Skip to Main Content

Best rewards credit cards of July 2025

Updated July 09, 2025

Advertiser Disclosure: Bankrate’s editorial team chooses and recommends the credit cards on this page. While we may receive compensation when users apply for cards through this page, our recommendations and card ratings are produced independently without influence by advertising partnerships with issuers.

Three credit cards

Get personal card recommendations

InfoHover to learn more.

Answer 5 simple questions and get matched with rewards credit cards from Bankrate's marketplace.

Question 1 of 5

What's your top spending category?

Three credit cards

Filter by

Showing 15 results

Best for entertainment

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn $200 Cash Back

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1% - 8%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: Its boosted cash back rate in popular spending categories makes it great as both a standalone option and a companion to other cards from the issuer.

Best for flexibility

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.3
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn $200 cash back

Rewards Rate

InfoHover to learn more

1.5% - 5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.99% - 28.49% Variable

Why you'll like this: Its high rewards rates make it lucrative as both a standalone card for everyday spending and as part of a Chase travel stack.

Best for flat-rate travel rewards

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.1
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn 75,000 miles

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

2 Miles - 5 Miles

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: It boasts solid short- and long-term value for occasional travelers with its flat rewards rate and welcome offer.

Best travel card for rewards value

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.2
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.9
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

75,000 bonus points

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1x - 5x

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

19.99% - 28.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: It boasts terrific rewards value with its annual bonus points, practical bonus categories, high-value points and redemption flexibility.

Limited time offer

InfoMore information about this limited time offer

Best for travel credits

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.3
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.8
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:740 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit

Rewards Rate

InfoHover to learn more

1x - 8x

Annual fee

$795

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

Why you'll like this: It carries a ton of valuable perks and credits, ranging from flexible travel statement credits to airline- and hotel-specific status upgrades.

Best no-annual-fee travel card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.3
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.1
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn 20,000 miles

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: Earning travel rewards is simple and low risk thanks to its solid flat rewards rate and $0 annual fee.

Best for flat-rate cash rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.3
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Wells Fargo's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

$200 cash rewards

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

2%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: It earns cash back at a consistent rate — and you can redeem it at an ATM.

Apply with confidence

InfoHover to learn more.

Best for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.3
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn $250

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1% - 6%

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: It boasts the highest cash back rate available at U.S. supermarkets.

Best for category variety

Discover it® Cash Back

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.1
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Discover's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Cashback Match

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1% - 5%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Why you'll like this: It offers the best rewards rate you can get in several popular categories over the course of the year.

Best for affordable travel perks

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
5.0
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:740 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Capital One's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn 75,000 miles

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

2 Miles - 10 Miles

Annual fee

$395

Regular APR

19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: You’ll get access to a handful of the most useful and valuable travel perks out there without breaking the bank.

Apply with confidence

InfoHover to learn more.

Best for food and travel

American Express® Gold Card

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.9
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1X - 4X

Annual fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: Along with its terrific perks for foodies, it offers valuable rewards on everyday spending.

Best for online shopping

Prime Visa

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.2
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Amazon's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1% - 10%

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.49% - 28.24% Variable

Why you'll like this: It boasts a terrific rewards rate on Amazon purchases, which can cover a slew of household items, entertainment, gifts, food and more.

Best for paying rent

Bilt Mastercard®

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.1
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.0
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Bilt's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

N/A

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1x - 3x

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

See Terms

Why you'll like this: It allows you to earn rewards on what's probably your biggest monthly expense — your rent payments.

Best for hotel bookings

Citi Strata Premier® Card

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.6
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 - 850
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on Citi's secure site

See Rates & Fees

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

1X - 10X

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Why you'll like this: It has a valuable welcome offer and an annual hotel credit that can easily offset its annual fee.

Apply with confidence

InfoHover to learn more.

Best for luxury travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Cardholder rating

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.4
InfoHover to learn more

Bankrate score

star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
star iconstar iconstar iconstar iconstar icon
4.8
InfoHover to learn more
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply

Intro offer

InfoHover to learn more

As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Rewards rate

InfoHover to learn more

5X

Annual fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Why you'll like this: It’s perfect for luxury-minded travelers who spare no expense when booking airfare or hotels and want the most with every experience.

compare
Compare

Compare Bankrate’s top rewards credit cards

Our picks for Rewards highlights
Entertainment + Best overall
  • 1% - 8%

    InfoHover to learn more
$0
Flexibility
  • 1.5% - 5%

    InfoHover to learn more
$0
Flat-rate travel rewards
  • 2 Miles - 5 Miles

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 1.7 cents per mile

    *Hover to learn more
$95
Travel rewards value
  • 1x - 5x

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 2.0 cents per point

    *Hover to learn more
$95
Limited time offer
InfoMore information about this limited time offer
Apply nowLock

on Chase's secure site

See Rates & Fees
Travel credits
  • 1x - 8x

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 2.0 cents per point

    *Hover to learn more
$795
No-annual-fee travel card
  • 1.25 Miles - 5 Miles

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 1.7 cents per mile

    *Hover to learn more
$0
Flat-rate cash rewards
  • 2%

    InfoHover to learn more
$0

Apply with confidence

InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Groceries
  • 1% - 6%

    InfoHover to learn more
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Category variety
  • 1% - 5%

    InfoHover to learn more
$0
Affordable travel perks
  • 2 Miles - 10 Miles

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 1.7 cents per mile

    *Hover to learn more
$395

Apply with confidence

InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Food and travel
  • 1X - 4X

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 2.0 cents per point

    *Hover to learn more
$325
Apply nowLock

on Amazon's secure site

See Rates & Fees
Online shopping
  • 1% - 10%

    InfoHover to learn more
$0
Paying rent
  • 1x - 3x

    InfoHover to learn more
$0
Hotel bookings
  • 1X - 10X

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 1.6 cents per point

    *Hover to learn more
$95

Apply with confidence

InfoHover to learn more
Apply nowLock

on American Express's secure site

See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Luxury travel
  • 5X

    InfoHover to learn more
  • Bankrate's rewards value: 2.0 cents per point

    *Hover to learn more
$695

*Bankrate’s points and miles valuations are based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

How to choose a rewards credit card you’ll actually love

Navigating the wide range of rewards card options can be difficult. Figuring out your rewards goals and spending habits can help you narrow your choices and find a card that’s right for you. To start, consider the following three questions:

What kind of rewards do you want to earn?

The first thing you need to decide is what kind of rewards you want to earn. Cash back is a simple and flexible rewards currency that tends to offer consistent value. Travel rewards, on the other hand, can provide higher value — but you’ll need to put in some work and strategy to get it.

Here’s a look at the different types of rewards, which cards earn them and the pros and cons of each.

How do you want to earn rewards?

Once you know the type of rewards you want to earn, the next step is to figure out how you will earn them. To do that, you should look at where you spend your money. 

For example, if groceries make up a large part of your budget, first look for a card that earns bonus rewards for groceries, then decide whether you want to earn cash back or points. The American Express® Gold Card could be an excellent option for points, while the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express are better for cash back.

Consider the effort you’ll need to put in earning rewards as well. A card might offer outstanding rewards rates, but the rewards structure might make them challenging to earn. Overall, there are three types of rewards structures:

  • Flat rewards rates: The easiest to manage since you earn rewards at the same rate on almost all purchases (usually 1.5 percent or 2 percent back). This structure is a great fit if you value simplicity but cards with tiered rates can be more rewarding.

  • Tiered bonus categories: You can earn anywhere from 2 percent to 6 percent back in popular bonus categories like groceries, dining and travel, but often just 1 percent in less common spending categories.

  • Rotating categories: You can earn chart-topping 5 percent rewards on categories that change each quarter, but maximizing your rewards requires a lot of effort. This structure may be better suited as a supplement to flat rewards rates and tiered bonus categories.

How likely are you to get approved?

Before you apply for a credit card, it helps to know your approval odds. If you’re not likely to get approved, you may be better off not applying and avoiding a hard credit inquiry.

Rewards cards can be tough to qualify for. A 2025 Bankrate survey found that about 1 in 8 total credit card applicants were rejected (13 percent). Based on Bankrate’s proprietary data, the average approval rate for rewards cards has been fluctuating in the first half of 2025. After reaching a low of 36 percent in February, the average approval rate rose to 63 percent in April before sliding to 52 percent in May.

The best rewards programs

It’s easy to evaluate the potential value of a cash back card since the redemption value of cash rewards don’t change. That’s not always the case with points and miles. Add card benefits to the mix and deciding on the best rewards program to join can be a challenge.

Let’s dig into what various rewards programs offer and what you need to know to choose the right one for you.

How much is a point worth?

When you ask if a rewards card is worth it, also ask what the rewards themselves are worth.

Rewards value doesn’t only vary by program. It can also vary by card and redemption method. 

When it comes to travel rewards, there’s typically a baseline value that you get redeeming through the issuer’s travel portal or for cash. Then, some issuers also partner with airline and hotel companies to allow cardholders to transfer their rewards into the partners’ rewards programs. With the right transfer, it’s possible to significantly boost rewards value.

To eliminate some of the guesswork, we evaluated how much points and miles are worth across popular card rewards programs:

Rewards program Baseline value Bankrate value* Estimated value of 50,000 points/miles
American Express Membership Rewards 1 cent(0.6 cents toward cash rewards) 2.0 cents $1,000
Bank of America travel rewards 1 cent(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.0 cents $500
Bilt Rewards 1.25 cents(0.55 cents toward cash rewards) 2.1 cents $1,050
Capital One miles 1 cent(1 cent toward eligible travel purchase credits; 0.5 cents for other cash back redemptions) 1.7 cents $850
Chase Ultimate Rewards (Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card) 1 cent (1 cent toward cash rewards) 2.0 cents $1,000
Chase Ultimate Rewards (Chase Sapphire Reserve®) 1 cent (1 cent toward cash rewards) 2.0 cents $1,000
Chase Ultimate Rewards (other Ultimate Rewards cards) 1 cent(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.0 cents $500
Citi ThankYou Points (Citi Premier® Card – No longer available) 1 cent(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.6 cents $800
Citi ThankYou Points (basic ThankYou points) 1 cent(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.0 cents $500
Discover miles 1 cent(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.0 cents $500
U.S. Bank FlexPerks 1.5 cents(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.5 cents $750
Wells Fargo Rewards 1 cent(1 cent toward cash rewards) 1.0 cents $500

*Based on an average of the issuer’s five highest-value transfer partners (if available).

Once you know how much points or miles in the program you’re interested in are worth, you can estimate how much value you can get based on your spending.

Which rewards card has the best perks?

Rewards aren’t the only source of value, especially for a premium rewards card. You also need to factor in the value of a card’s perks, and that can be a bit trickier to determine.

The most valuable perks are those you will use regularly without disrupting your normal spending. They should fit your habits, not change them. You also should be comfortable with the amount of effort required to use a benefit as some of them might make you jump through hoops.

Based on that, card benefits can be divided into three categories:

High extra value for high effort

Some luxury rewards cards, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card, provide excellent value via their perks. You can earn hundreds of dollars in statement credits, but you’ll have to put in some work. These benefits are tied to specific brands and typically offered in small monthly increments. This means that every month, you need to ensure you spend at those brands to use the card to its full potential.

Airport lounge access is another example. While this is an attractive perk, it’s better suited for frequent travelers, especially considering cards that offer this benefit usually come with hefty annual fees.

Solid extra value for medium effort

This category of perks includes a healthy mix of simple statement credits and valuable benefits that don’t take much effort to use.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a $300 annual travel credit that automatically applies to a wide range of travel purchases. Cardholders also receive airport perks, such as Priority Pass Select lounge access (after enrollment) and application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS. Lounge access isn’t as extensive as what the Amex Platinum offers, but the annual fee is also lower at $795. Plus, the $300 annual travel credit makes it easier to offset.

Similarly, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides a $300 annual travel credit cardholders can redeem for booking through the issuer’s portal. That, coupled with the 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, more than offsets the card’s $395 annual fee (See Rates & Fees). Cardholders also receive Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, as well as Priority Pass Select membership and Capital One Lounge access.

Low extra value for low effort

These perks won’t require much effort to maximize, but they also hold less value. On the bright side, cards with only these perks tend to have lower annual fees. 

You’ll usually see this tier of perks on cash back cards and more affordable travel cards. For example, the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card doesn’t provide any premium benefits, but it offers travel rewards and doesn’t charge annual fees. 

What makes a “good” rewards card?

There’s no rewards card that’s perfect for everyone, but a good card for you:

Offers rewards you find valuable

Cash back cards are generally easiest if you want to use your rewards to fuel your everyday spending. But if you travel and don’t mind strategizing to maximize your rewards, you could get better redemption value  than the standard 1 cent per point or mile, especially with a travel rewards card with redemption options like transfer partners.

Rewards your spending habits

You can match your spending habits with a fitting rewards card once you know your major monthly categories, where you often shop and how much you typically spend. Keep in mind, some cards have caps on your rewards rates and drop your rate to 1 percent after you spend a certain amount in a select category within a timeframe. This is often up to $1,500 per quarter or up to $6,000 per year, which could make a card with no rewards rate cap more valuable depending on how much you typically spend.

The right card for you will reward you at a high rate in your most common spending categories and without much additional effort. Pick the card with a rewards program that matches the amount of effort you’re comfortable with.

Provides benefits you can use consistently;

Perks that come with a card can play a key role in determining its overall value. Many premium cards carry flashy perks like annual travel credits, airport lounge access and automatic loyalty status, but be sure to read the fine print and calculate whether you’ll actually get enough value out of these perks to consistently offset the yearly cost.

Allows you to easily offset fees

If your credit card charges an annual fee, you want to ensure you can offset it with valuable benefits. Additionally, you don’t want to find yourself in a scenario where you incur additional spending just to take advantage of a perk. Card benefits should naturally match your lifestyle.


Rewards credit cards are changing

Nothing is static in the rewards credit card space. As some of the most popular rewards programs are changing, new cards are also emerging. 

In May, the new Citi Strata Card was launched to replace the Citi Rewards+® Card. The Citi Strata has no annual fee and earns bonus rewards in everyday categories such as supermarkets, restaurants and select transit and gas/EV stations. Cardholders also get to choose an extra bonus category with options ranging from fitness clubs to pet supply stores. 

In June, significant changes came to Chase's Ultimate Rewards program. Instead of the value of 1.25 cents per point on the Chase Sapphire Preferred (or 1.5 cents per point on the Chase Sapphire Reserve) for redeeming points through Chase Travel, the issuer will now only offer 1 cent per point on these redemptions. Cardholders will get access to “Points Boost” — select offers to redeem through the portal at a higher value. 

This effectively changes the value proposition of the Chase Sapphire cards. High-value redemptions for all travel booked through the portal allowed cardholders flexibility. People who didn't transfer their points to Chase's partners could still get excellent value out of their rewards. That's not the case anymore — unless they find a Points Boost offer that works for them each time they book.

Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, writes that the change makes it harder and more expensive to use your rewards points. Relying on transfer partners is “more complicated and not always ideal for travelers on a fixed schedule.”

To add to that, the Chase Sapphire Reserve also underwent major changes. The annual fee increased from $550 to $795. The card received a long list of new branded statement credit benefits along with a few other premium perks like airline and hotel statuses. Many of the credits are doled out in bi-annual and monthly increments — a trend card experts call the “couponization” of rewards cards. Such a structure, initially adopted by the American Express Platinum, inevitably makes it more difficult for cardholders to maximize a card's value. 

Frequently asked questions about rewards credit cards

Learn more about rewards credit cards

How we assess the best rewards credit cards

Document Icon
150+
cards rated
Congrats Icon
50+
rewards programs valued
Search Icon
1800
data points analyzed
Credit Card Reviews Icon
40+
perks evaluated

We thoroughly rate and research the best rewards credit cards based on key criteria to help you make confident decisions when choosing your next credit card. Learn more about our methodology below.

We select cards for the “Best rewards credit cards” page based primarily on how they score in our proprietary card rating system, our editors’ subjective assessment of card quality, card approval odds and credit requirements and unique card features. 

Cards typically must score a minimum of 3.0 stars to be included on this list. However, we may include cards with scores below 3.0 if they have low credit requirements or unique features — despite their scores, these cards may still be among the “best” in certain categories. Card ratings are not influenced by advertisers or issuer relationships in any way. 

Card selection and ordering may also vary based on business considerations, including Bankrate visitor interest, site interactions and card application volume. Affiliate commissions (see how we make money), limited-time offers and a card’s general popularity in the product landscape may also influence which cards we feature on our pages and the order in which they appear. Bankrate’s editorial and business teams also strive to feature a variety of card types from various issuers.

When evaluating the best rewards cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points. 

We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best rewards cards.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our rewards card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list of the best rewards cards.  

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Value 65%
  • Flexibility 15%
  • Perks 15%
  • Customer experience 5%

Have more questions for our credit card editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.

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