To find the best credit card offers that match your spending habits, look for a card that offers rewards that help you get more out of your spending. If you're in the market for a new rewards credit card, start by comparing the best credit card deals. Different types of rewards offers are available, including balance transfer credit cards, cash rewards credit cards, credit cards for students, and offers that emphasize a credit card bonus program or low interest rates.
Check out GOBankingRates' reviews of the top credit card rewards and bonus offers. Choices were based on current promotions, sign-up bonuses, and credit card deals' pros and cons. Take a look at the categories so you can best decide which card fits your needs, and then sit back and decide how to spend all your rewards:
Best Credit Cards for Travel Points
Best Credit Cards for Cash Rewards and Bonus Points
Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
Best Credit Cards for Entertainment
Best Credit Cards for No Credit History
Best Credit Cards for Hotel Stays
Credit Card
Best For
Bonus Offers
How to Apply
BankAmericard Travel Rewards
Travel points
20,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in first 90 days
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BankAmericard Cash Rewards
Cash rewards
$100 cash bonus after $500 in purchases in first 90 days
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Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
Alaska Airlines customers
30,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases in first 90 days
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Discover it Card
Cash back bonus
1:1 match on cash back earned in first year
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Discover it Secured Card
No credit history
1:1 match on cash back earned in first year
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Discover it Miles Card
Simple travel rewards
1:1 match on cash back earned in first year
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Discover it for Students
College students
1:1 match on cash back earned in first year
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Spark Cash Capital One Business Card
Transferring business debt
$500 cash bonus after $4,500 in purchases in first 3 months
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VentureOne from Capital One
Travel protection
20,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Quicksilver from Capital One
Low spenders
$100 bonus after $500 in purchases in first 3 months
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Spark Miles Select from Capital One
Business travelers
20,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Citi Prestige Card
Free hotel stays
50,000 bonus points after $5,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
American Airlines customers
50,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after $3,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Citi AAdvantage Gold World Elite MasterCard
Low-spending American Airlines customers
25,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after $750 in purchases in first 3 months
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Citi ThankYou Preferred Card
Entertainment lovers
15,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Citi ThankYou Premier Card
Traveling entertainment lovers
30,000 bonus points after $3,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Expedia+ Card from Citi
Expedia users
15,000 Expedia bonus points after $1,000 in purchases in first 3 months
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Citi Hilton HHonors Visa Signature
Hotel stays
40,000 Hilton HHonors bonus points after$1,000 in purchases in first 4 months
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Chase Freedom Unlimited Card
Balance transfers and cash rewards
$150 bonus after $500 in purchases in first 3 months, $25 bonus when you add first authorized user in same 3-month period
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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Bonus points
50,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in first 3 months, 5,000 bonus points after adding first authorized user in same 3-month period
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Check Out: 7 Preapproved Credit Card Facts You Need to Know Before Applying
Best Credit Cards for Travel Points
If travel is your passion, the following credit cards are for you. Here are the best cards for racking up points for travel.
Best Card for Travel Points: BankAmericard Travel Rewards
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 12 billing cycles
Ongoing rate: 15.49% to 23.49% APR
If you're looking for points you can redeem for flights, vacation packages, cruises and other travel rewards, this card gives you unlimited 1.5 points per dollar. One of the best credit cards for travel, the BankAmericard Travel Rewards card also comes with 0% APR for the first 12 months and charges no foreign transaction fees, making it one of the best credit cards in the roundup.
Rewards and bonuses:
20,000 online bonus points -- which translates to a $200 statement credit -- after you spend at least $1,000 on purchases in first 90 days
Unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on purchases
Pros:
No blackout dates on reward points
No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3 percent, whichever is greater
Variable interest rate after introductory 12 cycles
Best Card for American Airline Customers: Citi AAdvantage Gold World Elite MasterCard
Annual fee: $0 for first 12 months, then $50
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 14.49% APR to 22.49% APR
The Citi AAdvantage Gold World Elite MasterCard card gets you 25 percent off any food you buy on American Airlines. You'll also get a generous bonus for a modest purchase amount in the first three months, and there are no blackout dates for travel.
Rewards and bonuses:
25,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles when you spend $750 on purchases in the first three months
One American Airlines AAdvantage mile per dollar for all purchases
Pros:
No blackout dates for travel on American Airlines or American Eagle
25 percent discount on American Airlines food
Cons:
Annual fee
No intro APR offer
Learn: 9 Best Credit Card Hacks to Save Money on Everything
Best Card for Alaska Airline Customers: Alaska Airlines Visa Signature
Annual fee: $50 or $75
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 12.74% APR to 19.74% APR
If you fly Alaska Airlines, you'll likely find this to be one of the best credit card rewards programs. You'll get one point for every dollar you spend on anything and three points per dollar you spend on Alaska Airlines tickets, vacation packages, cargo and in-flight purchases.
Rewards and bonuses:
30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days
Free checked baggage for you and up to six companions on the same reservation
Pros:
Discount companion airfare after you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
Generous reward structure
Cons:
Annual fee
Must spend rewards on Alaska Airlines or one of its partner airlines
Best Card for Travel Protection: VentureOne From Capital One
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 12 months
Ongoing rate: 12.49% APR to 22.49% APR
If you've ever lost money because you had to cancel a vacation at the last minute, you might appreciate this card's travel protection perks. The VentureOne card reimburses you up to $1,500 for nonrefundable expenses if you have to cancel or cut your trip short due to an unexpected event like illness.
Rewards and bonuses:
20,000 bonus points -- equal to $200 in travel -- if you spend $1,000 in first three months
Rewards good for any airline, hotel or rental car
Pros:
Unlimited rewards with limited restrictions
Travel protection for canceled trips
Cons:
Only for those with excellent credit
Points-earning potential not as good as other cards
Best Business Card for Travelers: Spark Miles Select From Capital One
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for nine months
Ongoing rate: 13.49% APR to 21.49% APR
The Spark Miles Select business credit card's 0% APR for the first nine months is an attractive offer if you want to shift debt. The card charges no annual fee, and if you make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months you'll earn a 20,000-mile bonus.
Rewards and bonuses:
20,000-mile bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first three months
1.5 miles for every dollar you spend on anything
Pros:
Unlimited rewards
Free employee cards
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3 percent, whichever is greater
29.9% APR on late payments
Best Card for American Airline Customers: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard
Annual fee: $0 for first 12 months, then $95
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 16.24% APR to 24.24% APR
If you frequently fly American Airlines, the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite MasterCard could provide you with some nice perks. For instance, you can say goodbye to baggage fees for your first checked bag. You'll also earn two travel miles for every dollar you spend on American Airlines purchases, and one point for all other purchases.
Rewards and bonuses:
50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months
First checked bag free
Pros:
2x points for American Airlines purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
Annual fee
Bonuses and rewards limited to American Airlines
Best Card for Expedia Users: Expedia+ From Citi
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 15.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you use Expedia to book flights, hotels, car rentals or vacation packages, the Expedia+ card gives you triple points every time. You'll also earn points toward hotel stays and get a nice sign-up bonus if you spend the required amount in the first three months.
Rewards and bonuses:
15,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months
3 points for every dollar you spend on eligible Expedia purchases
Pros:
No annual fee
3x points at Expedia
Cons:
No intro APR offer
Fewer points earned for non-Expedia bookings
Best Credit Cards for Cash Rewards and Bonus Points
Cash rewards just for using a credit card and bonus points just for getting the card make for an attractive offer. If you're looking for the best cash and bonus points rewards, consider one of these cards.
Best Card for Cash Rewards: BankAmericard Cash Back Rewards
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 12 billing cycles
Ongoing rate: 13.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you're looking for cash back you can spend any way you want, BankAmericard might be your answer. Here's why it's one of the best credit cards for cash back rewards: For starters, you'll earn 1 percent cash back on every purchase. You'll also earn 2 percent at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 3 percent on gas for the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
Rewards and bonuses:
$100 cash bonus after you spend at least $500 on purchases in the first 90 days
10 percent bonus when you redeem rewards into your Bank of America checking or savings account
Pros:
No annual fee
0% APR for 12 billing cycles
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of $10 or 3 percent, whichever is greater
Variable rate after introductory 12 cycles
Best Cash Back Bonus Card: Discover it Miles
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 14 months
Ongoing rate: 11.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you want to keep your rewards structure simple, the Discover it Miles card is a good choice. It rewards you with 1.5 points on every dollar, no matter where you spend it -- period.
Rewards and bonuses:
Matches new customers' rewards earned during the first year
Consistent $1 for each 100 miles you earn
Pros:
No annual fee
Free FICO score every month
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of 3 percent
Cash advance fee of $10 or 5 percent, whichever is greater
Best Card for Cash Back Bonus: Discover it
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 14 months
Ongoing rate: 11.49% APR to 23.49% APR
With this card, you earn 5 percent cash back in bonus categories each quarter and 1 percent on every other purchase. At the end of the first year, Discover matches new members' cash back rewards dollar for dollar, which puts it high on the list of top cash back credit cards.
Rewards and bonuses:
Matches new customers' rewards earned during the first year
5 percent cash back in rotating categories
Pros:
High cash back rewards
Long 0% APR intro offer
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of 3 percent
Cash advance fee of $10 or 5 percent, whichever is greater
Best Card for Bonus Points: Chase Sapphire Preferred
Annual fee: $0 for first year, then $95
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 16.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you want a signing bonus, check out the Sapphire Preferred Card, which will give you 50,000 points if you spend $4,000 in three months. You can also earn an additional 5,000 points by authorizing another user who makes a purchase.
Rewards and bonuses:
50,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months
2x points on dining and travel and 1 point per dollar for everything else
Pros:
Big initial bonus
5,000 extra points for adding an authorized user who makes a purchase
Cons:
Annual fee after first year
25.24% APR for cash advances
Best Card for Low Spenders: Quicksilver From Capital One
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for nine months
Ongoing rate: 13.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you're not a big spender but still want to earn a cash bonus, the Quicksilver card might suit you. You'll earn a $100 bonus for spending just $500 in the first three months. In addition, you'll earn 1.5 percent cash back for every dollar you spend.
Rewards and bonuses:
$100 cash bonus after $500 in purchases in the first 90 days
Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on every dollar you spend
Pros:
Good bonus for low spending
0% APR intro offer
Cons:
3 percent balance transfer fee
Slightly higher ongoing APR
Best Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
If you have some credit card debts you'd like to consolidate -- and possibly get a lower interest rate -- look no further. Check out these cards that offer great deals on balance transfers.
Best Card for Balance Transfer: Chase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 15 months
Ongoing rate: 15.49% APR to 24.24% APR
If you're planning to transfer a balance, the Chase Freedom Unlimited card will give you 0% APR for 15 months. You can also earn $150 cash for spending $500 in the first three months and a $25 bonus when you add your first authorized user and make your first purchase within the same three-month period.
Rewards and bonuses:
$150 cash bonus after you make $500 in purchases in the first three months
1.5 percent cash back for every dollar you spend
Pros:
No annual fee
Long 0% APR intro offer
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of $5 or 5 percent, whichever is greater
Potentially high interest rate after introductory period
Best Business Card for Transferring Debt: Spark Cash Capital One Business
Annual fee: $0 for first year, then $59
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 17.49% APR
If you need to transfer some business debt, this is one of the best credit cards for balance transfers: The Spark Cash Capital One Business credit card doesn't charge a balance transfer fee. You'll also earn 2 percent cash back for every purchase you make, and receive free fraud alerts via text, phone or email. Spend enough in the first three months and you'll earn a $500 bonus, too.
Rewards and bonuses:
$500 cash bonus for spending $4,500 in the first three months
Unlimited 2 percent cash back
Pros:
Free employee cards
No initial annual fee
Cons:
Only for those with excellent credit
No intro APR offer
Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Lovers
If you love a night out on the town, you might as well get rewarded for spending money on entertainment. Here are two cards offering some sweet deals just for having fun.
Best Card for Entertainment Lovers: Citi ThankYou Preferred
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for 12 months
Ongoing rate: 13.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you spend a lot of money on dining and entertainment, this card will "thank you" with rewards. You'll get 15,000 ThankYou points for spending $3,000 in three months, and you can redeem them for almost anything -- from gift cards to dining and entertainment to charitable donations and more.
Rewards and bonuses:
15,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in three months
2x points on dining and entertainment and 1 point on all other purchases
Pros:
No annual fee
0% APR intro offer
Cons:
Balance transfer fee of $5 or 3 percent, whichever is greater
Cash advance rate of $10 or 5 percent, whichever is greater
Find Out: Which Credit Cards Do Oprah, Warren Buffet and Kim Kardashian Use?
Best Card for Traveling Entertainment Lovers: Citi ThankYou Premier
Annual fee: $0 for first year, then $95
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 14.49% APR to 23.49% APR
If you're in the rewards game for points instead of free balance transfers and low intro APRs, consider the Citi ThankYou Premier card; it gives you 30,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first three months. Other perks include triple points on travel, including gas, and double points on dining out and entertainment.
Rewards and bonuses:
30,000 bonus points for spending $3,000 in the first three months
Points worth 25 percent more when redeemed through Citi's ThankYou Travel Center
Pros:
3x points for travel expenses
No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
Annual fee after first year
No introductory APR
Best Credit Cards for No Credit History
If you're a college student or just starting out on your own and don't have much of a credit history -- or one that's less than great -- you might think you can't get a card that will give you rewards. Think again and check out these two options that can help you establish credit.
Best Card for No Credit History: Discover it Secured
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 23.49% APR
If you don't have much or any credit history and don't qualify for credit cards that require excellent credit, the Discover it card will enable you to start building credit. As a bonus, you'll earn cash back while you're doing it. You'll pay for the privilege, though, with no intro APR and a high interest rate.
Rewards and bonuses:
Matches new customers' rewards earned during the first year
1 percent cash back on everything you buy, and 2 percent for restaurant or gas station purchases, up to $1,000 per quarter
Pros:
Free FICO credit score
Helps you build your credit history
Cons:
High APR
Must secure your card with a deposit equal to your credit line
Read: 10 Best Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Best Card for College Students: Discover it for Students
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: 0% APR for six months
Ongoing rate: 13.49% APR to 22.49% APR
If you're a good student, you'll benefit by getting $20 in cash for maintaining a 3.0 GPA with the Discover it for Students card. You'll also earn 5 percent cash back on rotating categories and 1 percent all the time.
Rewards and bonuses:
Annual $20 bonus for college students with a 3.0 GPA
5 percent cash back on rotating categories
Pros:
High cash back rewards for certain categories
Free FICO score with statement each month
Cons:
Short introductory APR period
Highest rewards available only on a rotating basis
See: 10 Best Credit Cards for Students
Best Credit Cards for Hotel Stays
No matter where you travel, it's hard to beat getting free hotel stays from racking up points on your credit card. Consider one of these cards that are ideal for earning free nights.
Best Card for Free Hotel Stays: Citi Prestige
Annual fee: $450
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 15.74% APR
The Citi Prestige card's annual fee of $450 might sound huge, but this card offers some hefty rewards. For instance, each year you get a free $250 air travel credit. You can also extend your trip by getting a fourth night free at any hotel if you book a consecutive four-night stay through the Citi Prestige Concierge.
Rewards and bonuses:
40,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months
3x points on air travel and hotels
2x points on dining and entertainment
1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Pros:
No foreign transaction fees
Huge miles bonus
Cons:
High annual fee
No intro APR offer
Don't Miss: Top 9 Hotel Rewards Programs That Can Save You the Most Money
Best Card for Hotel Stays: Citi Hilton Honors Visa Signature
Annual fee: $0
Introductory rate: N/A
Ongoing rate: 15.74% APR to 19.74% APR
The Citi Hilton Honors Visa Signature card gives you six points for each dollar you spend, but those points are for Hilton hotel stays only. You'll also get triple points for each dollar you spend at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations, plus two points for everything else.
Rewards and bonuses:
40,000 Hilton HHonors Bonus Points for spending $1,000 in the first four months
6 Hilton HHonors points for each dollar you spend on Hilton hotel stays
Pros:
No annual fee
No cap on points
Cons:
No introductory APR
Must frequent Hilton properties for maximum points earning
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Best Credit Card Offers, Deals and Bonuses