- 5%Points on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Points on dining
- 2%Points on travel
Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on travel.
19.24%-27.49% Variable APR
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as the top choice because it offers an exceptional rewards structure for travel and dining, making it ideal for frequent travelers. With a substantial welcome bonus and the ability to earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase, it provides significant value for those who prioritize travel rewards.
Pros:
- High rewards on travel and dining
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- High spending requirement for bonus
2.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
American Express
- 6%Cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- 6%Cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3%Cash back on transit
- 3%Cash back on gas
- 1%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn $250 cash back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
19.49%-28.49% Variable APR
What sets the Blue Cash Preferred® Card apart is its impressive cash back rates, particularly for groceries and streaming services. With 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and a generous welcome bonus, it is a fantastic option for families and individuals who spend heavily in these categories.
Pros:
- High cash back on groceries and streaming
- Introductory annual fee waived
Cons:
- Annual fee after first year
- Spending cap on grocery rewards
3.American Express® Gold Card
American Express
- 4%Membership Rewards points on restaurants worldwide
- 3%Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines
- 1%Membership Rewards points on all other purchases
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on Restaurants Worldwide and 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
This card shines for its exceptional rewards on dining, offering 4X points at restaurants worldwide, making it a top choice for food enthusiasts. Coupled with a substantial welcome bonus, the American Express® Gold Card is designed for those who frequently dine out and travel.
Pros:
- High rewards on dining and travel
- Generous welcome bonus
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Spending requirement for bonus
4.Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase
- 5%Cash back on travel purchased through Chase
- 3%Cash back on dining and drugstores
- 1.5%Cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% on travel purchased through Chase.
18.24%-27.74% Variable APR
The standout feature here is the flexibility of earning cash back on every purchase, with no annual fee. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is particularly appealing for those who want a straightforward rewards program without the hassle of category restrictions.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Flexible cash back structure
Cons:
- Lower base cash back rate compared to some competitors
- Limited bonus categories
5.Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi
- 2%Cash back on all purchases
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.
17.49%-27.49% Variable APR
A key differentiator is the straightforward cash back structure, allowing cardholders to earn 2% on every purchase without the need for category enrollment. This makes the Citi Double Cash® Card an excellent choice for those who prefer simplicity in their rewards.
Pros:
- Unlimited cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Cons:
- No bonus categories
- Lower rewards rate compared to some specialized cards
Final Words
As you explore the best rewards credit cards this May 2026, remember that your choice should align with your spending habits and rewards preferences. Take time to compare various options and evaluate their benefits to make an informed decision that maximizes your rewards potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You can earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining, and 2x on travel.
With the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can earn a welcome bonus of $250 cash back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
The American Express® Gold Card provides a welcome bonus of 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. You can earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on Restaurants Worldwide and 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
When selecting a rewards credit card, consider factors like your spending habits, the types of rewards you prefer (cashback, points, or miles), and any annual fees. Look for cards that maximize rewards in your most frequent spending categories to get the best value.
Yes, many rewards credit cards come with annual fees, which can vary widely. It's important to weigh the fee against the potential rewards to determine if the card is worth it based on your spending habits.
To apply for a rewards credit card, you typically need to fill out an application online, providing personal information such as your income and credit history. Approval is often quick, but ensure you meet the card's eligibility requirements before applying.
Most rewards credit cards allow you to earn rewards on all purchases, but certain categories may earn at a higher rate. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, while other purchases may earn only 1%.
