What is the best rewards credit card for you?

If you’re looking for a rewards credit card, you’ll find a lot of options. There are travel cards, cash back cards and points cards. And cards within those categories may offer unique ways to earn and redeem rewards. 

So which one is right for you? The answer depends on how you plan to use the card and where you’ll find value when you redeem rewards. Find out more about how different rewards cards work and how to choose a credit card with the best rewards for you.

What you’ll learn:

• There isn’t one rewards card that’s a universal fit for everyone. 

• The best rewards card for you is one that best aligns with your lifestyle, spending habits and needs.

• Travel cards, cash back cards and points cards are a few common types of rewards credit cards.

• Before applying for a new card, make sure you understand all of its terms, including fees, annual percentage rates (APRs), introductory offers and other benefits.

There are a few common types of rewards cards that you’ll likely come across in your search. Here’s a closer look at how they each work.

A travel rewards credit card could be a great choice for people who travel regularly. You earn miles for purchases you make with your card. And depending on the card, those miles can be used to cover travel-related expenses. 

Keep in mind that some miles-earning cards may offer more flexibility than others as to where and how you can redeem your rewards.

Cash back rewards cards let you earn rewards as you spend. You earn a cash back equivalent to a percentage of each qualifying purchase. 

Some cards offer larger percentages for certain categories, like dining and entertainment. With others, you may earn the same rewards rate on every qualifying purchase.

Some rewards credit cards offer points rather than miles or cash back. How you earn or redeem points depends on the card. Some may be similar to a miles-earning card, while others may be more like a cash back card.

If you think a points card is right for you, make sure you understand any limits on how you can redeem rewards. And double-check that your points won’t expire before you have a chance to use them. 

Rotating rewards and bonus categories are also something to keep in mind.

When it comes to choosing the type of credit card with the best rewards for your needs, it may help to review your spending and think about questions like:

• Are you dining out or ordering takeout regularly? 

• Do you travel often? 

• Do you go to concerts or sporting events frequently?

• Do you spend most of your money on groceries? 

Once you understand where your money is going, you can start comparing cards that offer the types of rewards that align with your spending.

When it comes to choosing the best rewards credit card for you, there are several features to compare. These include: 

• Annual fee: Some credit cards charge an annual fee. Others don’t. Annual fees aren’t necessarily a deal breaker. If you’re trying to decide, you can consider whether the rewards outweigh the fee. 

• 0% APR period: Some cards come with a temporary 0% promotional APR on balance transfers, purchases or both. That can help you save on interest if you’re carrying a balance from month to month. When the promotional period ends, “You can avoid paying interest on purchases if you pay off your balance in full by the due date each month,” the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says. 

• Bonuses: Many credit issuers offer bonuses to new cardholders. Knowing this can be helpful when comparing rewards cards, so you’ll want to find out what’s available so you can maximize your rewards. But Bankrate warns about overspending and going into debt just to earn a reward.

• Foreign transaction fees: Certain credit cards may charge a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the U.S. If you travel frequently or often make online purchases from stores outside the U.S., you may want to avoid credit cards with foreign transaction fees. 

• Additional benefits: You may get access to other benefits as a cardholder, such as airport lounge access or TSA PreCheck® reimbursement.

Once you know the kinds of features to consider when choosing a rewards card, you can start comparing cards. Here are some card options to help you get started.

The Capital One Venture card is a travel rewards card that lets you earn unlimited double miles on every purchase and five miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, Venture cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles by spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.¹ 

Venture gives you flexible redemption options, like using your rewards to cover travel purchases, transferring miles to partner loyalty programs, booking trips through Capital One Travel, including Lifestyle Collection stays and more.² And each Lifestyle Collection booking comes with a suite of cardholder benefits, including a $50 experience credit to use during your stay.

Venture also gives cardholders access to even more benefits, like reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, 24-hour travel assistance and more.³

Capital One offers a few options for cash back credit cards, making it easier to choose the best option for your lifestyle and needs. You may want to consider:

• Capital One Quicksilver: With the Quicksilver card, you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Whether you’re using your card to fill up at the gas station or to buy pet food or a new pair of shoes, you’re earning as you buy.

• Capital One Savor: If you’re looking to earn more cash back on dining and entertainment, check out the Savor card. Earn unlimited 3% cash back on food and fun, plus 1% on all other purchases.⁴ If you’re a foodie or someone who likes to be out and about around town, this could be the card for you.

Capital One’s cash back credit cards also offer the flexibility to redeem the way you want. That could mean applying cash back toward a recent purchase, crediting your account to lower your balance or getting a check or gift card delivered to your home.⁵

If you’re working to improve your credit scores, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Rewards and Quicksilver Secured are rewards card options you may want to look into.

Both of these cards are for users with fair credit and offer unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Quicksilver Secured credit card requires a $200 security deposit, while the QuicksilverOne card has a $39 annual fee. View important terms and disclosures.

Rewards cards can be worth it if you find a card that fits your needs. Here are a few questions to consider before you apply:

• Do the rewards fit your spending habits? The best rewards credit cards help you earn rewards for things you already buy. Some cards offer higher rewards in certain categories, like dining and entertainment. Others offer a flat rate for every purchase.

• How do you want to redeem rewards? If you want to redeem rewards for travel purchases, a travel rewards card might be the best choice. If you’d rather have the flexibility of cash back rewards, consider a cash back card.

• Do the rewards justify the annual fee? As mentioned, some rewards cards come with an annual fee. Think about whether the rewards you may earn with the card are worth it. 

• Do you understand the card’s terms? In addition to looking at the annual fee, you should make sure you understand all of the card’s terms before you apply. This includes things like APRs, introductory offers and other benefits. And don’t forget to look into the card’s other fees, like balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees.

Learn more about choosing the best rewards credit card with these frequently asked questions.

The best rewards credit card for you is one that aligns with your lifestyle and spending habits. Whether you’re a globe-trotting adventurer, an avid foodie or someone looking for cash back on everyday purchases, there’s a rewards card out there for you. 

Ready to explore some options? Check out Capital One’s rewards credit cards to find one that’s right for you. Then, you can see whether you’re pre-approved for card offers before you apply. Pre-approval is quick and doesn’t hurt your credit scores.

Whether your idea of a good time is getting out on the town, traveling the world or staying in, Capital One has a rewards card that may fit your lifestyle.

• See if you’re pre-approved for rewards cards, with no harm to your credit. 

• Explore travel and miles rewards credit cards with unlimited miles you can actually use. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with a cash rewards credit card.

• Earn unlimited cash back, whether you’re going out or staying in, with a dining and entertainment credit card.