Choose a credit card with rewards based on your spending habits and priorities; some people appreciate cards that offer cash back while others may prefer the redemption value and perks associated with points or miles.
American Express’ Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card provides generous rewards on gas, groceries and transit purchases as well as select streaming services – not to mention an excellent sign-up bonus and introductory 0% APR period!
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited(r)
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card provides an appealing array of rewards with no annual fee, such as 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories and 1.5% on all other purchases. In addition, there’s also a generous sign-up bonus of $200 when spending $500 within three months – perfect for people who don’t require or use extra benefits like Citi Double Cash that earn 2% cash back or plan on exceeding spending caps in bonus categories.
Its benefits, such as offering 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers and new purchases, make this card stand out. But if you’ve opened too many cards in the last 24 months, qualifying may become more challenging due to Chase 5/24 rule. Furthermore, this card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee; however this fee can be offset through pooling rewards with other Chase cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points.
2. Bank of America(r) Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America(r) Customized Cash Rewards card offers premium rewards rates to people who make frequent purchases in specific categories, such as gas (including EV charging stations), online shopping, cable, streaming, internet and phone services, dining travel drug stores home improvement furnishings etc. You can select up to one category each month that earns you three percent back; once chosen you may switch it once every month! Cardholders also earn two percent back at grocery stores/wholesalers clubs/drugstores up to an aggregate spending amount of $2,500 combined total each quarter as well as one percent on all other purchases plus one percent bonus earning up to $2,500 total spend across choice categories/grocers/wholesalers/wholesalers +2% in any combination + 2&grocery club spending +1% all other purchases plus one percent return plus one on any combination spending +grocery +grocery + 2x +1% + any purchases made each quarter + one percent bonus = 3.1% + 1.
Redeeming cash back is simple and flexible, with multiple methods available for you – such as statement credit transfers or direct deposits into your Bank of America checking or savings account, Merrill Lynch or Merrill Edge account, or an eligible 529 education plan. Qualifying for Preferred Rewards status could increase your rewards rates up to 75% more quickly!
3. Wells Fargo Active Cash(r) Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash stands out as an incredible value on the market with a generous $200 bonus and unrestricted 2% cash back on purchases, along with no annual fee and rewards redeemable for statement credits, charitable donations or gift cards in $25 increments that don’t expire!
Though this card offers strong benefits such as long 0% intro APR periods for purchases and balance transfers as well as no annual fee, other top picks stand out more attractively due to certain features they boast – for instance earning travel rewards via Chase transfer partners, airline/hotel credit programs or partner perks with ridesharing/delivery services may make their cards even more desirable for some consumers.
4. Blue Cash Preferred(r) Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred card provides one of the best earning structures for cash back. You’ll enjoy up to 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in annual spending, then 1%), 3% on select streaming services, transit and gas stations and the potential of additional earnings with Amex Offers (enrollment required). Plus it comes with an impressive welcome offer that could easily cover its annual fee that’s waived for one year!
This card combines some of the most sought-after bonus categories and rewards rates to offer outstanding returns, making it one of the best credit cards for groceries, gas, streaming services and transit. However, its modest spending habits or desire to avoid an annual fee could make it inappropriate for some users; to see more options we recommend reviewing our full list of top credit cards.