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The 11 Best Credit Cards for Home Improvement Purchases [2024]

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Christine Krzyszton

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Many home improvement projects can cost a bundle, so it would be a shame not to earn rewards on those expenses. Unfortunately, earning rewards on those purchases is not usually a straightforward process as few credit cards offer bonus rewards for purchasing directly at home improvement stores.

However, when we focus on the rewards-earning process, just a bit of creativity can pay off big. That’s the objective we’ll tackle in today’s article.

Timing, which card you use, and how you complete the transaction are all factors in receiving the most rewards for your home improvement purchase. This might sound complicated, but those variables don’t scare us. As you’d expect, we’re happy to break it down and make it simple to earn more.

Best Cards for Home Improvement Purchases — Overview

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Card

Welcome Offer and Annual Fee

Earning Rates

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
  • 75,000 miles

    Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

    Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
2x-10x miles

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • 75,000 miles

    Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
  • Annual fee of $95 (rates & fees)
2x-5x miles

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • INTRO OFFERUp to $300 cash-back

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Annual fee of $0
1.5%-5% cash-back

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

  • 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3% cash-back on drugstore purchases.
  • 3% cash-back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
  • 1.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • 80,000 points

    The Platinum Card® from American Express

    Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
1x-5x points

The Platinum Card® from American Express

  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Point on other purchases
Citi Double Cash® Card
  • $200 cash-back

    Citi Double Cash® Card

    Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
  • Annual fee of $0
2% cash-back

Citi Double Cash® Card

  • Earn 2% cash-back on purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay with no categories, caps, or annual fee.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
  • $200

    Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • Annual fee of $0 (rates & fees)
1%-3% cash-back

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Terms Apply.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • ELEVATED OFFER150,000 points

    The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

    Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
1x-5x points

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and
  • Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at:
    • U.S. construction material
    • Hardware suppliers
    • Electronic goods retailers
    • Software & cloud system providers
    • Shipping providers
  • Earn 1.5X points on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
  • $750

    Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

    Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Annual fee of $0
1.5% cash-back

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
  • 15,000 points

    The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

    Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Annual fee of $0 (rates & fees)
1x-2x points

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point on other purchases.
  • Terms Apply.
Capital One Spark Miles for BusinessInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.
  • 50,000 miles

    Capital One Spark Miles for Business

    Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
2x-5x miles

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

  • Unlimited 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
Capital One Spark Cash Plus CardInformation collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.
  • Up to $4,000+

    Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card

    $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.
  • Annual fee of $150
2%-5% cash-back

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card

  • Earn unlimited 5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash-back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions

What To Look for in a Credit Card for Home Improvement Purchases

When you’re looking for a credit card to use for home improvement purchases, you’ll want to be as strategic as possible.

That’s because home improvement purchases can easily run into the thousands of dollars; you wouldn’t want to miss out on those rewards!

You also have to consider your goals with a credit card — are you looking for maximum rewards, a credit card with a 0% introductory APR period to defer interest payments, or a combination of both?

Whatever the case, the best cards for home improvement offer the highest ROI, confer the best benefits, and can even offer attractive financing terms to spread out your payments.

In this next section, we’ll be walking you through our favorite personal credit cards for home improvement purchases!

Best Personal Cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)
The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$395
19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-840)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
Cons
  • $395 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

The Capital One Venture X card is our top pick for those looking to use a personal credit card for home improvement purchases.

We love the Capital One Venture X card because of its amazing rewards. Specifically, you’ll earn an unlimited 2x miles on all non-bonus purchases including home improvement purchases.

This credit card comes with attractive purchase protection and extended warranty benefits, as well as cell phone protection insurance, and 4 no-fee authorized users (rates & fees).

You’ll even earn 10x Capital One miles on all hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, plus 5x miles on all flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

Its other benefits are incredible, too:

Lastly, this credit card is rounded out with awesome travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees.

Why We Like Earning Capital One Miles

We have a great appreciation for Capital One Miles, which is one of the newer transferable points programs out there.

Because we value Capital One miles at around 1.8 cents each, the Capital One Venture X card offers a 3.6% return on spending for your home improvement purchases, which is fantastic.

You can redeem your miles for a fixed value through statement credits, gift cards, and travel booked through Capital One Travel. But those in the know will transfer their Capital One miles to travel partners and book luxury first and business class flights to get maximum value.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.99% - 29.49% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture card is the slightly-less premium version of the Capital One Venture X card.

This mid-tier, premium credit card still has most of what you’re looking for if you’re spending a lot at home improvement stores.

You’ll still get all of the fantastic 2x miles on all non-bonus purchases, including home improvement purchases, as you would with the Capital One Venture X card.

You’ll even get 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars through Capital One Travel and the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.

The key difference, though, between the Capital One Venture X card and the Capital One Venture card (besides the annual fee) is that the Capital One Venture card doesn’t have all of the travel benefits that the Capital One Venture X card does.

You’ll still enjoy travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty. This card has no foreign transaction fees or added fees for authorized users (rates & fees).

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

INTRO OFFER
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Up to $300 cash-back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 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.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Freedom Unlimited card is one of the most attractive cards without an annual fee. This fantastic choice earns very robust rewards that can actually be transferred to travel partners with the right credit card pairing.

But before we get into that, let’s get into the earning structure:

  • 5% cash-back on all travel booked through Chase Travel
  • 3% cash-back on dining and at drugstores
  • 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases

As you can tell, the Freedom Unlimited card boasts a 1.5% cash-back structure with no limits and caps.

This 1.5% cash-back can then be converted to Ultimate Rewards points if you have an eligible card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®. In a single move, you’ll double your return on spending to 3% since your 1.5% cash-back is converted to 1.5x points!

Another selling point of this card is its 0% introductory APR (as detailed in the table above) which can help you defer interest accrual as you spread out your payments.

The Freedom Unlimited card comes with benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, zero liability fraud protection, fraud alerts, and no additional fees for authorized users.

Why We Like Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of the absolute best points programs; you can use your points for Amazon purchases, gift cards, cash-back, travel booked via the Chase Travel portal, and much more.

But the best way to use points, in our opinion, is to transfer them to the Chase airline and hotel partners for luxury award travel!

As a reminder, earning 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points would be equivalent to a return on spending of 3%, by our valuations.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
  • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Platinum card is the king of luxury travel cards. Simply put, this iconic product is not only a status symbol but has an array of worthwhile travel benefits.

It falls closer to the bottom of the list because of its reduced earning structure on home improvement purchases.

On your home improvement spending, you’ll earn 1x Membership Rewards points, which is worth a return on spending of 2.2% by our valuations.

But you should consider getting this card for all the other benefits and perks. This card offers one of the biggest welcome bonuses out there — and you can earn 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or at AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year), as well as 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.

This card also comes with no preset spending limit*, making it easy to make big purchases as needed.

But the Amex Platinum card is so special because you’ll get:

Lastly, this card is rounded out with no foreign transaction fees (see rates & fees).

Why We Like Earning American Express Membership Rewards Points

We’re positively in love with American Express Membership Rewards. If you can get your hands on these points, you’ll be thrilled that these are some of the most valuable points, worth about 2.2 cents apiece.

To maximize your points, transfer them to airline and hotel partners for award travel. This is an easy way to get more than 2.2 cents per point of value!

Other ways to redeem Amex points include Pay With Points through AmexTravel.com, statement credits, cash-back, charity, gift cards, and merchandise.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
$200 cash-back
$0
0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
  • Flexible redemption options
  • No annual fee
Cons
  • No bonus categories
  • 3% foreign transaction fees
Card Highlights
  • Bonus Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% to 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Citi Double Cash® Card Travel Portal Special Offer
    Earn a total of 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal via cititravel.com or by calling 1-833-737-1288 (TTY: 711). Offer is valid through 12/31/2025.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 18.49% to 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

The last personal credit card we’ll discuss is the Double Cash card. Even though it’s an incredibly popular credit card, most people don’t think to use it on home improvement purchases.

It doesn’t come with a welcome offer, but it often has a 0% introductory APR offer, as detailed in the table above.

We love this card because it earns a total of 2% cash-back per dollar spent (1% when you purchase and 1% when you pay it off, earned as ThankYou Points). And even though the ways to use these points are limited without having a different ThankYou credit card, we are big fans of this product.

The Double Cash card also comes with a late fee pass, flexible pay dates, fraud protection, zero liability for unauthorized purchases, no-fee authorized users, and more.

Why We Like Earning Citi ThankYou Points

We mentioned above that the rewards earned on these cards are ThankYou Rewards Points.

This happens to be one of the best transferable points systems available — however, the Double Cash card as a standalone credit card only gets you access to Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards, and JetBlue as transfer partners.

If you also have a card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card or the Citi Prestige® Card, you can transfer points to the full list of transfer partners, which can help you book amazing flights like Emirates first class and SWISS business class.

By our valuations, Citi ThankYou Points are worth 1.6 cents each, which translates to a return on spending of 3.2% when you earn 2x points per dollar.

Bottom Line: Our favorite personal cards for home improvement purchases are the Capital One Venture X card, Capital One Venture card, Freedom Unlimited card, Amex Platinum card, and Double Cash card.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$200
$0
18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express apart from the rest?

This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
  • 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
  • 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
Cons
    • Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Card Highlights
  • Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.24%-29.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Our last choice is a cash back card and it’s a little different because it earns rewards on online purchases. The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card earns 3% cash-back at U.S. online retailers (including home improvement stores) on up to $6,000 in purchases each year.

While Amex’s terms indicate you won’t earn extra rewards on purchases ordered online but paid for in-store, you can earn the 3% cash-back on online purchases that you simply pick up in the store.

Other benefits of this card include:

  • 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases each year)
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 in purchases each year)

Best Business Cards

Do you frequently make purchases at home improvement stores for your business? If so, it’s wise to get a business credit card that rewards you the most for these purchases — let’s talk through our favorite options!

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

ELEVATED OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250k points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The Amex Business Platinum card is often thought of as a business owner’s best friend. Besides being a partner to help facilitate business activities, this card boasts unprecedented luxury travel and business benefits.

To start, this card boasts an eye-popping welcome bonus. This ought to jumpstart your rewards in the blink of an eye!

The Amex Business Platinum card earns 1.5x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in combined purchases every calendar year).

These key business categories include:

  • U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers
  • U.S. electronic goods retailers
  • U.S. software & cloud system providers
  • U.S. shipping providers

Also, with no preset spending limit*, the Amex Business Platinum card will make it easier to get large purchases approved as needed.

Remember, you’ll also earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.

Don’t forget about the American Express Global Lounge Collection access, Fine Hotels & Resorts access, and hotel elite status upon enrollment with Marriott Bonvoy (Gold Elite) and Hilton Honors (Gold).

You’ll even get up to $400 in statement credits for U.S. Dell purchases, up to $200 annual airline fee credit, up to $360 annual Indeed credit, up to $150 annual Adobe credit, up to $120 annual wireless phone services credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and so much more. Some benefits require enrollment.

The Amex Business Platinum card comes with terrific travel insurance and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).

Hot Tip: Check out our guide to the best credit cards for construction businesses!

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$750
$750
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 23.74% thereafter
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

Our runner-up card is one of Chase’s business credit cards, the Ink Business Unlimited card which is packed with excellent rewards in a small package.

This card starts with a huge welcome bonus to entice you to open the card, but what’ll make you keep the card is the unlimited 1.5% cash-back on all purchases without any caps.

The 1.5% cash-back rewards on this card are convertible to 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points if you have an Ultimate Rewards credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, Chase Sapphire Reserve card, or the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. By converting your cash-back to points, your return on spending jumps to 3%!

To round out the perks on the Ink Business Unlimited card, you’ll find no-fee employee cards, primary rental car coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty, and zero liability fraud protection.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
15,000 points
$330
No annual fee
17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-840)
Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
  • No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
Cons
  • No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
  • No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
  • You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 17.49% - 25.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

One of our favorite no-annual-fee cards from American Express is the Amex Blue Business Plus card. Offering straightforward rewards, this is one you should consider using if you have relatively small-scale business spending at home improvement stores.

You’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases, including home improvement stores. Your 2x points are capped at $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll earn 1x points after that.

Based on our valuations, earning 2x points is equal to a return on spending of 4.4%, which is fantastic.

You might also find a useful 0% introductory APR as detailed in the table above — but the usual benefits on this card include no-annual-fee employee cards (see rates & fees), access to Amex Offers, and Expanded Buying Power.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Capital One Spark Miles for Business
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)

The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every dollar you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
50,000 miles
$900
$0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
25.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.

 

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unlimited 2x miles per dollar spent on all purchases
  • 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • 2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year
Cons
    • Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
Card Highlights
  • Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
  • Unlimited 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
  • Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar from their purchases
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 25.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

 

A fan favorite amongst business owners, the Capital One Spark Miles card has excellent rewards you can take advantage of on your home improvement purchases.

To get your relationship rolling, you’ll earn an awesome welcome bonus, then enjoy 2x Capital One miles on all your business purchases without any caps. That’s equal to a return on spending of 3.6% by our valuations!

You’ll also earn 5x miles on hotel, vacation rental, and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel.

The Capital One Spark Miles card comes with up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, no foreign transaction fees, no-fee employee cards, extended warranty, and purchase protection.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners.

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners.
$2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.
Up to $4,000+
$150
N/A
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)
Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.


The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card is great for business owners looking to improve their bottom line by earning 2% cash-back on all purchases without a high annual fee. Further, with no preset spending limit, the ability to get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000, and no-additional-fee employee cards, there is something that every business owner will love (rates & fees).

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases
  • 5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
  • No preset spending limit
Cons
Card Highlights
  • Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
  • Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
  • Enjoy purchasing power that adapts to your business. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
  • $150 annual fee – Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
  • Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
  • For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: N/A
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The very last credit card we’ll be discussing in this guide is the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card.

And it has a simple value proposition — get an unlimited 2% cash-back on all your purchases. Plus, there’s a great welcome bonus!

The difference is that this card has no preset spending limit, unlike Capital One’s other cards.

You’ll also get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000.

This card offers no-fee employee cards, purchase protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees.

Hot Tip: The cash-back rewards earned on the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card can actually be converted at a 1% to 1x ratio to Capital One miles if you have a Capital One Miles credit card such as the Capital One Venture X card, Capital One Venture card, or Capital One Spark Miles card.

Final Thoughts

As you can tell from the list above, our favorite credit cards are those that earn transferable rewards. That’s because these are generally the most valuable and can be used for outsized value when booking award travel.

Credit cards with specific merchants like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Menards generally don’t offer attractive rewards or discounts compared to the cards in this guide.

Plus, our recommended credit cards earn points on so much more than just home improvement, so you’ll find it so much easier to rack up and use rewards with the cards in this guide when compared to credit cards from home improvement stores.

The best card for your home improvement purchase, however, will depend on your willingness to pay an annual fee, how well rewards earnings match up with your spending mix, and if you can use any other benefits offered by the card. Also, you’ll want to consider whether or not you’ll need a 0% introductory APR promotion to help spread out your credit card payments over time.

In the end, earning rewards on your home improvement purchases with a card you can utilize in the long run may be a good choice, especially considering how pricey home improvement purchases can be.

*No Preset Spending Limit on an American Express card means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Upon enrollment, accessible through the Capital One website or mobile app, eligible cardholders will remain at that status level through the duration of the offer. Please note, enrolling through the normal Hertz Gold Plus Rewards enrollment process (e.g. at Hertz.com) will not automatically detect a cardholder as being eligible for the program and cardholders will not be automatically upgraded to the applicable status tier. Additional terms apply.

The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Double Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the best card for home improvement purchases?

The best credit card for home improvement purchases is the card that rewards your major purchases, offers flexible redemption options for things you value, and has additional benefits you can use.

Our favorite personal cards for home improvement purchases are the Capital One Venture X card, Capital One Venture card, Freedom Unlimited card, Amex Platinum card, Double Cash card, and Amex Blue Cash Everyday card.

Our favorite business cards for home improvement purchases are the Amex Business Platinum card, Ink Business Unlimited card, Amex Blue Business Plus card, Capital One Spark Miles card, and Capital One Spark Cash Plus card.

Can I purchase a home improvement gift card with a credit card?

Yes, most stores will allow you to purchase a home improvement gift card with your credit card. Check out our guide to the best credit cards for purchasing gift cards.

Which is better, cash-back or points?

Whether cash-back or earning points is better for you will depend on how you prefer to redeem your rewards. If you’re a frequent traveler, for example, you may want to earn flexible rewards points to redeem for potentially higher value by utilizing travel transfer partners associated with the card.

Cash-back rewards, when accumulated in your account, can be saved to use towards a large purchase. Cash-back can also be used to offset expenses, whether business or personal.

Flexible points are best. When earned, the points may be used for statement credits, travel, gift cards, or transferred to travel partners. In some cases, points can be redeemed directly for cash, such as Ultimate Rewards points earned on Chase cards.

Is a Home Depot or Lowe's credit card worth it?

Home improvement store-branded credit cards serve the narrow purpose of offering a small discount on your purchase and/or an extended repayment plan. You may be able to do better with a rewards-earning credit card.

If you know you’re going to be making a major home improvement purchase, it’s prudent to compare credit card options in advance. This prevents you from making such an important decision at the time of purchase.

Selecting a rewards-earning card that has a generous welcome bonus, broader earning potential, flexible redemption options, and additional benefits can serve to be a better choice for a card that you could use potentially indefinitely.

Christine Krzyszton's image

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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