Finding the right rewards credit card can be as dizzying as it is rewarding. There are so many options, both in terms of the cards themselves and the types of rewards and reward program policies.
However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card deserves your serious consideration, as it received the highest score in WalletHub’s recently released 2018 Credit Card Rewards Report.
Seeking to help consumers make more informed decisions, WalletHub evaluated all rewards credit cards offered by the 20 largest credit card issuers that are not co-branded — a total of 61 cards.
The best rewards credit card
WalletHub evaluated and scored rewards cards based on four main characteristics:
- Rewards value per $1 spent
- Earning policies
- Redemption policies
- Eligibility and transparency
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card received the highest total score out of all cards included in the study: 17.8 out of 21.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also stood out for having the best earning potential. WalletHub found that on average, you stand to earn a whopping $1,817 in the first two years of use.
To get this card, or compare it to others, visit the Credit Card Comparison in our Solutions Center.
That figure reflects rewards, including any initial bonuses, minus any annual fees. It’s based on average spending habits as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Consumer Expenditure Survey data.
The best rewards credit card issuer
For the fourth year in a row, WalletHub found that issuer Capital One has the best credit card rewards program overall, giving it an overall score of 86.2 percent this year.
Capital One currently offers five rewards credit cards, according to the report. The Capital One Venture Rewards card was deemed the best of these, with a score of 16 out of 21.
The Capital One Venture Rewards card and another Capital One rewards card also made our list of “3 of 2018’s Best Credit Cards.”
The right rewards credit card for you
The first step in choosing or using a rewards card is to make sure you have the means and motivation to pay off the balance in full each month.
Otherwise, you will likely rack up interest — which stands to cost you more money than you earn in rewards, negating the point of using a rewards card.
Next, do your homework. The internet makes this easy in spite of the dizzying number of rewards credit cards. Free online tools like Money Talks News’ credit card comparison tool as well as issuers’ websites should tell you everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Do you have a favorite rewards card? Let us know why by commenting below or on Facebook.
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