13 Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2023

Rewards credit cards are like regular credit cards, but with a little extra push. And the best rewards credit cards offer all sorts of cool incentives for people who use them to make purchases like cashback, travel rewards, points, or discounts on stuff you buy. People love getting rewards for their spending, and that’s why this strategy has been so effective.

The best credit card rewards attract new customers and keep them coming back for more. People are drawn to compare credit cards because they see the value in earning rewards while spending money on various products and services.

This ongoing usage means more transaction fees and, ultimately, more revenue for the bank. Plus, when customers have a positive experience earning rewards, they're more likely to stick around and explore all the different products and services offered by the brand.

Core Loyalty is a leading provider of comprehensive loyalty program solutions that can help you design and implement a rewards program tailored to your company’s specific needs.

With Core Loyalty's support, you can establish a rewards credit card program that enhances customer loyalty, acquisition, retention, and overall profitability for your bank.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Rewards Credit Card?
• How We Ranked the Best Credit Cards for Rewards: 7 Factors
• 13 Best Rewards Credit Cards
• Launching Your Credit Card Rewards Program

What Is a Rewards Credit Card?

A rewards credit card is a type of payment card, typically issued by a bank or another financial institution, that offers cardholders various benefits and incentives in return for their spending.

These rewards can come in different forms, such as cashback, travel rewards, points, or discounts on purchases. Customers earn these rewards by using their credit cards for everyday transactions like shopping, dining, or paying bills.

For customers, these cards provide an opportunity to earn valuable perks and benefits as they go about their regular spending. They can earn cashback on their purchases, which effectively reduces the overall cost of their transactions.

Travel rewards credit cards, as parts of travel loyalty programs, allow customers to accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for discounted or free flights, hotel stays, or other travel-related expenses.

Some cards even offer exclusive perks like access to airport lounges or concierge services. Essentially, rewards credit cards help customers get more value out of their spending and enhance their overall purchasing power.

Meanwhile, rewards credit cards offer significant advantages to banks and businesses as well. They serve as a powerful tool for customer acquisition and customer retention.

Brands can attract new customers with attractive rewards programs that differentiate their credit cards from competitors. Enticing customers with valuable incentives, financial institutions increase the likelihood of individuals choosing their credit cards over others.

The best credit card offers often come with higher interest rates and annual fees, generating additional revenue streams for banks.

How We Ranked the Best Credit Cards for Rewards: 7 Factors

Many customers might just pick the first credit card that jumps out at them, but there are many things to take into account, including services, fees, accessibility, and more.

Here are the 7 most important factors to consider:

• Rewards Rate

Look for credit cards that offer a high rewards rate on your most frequent spending categories. If you spend a lot on groceries or travel, finding a card that offers extra rewards in those areas can be beneficial.

• Sign-Up Bonus

Consider credit cards that provide a generous sign-up bonus. These bonuses often require you to spend a certain amount within a specified time frame, but they can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance right from the start.

• Redemption Options

Check the redemption options available for the rewards you earn. Whether it's cashback, travel rewards, or merchandise, ensure that the credit card offers redemption choices that align with your preferences.

• Annual Fees

Take into account the annual fee associated with the credit card. While there are credit cards with no annual fee, others may charge a fee in exchange for enhanced rewards or additional benefits. Consider whether the benefits outweigh the cost of the fee.

• Interest Rates

If you tend to carry a balance on your credit card, it's important to consider the interest rates associated with the card. Look for low or introductory APR offers to minimize interest charges.

• Additional Benefits

Evaluate the extra perks and benefits provided by the credit card. These may include travel insurance, airport lounge access, purchase protection, or extended warranty coverage. Choose a card that offers benefits that align with your needs and lifestyle.

• Customer Satisfaction

Research customer reviews and ratings for the credit card issuer's customer service. A responsive and helpful customer service team can greatly enhance your experience if you encounter any issues or have questions about your rewards program.

13 Best Rewards Credit Cards

The top rewards credit cards make receiving your reward simple.

But how can you choose one when there are so many appealing options?

The greatest rewards credit card can be a no-fee card with consistent points for regular purchases, or it might be one that costs a fee in exchange for greater rewards in certain areas, depending on your spending habits.

The best rewards credit cards of 2023 include:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Overall Rewards Credit Card
• American Express® Gold Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Dining
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card
• Citi Premier® Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Travel and Dining
• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Cards: Best No Annual Fee Rewards Credit Card
• **Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: **Best Cashback Rewards Credit Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best Flat-Rate Cashback Rewards Credit Card
• Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Online Shopping
• Citi® Double Cash Card: Best Balance Transfer Rewards Credit Card
• U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card: Best Gas Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Entertainment and Dining
• **Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: **Best Rewards Credit Card for Everyday Spending

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Overall Rewards Credit Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve provides a competitive yearly travel credit, one-time point bonus, and high rewards earning rate.

When you use the Chase Ultimate Rewards website to redeem your points for travel, they are worth 50% more and can be transferred 1:1 to qualified hotel and airline partners.

Frequent travelers enjoy a wide range of other travel-related advantages and are not tied to any particular airline or hotel.

American Express® Gold Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Dining

The American Express® Gold Card is widely recognized as the best rewards credit card for dining. Cardholders earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, and at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x).

The card offers a $120 annual dining credit that can be redeemed at select restaurants and delivery services, as well as a $100 airline fee credit for incidental charges like baggage fees and in-flight purchases on one selected airline per year.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card

On every transaction made with the Capital One Venture Rewards card, 2 Miles are earned for every $1 spent. Hotels and vehicle rentals booked through Capital One Travel earn 5 Miles for every $1 spent.

Customers earn 2X miles every day on all other purchases. You can spend $4,000 on purchases within three months of account opening to receive a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles, which is equal to $750 in travel.

You can use points to pay for travel expenses, book trips without blackout dates, and transfer them to airline and hotel partners, and you might even gain additional value by moving your miles to one of its partners.

You'll get a $100 credit once every four years for Global Entry or TSA Pre to enhance your airport travel.

Citi Premier® Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Travel and Dining

Cardholders earn 3 ThankYou Points per dollar spent on travel, including gas stations, airfare, hotels, and more. They earn 2 ThankYou Points per dollar spent on dining out and entertainment, making it an ideal card for those who frequently enjoy dining experiences and travel adventures.

The card offers a variety of travel benefits, such as no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance coverage, and access to exclusive travel offers.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card: Best No Annual Fee Rewards Credit Card

This card offers a simple and straightforward rewards program where cardholders earn unlimited 1.5 points per dollar on every purchase. The accumulated points can be redeemed for a variety of travel-related expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more.

There’s a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a certain period, making them suitable for individuals looking to finance their purchases without incurring interest charges.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best Cashback Rewards Credit Cards

Cardholders can earn an impressive 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1% cash back), 6% cash back on select US streaming services, 3% cash back at US gas stations and on transit, and 1% cash back on other purchases.

This card is particularly beneficial for those who spend heavily on groceries and streaming services. Additionally, the card offers a generous welcome bonus and a variety of valuable benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card: Best Hotel Rewards Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card comes with a free night award every year on your account anniversary, automatic Silver Elite level, and 15 Elite Night Credits annually.

Free Wi-Fi, late checkout, and a 10% bonus on points earned at Marriott hotels are all perks of Silver Elite status.

The 15 Elite Night Credits from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless give you a head start on achieving higher tiers of elite status each year. Any Marriott Bonvoy facility will accept the free night award for a one-night hotel stay worth at up to 35,000 points.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best Flat-Rate Cashback Rewards Credit Card

Cardholders earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a straightforward and hassle-free way to earn rewards on every transaction. There are no rotating categories or spending requirements to worry about, allowing for easy and consistent cashback earnings.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a generous sign-up bonus for new cardholders and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a certain period.

The cashback rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or direct deposits, providing flexibility in how you use your earned rewards.

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Online Shopping

This card offers impressive rewards specifically tailored for Amazon.com purchases. Cardholders earn 5% back on all eligible Amazon.com purchases, making it an ideal choice for frequent online shoppers.

Additionally, the card offers 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores as well as 1% back on all other purchases.

The rewards earned can be redeemed towards future Amazon purchases, providing a seamless and convenient way to save on your online shopping expenses.

Cardholders who are Amazon Prime members also benefit from free two-day shipping on eligible items and access to exclusive deals and discounts.

Citi® Double Cash Card: Best Balance Transfer Rewards Credit Card

This card offers a unique rewards structure where cardholders can earn cash back twice on every purchase. They earn 1% cash back when making purchases and an additional 1% cash back when they pay off those purchases, effectively providing a total of 2% cash back on all transactions.

This feature makes it an attractive option for individuals looking to transfer high-interest balances from other credit cards and consolidate their debt.

The card also offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a certain period, allowing cardholders to save on interest charges while paying off their transferred balances.

U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Gas

The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card features a fantastic rewards scheme for people who wish to accumulate points. Every dollar a cardholder spends generates one point, which is doubled for purchases of groceries, gas, or streaming services and quadrupled for purchases of meals and takeout, including delivery.

There are no yearly or foreign transaction fees for cardholders.

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Entertainment and Dining

Cardholders earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining purchases, including restaurants, cafes, and fast-food establishments. They earn 3% cash back on entertainment purchases, such as movie tickets, concerts, sporting events, and more.

The card also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and 1% cash back on all other purchases. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals who frequently enjoy dining out, attending entertainment events, and purchasing groceries.

The rewards earned can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, or applied towards future purchases, providing flexibility in how you use your rewards.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best Rewards Credit Card for Everyday Spending

With this card, you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, without any rotating categories or spending caps to worry about. It offers a simple and straightforward cashback rewards program, making it a hassle-free choice for everyday spending.

The card also provides a one-time cash bonus for new cardholders who meet the spending requirement within the specified timeframe. The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for a certain period, allowing you to finance your purchases without incurring interest charges.

Best Credit Cards for Rewards 2023 Summary

The credit card landscape continues to offer an array of enticing options for those seeking to maximize their rewards.

Following is a quick summary of the best examples:

Credit Card	Welcome Bonus	Rewards Rate	Additional Perks	Annual Fee	Credit Score Requirement
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	Varies	2X points on travel and dining	Travel benefits, transferable points, travel insurance	$95	Good to Excellent
American Express® Gold Card	$75,000 Membership Rewards®	4X points at restaurants	Dining and travel credits, airport lounge access	$250	Good to Excellent
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	75,000 miles	2X miles on all purchases	Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, travel insurance	$95	Good to Excellent
Citi Premier® Card	Varies	3X points on travel and dining	Travel protections, Citi ThankYou® Rewards	$95	Good to Excellent
Bank of America® Travel Rewards Card	25,000 points	1.5X points on all purchases	No foreign transaction fees	None	Good to Excellent
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express	Varies	6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets	Cashback on streaming services and transit	$95	Good to Excellent
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card	3 Free Nights	Up to 17X points at Marriott	Elite status, free night award, annual free night	$95	Good to Excellent
Chase Freedom Unlimited®	Varies	1.5% cash back on all purchases	0% APR, travel and purchase protections	None	Good to Excellent
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card	Varies	5% cash back at Amazon.com	Additional cash back on select categories	None (Prime membership required)	Good to Excellent
Citi® Double Cash Card	None	Up to 2% cash back	Intro APR, balance transfer benefits	None	Good to Excellent
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card	20,000 points	4X points on dining and takeout	Mobile phone protection, travel insurance	None	Good to Excellent
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card	$200 cash bonus	3% cash back on dining and entertainment	Intro APR, no foreign transaction fees	None	Good to Excellent
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card	$200 cash bonus	1.5% cash back on all purchases	Intro APR, no foreign transaction fees	None	Good to Excellent

Launching Your Credit Card Rewards Program

The best rewards credit cards offer a range of benefits and features to suit various spending preferences and lifestyle needs.

Whether you're looking for generous travel rewards, dining perks, cashback options, or no annual fee credit cards, there are options available to help you maximize your rewards and savings. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as the best overall rewards credit card, offering valuable travel benefits and flexible redemption options.

For dining enthusiasts, the American Express® Gold Card is a top choice with its impressive rewards rate and dining-related perks. Meanwhile, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card excels in the travel rewards category, and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express leads in cashback rewards.

If you're considering implementing your own rewards program, Core Loyalty is a trusted partner that can help you launch an effective and customized rewards program for your business, tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Start your rewards program journey today with Core Loyalty.