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Discover it Cash Back named Best Rewards Credit Card
Best Rewards Credit Card (2022)
A good rewards credit card offers users greater flexibility on how they earn and redeem points without needing to fly the same airline, stay in the same hotel chain or rent from the same car company on every trip.
The top 10 winners in the category Best Rewards Credit Card are as follows:
No. 10: Chase Sapphire Reserve
A popular option since its introduction in late 2016, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, plus a $300 annual travel credit, Global Entry fee waiver, no foreign transaction fees and three points per dollar spent on travel and restaurants worldwide (one point per dollar on everything else). Cardholders get 50 percent more value when they redeem points for travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
No. 9: Chase Freedom Credit Card
Chase Freedom's rotating cash back program means that with a little planning, cardholders can score big Ultimate Rewards points. Each quarter offers the chance to earn five percent cash back in bonus categories and one percent on everything else. There's also a $200 sign-up bonus and no annual fees. Cardholders can earn 5-percent cash back at supermarkets during the first year.
No. 8: Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited cardholders earn 1.5-percent cash back on all purchases, automatically. There's no annual fee, and the card comes with a $200 cash back bonus offer with $500 of purchases in the first three months. New members earn 5-percent cash back on grocery store purchases during their first year.
Photo courtesy of Bank of America
No. 7: Bank of America Premium Rewards
With the Bank of America Premium Rewards Credit Card, cardholders earn 50,000 bonus points with eligible purchases, unlimited two points per dollar spent on travel and dining and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else. Other perks include a $200 travel statement credit, travel insurance protections and no foreign transaction fees.
Photo courtesy of American Express
No. 6: American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card offers cardholders with excellent credit several perks and benefits, including the chance to earn three points per dollar spent booking flights directly from airlines and four points per dollar spent at grocery stores and restaurants (including takeout and delivery). The card also comes with a $120 annual dining credit, $100 airline fee creidt and the ability to transfer points at a one-to-one ratio to some loyalty programs.
No. 5: Capital One Venture Rewards
Venture from Capital One cardholders earn two miles per dollar on all purchases, automatically. When paired with an attractive 50,000-mile signup bonus, a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee and flexible redemption options, it becomes a great all-around card for for frequent travelers who want a simple and effective way to earn miles.
No. 4: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Chase Sapphire Preferred offers perks like a 60,000-point sign-up bonus, no foreign transaction fees and the chance to earn two points per dollar spent on travel and restaurants, and one point per dollar spent everywhere else. Points can be converted one-to-one with several loyalty programs, including United and Southwest.
Photo courtesy of American Express
No. 3: American Express Platinum Card
While the Platinum Card from American Express has a higher-than-average annual fee, it can be well worth it, thanks to perks like a 60,000-point sign-up bonus, $200 airline fee credit, $15 worth of Uber rides or Eats orders each month, Global Entry application fee credit and the chance to earn five points per dollar on flight booked directly with airlines and on prepaid hotels.
No. 2: Quicksilver from Capital One
Quicksilver, Capital One's cash rewards credit card, offers unlimited 1.5-percent cash back on all purchases, a $150 sign-up bonus, no annual fees and no foreign transaction fees. It's a great low-fee, low-maintenance option for travelers who value simplicity.
No. 1: Discover it Cash Back
Discover it cardholders earn five percent cash back on rotating categories like gas stations, Amazon.com, restaurants and wholesale clubs, plus one percent back on all other purchases. Discover matches the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year.
Congratulations to all these winning companies!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ari Charlestein
Ari Charlestein is the Co-founder and President of... Read More
Ari Charlestein is the Co-founder and President of Award Magic, an award-booking service focused on maximizing the value we get out of our hard-earned points and miles. Together with his team, Charlestein has booked over one billion miles worth of award tickets and proudly saves each of his clients hours of frustration. With over a decade of professional award booking experience under his belt, and an insatiable thirst for all things points-and-miles, Charlestein is always looking for the next hidden gem or sweet spot to take advantage of - both for his clients, and himself.
Ari Charlestein
Ari Charlestein is the Co-founder and President of Award Magic, an award-booking service focused on maximizing the value we get out of our hard-earned points and miles. Together with his team, Charlestein has booked over one billion miles worth of award tickets and proudly saves each of his clients hours of frustration. With over a decade of professional award booking experience under his belt, and an insatiable thirst for all things points-and-miles, Charlestein is always looking for the next hidden gem or sweet spot to take advantage of - both for his clients, and himself.
Ramsey Qubein
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist... Read More
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines and loyalty programs from around the globe. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, NerdWallet.com and Business Traveler magazine among others. Ramsey flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to 168 countries, all seven continents and 50 U.S. states. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter or via his website.
Ramsey Qubein
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines and loyalty programs from around the globe. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure, Forbes.com, CNBC.com, AFAR, Robb Report, Readers Digest, BBC Worldwide, USA Today, NerdWallet.com and Business Traveler magazine among others. Ramsey flies more than 450,000 miles per year and has traveled to 168 countries, all seven continents and 50 U.S. states. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter or via his website.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.