory APR period? If so, how long is it? Some card issuers offer an introductory interest rate for purchases and balance transfers. This is an incentive to make a big purchase, or to transfer existing debt from another card. It can help you save a significant amount of money when it’s utilized correctly. Cardholders who pay off their balance before the introductory APR period has ended will avoid interest charges during that time frame. The longer this period lasts, the more beneficial it is to you and your bank account.
- Sign-up Bonus – Some rewards card offer a sign-up bonus, which is also known as a welcome bonus. This is a perk that is exclusive to the card offer, and rewards the cardholder for spending a certain amount of money in a certain amount of time. Of course, some signup bonuses do not have a threshold that needs to be met – they are also issued as a “thank you” for choosing that credit card, too.
Benefits and Protections
In addition to lucrative rewards, many rewards credit cards are accompanied by a suite of perks and benefits for cardholders. These include things like consumer protections against identity theft, 24-hour emergency services, auto rental collision damage waivers, and more.
Additional benefits can include travel-related perks, like travel credits, reimbursement for TSA Precheck and Global entry and airport lounge access. Some cards even offer free hotel nights, free checked bags, priority boarding and other amenities!
Card issuers know that your peace of mind is a rewarding too, which is why basic consumer protections are an integral part of rewards credit card terms. Credit card scams like skimmers at gas stations have become increasingly common, and are a cause for concern. To combat fraudsters and credit creeps, things like zero liability for fraudulent purchases and protection against identity theft are part and parcel here.
Travel protections are also a big deal, and are particularly common with rewards cards. It’s not easy to plan ahead for the unexpected, particularly when traveling away from home. Cardholders who travel often can take advantage of services like basic rental car collision coverage and travel accident insurance. Some cards go as far as offering luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation insurance,
How to Maximize Rewards
With proper planning, a rewards credit card is a powerful financial tool. Cardholders can really augment the rewards they earn if they:
Focus On Utilization
- Target a credit card that rewards spending in categories you make purchases most often in. If you target everyday spending categories like gasoline and groceries, you can earn rewards more quickly by using your card since you’d make those purchases either way. Additionally, rewards credit cards have a base rate, which means that every eligible purchase earns some sort of reward. Using the card for the bulk of your spending means you’ll earn rewards for every purchase. Get extra value from your monthly bills, by using your rewards card!
- Make sure you take advantage of the perks that accompany your rewards card – especially the freebies. An offer of a free checked bag (which can save you upwards of $60 on a domestic flight) is useless, if you don’t take a trip and use it. Similarly, it wouldn’t make sense to sign up for a credit card with free airport lounge access only to not use it. These benefits often help to counter the card’s annual fee, and it would be a shame to see them go to waste – especially if you’ve already paid to use the card.
Focus On Rewards
- Couple cards to get the biggest bang for your buck, too. Many rewards cards are complementary, and pairing a cash back rewards card with a travel rewards card can go a long way towards big savings. In fact, holding multiple credit cards that offer different rewards is a great way to maximize savings when it’s time to redeem points – as long as you plan your spending and use the right card for the right purchases.
- Look for credit card offers that have flexible options for redeeming rewards points and miles. Rewards from most cards can be redeemed for cash back or merchandise and gift cards. That said, some cards take it a step further. A general travel card is often the best option here, since points earned can be applied towards discounted or free flights and hotel stays, room and seat upgrades, and even cruises. Co-branded rewards cards tend to be more limiting when it comes to where a cardholder can redeem their rewards.
Find Your Next Rewards Credit Card Today!
Trying to find your ideal credit card? BestCards has comprehensive and impartial reviews of the top credit cards available today. Scan our hundreds of reviews, use our comparison tool and take advantage of our extensive credit card resources and advice.
Ready to get started? Browse credit cards in the following rewards categories and find your best card today!
