At Experian, one of our priorities is consumer credit and finance education. This post may contain links and references to one or more of our partners, but we provide an objective view to help you make the best decisions. For more information, see our Editorial Policy.
Some of the best rewards credit cards offer several ways you can rack up cash back, points or miles on every purchase you make. In many cases, you may also be able to score a huge welcome bonus when you open your account.
If you're looking for your next rewards credit card, it's important to understand the type of rewards you want and how you spend your money. It's also critical that you check your credit score: Most of the best options are reserved for people with good credit or better.
With that in mind, here are some cards that can help you start your search.
2 Partner Offers
| Our Picks for the Best Rewards Credit Cards | |
|---|---|
 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 with the card in the first 3 months |
 Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | 3 points per dollar spent on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases |
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for travelers who value simplicity. The card offers a flat 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase you make, with the exception of hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel, which earn NULL miles per dollar.
As a new cardholder, you'll earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 during the first 3 months from account opening. You'll also get an application fee credit worth up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA Precheck when you use your Venture card to apply, which can save you a lot of time if you travel on the regular. The card has a $95 annual fee.
What really makes this card special, though, is the flexibility you'll get with redeeming miles for travel. You can book directly through Capital One, book on your own and request a statement credit or transfer your miles to one of the bank's many airline partners.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
on Capital One's website
Recommended FICO® Score*
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
APR
19.99% - 29.74% (Variable)
Intro APR
Rewards
2x Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5x Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x Miles on All Purchases
Intro Bonus
75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$95
Card Details
- Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a no-annual-fee rewards card with competitive earning potential. You earn 3 points per dollar spent on a wide range of categories: restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. Plus, earn 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases.
There's also an intro bonus worth 20,000 points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The intro bonus has a $200 cash redemption value.
A helpful perk for this card is the cellphone protection that offers up to $600 in coverage against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card (subject to a $25 deductible). Terms apply.
How to Decide Which Card Is Right for You
There is no single best credit card for everyone. As a result, there are a few different things to keep in mind when trying to decide which rewards card is the best option for you:
- Credit score: Most rewards cards require good or excellent credit. There are options available for bad- and fair-credit borrowers, but they're limited. If you want to add a top rewards card to your wallet, take steps to improve your credit score to increase your chances of approval. That starts with paying down current credit card balances and bringing any past-due accounts up to date.
- Spending habits: While some rewards cards offer the same rewards rate on every purchase you make, others will give you higher rewards on select purchases. Take a look at your expenses over the past few months to see how much you can earn with each card you review.
- Preferences: Think about how you want to use the rewards you earn with your new card. If it's to travel, the right travel card will be much more effective than a cash back card. Also, look at each card's other features, such as fees, insurance protections and other perks, to determine which one best suits you.
Also, take some time to learn about how credit cards work to get a better idea of which direction you want to go.
How Do Rewards Credit Cards Work?
Rewards credit cards offer cash back, points or miles when you make eligible purchases. In some cases, you'll also earn rewards through a welcome bonus. Most cards will require you to spend a certain amount before you get the bonus rewards. But in some cases, you simply need to make one purchase to qualify. Just make sure you pay off the purchase quickly so you don't end up paying a lot in interest just to get the bonus.
Redeeming rewards can vary from card to card. With cash back, for instance, you can typically get your rewards in cash, statement credits, gift cards or other ways. With travel rewards, though, your redemption options will depend on the type of travel card you chose.
How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards
If you're looking for a way to rack up as much as possible in rewards, here are some tips to help you out:
- Earn points fast with welcome bonuses.
- Use your card for everything you reasonably can—as long as you can pay off the balance each month.
- Get multiple credit cards that complement each other's rewards rates based on your spending habits.
- Pay your bills on time and in full every month to avoid interest charges and dings to your credit score.
- If you're earning travel rewards, make sure you understand all of your redemption options so you don't leave money on the table.
Additional Credit Card Perks, Protections and Insurance
In addition to cash back, points or miles, many credit cards also offer insurance protection and other credit card benefits that can provide a lot of value. Some of the more basic perks include:
- Rental car insurance
- Purchase protection
- Extended warranty coverage
- Travel insurance
- Cellphone protection
With some travel cards, you may also get things like:
- Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee credits
- Credits for travel purchases
- Complimentary airport lounge access
- Trip cancellation or interruption insurance
- Lost luggage reimbursement and delayed baggage insurance
As you compare cards, look beyond the rewards to ensure you're getting the most value based on how you plan to use your new card.
Make Sure Your Credit Is Ready for a New Card
It can be tough to know if you'll qualify for a certain credit card, especially if you're still in the process of building credit. Check your credit score to see where you stand, and also consider reviewing your credit report to determine whether you need to address potential issues.
Also, consider using a tool like Experian CreditMatch™ to see if you qualify for rewards cards based on your credit profile. This process won't hurt your credit score—and will give you the chance to compare cards for which you have a good chance of getting approved.