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You don't have to be a world traveler or big spender to reap credit card rewards. Some of the best rewards credit cards are those you keep in your wallet for everyday use, because they reward you for spending you're going to do anyway.
Having a great everyday rewards card is how I've gotten valuable cash back, gift cards, and free travel over the years. Each of the cards included in this roundup offers lucrative rewards that don't require much effort on your part because the rewards programs are so straightforward.
Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express are two of our top choices, but all of the cards on our list give you great benefits. Let's dive into the specifics of these great everyday use
How we evaluate products
All of the credit cards we’ve selected for daily use provide valuable earnings, though some reward specific everyday use categories more than other purchases.
For this roundup, we focused primarily on credit cards that pay an elevated reward rate on everyday spending, such as groceries and gas.
Travel is a high-earning rewards category for some of these cards, but that was not a criterion in our research. Rather, these cards made the cut because of their flexible rewards programs and the opportunity to earn rewards on daily spending.
Most of the cards here don’t charge an annual fee, but those that do offer benefits such as welcome bonuses and/or travel protection, which you can compare to the cost of the fee.
The 6 best credit cards for daily use
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®(Rates and fees)
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Compare the best cards for daily use
| Credit card | Excellent for | Recommended credit score | Annual fee |
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
4.7
|
High rewards for travel and dining | Excellent, Good | $0 |
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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
4.9
|
Elevated rewards at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets | Excellent, Good | $0 |
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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
5.0
|
Big spenders at U.S. supermarkets | Excellent, Good | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter |
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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.4
|
Customizable rewards | Excellent, Good | $0 |
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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.7
|
Earning flexible miles | Excellent, Good | $95 |
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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card 4.9
|
Entertainment and food rewards | Excellent, Good | $0 |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- Redemption options: Cash back, statement credit, gift cards, travel
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is great for someone looking for easy cash back on common everyday categories without rotating categories to keep track of. This is one of my go-to rewards cards because it always gives me significant rewards, not just on travel.
With up to 5% cash back and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases outside of bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers solid earning potential. That's why we consider it one of the best cash back credit cards.
You can also benefit from additional perks, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection for eligible items you buy using the Chase Freedom Unlimited. The best part is that it has a $0 annual fee.
If all of this sounds good but you don't mind paying an annual fee to do better on travel, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card instead. This card offers similar benefits and perks as the Freedom Unlimited, but your point value goes up by 25% when redeemed on Chase Travel. This card has a $95 annual fee.
- No annual fee
- High base rewards rate
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- You can earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- No elevated earnings on groceries
Apply now or find out more in our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
- Redemption options: Statement credits, Amazon purchases
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a respectable no-annual-fee card for someone who wants to earn cash back and redeem it for money.
Even though the top earning rate of 3% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on purchases in each category, then 1%) isn't unlimited, this card offers a lot of ongoing value. In fact, we estimate it provides up to $1,019 in value in the first year and $819 in the second, according to our FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model. Since some rewards cards only reward you on a single spending area, it's helpful that three everyday spending categories — gas, groceries, and online retail purchases in the U.S. — qualify for the higher rate.
Another good option to consider
If you want to earn even more cash back on groceries, you could opt for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which offers 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services (There is an annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter)
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Disney Bundle credit
- You can earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases (then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable)) and 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers (then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable))
- 3% cash back earnings capped
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% (after U.S. dollar conversion)
Learn how to apply or find out more in our Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express review.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter
- Rewards: Earn Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases
- Redemption options: Statement credits, Amazon purchases
If your spending is a bit more diversified across various categories, you may want to consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express.
The caveat to this card is that it comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter. But while no-annual-fee credit cards can be easier to justify getting, the math on this card's fee is easy. If you spend $500 a month or $6,000 a year at U.S. supermarkets, you'll earn $360 in cash back from this card. My family would easily meet this and more than make up for the annual fee.
- Very high rate on U.S. supermarkets and select U.S. streaming services
- 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and eligible transit
- You can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months
- Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% (after U.S. dollar conversion)
Learn how to apply or find out more in our Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and 1% on all other purchases
- Redemption options: Statement credits, direct deposit into a Bank of America savings account, or credit to an eligible account with Merrill
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a great daily driver because of its flexible categories and earning potential, which you can enjoy with a $0 annual fee.
You can automatically earn 2% cash back on eligible grocery purchases, but you can customize another everyday purchase category to earn 3% and even change it monthly. Most eligible categories could easily be considered daily use. They include online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores and pharmacies, gas and EV charging, and home improvement/furnishings. It's rare that a card earns elevated rewards on online shopping.
Since you can change your 3% category up to once a month, you'll be able to plan out your purchases ahead of time to maximize your cashback potential. But between your 3% cash back category and 2% cash back category, you're capped at $2,500 in purchases each quarter before you go back to earning 1% cash back. So it can take a little strategizing.
- Elevated rewards on grocery spending
- Elevated rewards on one monthly bonus category of your choice
- You can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable) and 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable)
- Can increase rewards potential as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member
- Elevated rewards are capped at $2,500 per quarter combined
- Must activate your bonus category if you don't want the default of gas and EV charging
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Apply now or find out more in our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card review.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Annual fee: $95
- Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day, 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5 miles per dollar on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25
- Redemption options: Travel, gift cards, Amazon and PayPal purchases, statement credit; check, transfer to travel partners
If you want to earn valuable miles on all your purchases, the Capital One Venture Rewards is a great everyday card for travel rewards.
While you might not use just any travel card daily, the fact that you earn an unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, every day makes it more straightforward to use than many alternatives. Flat-rate rewards like this are ideal for people who only travel a couple of times a year, while a travel rewards card with higher rates but more bonus categories to keep track of might be more appealing to frequent travelers.
When it's time to use your rewards, you have a lot of flexibility. You can redeem miles for free flights and book hotel stays, rental cars, rideshare services, and more. This card is also one of only two we've included on this list without foreign transaction fees.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck reimbursement up to $120 every four years
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- You can enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- $95 annual fee
- Rewards rate isn't as high as some more premium cards
- Not as beneficial if you don't travel
Find out more in our Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card review.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Annual fee: $0
- Rewards: Earn 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Redemption options: Statement credit, check, travel, transfer to travel partners, PayPal or Amazon purchases
If you like the Capital One Venture Rewards card but don't want to pay an annual fee, consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card. This card rewards you in cash back that you can redeem for travel and a host of other purchases, as well as cash or statement credits.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards card offers a nice 3% cash back on grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services. Many households spend more on groceries than any other category, so this is likely to be a card you reach for at least weekly.
- Solid rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- Cash back unlimited in every category
- You can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fees: None
- Grocery purchases at Walmart and Target don't earn the elevated rate
- Certain streaming services are ineligible for the elevated rate (Prime Video, AT&T TV, and Verizon FIOS On Demand)
Learn more in our Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card review.
Cards that didn't make our list
These are a couple of other top everyday-use credit cards that didn't quite make the cut, but they might still work well depending on your spending habits.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
We've kept this on our list of "alternates" because you have to be a Costco member to qualify. However, if you're paying for a Costco membership to save on everyday purchases anyway, having the Costco Anywhere Visa offers you elevated rewards, particularly on gas purchases.
This card is a terrific option since there's no annual fee and rewards are valuable, but only if you shop at Costco and already pay for membership.
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and earn 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter; 3% on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; and 1% on all other purchases.
Learn more in our Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi review.
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash Card is an excellent all-around rewards card due to its simple rewards system. You can earn up to 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay for your purchases). This isn't as high as some of the cards included above, but if you prefer to avoid rotating categories, this might be a good alternative. We also recommend this one if you need motivation to pay your credit card bills on time.
Rewards: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
Learn more in our Citi Double Cash® Card review.
How to choose the best credit cards for daily use
The best credit card for daily use is one that will earn you high rewards on your day-to-day purchases. Whether it be filling up your car, grabbing a quick cup of coffee, or buying materials for a home project, everyone needs a card they can turn to that will reward them regardless of the purchase.
Here are some essential factors to consider:
- Type of rewards: Consider whether you want to earn cashback or miles and how it affects your redemption options. Do you want cashback rewards to put money back into your monthly budget? Or is redeeming travel rewards to help fund your next vacation more appealing?
- Ease of rewards redemption: With any rewards card, it's crucial that you can not only maximize earning but redeem your points or cash easily. Some reward programs are more complicated than others. For example, the Bank of America Custom Cash Rewards card is pretty limited in redemptions (statement credits or deposits into your account). But Capital One Venture Rewards has quite a few additional redemption options from Amazon and PayPal purchases to travel bookings to gift cards. They're all valuable, but if you don't feel like learning the ins and outs, stick to a card with a simpler redemption program.
- Annual fee: Some credit cards charge annual fees, which isn't on its own a negative aspect. But you should make sure that you get enough benefits from the card when you pay for an annual fee. You can do some simple math. Look through the perks of the cards you're considering and determine their value.
- Welcome offers: Many rewards cards boost your earnings soon after account opening through welcome offers that you can earn through certain qualifying activities, (usually reaching a minimum spend amount). Your goal is to choose a card for everyday use that has an attainable welcome bonus (if you have to spend more than your budget allows, you won't receive any bonus cash or points).
- Your other credit cards: You may hold multiple credit cards, which can be a smart way to stack your rewards. You may have one card intended for travel purchases with your favorite rewards program, but you want to add a solid card for everyday spending. Look for any gaps in your current credit card benefits to find your next card.
FAQs
Which is better, cards with a flat cashback rate or bonus categories?
Either one can be beneficial. If you'll pay attention to rotating categories and you're likely to spend regularly in the highlighted categories, a bonus cashback card can be a good way to go. On the other hand, if you're not interested in keeping track and just want to earn cash back without fuss, a flat-rate card might work better for you.
Is it good to use a credit card for everyday purchases?
In my opinion, yes, though you still want to be mindful of spending and not overshoot your budget. Rewards cards are fabulous for everyday purchases that you have to make anyway. Just make sure you pay off your balance in full at the end of each month to avoid paying interest charges that can offset any rewards you earn from your spending.
What credit score do you need for a top cash back or travel card?
Card issuers will consider your creditworthiness when you apply for a new card. To get approved for one of the best cash back or travel rewards credit cards, you will likely need a credit score of at least 700 to qualify for the best credit card offers. If your credit score isn't up to snuff, you might look into one of these credit cards for no credit (or low credit scores).
Bottom line
Credit cards for everyday use offer rewards on purchases everyone needs to make on a regular basis. The rewards cards included here offer cash or points back on grocery, gas, dining, and other common purchases.
Be sure to consider your preferred type of rewards and redemptions and which of your daily spending categories you're already well covered for. You can choose a flat-rate rewards card or one with an elevated rate for specific expenses. All of the ones we've chosen for this list offer ongoing value, competitive earn rates, and flexible redemptions.
Unlimited Cash Back
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Current Offer
Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
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Author Details
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