All credit cards on this list are researched and handpicked by the CNET editorial staff. We regularly consult with personal finance experts to ensure our advice is accurate and informed, but those experts are not involved in our selection process.
One of the best uses for a rewards credit card is to earn a return on everyday expenses like gas and groceries. It means money back in your pocket for purchases you regularly make and can help cut back on some of your monthly expenses.
It’s important to match the card to how you spend. If you spend often on rideshares and restaurants, choose a credit card with those bonus categories. You want the credit card to work for you, rather than the other way around. Here are some of the best for all types of spending.
CNET’S PICK
Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards Rate
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card will help you maximize cash rewards on purchases across the board. It’s got one of the highest flat rates on the market, with 2% cash rewards on your purchases. While you can find higher reward rates for specific spending categories elsewhere, you won’t have to switch between different cards to get a good overall return. Your everyday spending may earn you the welcome bonus, as well.
For more details and benefits, see our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card will help you maximize cash rewards on purchases across the board. It’s got one of the highest flat rates on the market, with 2% cash rewards on your purchases. While you can find higher reward rates for specific spending categories elsewhere, you won’t have to switch between different cards to get a good overall return. Your everyday spending may earn you the welcome bonus, as well.
For more details and benefits, see our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
- Regular APR
- 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- up to 5%, min: $5
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Intro Offer
Earn $250
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations; 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
The upgraded form of the Blue Cash Everyday, the Blue Cash Preferred offers greater rewards at the cost of an annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95). Despite the fee, it could end up being more rewarding than its no-annual-fee version.
So long as you use the card for all of your U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas station purchases, you’ll likely offset the cost of the annual fee. Outside of its rewards, it comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers to help you avoid interest charges, for a time.
You can learn more in our Blue Cash Preferred review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
The upgraded form of the Blue Cash Everyday, the Blue Cash Preferred offers greater rewards at the cost of an annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95). Despite the fee, it could end up being more rewarding than its no-annual-fee version.
So long as you use the card for all of your U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas station purchases, you’ll likely offset the cost of the annual fee. Outside of its rewards, it comes with an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers to help you avoid interest charges, for a time.
You can learn more in our Blue Cash Preferred review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 12 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
6%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
Intro Offer
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!; 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service; Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
The Chase Freedom Flex℠* claims many rewards categories in an eclectic fashion. There is a rotating 5% category that changes every quarter. It typically covers common everyday spending categories — like grocery stores, gas stations and retailers like Walmart — but it only applies to your first $1,500 in spending per quarter (then 1%). You’ll also have to manually activate this benefit each quarter to use it.
Besides the other cash-back rates, you’ll also get benefits for Lyft and DoorDash. Through March 2025, you can earn 5% cash back on all Lyft rides when you use the Chase Freedom Flex to pay. You also get three complimentary months of DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). This service provides unlimited deliveries for a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders of $12 or more on DoorDash and Caviar. You’ll then automatically be enrolled in DashPass at half off for the next nine months, but you can opt out if you decide not to keep the service.
For more details on this card’s other offerings, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠* claims many rewards categories in an eclectic fashion. There is a rotating 5% category that changes every quarter. It typically covers common everyday spending categories — like grocery stores, gas stations and retailers like Walmart — but it only applies to your first $1,500 in spending per quarter (then 1%). You’ll also have to manually activate this benefit each quarter to use it.
Besides the other cash-back rates, you’ll also get benefits for Lyft and DoorDash. Through March 2025, you can earn 5% cash back on all Lyft rides when you use the Chase Freedom Flex to pay. You also get three complimentary months of DashPass, DoorDash’s subscription service (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). This service provides unlimited deliveries for a $0 delivery fee and reduced service fees on eligible orders of $12 or more on DoorDash and Caviar. You’ll then automatically be enrolled in DashPass at half off for the next nine months, but you can opt out if you decide not to keep the service.
For more details on this card’s other offerings, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 20.49% – 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
5%
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Best for restaurants and takeout
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Intro Offer
20,000 points
Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Rewards Rate
1x
– 4x
4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.; 2X points on streaming services.; 2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations; 1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
800 – 850
Excellent
APR
20.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
Food away from home is one of the biggest everyday spending categories for Americans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you love grabbing takeout or dining out, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card earns 4x points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery. At a redemption rate of 1 cent per point, you earn 4% back. The other rewards rates and the welcome bonus aren’t as competitive but they’re a nice bonus.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 20.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
4x
4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
2x
2X points on streaming services.
2x
2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
1x
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Food away from home is one of the biggest everyday spending categories for Americans, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you love grabbing takeout or dining out, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card earns 4x points on dining, takeout and restaurant delivery. At a redemption rate of 1 cent per point, you earn 4% back. The other rewards rates and the welcome bonus aren’t as competitive but they’re a nice bonus.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 20.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
4x
4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery.
2x
2X points on streaming services.
2x
2X points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
1x
1X point on all other eligible purchases.
Intro Offer
$200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 5%
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.; Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
580 – 850
Fair – Excellent
APR
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
If you find yourself going through different phases of spending from month to month — maybe you primarily use groceries at home for a few weeks and then turn to takeout the following weeks — the Citi Custom Cash® Card card allows you to optimize your cash-back rewards automatically.
This card earns you 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 spent, then 1%), calculated by Citi without any work required on your end. Eligible spending categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
You’ll earn 1% on all other purchases, and you can take advantage of the welcome bonus, too. To learn more about this card and its benefits, see our full review of the Citi Custom Cash card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
5%
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
If you find yourself going through different phases of spending from month to month — maybe you primarily use groceries at home for a few weeks and then turn to takeout the following weeks — the Citi Custom Cash® Card card allows you to optimize your cash-back rewards automatically.
This card earns you 5% cash back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 spent, then 1%), calculated by Citi without any work required on your end. Eligible spending categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.
You’ll earn 1% on all other purchases, and you can take advantage of the welcome bonus, too. To learn more about this card and its benefits, see our full review of the Citi Custom Cash card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 15 months on balance transfers
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 15 months on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
5%
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro Offer
60,000 points
Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Rewards Rate
1x
– 3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels; Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets; Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
The $95 annual fee for the Citi Premier® Card is well worth it for most people when you can get a 3 points per dollar spent on everyday spending like restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations as well as big-ticket travel costs like air travel and hotels. If you redeem these points for a statement credit on Thankyou.com, travel or gift cards, you can get 1 cent per point — essentially a 3% return rate. This is the closest many households will get to earning a flat 3% return rate on their spending, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
For more information, see our full review of the Citi Premier Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
1x
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
The $95 annual fee for the Citi Premier® Card is well worth it for most people when you can get a 3 points per dollar spent on everyday spending like restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations as well as big-ticket travel costs like air travel and hotels. If you redeem these points for a statement credit on Thankyou.com, travel or gift cards, you can get 1 cent per point — essentially a 3% return rate. This is the closest many households will get to earning a flat 3% return rate on their spending, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
For more information, see our full review of the Citi Premier Card.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
3x
Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
1x
Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Intro Offer
Earn $200
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
1%
– 3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.; 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.; 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.; 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Rec. Credit
Recommended Credit: A credit score is used to indicate an applicant’s credit worthiness and may provide guidance about account eligibility. It does not necessarily guarantee approval for any financial product.
670 – 850
Good – Excellent
APR
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
The Blue Cash Everyday, as you might’ve guessed, is designed to reward you for purchases you have to make all the time. For no annual fee, you can earn a return on your essential spending. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
In addition to its strong rewards at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, it’s a great credit card for online shopping with its rewards for U.S. online retail purchases. It also features an intro 0% APR offer for new purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable). That means you can pay off new purchases or an existing balance on another credit card at no interest, making it a good option for an emergency credit card, too.
Read more about the Everyday in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
The Blue Cash Everyday, as you might’ve guessed, is designed to reward you for purchases you have to make all the time. For no annual fee, you can earn a return on your essential spending. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
In addition to its strong rewards at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, it’s a great credit card for online shopping with its rewards for U.S. online retail purchases. It also features an intro 0% APR offer for new purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening (then 19.24% to 29.99% variable). That means you can pay off new purchases or an existing balance on another credit card at no interest, making it a good option for an emergency credit card, too.
Read more about the Everyday in our Blue Cash Everyday review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% on balance transfers for 15 months
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more
What is an everyday credit card?
As the term suggests, an everyday credit card is designed to reward you for purchases you make regularly. These cards typically reward you for purchases like gas, groceries, dining or other frequent expenses.
Pros
-
Earn rewards for purchases you make frequently
-
Build credit by paying on time
-
Gain perks like purchase protection
Who should get an everyday credit card?
“Everyday” credit cards are great for anyone who regularly spends on necessities like gas and groceries. They’re meant to reward you for your most common purchases. An everyday credit card can also consolidate your spending into a single bill, making it easier to manage.
If you don’t have a credit card that provides rewards on your regular spending, you may be leaving reward money on the table. The card might also feature perks that make shopping and traveling more secure via extra protections like purchase protection and travel insurance.
How to choose the best everyday credit card
You’ll want to consider a card’s reward categories and rates in terms of your spending patterns, but that’s not all.
Spend categories
You’ll want to bolster your normal spending, without having to adjust your habits to match the card. Everyday credit cards typically provide rewards for gas, groceries, dining out and entertainment purchases. Choose the card that best fits your needs.
Flat-rate cards
Flat-rate cards offer the same rewards no matter what you’re buying. They provide a good deal of flexibility for a varied budget. For example, some credit cards provide 1%, 1.5% or 2.0% cash back based on all of your purchases. These cards can be good if you don’t want to have more than one.
Other rewards cards may offer higher rewards rates but only for specific purchases. Sometimes the categories that are eligible for higher rewards rotate monthly or quarterly, like the Chase Freedom Flex or Discover it Cash Back.
Reward redemption
How you use your points can be just as important as how you earn them.
Cash-back credit cards usually have fewer redemption options, and 1% cash back will typically equate to 1 cent no matter how it’s redeemed, except if you’re using rewards at checkout.
If your rewards credit card earns points, however, you’ll likely have more redemption choices. With these types of cards, the value that you get out of your points can vary. For example, a card might provide a greater per-point value for gift card redemption than statement credits. Most issuers will tell you how much the points are worth for each redemption option in the card terms.
Welcome bonus
A welcome bonus — as the name suggests — is a bonus new cardholders can earn by spending a certain amount on their new card. Usually, a higher annual fee equates to a better welcome bonus. While welcome bonuses are great ways to earn extra rewards, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t making extra or unnecessary purchases just to reach the bonus.
A good strategy is to make sure that before you open a card, you have the amount equal to the minimum spend required for the welcome bonus ready to go. This way, you can pay off the minimum spend without paying interest. The interest charges on these credit cards can be high, and welcome bonus spending requirements are often thousands of dollars.
Annual fee
Cards with an annual fee typically offer better rewards and perks. However, you’ll want to make sure an annual fee fits into your budget. If you can’t generate enough rewards through your normal spending habits to cover the fee while also earning a profit, it’s likely not the card for you.
Compare credit cards by calculating the cash value of its annual rewards with your budget. Include the welcome bonus and subtract the cost of the annual fee. The card with the highest net value is worth the most during the first year. After the first year, ignore the value of the welcome bonus when comparing the cards.
Card benefits
Credit cards designed with general spending in mind don’t usually provide the most impressive additional benefits, but they could help protect your purchases more than if you were to use cash or a debit card. For example, some rewards cards offer purchase protection, which covers your new purchases against damage or theft, or an extended warranty.
How to maximize your everyday credit card rewards
The simplest way to make sure you’re getting the most from your everyday credit card is by picking the right credit cards and using them properly. Be careful to redeem your rewards in the most lucrative way, and make all of your payments on time and in full to avoid interest charges.
Alternatives to everyday credit cards
Rather than adding another credit card to your wallet, you could check if your preferred gas station or grocery store has a membership program. They’re often not as rewarding as a credit card, but they could offer points or extra savings if you don’t want to open a credit card account.
How to apply for an everyday credit card
Follow these steps to apply for an everyday credit card:
- Select a credit card that best fits your needs.
- Apply securely on the credit card issuer’s website.
- Fill out the application with the required personal and financial information. This will include your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income and monthly rent or mortgage payment.
- You should hear back instantly with the credit card company’s decision. If not, it may reach out for more information or clarification.
FAQs
Other credit cards we researched
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles — with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different — and the designated function of a card.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Chase Freedom Flex has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
