Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2023

With a great earning rate, solid sign-up bonus and perks like a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, the Capital One Venture is a formidable mid-tier travel card. Now that Capital One has added airline transfer partners, this card is even more compelling for anyone looking to earn bonus rewards on every single purchase.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards credit card on the market. Offering an excellent return on travel and dining purchases, the card packs a ton of value that easily offsets its $95 annual fee. Cardholders can redeem points at 1.25 cents each for travel booked through Chase or transfer points to one of Chase’s 13 valuable airline and hotel partners.

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It’s been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there’s no reason that the foodie shouldn’t add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.

The Citi Premier Card is one of the best starter travel rewards cards due to its gracious amount of bonus spend categories. You’ll not only earn triple points on air travel and hotel, but also on restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations — offering plenty of opportunities to earn on your everyday purchases. Best of all, your points are flexible and can transfer to a variety of frequent flyer programs in every airline alliance. Finally, enjoy an annual $100 hotel savings benefit through Citi on single-stay bookings of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees).

With a $395 annual fee, the card undercuts more expensive competitors in this space, but an annual fee is just a small part of the story. Add in a 10,000-mile bonus every account anniversary and lounge access, and the card may become the strongest option out there for a lot of travelers.

The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash back credit card for beginners looking for a solid rewards structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a card held by beginners and award traveler pros alike. With no annual fee and no rotating bonus categories this card makes earning rewards simple.

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards takes the guesswork out of earning cash-back rewards by offering an unlimited 1.5% earning rate on all purchases. We love that there’s no minimum redemption amount when it comes to redeeming your rewards, meaning that you can apply your earnings immediately to your statement credit and lower your charges.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex provides valuable elite-like benefits for causal Delta flyers including a first checked bag free and priority boarding. If you’re not looking for premium perks such as lounge access or earning status with Delta through spending, this card is a good option.