Reward Credit Cards
Below, we've listed the very best reward credit card offers available from top to bottom.
Editor’s Pick
United MileagePlus® Explorer Card
- Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free, a $95 value*
- Check your first bag for free on United and Continental-operated flights, up to a $50 value round trip
- Board your flight before general boarding with priority boarding privileges
- Visit the United Club with two complimentary day passes every year, up to a $100 value
- Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from United and Continental and 1 mile per $1 everywhere else
- Enjoy exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime events through Inside Access from Chase
- Your miles don't expire and there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
14.24% (Variable)
$95, waived the first year*
Yes*
Excellent*
Editor's Review: The ALL-NEW United MileagePlus® Explorer Card from Chase gives cardholders the opportunity to earn airline miles on any United or Continental Airlines flight with every purchase. Cardholders and earn up to 40,000 bonus miles on top of all the other perks and benefits offered. ...more info
Capital One® VentureOne(SM) Rewards Credit Card
- 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles, equal to $100 in travel
- Redeem miles for airline tickets, hotel rooms, car rentals and more
- No limit on the miles you can earn and miles won't expire
- Fly free on any airline, any time with no blackout dates
- 0% intro APR on purchases until February 2013
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
0% on Purchases*
Until February 2013*
11.9% - 19.9% (V)*
None*
Yes*
Excellent Credit
Editor's Review: The Capital One® VentureOne(SM) Rewards Credit Card is a great card for frequent travelers with excellent credit ...more info
Capital One® Venture(SM) Rewards Credit Card
- Money® magazine's "Most Rewarding Card if you crave free airline flights"
- 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles, equal to $100 in travel
- Redeem your miles for ANY travel expense
- No limit on the miles you can earn and miles won't expire
- Fly free on any airline, any time with no blackout dates
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $59 after that
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
11.9% - 19.9% (V)*
$0 intro for first year; $59 after that
Yes
Excellent Credit
Editor's Review: The Capital One® Venture(SM) Rewards Credit Card is perfect for individuals with excellent credit looking for a travel rewards credit card ...more info
Citi ThankYou® Preferred Rewards Card - $250 in Gift Cards
- $250 in gift cards - When you redeem the 25,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after $2,000 in purchases within 3 months of account opening.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on all purchases
- Receive an anniversary bonus every year you’re a cardmember
- No expiration and no limit on the points you can earn
- Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more
- No annual fee*
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
NA*
NA*
12.99%-22.99%* (Variable)
$0*
Yes*
Excellent Credit*
Editor's Review: For those who are looking for a rewards credit card that offers plenty of opportunities to earn bonus points, the Citi ThankYou(® Preferred Rewards Card - $250 in Gift Cards credit card may be just what you are looking for. ...more info
Capital One® Cash
- $100 Bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months
- 50% bonus on the cash back you earn every year
- 1% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Earn unlimited cash rewards that don't expire
- Redeem cash rewards anytime for any amount, even set up automatic redemption
- Personalize your card with an image of your choice
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers until February 2013
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
0% Intro on Purchases and Balance Transfers*
Until February 2013*
12.9% - 20.9% (V)*
$0*
Yes*
Excellent Credit*
Editor's Review: Capital One® Cash is a great card for individuals with excellent credit who are looking to earn unlimited cash back on their purchases. ...more info
Capital One® Cash Rewards for Newcomers
- A card designed to help those new to the U.S. establish credit and earn cash back
- Build credit with automatic reporting to the three major credit bureaus
- Get 2% cash back on travel purchases
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
24.9% (V)*
None*
Yes*
Fair Credit*
Editor's Review: Capital One® Cash Rewards for Newcomers is an outstanding card offer for individuals with limited or average credit who want to build their credit and earn cash back on their purchases in the process. ...more info
Chase Sapphire® Preferred Card
- Limited Time Offer! - Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $625 toward travel!
- 2 points per dollar spent on travel and dining & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Use 20% fewer points when you redeem for travel. Just book your flight, cruise, or other travel through Ultimate Rewards(SM)
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn a 7% annual points dividend - even on points already redeemed
- Transfer points you've earned to participating frequent traveler programs at a 1:1 value
- 24/7 direct access to expert service advisors (No voice recording)
- No Annual Fee for your first year - A $95 value
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
15.24%* (Variable)
$95, Waived First Year*
N/A*
Excellent Credit*
Editor's Review: Chase Sapphire® Preferred Card offers more benefits and even greater opportunities to earn rewards for those who qualify. ...more info
Continental Airlines OnePass® Plus Card
- Earn up to 40,000 bonus miles & first year free ($95 value)*
- Now with priority boarding privileges on Continental and United flights
- Check your first bag for free on Continental and United flights, up to a $50 value
- Visit the United Club with two complimentary passes every year, a $100 value
- Earn 2 miles for $1 spent on tickets purchased from Continental and United and 1 mile per $1 everywhere else
- Your miles don't expire and there is no limit to the number of miles you can earn
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
14.24%* (Variable)
$95, First Year Free*
Yes*
Excellent Credit*
Editor's Review: The Continental Airlines OnePass Plus Card is a good option for those who enjoy traveling on a regular basis and are looking for an airline credit card that will help make travel more cost effective ...more info
Starwood Preferred Guest(R) Credit Card from American Express
- Starpoints® Bonus: 10K with your first purchase and another 15K when you spend $5k within 6 months – enough for up to 6 free nights at a Category 1 or 2 hotel
- Free nights, free flights: Redeem Starpoints with over 350 airlines through SPG Flights and more than 1,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. No blackout dates
- 2011 SmarterTravel® Award for "Best Travel Rewards Card"
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $65
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
See Terms*
See Terms*
15.24% variable
See Terms*
Yes*
Excellent
Editor's Review: Travelers who spend a fair amount of time on the road and staying in hotels will certainly appreciate the benefits and rewards from the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express. This is not just another credit card, but a ticket to rewards and advantages all frequent travelers want access to on the road ...more info
Chase Freedom® Visa - $200 Bonus Cash Back
- This offer is for people with a good to excellent credit history which means, among other things, that your credit history is clear of bankruptcy and seriously delinquent accounts
- Earn $200 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months
- 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at gas stations and on Amazon.com from 1/1/12 - 3/31/12
- You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like grocery stores, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!
- Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
- Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase
- No annual fee and rewards never expire
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
As Low As 15.99%*
$0*
Yes*
Excellent Credit*
Editor's Review: The Chase Freedom Visa - $200 Bonus Cash Back credit card is a limited-time-only cash rewards card that rewards cardholders with a cash back bonus on every purchase charged to the card. ...more info
Marriott Rewards® Credit Card
- Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after your first use, redeemable for up to 4 free nights; plus receive 2 free night stay e-certificates upon account approval, that's enough up to 6 free nights at a category 1 hotel
- No Annual fee for your first year that's a $45 value*
- Earn 3 points for every $1 spent at Marriott® locations
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on other purchases
- Cardmembers achieve Silver elite status with 10 nights credit toward Elite status
- Redeem Marriott Rewards® points at Marriott properties including Renaissance Hotels, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Fairfield Inn & Suites
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
14.24% (Variable)*
$0 First Year, then $45*
Yes*
Excellent Credit*
Editor's Review: For those who travel frequently and who have a preference for staying in Marriott Hotels, the Marriott Rewards® Credit Card could be a wise choice. Card holders earn rewards for every purchase made with the card but also enjoy additional non-reward points benefits as well ...more info
Citi Forward® Card
- $100 in gift cards - When you redeem the 10,000 bonus ThankYou® Points received after you make $650 in purchases and sign up for paperless statements within the first 3 months
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on balance transfers and for 7 months on purchases. After that, 12.99% - 22.99% variable
- 5 points for every $1 spent at restaurants and on books, movies and music. 1 point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases
- Want to lower your purchase APR? All you have to do is make a purchase, stay under your credit limit, and pay on time 3 billing periods in a row and we will lower your APR for purchase by up to 2% (0.25% each quarter, 8X maximum)
- No Annual Fee
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
0% If You Qualify*
7 Months on Purchases*
12.99% - 22.99%* (Variable)
No Annual Fee*
Yes
Very Good Credit*
Editor's Review: The Citi Forward® Card is a new generation of rewards card that rewards people for simply doing the right thing. If cardholders simply stay within their credit limit and pay on time, they stand to be rewarded with bonus points and rate reductions. ...more info
Chase Sapphire® Card
- Limited Time Offer! - Earn 25,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months - that's $250 toward a flight or any other reward!
- 2 points per dollar spent on dining & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- Points never expire and there are no limits on how many points you can earn
- Redeem points for travel, gift cards, merchandise, cash back and more
- 24/7 direct access to expert service advisors (No voice recording)
- No annual fee!
Intro Rate
Intro Period
Reg. Rate
Annual Fee
Balance
Transfers
Transfers
Credit Needed
N/A*
N/A*
15.24%* (Variable)
None*
N/A*
Excellent*
Editor's Review: For those looking for a rewards credit card without an annual fee, the Chase Sapphire® Card is a good option to explore. With its flexible reward redemption process, the Chase Sapphire® Card allows users to earn points toward airfare, shopping, hotel rooms or cash. ...more info
Featured Blog Content
How-To Guide to Airline Miles Churning
There's a new dance in town, one that's earning a few crafty frequent fliers more bonus miles than they can handle. It's called “churning†in reference to the process of making butter, and though it takes some time to memorize the steps, once you know the routine you can reap thousands of sweet, morally ambiguous
...read moreReward credit cards that offer the best rewards programs provide cardholders with the opportunity to earn cash back, gasoline rebates, frequent flyer points and entertainment and store discounts based on their purchase activities with these cards. When deciding amongst the best reward credit card offers available, you first need to properly qualify yourself for these type of credit cards.
At CreditCardAssist.com, we recommend that a reward credit card is most suitable for individuals who pay off their monthly card balances every month. If you typically carry a monthly credit card balance, the interest charges that you'll likely incur on that balance will, more than likely, offset the rewards that you can earn with the credit card, negating any net benefit. If you pay off your monthly card balance, and use your card a lot for purchases, cardholders can benefit greatly from the use of these credit cards.
Best Reward Credit Card Offers - Reviews
These type of credit cards can actually be very costly for those carrying monthly card balances, depending on the size of the balance that you carry. This is the "house bet" that the card issuers are typically making with credit cards of this sort. So if you're planning on carrying a monthly balance, you'll probably be better off financially finding a low interest credit card instead.
Cardholders that do pay off their monthly card balances can really benefit from these type of credit cards though. Rewards cards can provide cash rebates, frequent flyer points, rebates on automobiles, groceries, movie tickets, video rentals, home appliances, theme parks or just about anything else you can think of.
Some examples of really solid cards in this category include the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and Discover® Open Road Card (be sure to see the card issuer's application page below for details about each of the cards offered.)
There are numerous affinity credit cards with similar rewards programs, such as the Hilton HHonors® Platinum Rewards card and the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card, to name just a few. But these credit card rewards programs tend to be pretty costly for the credit card issuers. Some of these rewards cards might require an annual fee, varying roughly $50 to $100. Be sure to check the credit card grid on the page below for any annual fees that might be required.
