Top US Rewards Credit Cards for 2024

Credit cards that offer generous rewards programs are highly sought after by American consumers. The allure of earning free flights, hotel stays, cash back and more makes rewards cards an attractive option for many. With so many rewards cards on the market, it can be tricky to identify which ones are truly the best and most valuable for your needs. 

This extensive guide will highlight the top rewards credit cards available in 2024 for US consumers. We'll break down the pros and cons, rewards structures, annual fees and other key factors that make these cards stand outs. Whether you are looking to earn cash back, travel perks, dining rewards or any combination, this list has a top-notch card pick for you.

Cash Back Cards

Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card allows cardholders to earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent each billing cycle in their top eligible spending category (gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, travel, drugstores, home improvement/furnishings, live entertainment and more). All other purchases earn 1% back. This customized approach makes the Citi Custom Cash Card ideal for any type of spender who wants to maximize rewards on their top category. 

With no annual fee, the Citi Custom Cash Card is a great option for cash back without paying a costly annual fee. New cardholders can also take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (13.99%-23.99% variable APR after the intro period). With a SUB of $200 cash back after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, this card certainly delivers ample value.

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

For flat-rate cash back on every purchase, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is hard to beat. New cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. You'll enjoy no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 months (16.49% - 26.49% variable APR thereafter).  

Where this card really shines is earning unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases with no categories to track. This straightforward cash back is easy to earn and redeem. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card makes an excellent everyday spending card with robust cash back earnings.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a longtime favorite cash back credit card thanks to its simple earning structure and valuable perks. Cardholders earn 5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back (3x points) at restaurants, 3% back (3x points) on drugstore purchases and 1.5% back (1.5x points) on all other purchases.  

There is no annual fee for this card and new cardmembers can earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. In addition to the cash back you'll earn, the Chase Freedom Unlimited comes with great benefits like car rental insurance, trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection and extended warranty. Redeeming Chase points for travel in the Chase travel portal gets a 25% boost in value too.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

One of the most flexible cash back cards is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card. You get to customize your 5% and 2% bonus categories each quarter from several options like fast food, drug stores, home utilities, electronics stores, streaming services and more. All other purchases earn 1% back. U.S. Bank makes it easy to choose your 5% categories and earn rewards tailored to your spending habits.

New U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. There is a $95 annual fee for this card after the first year. However, you can easily recoup and exceed that fee with the strong bonus categories. With no cap on the amount of cash back you can earn, this card is a smart choice for big spenders who want category flexibility.

Travel Rewards Cards 

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

For a mid-tier travel card with premium perks, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is one of the top options for 2024. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's a minimum value of $600 towards travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Ongoing benefits include 2x points on travel and dining purchases, 5x points on Lyft rides through March 2025 and more. Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, Apple products and more.

Even though there's a $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred easily justifies its cost. You'll enjoy benefits like trip cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, trip delay reimbursement and more. A quick call to the 24/7 travel assistance services can handle any itinerary interruptions while traveling. If you're new to travel rewards cards or want an easy to use option, the Sapphire Preferred is a top pick.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Premium travel cards took the spotlight in early 2022 with Capital One's brand new Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This card offers statement credits in place of miles, with each point worth 1 cent each toward travel purchases. Scoring 100,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months is worth a whopping $1,000 in future travel! 

Cardholders earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar spent on all purchases. Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for vacation rental bookings like Airbnb and VRBO. Other key benefits include unlimited airport lounge visits, up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and more. Despite the $395 annual fee, the Capital One Venture X pays for itself with luxury travel perks.

American Express Gold Card

American Express revamped the Gold Card in late 2018 with new rewards categories that make this one of the best cards for dining and U.S. supermarket purchases. You'll earn 4x Membership Rewards points for restaurants, including takeout and delivery. U.S. supermarket purchases also trigger 4x points, up to $25,000 spent per calendar year. 

New cardholders can score 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months. There is a $250 annual fee but it is offset by up to $240 in annual dining and Uber credits. Additional perks like airline fee credits, hotel collection benefits, rental car protection and other premium benefits also offset the annual fee cost. The Amex Gold Card earns valuable points that transfer to hotel and airline partners.

Citi Premier Card

Frequent travelers who prefer transferable travel rewards should consider the Citi Premier Card. This card offers 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. You'll also enjoy 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and entertainment. All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar spent. 

Each point is worth 1 cent as cash back or can be transferred to travel partners like JetBlue, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and more. There are no foreign transaction fees with this card and benefits include Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Lost Baggage Protection, and more. The $95 annual fee is very reasonable for a flexible travel card with solid earning rates and premium benefits.

Hotel Rewards Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card

If you frequently stay at Marriott properties, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card should be the first hotel credit card you consider. New cardmembers receive 3 Free Nights (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Ongoing benefits include 6x points at Marriott hotels, 2x points on other travel purchases, and 1x point everywhere else.

Each point can be redeemed for hotel rooms and other travel expenses directly through Marriott with no blackout dates. You'll receive 15 Elite Night credits each calendar year to qualify for Silver Elite status and a free night (up to 35,000 points) each account anniversary. There is a $95 annual fee. Additional benefits like car rental insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and baggage delay insurance add value.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card

For frequent Hilton guests, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card offers a tiered welcome bonus of 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 on purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 bonus points after spending a total of $10,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

You'll get 12x points on eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Other bonuses include 6x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations. All remaining eligible purchases get 3x points. As a Surpass cardholder, you'll get complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status which includes free breakfast, upgrades, and a 5th night free on award stays. There is a $95 annual fee.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

Hyatt loyalists should consider The World of Hyatt Credit Card for automatic Discoverist status and fast rewards-earning on Hyatt purchases. New cardholders can earn 50,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. Cardholders get an additional 25,000 Bonus Points after spending $6,000 total in purchases within the first 6 months.

You'll earn 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on Hyatt purchases including stays, dining and spas. Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent on restaurants, flights purchased directly from airlines, local transit, gym memberships and select streaming services. All other purchases get 1 point per dollar spent. When redeeming points for stays, you get excellent value at Hyatt properties worldwide. There are no foreign transaction fees or annual fee with this card either.

Airline Rewards Cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card 

Delta flyers who want premium perks and travel benefits should consider the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. The welcome offer consists of 100,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. You'll also get a Waitlist Upgrade Priority benefit - requesting an upgrade on a flight and being placed at the top of the waitlist above others.

Ongoing benefits include 3x miles on Delta purchases, 1x mile for everything else, free first checked bag, priority boarding and more. You can access Delta Sky Clubs when traveling and there's an annual companion certificate each year upon renewal. The Reserve does come with a hefty $550 annual fee but frequent Delta flyers can quickly recoup that cost. 

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card

Earning the Southwest Companion Pass is easier than ever for new cardholders thanks to a lucrative welcome bonus offer. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card currently offers 80,000 points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Since Companion Pass status requires 125,000 qualifying points, new cardholders are already most of the way to unlocking this highly coveted benefit.

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to choose one person each year to fly with free when you purchase or redeem points for a flight (taxes and fees excluded). There are no blackout dates so it's an incredible perk. You'll also enjoy 4 Upgraded Boarding passes each year, 7,500 points annually on your card anniversary, 20% back on in-flight drinks and WiFi, and more. At a $149 annual fee that's easily offset by the perks, this card is a must-have for Southwest loyalists.

United Explorer Card

For United Airlines loyalists, the United Explorer Card offers premium perks and miles earning power. The welcome bonus consists of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. You'll also get limited-time benefits through 2023 like $0 intro annual fee the first year then $95, up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and more.

This card earns 2x miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, and hotel stays. All other eligible purchases get 1 mile per dollar spent. There are valuable benefits like priority boarding, free first checked bag on United flights, 2 one-time United Club passes each year, and more. For frequent United flyers, this card brings elite-like benefits without the hefty elite status requirements.

Dining Rewards Cards

American Express Gold Card

One of the top cards for maximizing dining rewards is the American Express Gold Card. You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points for each $1 spent at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery. To complement the dining earnings, you also get 4x points at U.S. supermarkets up to $25,000 per calendar year. All non-bonus spend gets 1x point per dollar.

New American Express Gold Card cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months. Beyond the rewards earning potential, the Gold Card brings monthly statement credits up to $120 for Uber and up to $120 in dining credits each year. The annual fee is $250. The points you'll earn with the 4x bonus categories outweigh that fee cost with regular card use.

U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

For no annual fee dining rewards, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card is a great option. New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points, worth $500 in cash back, after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days. You'll earn 4x points (4%) on dining and takeout orders and 2x points (2%) on grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and gas stations.

Redeem your points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more. Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back or statement credits. This card includes perks like cell phone protection, Visa Signature Concierge, and more. With no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect makes dining rewards affordable and easy to maximize.

Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card 

For a flat earning rate on dining with no annual fee, the Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option. New cardholders can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. You'll earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. All other purchases get 1% cash back.

The SavorOne Rewards card also includes perks like extended warranty protection, no foreign transaction fees, and access to special entertainment events for cardholders. There's 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases then 14.99% - 24.99% variable. With no annual fee and easy earning potential on popular spending categories, this card remains a go-to choice for many.

Flexibility & Simplicity

Citi Premier Card

When you want flexibility to redeem points for a variety of options, the Citi Premier Card is tough to beat. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. This is worth $600 in cash back or can be transferred 1:1 to airline and hotel partners.

You'll earn 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and entertainment. All non-bonus purchases get 1x point per dollar spent. Points are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back, gift cards or statement credits. Otherwise you can transfer points to participating travel partners. 

There are no foreign transaction fees or annual fee changes with the Citi Premier Card. This is a great pick when you want flexibility between cash back and travel redemptions. 

Wells Fargo Autograph Card

Featuring an unlimited 3x points bonus on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit and popular streaming services, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card keeps earning simple. New cardholders can also take advantage of an intro 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 18 months (16.49% - 26.49% variable APR after the intro period).

While this card earns valuable Wells Fargo Rewards points, the redemption options are simple. Points are worth 1 cent each as cash rewards, travel reimbursements, gift cards, credits to Wells Fargo accounts and more. There are also no blackout dates or restrictions when booking travel. 

With cell phone protection, car rental loss & damage insurance, 24/7 roadside dispatch service and more, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card combines simplicity and strong everyday rewards earning power.

Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex credit card offers new cardholders the ability to earn in multiple categories while keeping redemptions straightforward. You'll earn 5% cash back (5x points) on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back (3x points) on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% back (1x point) on all other purchases.

New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The Chase Freedom Flex card has no annual fee. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or transferred to a Chase Sapphire card account to redeem for travel. With no minimum redemption amounts and a simple one page statement design, using this card is all-around easy.

Identifying the top rewards credit cards involves assessing annual fees, welcome bonuses, ongoing earning rates, redemption values and benefits. The cards highlighted in this guide represent the best available options across various rewards categories. Whether you desire cash back, points/miles for travel, hotel elite status, or category bonuses, choosing the right card for your needs can amplify your spending power.

Many of these cards also come with lucrative welcome bonuses you can earn in the first few months. This makes getting approved for a new rewards credit card even more appealing. Just be sure to consider your monthly spending habits and select a card that matches categories where you can earn the most. 

Evaluate the annual fee and benefit details closely when choosing a rewards credit card. Cards with high annual fees often offset those costs when you utilize the statement credits, elite status perks, lounge access or other luxury benefits available. However, if you