Best Credit Cards For Each Category in 2023

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Below is my attempt to put together a master list of the best credit cards to use for each spending category. Aside from earning bonus points, miles, or cash back, some credit cards also offer travel benefits and insurance protection when you use the card to pay.

This master list post is a work in progress. I’ll update it more frequently to include more categories.

Best Credit Cards To Use For Each Category

Photo Credit: Chase

Table of Contents [show/hide]

Car Rentals With Insurance

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Capital One Venture X Credit Card	Up to 10X	10X on car rentals purchased through Capital One Travel Unlimited 2X on all other purchases, including car rentals No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card	Up to 10X	10X on car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 3X on car rentals No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance globally

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on car rentals purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 2X on car rentals No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance globally

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on car rentals purchased through Capital One Travel Unlimited 2X on all other purchases, including car rentals No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card	3X	The first $150k spent in combined purchases each anniversary year No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance for businesses globally

Chase United Quest Credit Card	2X	No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance globally

Capital One Spark Miles Business Credit Card	2X	No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Business Card	2X	No foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Card	2X	No foreign transaction fees Secondary rental car insurance

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card	1.5X	3% foreign transaction fees Primary rental car insurance for businesses globally

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card	1X	3% foreign transaction fees No annual fee Primary rental car insurance for businesses globally

Cell Phone Bill With Insurance Protection

The most important about this category is that you must use the card to pay for your cell phone bill each month to qualify for claims against cell phone insurance protection.

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card	5X	Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $25 deductible Call 1-800-316-8051 or file the claim online More information

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card	3X	The first $150k spent in combined purchases each anniversary year Phone services are one of the eligible categories to earn 3X Up to $1,000 per claim for theft or damage Maximum 3 claims in a 12-month period $100 deductible Covers employees only if listed on the bill Call the number on the back of the card or submit a claim online. The claim must be made within 60 days of the incident Secondary insurance

Choice Privileges Mastercard Credit Card	3X	Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $25 deductible Call 1-800-316-8051 or file the claim online More information

Capital One Venture X Credit Card	2X	Reimbursed up to $800 for stolen or damaged Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $50 deductible Call 1-844-288-2140 to file the claim within 90 days of the incident

American Express Platinum Card	1X	Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $50 deductible Call 1-833-784-1467 to file a claim within 90 days of the incident More information

American Express Business Platinum Card	1X	$10 monthly wireless telephone service credit Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $50 deductible Call 1-833-784-1467 to file a claim within 90 days of the incident More information

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card	1X	Offered by Mastercard Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $50 deductible Learn more about the benefits and file a claim online

American Express Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card	1X	Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $50 deductible Call 1-833-784-1467 to file a claim within 90 days of the incident More information

American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card	1X	Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $50 deductible Call 1-833-784-1467 to file a claim within 90 days of the incident More information

BILT Rewards Credit Card	1X	Reimbursed up to $800 per claim for damage or theft Maximum 2 claims per 12-month period $25 deductible Call 1-800-316-8051 or file the claim online More information

Dining and Restaurants

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card	7X	No limits U.S. restaurants only

American Express Hilton Honors Business Card	6X	No limits U.S. restaurants only

Citi Custom Cash Credit Card	5%	Top spent dining category, up to $500 each billing cycle Worldwide 3% foreign transaction fees

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card	4X	Restaurants worldwide No foreign transaction fees

American Express Gold Card	4X	No limits Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

American Express Business Gold Card	4X	In the 2 select categories where you spend the most Up to $150,000 in combined purchases each year U.S. restaurants only, including takeout and delivery

Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card	4%	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card	3%	5% rotating quarterly categories, if offered for restaurants No caps Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery 3% foreign transaction fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	3%	No caps Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery 3% foreign transaction fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card	3X	No caps Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery No foreign transaction fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card	3X	No caps Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery No foreign transaction fees

Citi Premier Credit Card	3X	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

American Express Green Card	3X	No caps Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery No foreign transaction fees

Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card	3%	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

BILT Rewards Credit Card	3X	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees Have at least 5 posted transactions per billing cycle to qualify

Chase Aeroplan Credit Card	3X	Restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery No foreign transaction fees

Entertainment

Not many credit cards offer bonus points in the Entertainment category.
Entertainments include movie theatres, concert tickets, sports/game tickets, activity bookings such as Viator, GetYourGuide, tour companies, theme park tickets, etc.

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card	Up to 5%	5% rotating quarterly categories, if offered for movie theatres, theme parks, live entertainment This quarter is select live entertainment through September 30, 2023

Capital One Venture X Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Citi Double Cash Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay No annual fee

American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Gas

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Barclays Wyndham Rewards Business Credit Card	8X	No limits Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

Barclays Wyndham Rewards Plus Credit Card	6X	No limits Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

American Express Hilton Honors Surpass Card	6X	No limits U.S. gas stations only

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card	5%	5% rotating quarterly categories, if offered for gas purchases This quarter is gas stations and EV charging through September 30, 2023 Only 1% otherwise

Citi Custom Cash Credit Card	5%	Top spent category, up to $500 each billing cycle Worldwide 3% foreign transaction fees

American Express Business Gold Card	4X	In the 2 select categories where you spend the most Up to $150,000 in combined purchases each year U.S. gas stations only

American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card	4X	No caps U.S. gas stations only

Citi Costco Anywhere Credit Card	4%	Cashback on the first $7,000 per year Globally, including Costco gas station No foreign transaction fees

Citi Costco Anywhere Business Credit Card	4%	Cashback on the first $7,000 per year Globally, including Costco gas station No foreign transaction fees

Citi Premier Credit Card	3X	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card	3%	Choose the 3% of your choice of categories, including gas $2,500 capped at each quarter in the combined choice category

American Express Blue Cash Everyday Credit Card	3%	Cashback on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% U.S. gas stations only

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card	3%	No caps U.S. gas stations only

Groceries

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card	6%	Cashback on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% U.S. supermarkets only List of Amex supermarkets/grocery stores

Citi Custom Cash Credit Card	5%	Top spent category, up to $500 each billing cycle Worldwide 3% foreign transaction fees

Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card	5X	Includes grocery stores, supermarkets, delis and bakeries Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

American Express Gold Card	4X	The first $25,000 spent per year U.S. supermarkets only List of Amex supermarkets/grocery stores

American Express EveryDay Preferred Credit Card	Up to 3.5X	3x points on the first $6,000 per year 50% bonus points for 30 transactions per billing cycle U.S. Supermarkets only List of Amex supermarkets/grocery stores

Citi Premier Credit Card	3X	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card	3%	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

Choice Privileges Mastercard Credit Card	3X	Includes grocery stores, supermarkets, delis and bakeries Worldwide No foreign transaction fees

American Express Blue Cash Everyday Credit Card	3%	Cashback on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% U.S. supermarkets only List of Amex supermarkets/grocery stores

Gym Membership

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card	2X	On fitness clubs or gym memberships

Capital One Venture X Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Citi Double Cash Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay No annual fee

American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Rideshares: Uber & Lyft

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card	10%	10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases Free monthly Uber One membership fee through November 14, 2024 More Information

Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card	10%	10% cash back on Uber and Uber Eats purchases Free monthly Uber One membership fee through November 14, 2024 More Information

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card	Up to 10X	10X on Lyft through March 31, 2025 3X on Uber Complimentary 2-year Lyft Pink All Access membership

BILT Rewards Credit Card	Up to 5X	Must link Bilt and Lyft accounts Bilt members earn 2x on Lyft Bilt card members earn 5x on Lyft

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on Lyft through March 31, 2025 2X on Uber

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on Lyft through March 31, 2025 3X on Uber

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card	Up to 5%	5% on Lyft through March 31, 2025 1% on Uber 5% rotating quarterly categories, if offered for transit and rideshares

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	Up to 5%	5% on Lyft through March 31, 2025 1.5% on Uber

American Express Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card	3%	Transits include Uber and Lyft

American Express Platinum Card	1X	Up to $200 Amex Uber Credits annually

American Express Gold Card	1X	Up to $120 Amex Uber Credits annually

Streaming Services

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card	6%	Cashback on select streaming service providers

Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card	4%	Cashback

Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card	3%	Cashback

BILT Rewards Credit Card	3X	No caps Worldwide No foreign transaction fees Have at least 5 posted transactions per billing cycle to qualify

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card	3X	On select streaming services

American Express Platinum Card	1X	Up to $20 in monthly statement credits for select streaming services: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM Also includes Walmart+, offers free Paramount+

Travel: Airline Tickets

If you have a co-branded airline credit card, you may want to use it to book an airline ticket for the benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, etc. and bonus points earning.
Otherwise, below are the best credit cards for airline tickets purchases:

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Credit Card	7X	Book directly with airlines or through Amex Travel No foreign transaction fees Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance

American Express Platinum Card	5X	Book directly with airlines or through Amex Travel Up to $500,000 per calendar year No foreign transaction fees Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 3X on flights purchased directly with airlines No foreign transaction fees Includes comprehensive travel protection benefits

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 2X on flights purchased directly with airlines No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Capital One Venture X Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on flights purchased through Capital One Travel Unlimited 2X on all other purchases, including airline tickets No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card	5X	5X on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 5% rotating quarterly categories, if offered for travel/airfare 3% foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	5X	5X on flights purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 1.5X on flights purchased directly with airlines 3% foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

American Express Business Gold Card	4X	In the 2 select categories where you spend the most Up to $150,000 in combined purchases each year No foreign transaction fees Includes trip delay insurance

American Express Green Card	3X	Limited-time offer: $200 statement credits on travel welcome offer Book directly with airlines or through Amex Travel No foreign transaction fees Includes trip delay insurance

American Express Gold Card	3X	Book directly with airlines or through Amex Travel Includes trip delay insurance

Citi Premier Credit Card	3X	No foreign transaction fees NO travel protection benefits

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card	3X	The first $150k spent in combined purchases each anniversary year No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Citi Costco Anywhere Credit Card	3%	Unlimited 3% cash back on travel, including airline tickets Including Costco travel No foreign transaction fees NO travel protection benefits

Citi Costco Anywhere Business Credit Card	3%	Unlimited 3% cash back on travel, including airline tickets Including Costco travel No foreign transaction fees NO travel protection benefits

Travel: Hotel Booking

If you have a co-branded hotel credit card, you may want to use it for extra bonus points earning and other benefits.
Otherwise, below are the best credit cards to use for booking a hotel stay:

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card	Up to 10X	10X on hotels purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 3X on all other travel, such as hotels No foreign transaction fees Includes comprehensive travel protection benefits

Capital One Venture X Credit Card	Up to 10X	10X on hotels purchased through Capital One Travel Unlimited 2X on all other purchases, including hotels No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Citi Premier Credit Card	Up to 10X	10X on hotels purchased through Citi ThankYou Travel through June 30, 2024 Worldwide 3X on hotels purchased directly with hotels No foreign transaction fees NO travel protection benefits

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on hotels purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel 2X on all other travel, such as hotels No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	Up to 5X	5X on hotels purchased through Capital One Travel No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

American Express Platinum Card	Up to 5X	5X on hotels booked through Amex Travel only 1X on hotels purchased directly with hotels No caps No foreign transaction fees Includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance

American Express Green Card	3X	Limited-time offer: $200 statement credits on travel welcome offer Book directly with hotels or through Amex Travel No foreign transaction fees Includes trip delay insurance

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card	3X	The first $150k spent in combined purchases each anniversary year No foreign transaction fees Includes travel protection benefits

Citi Costco Anywhere Credit Card	3%	Unlimited 3% cash back on travel, including hotel bookings Including Costco travel No foreign transaction fees NO travel protection benefits

Citi Costco Anywhere Business Credit Card	3%	Unlimited 3% cash back on travel, including hotel bookings Including Costco travel No foreign transaction fees NO travel protection benefits

Utility Bills

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Barclays Wyndham Rewards Business Credit Card	5X	Unlimited 5X on utility purchases

Capital One Venture X Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Citi Double Cash Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay No annual fee

American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Non-Category Spend

Credit Cards	Earning	Notes
Capital One Venture X Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories

Citi Double Cash Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay No annual fee

American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card	2X	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card	1.5%	Unlimited on all purchases with no categories No annual fee

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Car Rentals With Insurance

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Cell Phone Bill With Insurance Protection

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Dining and Restaurants

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Entertainment

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Gas

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Groceries

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Gym Membership

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Rideshares: Uber & Lyft

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Streaming Services

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Travel: Airline Tickets

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Travel: Hotel Booking

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Utility Bills

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

Non-Category Spend

Credit Cards

Earning

Notes

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