With so many choices for credit cards, it can be overwhelming to try to choose which one of the hundreds could be right for you. To help you narrow down the selection, GOBankingRates has identified the best rewards credit cards based on the following criteria:
Annual fee to keep the card open
APR
Bonus offers
How rewards points can be accrued and used
Take a look at these rewards credit cards and learn about their perks and benefits to see which card could best suit your needs. Some cards offer more ways to earn cash back, whereas others offer lower fees or more rewards points. Consider your lifestyle, regular expenses and travel needs to determine which credit card could be a good match for you.
Related: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card Offers of 2016
Click on a link below to learn more about the best rewards credit cards of 2016:
Premier Rewards Gold Card From American Express
Comerica Cash Rewards American Express
Bank of America WorldPoints Travel Rewards for Business Visa Card
Discover it Cash Back Card
NHL Discover it Card
Bremer Bank Cash Rewards American Express Card
East West Bank Cash Rewards American Express
Blue Cash Everyday Card From American Express
BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card
Chase Ink Cash Business Credit Card
Chase Freedom Credit Card
Discover it Chrome Card
TD Cash Visa Credit Card
BankAmericard Susan G. Komen Credit Card
MLB BankAmericard Cash Rewards MasterCard
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Blue Cash Preferred Card From American Express
PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World MasterCard
Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard
BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card
Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee
APR
Rewards and Features
Where to Apply
Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express
$0 for first year, then $195
None; pay monthly balance in full
1-3 points per $1 on on all other purchases
25,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in first 3 months
$100 airline credit per year
Apply Now
Comerica Cash Rewards American Express
$0
0% APR for six months, then 12.24% to 23.24%
3% cash back on gas
1-2% cash back on all other purchases
$25 bonus cash back after your first purchase
Apply Now
Bank of America WorldPoints Travel Rewards for Business Visa Card
$0
0% on purchases for 9 billing cycles, then 11.49% to 21.49%
3 points per $1 spent for travel booked through Bank of America's Travel center
1.5 points per $1 on purchases
$100 bonus after spending $500 in first 2 months
Apply Now
Discover it Cash Back Card
$0
0% APR for 12 months, then 11.24% to 23.24%
5% cash back in categories that change quarterly
Redeem rewards for cash in any amount, any time
Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at end of first year
Apply Now
NHL Discover it Card
$0
0% for 12 months, then 11.24% to 23.24%
5% cash back in categories that change quarterly
Can use cash back instantly at Amazon.com
Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at end of first year
Apply Now
Bremer Bank Cash Rewards American Express
$0
0% for 6 months, then 12.24% to 23.24%
3% cash back on gas
1-2% cash back on all other purchases
$25 bonus cash back after first purchase
Apply Now
East West Bank Cash Rewards American Express
$0
0% APR for 6 months, then 12.24% to 23.24%
3% cash back on gas
1-2% cash back on all other purchases
$25 bonus cash back after first purchase
Apply Now
Blue Cash Everyday Card From American Express
$0
0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
3% cash back at supermarkets
1-2% cash back on all other purchases
$100 bonus for spending $1,000 in first 3 months
Apply Now
BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card
$0
0% first 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
1-3% cash back on all purchases
10% bonus for cash-back redemption into a Bank of America checking or savings account
$100 bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
Apply Now
Chase Ink Cash Business Credit Card
$0
0% APR for 12 months, then 13.49% to 19.49%
5% cash back on eligible business expenses
1-2% cash back per $1 on all other purchases
20,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in first 3 months
Apply Now
Chase Freedom Credit Card
$0
0% APR for 15 months, then 14.24% to 23.24%
5% cash back on bonus categories
1% cash back on all other purchases
$150 bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
Apply Now
Discover it Chrome Card
$0
0% for 12 months, then 11.24% to 23.24%
1-2% cash back on all purchases
Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at end of first year
Redeem cash back for any amount at any time
Apply Now
TD Cash Visa Credit Card
$0
0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
2% cash back on dining expenses
1% cash back on all other purchases
$100 bonus cash back for spending $500 in first 3 months
Apply Now
BankAmericard Susan G. Komen Credit Card
$0
0% APR for your first 12 billing cycles, then 13.24% to 23.24%
3% cash back on gas purchases
1-2% cash back on all other purchases
10% bonus for cash back redemption into a Bank of America checking or savings account
Apply Now
MLB BankAmericard Cash Rewards MasterCard
$0
0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
1-3% cash back on all purchases
$100 bonus for spending $500 in first 3 months
10% bonus for cash-back redemption into Bank of America checking or savings account
Apply Now
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
$0
0% until February 2017, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
$100 bonus for spending $500 in first 3 months
Redeem rewards for any amount at any time
Apply Now
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
$0
0% for 15 months, then 14.24% to 23.24%
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$150 bonus for spending $500 in first 3 months
Redeem rewards for any amount at any time
Apply Now
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard
$0 for first year, then $89
16.24% to 20.24% for purchases, 0% APR for for 12 months for balance transfers
2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases
5% miles back with reward redemption
$100 cash rewards bonus for spending $500 in first 90 days
Apply Now
Capital One Spark Miles for Business Visa Card
$0
0% APR until February 2017, then 13.24% to 21.24%
1.5 miles per $1 spent on all purchases
20,000 bonus miles for spending $3,000 in first 3 months
Redeem miles for tickets on any airline or hotel stay, vacation packages and more
Apply Now
Blue Cash Preferred Card From American Express
$0
0% APR for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
6% cash back at supermarkets
1-3% cash back on all other purchases
$150 bonus for spending $1,000 in first 3 months
Apply Now
PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express Credit Card
$0
10.24% to 17.99%
5 points per $1 spent on airfare purchases
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
20,000 bonus points for spending $2,500 in first 3 months
Apply Now
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
$0 for first year, then $59
13.24% to 23.24%
2 miles per $1 on all purchases
40,000 bonus miles for spending $3,000 in first 3 months
Can redeem miles as statement credit toward travel purchases made with Venture
Apply Now
Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World MasterCard
$0
0% APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles, 14.99% to 20.99% for purchases
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
10% bonus when you make at least 1 purchase per month for 6 consecutive months
10% bonus for rewards direct deposited into Citizens Bank account
Apply Now
Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard
$0
0% APR for the first 12 months, then 15.24% to 23.24%
1.5% cash rewards on every purchase
$100 cash rewards bonus for spending $500 in first 3 months
5% cash rewards redemption bonus with every redemption
Apply Now
BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card
$0
0% APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases, then 15.24% -23.24%
1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
10% bonus for Bank of America checking or savings account holders
20,000 online bonus points awarded for spending $1,000 in first 90 days
Apply Now
Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2016
Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express
The Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express awards new cardholders a bonus of 25,000 miles after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening the card. You can redeem points through a number of frequent traveler programs and enjoy credits for airline fees and hotel expenses including dining, spa and resort activities.
Annual fee: $0 first year, then $195
APR: Not applicable; monthly balance must be paid in full
Rewards:
3 points per $1 for flights booked directly with airlines
2 points per $1 at gas stations, supermarkets and restaurants
1 point per $1 on all other purchases
$100 airline credit per year
$75 hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities
Cool feature: Cardholders can redeem points with a number of frequent traveler programs.
Pros: Cardholders are exempt from blackout dates and seat restrictions.
Cons: No introductory APR is offered.
Comerica Cash Rewards American Express Card
The Comerica Cash Rewards American Express card is among the best cash rewards credit cards, offering new cardholders a bonus of $25 cash back after their first purchase. Members get benefits like fraud protection, auto rental collision and theft coverage, travel assistance and extended warranty coverage. Plus, there's no limit to the number of points you can earn.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for six months, then 12.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back on gas
2 percent cash back at supermarkets
1 percent cash back all other purchases
$25 cash-back bonus after first purchase
Cool feature: Earn unlimited points.
Pros: Cardholders can earn as many points as they want.
Cons: The introductory APR offer ends after six months.
Bank of America WorldPoints Travel Rewards for Business Visa Card
The Bank of America WorldPoints Travel Rewards for Business Visa card is ideal for business travelers. Cardholders earn 1.5 points for every dollar spent and triple rewards points for every dollar spent on travel booked through the bank's travel center. If you spend at least $500 within the first 60 days of opening your account, you'll earn a $100 statement credit as a bonus.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% on purchases for nine billing cycles
Rewards:
3 rewards points per $1 spent for travel booked through Bank of America's Travel center
1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases
$100 statement credit bonus after making at least $500 in purchases in the first 60 days of your account opening
Redeem points for gift cards, cash, and travel with no blackout dates
Cool feature: Earn unlimited points.
Pros: Rewards don't expire and there are no annual or foreign transaction fees.
Cons: No introductory APR is offered for balance transfers, and the introductory APR offer for purchases ends after nine billing cycles.
Read: Best Business Credit Card Offers of 2016
Discover it Credit Card
New Discover it credit cardholders automatically get a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back earned at the end of their first year. Cash rewards never expire, and you can redeem your cash back at any time for any amount. Cardholders can also track their recent FICO scores for free. If you've lost or temporarily misplaced your Discover it card, you can immediately freeze your account; additionally, the card's fraud liability guarantee protects you from any unauthorized purchases.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for 12 months, then 11.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
5 percent cash back for up to $1,500 in purchases made in the current rewards category
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
Can use cash back instantly at Amazon.com checkout
Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at the end of the first year
Cool feature: If you misplace your card, you can immediately freeze your account with the Freeze it on/off switch.
Pros: Rewards don't expire and there are no annual or foreign transaction fees.
Cons: Reward categories change each quarter, and you must sign up to participate with each change.
NHL Discover it Card
Like the Discover it Card, the NHL Discover it credit card also automatically rewards cardholders with a dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back earned at the end of their first year. You can keep track of your FICO credit scores for free, and you have the option to use cash back instantly when you shop at Amazon.com. The NHL Discover it Card is ideal for hockey fans because it offers a 10 percent discount on all purchases at shop.nhl.com.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for 12 months, then 11.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
5 percent cash back in categories that change each quarter up to the quarterly maximum
Can use cash back instantly at Amazon.com checkout
Dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year
Cool feature: Cardholders get a 10 percent discount on all purchases at shop.nhl.com.
Pros: Freeze It on/off switch allows you to immediately prevent new purchases, cash advances or balance transfers on your account if you misplace your card.
Cons: Rewards categories change quarterly and you must sign up each quarter to participate.
Bremer Bank Cash Rewards American Express Card
The Bremer Bank Cash Rewards American Express Card charges no annual fee and offers cardholders fraud liability protection, rental car insurance, extended warranty coverage and merchandise return protection. Cardholders also get access to popular events before the general public.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for six months, then 12.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back on gas
2 percent cash back on supermarket purchases
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$25 bonus cash back after first purchase
Cool feature: Cardholders get advanced access to popular events before the general public.
Pros: Cardholders get extensive travel and warranty protection.
Cons: The 3 percent cash back rate for gas expenses is only offered on the first $6,000 in annual fuel spend, and the introductory APR expires after six months.
East West Bank Cash Rewards American Express
The East West Bank Cash Rewards American Express credit card rewards new cardholders with a bonus of $25 cash back after their first purchase. The card offers travel perks like access to complimentary amenities at nearly 1,000 hotel properties around the world, savings of up to 20 percent off the lowest available non-restricted rates at select properties, and rental car insurance.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for six months, then 12.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back on gas on the first $6,000 in annual fuel spend
2 percent cash back on supermarket purchases
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$25 cash back bonus after first purchase
Cool feature: Cardholders get up to 20 percent off the lowest available non-restricted rates at select properties.
Pros: Card members get travel perks and access to premium concierge services.
Cons: Introductory APR expires after six months.
Blue Cash Everyday Card From American Express
With the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express, you'll get $100 cash back after spending $1,000 within the first three months of having the card. You can also earn 10 percent cash back -- up to $200 -- if you apply by June 15, 2016 and use the card to pay a participating wireless telephone service provider in 2016. The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express lets you request additional cards for family and friends so you can earn rewards faster.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back at supermarkets
2 percent cash back at gas stations and select department stores
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$100 cash back after spending $1,000 within the first three months
Cool feature: Earn rewards faster by requesting additional cards for family and friends.
Pros: Cardholders pay no annual fee and get perks like extended warranties and protection on purchases and returns.
Cons: The offer for 3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets is only good up to $6,000 per year in purchases; then cardholders earn 1 percent cash back at supermarkets.
BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card
The BankAmericard Cash Rewards credit card is especially rewarding for customers with Bank of America accounts: You'll earn a 10-percent customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account. Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients have the opportunity to increase that bonus to 25 percent or more. Cardholders earn a cash rewards bonus of $100 after spending at least $500 within the first 90 days of opening an account.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% first 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back on gas
2 percent cash back at grocery stores
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$100 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 within the first 90 days of account opening
Cool feature: Bank of America customers get a 10 percent customer bonus every time they redeem cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account.
Pros: Cardholders with Bank of America savings or checking accounts get even bigger rewards.
Cons: The offer for 3 percent cash back on gas is good for the first $1,500 in combined grocery and gas purchases each quarter, up to $6,000 per year in purchases; after that, the offer is for 1 percent cash back.
Chase Ink Cash Business Credit Card
The Chase Ink Cash Business credit card is ideal for business owners, who can earn rewards of up to 5 percent cash back on business-related expenses. Cardholders who spend $3,000 within the first three months of opening the card get 20,000 bonus points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. You can also choose to redeem rewards for gift cards and travel.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for 12 months, then 13.49% to 19.49%
Rewards:
5 percent cash back per $1 spent on purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet and cable TV services
2 percent cash back per $1 spent on purchases at gas stations and restaurants
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
Cool feature: Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards and travel.
Pros: Cardholders have the opportunity to get a $200 cash-back bonus, and rewards never expire.
Cons: The 3- and 5-percent cash-back offers apply only to the first $25,000 spent in the eligible categories.
Chase Freedom Credit Card
The Chase Freedom credit card offers a bonus of $150 after you spend $500 on purchases within your first three months of opening an account. You can earn another $25 bonus when you add your first authorized user. You'll also get the same protection offered by other Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred: zero liability protection, fraud monitoring alerts and other built-in security features.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for 15 months, then 14.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
5 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter
Unlimited 1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within your first three months
$25 bonus when you add your first authorized user
Cool feature: Cardholders get extra security with zero-liability protection.
Pros: 0% introductory APR offer is available for 15 months for purchases and balance transfers.
Cons: Reward categories change each quarter, and you must sign up to participate with each change.
Discover it Chrome Card
At the end of their first year of card membership, new members of the Discover it Chrome card get an automatic match on all the cash back they've earned. You can use your rewards instantly when shopping on Amazon.com. You also have the option to hang on to your cash back for longer because your rewards never expire. Like other Discover credit cards, the Discover it Chrome Card lets cardholders track their recent FICO scores for free.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for 12 months, then 11.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
2 percent cash back at gas and restaurants
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned at the end of the first year
Cool feature: Cash back rewards can be used instantly at Amazon.com checkout.
Pros: Redeem cash back for any amount at any time, with no expiration.
Cons: The cash back offer for gas and restaurant purchases is only good on up to $1,000 in purchases each quarter.
TD Cash Visa Credit Card
The TD Cash Visa credit card offers a $100 cash-back bonus when you spend $500 within the first three months of opening your account, and does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fee. Redeeming rewards is easy because there are no blackout dates, restrictions or fees. Cardholders are privy to Visa Signature Benefits like complimentary 24/7 concierge service, access to exclusive events and special shopping perks.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
2 percent cash back on dining expenses
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
Cash rewards starting at $250 for round-trip airfare and $150 for hotel rooms or car rentals
$100 cash-back bonus when you spend $500 within the first three months
Cool feature: Redeem cash rewards starting at just $25 or round-trip airfare starting at $250.
Pros: Cardholders get Visa Signature benefits and are not subject to blackout dates, restrictions or fees.
Cons: To get access to Visa Signature Benefits, your credit limit must be at least $5,000.
BankAmericard Susan G. Komen Credit Card
The Susan G. Komen BankAmericard credit card offers a cash reward bonus of $100 after you spend at least $500 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Cardholders help fight breast cancer simply by using this credit card: Bank of America awards Susan G. Komen $3 for each card opened plus 0.08 percent of all retail purchases made by cardholders. To keep things simple, there are no changing reward categories and rewards don't expire.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for your first 12 billing cycles for purchases, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back on gas purchases
2 percent cash back on grocery store purchases
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
10 percent customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account
Cool feature: For each card that remains open and makes a transaction within 90 days, Susan G. Komen receives $3.
Pros: Rewards don't expire and cardholders help Susan G. Komen earn funds.
Cons: The 1-3 percent cash back is only offered up to the first $1,500 in combined grocery and gas purchases each quarter.
MLB BankAmericard Cash Rewards MasterCard
The MLB BankAmericard Cash Rewards MasterCard is rewarding, and not just for baseball fans. Cardholders get up to 3 percent cash back on purchases, plus a $100 cash rewards bonus after spending just $500 within the first three months of opening the card. The card offers even bigger advantages for Bank of America customers, who get a 10 percent customer bonus every time they redeem cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
3 percent cash back on gas
2 percent cash back at grocery stores
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$100 cash rewards bonus after making at least $500 in purchases in first three months
10 percent customer bonus every time you redeem your cash back into a Bank of America checking or savings account
Cool feature: Cards are available for all 30 Major League Baseball teams.
Pros: Cardholders who have Bank of America checking or savings accounts get even more rewards.
Cons: Combined grocery store and gas bonus rewards are awarded only up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Quicksilver Cash Rewards credit card from Capital One offers unlimited potential to earn rewards, providing a reward rate of 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. New cardholders can earn a $100 cash bonus by spending at least $500 within the first three months of opening an account. You'll also have access to Visa Signature Benefits like shopping discounts, complimentary concierge service, upgrades and special savings at hotels, resorts and spas.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% until February 2017, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase
$100 cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months
Redeem rewards for any amount at any time
Rewards never expire
Cool feature: Cardholders get access to Visa Signature Benefits.
Pros: Cash back never expires and can be redeemed for any amount at anytime.
Cons: Only consumers with excellent credit will qualify for this card.
Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card is different from the Chase Freedom card because it offers unlimited potential to earn cash-back rewards. All purchases automatically get 1.5 percent cash back, and new card members can get a $150 bonus for spending $500 within the first three months of opening an account. You can also get another $25 as a bonus for adding an authorized user to your account.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on purchases
$150 bonus for spending $500 within the first three months
$25 bonus when you add your first authorized user
Cool feature: Cardholders get price protection and zero-liability protection against fraudulent transactions.
Pros: The introductory APR lasts longer than that of other credit cards.
Cons: Cash back reward rate is lower than that of some other cards, such as the Chase Freedom credit card.
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard
Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard offers new cardholders a bonus of $100 after spending $500 within the first 90 days of opening an account. You'll get two miles per $1 spent on any purchase. When you redeem rewards for travel, you'll get 5 percent of your miles back for your next redemption. Reward redemption starts at 10,000 miles for $100 toward travel purchases.
Annual fee: $0 first year, then $89
APR: 16.24% to 20.24% for purchases, 0% APR for for 12 months for balance transfers made in the first 45 days
Rewards:
2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases
Redemptions starting at 10,000 miles for $100 toward travel purchases
Bonus of $150 after you spend $800 within the first 90 days
Cool feature: Get 5 percent miles back toward your next redemption every time you redeem.
Pros: Miles never expire and all purchases earn two miles per dollar.
Cons: Introductory 0% APR applies only to balance transfers made in the first 45 days.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business Visa Card
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business Visa credit card offers business owners unlimited earning potential with a reward rate of 1.5 miles on every business purchase. Adding employee cards is free, and you'll earn all the rewards from their purchases, too. You'll also get a bonus of 20,000 miles -- equal to $200 in travel -- after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR until February 2017, then 13.24% to 21.24%
Rewards:
Unlimited 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all purchases
Bonus of 20,000 miles after you spend $3,000 in the first three months
Earn all rewards from purchases made with employee cards
Redeem miles for tickets on any airline or hotel stay, vacation packages and more
Cool feature: Add employee cards at no additional cost.
Pros: Cardholders have no blackouts or seat restrictions, and no minimum miles are required for redemption.
Cons: The introductory APR is good only until February 2017, and only business owners with excellent credit will qualify for this card.
Blue Cash Preferred Card From American Express
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express charges a $75 annual fee starting the first year of your account. That price includes the chance to earn up to 6 percent cash back on purchases. Cardholders have the option to carry a balance with interest or pay their bill in full each month, and can earn a $150 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Other card benefits include purchase and return protections, plus extended warranties.
Annual fee: $75
APR: 0% APR for 12 months, then 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
6 percent cash back at supermarkets
3 percent cash back at gas stations and select department stores
1 percent cash back on all other purchases
$150 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months
Cool feature: Earn rewards faster by getting additional cards for friends and family.
Pros: Card members don't need to keep track of rotating reward categories; cash back is automatically applied to eligible purchases.
Cons: The 6-percent cash back offer is good only up to $6,000 per year in purchases; beyond that cap, the offer is for 1 percent cash back.
Read: Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2016
PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express Credit Card
With the PenFed Premium Travel Rewards American Express credit card, you can earn five points for every dollar spent on airfare purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, dining, retail or entertainment gift cards starting at 2,940 points. Cardholders get access to complimentary 24/7 concierge service and never pay foreign transaction fees when spending abroad. If you spend at least $2,500 within the first three months of opening an account, you'll earn 20,000 bonus points.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 10.24% to 17.99%
Rewards:
5 points per $1 spent on airfare purchases
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
20,000 bonus points when you spend $2,500 within three months
Cool feature: Redeem points for travel starting at 2,940 points.
Pros: Cardholders get 20,000 points for spending $2,500 in the first three months.
Cons: No introductory APR is offered.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
If you have excellent credit and want to earn points for travel, the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card could be a great fit for you. You'll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend, plus you'll have the chance to earn 40,000 miles -- equivalent to $400 in travel -- after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening your account. And thanks to the included Visa Signature Benefits, you'll get complimentary upgrades and special savings at hotels, resorts and spas with this card.
Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $59
APR: 13.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
2 miles per $1 on all purchases
40,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 within the first three months
Redeem miles as a statement credit toward the cost of travel purchases made with Venture
Cool feature: After you make a travel purchase with Venture, you can redeem miles as a statement credit toward the cost.
Pros: Cardholders get Visa Signature Benefits, including complimentary upgrades and special savings at hotels, resorts and spas.
Cons: No introductory APR is offered, and only customers with excellent credit will qualify for this card.
Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World MasterCard
Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus World MasterCard is especially beneficial if you also have a bank account with Citizens Bank: You'll get a 10 percent bonus on your cash back rewards when they are direct deposited into your Citizens Bank personal checking, savings or money market account. Even more, you'll get a 10 percent bonus on earned cash back rewards when you make at least one purchase every month for six or more consecutive months.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles, 14.99% to 20.99% for purchases
Rewards:
Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on every purchase
10 percent bonus on cash back rewards deposited into a Citizens Bank account
10 percent bonus on earned cash back rewards when you make at least one purchase every month for six consecutive months
Cool feature: Cardholders get travel benefits and shopping protection, including concierge services, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, price protection and extended warranties.
Pros: Cardholders never pay foreign transaction fees.
Cons: No introductory APR is offered for purchases.
Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard
Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard lets you earn cash rewards fast, at a rate of 1.5 percent cash rewards on every purchase. Plus you'll get a bonus of $100 cash rewards if you spend $500 in purchases within the first three months of opening your account. It pays well to use the rewards from Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard: When you redeem rewards, you'll get a 5 percent cash rewards redemption bonus that you can use toward your next redemption.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for the first 12 months, then 15.24% to 23.24%
Rewards:
Unlimited 1.5 percent cash rewards on every purchase
$100 cash rewards bonus after you spend $500 in the first three months
Redeem cash rewards starting at $50 for a deposit into your bank account, a statement credit or gift cards
Cool feature: Every time you redeem rewards, get a 5 percent cash rewards redemption bonus to use toward your next redemption.
Pros: Cash rewards do not expire as long as your account is open, active and in good standing
Cons: No introductory APR is offered for balance transfers.
BankAmericard Travel Rewards Credit Card
The BankAmericard Travel Rewards credit card also offers rewards without charging an annual fee. Get 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no point limitations or expiration. If you spend at least $1,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account, you'll earn 20,000 online bonus points which can be redeemed for a $200 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases, then 15.24% -23.24%
Rewards:
1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
10 percent customer points bonus on every purchase when you have an active Bank of America checking or savings account
20,000 online bonus points awarded for spending $1,000 in three months
Redeem points for statement credit for flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, or baggage fees
Cool feature: Cardholders are not subject to blackout dates or restrictions.
Pros: Rewards don't expire and there are no annual or foreign transaction fees.
Cons: The rewards rate is lower than that of some other credit cards.
Methodology: GOBankingRates assessed information about rewards credit cards, including sourcing information from the credit card and financial institution provider websites as of May 23, 2016. To comprise this list of the best rewards credit cards of 2016, GOBankingRates considered the following factors: (1) annual fee to keep the card open; (2) APR; (3) bonus offers; (4) how rewards points can be accrued and used, including what purchases earn points and how points can be redeemed.
GOBankingRates is a personal finance and consumer interest rate website owned by ConsumerTrack, Inc., an online marketing company serving top-tier banks, credit unions, and other financial services organizations. Some companies mentioned in this article might be clients of ConsumerTrack, Inc., which serves more than 100 national, local and online financial institutions. Rankings and roundups are completely objective, and no institution, client or otherwise, paid for inclusion or specific placement. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the companies included in the article.
Brian O'Connell contributed to the reporting for this article.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Best Rewards Credit Cards of 2016