The best in credit cards

It combines a flat 1.5 percent rewards rate on general purchases with solid rates in key spending categories, making it a go-to option for everyday spending. Add in perks not often seen on no-annual-fee cards and you’ve got an especially versatile and lucrative rewards option.

This card boasts some of the highest-value, most flexible points you can earn, as well as near-unrivaled value in multiple bonus categories perfect for foodies. You’ll earn top rewards rates at both restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, plus a ton of dining credits to boot.

It offers a great mix of valuable, practical travel perks at a lower cost than its competitors — and even this cost can be easily offset given the value of the card’s annual travel credit and bonus miles. Plus, its flat rewards rate and flexible redemption make it easy to maximize almost any purchase.

Its category variety makes it easily one of your best options for everyday purchases. It’s one of the few cards to offer such a high rewards rate on both groceries and dining, so it may prove even more lucrative as a standalone card than the best flat-rate rewards cards — especially since there are no caps on its rewards rates.

It not only features an exceptional cash back rate on eligible grocery purchases, but also solid rewards for commuters and valuable streaming perks. This combination makes it easily one of the most lucrative and versatile cards for families, as well as one of the best cash back cards overall.

Few cards available with no credit history offer such a forgiving fee policy, let alone cash back and a welcome offer. These perks mean the card can even hold its own against some full-fledged rewards cards, not just lower-tier secured cards.

Its welcome offer and forgiving fee structure mirror those of full-fledged Discover rewards cards, but it has a much lower approval barrier, making it ideal for students new to cash back. The card also boasts impressive rewards rates in a mix of popular rotating bonus categories, giving you plenty of opportunity to earn cash back year round.

It makes tackling credit card debt simple with one of the longest intro APR offers available for balance transfers and no annual or late payment fees. These features make it easier to form a payoff plan and tackle credit card debt.

It has no preset spending limit and earns rewards at a high rate in several common business categories. Amex points also boast terrific redemption value and transfer potential, and you can pool points with other Membership Rewards cards to maximize your earnings across categories.

It can be hard to justify the cost of a premier airline card unless you’re a frequent traveler, but this card is the exception thanks to its valuable perks and practical rewards categories almost anyone will find useful. Plus, its coveted Companion Certificate and free first checked bag alone could offer enough value to help offset the annual fee.

It earns some of the most valuable hotel rewards available, with points worth over 2 cents each on average based on Bankrate’s latest valuations. You’ll also enjoy free night certificates and valuable elite status perks that can greatly enhance your experience when staying with Hyatt.

It’s one of the only cards to offer a rewards rate this high on online retail purchases, giving it a clear advantage when it comes to shopping flexibility. Online shopping can make up a sizable chunk of your spending, so this card holds terrific rewards potential, especially when you factor in its $0 annual fee and other everyday bonus categories.

It’s easily one of the most versatile and rewarding rotating category cards out there thanks to its unique blend of both quarterly and fixed bonus categories. Its flexibility is especially useful as a part of a Chase Ultimate Rewards card stack, allowing you to maximize rewards on both everyday spending and extras.

No matter how you prefer to commute, this card can be a lucrative option. It offers terrific rewards potential on both gas and transit purchases since you can earn a best-in-class rate in whichever is your top spending category for the month. It also boasts excellent value with its welcome bonus and intro APR offer.

It makes paying rent with your credit card rewarding — instead of annoying and fee-laden. Not only do you earn points on rent payments, but when you pay rent with your credit card through Bilt, the issuer covers transaction or card processing fees.

It not only offers a top-notch, year-round flat 2 percent cash rewards rate, but also a generous welcome bonus and intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers. This combination of short- and long-term value gives the card a clear edge over rival flat-rate rewards cards.

This card trifecta earns excellent rewards rates across the board, and you can boost the value  of your points by 50 percent when you redeem for Chase Travel with a premium Chase card like the Sapphire Reserve. You’ll also enjoy top luxury travel perks and access to Chase’s airline and hotel partners, which can offer even higher redemption value.

These cards pack a punch for a no-annual-fee duo, offering both a great rewards rate in your top eligible spending category and a solid flat rate on general spending. You’ll get 5 percent back in your biggest eligible category (on up to $500 in spending each billing cycle, then 1 percent) with the Custom Cash, plus 2 percent back on all other purchases with the Double Cash(1 percent when you buy, 1 percent when you pay off purchases). These aren’t the flashiest cards, but the combo offer a great return.