Rewards such as Cash Back, Bonus Miles, and More Await You with These Cards

“This card stands the test of time — a staple in my wallet the way blue jeans, blazers and trench coats are in my wardrobe. I love earning 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase, plus more for Chase Travel, dining and drugstore purchases. This truly is my ‘when-in-doubt, pull-it-out’ card.” — Sarah Foster, Bankrate principal U.S. economy reporter 

Learn more: Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?

Alternatives: If you spend similarly on groceries and dining out, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is worth a look because it offers generous cash back rates in both those categories. 

“This is one of my most versatile everyday rewards cards. I have a dedicated grocery card, so I only use the Savor for dining and entertainment, but I’ve still been able to earn a nice chunk of cash back. Its entertainment category is especially useful since most of those purchases would only earn 1 percent back on my other cards.” — Nouri Zarrugh, Bankrate credit cards senior editor

Learn more: Why we love the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card

Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® also carries a solid cash back rate on dining, plus a flat 1.5 percent cash back on general spending, which could be more appealing than the Savor card’s bonus categories. It’s an especially good pick if you already have a Chase travel card to pool rewards with.

What we love: Its high cash back rate on several crucial everyday categories can make this one of the most lucrative cards for any household’s day-to-day spending. And its U.S. online retailer category is especially rewarding for online shoppers since few cards have an online shopping category.

Learn more: Is the Amex Blue Cash Everyday worth it?

Alternatives: Thanks to its unparalleled rewards rate at U.S. supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express could rack up more cash back for big grocery spenders and commuters compared to the Blue Cash Everyday.

“This card has been my go-to for earning cash rewards at a flat rate on all my spending. It’s great to pull out when I need to make a purchase not covered by the bonus categories offered on my other rewards cards.” — Re’Dreyona Walker, Bankrate credit cards editor

Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Active Cash worth it?

Alternatives: While technically not a flat-rate cash back card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 1.5 percent back on general purchases and has various other unlimited bonus categories. Depending on your spending habits, you could out-earn the Wells Fargo Active Cash with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. 

“I use this card to supplement my credit card rewards strategy, though it requires a little more effort to maximize the card's full potential. Before the start of a new quarter, I activate the newest categories and I strategically use the card to maximize the rewards I can earn on those purchases.” — Alex Gailey, Bankrate lead data reporter

Learn more:  Is the Discover it Cash Back worth it? 

Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Flex® can earn boosted rewards more consistently since it offers both quarterly and year-round bonus categories. 

“This card is for anyone looking to get started with flexible miles. The annual fee is doable, and the many benefits make it a contender for an everyday card. The rewards can be valuable if you’re willing to put in a little research.” — Harlan Vaughn, Bankrate credit cards senior editor

Learn more: Why we love the Capital One Venture Rewards Card

Alternatives:  If you only travel occasionally and worry the Venture may not be worth it, consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card. It carries a fair flat rewards rate but skips the luxury perks, making it a better fit if you want to earn miles but don't spend much on travel. 

“I have a trip coming up, but I’m not stressing at all because I have over 100,000 Membership Rewards points that will cover my flight and hotel. I’m not worrying about owing hundreds of dollars, so I’ll have more time to enjoy myself without feeling guilty about over-spending.” – Brendan Dyer, Bankrate credit cards writer
“What I love most about having an Amex rewards card is its valuable rewards — Bankrate values Membership Rewards points at around 2.0 cents per point. So when I use my card for groceries, dining or travel, I know the rewards I earn will go a long way when redeemed with Amex’s transfer partners or through Amex Travel.”  – Madison Hoehn, Bankrate credit cards editor
Learn more: Why expert Matt Bundrick loves the Amex Gold

Alternative: The Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® are smart picks since both offer better travel perks, rewards and protections. But the Capital One Savor or Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a better fit if you want excellent dining and grocery rewards for a more modest annual fee.

“I'm not a spender, so it was important to me to get a card from a bank that didn't charge annual fees. I already had several no-fee Bank of America cards, so when the time came to get a card specifically for travel, it was a no-brainer to go that route again. Also, when it's time to pay my bill, it's so convenient to have my travel card with the same provider as some of my other cards.” – Suzanne De Vita, Bankrate home lending senior editor

Learn more: Bank of America Travel Rewards card benefits guide

Alternatives: If travel points flexibility means being able to redeem rewards for cash back, you might be better off with the Discover it® Miles.

“The Wells Fargo Reflect was my first choice when I realized I needed a balance transfer card. The reason was simple: it had one of the longest intro APR periods available on a credit card at the time. I also enjoyed the simplicity of the card, as it doesn’t have a reward program or annual fee to worry about.” – Steve Dashiell, Bankrate credit cards editor

Learn more: Is the Wells Fargo Reflect card worth it?

Alternatives: The Citi Simplicity® Card offers a similarly long intro APR on balance transfer periods, and a lower balance transfer fee. For more long-term value from rewards instead of chart-topping intro APR lengths, consider the Citi Double Cash® Card or Discover it® Chrome.