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Instead of juggling multiple cards, having one go-to credit card simplifies your finances and helps you maximize your rewards.
Many rewards cards focus exclusively on travel perks. But some cards cater to everyday spending, offering cash back, points, or miles on staples like gas or groceries. You can accumulate rewards faster by using the same card for your daily expenses.
Looking for the best credit card for everyday spending? Here are these five cards to consider.
Best credit cards for everyday spending
Why juggle multiple credit cards when one can earn you rewards on daily purchases? The right card helps maximize cash back, points, or miles on recurring expenses without the hassle.
We compared the top options that offer flexible rewards on gas, groceries, dining, and more. Here are five of our favorites for everyday spending.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Citi® Double Cash Card
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the most popular travel rewards cards, making it easy to earn rewards on everyday purchases.
| Annual fee | $95 |
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Points can be redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal or transferred to partner programs, offering flexibility in how you use your rewards.
The card often offers a generous sign-up bonus, which can be redeemed for travel rewards or transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. You can also get added travel perks like such as travel insurance primary car rental insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. Terms apply.
While the card offers bonus points for travel and dining, other everyday spending categories may not earn as many rewards compared to other cards.
2. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers generous cash back where people spend the most: groceries, gas, and streaming services. The card’s bonus categories are among the highest for a credit card.
| Annual fee | $0 introductory fee the first year and $95 annual fee after. See rates and fees. |
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Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.
Cardholders can access Amex Offers, which offers exclusive discounts and deals at select stores. You can also enroll in Amex’s Pay It Plan It feature, which splits large purchases into monthly payments for a fixed fee.
You can also typically earn an introductory offer by meeting spending requirements within a specific timeframe, instantly boosting your cashback earnings. The card often comes with a low-interest introductory APR offer for purchases and balance transfers.
Unlike other cash back credit cards, Blue Cash has added perks, including extended warranty and purchase protection*.
3. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards
This card is ideal for those who want to earn travel rewards on everyday purchases. Like Chase Freedom Unlimited, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card earns a flat cash back on all purchases.
| Annual fee | $0 |
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There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid, affordable option to use both at home and abroad.
Like other cash back cards, the Quicksilver often comes with a sign-up bonus and an introductory 0% APR period, helping you save on interest charges.
4. Citi Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the best cash back cards for everyday spending.
| Annual fee | $0 |
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That’s higher than most cash back credit cards out there. Plus, there’s no cap on how much cash back you can earn.
There’s also no annual fee, and you can redeem cash back as a statement credit or gift card or convert it into points via Citi’s ThankYou Rewards program. Like other cash back cards, the Double Cash provides an introductory 0% APR period on balance transfers for a certain amount of time.
5. U.S. Bank Cash + Visa Signature Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is one of the most personalized cash back cards, making it a solid option to pay your everyday bills.
| Annual fee | $0 |
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This card’s tiered cash back perk offers flexibility and the opportunity to maximize your rewards in areas that align with your spending habits. Categories that earn 5% include:
- Utility bills
- Department stores
- Cell phone bills
- Internet, TV, and streaming services
- Electronic stores
- Gym memberships
The card also doesn’t charge an annual fee and typically provides an introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers.
What to consider when looking for a new card
The best everyday card for you is the one that earns you the most rewards. To choose the right everyday credit card, look for one offering the most benefits for your spending habits. Consider the following:
- How you plan to use the card: Take a look at your budget. Where are you spending the most? Some cards offer higher rewards in specific categories, while others provide flat-rate rewards on all purchases.
- Annual fee: If the card has an annual fee, ensure the potential benefits and rewards outweigh the costs. Plenty of no annual fee cards are available if you want a more affordable option.
- Interest rates and other fees: While paying your credit card balance in full each month is a good idea, reviewing a card’s interest rates is still important. Additionally, be aware of other fees, such as foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, or balance transfer fees.
- Credit score requirement: Be mindful of the credit requirements for the credit card you’re considering. Applying for a card that aligns with your credit score will increase your chances of approval.
- Introductory bonus: Sign-up bonuses are a great way to earn immediate cash back, points, and other rewards. Many cards offer them, including cards with no annual fee.
- Additional perks: Some cards include benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, or access to exclusive events. These perks can add value beyond just rewards.
Tips to maximize everyday rewards
Whichever card you choose, a little planning goes a long way toward earning rewards on daily expenses:
- Make one card your go-to for recurring purchases
- Track bonus category spending caps
- Use contactless payments for quick checkout
- Redeem rewards for statement credits to offset spending
- Compare bonus offers if you have multiple eligible cards
Staying mindful of category limits and redemption options helps maximize savings.
The bottom line
Credit cards offer a valuable opportunity to earn rewards while making daily purchases. But it’s crucial to use credit cards responsibly. If you end up overspending and accumulating credit card debt, the rewards you earn will have little impact.
*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
Opinions expressed are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.