The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
News
Why you should get a fixed-rate rewards credit card
Joseph Hostetler is a credit cards writer who also covers helpful miles and points tricks. He previously authored and edited for Million Mile Secrets. He most enjoys a vagabonding approach to travel and loves to share any tips he finds along the way to save both points and money. He generally gravitates toward more nature-oriented activities, like climbing the Haiku Stairs in Hawaii, hiking the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, and swimming in Mexican cenotes. You can follow him on Instagram @johostetler.
Favorite city: Jerusalem
Where to next: Seattle
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
also contributed to this story
February 4, 2025 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Fixed-rate rewards cards provide a straightforward way to earn rewards without tracking bonus categories or rotating offers.
These cards typically offer a flat return on all purchases, making them appealing for those seeking simplicity.
Some products allow for additional value when rewards are transferred to airline or hotel partners, rather than redeemed for cash or gift cards.
Options exist for both personal and business users, with flexible redemption choices including travel, shopping and statement credits.
What to consider
Certain cards may require holding a separate product to access the highest-value transfer options.
Redemption values can vary significantly depending on whether rewards are used for travel, gift cards, or cash back.
Some cards have eligibility requirements or spending thresholds to unlock welcome offers or enhanced earning rates.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of top fixed-rate rewards cards and step-by-step guidance on maximizing redemption value through partner transfers.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
For some people, tracking bonus categories and rotating rewards across multiple credit cards to earn the maximum points and miles possible can be overwhelming.
The good news is that you don’t have to expend much energy to accrue credit card points efficiently. Fixed-rate rewards cards earn a flat rate on all purchases, and many offer a respectable return, simplifying the reward-earning process if you’re not a fan of tracking where, how and which card you’re using to make purchases.
If you like the idea of a streamlined method for earning cash back and other rewards, these four cards exhibit the simplicity of a fixed-rate product. Plus, depending on the card you choose, you may also have the option to redeem your rewards for bucket-list travel items — more on that in a bit.
Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
According to TPG’s September 2026 valuations, Capital One miles are worth 1.85 cents per mile, making this welcome bonus worth $1,688 (including the credit).
Annual fee: $95
Earning rate: Earn 5 Capital One miles on hotels, vacation rentals and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on every other purchase.
Redemption possibilities: There are plenty of ways to redeem Capital One miles; how you choose to redeem yours depends on whether you want to use them for gifts, shopping or travel.
Gift cards — between 0.8 cents and 1 cent per mile
Shopping online with Amazon or PayPal — 0.8 cents
Cash back — 0.5 cents
These are the options for those who value simplicity most. The top choice here is redeeming your miles for travel, as you’re guaranteed to get a value of at least 1 cent per mile.
However, if you’re willing to dive a little deeper, you can get even more value out of your miles by transferring them to airline and hotel partners. We estimate Capital One miles to be worth 1.85 cents each when you redeem your rewards this way.
Need help transferring Capital One miles to partners? We’ve got you covered — this guide walks you through how to do just that. Plus, you’ll be able to see how much value there is in using your miles this way.
Welcome bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Earning rate: 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% back at drugstores and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
Redemption possibilities: The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a cash-back style card. You can transfer the rewards you earn with the Chase Freedom Unlimited to various airline and hotel partners if you also have one of the following cards:
When you use your rewards this way and turn them into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, TPG's January 2025 valuations deem them to be worth 2.05 cents each.
The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is a great option for anyone looking for a fixed-rate credit card with no bonus categories to track.
THE POINTS GUY
Welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Earning rate: Earn 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay off that purchase. You’ll effectively get 2% back for all expenses. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.
Redemption possibilities: Earning 2% on everything is a solid return — and few cards are less complicated than this earning structure.
However, similar to the Chase Freedom Unlimited, the rewards you earn with the Citi Double Cash are even more valuable than they appear. If you hold a Citi card with access to their valuable transfer partners, you can transfer your rewards to squeeze even more value out of them.
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 50,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
According to TPG’s October 2026 valuations, this welcome bonus is worth up to $1,000.
Earning rate: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar for other eligible purchases).
Redemption possibilities: Like the above cards, the easiest ways to redeem points are not necessarily the best. For example:
Use Amex Pay with Points to book airfare through Amex Travel at 1 cent per point
Purchase gift cards for between 0.5 cents and 1 cent each (depending on the merchant)
Reimburse credit card charges as a statement credit for 0.6 cents each
Again, there is value in simplicity. But you can get an astronomically greater return for your Amex points by transferring them to airline and hotel partners (around 2 cents in value per point, on average, according to TPG’s valuations).
If the mental gymnastics of rotating bonus categories and promotional earning rates aren’t your thing, a fixed-rate rewards card might be exactly what you need.
You’re guaranteed to earn rewards every time you swipe without the extra step of rifling through offers and activating them. Plus, with our guides on maximizing your reward earnings, you can increase the value of your points by transferring or combining them with airline and hotel partners.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus card, click here.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
