Top 12 Best Credit Cards for Rewards | 2017 Ranking & Reviews | Top Rewards Credit Cards

2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP CREDIT CARDS WITH THE BEST REWARDS

What Are the Best Credit Cards for Rewards and How Can You Find the Best Rewards Card for You?

Points, miles, bonuses, cash back, discounts.

There are so many credit card rewards programs which can make it challenging to wade through all of the top rewards credit cards, compare credit card rewards, and ultimately select the best credit cards with rewards.

Award Emblem: Best Credit Cards for Rewards

The first thing to understand before you start researching rewards credit cards are the three primary categories. Rewards credit cards can be broken down into the following:

• Cash Back and Fixed Points: These cards offer rewards in the form of cash back on your purchases. Typically, you’ll earn a point or a certain number of points for each dollar amount you spend with your card. Those points add up and can be redeemed as cash back, or if it’s a travel card, you’ll earn points that go toward an absolute value in terms of booking an airline ticket or hotel.

• Loyalty Programs: Many cards may share branding with a company, such as an airline or hotel, and cardholders of these rewards credit cards will earn points based on their loyalty to that company.

• Transferable Points: For many consumers, one of the best rewards card options is to go with transferrable points, which let cardholders redeem points for flights or transfer points for other redemption options. In some cases, these types of credit cards with rewards will allow the cardholder to use their points either for cash back or travel, and they may also be able to use them for merchandise and gift cards.

Choosing from the best rewards credit cards depends on being able to define what is going to be most valuable for you. You can also choose several of the best rewards credit cards so that you’re leveraging different opportunities to get the most value from your cards.

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List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the credit card names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that credit card):

• Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^®
• BankAmericard^® Travel Rewards^® Credit Card
• SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card
• Chase United MileagePlus^® Explorer Card
• Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card
• Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card
• FlexPerks® Travel Rewards Visa Signature^®
• Gold Delta SkyMiles^® Credit Card
• JetBlue Card^®
• Quicksilver^® From Capital One
• Venture from Capital One
• Wells Fargo Propel American Express^® Card

Top 12 Best Rewards Credit Card Options | Brief Comparison

Table: Top 12 Best Credit Card Rewards| Above list is sorted alphabetically

What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services, and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?

Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.

Detailed Review – Top Ranking Best Credit Cards with Rewards

Below, please find the detailed review of each card on our list of credit cards with rewards. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these best credit card rewards programs to score so well in our selection ranking.

Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^® Credit Card Review

Barclaycard is a part of Barclays Retail and Business Banking, and the Barclaycard was actually the first credit card in the United Kingdom, introduced in 1966. Barclaycard, as of May 2016, is one of the largest credit card issuers in Europe, and the company has operations in 40 countries and more than 30 million customers.

Image Source: Pixabay

Barclaycard has led the way in terms of offering the best credit card rewards programs, and the financial services company teams up with some of the leading businesses in the world for co-branded rewards credit cards. The Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^® is one of the most feature-packed among its credit cards with the best rewards.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards for Rewards

Highlighted below are features of this best credit card rewards program that led to the ranking of the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^® on this list of top rewards credit cards.

Signup Bonuses

The Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^® is one of the best credit cards for rewards on multiple levels. In fact, this card can be considered the “total package” of even the best credit card rewards.

When a new member signs up for this travel rewards credit card, he or she gets 50,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Those are enough points to redeem for a $500 travel statement credit, making this one of the best introductory bonus point offers on this list of the best rewards credit cards.

This is one of the best signup bonuses you’re going to find from any credit card rewards program.

High Rewards Rate

Another way the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^® excels beyond almost any of the other credit cards with rewards and even the top rewards credit cards is the high rewards rate. This card lets cardholders earn some of the best rates.

Cardholders earn two miles for every dollar they spend with their card, and each mile is then worth one cent.

Cardholders also get 5% miles back every time they redeem their miles that can then be used toward their next redemption.

Miles can be redeemed for travel statement credits starting at 10,000 for $100 toward all or a portion of a travel purchase totaling $100 or more. Also, the miles don’t expire as long as the account is active, open, and remains in good standing.

Flexible Redemption

As mentioned at the start of this ranking and review of the credit cards with the best rewards, there are some cards on this list of the best credit card rewards that are co-branded.

This can be beneficial for certain consumers, for example, if they only travel on one airline. At the same time, it can also be valuable for other consumers to have more of a sense of flexibility, and that’s what’s offered with the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard^®.

This card gives cardholders a lot of options in terms of how they redeem these best credit card rewards. For example, they can use their miles for nearly any travel purchase, including booking with a discount travel site.

The cardholders can reimburse themselves for their travel expenses as long as they book with the card, and it gives them opportunities to shop for travel deals and book the way they want to without limitations from their rewards program.

Other Flexible Terms

In addition to flexible redemption and booking options, this card also stands out among the best credit cards with rewards because there aren’t things like blackout dates or expiration of rewards to worry about. There is no limit to the amount of miles a cardholder can earn, and the card also has other benefits such as no foreign transaction fee, making it an even better card for travelers.

Complimentary concierge service is included  as well as a variety of other travel services and cardholders can access dedicated travel advisors.

Included travel protections with this card range from trip cancellation insurance to purchase security.

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Bank of America is a leading financial services provider and one of the largest banks in the world, with headquarters in Charlotte, NC. As well as being a leading bank for traditional products, like deposit accounts for consumer and business clients, Bank of America also offers a lineup of valuable credit cards, many of which are rewards credit cards.

Image source: Bank of America

Two of the most popular credit cards with rewards available from Bank of America include the BankAmericard Cash Rewards™, which currently has a generous $100 online cash rewards bonus offer , and the BankAmericard Travel Rewards^® which is included on this credit card rewards comparison.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Rewards Credit Cards

When looking at the best credit cards rewards offers and choosing the credit cards with the best rewards, the following are specifics of why the BankAmericard Travel Rewards^® is included in this ranking.

Bonus Points Offer

One of the primary things considered in the creation of this credit card rewards comparison and creation of a ranking of the best credit cards with rewards were whether or not they offered bonus point offers for signing up, and if so, how significant these bonuses were.

This card performed very well in this area.

With the BankAmericard Travel Rewards^®, new cardholders can currently get 20,000 bonus points if they spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days after opening the account. Those bonus points can then be redeemed for a $200 statement credit that can be used to make travel purchases.

Preferred Rewards

What’s unique about choosing one of the best rewards credit cards from Bank of America is that, on top of the rewards and bonuses that come standard with the card, the bank also rewards cardholders for their overall loyalty through a program called Bank of America Preferred Rewards.

This program is an option for customers who have an active Bank of America checking or savings account. Just for having the account, there’s a 10% customer points bonus on every purchase made with the card.

Then, for Bank of America Preferred Rewards Clients, that bonus rate can increase to anywhere from 25% to 75%, based on the level of relationship and the amount of deposits a cardholder has in total with the bank.

That makes this one of the leading credit cards with rewards if you have an existing relationship with Bank of America.

Value

This card features some of the best credit card rewards, as well as representing an overall good financial value for consumers, which is why it’s named as one of the best credit cards with rewards. To begin, this best rewards credit card features a special introductory 0% APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases.

This card also never has an annual fee.

There are no foreign transaction fees, and the variable APR remains relatively low even after the introductory period that lasts for 12 billing cycles.

Rewards

When researching the best credit cards for rewards and starting to compare credit card rewards, it’s important to look for programs that not only seem to offer great deals and earning opportunities but also programs that aren’t too restrictive. Too many restrictions can be one of the biggest problems with rewards credit cards, so for this ranking, we tried to look for programs offering plenty of flexibility.

The BankAmericard Travel Rewards^® lets cardholders enjoy a simple earning structure and redemption process.

Cardholders earn an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on purchases everywhere, all the time. There are no blackout dates or restrictions, and points don’t expire.

Cardholders can then use their card to book their trip where they want and how they want without having to do it through specific websites. Points can be redeemed for a statement credit that can then be used to pay for everything from flights and hotels to baggage fees.

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The SunTrust Cash Rewards Credit Card is a straightforward cashback card that can be particularly useful for consumers who are already SunTrust customers. It offers a good option for people who want to combine multiple credit cards with the best rewards as well.

Image source: SunTrust

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Rewards Credit Cards

The Cash Rewards Credit Card is included on this list of the credit cards with the best rewards for reasons listed below.

Cash Back

The cashback program with this card is competitive and valuable for consumers, particularly if they spend a lot on gas and groceries and want to find a card that will reward them for this spending. To begin, this card features 5% cash back on qualifying gas and grocery purchases in the first 12 months, up to $6,000.

This card also includes 2% unlimited cash back on gas and grocery purchases after the introductory bonus cashback period, and on all other qualifying purchases the card has 1% unlimited cash back.

It should be noted, however, that the 5% cash back rate is only for the first 12 months after signing up for the card.

The cash rewards don’t expire, and they can be redeemed for a statement credit, check, bank deposit, travel, merchandise or gift cards.

Cashback Bonus

This is one of the credit cards with rewards that also provides additional rewards for cardholders based on their relationship with the bank. SunTrust calls this a Cash Back Bonus—Client Exclusive offer. This means that cardholders can get an additional bonus based on their deposit relationship with SunTrust.

To be eligible, cardholders need to have a SunTrust deposit account and also have their cash back redeemed directly into it, whether that’s a SunTrust Checking, Savings or Money Market account.

The bonus can be 10%, 25% or more, based on the level of the relationship.

FICO Score Program

As well as offering cash rewards and the potential for relationship-based bonus rewards, the SunTrust Cash Rewards card features other perks as well, making it a best rewards card. For example, cardholders can get free access to their FICO Score through the inclusion of the FICO Score Program from SunTrust.

SunTrust lets cardholders access their score through SunTrust Online or Mobile Banking. The score is updated monthly, cardholders can see up to 12 months of their history, and the score program also highlights up to two things that are most heavily impacting the cardholder’s score each month.

The credit report of cardholders won’t be impacted when they view their score through the SunTrust FICO Score Program.

Other Benefits

The features listed above are just a few of the many advantages of using this leader among credit cards with the best rewards. There are also other perks as well. Some of these include:

• 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after opening the account

• Competitive variable rate after the introductory period

• No annual fee

• No foreign transaction fees

• EMV Chip technology

• SunTrust World MasterCard Cardholder Benefits

Chase, part of JPMorgan Chase & Co., is one of the world’s leading providers of credit card products and services, including many different and uniquely valuable rewards credit cards. One of its premier credit cards with rewards is the United MileagePlus^® Explorer Card which is a card designed for travelers who want perks customized just for their lifestyle as well as overall value in terms of a credit card.

This card is different from many other names on this list of the best rewards credit cards since it is offered in affiliation with United, but for frequent United flyers, it can be an excellent option.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards for Rewards

When comparing the best rewards credit cards and the best credit card rewards programs, the following outline specifies why the United MileagePlus^® Explorer Card is in this ranking.

Bonus Miles

As has been previously mentioned in this ranking of the best credit cards with rewards, bonus earning opportunities are a critical part of the ranking criteria. Not every credit card with rewards will offer bonus miles or points, but this card offers one of the highest bonus miles offers.

New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three months after they open the account. Not only is the number of bonus miles an impressive number, but the spending threshold to get these miles is relatively low.

Also, cardholders can go on to earn 5,000 bonus miles after adding the first authorized user and making their first purchase in the first three months after they open their account.

Another bonus opportunity available with this leader among the best rewards credit cards is the ability to earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $25,000 on the card each calendar year.

Miles

The earnings structure for miles is relatively competitive with this card as well in addition to the bonus miles offer. To begin, cardholders earn 2x miles for every $1 they spend on tickets purchased from United.

Then, there is the potential to earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. As long as the credit card is open, there is no expiration and no limit on the number of miles that can be earned.

Travel Benefits

As mentioned, this is one of the best credit card rewards plans for frequent travelers, particularly when they fly United. In addition to the standard rewards program, this leader among the top rewards credit cards also features a range of other travel benefits. These include the following:

• The primary cardmember and their companions flying on the same reservation will get priority boarding on United-operated flights

• There are 2 United Club passes every year that allow the cardholder to visit the United Club with complimentary beverages, snacks, and amenities

• The cardmember can use miles to book any seat, anytime with no limitations, restrictions or blackout dates

• There are Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection privileges, including room upgrades, late checkout, complimentary daily breakfast, and more

• Cardholders with the United MileagePlus^® Explorer Card, one of the best credit cards for rewards, also get private access to events and experiences  with Inside Access from Chase

Checked Bags

This card features a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year after opening the account, and it also features an exclusive checked bag benefit. The primary cardmember and one companion traveling on the same reservation will both receive their first standard checked bag free.

This is calculated as having a value of $25 for the first checked bag, each way, per person.

This is available on United-operated flights if the tickets are purchased with the United MileagePlus^® Explorer Card.

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Citi^® ThankYou^® Preferred Card Review

The Citi^® ThankYou^® Preferred Card is one of the best credit card rewards programs, giving cardholders the opportunity to Earn ThankYou Points that can then be redeemed for excellent rewards. It’s a good card for people who spend a lot of time dining out or those out and about on the town – it’s really a lifestyle rewards card.

Image source: Citi

It should be noted, however, that if you don’t spend a lot of money on dining out and entertainment, this might not be the best rewards card for you. However, if you do, it’s one of the top rewards credit cards you’ll find.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards for Rewards

The Citi^® ThankYou^® Preferred Card ranked well on this list of credit cards with the best rewards and the best credit card rewards programs for the following reasons.

Rewards

The goal with this credit card rewards comparison is to give consumers a full overview of all of the available rewards credit cards that are well-ranked, and it was also important to include different types of credit card rewards.

As mentioned, this is a best rewards credit card for consumers who spend a lot of time out and about because it features 2x ThankYou points per dollar spent on purchases, restaurants, and entertainment. That’s not the only way you earn rewards, however.

Cardholders also receive 1x ThankYou Point for all other purchases.

Points don’t expire, and cardholders can earn unlimited amounts.

The ThankYou Points can then be redeemed for nearly anything, including dining, entertainment, and retail gift cards as well as cash.

Citi Price Rewind

A unique feature of this card that extends beyond the fact that it features one of the best credit card rewards programs is called the Citi Price Rewind. With this feature, Citi will make certain cardholders get the lowest prices on their purchases.

The Citi Price Rewind searches for a lower price on registered items cardholders pay for with their Citi card at hundreds of online retailers. If the same item is located anywhere at a lower price within 60 days of the initial date of purchase, the consumer may be eligible to receive the difference in prices.

Broad Categories

When you initially read that this leader among credit cards with the best rewards features double earnings only on dining and entertainment categories, your first thought might be that it’s too limited. However, one of the benefits of this card and a reason it’s included in this ranking of the top rewards credit cards is because the bonus categories are actually very broad.

For example, dining can include anything from fast food restaurants to full-service eateries as well as bars, cafes, and more. The entertainment category includes an extremely diverse eligibility list, from movie theaters and amusement bars to on-demand streaming media, live entertainment, galleries, etc.

Citi^® Private Pass^®

When you have the Citi^® ThankYou^® Preferred Card, you don’t only get rewards on dining and entertainment. You also get access to the Citi^® Private Pass^®. This is an exclusive offering available only to certain Citi cardholders that lets them get special access to thousands of events every year.

These events can include concerts, sporting events, dining experiences, movie screenings, and more.

The pass may include presale tickets as well as VIP packages. With this pass, you’ll always be in the know and be the first to get access to the most in-demand events and entertainment.

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The goal with the creation of this ranking is to help consumers compare credit card rewards. While the card above was focused on offering credit card rewards for people who love dining and entertainment, the Fidelity^® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card is better-suited for someone who wants simplicity and high cashback-earning potential.

Image source: Fidelity

This card is flexible, features very few limits, and is an excellent option if you want to get rewarded for spending money across any category and at any time. It’s ideal for consumers who don’t want to worry about where they’re using their card or people with varied spending habits.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards with Rewards

The Fidelity^® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card is included on this list of the credit cards with the best rewards and the best credit card rewards programs based on the reasons cited in the following list.

Unlimited Cash Back

When many consumers start looking for the best credit cards for rewards, they don’t want credit card rewards that are complex to manage, available only in certain spending categories or those which are limited or inflexible.

The Fidelity^® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card brings with it none of those issues. First, cardholders earn 2% cash back which is unlimited. Every eligible $1 spent is two rewards points, and there are no limits on total reward points. Also, points don’t expire.

There are no restrictive categories, and it’s an all-around best rewards credit card if you want flexibility.

Flexible Redemption Options

With the Fidelity^® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card, cardholders don’t just have options in terms of how they spend and earn rewards. This is one of the best rewards credit cards because there is also flexibility in how rewards are redeemed.

They can be deposited into one account or divided among several. Rewards can also be put into a family member’s account as well.

Eligible accounts where rewards can be deposited include:

• Brokerage accounts

• Fidelity Cash Management Account

• Fidelity-managed 529 College Savings Plans

• Retirement account

• Fidelity Go account

Card Features

In addition to being one of the best credit card rewards options, this card is also equipped with technology and other features that make it convenient and easy to use. These features include:

• Digital Wallet-enabled for Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Android Pay

• EMV chip technology for more secure transactions

• Zero fraud liability if there are unauthorized charges

• Signature travel and shopping offers

• Visa Signature Concierge which includes 24-hour complimentary assistance

• Worldwide acceptance at millions of places

Value

In many cases, the best credit cards for rewards will provide tremendous earnings opportunities, but they will have an annual fee. If you feel the rewards offered by the card are worth that fee, this obviously isn’t an issue, but some consumers are specifically searching for the best credit cards for rewards that also represent a good overall value.

The Fidelity^® Rewards Visa Signature^® Card is a good option for these consumers. This card has no annual fee to use it, ever. 

In addition, the variable APR is competitively low.

FlexPerks^® Travel Rewards Visa Signature^® Review

The FlexPerks program from U.S. Bank has a collection of rewards credit cards, including cards from Visa and American Express. Each of the cards that are part of the FlexPerks program provides excellent opportunities to earn rewards, with some being focused on value while others are more suited to everyday spending.

The U.S. Bank FlexPerks^® Travel Rewards Visa Signature^® Card is designed to maximize the amount of rewards a cardholder can earn and provide him or her with more value from the overall program. The card features double points on everyday spending categories and other advantages that led to its inclusion in this ranking of the best credit cards with rewards.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards with Rewards

Detailed are critical reasons the FlexPerks^® Travel Rewards Visa Signature^® is included on this list of the best rewards credit cards.

Fast and Easy Earning

This card makes it quick and simple to earn points. It’s a Visa card, and as one of the best credit card rewards programs, cardholders earn one FlexPoint for every $1 they spend on eligible net purchases. Furthermore, they earn Double FlexPoints on the category they spend the most on.

This can include gas, groceries, cell phone service or airlines.

When a cardholder makes a qualifying charitable donation, he or she earns Triple FlexPoints which is one of the most unique offerings of this selection for one of the best credit card rewards programs. You can give back while also earning an extremely high number of points.

FlexPoints Redemption

Not only is the process to earn points flexible and easy with this leader among the best credit card rewards options, but redemption is similarly straightforward. There are options to travel on more than 150 airlines without blackout dates or fees for online redemption.

Cardholders can start redeeming with just 5,000 FlexPoints, and they can also redeem for gift cards, statement credit, and merchandise. There is also the option to earn a $25 airline allowance with every award travel ticket which can then be used toward baggage and other fees.

This card also offers good value in terms of the exchange rate of points, with only 20,000 FlexPoints being equal to a ticket up to $400.

Bonus Flex Points

Along with the potential to earn one FlexPoint for every $1 spent on eligible net purchases and double FlexPoints on certain categories, this card, one of the best credit cards with rewards, also includes a bonus offer.

When a new cardholder enrolls in the FlexPoints program with a newly opened FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature card account, he or she earns 20,000 enrollment FlexPoints after spending $2,000 in net purchases on their card within four months of opening the account.

This is one of the longest spending periods to be eligible to earn bonus points of any of the rewards credit cards included on this credit card rewards comparison.

Visa Signature Benefits

The FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa Signature is not just one of the credit cards with the best rewards available; it also automatically includes Visa Signature Benefits. These Benefits cover the following:

• Concierge Service to help cardholders handle anything from finding the perfect gift to making travel plans

• Cardholders get access to exclusive perks when they stay at certain luxury hotels around the world. Perks can include upgrades, food and beverage credits, and special rates.

• The Visa Signature Fine Wine & Food benefit includes complimentary access to OpenTable reservations, dining offers, and more.

• Visa Signature Travel features various travel packages, offers, and upgrades.

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American Express is a credit card company that’s long been leading the way in terms of the top rewards credit cards and innovations in credit cards with rewards and overall customer loyalty programs. It features some of the most high-level rewards cards for frequent travelers as well as for people with high card spending.

Image source: American Express

The Gold Delta SkyMiles^® Credit Card from American Express is an excellent travel rewards card for a broad set of consumers if they do frequently travel and fly Delta when they do so. It boasts great earnings opportunities and other travel-specific benefits.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards with Rewards

The Gold Delta SkyMiles^® Credit Card from American Express is part of this ranking of the leading credit cards with the best rewards on this list to compare credit card rewards for reasons listed below.

Promotional Bonus Offer

There is a current promotional bonus offer available to new cardholders who open a Gold Delta SkyMiles^® Credit Card from American Express which allows them to take advantage of this best rewards card. The special offer includes the ability to earn 50,000 bonus miles, one of the highest bonus offers compared to any other credit card rewards programs right now.

Eligibility comes from using the card to make $1,000 in purchases within the first three months after opening the account.

There is usually some type of promotional bonus available at any given time with this card, but it tends to vary anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 miles.

Earning Miles

With this American Express card, account holders can take advantage of having one of the top rewards credit cards that makes it easy to earn miles. Cardholders earn miles for purchases made everyday with their card. These purchases can include things like gas, groceries, dining out, and monthly bills.

Then, those miles are redeemable for Delta travel. What’s unique about this, however, as compared to many other credit cards with rewards, is that even though it’s Delta-branded, cardholders can also redeem their miles for travel on more than 15 airline partners, giving a sense of flexibility.

There is also no limit to how many miles can be earned.

Travel Benefits

The Gold Delta SkyMiles^® Credit Card wasn’t just named to this ranking of the best rewards credit cards and best credit card rewards programs due to its ease in earning miles and available bonus promotional miles.

This card has other benefits that are especially relevant to travelers.

First, cardholders can check their first bag for free and save up to $50 on a roundtrip Delta flight. Cardholders get Priority Boarding on their Delta flights booked with their card, and there are no foreign transaction fees, regardless of what country the cardholder is making a purchase.

Additional Perks

Along with the miles program, which makes this one of the leading credit cards with the best rewards, this card also features other benefits. Some of them include:

• Introductory period of one year with no annual fee
• Competitive variable APR
• Reduced Delta Sky Club Access when traveling
• 20% savings on in-flight purchases, including food, beverages, movies, shows, and more
• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Warranty coverage
• Entertainment access
• Fraud protection
• A detailed year-end summary of card spending

JetBlue Card Review

The JetBlue Card is another one of the best credit card rewards product options, and it’s affiliated with the popular JetBlue airline company. It’s an ideal card for consumers who spend a certain amount on JetBlue flights every year, and it also has some advantages for dining and grocery purchases.

Despite the fact that this is a branded JetBlue Card, there is a lot of flexibility in many of the offerings. It’s provided by the collaboration between JetBlue and Barclaycard. While there is flexibility in things such as how points are earned, it is important to note that JetBlue doesn’t have as many airline partnerships, so there tends to be fewer options to redeem points with other airlines. However, if you typically fly from a JetBlue hub, it wouldn’t likely be an issue, and this could be one of the best rewards credit cards for your needs.

Image source: Barclay

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Credit Cards with the Best Rewards

When ranking the JetBlue Card as one of the credit cards with the best rewards on this credit card rewards comparison, the following are details as to why.

Balance Transfers

While many of the best credit card rewards offers include great opportunities to earn points, miles, and cash back, they don’t tend to offer as many introductory APR promotions as other types of credit cards. The JetBlue Card is an exception to this, which is why it’s one of the top rewards credit cards. Furthermore, it also has one of the best credit card rewards offers for a competitive APR.

There is a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on balance transfers, for all balance transfers that post to the account within 45 days of opening it.

Even beyond the introductory APR on balance transfers, this card also has one of the lowest APRs for purchases, currently ranging from 12.24% to 25.25%, depending on creditworthiness.

Points

This card, ranked as one of the best credit cards with rewards, features a points-based program. To begin, new cardholders can earn 5,000 bonus points after they make qualifying purchases. To earn the bonus points, after opening the account, new cardholders need to spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.

In addition, there are 3x points earnings on JetBlue Purchases. Cardholders earn 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores and 1x points on all other purchases.

Also, this selection for one of the top credit cards with the best rewards features 50% savings on in-flight cocktail and food purchases and no foreign transaction fees.

Points Redemption

As mentioned above, one of the downsides to this credit card rewards program can be that it’s somewhat limited in the airline companies you can fly with since JetBlue doesn’t have a lot of partnerships. If this isn’t an issue, however, there are some excellent benefits and a sense of flexibility in how points are redeemed from this best credit card rewards program.

There are no blackout dates on JetBlue-operated flights, and points can be redeemed for any seat, anytime on these trips. Points awarded to the cardholder’s TrueBlue account don’t expire, and families can earn and share their points together.

There is no limit to the number of points a cardholder can earn with their JetBlue Card, as long as the account is open, in good standing, and active.

Security

As well as offering one of the best credit card rewards programs, this selection for one of the best credit cards with rewards also features safety and security features.

For example, this card has $0 Fraud Liability protection. This means the cardholder isn’t responsible for fraudulent, unauthorized charges when he or she reports them to the card company.

The JetBlue Card also includes chip technology, making it faster and more secure to pay at chip-enabled terminates around the world.

Finally, this card has no foreign transaction fees on top of having no annual fee, so cardholders aren’t charged when they make international purchases.

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Much like companies like American Express, Capital One is known for leading the way when it comes to offering the best credit cards for rewards. The previous few cards on this list of the best credit cards for rewards have been focused on travel and airline rewards, but the Quicksilver^® Cash Rewards Credit Card, which is one of the most popular cards available from Capital One, is simply a cashback rewards card.

It’s inexpensive to use this card, easy to understand how the cashback programs work, and  a good all-around option if you’re searching for the best credit card rewards that are straightforward, feature cash back, and are flexible in how rewards are earned and redeemed.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Credit Cards with the Best Rewards

Among the best credit card rewards offers and best credit cards with rewards, the Quicksilver^® Cash Rewards Credit Card ranks well for reasons like the ones listed below.

Simplicity

The strength of this card as one of the best credit cards for rewards is seen in its simplicity with regard to how the rewards are structured. If you want a basic yet valuable rewards program, the Quicksilver is an outstanding option. There are no spending categories or rotating spending categories with this card nor are there redemption caps.

With this card, one of the best rewards card options, cardholders earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. There is no limit to earning and nothing to keep track of.

Furthermore, you can also redeem in the way you want. Rewards don’t expire, and they can be redeemed for cash back in any amount at any time.

Bonus

For most consumers, if there’s anything better than having access to the best rewards credit cards, it’s having those credit cards also include some of the best credit card rewards offers for signing up and opening a new account.

The Quicksilver card not only offers unlimited 1.5% cash back and a simple rewards program structure, but you can also get a $100 cash bonus for spending $500 in purchases within the first three months of opening the account.

This is a relatively high cashback bonus for one of the lowest spending requirements regarding credit cards that offer one of these similar offers.

Value

The Quicksilver^® is one of the best credit cards with rewards, and it’s designed for people with excellent credit. If you meet the credit requirements, you’ll find that along with a top rewards program, this card is also a good value. To begin, this card doesn’t have an annual fee.

There is also an introductory period for both purchases and balance transfers where there is a 0% APR. This lasts for nine months, and even after the introductory period ends, the APR remains low.

As one of the credit cards with the best rewards, there are other valuable benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, fraud coverage, and security alerts.

World Elite MasterCard Benefits

The Quicksilver^®, one of the best rewards credit cards featuring some of the best credit card rewards offers, is appointed with World Elite MasterCard Benefits, which include the following:

• For purchases made with the Quicksilver^®, one of the top rewards credit cards, there is additional warranty protection at no extra charge

• Complimentary concierge service can help cardholders book travel, dining reservations, and more

• If a cardholder is a victim of identity theft, these benefits include Identity Theft Resolution

• There are opportunities to take advantage of complimentary room upgrades and other travel benefits, such as early check-in and late check-out

• Travel protection up to $1,500 on eligible trips and tickets

• Price protection gives the opportunity for reimbursement of price differences if there is the same item available at a lower price and the item was purchased with the card

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Venture^® Rewards Credit Card Review

From Capital One, the Venture^® Rewards Credit Card is one of the best credit cards for rewards from the perspective of cardholders and financial outlets. It’s one of the top options for the best credit card rewards because it includes bonuses, high earnings levels, and is a good all-around travel card that isn’t linked to any one hotel or airline.

This card is also advantageous, in terms of fees, for the most part, although it does have an annual fee, so consumers have to decide whether the fee is worthwhile.

Image Source: Capital One

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Rewards Credit Cards

The Venture^® Rewards Credit Card is included on this ranking to compare credit card rewards and best credit card rewards programs for main reasons like the ones highlighted below.

Bonus

Much like so many of the best credit card rewards options listed on this credit card rewards comparison, this card from Capital One does feature a one-time bonus, and it’s among the highest available compared to other travel rewards credit cards.

The one-time bonus of 40,000 miles is available to cardholders who spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months after they’re approved for the card.

That miles bonus is equivalent to $400 in travel.

Unlimited Rewards and Flexibility

If you’re searching for credit cards with the best rewards and the best credit card rewards offers that aren’t going to come with a lot of limitations, the Venture^® can be a valuable option. The first reason is that this card features unlimited rewards.

Cardholders earn unlimited 2x miles. This means they get 2 miles for every dollar they spend on purchases. That would put 100 miles equal to $1 in travel rewards which is in addition to the 40,000 bonus miles.

Once cardholders earn these miles that come with the Venture^®, one of the credit cards with the best rewards, they can then book their travel how they choose. They can use their card to purchase travel tickets and reservations on any website or app as well as on any airline, at any hotel or for any rental car company. Rewards don’t expire either.

APR and Fees

It’s unlikely if you’re searching for the best rewards credit card that you want to pay a lot of money in interest and fees. This ranking of the best credit cards for rewards includes cards that not just have the best credit card rewards offers but also that represent a good value regarding APR and fees. That is certainly the case with the Venture^®.

This straightforward leader among rewards credit cards features a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, and after that, only $59 per year. It also has a low purchase rate APR that currently starts at 13.24% and is based on creditworthiness.

This card also includes no foreign transaction fees, so you don’t have to pay extra fees if you’re using your card and making purchases outside of the U.S.

MasterCard Benefits

This best rewards credit card is designed for people with excellent credit, and, as a result, it comes not only with the benefits that are part of the rewards program but also World Elite MasterCard Benefits.

For example, cardholders get additional extended warranty protection on items they buy with their card, complimentary concierge service 24 hours a day, and, if necessary, identity theft resolution services.

This card also features the opportunity to access exclusive travel upgrades and savings opportunities as well as price protection in case an item you buy with the card is available anywhere for a lower price.

Popular Article: Top Capital One Credit Cards | Ranking | Compare Best Capital One Credit Card Offers & Promotions (Reviews)

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Wells Fargo Propel American Express^® Card Review

Wells Fargo is one of the leading banks and financial services companies in the U.S. It offers personal, small business, and commercial banking solutions. Along with things like deposit accounts and loans mortgages, Wells Fargo has a selection of credit cards, including some of the best credit cards with rewards.

One such card that’s included on this credit card rewards comparison is the Wells Fargo Propel American Express^® Card which is backed by the strength of both Wells Fargo as well as American Express, making it a best rewards card option. In particular, because of bonus earning potential, this best rewards credit card is ideal for people who frequently spend on gas and dining out.

Key Factors That Led to Our Ranking of This as One of the Best Credit Cards for Rewards

During the process to compare credit card rewards and rank top rewards credit cards, the following details highlight why this card was included on this list of the best credit cards for rewards.

Earning Rewards

The Wells Fargo Propel American Express^® offers good options to not only earn rewards but also accelerate reward earning potential. The specifics of this best rewards credit card included on this credit card rewards comparison are the following:

• 3x points at gas stations

• 2x points at restaurants

• 1x points on most other purchases

• Annual bonus of 10% on non-bonus rewards points for maintaining a qualifying checking or savings account with Wells Fargo or a PMA Package

• No limits to the amount of points that can be earned

• 5 years to use points

Redemption

There is a sense of flexibility regarding redemption with the Wells Fargo Propel American Express^®, ranked as one of the best credit cards with rewards. For example, for travel options, there are no airline restrictions or blackout dates. Also, cardholders can combine points and a payment card to book travel.

Points can be redeemed for hotels, car rentals, experiences, and more, and cash redemptions are also available to be deposited to a qualifying Wells Fargo account or by check.

There are available redemption options for as low as 2,500 points which would equal a $25 gift card.

Cardholders can also find merchandise and online auctions as part of their choices for redeeming the points they earn with this selection for one of the best credit cards for rewards.

Value

Regarding fees, APRs, and introductory offers, this card represents one of the most competitive values on this list of the best credit card rewards options. To begin there is a 0% introductory APR not only on purchases but also balance transfers. This introductory period lasts for a full 15 months, as compared to many other rewards credit cards which may feature introductory periods lasting nine months or 12 months.

After that, the APR remains competitively low and is based on the cardholder’s credit history.

There is no annual fee to use this card either.

Additional Travel Features

This card, one of the best rewards credit card options on this credit card rewards comparison, also features extra benefits, particularly for travel. These include:

• Discounts and access to the lowest airfare prices on both domestic and international flights
• Discount hotel rates and car rentals
• Special fares and amenities from major cruise lines
• Retail protection on eligible items purchased with the card
• Doubled original manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Auto rental collision and liability insurance
• Roadside assistance
• 24/7 travel and emergency assistance
• Emergency cash advances

Conclusion—Top 12 Credit Cards with the Best Rewards

Miles for airline tickets. Merchandise. Tickets to entertainment events. Discount travel packages. Cash back.

If any of these sounds like something you’d like, it may be as simple as using one of the best rewards credit cards named on this credit card rewards comparison. Each of the best credit cards with rewards named on this list offers not only a unique set of some of the best credit card rewards, but they also excel in other ways.

For example, some of these best credit card rewards options feature 0% introductory APRs, flexible reward redemption options, discounts on in-flight purchases or the ability to redeem your rewards for cash back deposited directly into your account.

Regardless of your lifestyle or what you’re looking for as you compare credit card rewards, the above ranking of the best credit cards with rewards feature some of the premier options for nearly any need.

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