Which are the best cards for everyday spend? Many credit cards are great for spend within certain categories, but not great for spend everywhere else. For example, the American Express Gold card offers 4X Membership Rewards for US supermarkets and worldwide dining and 3x on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. That’s great. But, I don’t recommend using the card for spend outside of those categories where it only earns 1 point per dollar. You can do better.
Separately we posted: Best Category Bonuses: Which card to use where? There, you’ll find the best cards to use for many different types of purchases: grocery, dining, travel, etc.
Here, you’ll find the cards to turn to for spending everyday, everywhere else.
Special Mention: Altitude Reserve
The US Bank Altitude Reserve card deserves special mention. Even though it’s no longer available new, it’s still possible to product-change to it from other US Bank cards and is worth a mention as being a special kind of everyday spending hero.
The Altitude Reserve offers two 3X categories and then offers just 1 point per dollar everywhere else. Points are worth 1.5 cents each towards travel. So, as a pure “everywhere else” card, the Altitude Reserve is actually not great at all. You can do much better than 1.5 cents per dollar value. The reason I’m highlighting it here though is that one of its 3X categories is “mobile wallet payments” (travel is the other 3X category). Mobile wallet payments include all payments made with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. That’s an incredibly broad category.
Mobile Wallet payments, such as Apple Pay, are accepted at a huge number of stores around the world. And, everywhere you use the Altitude Reserve in this way, you get the equivalent of 4.5% back towards travel. That’s awesome! Within the US, you can use mobile payments at most big-box stores, most supermarkets, most warehouse stores (such as Costco), and much more. Those with certain Samsung devices (with MST technology) can even use Samsung Pay at terminals not equipped for mobile payments. Nick previously wrote about using his Samsung watch in this way. Caution: US Bank has been known to shut down accounts of those who buy large value gift cards (e.g. $500) or large numbers of gift cards via mobile wallet payments with their Altitude Reserve card.
The Best Cards for Everyday Spend
| Card Info Name and Earning Rate (no offer) |
|---|
Earning rate: 4% rate is limited to your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle, then the earning rate drops to 2%. To qualify, you must maintain at least $100,000 in a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account. Base: 4% |
Earning rate: 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases, up to $50K spend per calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) Base: 2X (3.1%) |
Earning rate: 2% cash back everywhere (1% cash back for each purchase + 1% when paying your credit card bill for that purchase). ✦ Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi TravelSM Portal through 12/31/25. Base: 2X (3%) |
Earning rate: 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend. All Miles are doubled at the end of your first card membership year. Base: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% rate is limited to your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle, then the earning rate drops to 2%. To qualify, you must maintain at least $50,000 in a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account. Base: 3% |
Earning rate: 2X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels, vacations rentals and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel |
Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One travel. ✦ 2X miles everywhere else. |
Earning rate: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One's travel booking site ✦ 5x on flights and vacation rentals booked via Capital One's travel booking site. ✦ 2X everywhere else. |
Earning rate: 2X Miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacations rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site Base: 2X (2.9%) |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, this card earns: 2.625X points for all spend (and 5.25X for travel purchased through BOA's travel center) Base: 2.625% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, this card earns: 3.5% on dining plus 5.25% on 1 choice from: gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice/dining purchases each calendar year, 1.75% thereafter) and 1.75% everywhere else. Base: 2.625% Flights: 5.25% Hotels: 5.25% Other Travel: 5.25% Gas: 5.25% Dine: 3.5% Phone: 5.25% Office: 5.25% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status Base: 2.625% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status Base: 2.625% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, earn: 3.5X travel and dining ✦ 2.625X everywhere else Base: 2.625% Flights: 3.5% Hotels: 3.5% Other Travel: 3.5% Dine: 3.5% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards program, earn: 3.5X travel and dining ✦ 2.625X everywhere else Base: 2.625% Flights: 3.5% Hotels: 3.5% Other Travel: 3.5% Dine: 3.5% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, this card earns: 2.625X points for all spend (and 5.25X for travel purchased through BOA's travel center) Base: 2.625% |
Earning rate: 2X Amtrak ✦ 2X dining ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 2.5% rate is limited to your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle, then the earning rate drops to 2%. To qualify, you must maintain at least $10,000 in a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account. Base: 2.5% |
Earning rate: Earn 50% more points: Use your Card 30 or more times on purchases in a billing period and get 50% more points on those purchases less returns and credits. With 30 or more purchases, earn: 4.5x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1.5x) ✦ 3x points at US gas stations ✦ 1.5x points on other purchases. |
Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase Travel℠✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 2% cash back total on qualifying Lyft products and services purchased through the Lyft mobile application through 09/30/2027 ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 1.5X on all purchases ✦ 5X Lyft through September 2027 |
Earning rate: 12X hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through Citi Travel ✦ 6X airfare booked through Citi Travel ✦ 6X dining between 6pm and 6am EST Fridays and Saturdays ✦ 3X dining all other times ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 1.5X miles everywhere ✦ Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One's travel booking site Base: 1.5X (2.18%) |
Earning rate: 2% cash back as a statement credit on all eligible purchases, up to $50K spend per calendar year (then 1% thereafter). Terms apply. Base: 2% |
Earning rate: 2% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One's travel booking site Base: 2% |
Earning rate: 2% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One's travel booking site Base: 2% |
Earning rate: 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more ✦ 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM) ✦ 2% cash back on all other spend ✦ 5x Lyft through September 2027 Base: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: X1 offers "Boosts" of additional point earnings for various categories of spend, for specific merchants, and for certain thresholds of spend. You must enroll in these boosts to earn more points. Additionally, earn 3x for all spend between $1000 and $7,500 each calendar month Base: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back when you check out with PayPal ✦ 1.5% cash back everywhere else Base: 2% Brand: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back when you check out with PayPal ✦ 2% cash back everywhere else Base: 2% Brand: 3% |
Earning rate: Earn 2% cash back on your first $100,000 in eligible purchases each year then 1% Base: 2% |
Earning rate: 6x prepaid hotel & car rental through Altitude Rewards Center ✦ 2.5X mobile wallet payments (on up to $5,000 spend per quarter) Base: 2% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: Up to an additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account plus qualifying balances in a U.S. Bank Smartly Checking and/or Safe Debit account. Base: 2% |
Base: 2X (2%) |
Earning rate: 6% on accommodations booked through Booking.com app ✦ 5% on travel booked at Booking.com ✦ 3% on dining, gas, and grocery ✦ 3% on in-person purchases (with card present) during your stay made within 50 miles of accommodations booked via Booking.com on up to $10K in purchases per year ✦ 2% everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam purchases ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 5X on stays at Renowned Hotels and Resorts for United Cardmembers ✦ 2X United ✦ 1.5X everywhere else |
Earning rate: Make 20 or more purchases in a billing period and get 20% more points, less returns and credits ✦ With 20% more points, earn: 2.4X points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1.2x) ✦ 1.2X on other purchases |
Earning rate: 10X IHG ✦ 5X travel, gas stations, restaurants and dining, social media and search engine advertising, office supply stores ✦ 3X on all other purchases |
Earning rate: 1.25X miles everywhere ✦ 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel |
Earning rate: 2X on fitness clubs and gym memberships ✦ 2X in the top 3 spend categories each calendar quarter. Eligible categories include dining; airline tickets purchased directly with the airline; car rental agencies; local transit and commuting; gas stations; internet, cable and phone services; social media and search engine advertising; and shipping ✦ 4X Hyatt and Mr & Mrs Smith |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors Preferred, 5.25% back on your choice of the following: gas and EV charging, online shopping, cable, streaming, internet & phone plans, dining, travel, drugstores, home improvement & furnishings (can choose a new category monthly). ✦ 3.5% back at grocery stores & wholesale clubs ✦ 1.75% back everywhere else. 5.25% and 3.5% rewards are capped at $2500 in combined purchases per quarter Base: 1.75% Flights: 5.25% Hotels: 5.25% Other Travel: 5.25% Gas: 5.25% Dine: 5.25% Grocery: 3.5% Phone: 5.25% Other: 5.25% |
Earning rate: With Platinum Honors status with Bank of America's Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, this card earns: 3.5% on dining plus 5.25% on 1 choice from: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice/dining purchases each calendar year, 1.75% thereafter) and 1.75% everywhere else. Base: 1.75% Flights: 5.25% Hotels: 5.25% Other Travel: 5.25% Gas: 5.25% Dine: 3.5% Phone: 5.25% Office: 5.25% |
Earning rate: Earn 5X flights & prepaid hotels booked at AmexTravel.com. ✦ 1.5X points per dollar (on up to $2 million of those purchases per year) for each eligible purchase of $5000 or more, US construction/hardware stores, US electronic goods, and US shipping ✦ 1X elsewhere ✦ Terms apply. |
Earning rate: 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (limit $500,000 in purchases each calendar year) ✦ 5X points for prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel |
Earning rate: 3X points for flights booked with airlines or on amextravel.com ✦ 4x points at US Supermarkets (up to $25K in purchases, then 1x) ✦ 4x at restaurants worldwide (up to $50k in purchases, then 1x) ✦ 1X points on other purchases. Terms apply. |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X at AmexTravel.com ✦ 1X points on other purchases. Terms apply. (Rates & Fees) Base: 1X (1.55%) |
Earning rate: Earn 4X in combined purchases in the two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month (capped at $150K spend per calendar year, then 1x): Electronic goods retailers or software and cloud system providers in the U.S. ✦U.S. purchases at restaurants ✦Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S. ✦ U.S. purchases for advertising in select media ✦ U.S. purchases at gas stations ✦ Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. ✦ 3x on eligible purchases through AmexTravel.com ✦ 1x on all other purchases. Terms apply. |
Earning rate: ✦ 2x points at US supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ✦ 1x on other purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 3x points at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x) ✦ 2x points at US gas stations ✦ 1x points on other purchases. |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (limit $500,000 in purchases each calendar year) ✦ 5X prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X U.S. Restaurants ✦ 2X select U.S. Department Stores ✦ 2X Car Rentals Purchased Directly from Select Car Rental Companies ✦ 2X Airfare Purchased Directly from Airlines |
Earning rate: ✦ 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (limit $500,000 in purchases each calendar year) ✦ 5X prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel |
Earning rate: Must use your card for 5 purchases per month, then: 3x Dining ✦ 3x Lyft ✦ 2x Travel ✦ 1x rent (one payment per month, up to 100,000 points per year) ✦ 1x on other purchases |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott ✦ 2X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: 6x at Marriott Bonvoy® properties ✦ 4x at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. suppliers and on U.S. purchases for shipping ✦ 2x on all other eligible purchases. Terms Apply. (Rates & Fees) |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott.✦ 4X restaurants & U.S. Supermarkets on up to $15K in eligible purchases per year ✦ 2X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott.✦ 4X restaurants & grocery on up to $15K spend per year ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 6X Ritz & Marriott.✦ 3X airline tickets purchased directly with the airline, at car rental agencies and at restaurants ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 6X Marriott ✦ 4X dining, internet, cable and phone service ✦ 4X gas stations and shipping ✦ 2X everywhere else. |
Earning rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible charges when you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date. Pay your Minimum Payment Due by your Payment Due Date and the discount is applied to your next statement Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, local transit, rideshare, cable, and select streaming services purchases ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X Alaska Airlines ✦ 2x gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 1.5X everywhere; 3X for travel booked through BOA's travel center Base: 1.5% Other Travel: 3% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere; Earn up to 2.625% back everywhere with Bank of America Platinum Honors status. Note that you'll need Preferred Rewards on the business side ("Preferred Rewards for Business") to earn a greater return. Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X travel and dining ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Base: 1.5% Flights: 2% Hotels: 2% Other Travel: 2% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X travel and dining ✦ 1.5X everywhere else Base: 1.5% Flights: 2% Hotels: 2% Other Travel: 2% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: 1.5X everywhere; 3X for travel booked through BOA's travel center Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel ✦ 5% on Capital One Entertainment through 12/31/25 Base: 1.5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 1.5% everywhere ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One's travel booking site Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 8X Chase Travel℠✦ 4X flights and hotels booked direct ✦ 3X social media and search engine advertising ✦ 5X Lyft (through September 2027) |
Earning rate: 5X Travel booked through Chase Travel℠(2X all other travel) ✦ 5X Lyft through 9/30/27 ✦3X Dining ✦ 3X Select streaming services ✦ 3X Online grocery ✦ 10% annual point bonus |
Earning rate: 5X Lyft through September 2027; 5X in rotating categories on up to $1,500 spend per quarter (Q2 2025: Amazon, Streaming Services) |
Earning rate: 5x travel booked through Chase Travel℠✦ 5X Lyft through September 2027 ✦ 3x dining ✦ 3x drugstores ✦ 5X in rotating categories on up to $1,500 spend per quarter (Q2 2025: Amazon, Streaming Services) |
Earning rate: 5X office supplies and cellular/landline/cable (on up to $25,000 in total purchases in 5x categories annually) ✦ 2X on the first $25K in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each cardmember year ✦ 5x Lyft through September 2027 |
Earning rate: 3X travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising with social media sites (up to $150K spend per year) ✦ 5X Lyft through September 2027 |
Earning rate: 3x travel ✦ office supply ✦ professional services |
Earning rate: 10X hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel℠✦ 3X grocery ✦ 3X dining ✦ 3X gas stations & EV charging ✦ 3X flights, hotels, travel agencies |
Earning rate: 5X Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on cititravel.com ✦ 3X grocery ✦ 3X gas stations & EV charging ✦ 3X select transit includes car rentals, ferries, commuter railways, subways, taxis/limousines/car services, passenger railways, bridge and road tolls, parking lots/garages, bus lines, and motor home and recreational vehicle rentals ✦ 3X self-select category (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores) ✦ 2X dining |
Earning rate: 2X dining and entertainment |
Earning rate: ✦ 3 points per $1 on products and services that are purchased directly from AT&T ✦ 3 points per $1 on all purchases at online retail and travel sites ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 2 points per $1 on products and services that are purchased directly from AT&T ✦ 2 points per $1 on all purchases at online retail and travel sites ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 3 points per $1 at gas stations ✦ 2 points per $1 at grocery stores ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases |
Earning rate: 5x on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1x thereafter. Eligible categories: Restaurants, Gas Stations, Grocery Stores, Select Travel, Select Transit, Select Streaming Services, Drugstores, Home Improvement Stores, Fitness Clubs and Live Entertainment. ✦ 1x on all other purchases |
Earning rate: 3% dining, groceries and entertainment (including streaming)✦ 1.5% everywhere else Base: 1.5% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% grocery and dining ✦ 1.5% everywhere else Base: 1.5% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% |
Earning rate: 1.5 miles per dollar for all spend. Base: 1.5% |
Earning rate: 6x on first $1,500 in purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose ✦ 3x on first $1,500 in purchases per quarter on one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities) Base: 1.5% Gas: 3% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: ✦ 14X Hilton spend ✦ 7X US restaurants, flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, select car rental companies ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases ✦ Terms & Limitations Apply. |
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 6X U.S. restaurants, US Supermarkets, and US gas stations ✦ 4X U.S. Online Retail Purchases ✦ 3X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: ✦ 12X Hilton spend ✦ 5X on other eligible purchases (on the first $100K in purchases per calendar year, 3X thereafter). |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X AA ✦ 2X hotel and car rentals ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X AA, office supply, telecommunications services, and at car rental agencies ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Air Canada ✦ 3X grocery stores ✦ 3X dining ✦ 500 bonus points with each $2K calendar month spend, up to $6K spend per month (1,500 points max) ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants ✦ 2X gas ✦ 2X AA |
Earning rate: 2X grocery ✦ 2X AA ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 4X AA ✦ 10X hotels booked through AA.com/Hotels ✦ 10X car rentals booked through AA.com/Cars ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 6X JetBlue & Paisley ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and office supply stores ✦ 6X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X restaurants and grocery ✦ 3X JetBlue ✦ 1X everywhere else✦ |
Earning rate: 2X Miles & More |
Earning rate: 2X local transit and commuting, including rideshare ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 2X gas station and grocery (up to $5K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Southwest |
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X gas station and restaurants (up to $8K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 2X rideshare (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 3X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 2X hotels ✦ 2x gas and restaurants ✦ 2X rideshare ✦ 2X social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 3X Southwest ✦ 2X restaurants and grocery (up to $8K in purchases combined per year) ✦ 2X Rapid Rewards(R) hotel and car rental partners (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 4X Southwest ✦ 2X gas & dining ✦ 2X local transit and rideshare (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 2X internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming (ends 12/31/25) ✦ 1X on all other purchases. |
Earning rate: 2X at restaurants including eligible delivery services , gas stations, and office supply stores ✦ 2X United ✦ 2X United Hotels ✦ 2X on local transit and commuting, including taxicabs, mass transit, tolls, and ride share services |
Earning rate: 2X United ✦ 2X restaurants ✦ 2X on hotel stays |
Earning rate: 5X Renowned Hotels & Resorts for United Cardmembers ✦ 3X United ✦ 2X restaurants including eligible delivery services ✦ 2X on all other travel ✦ 2X select streaming |
Earning rate: 2X United ✦ 2X on United Hotels ✦ 2X gas stations ✦ 2X local transit and commuting |
Earning rate: 2x Avianca purchases, dining, and grocery ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2x on Korean Air, Hotels and Dining |
Earning rate: 4X Travel for PenFed Honors Advantage Members ✦ 3X travel otherwise ✦ 1.5X everywhere else. Advantage membership is available to anyone who opens an Access America Checking account, or to military members. |
Earning rate: Earn 1.529% back on your purchases when your Upromise Program account is linked to an eligible College Savings Plan or 1.25% if it is not ✦ Up to $250 cashback rewards per calendar year on gift card purchases at MyGiftCardsPlus Base: 1.25% |
Earning rate: 4X Best Western ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 10X Best Western ✦ 4X gas and grocery ✦ 2X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Spirit ✦ 2X dining & grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Turkish ✦ 2X dining, entertainment, groceries and lodging ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 3X purchases made directly with hotels ✦ 1.5X on transit, eligible U.S. shipping, and purchases of $5K or more (up to $100K per year) |
Earning rate: 3X Delta ✦ 1.5X on eligible transit, U.S. shipping & office supply store purchases |
Earning rate: 3X Delta |
Earning rate: 2X Delta ✦ 2X U.S. purchases for advertising in select media and U.S. shipping purchases (capped at $50k per year) ✦ 2x restaurants worldwide and US takeout & delivery |
Earning rate: 2X Delta ✦ 2x restaurants worldwide ✦ 2x US supermarkets |
Earning rate: 2X restaurants worldwide ✦ 2X Delta ✦ 1X on all other eligible purchases |
Earning rate: 3X British Airways. Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL ✦ 2X hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X British Airways. Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL ✦ 2X hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 3X British Airways. Iberia, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL ✦ 2X hotel accommodations booked directly with the hotel ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: 4x Qatar purchases ✦ 2x dining ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 5x Qatar purchases ✦ 3x dining ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Cathay Pacific & Hong Kong Express ✦ 2X dining & dining delivery services ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 3X Sonesta ✦ 2X airfare, car rental and dining |
Earning rate: 5% back at all bookstores, including Amazon (note: this is capped at $1000 in purchases per month) ✦ 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, Netflix, Spotify, Uber and Lyft. Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Grocery: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 6% cash back as a statement credit at US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) ✦ 6% Cash Back as a statement credit on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. ✦ 3% Cash Back as a statement credit on transit (includes taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 3% cash back US gas stations ✦ 1% cash back on other purchases ✦ Terms apply. Base: 1% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 6% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: ✦ 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions ✦ 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases ✦ 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. ✦ Terms apply. Base: 1% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Grocery: 6% Other: 6% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. ✦ 1% cash back as a statement credit on other purchases ✦ Terms apply. Base: 1% Gas: 3% Grocery: 3% |
Earning rate: Prime Members: 5% in Amazon rewards on US purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, Whole Foods on up to $120K in purchases per calendar year, then 1% ✦ 2% Back in Amazon rewards at US restaurants, US gas stations, and on US wireless telephone services (excludes Google Fi) ✦ 1% back on all other purchases Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Grocery: 5% Phone: 2% Brand: 5% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: 5X at FlyFrontier.com ✦ 3X restaurants |
Earning rate: 2X Carnival ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X Holland America ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: ✦ 2X Princess ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: Earn 5x on eligible Priceline.com purchases. Earn 2x on gas and restaurants. Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Brand: 5% |
Earning rate: 5X on Breeze Airways Nicer and Nicest Bundles & Trip Add-ons ✦ 2X on Breeze Airlines Nice Bundles ✦ 2X grocery ✦ 2X restaurants ✦ 1X everywhere else (including Breeze flights) |
Earning rate: 3% drugstores and gas stations ✦ 2% medical expenses ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Gas: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals ✦ 2% restaurants ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: 2% on dining plus 3% on 1 choice from: gas stations and EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter) and 1% everywhere else. Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Dine: 2% Phone: 3% Office: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% back on your choice of the following: gas and EV charging, online shopping, cable, streaming, internet & phone plans, dining, travel, drugstores, home improvement & furnishings (can choose a new category monthly). ✦ 2% back at grocery stores & wholesale clubs ✦ 1% back everywhere else. 2% and 3% rewards are capped at $2500 in combined purchases per quarter Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Dine: 3% Grocery: 2% Phone: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 3x Norwegian cruise line purchases ✦ 2x air and hotel |
Earning rate: 2x Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara |
Earning rate: 2x Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara |
Earning rate: 3x Allegiant ✦ 2x dining |
Earning rate: 3% travel & AAA ✦ 2% gas, grocery store, wholesale club and drugstore purchases ✦ 1% back everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 3% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% on dining, entertainment, select streaming services, and purchases at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®) ✦ 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel (terms apply) ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services ✦ 3% at grocery stores ✦ 1% everywhere else ✦ 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases ✦ 5% on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel Base: 1% Dine: 4% Grocery: 3% Other: 4% |
Earning rate: 3x on home decor, home improvement, general contractors, cable & streaming services, home insurance, property taxes, maintenance, telecom, utilities and daycare ✦ 2x on groceries, gas, and EV charging ✦ 1x on mortgage payments when spending $1k/month on card (100K points/year max) ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: Prime Members: 5% in Amazon rewards on US purchases at Amazon.com and Amazon physical stores ✦ 5% back at Whole Foods ✦ 5% back on Chase Travel℠purchases ✦ 2% Back in Amazon rewards at gas stations; local transit and commuting (including rideshare); and restaurants ✦ 1% back on all other purchases Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Grocery: 5% Brand: 5% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% in Amazon rewards on US purchases at Amazon.com and Amazon physical stores ✦ 3% back at Whole Foods ✦ 3% back on Chase Travel℠purchases ✦ 2% Back in Amazon rewards at US restaurants, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), US gas stations, and drugstores ✦ 1% back on all other purchases Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Grocery: 3% Brand: 3% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: This card only earns 1% back in the form of "Disney Dream Dollars" on most purchases (and 2% in bonus categories) and the meet & greet is also available on the Disney debit card. However, the current welcome offer makes it worth a look. Base: 1% |
Earning rate: 5X DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com ✦ 2X grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and most Disney locations ✦ 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 5% back on first $6,000 of Instacart orders annually and on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠✦ 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and select streaming services ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Brand: 5% |
Earning rate: ✦ 4% back on DoorDash and Caviar orders ✦ 3% back on dining ✦ 2% back at grocery stores ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 3% Grocery: 2% Brand: 4% |
Earning rate: 5% gas at Costco ✦ 4% all other gas and EV charging (up to $7K spend / year) ✦ 3% restaurant & travel; 2% Costco ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 5% Dine: 3% |
Earning rate: 5% gas at Costco ✦ 4% all other gas & EV charging (up to $7K spend / year) ✦ 3% restaurant & travel ✦ 2% Costco ✦ 1% everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 5% Dine: 3% Brand: 2% |
Earning rate: 5X on rotating categories each quarter. 5% limited to $6K spend per year. Base: 1% Grocery: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 3X on grocery, dining and utility purchases ✦ 25% bonus with 20+ purchases in billing cycle ✦ 1X on all other purchases Base: 1% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 5 points per $1 at Caesars Rewards locations ✦ 2 points per $1 on dining, travel and entertainment ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases ✦ 1 point per $1 on cash advances |
Earning rate: 7 points per $1 at Caesars Rewards locations ✦ 2 points per $1 on dining, travel and entertainment ✦ 1 point per $1 on all other purchases ✦ 1 point per $1 on cash advances |
Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter (Q2 2025: Grocery Stores, Wholesale Clubs) Base: 1% Grocery: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 5X in rotating categories, up to $1500 spend per quarter (Q2 2025: Grocery Stores, Wholesale Clubs) Base: 1% Dine: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 5% back at at every store at every Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet in the U.S. Use your card 5 times each statement period to earn Rewards. ✦ 1% back on all other purchases. Base: 1% Brand: 5% |
Earning rate: 5X extra on Rakuten Dining ✦ 4X extra on Rakuten purchases (limit $7k spend per calendar year) ✦ 2X groceries & restaurants ✦ 1x everywhere else Base: 1% Dine: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 4% Other: 1% |
Earning rate: 2X Gas ✦ 2X Grocery ✦ 2X Travel ✦ 1X elsewhere Base: 1% Flights: 2% Hotels: 2% Other Travel: 2% Gas: 2% Grocery: 2% Brand: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X MGM ✦ 2X gas stations and grocery stores ✦ 1X elsewhere |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Travel, Dining and Gas ✦ 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Dine: 3% |
Earning rate: 3X MGM ✦ 2X Gas and Grocery ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2x travel (includes airlines, hotels, and car rentals) Base: 1% Flights: 2% Hotels: 2% Other Travel: 2% |
Earning rate: 5X travel (includes airlines, hotels, and car rentals) ✦ 2X dining ✦ 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 5% Hotels: 5% Other Travel: 5% Dine: 2% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back on up to $2K in spend in the category you choose each quarter: gas stations, travel & entertainment, restaurants, discount & warehouse stores, grocery stores, utilities & office supply stores, electronics and computer and camera stores, department and apparel and sporting good stores, auto parts & service, and home improvement stores Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Office: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 3x pet stores and veterinarians ✦ 1x everywhere else Base: 1% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 4X gas stations ✦ 3X dining ✦ 2X grocery stores (up to $8,000 spend per cardmember year across all three categories combined) |
Earning rate: 3% on your eligible top spend category ✦ 2% on your second top category ✦ 1% everywhere else ✦ Eligible cateories include Dining & Nightlift, Travel, Bills & Utilities, Health & Beauty, Grocery / Warehouse Stores, Gas, Transportation, Entertainment Base: 1% |
Earning rate: 3X travel & dining Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Dine: 3% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3% & 2% unlimited cash back on top two spend categories ✦ 1% unlimited cash back on all other eligible purchases Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Other Travel: 3% Gas: 3% Dine: 3% Grocery: 3% Other: 3% |
Earning rate: 3% phone, internet and cable services ✦ 2% dining and gas stations Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Phone: 3% |
Base: 1% |
Earning rate: 3x for commercial air travel, 2x for eligible groceries, select digital entertainment, newspapers and cable TV, and 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Grocery: 2% |
Base: 1% |
Earning rate: 3x for air travel and hotel stays, 2x for eligible business expenses (office supplies, business cable/internet, shipping, business phone and advertising), 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Flights: 3% Hotels: 3% Phone: 2% Office: 2% |
Earning rate: 2x on top two categories where you spend the most each month. Base: 1% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X restaurants ✦ 2X gas stations and airlines Base: 1% Flights: 2% Gas: 2% Dine: 3% |
Earning rate: 4X take out, food delivery ($2k/qtr max starting 4/14/25), and dining ✦ 2X grocery (including meal kit delivery), gas stations, and streaming services Base: 1% Gas: 2% Dine: 4% Grocery: 2% |
Earning rate: 4X travel, gas stations & EV charging (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs) ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining, grocery (including meal kit delivery) and streaming services Base: 1% Flights: 4% Hotels: 4% Other Travel: 4% Gas: 4% Dine: 2% Grocery: 2% Other: 2% |
Earning rate: 5x hotels and car rentals when booked through US Bank Portal ✦ 4X travel, gas stations and EV charging ✦ 2x take out, food delivery (including apps like GrubHub, UberEATS, etc), dining and streaming services Base: 1% Flights: 4% Hotels: 4% Other Travel: 4% Gas: 4% Dine: 2% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: Each quarter, choose two 5% cash back categories (capped at $2K spend per quarter combined) and one 2% category (uncapped). 1% cash back everywhere else. 5% Categories: Home Utilities ✦ Ground Transportation ✦ Select Clothing Stores ✦ Cell Phone Providers ✦ Electronic Stores ✦ TV, Internet & Streaming Services ✦ Gyms/Fitness Centers ✦ Fast Food ✦ Sporting Goods Stores ✦ Department Stores ✦ Furniture Stores ✦ Movie Theaters. 2% Categories: Gas Stations ✦ Restaurants ✦ Grocery Stores Base: 1% Other Travel: 5% Gas: 2% Dine: 2% Grocery: 2% Phone: 5% Other: 5% |
Earning rate: 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants ✦ 1% back everywhere else ✦ Note: purchases of gasoline greater than $200 will not be deemed to be a purchase of automotive gasoline and will therefore earn only 1%. Base: 1% Gas: 3% Dine: 3% Phone: 3% Office: 3% |
Earning rate: 4X self-care (gym memberships, at spas / massage parlors, and barber shops / salons) ✦ 4X sports, recreation, and entertainment ✦ 4X "planet-friendly purchases" like EV charging stations, riding public transportation, and purchasing select second hand and vintage ✦ 1X everywhere else Base: 1% Other: 4% |
Earning rate: ✦ 3X Marriott Bonvoy ✦ 2X grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable and phone services ✦ 1X everywhere else |
Earning rate: 2X charity and then 2X in one of the following: cell phone providers, gas, grocery, or airline purchases (whichever category you spend most on each month). |
Earning rate: 3x LATAM ✦ 2x dining, rideshare and public transit ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: 4x LATAM ✦ 3x dining, rideshare and public transit ✦ 1x everywhere else |
Earning rate: This card does not earn ongoing rewards beyond the welcome offer. Base: 0% |
The above cards (at least the top 25 or so in the list) offer great rewards regardless of where they’re used. Our entire database of credit cards is contained above, shown 10 cards at a time, and sorted with the best everyday everywhere-else rewards on top. For the purposes of this post, please train your eyes on the boxes titled “Base”. These show the base earning rate (aka “everywhere else” earning rate) for each card.
For cards that earn points instead of cash back, we’ve listed the “X” which is the number of points per dollar earned. For example, “2X” means that the card earns 2 points per dollar.
Cards are sorted by the value of the “Base” rebate in descending order based on our Reasonable Redemption Values (RRVs), or by their fixed redemption value with cash back cards.
As we analyze the best cards for everyday spend, it’s worth noting that transferable points are assigned higher Reasonable Redemption Values since they make it possible to cherry pick the best value awards. In some cases this will be unintuitive:
- Fixed Value Cards: Capital One Venture and Spark Miles cards earn Capital One “miles” that are worth exactly 1 cent each when redeemed for travel. So, when you look at a card that earns 2 “miles” per dollar you would expect to see 2% as the base rewards rate. Instead, you’ll find a higher percentage because Capital One Miles are transferable to airline miles at a rate up to 2 Capital One Miles to 1.5 airline miles.
- Cash Back Cards: Some cards are advertised as cash back cards, but actually earn points that can be converted to airline miles or hotel points. For example, the Chase Freedom card is advertised as a cash back card where points are worth 1 cent each. However, if you (or another household member) has a premium Chase card (Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Ink Business Preferred, etc.), you can move points from the Freedom card to the other card and then transfer those points to airline or hotel programs as needed.
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On 1/5/25 , this page seems to have been hacked: data/links that usually appears in the boxes is missing and the page redirects to another site
The Bank of America Business CCR with PR PH is shown with 2.63% base rewards in the table, while it only has 1.75% as mentioned in the description.
I’m not sure if you are considering credit unions. The AOD Federal Credit Union Signature Visa, available once again, earns 3% everywhere with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee, and a reasonable (for most people) $1,500 cap each month.
I would like to take a moment to say RIP to the Greenlight credit card. RIP unlimited 3% cashback!
Thanks for this update. Seems hard to keep a decent 3% everywhere card viable.
Greg, I have not been able to find a definite answer to this question: Are earnings on the Wells Fargo Active Cash transferable to either Wells Fargo Autograph for ultimate transfer to an airline partner? Any insights? Reader datapoints?
Yes, either to Autograph or Autograph Journey
Thanks.
How about Amex Blue Business Plus? 2% everywhere and $0 fee
Ummmm… maybe reread the article?
Why no Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Card w/ PH?
This only lists the non-PH version. But I think that the PH version and a point valuation that includes the 1.25 multiplier (or whatever that is discounted to in valuation) would rank nicely here.
Good catch! We didn’t have that card set up correctly in our database to account for Platinum Honors. I added it. We don’t account for the 1.25 redemptions at the moment, but we’ll discuss whether to change that.
Pinging for this. In my head-cannon calculations I personally discount the 1.25 multiplier down to about 1.10 to reflect (a) that I fly infrequently and so only redeem some funds with the multiplier and those occur after points sit idle for some amount of time, (b) that portals are a pain to deal with and (c) that even quick portal redemptions should be discounted to reflect the opportunity cost of paying via CC and getting some percent back. IMO pretty much all of the RRV valuations of points/miles have the (a) issue to lesser or greater extents and (b)/(c) also occur for some other programs. If you don’t discount other programs for these issues then you shouldn’t discount the 1.25 in RRVs either.
[…] Note that you will not earn an office supply category bonus. These purchases are processed through GiftCardMall, so no dice there. Just use a card on which you’re trying to meet a spending requirement (proceed with caution if it is an Amex spending requirement) or the card you have which earns the best return on everyday spend. […]
[…] There are many reasons you may want to increase credit card spend. You may need to meet spend requirements on several new credit cards in order to earn huge signup bonuses. Or, perhaps you want to earn high level elite status or other big spend bonuses, as Greg does with Delta. Or, perhaps you simply want to earn extra rewards using cards with big category bonuses, or big rewards for everyday spend. […]
[…] Payment is processed by GiftCardMall/Blackhawk Network, so there’s sadly no 5x opportunity here. That said, it could be an opportunity to pick up spend on whichever card offers you the best return on everyday spend. […]
[…] If you can’t earn any category bonuses, you can always look to our guide to the best cards for everday spend. […]
[…] Longer answer: If you spend exactly $20K with this offer in non-bonus categories, you’ll earn a total of 65K points since the card offers 2X for base spend. So, that comes to 3.25 points per dollar if you spend exactly $20K, $40K, or $60K. With the Marriott Reasonable Redemption Value of 0.72 cents per point, that means that you can average 2.34% in rewards. That’s good, but not good enough for me to recommend committing all of your spend to this Marriott card. Plus, it’s not even as good as the usual value of some competing cards. See: Best cards for everyday spend. […]
[…] verdict changes for big spenders who don’t have another card great for everyday spend (see our list of best options here). The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns 2X for travel and dining, and 1X everywhere else. The […]
[…] Best cards for everyday spend (X1 may end up on this list someday) […]
This really nice resource would be even more useful if people could limit (filter) the results to the cards they actually have (or are thinking of getting).
Is this something you guys can do here, or does it need a spreadsheet? (The problem with that would be keeping it up to date.)
For example, I have an Amex offer, good at small businesses, for $5 off $10 for multiple uses. Then there are Marriott, Amex, Chase offers for restaurants, gas, groceries etc.
What do you think, Greg?
I don’t think we can do that without basically creating an app. There are apps that do this (but unfortunately they don’t use our RRVs). Anyway, I understand why you’d want this, but it’s not likely something we would invest in anytime soon.