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Cash Back vs. Travel: How to Choose Credit Card Rewards

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Choosing a rewards credit card means picking a side in an ongoing debate: cash back or travel rewards?

Each has its advantages. Cash back is flexible and easy to redeem. Points or miles offer the possibility of a paid-for vacation and, depending on the circumstances, higher value for the rewards you earn. Some cards let you redeem rewards for cash or travel at the same value. But if you’re deciding between the two, it comes down to your lifestyle — and the effort you’re willing to put in.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best rewards credit cards

With a cash-back card , your rewards come as dollars, not points or miles that you have to figure out how to redeem. The easiest way to redeem cash back is for a credit on your statement; you may also be able to get a check or a direct deposit to a bank account.

Easy redemption but fewer perks

Because redeeming rewards takes no research and little effort, this option is perfect for someone who wants a low-maintenance wallet. If you're looking to finance a large purchase, many cash-back cards also come with generous introductory 0% APR promotions as well as bonus offers that can kick a couple hundred dollars back you right off the bat.

With a few exceptions, such as cards that pay extra-high rewards rates in certain categories, cash back cards don't usually charge annual fees. Because of that, however, they lack the kinds of perks (including lavish sign-up bonuses) that you'll typically find on travel rewards cards with a fee.

Choosing a card based on your spending

Since the main appeal of a cash-back card is earning money back for each purchase, you'll want to pick a card with a rewards structure that aligns with your spending. For instance:

People with big grocery bills would do well with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express . It earns a whopping 6% cash back on up to $6,000 a year in purchases at U.S. supermarkets (1% after that), in addition to terrific bonus rewards on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, at U.S. gas stations and on transit. It comes at a cost, though: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Terms apply ( see rates and fees ).

Those who enjoy going out might want to consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card , which earns 3% back on dining and entertainment, in addition to grocery stores.

Want the ultimate low-maintenance option? Choose a flat-rate credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card , which earns 2% back on every purchase, no matter the category.

If these options don't quite fit what you're looking for, check out NerdWallet's best cash-back credit cards .

» SEE: Credit cards that earn 2% cash back or more on all purchases

Travel credit cards give you rewards in the form of points or miles, the value of which often depends on how you redeem them. Travel cards come in two main flavors — general purpose travel rewards cards and so-called co-branded cards, which bear the name of an airline or hotel chain.

The primary advantage with general-purpose travel cards is flexibility. You aren't locked into redeeming your rewards with a specific airline or hotel brand. You can usually use your points to book travel, or you can redeem them for credit against travel purchases you already made.

Unlike with airline or hotel cards, you don't usually run into restrictions on when you can use your points from general purpose travel cards. An airline might have "blackout dates" on which you can't redeem your miles for a free flight, for example. But with a general purpose travel card, what you're really doing is booking your travel on your credit card at the regular price and then using your rewards to offset the cost on your credit card bill. As far as the airline is concerned, you paid for the flight like anyone else.

Some of the most popular and most widely marketed credit cards are general purpose travel rewards cards. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , for example, gives you 2 miles per dollar on most purchases, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card gives you up to 5 points per dollar depending on where you use it. Each allows you to redeem your rewards, or transfer them to airline or hotel partners. The both charge an annual fee, though. By contrast, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase and has a $0 annual fee.

Co-branded travel cards don't offer as much flexibility, but they can provide perks that general purpose cards can't. Airline credit cards , for example, often let you check a bag for free when you use the airline's card to book travel. You might get priority boarding or even airport lounge access. A co-branded hotel card might entitle you to a free night each year, or room upgrades, or automatic elite status.

Outsized rewards through transfer partners

Many general purpose travel cards give you the option to transfer your rewards to specific airline and hotel rewards programs, which can give you even more bang for your buck, if you're willing to put in a little effort. A point can be worth more than 1 cent apiece in some circumstances.

Let's say you have the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card . You can use Capital One Miles earned on the card to book travel directly in the Capital One travel portal , usually for a value of 1 cent each. But transferring miles to travel partners could unlock a higher value.

For example, booking two nights at a Wyndham hotel in Newport, Rhode Island, for October 2022 cost $700.45, or 70,045 miles, through the Capital One travel portal (as of May 2022). But in this case, transferring the miles to Wyndham rather than booking through Capital One could be a better move. By transferring Capital One Miles to Wyndham (1 Capital One Mile = 1 Wyndham point), you could book that same hotel for the same two nights for a total of just 30,000 points. That boosts the value of your miles to 2.3 cents each.

That's not a small difference if you're trying to decide between a 2% cash-back card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card , which earns 2 miles per dollar on most purchases. If you spent $2,000 a month, you'd earn roughly the same amount back with both cards per year: $480 or 48,000 miles, respectively.

But if you were able to redeem all of your Capital One Miles at 2 cents apiece, your rewards value jumps from $480 to $960, effectively giving you 4% back on all purchases.

Extra perks

Most travel credit cards come with an annual fee. But in exchange, you're more likely to find a card with valuable perks like a statement credit to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck , airport lounge access , and automatic status with certain hotels and rental car companies.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best travel rewards cards

Which is better?

When you're picking a card, be realistic about how you're going to use it. Assuming you don't plan on carrying a balance and don't need to worry about interest rates, go for a card that offers a high rewards rate and redemption options that complement your lifestyle.

A travel card is an excellent choice if you travel frequently and can take full advantage of the side perks. A cash-back card, though, is usually less expensive and comes with more versatile rewards. For many, that makes it a clear winner.

What's next?

It's totally OK if travel rewards aren't for you

Beginner's guide to points and miles

What are travel points worth and why do they matter?

How do cash-back credit cards work?

On a similar note...

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.

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Points vs. cash back: Which is right for you?

January 9, 2024 | 5 min read

Whether you’re earning cash back or points on the purchases you make, a rewards credit card can offer perks to take advantage of. And while credit cards with points or cash back rewards have similarities, they aren’t always created or handled equally.

Learn about some of the differences between cash back and points—and how to find the right rewards card for you .

Key takeaways

Cash back credit cards help you earn cash as you spend.

Cash back and points rewards can usually be redeemed in several ways—like a check, statement credit, gift card or travel purchase.

Points and cash back cards might come with different interest rates, annual fees and redemption options.

See if you’re pre-approved

Check for pre-approval offers with no risk to your credit score.

Cash back credit cards

When you use a cash back credit card , you earn back a percentage of what you spend on it. For example, if you earn 2% back on certain purchases, that’s $2 for every $100 you spend. The amount you could earn varies by card and how much you’re spending. 

Some cards offer flat-rate cash back, like the Quicksilver card that earns 1.5% on all purchases. Others have a tiered system, like the Savor card that earns 4% cash on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. 1

Other cash back cards may offer bonus rewards for rotating categories. These categories typically change every few months, depending on the card.

How to redeem credit card cash back rewards

Cash back rewards can add up over time. When you’re ready, you might be able to redeem your rewards in a few different ways:

Paper check or direct deposit: This arrives in the mail or in your checking or savings account. Then you can use it however you’d like. Keep in mind that you may need to have an account with the card issuer for a direct deposit.

Statement credit: You could apply your cash back rewards directly to your credit card account as a statement credit to lower the balance.

Gift cards: Some card issuers let you redeem your cash back rewards in the form of gift cards at popular stores, restaurants and more.

Online shopping: You may be able to put your rewards toward online purchases. Capital One lets you use your rewards to shop online with PayPal and at Amazon.com .

Covering a purchase: Some card issuers may give you other cash back redemption options, like using your rewards to cover all or part of a past purchase, typically in the form of a statement credit.

Experiences: Capital One cardholders can redeem their rewards for music, sports, dining and more event tickets on Capital One Entertainment .

Travel: Capital One cash back rewards can be used on Capital One Travel to purchase flights, hotels and rental cars.

How you cash in your rewards depends on your needs and what your card offers. 

Are cash back credit cards worth it?

Cash back credit cards can have many of the same advantages as other cards —like protection against unauthorized charges and digital tools to help you keep track of your finances. And over time, if you use your credit card responsibly , you can build your credit and improve your credit scores .

Earning cash back rewards can be a nice perk. And some cash back credit cards offer an early spending bonus. That means if you spend a certain amount in a specific time frame, you could earn an extra cash bonus—on top of the card’s standard cash back rewards.

Some cash back cards may even offer low or 0% introductory annual percentage rates (APRs ). This can be helpful if you want to make a big purchase, since you’ll have more time to pay it off with minimal—or no—interest.

You can also find cash back card options that have no annual fees.

Points rewards credit cards

Like cash back cards, credit cards with points offer rewards based on how much you spend. But instead of earning cash back, you earn points. How you earn or redeem points depends on the card’s terms and conditions . Some may be similar to a miles card , while others may be more like a cash back card.

Depending on the card, points may be redeemed for cash back or other perks, like gift cards, travel purchases or credit toward your account balance.

Some points cards have a fixed point system where you earn the same amount of points for all purchases. Other cards might offer rotating bonus categories that allow you to earn even more points with certain purchases.

Cash back vs. points: Which is better?

If you’re not sure which rewards credit card to choose , you might want to think about where you already use your credit card the most. The right rewards card could help you earn rewards for things you already buy.

Here are some other things to consider:

How you can maximize rewards with the card

Options to redeem rewards

What the APR is

If there’s an annual fee or any other fees

If there’s a bonus for new cardholders

If or when rewards expire

If it offers exclusive event access, travel upgrades, insurance or other perks

Additional benefits, such as $0 liability for unauthorized charges, fraud alerts, card lock or the ability to monitor your credit scores 2

Points vs. cash back in a nutshell

The right card for you is one that’s tailored to your spending habits. No matter what credit card you choose , you can get the most out of your rewards by using your card responsibly and doing things like paying your balance on time each month.

If you’re interested in a Capital One credit card, get pre-approved today without harming your credit scores.

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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards review: Simple cash-back earnings

Editor's Note

Capital one quicksilverone cash rewards credit card overview.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers simple, unlimited 1.5% cash-back rewards rates. While you'll get better earnings with other cash-back cards, the QuicksilverOne is a solid option for those with limited credit history. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½

* Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

With an annual fee of $39 (see rates and fees ), the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those looking to build up their credit score while still earning a modicum of cash-back rewards.

The QuicksilverOne boasts a simple earning structure of 1.5% back on all purchases, making it a solid choice despite its limited benefits. TPG recommends a credit score of 580 or above.

Let's dive into the card details.

QuicksilverOne pros and cons

Quicksilverone welcome offer.

Unfortunately, the QuicksilverOne offers no traditional sign-up bonus.

That's not unusual on a card for those with a limited credit history, but there are a few options out there that can get you some easy rewards.

Related: 13 cards currently offering sign-up bonuses of 100,000 points or more

QuicksilverOne benefits

The best benefit of the QuicksilverOne is the ability to earn up to six months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through Nov. 14.

Aside from that, though, you'll get just a few standard perks on limited credit history cards, like $0 fraud liability, the ability to monitor your credit score with CreditWise and the option to be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.

You can likely find better limited-history options unless you're partial to the complimentary Uber One membership.

Earning cash back on the QuicksilverOne

The QuicksilverOne earns a simple 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

This is a decent return if you don't have a particularly high spending category. However, if you regularly spend lots of money in a particular category, like dining , you'll likely want to find a card that earns more in that category.

Related: The best credit cards for each bonus category

Redeeming cash back on the QuicksilverOne

You can redeem your QuicksilverOne rewards online as a statement credit, check or gift card with no minimum redemption amount.

While you won't score any sweet spot redemptions with this card, you also won't have to spend time deciding among abundant redemption options. Cash-back rewards are excellent for those who prefer simplicity.

TPG credit card writer Emily Thompson appreciates the versatility of cash-back rewards and likes to use her cash back to cover things that points and miles don't, like airport food and gifts.

Related: Why you should keep a cash-back credit card in your wallet

What cards compete with the QuicksilverOne?

For those who want stronger earnings rates and additional perks, there are many better choices available.

• If you have a stronger credit history : The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card also earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases and offers a sign-up bonus and additional perks for no annual fee (see rates and fees ). For more details, see our full review of the Quicksilver .
• If you want more earning potential : The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ) earns 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay) and also has no annual fee. For more details, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash .
• If you prefer Chase : The Chase Freedom Unlimited® , also with no annual fee, earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases plus 5% cash back on Chase Travel and 3% back at drugstores and on dining. For more details, see our full review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited .

For additional options, check out our full list of the best cash-back cards .

Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card

Is the QuicksilverOne worth it?

The QuicksilverOne is a decent option for those with a limited credit history who want to earn cash back. But if you have a higher credit score or don't want to pay an annual fee while rebuilding your credit score, you'll do much better with a different card.

Bottom line

The QuicksilverOne offers a decent cash-back earning rate, but the lack of a welcome offer and the $39 annual fee (see rates and fees ) are significant drawbacks. No matter your credit score, there are options out there that offer comparable earnings and more perks, all without an annual fee.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Apply here: QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review: A foodie’s dream card

The Capital One SavorOne card is an excellent choice for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts who want unlimited 3% cash back in those categories without paying an annual fee, making it a top contender among cash back credit cards in 2024.

Holly D. Johnson

Johnson has been a personal finance contributor for more than 10 years. She focuses on investing, banking products, credit cards and scoring and insurance.

Hanna Horvath

Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Bankrate's senior editor of content partnerships.

Updated April 11, 2024, 6:35 PM EDT

Fox Money is a personal finance hub featuring content generated by Credible Operations, Inc. (Credible), which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. The Fox Money content is created and reviewed independent of Fox News Media. Credible is solely responsible for this content and the services it provides.

Advertiser disclosure: Content provided by Bankrate.com. Fox and its content partners earn compensation from the affiliate companies below. This content doesn’t include all available offers, and compensation may impact how and where links appear in the content. 

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for foodies and entertainment lovers who want unlimited cash back on dining and entertainment purchases with no annual fee. 

While the SavorOne offers excellent rewards on dining, entertainment, and at grocery stores, its limitations make it less appealing if you’re looking for premium perks or a large welcome bonus. 

But for those seeking a straightforward, no-annual-fee cash back card that rewards social spending, the SavorOne is hard to beat. Let's take a closer look.

Key takeaway

With lavish cash back rewards for dining, entertainment, and at grocery stores — plus a $0 annual fee — the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top credit card for everyday spending.

• Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Introductory 0% APR offer
• No foreign transaction fees
• Cash back rewards never expire as long as the account remains open and in good standing
• Flexibility to redeem rewards at any time and in any amount
• Complimentary concierge service, extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance, and 24-hour travel assistance services
• 3% grocery store cash back does not include purchases at superstores like Walmart or Target, or wholesale clubs
• 1% cash back on non-bonus categories is lower than other cards
• Not the best choice for those seeking premium travel perks or luxury benefits
• May not provide the most value for those who don't spend significantly on dining, entertainment, and groceries each month
• Lacks some benefits found on other cards, such as cell phone protection
• 3% balance transfer fee

Capital One SavorOne Rewards

Unlimited cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and at grocery stores.

The main draw of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards is its high cash back rate in popular everyday categories. You can earn an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. 

This is one of the best reward rates for these bonus categories, especially for a no annual fee card. 

"Dining" broadly includes purchases at restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains, and bakeries. "Entertainment" includes purchases like movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, tourist attractions, and more. 

Earning bonus rewards across various purchases is valuable for those who spend significantly in these categories.

Earning 3% cash back at grocery stores is another valuable benefit, though it's important to note that this does not include purchases at superstores like Walmart or Target. Still, if you do the bulk of your grocery shopping at supermarkets, this is a great way to boost your cash back .

Elevated cash back on Capital One Entertainment and Uber

The SavorOne card also rewards certain types of purchases very handsomely. This includes Uber and Uber Eats purchases and spending through Capital One Entertainment or Capital One Travel. 

If you book car rentals or hotels through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn 5% back, boosting the rewards you can earn on travel. Uber purchases earn a whopping 10% back — through Nov. 14, 2024 — and Capital One Entertainment purchases earn 8% back.

If you’re frequently riding with Uber, ordering delivery through Uber Eats, or buying tickets to concerts and sporting events, these categories could help maximize your cash back rewards.

Other rewards

The unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases is standard among cash back cards. While it's nice to have no limit on rewards in this base earning category, other cards offer a higher rate of up to 2% back on non-bonus spending. 

Rewards can be redeemed for a statement credit, check, gift card, and more. Cash back earned with the SavorOne never expires if your account remains open and in good standing. The flexibility to redeem rewards anytime and in any amount is a plus.

Capital One SavorOne Credit Card Benefits

Another benefit of the SavorOne card is its 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (regular variable APR of 19.99%-29.99% applies after). 

An introductory APR offer this long can provide a lot of value for cardholders looking to pay off a large purchase or transfer a balance from a high-interest credit card. Just be aware that a 3% balance transfer fee applies. 

The SavorOne Cash Rewards offers a few ancillary benefits through Capital One and Mastercard, including:

• Complimentary concierge service 
• Extended warranty protection 
• Travel accident insurance 
• 24-hour travel assistance services 
• Access to exclusive dining and entertainment experiences 

While these perks aren't super flashy or valuable, they're nice and can come in handy when needed. 

Downsides to the Capital One SavorOne rewards card

The Capital One SavorOne card does have a few notable downsides to consider. 

Lower welcome bonus: This card offers a relatively lower welcome bonus of $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. Other cash back cards offer bonuses of $250-$300 with the same or lower minimum spending requirement. 

May not offer the best cash back rates for you: The SavorOne card offers the highest cash back on entertainment and Uber purchases. If you spend most on essentials like groceries or gas , you may be better off with a cash back card geared towards those categories. 

Lacks some added benefits: The SavorOne also lacks some benefits on other cash back cards, such as cell phone protection and rideshare credits. If you value those perks, you may opt for a card that provides more lifestyle benefits.

If you love the bonus rewards with the SavorOne card but don't want to settle for earning 1% cash back on regular spending, consider pairing this card with one that earns 2% cash back on everything you buy. That way, you can use the SavorOne for bonus category spending and switch to your other card for everything else.

Alternatives to the Capital One SavorOne card

 If you're looking for alternative cash back or rewards cards, here are a few to consider

Is the Capital One SavorOne Card best for you?

If you're curious if the SavorOne Cash Rewards card is for you, you'll need to decide what you care about the most. This card is a good fit for:

• Foodies who dine out frequently: This card offers an excellent rewards rate on dining and groceries, so it can be a smart choice for foodies of all types. 
• Those who stream and attend live entertainment: If you buy tickets to concerts or live events or are a regular Netflix user, this card's rewards rate could be a good fit. 
• Occasional travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees: If you travel overseas and don't want to pay foreign transaction fees, any credit card from Capital One could work. 
• Anyone wanting a no annual fee card with solid rewards: Those who want to earn cash back without paying an annual fee should consider this card alongside other no annual fee cards . 

Conversely, this card is not the best choice if you want premium travel perks like airport lounge access or hotel elite status. The SavorOne is a cash back card, first and foremost, and offers no luxury travel benefits.

This card also may not be the best pick for those who don't spend much on dining and entertainment, as you won't get as much value out of the bonus categories. Likewise, if you do the bulk of your grocery shopping at superstores like Walmart or Target, you'll miss out on earning 3% back in that category.

The bottom line

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top-notch option for foodies and entertainment lovers. The unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and groceries is extremely generous for a card with no annual fee and makes SavorOne stand out from the competition. 

While it may lack the flashier perks of premium cards, the SavorOne delivers a lot of value through its high cash back earning rate, long introductory APR offer, and flexible redemption options. The fact that rewards never expire is also a huge plus.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.

This is the No. 1 most-recommended travel credit card in America

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If you’re like the vast majority of us, you probably have plans to travel this year. Nearly nine in 10 Americans in a recent TripIt survey said they’ve already traveled in the past three months.  Of those who are planning a vacation in 2023, one in four said they expect to pay for one of those trips with credit card rewards, according to a Forbes Advisor survey. 

To help with that endeavor, we’ve pulled together the 10 most recommended travel rewards credit cards for May 2023 (more details below). To create this ranking, our team scours the internet in search of credit card recommendations from 16 of the most-trusted financial sites in America, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side, CNBC, Money, and more (full methodology below). We then rank these accounts based on the total number of recommendations. Here are the top picks:

• Most recommended: Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card
• Best for flat-rate rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for high-end travel: Capital One ® Venture X ®
• Best for annual cash: The Platinum Card ® from American Express
• Best for dining rewards: American Express ® Gold Card
• Best for no-fee travel: Discover it® Miles 
• Best for luxury travel: Chase® Sapphire Reserve Card
• Best for occasional travelers: Bank of America ® Travel Rewards credit card
• Best for everyday purchases: Citi Premier® Card
• Best no-fee rewards: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

There is little question rising inflation has left its impact on travel costs this year. The price of  airfare surged 17.7% over the past 12 months, dining out climbed 8.8% and lodging costs rose 7.3%, over the period. That said, NerdWallet credit cards expert Sara Rathner says the right travel card can potentially help offset some of the rising costs. “If you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel brand, carrying the brand’s credit card can get you access to really helpful extras like free checked bags, priority boarding, discounts on in-flight food and beverage purchases, room upgrades, late checkout and more,” Rathner says, adding however that “if you don’t stick to any one airline or hotel, a general travel rewards credit card can give you a lot of flexibility since you can redeem those points in a variety of ways.”

Most recommended 

Winner: 13 ‘best of awards’

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card  

A high introductory bonus for newcomers, solid rewards package, and credit available on nearly all facets of travel; it doesn’t take long to see why the Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card is the most recommended card of May 2023. There’s even points for Lyft rides and spending at supermarkets. 

Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards ® , excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the card’s $50 Annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, and earn 2x points on all other travel. You can also earn 5x points on Lyft rides when you travel through March 31, 2025 (or 3 points in addition to the 2x points earned for travel. For streaming services and online supermarket purchases, you can earn 3x points, and 1x point for each dollar spent on all other purchases. 

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points — the equivalent of $1,000 — toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards ® when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. 

Annual fee: $95

Regular APR: 20.74% to 27.74%, variable APR based on creditworthiness. 

Intro APR: None

Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is higher

Foreign transaction fee: None

Credit requirements: 670-850 (Good to Excellent)

• Good bonus for newcomers 
• Flexible redemption options 
• Good travel coverage
• High intro bonus 
• Dining rewards
• Has an annual fee
• Complex rewards package
• Does not offer Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• No intro APR
• Best rates are only for bookings through Chase

Best for flat-rate rewards - Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

It doesn’t take long to see why this card from Capital One was one of the most recommended for March. With unlimited two miles per $1 on every purchase and five miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars, the points here add up fast. What’s more, new cardholders can also earn 40,000 bonus miles for spending $1,000 in the first three months of opening an account.

Rewards rate: 2 unlimited miles per $1 on every purchase and 5 unlimited miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account

Regular APR: 20.74%, 25.74% or 28.74% variable APR based on creditworthiness. 

Intro APR: N/A

Balance transfer fee: 0% at the regular transfer APR

• Good rewards package
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up of to $100 every 4 years
• Comes with travel accident and car rental insurance
• 3% fee on transferred balances that post to your account during a promotional APR period
• No introductory APR
• $95 annual fee
• Rental car insurance is secondary

Best for high-end travel - Capital One® Venture X®

This card from Capital One really has it all. Earn points for hotels, flights and all other purchases; take advantage of its solid sign-up bonus; and enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges for you and your guests. There is also a premium rental car program with Hertz and rewards for hotels when booked through Capital One Travel. All in all, we really love the Capital One ® Venture X ® credit card and it’s easy to see why it’s so highly recommended. 

Rewards: Unlimited 2x miles on all eligible purchases, 5x on flights, and 10x on hotels and rental cars when booked through the Capital One ® Travel portal. Receive a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® and a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel. Just for resigning, the Capital One ® Venture X ® also delivers an additional 10,000 miles, equal to $100, after your first year. 

Welcome bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening an account

Annual fee: $395

Regular APR: 21.74%, 25.74% or 28.74% variable APR based on your creditworthiness. 

Balance transfer fee: None at the transfer APR 

Credit requirements: 740-850 (Excellent)

• Unlimited miles 
• Good travel credits and perks
• Access to Hertz President’s Circle for car rentals
• Access to Capital One Lounges for you and 2 guests per visit
• High requirements for sign-up bonus
• Excellent credit required

Best for annual cash - The Platinum Card® from American Express

Yes this card has one of the highest annual fees in the ranking, but it may just be what you’re looking for. Like most travel rewards cards, this one comes with points for flights and hotels, and also cash back on entertainment as well as online and in-person shopping rewards at Walmart; all of which can add up to as much as $1,500 in annual statement credits. In addition, there is a sizable sign-up bonus and you can also apply for a preferred metal card design.  Enrollment required for select benefits. Terms apply. See rates and fees. 

Rewards: Earn a $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, $155 Walmart+ credit, $240 digital entertainment credit, $200 in Uber Cash, $300 Equinix Credit and SoulCycle at-home bike credit, each year. You can also earn a $189 CLEAR credit to help move faster through security checkpoints and a $100 statement credit annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com.

Welcome bonus: Earn 125,000 Membership Rewards ® points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. You can also earn either the classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu metal card design.

Annual fee: $695

Regular APR: 20.74% to 28.74% variable APR based on creditworthiness and other factors determined at the time of account opening. 

Balance transfer fee: N/A

• Large number of travel credit and perk options
• Points are transferable to airlines including Delta Airlines
• Great sign-up bonus 
• WIde range of airline and hotel partners 
• Annual fee is among the highest in the category
• Limited bonus categories 
• Redeeming and maximizing credits can be complicated 

(Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit www.americanexpress.com to learn more.)

Best for dining rewards - American Express® Gold Card

Earn points for flights, rides and shopping with this top-ranked credit card. Rewards here are also good at restaurants and on takeout and deliveries in the U.S., grocery shopping at U.S. supermarkets, and all other everyday purchases. Cardholders also have access to premium seating at cultural and sporting events. Enrollment required for select benefits. Terms apply. See rates and fees . 

Rewards: 4x Membership Rewards ® points at restaurants around the world and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases) per year. 3x Membership Rewards ® points for flights booked with amextravel.com and 1x point on all other purchases. There is a $120 dining credit and $120 annual Uber Cash credit for both rides in the U.S. and food purchases on UberEats. 

Welcome bonus: 90,000 Membership Rewards ® points — depending on the offer — after spending $4,000 within the first six months of card membership. 

Annual fee: $250

Regular APR: 20.74% to 28.74% variable APR based on creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. 

• Points are transferable to various airlines including Delta Airlines
• Good rewards for U.S. supermarkets
• $120 dining credit
• $120 Uber Cash
• Points at U.S. supermarkets 
• Relatively pricey annual fee
• Few travel perks
• Rewards must be redeems via amextravel.com
• $250 annual fee

Best for no-fee travel - Discover it® Miles

Earn 1.5x miles for every dollar spent and the balance never expires. Miles used here are also redeemable for hotel rooms, rental cars, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more without blackout dates. Even more, Discover also matches your miles earned at the end of the first year, so be sure to use this one a lot right out of the gate.

Rewards: Earn 1.5x miles on every dollar with purchases and redeem miles to pay any part of your monthly bill, including your minimum payment.

Welcome bonus: Welcome offer matches every mile you earn at the end of your first year

Annual fee: $0

Regular APR: 16.74% to 27.74% variable APR

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening that post to your account by  June 10, 2023, then the standard purchase APR of 16.49% variable to 27.49% variable applies, based on your creditworthiness.

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro fee for the amount of each transfer that posts to your account by Aug. 10, 2023 with the previously mentioned 0% intro APR balance transfer offer. After that, the rate becomes 5% of the amount of each transfer.

Foreign transaction fee: N/A

• No annual fee
• First year miles match is a unique bonus offer
• No blackout dates
• Redeem rewards for cash back
• No limit for earning miles
• Earned miles do not expire 
• Rewards are not as good after the first year
• Miles can be transferred to airline frequent-flyer programs
• Does not include Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit offerings
• No access to airport lounges

Best for luxury travel 

Winner: 9 ‘best of awards’

Chase ® Sapphire Reserve Card

If you don’t mind paying the annual fee, the Chase ® Sapphire Reserve Card just might be the tool for you. With this card in your wallet, you can easily earn cash towards travel and points for flights, hotels and dining, and a whole lot more. This one ultimately pays for itself with its high rewards package and attractive introductory offer. It’s easy to see why this credit card is among the most recommended on the market. 

Rewards: Earn $300 in statement credits as reimbursement for travel purchases each year. After meeting that threshold, earn an additional 5x points on flights when you use Chase Ultimate Rewards ® card, 10x points on hotels and car rentals, and 3x points on all other travel purchases. Your points are also worth 50% more when you redeem them via the Ultimate Rewards. There are also 10x points on Chase Dining SM and 1x point per dollar spent on all other purchases. What’s more, receive Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® or NEXUS Fee Credit access, earn exclusive reservations at popular restaurants, 10x points on Lyft, complimentary DoorDash and DashPass subscriptions, a $10 monthly statement credit from Gopuff, as well as VIP access and early ticket sales to sporting events, festivals and more.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points — the equivalent of $900 — toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards ® when you spend $4,000 within the first three months of account opening.  

Annual fee: $550; and additional $75 for each authorized user

Regular APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable APR based on your creditworthiness. 

Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

• Great travel perks and rewards 
• Point value can be increased by 50% after redeeming through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• Excellent credit required 
• High annual fee

Best for everyday purchases - Citi Premier® Card

In addition to earning solid points at airports and hotels, the Citi Premier ® Card also comes with a large lineup of everyday perks. To be sure, redeemable points here amount to 3x for every $1 spent at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and even matches on other purchases. Just be sure to qualify for the intro bonus and claim your $600 in gift cards to add to your perks.

Rewards: Earn 3x points per dollar at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel and hotels; and 1x point per dollar on all other purchases. There is also a $100 annual hotel savings benefit for this card when you spend $500 or more when booked through thankyou.com.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months of account opening and redeem them for travel rewards or in the form of a $600 gift card at thankyou.com.

Regular APR: 20.74% to 28.74% variable APR based on your creditworthiness

Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

• Great lineup of travel partners
• Earn points for everyday purchases
• Contactless pay option
• Travel insurance is not offered

Best for occasional travelers - Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

The points here are pretty straightforward. Earn 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere. What makes this card unique is you can also redeem your point for statement credits to pay for travel and dining purchases. 

Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent

Welcome bonus: Earn 25,000 online bonus points after making a minimum of $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. That can be redeemed as a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Regular APR: 17.74% to 27.74% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days. After that the variable APR will be 17.74% to 27.74%. 

Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction

• Flexible redemption policy
• No annual fees
• Rewards program is not as travel-focused as other options
• Not the best sign-up bonus offer

Best no-fee rewards - Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

This is one of the most comprehensive plans for earning travel points available today. Earn a high 3x rewards points for every $1 on travel (hotels, motels, timeshares, car rentals, cruise lines, travel agencies, discount travel sites and campgrounds), transit (rail, taxis, limousines, ferries, toll bridges and highways, parking and garages), gas (including both gas stations and electric charging stations), dining (restaurants, drinking places and fast food), phone plans and popular streaming services (including Apple TV+, Sling TV, Prime Video and more ). All other purchases earn 1x points for every $1 spent.

Rewards: Unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas and transit, as well as on streaming services and cell phone plans, and 1x on all other purchases. 

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points (a $200 cash value) when you spend $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening

Regular APR: 

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening and a variable APR afterwards of 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness.

Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, or whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that it is 5% for each transfer with a $5 minimum

• No membership fees
• 3x points for ever dollar spent is among the highest available ways to earn
• $600 cell phone protection against damage or theft with a low $25 deductible
• No foreign transaction fees
• No intro APR bonus for balance transfers
• 5% balance transfer fee after the 120 intro period

Our methodology for choosing travel rewards credit cards

To create this ranking, our team scours the internet in search of credit card recommendations from industry experts to bring you the very best of the best, including Forbes , The Wall Street Journal , NerdWallet , Business Insider , CNN , CNBC , Bankrate , Money , U.S. News , WalletHub , The Ascent/Motley Fool , CreditCards.com , Compare Credit , Credit Karma , Value Penguin and LendingTree . We then rank these accounts based on the total number of recommendations. Winners are determined by the number of times they appear on any of these experts’ lists. Simply put, credit cards that appear the most will be deemed the winner! In the event of a tie, we select our choice for the card with the best deal. 

What is a rewards credit card? 

Credit cards that are most commonly known as rewards credit cards offer some kind of benefit for its use. Typically these rewards include cash back, points or miles earned when you spend money on the card. There are of course limits with these rewards and you are often given a variety of ways to use or spend these rewards — often with gift cards, dollars or points. 

What is an annual percentage rate (APR)?

The annual percentage rate, also known as the APR, is the yearly interest that is charged to credit card holders or borrowers. This is essentially the cost of funds over the term of a loan or income earned on any given investment, including fees or any other costs that come with a given transaction. 

How is APR calculated?

The calculation for APR is made by multiplying the periodic interest rate by the number of periods in a given year that it should be applied. Here is a helpful calculation provided by Investopedia: 

APR=((Fees+Interest Principal/n)×365)×100

Interest=Total interest paid over life of the loan

Principal=Loan amount

n=Number of days in loan term

How much can I expect to pay in interest with an average credit card? 

The average credit card interest rate today is 24.10%, according to a Forbes report .  If you had a credit card balance of $500 at 24.10% APR, you would theoretically owe $10 in interest at the end of a 30-day billing cycle period. Check out this useful calculator from NerdWallet for help running the numbers on your own credit card balances. 

How often do rates change? 

First, it’s important to understand the three types of interest rates for credit cards: variable, fixed and promotional. The frequency at which credit card interest rates change depends on the type of rate a credit card has:

• Variable rates: The interest rate for a card with a variable rate fluctuates over time because it is tied to a benchmark interest rate or index that periodically changes. 
• Fixed rates: A fixed rate remains stable during a set period of time and can sometimes become variable at the end of the period. These rates do not fluctuate due to inflation or changes in the prime index.
• Promotional : Credit cards that offer a promotional rate typically require that you meet some sort of balance requirement to earn a temporary interest rate. Much like a fixed rate offer, these promotional periods typically come to an end and one day revert back to a variable rate. 

How do I choose the best credit card?

Choosing the best credit card for your needs really comes down to preference and how much you intend to spend. Some key factors to consider here are fees, interest rates, your credit score and your monthly spending habits. The annual percentage rate (APR), which changes depending on the bank and card you ultimately choose, will also vary based on your score; the higher your score, the better the rate you will receive. 

What is a good credit score? 

Anything from 670 to 739 is considered a good credit score. Scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.