1.Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
- 3%Cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel, and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases.
18.24%-27.74% Variable APR
Chase Freedom Unlimited stands out as the top choice because it offers a straightforward rewards structure with no annual fee, allowing cardholders to earn unlimited cash back on everyday purchases, especially in dining and travel categories.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on everyday categories
Cons:
- Variable APR can be high
- Some exclusions apply
2.Discover it® Cash Back
Discover
- 5%Cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter)
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Discover automatically doubles all the cash back you earn in your first 12 months, with no minimum or maximum limit.
Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (on up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
17.49%-26.49% Variable APR
What sets the Discover it® Cash Back card apart is its unique Unlimited Cashback Match, effectively doubling your rewards in the first year, making it an excellent choice for those who can maximize the rotating categories.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Cash back match in the first year
Cons:
- Rotating categories require activation
- Limited to $1,500 per quarter for 5% cash back
3.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
- 6%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year)
- 6%Cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3%Cash back on transit
- 3%Cash back on U.S. gas stations
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Typically offers a welcome bonus of $250 to $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on transit, and 3% on U.S. gas stations.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the best option for families and frequent shoppers, offering exceptional cash back rates on groceries and streaming services, making it a powerful tool for maximizing everyday spending.
Pros:
- High cash back on groceries and streaming
- Introductory annual fee waiver
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- High spending required for maximum rewards
4.Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 5%Cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 3%Cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
New applicants can currently earn a $250 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, plus 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
18.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card shines for its high cash back rates on dining and entertainment, making it an ideal choice for foodies and those who enjoy going out.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High rewards on dining and entertainment
Cons:
- Limited to specific categories for higher rewards
- Variable APR can be high
5.Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Capital One
- 10%Miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5%Miles on flights
- 2%Miles on all other purchases
Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months.
Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5X miles on flights, and 2X miles on all other purchases.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card that offers exceptional rewards on travel-related purchases, making it a top choice for frequent travelers who can take advantage of its extensive benefits.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel
- Premium travel perks
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Requires significant spending to maximize benefits
6.Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi
- 5%Cash back on your highest eligible spending category
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Standard welcome offer was $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months.
Earn 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each month (up to $500), and 1% on all other purchases.
17.49%-28.24% Variable APR
The Citi Custom Cash® Card was highly regarded for its automated rewards structure, allowing cardholders to earn 5% cash back on their top spending category, making it a flexible option for diverse spending habits.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible rewards structure
Cons:
- Discontinued for new applications
- Limited to $500 per month for 5% cash back
7.Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America
- 6%Cash back in the category of your choice for the first year
- 3%Cash back on a category of your choice
- 2%Cash back on grocery store and wholesale club spending
Offers a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you spend at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn 6% cash back in the category of your choice for the first year, 3% on a category of your choice, and 2% on grocery store and wholesale club spending.
17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card is designed for flexibility, allowing cardholders to choose their highest cash back category, making it a versatile option for those who want to maximize their rewards.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- High cash back in chosen categories
Cons:
- Limited to first year for 6% cash back
- Requires category selection
Did you know?
Before you apply, look up credit card basics like APR and fees in our Financial Dictionary. Rewards pay off most when your real spending already hits the card's bonus categories.
Final Words
As you consider your options for the best rewards credit cards this July, remember that the right choice depends on your spending habits and financial goals. Take time to compare different rewards structures and fees to make an informed decision that maximizes your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
You earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (on up to $1,500 spent per quarter, then 1%) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You can earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% on transit, and 3% on U.S. gas stations.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® has an annual fee of $0, making it a great option for those looking to avoid extra costs.
Yes, cashback credit cards provide rewards on every purchase, which can help you earn money back on your everyday spending. Some cards offer special bonuses for certain categories, enhancing your rewards potential.
Consider your spending habits and the types of purchases you make most often. Look for cards that offer higher rewards rates in those categories and weigh any associated fees against potential earnings.
To apply for a rewards credit card, you typically need to fill out an online application providing personal and financial information. Approval can be instant, but may take longer based on the lender's requirements.
Qualifying for rewards credit cards generally requires a good to excellent credit score. However, some cards may be available for those with lower scores, so researching your options is important.
