12 Best Rewards Credit Cards for 2024 (Data-Backed)

In 2024, credit cards are more rewarding than ever, but finding the right one can feel incredibly overwhelming!

Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a cashback enthusiast, or someone looking to maximize everyday purchases, there’s a card designed to meet your needs.

As a Personal Financial Advisor, this guide explores the best credit cards for rewards in 2024, helping you find the perfect fit for your financial lifestyle.

Understanding Reward Credit Cards

If you’re new to the world of credit cards, reward credit cards offer incentives like cashback, points, or miles for every dollar spent using that card.

These rewards can be redeemed for various benefits, including statement credits, groceries, travel, hotel upgrades, merchandise, or even gift cards.

Top Reward Credit Cards of 2024

1) Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best for Travel Rewards & Luxury Travel

Why It’s Great:

Generous Welcome Bonus where you can earn 100,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.

This is worth $1,250 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards or Chase Travel.

Rewards:

• 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries.
• 2x on all other travel purchases.
• 1x on all other purchases.
• $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Annual Fee: $95

Intro APR: None

Regular APR: 21.49% – 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers.

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

Foreign transaction fee: None

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Pros:

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Transfer points to leading frequent travel programs at a 1:1 rate, including: IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™ and World of Hyatt®
• Travel protections include: auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement.
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee.
• No introductory 0% APR.

Who is This Card For?

• The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is ideal for travelers and foodies.
• The points are versatile, transferable to various airline and hotel partners, or redeemable for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal with a 25% bonus.
• Additionally, this card offers travel protection benefits, making it a comprehensive choice for adventurers.

2) Citi® Double Cash Card – Best ‘No Annual Fee’

Why It’s Great:

You will receive the Welcome Bonus as points back which can be redeemed for actual cash and the cash back program requires no activation from you!

Rewards:

• Earn 2% on every purchase.
• Unlimited 1% cash back when you buy.
• An additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.

Welcome bonus:

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
• This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Rewards Rate: 2% cashback – 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay your bill.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers; N/A for purchases.

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable.

Balance transfer fee: For balance transfers completed within 4 months of account opening, an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies.

After that, a balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies.

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Credit needed: Fair/Good/Excellent

Pros:

• 2% cash back on all eligible purchases.
• Simple cash-back program that doesn’t require activation or spending caps.
• One of the longest intro periods for balance transfers at 18 months.

Cons:

• 3% fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $443.
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $2,213.

Who is This Card For?

• The Citi® Double Cash Card is perfect for those who prefer simplicity and value.
• With a straightforward cashback structure and no annual fee, it’s a no-fuss way to earn significant rewards on every purchase.
• Plus, there’s no cap on the cashback you can earn, making it ideal for heavy spenders.

3) American Express® Gold Card – Best For Foodies, Dining Out & Travel

Why It’s Great:

Generous sign-up bonus. Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 within the first six months.

Rewards Rate:

• 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
• 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year).
• 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• 1x points on other purchases.

Annual fee: $250

Intro APR: Not applicable

Balance transfer fee: N/A

Foreign transaction fee: None

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Pros:

• Up to $120 dining credit annually ($10 a month) for purchases made with Grubhub, Goldbelly, and other eligible restaurants (after a one-time enrollment).
• Up to $120 Uber Cash annually ($10 a month) for U.S. Uber Eats orders and U.S. Uber rides (card must be added to Uber app to receive the Uber Cash benefit).
• Strong rewards program with 4X points earned at restaurants and 3X points earned on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com.
• Baggage insurance plan covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage that is damaged, lost or stolen.
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.

Cons:

• No introductory APR period.
• $250 annual fee.

Who is This Card For?

• The American Express® Gold Card is a powerhouse for food and travel enthusiasts.
• The high rewards rate on dining and supermarket purchases can quickly add up, and Membership Rewards points offer great flexibility for travel redemptions.
• The card also includes valuable benefits such as dining credits and hotel perks.

4) American Express Platinum Card® – Best for Airport Lounge Access

Why it’s great:

Great choice for travelers who prioritize airport lounge access and premium travel benefits.

Its extensive lounge network, coupled with significant travel perks, rewards potential, and luxury services, makes it a standout choice.

Earning Rates:

• Earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel.
• 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com.
• All other purchases earn 1x points.

Benefits:

• The American Express Platinum Card® provides access to a wide variety of airport lounges, ensuring that travelers can find a comfortable place to relax almost anywhere they go. 
• Annual travel credits.
• Uber credits.

This includes:

Who Is This Card For?

• For travelers who prioritize airport lounge access and premium travel benefits, the American Express Platinum Card® is the best option in 2024.
• Its extensive lounge network, coupled with significant travel perks, rewards potential, and luxury services, makes it a standout choice.
• While the annual fee is high, the card’s comprehensive benefits can provide substantial value, especially for frequent flyers who take full advantage of what it offers.

5) Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card – Best For Welcome Bonus

Why It’s Great:

The Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card offers straightforward, unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards!

Sign-up Bonus:

• Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months.

Rewards Rate:

• 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• 2x miles on every purchase.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A for purchases and balance transfers.

Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable).

Balance transfer fee: $0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you.

Foreign transaction fee: None

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Pros:

• 5 miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every 4 years.

Cons:

• No introductory APR.
• There’s a $95 annual fee.

Who Is This Card For?

• The Capital One® Venture® Rewards Credit Card offers straightforward, unlimited 2x miles on all purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards.
• The miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
• This card is especially valuable for those who want flexible redemption options without worrying about spending categories.

6) Discover it® Secured Credit Card – Best for Bad Credit or First Time Credit Builders

Why It’s Great:

Comes with a generous Welcome Bonus and cash back offer.

Intro Offer:

• Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Rewards:

• Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
• Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Rewards Rate:

• 5% cashback on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter).
• 1% on all other purchases.

Intro APR: N/A on purchases.

Regular APR: 28.24% Variable.

Balance transfer fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers.

Foreign transaction fee: None

Credit needed: New / Rebuilding

Pros:

• Cash-back program.
• Generous welcome bonus.
• Starting at seven months from account opening, Discover will automatically review your credit card account to see if you can transition to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.

Cons:

• Cash-back program limits earnings: 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%.
• Low credit line prevents cardholders from charging high-cost items or many expenses.

Who Is This Card For?

• Purposefully built for First-Time Credit Users or credit re-builders.
• If you have little to no credit history, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a great starting point.
• It provides an opportunity to build a positive credit history by reporting your payment activity to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
• Likewise, if you have a low credit score due to past financial missteps (such as missed payments, bankruptcy, or defaults), this secured card offers a path to improve your credit. Responsible use over time can help raise your credit score.

7) Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – Best For Groceries & Gas Stations

Why It’s Great:

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is tailored for families and individuals who spend heavily on groceries, gas stations or streaming services and the 6% cashback rate can yield significant rewards.

Sign-up Bonus:

• Earn $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months.

Rewards Rate:

• 6% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year).
• 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% at U.S. gas stations.
• 3% on transit.
• 1% on other purchases.

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

Intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening.

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.

Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Pros:

• High 6% cash back at U.S. supermarket spending (up to $6,000 a year, then 1%).
• Unlimited 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• Unlimited 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit.

Cons:

• 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad.

Who Is This Card For?

• The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is tailored for families and individuals who spend heavily on groceries, gas stations or streaming services.
• The 6% cashback rate can yield significant rewards.
• The additional bonuses for gas and transit make it well-rounded for everyday use.

8) Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card – Best For Varied or Erratic Spending Patterns

Why It’s Great:

Generous cashback reward and you can choose how to spend it.

Sign-up Bonus:

• Earn $200 online cash rewards after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.

Rewards Rate:

• 3% cashback in a category of your choice.
• 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter).
• 1% on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% for your first 15 billing cycles for purchases.

Regular APR: After intro rate ends variable rate 19.24% to 29.24% will apply.

Balance transfers interest: 0% interest if made within the first 60 days of opening your account and 0% will apply for the first 15 billing cycles, after which the regular APR will apply.

Balance transfer fees: 3% of the amount of each transaction made within the first 60 days of opening your account. After the first 60 days the fee will be 4% of the amount of each transaction made.

Credit needed: good/excellent

Pros:

• 0% interest on balance transfers for 15 billing cycles.
• Low transfer fee.
• Annual fee $0.

Cons:

• Spending caps on bonus rewards.

Who Is This Card For?

• This card is highly customizable.
• Allows cardholders to choose their 3% cashback category from options like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement.
• The flexibility makes it a versatile choice for varying spending patterns.

9) Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card – Best For 0% APR

Why It’s Great:

There is a long introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers and you earn cash back in the form of an account credit when shopping or dining.

Sign-up Bonus:

• Earn $200 cash rewards after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Rewards Rate:

• 2% cashback on all purchases.

Annual Fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.

Regular APR: 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Balance transfer fee: 5%, min: $5.

Foreign transaction fee: 3%

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Pros:

• No annual fee.
• Long introductory APR period on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
• Access to Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Get up to $600 cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible).
• Access to My Wells Fargo Deals to earn cash back in the form of an account credit when shopping, dining.

Cons:

• No ‘decent’ rewards.
• Small welcome bonus.
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions.

Who Is This Card For?

• The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card is an excellent option for those who want a simple, high-reward structure.
• With 2% unlimited cashback on all purchases and no annual fee, it’s a straightforward way to earn substantial rewards without the hassle of category tracking on what you’re spending and where.

10) U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card – Best For Mobile Wallet Purchases & Frequent Flying

Why It’s Great:

Generous sign-up bonus.

Sign-up Bonus:

• Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days.

Rewards Rate:

• 3x points on travel and mobile wallet spending.
• 1x point on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $400

Pros:

• Sign-up bonus.

Cons:

• Annual fee $400.

Who Is This Card For?

• For tech-savvy travelers, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card stands out with its high rewards rate on mobile wallet purchases and travel.
• The substantial sign-up bonus and extensive travel perks, including a $325 annual travel credit and Priority Pass™ membership, make it a premium choice for frequent flyers.

11) Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card – Best For Hilton Hotel Guests

Why It’s Great:

The generous points on Hilton stays and additional rewards for travel and dining make it a valuable asset!

Sign-up Bonus:

• Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first three months.

Rewards Rate:

• 14x points at Hilton hotels.
• 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals, and U.S. restaurants.
• 3x points on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $550

Regular APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable on purchases.

Foreign transaction fee: 0% but note ATM withdrawals may incur a fee and some merchants will add on a fee for the foreign transaction.

Pros:

• Foreign transaction fee 0%.
• Receive 3 Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases. The Hilton Honors Bonus Points awarded can be more depending on where you make your purchase.
• Receive complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Status with the Aspire Card.
• Enjoy one free night reward each year of your card membership.

Cons:

• Annual fee: $550.

Who Is This Card For?

• The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is a top-tier option for loyal Hilton guests.
• The generous points on Hilton stays and additional rewards for travel and dining make it a valuable asset.
• Benefits like complimentary Diamond status, an annual free weekend night, and up to $250 in Hilton resort credits further enhance its value.

12) Chase Freedom Unlimited – Best For Hilton Hotel Guests

Why its great:

Generous Welcome Bonus and cash back.

Rewards:

• Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
• 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
• After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus INTRO OFFER:

• Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers.

Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24% variable.

Balance transfer fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Pros:

• No annual fee.
• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card.
• Generous welcome bonus.

Cons:

• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions.

How to Choose the Right Reward Credit Card

Selecting the best reward credit card depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and financial goals.

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1) Assess Your Spending Habits

Look at your past few months of spending to identify where you spend the most money.

Categories like dining, groceries, travel, or everyday purchases can guide you towards a card that offers the highest rewards for your lifestyle.

2) Consider the Annual Fee

While some cards have no annual fee, others offer substantial rewards and benefits that justify the cost.

Calculate whether the rewards and perks outweigh the fee based on your spending.

3) Evaluate Redemption Options

Some reward programs offer better value when redeeming for travel, while others provide flexibility with cashback or gift cards.

Ensure the card’s redemption options align with your preferences.

4) Look at Sign-Up Bonuses

A substantial sign-up bonus can provide a significant initial boost to your rewards balance.

Consider the spending requirement and whether you can comfortably meet it without altering your spending habits.

5) Factor in Additional Benefits

Many reward credit cards come with extra perks such as travel insurance, purchase protection, or concierge services.

These benefits can add significant value, especially for frequent travelers.