Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used...
Juan has been involved in credit cards, loyalty, travel, and personal finance for more than 10 years. He has worked for several outlets including The Points Guy and Forbes and was previously Editor-in...
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
In the world of points, we’re always trying to get as many of the best points possible. And trying to figure out the best card to use for each bonus category can drive you crazy. In an ideal world, you’d just have 1 credit card that covers every type of expense you’ll ever have.
But it rarely ever works like that. Sure, you might have a go-to card like the American Express® Gold Card if you tend to eat out or go grocery shopping a lot, but what about all the other purchases in life?
Importantly, there is plenty of day-to-day spending and expenses that don’t fit into a specific bonus category. That’s why you need to have a credit card for everyday purchases, also known as miscellaneous purchases.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the aspects of a rewarding credit card for everyday purchases, and then we’ll split up our favorite picks into a section for personal cards and a section for business cards.
Let’s get started!
What To Look For in a Credit Card for Everyday Purchases
You’re looking for the most rewarding credit card for other transactions like car maintenance, retail stores, clothes,medical bills, gyms, utilities,online shopping, movie theaters, and events. These types of purchases don’t fit perfectly into any single bonus category out there, and collectively, these purchases can really add up in the long run.
That’s why it’s so important to have the best credit card possible for everyday purchases. A rewarding credit card for everyday purchases will provide the highest return on spend (ideally 2 points per dollar), low annual fees, a great credit card bonus offer, and the most miscellaneous perks.
So with all that being said, let’s talk about our favorite credit card picks for everyday purchases. We’ll start with personal cards, then we’ll move into the best business credit cards for everyday purchases.
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Annual fee of $0
5% cash-back on travel booked through Ultimate Rewards
3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% cash-back on all other purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
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!
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Matched Cash Back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
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)
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
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
Ability to pool points
Cons
3% foreign transaction fee
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You’ll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
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!
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, real-time alerts, and more.
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
The Freedom Unlimited card is our top recommended personal credit card for everyday purchases.
This credit card earns you at least 1.5% cash-back on all purchases. You will also earn 3% cash-back on dining and drugstore purchases, as well as 5% cash-back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
By itself, earning 1.5% cash-back is great — however, if you also have an Ultimate Rewards credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred card, you can convert your cash-back into Ultimate Rewards points.
That means your 1.5%, 3%, and 5% cash-back would be equivalent to 1.5x, 3x, and 5x Ultimate Rewards points respectively. You would earn a minimum of 3% back on your spending, according to our points and miles valuations!
Furthermore, this card has no annual fee and comes with a 0% introductory APR period as shown in the table above, which is an awesome perk.
If you only have the Freedom Unlimited card, your points are redeemable at a 1 cent per point value for cash-back, Shop at Amazon, gift cards, and travel through the Chase travel portal.
However, with an Ultimate Rewards credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you can dramatically increase the value of your points.
That’s because your cash-back is convertible to Ultimate Rewards points at a 1% to 1x ratio. You can transfer your points to numerous great Chase airline and hotel partners and then redeem them for incredible travel experiences like business and first class flights.
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!
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% - 29.99% (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)
As a frequent traveler with excellent credit, you’re always on the lookout for a credit card that comes with all the bells and whistles. And the easier it is to understand, the better!
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Cardis one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great sign-up bonus, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.
Pros
5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge or Plaza Premium Lounges each year
In the past, Capital One was more focused on offering cash-back rewards and products for those with lower credit scores, but in recent years, Capital One unveiled a new rewards program, Capital One Miles, with transferable partnerships that have added yet another awesome rewards ecosystem to the mix.
Today, the Capital One Venture card is our runner-up for the best personal credit card for everyday purchases, and you’ll enjoy a generous welcome bonus. Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
You’ll also earn an unlimited 2x Capital One miles on all non-bonus purchases you make with no caps! In addition, you’ll get a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, as well as no foreign transaction fees and a low annual fee. You can even visit Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges twice per year using your card.
Uniquely, this credit card offers great travel protections and benefits, including lost luggage insurance, roadside dispatch, and travel assistance services.
You can also shop with peace of mind with the purchase security and extended warranty perks. Lastly, you’ll enjoy zero fraud liability and a fabulous rewards program.
Why We Like Capital One Miles
We love Capital One miles because they’re one of the major flexible rewards currencies. You can redeem your Capital One miles for statement credits for travel purchases, experience, gift cards, and more. We value Capital One miles at 1.8 cents each.
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!
$0
19.24% - 29.24% 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)
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
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
Lack of premium travel benefits
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 on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, 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).
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
One of the most misunderstood credit cards is the Double Cash card. This card offers some of the best rewards in the world with no caps. And as you become busier and busier, this card will be one of the best companions you can have for unfussy rewards.
The Double Cash card earns 2% cash-back (1% when you purchase and 1% when you pay it off, earned as ThankYou Points) which can be redeemed in many ways.
Other unique features include flexible pay dates, access to Citi Private Pass for event tickets, fraud protection, zero liability for unauthorized purchases, and a late fee pass.
Why We Like Citi ThankYou Rewards Points
We love earning Citi ThankYou Points because these points are one of the largest transferable currencies out there.
Normally, your rewards from the Double Cash card can be redeemed for cash-back, gift cards, travel through the Citi Travel Portal, or transferred to Choice, Wyndham, or JetBlue.
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 great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 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.
With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!
Pros
6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services
6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
1% cash-back on all other purchases
Cons
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
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 Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more)
1% cash-back on other purchases
Getting the ability to earn 6% cash-back on any card is an achievement by itself, but this card offers that and much more.
Hot Tip: Despite being a card with an annual fee, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card even has a 0% introductory APR perk (rates & fees)!
In addition to a hefty statement credit welcome bonus, you’ll find that this card also offers several benefits like a $10 monthly Equinox credit, $7 monthly credit after spending $9.99 per month or more on The Disney Bundle, return protection, fraud protection, and secondary car rental coverage.
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 Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great travel rewards card for those looking for a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards.
The Bank of America Premium Rewards card is a great travel rewards card for those looking for a simple approach to earning and redeeming rewards.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
50,000 points
$500
$95
18.24% - 25.24% 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.
From travel and purchase protections to airline incidental and Global Entry credits, there is plenty to love about the Bank of America Premium Rewards card.
Plus, those that hold status in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program can get even more value from the card by boosting their rewards by 25% to 75%!
Pros
2x points per $1 on travel and dining purchases
1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
Up to $100 annual airline incidental statement credit
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck statement credit
No foreign transaction fees
Travel protections
Purchase protections
Boost your rewards rate with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program
Cons
$95 annual fee
Points are worth a fixed 1 cent per point, so it isn’t possible to get outsized redemptions via airline and hotel transfer partners
Receive 50,000 online bonus points – a $500 value – after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means you could earn 2.5-3.5 points on travel and dining purchases and 1.87-2.62 points on all other purchases, for every $1 you spend.
No limit to the points you can earn and your points don’t expire.
Redeem for cash back as a statement credit, deposit into eligible Bank of America® accounts, credit to eligible Merrill® accounts, or gift cards or purchases at the Bank of America Travel Center.
Get up to $100 in Airline Incidental Statement Credits annually and TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry Statement Credits of up to $100, every four years.
No foreign transaction fees.
Low $95 annual fee.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
The Bank of America Premium Rewards card has the potential to be a lucrative credit card if you have large banking relationships with Bank of America.
This card earns 2x points on travel and dining and 1.5x points everywhere else. However, if you are an elite member of Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program, you’d earn up to 75% in bonus points, which could elevate your earnings to 3.5x points on travel and dining and 2.625x points everywhere else.
You’ll also get up to $100 as an airline incidental credit, up to $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit, and travel protections like trip delay, trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay, baggage loss, emergency evacuation, transportation, and travel, emergency assistance, and rental car coverage.
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!
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
0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; then 19.24%-29.99% 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.
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
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.
Monthly credit towards The Disney Bundle
Monthly credit towards Home Chef
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.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% 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%.
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.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; then 19.24%-29.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card is unique because it has a special bonus category — online shopping! This card earns 3% cash-back at U.S. online retailers (up to $6,000 in purchases each year). This is a broad category that includes the following types of online stores:
Apparel, footwear, and accessories stores
Auto and home supply stores
Book stores
Computer and electronics stores
Department stores
Drugstores
Furniture stores (like Wayfair.com)
Major retailers (like Amazon.com)
Personal and household care
Pet stores (like Chewy.com)
Sporting goods stores
Toy and hobby stores
Additionally, this card earns 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases each year) and 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 in purchases each year). All other purchases earn 1% cash-back.
The Amex Blue Cash Everyday card comes with additional perks like:
Up to $7 back monthly after using your Amex Blue Cash Everyday card to spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Earn up to $15 back monthly – an annual savings of up to $180 – when you order online at Home Chef. Enrollment required.
The 6 Best Business Cards for Everyday Purchases
Now that we’ve combed through our favorite personal credit cards for everyday purchases, let’s take a deep dive into the best business cards for everyday purchases.
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.
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
18.49% - 26.49% 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.
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
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
Charges foreign transaction fees
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, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
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.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 18.49% - 26.49% 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.
The Amex Blue Business Plus card is our favorite business card for everyday purchases. You’ll seamlessly maximize your everyday purchases without having to pay an annual fee.
Specifically, you’ll earn 2x points on everyday business transactions, up to $50,000 per calendar year. You’ll also be able to utilize an introductory APR, as mentioned in the table above, on purchases. If you max out the 2x points, your earnings will drop to 1x points. With this card, you’ll also enjoy additional employee cards with no additional cost (rates & fees), purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and access to Membership Rewards.
Why We Like Amex Membership Rewards Points
The Amex Blue Business Plus card is one of the only credit cards out there that allows you to access transferable points without paying an annual fee.
Amex points are among the easiest to redeem, but they are, according to our valuations, the most valuable transferable points there are.
You can redeem your Amex points for statement credits, gift cards, Amazon purchases, and travel bookings through Amex Travel, but these options don’t yield the most value.
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 up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!
Earn up to 5% cash-back for your business without complex bonus earning categories!
Earn $1,000 bonus cash-back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$1,000
$195
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)
Chase has introduced the Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card to its business credit card lineup. With straightforward cash-back earnings on everyday purchases and large expenses, tools to help you monitor your business, and multiple ways to redeem your rewards, this is a great card option to consider.
Pros
Earn 2.5% total cash-back on purchases of $5,000 or more
Earn 2% cash-back on all other business purchases
Unlimited 5% total cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
No foreign transaction fees
Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
No additional cost for employee cards
Cell phone protection
Primary rental car coverage
Purchase protection
Extended warranty coverage
Cons
$195 annual fee
Some purchases need to be paid in full each month and don’t qualify for Flex for Business APR
Rewards cannot be pooled with Chase cards that offer access to transfer partners
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
One of Chase’s newest cards is the Ink Business Premier card, and it currently has a welcome bonus, plus almost unbeatable cash-back rewards for high-spending businesses.
Your purchases will earn according to 2 rewards structures:
5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
2.5% cash-back on purchases of at least $5,000
2% cash-back on other purchases
These cash-back rewards cannot be converted to Ultimate Rewards points, so just keep that in mind.
The Ink Business Premier card is a Pay In Full card that has no preset spending limit but also cannot carry a balance. But even then, some purchases are eligible to be carried over time with interest through the card’s Flex for Business feature.
You can use your cash-back for statement credits, online shopping, Chase travel purchases, gift cards, and more.
This card also has fantastic travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, cell phone protection, no foreign transaction fees, and fee-free employee cards.
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.
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 $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% 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)
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 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
Earn flexible rewards
Cons
3% foreign transaction fee
Earn $900 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 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
The Ink Business Unlimited card is our runner-up business credit card because it will earn you simple rewards with no bonus categories.
Similar to the Freedom Unlimited card mentioned above, earn 1.5% cash-back on all your purchases with no caps.
In addition, you’ll get a 0% introductory APR as detailed in the table above, which should help you with avoiding interest fees during the intro period.
This card has no annual fee and allows you to add unlimited employee cards with no fees. Also, you’ll get zero liability fraud protection, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, primary rental car coverage, and other benefits!
Remember, if you have an Ultimate Rewards card like the Ink Business Preferred card, you can convert your 1.5% cash-back to 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points, effectively doubling the value of your rewards.
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 $1 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 $1 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
26.24% (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)
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
Unlimited 2x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
5x miles per $1 spent on hotel and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year
Up to a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Access to Capital One transfer partners
No foreign transaction fees
Free employee cards
Extended warranty coverage
Cons
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
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 on hotels 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
Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
$0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
Our next business credit card is an excellent choice for everyday purchases. Specifically, the Capital One Spark Miles card is great for business owners looking to earn unlimited 2x Capital One miles on every purchase with no blackouts or seat restrictions and no minimum to redeem.
You’ll first get a 1-time welcome bonus. You’ll also enjoy 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel, in addition to your 2x miles elsewhere.
This card offers up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees, no-additional-cost employee cards, no foreign transaction fees, roadside assistance, zero fraud liability, extended warranty, purchase protection, and much more.
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.
Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
$0
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
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)
Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.
This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.
Pros
2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in spend, then 1% back thereafter
No annual fee
Travel and purchase protection
Cons
Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars
The Amex Blue Business Cash card earns great cash-back rewards without needing to worry about bonus categories. If you’re looking for an organized way to manage business expenses while earning cash-back rewards, this card is an excellent choice.
Earn 2% cash-back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% thereafter. Also, any cash-back earned is automatically credited to your statement so you don’t have to worry about redeeming your rewards — they’re redeemed automatically for you!
This card also comes with a 0% introductory APR (rates & fees), as detailed in the table above, to help you grow your business and defer interest accrual.
Other worthwhile benefits include purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
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. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months.
$1,200
$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)
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 free employee cards, there is something that every business owner will love.
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
Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
Complimentary employee cards
No foreign transaction fees
Extended warranty coverage
Payment flexibility (pick your own due date)
Cons
$150 annual fee
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere – with no limits or category restrictions
Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000 or more
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
$150 annual fee
Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card is the last business credit card for everyday purchases that we’ll review — and it’s one worth considering because you can earn an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases. It also has no preset spending limit!
You’ll earn a 1-time new cardmember offer to start, and you’ll also get zero fraud liability, free employee cards, roadside assistance, no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty, and purchase protection.
Final Thoughts
When you’re making everyday purchases that don’t fit neatly into a bonus category, it’s unreasonable to expect to earn 4x or 5x points like you could on dining, groceries, and airfare.
However, with the right personal or business credit cards, you can still make the most out of these purchases, earning up to 2x points per dollar spent!
Be sure to do your homework and choose the cards that best fit your needs, whether it be low annual fees, transfer partnerships, or card benefits.
We hope that you’ve found this guide useful to help you figure out the best credit cards for everyday purchases.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
Enrollment required through Capital One website or mobile app. Upon enrollment, eligible cardholders will remain at upgraded status level through December 31, 2024. 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.
For the return protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
For the purchase protection and extended warranty benefits of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, and The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, 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.
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 Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit 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.
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 Blue Cash Preferred® 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 Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for everyday purchases?
Our best personal cards for everyday purchases are the Freedom Unlimited card, Capital One Venture card, Double Cash card, Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, Bank of America Premium Rewards card, and Amex Blue Cash Everyday card.
Our best business cards for everyday purchases are the Ink Business Unlimited card, Amex Blue Business Plus card, Capital One Spark Miles card, Amex Blue Business Cash card, and Capital One Spark Cash Plus card.
Should I use a credit card for everyday purchases?
Yes! You should absolutely use a credit card for all the purchases you can, provided you can pay them all off in full without accruing any interest or late fees.
Is it good to use a credit card for everyday purchases?
Yes, it is! These everyday purchases can add up to a lot of money over the course of a year, so it makes a lot of sense to maximize your spending by using the right credit card.
What purchases help build credit?
Pretty much any responsible usage of credit will build credit. If you consistently make payments, avoid maxing out your credit cards, and pay all of your bills on time, you’ll build your credit very quickly.
What credit cards have no spending limit?
Charge cards have no preset spending limit, but this doesn’t mean that you can spend an unlimited amount of money.
It means that instead of a traditional credit limit, your spending limit gets adjusted based on your spending habits, your payment history, and other factors made available to the card issuer.
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.