The Best Credit Cards for Each Bonus Category
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Written by
Rafaela Stålbalk Klose
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Edited by
Emily Gadd
With a sea of credit card options, picking the right one shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. And keeping track of which card to use for what? Nobody’s got time for that.
This guide cuts through the clutter, spotlighting the best cards for groceries, travel, dining and gas, so you can maximize rewards effortlessly. Streamline your spending, stack your rewards and make every swipe work harder for you.
1. Groceries
Our pick is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. It offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), making it ideal for frequent grocery shoppers. You will earn 1% back after you reach the annual cap.
2. Dining
Our pick is the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card. It offers unlimited 3x points on dining in, take-out, catering and delivery and it does not charge an annual fee.
3. Travel
Our pick is the Chase Sapphire Reserve® It provides up to 8x points on travel, making it easier to accumulate rewards.
4. Gas Stations
Our pick is the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% and does not charge an annual fee.
5. Streaming Services
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
6. Entertainment
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on entertainment, making it ideal for regular outings.
7. Airfare
Airfare is a considerable expense for travelers and some credit cards offer elevated rewards on flight purchases. The Platinum Card® from American Express is our pick for airfare rewards. You can earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel® .
8. Hotels
Our pick is the World of Hyatt Credit Card. It offers 4x points on Hyatt stays, making it a solid option for frequent Hyatt hotel guests.
9. Online Shopping
Our choice is the Amazon Prime Visa. It provides 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, making it a top choice for frequent online shoppers.
10. Pharmacies
We pick the Chase Freedom Flex® card. It provides 3% cash back at drugstores, making it ideal for those who frequently buy prescriptions and health items.
11. Department Stores
The Discover it® Cash Back card is the best choice for those looking to get money back on their department store spending. It offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like department stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
12. Office Supplies
Office supplies are a routine expense for most businesses and some cards offer cash back. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card provides 5% cash back on office supplies, making it an excellent option for those who regularly buy these items. Choosing a card with strong office supply rewards can lead to significant savings on essential business purchases.
13. Ride-Sharing
The Wells Fargo Autograph® Card offers unlimited 3x points on ride shares.
14. Luxury Travel
Luxury travel can be costly, but some credit cards offer valuable rewards to make it more affordable. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card that not only offers a significant welcome bonus, but also lucrative bonus earning rates and valuable perks that help offset the steep annual fee. For frequent travelers this card is a no-brainer.
15. Wholesale Clubs
Wholesale clubs offer great savings on bulk shopping and some credit cards enhance these savings. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi provides 2% cash back on Costco purchases, making it a top choice for regular shoppers. This type of card helps maximize savings on essential bulk buys.
The Bottom Line
Picking the perfect credit card for your spending is like finding the ultimate life hack. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, booking flights or dining out, the right card can seriously boost your savings. By focusing on the best cards for each category, you can turn everyday spending into a reward-earning machine. Make your money work smarter!
The information related to the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Prime Visa, Chase Freedom Flex®, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, and Centurion® Card from American Express** was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for all purposes?
The best all-purpose credit card is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it has a $0 annual fee, a low introductory interest rate and one great rewards rate for purchases. You can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and a welcome bonus.
What is the #1 credit card to have?
There’s no one-size-fits-all “best” credit card since it depends on personal needs. Top picks include Chase Sapphire Reserve® for travel rewards, The Platinum Card® from American Express for premium perks and Citi Double Cash® Card (an advertising partner) for simple cashback. The right card hinges on spending habits, preferred benefits and financial goals.
What credit card do multi-millionaires use?
Many millionaires opt for the American Express Centurion Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card and Insignia Jewellery Card, among other exclusive, invitation-only options. These cards offer extensive travel perks and personalized services.
Are rotating category credit cards worth it?
It can be worthwhile for those who track spending as the cards offer higher rewards in changing categories, allowing users to maximize points or cashback. However, staying organized is crucial; otherwise, flat-rate cards may be more convenient. For strategic spenders, these cards can yield significant rewards.
