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Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Many credit cards earn bonus rewards in common spending categories, such as travel, dining and groceries. However, how card issuers classify purchases can differ.
How businesses categorize purchases can also be confusing. If you purchase groceries at a wholesale club, like Costco, you typically won’t earn rewards under the supermarket category. And if you grab food at a restaurant located in a hotel, it may not qualify for dining rewards.
Below, CNBC Select reviews what expenses the major credit card issuers consider for bonus rewards for categories such as travel, dining, groceries, gas, streaming services and entertainment.
How card issuers classify purchases
Compare savings accounts
How American Express classifies bonus category purchases
Travel
American Express breaks down travel purchases into several categories and which travel categories you earn bonus rewards on can vary by card. If you have a co-branded card, you’ll also earn additional points when you make an eligible purchase directly with that company, for example, Delta, Hilton or Marriott.
Airfare
- Airfare purchased directly from a passenger airline or with American Express Travel
Hotels
- The purchase must be made directly with the hotel or a prepaid stay booked with American Express Travel
- The purchase must be for a hotel stay
- Third-party reservations will qualify for additional rewards if you pay the hotel directly
Transit
- The purchase must be made with a company whose primary business is transit, including trains, taxis, rideshare services, parking, tolls, subways, etc.
Select car rentals
You will only earn additional rewards when you make a rental car purchase directly with a company that is part of Amex’s select major rental car companies list, which includes:
- Alamo
- Avis
- Budget
- Dollar
- Enterprise
- E-Z
- Fox
- Hertz
- National
- Payless
- Sixt
- Thrifty
American Express® Green Card travel category
The American Express® Green Card features a general travel bonus category with additions to the above classifications.
- Airfare for a scheduled flight on a passenger carrier, chartered flights and private jet flights
- Hotel stays, timeshare rentals and vacation rentals
- Car rentals (no additional rewards for trucks or moving vans)
- Other travel purchases include cruises, tours, vacation packages and travel purchases made through tour operators and travel agencies, including online purchases.
Travel exclusions
- Airfare that is part of a vacation package won’t earn additional rewards
- Airfare purchased from a third party may not earn additional rewards
- Hotel bookings that are part of a timeshare, event or vacation package
- Prepaid third-party hotel bookings
- Meeting rooms booked at a hotel
- Rental cars that are part of a vacation package or purchased through a third-party
- Certain types of travel, such as airfare, rental cars and cruises are not considered transit
Amex cards that earn bonus rewards on travel
The Platinum Card® from American Express
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
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, 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, 1X points on all other eligible purchases
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Welcome bonus
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. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit Needed
American Express® Gold Card
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year, 3X Membership Rewards® points on per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Dining
- Restaurants located in the U.S.
- Restaurants located worldwide (depending on the card you have)
Dining exclusions
- Restaurants located worldwide (depending on the card you have)
- Bars, nightclubs, convenience stores, supermarkets, grocery stores, cafeterias, caterers, theatre clubs, breweries, bakeries and meeting venues
- You may not earn additional rewards at a restaurant located within another establishment. For example, a cafe located inside a grocery store may not qualify as dining.
Amex cards that earn bonus rewards on dining
American Express® Gold Card
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year, 3X Membership Rewards® points on per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
American Express® Green Card
Information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
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Rewards
3X Membership Rewards® points on travel, transit purchases, and on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other eligible purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Grocery stores
- A U.S. supermarket offers a wide variety of food and household products such as meat, fresh produce, dairy, canned and packaged goods, household cleaners, pharmacy products and pet supplies
- Must be located in the U.S.
Grocery store exclusions
- Convenience stores and specialty stores (like fish markets, cheese shops, wine shops, and other specialty food stores)
- Superstores (like Target® and Walmart®)
- Warehouse clubs (like Costco, BJ’s, etc.)
Amex cards that earn bonus rewards on groceries
American Express® Gold Card
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year, 3X Membership Rewards® points on per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
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) and 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.
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
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Intro APR
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 18.74% – 29.74%.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Gas
- A gas station is defined as a merchant that’s primary business is selling gasoline to consumers. Gas stations may sell other convenience items, but the primary business must be selling gasoline to consumers
- Must be located in the U.S.
Gas exclusions
- Gas stations that are part of supermarkets and warehouse clubs that sell gasoline, unless specifically stated.
- Marina or any type of commercial fuel
Amex cards that earn bonus rewards on gas
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 per year, then 1%, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 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.
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.74% to 29.74% variable APR.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
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) and 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.
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
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Intro APR
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 18.74% – 29.74%.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Streaming services
To qualify for bonus rewards, the streaming service must be included on Amex’s list of providers, which includes:
- Amazon Music Unlimited
- Apple Music
- Apple TV+
- Audible
- DirecTV Stream (formerly known as AT&T TV or AT&T TV NOW)
- Disney+
- ESPN+
- Fubo TV
- Hulu
- iHeartRadio
- Kindle Unlimited
- Luminary
- MAX (standalone streaming subscription only, formerly known as HBONow or HBO MAX)
- MGM+
- MLB.TV
- NBA League Pass
- Netflix
- NHL.TV
- Pandora
- Paramount+
- Peacock
- Prime Video
- Showtime
- Sling TV
- SiriusXM Streaming and Satellite
- Spotify
- Stitcher
- TIDAL Music
- YouTube Music Premium
- YouTube Premium
- YouTube TV
Streaming services exclusions
Subscriptions bundled with another product or service or billed by a third party, may not be eligible. So if you pay for a service through your car company or cable company, you may not qualify for bonus rewards.
Amex cards that earn bonus rewards on streaming
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
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) and 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.
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
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Intro APR
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 18.74% – 29.74%.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Online shopping
- To qualify for additional rewards, an online retail transaction must be made through a website or digital app.
- The purchase must be from a U.S. retailer that sells physical goods directly to consumers.
Online shopping exclusions
- You will not earn bonus rewards for online orders that are paid for in-store
- You will not earn bonus rewards for online grocery orders, rideshare services, airfare, concert tickets, food delivery/restaurant orders, streaming services, wireless cellular providers, travel, entertainment, car dealers and gas stations
- In-store mobile digital wallet purchases do not qualify for additional rewards
Amex cards that earn bonus rewards on online shopping
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On the American Express secure site
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Rewards
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 per year, then 1%, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 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.
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.74% to 29.74% variable APR.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
How Bank of America classifies bonus category purchases
Travel
- Airlines
- Boat leases and rentals
- Buses
- Campgrounds and trailer parks
- Car rental agencies
- Cruise lines
- Ferries
- Hotels, motels, resorts
- Limousines
- Motorhome and recreational vehicle rentals
- Parking lots and garages
- Passenger railways
- Real estate agents and managers (rentals)
- Recreation services
- Taxicabs
- Timeshares
- Toll and bridge fees
- Travel arrangement services
- Travel agencies and tour operators
- Tourist attractions and exhibits (amusement parks, carnivals, circuses, aquariums and zoos)
- Truck and trailer rentals
Travel exclusions
- Bank of America doesn’t specify exclusions, except that it varies by how merchants classify purchases
Bank of America cards that earn bonus rewards on travel
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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Rewards
3% on a category of your choice and 2% on grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category and grocery stores purchases) and 1% on all other eligible purchases. However, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase if you’re a Preferred Rewards member.
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Welcome bonus
$200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
Introductory 0% APR for your first 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of 3% of the amount of each transaction make with 60 days of account opening. After that, 4% of the amount of each transaction
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Foreign transaction fee
3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency
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Credit needed
Dining
- Restaurants
- Fast-food chains
- Drinking establishments, such as bars, nightclubs or taverns
Dining exclusions
- Bank of America doesn’t specify exclusions, except that it varies by how merchants classify purchases
Bank of America cards that earn bonus rewards on dining
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
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Rewards
Earn unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Receive 60,000 online bonus points — a $600 value — after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
21.24% – 29.24% variable APR
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Balance transfer fee
4% of the amount of each transaction
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Information about the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
Grocery stores
- Supermarkets/grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
Grocery store exclusions
- Bank of America doesn’t specify exclusions, except that it varies by how merchants classify purchases
Gas and EV charging
- Gas purchases at automated fuel dispensers; fuel dealers for coal, fuel oil, liquefied petroleum and wood; marinas and marine service and supplies; and service stations, with or without ancillary services
Gas and EV charging exclusions
- Wholesale clubs that offer pay at pump locations may or may not qualify
Online shopping
- This includes online and mobile app purchases in a variety of categories, including bookstores, discount stores, phone providers, sporting goods, clothing, department stores, cable/internet/streaming services and more.
Online shopping exclusions
- Insurance
- Doctors and hospitals
- Government services
- Schools
- Utilities
- Membership organizations
- Other non-retail services
Drugstores and pharmacies
- Drug stores
- Pharmacies
- Drug proprietors
- Druggists Sundries
Drugstore and pharmacy exclusions
- Bank of America doesn’t specify exclusions, except that it varies by how merchants classify purchases
Home improvement and furnishings
- Plumbers, electricians, landscapers and carpenters
- Air conditioning and refrigeration repair shops
- Antique shops for sales, repairs and restoration services
- Architectural, engineering and surveying services
- Building materials, lumber stores, carpentry
- Carpet and upholstery cleaning
- Construction materials
- Crystal and glassware stores
- Drapery, upholstery and window coverings stores
- Electrical parts and equipment
- Equipment, furniture and home furnishings stores (except appliances)
- Equipment, tool, furniture and appliance rental and leasing
- Fireplace, fireplace screens and accessories stores
- Floor covering stores
- Florist suppliers, nursery stock and flowers
- Furniture reupholstering, repair and refinishing
- General contractor/residential building
- Glass, paint, wallpaper stores
- Hardware equipment and supplies
- Hardware stores
- Heating, plumbing, air conditioning contractors
- Home supply warehouse stores
- Household appliance stores
- Landscaping and horticultural services
- Lawn and garden supply stores
- Masonry, stonework, tile setting, plastering, insulation contractors
- Miscellaneous house furnishing specialty shops
- Office and commercial furniture
- Paints, varnishes and supplies
- Plumbing and heating equipment and supplies
- Roof, siding and sheet metal work contractors
- Special trade contractor
Home improvement and furnishings exclusions
- Bank of America doesn’t specify exclusions, except that it varies by how merchants classify purchases
How Capital One classifies bonus category purchases
Travel
- Hotel and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel may be eligible for additional rewards depending on which card you have
Travel exclusions
- Purchases made outside of Capital One Travel, such as hotel incidentals, upgrades or other expenses
Capital One cards that earn bonus rewards on travel
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase
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Welcome bonus
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
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
Unlimited 2X miles on all eligible purchases, and 5 Miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booked via Capital One Travel portal
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Welcome bonus
Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% variable APR
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Balance transfer fee
$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
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Foreign transaction fees
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Credit needed
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 1.25X miles per dollar on every purchase
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Welcome bonus
Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
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Regular APR
19.99% to 29.99% variable
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Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Dining
- Restaurants
- Cafes
- Bars
- Lounges
- Fast-food chains
- Bakeries
Dining exclusions
- Food trucks, food carts and restaurants in department stores or hotels may not qualify
Entertainment
- Ticket purchases made at movie theaters, record stores, video rental locations, amusement parks, sports promoters (professional and semi-professional live events), theatrical promoters, concert promoters, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, pool halls or bowling alleys
Entertainment exclusions
- Golf courses, country clubs (including membership fees)
- Collegiate sporting events categorized as “universities”
- Cable, digital streaming and membership services
- Charitable organizations that provide live entertainment
- Amusement park tickets purchased on third-party sites
- Entertainment and resort packages categorized as “travel” or “hotel”
Grocery stores
- Supermarkets/grocery stores
- Meat locker, freezer, dairy product store
- Specialty markets
Grocery store exclusions
- Superstores (like Walmart® and Target®)
Streaming services
- Eligible music and video streaming services, including (but not limited to) Netflix, Hulu and Disney+
Streaming service exclusions
- Prime Video
- AT&T TV
- Verizon FIOS On Demand
- Audiobook subscription services and fitness programming
Capital One cards that earn bonus rewards on dining, groceries, streaming services and entertainment
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; Terms apply, 3% cash back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 3% cash back on popular streaming services and entertainment, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
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Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% variable
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Balance transfer fee
3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Rewards
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 3% cash back on dining and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 3% cash back on popular streaming services and entertainment; 1% cash back on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn a $50 cash bonus when you spend $100 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
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Annual fee
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Promo APR
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Regular APR
19.99% – 29.99% variable
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Balance transfer fee
4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
How Chase classifies bonus category purchases
Travel
- Airlines
- Hotels
- Motels
- Timeshares
- Car rental agencies
- Cruise lines
- Travel agencies
- Discount travel sites
- Campgrounds and operators of passenger trains
- Buses
- Taxis
- Limousines
- Ferries
- Toll bridges and highways
- Parking lots and garages
Travel exclusions
- Merchants that provide transportation and travel-related services are not included in this category; for example, real estate agents, educational merchants arranging travel, in-flight purchases, on-board cruise purchases, sightseeing activities, excursions, tourist attractions, boat rentals, RV rentals, merchants within hotels and airports, and merchants that rent vehicles for hauling
- Purchasing of gift cards, points or miles does not qualify in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in the travel category
Dining
- Restaurant category merchants’ primary business is sit-down or eat-in dining, including fast-food restaurants and fine-dining establishments
Dining exclusions
- Merchants that sell food and drinks located within facilities such as sports stadiums, hotels and casinos, theme parks, grocery and department stores will not be included in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in a restaurant category
- Bakeries, caterers, gift card and delivery service merchants will not be included in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in the restaurant category
Chase cards that earn bonus rewards on dining and travel
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
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Rewards
Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
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Welcome bonus
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
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Annual fee
-
Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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Rewards
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
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Welcome bonus
Get up to $1,050 in Chase TravelSM value. Earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. That’s worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Travel. Plus, get up to $300 in statement credits on Chase Travel purchases within your first year.
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Annual fee
-
Intro APR
-
Regular APR
20.99% – 27.99% variable on purchases and balance transfers
-
Balance transfer fee
Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
-
Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
Grocery stores
- Supermarkets/grocery stores
- Merchants that offer a full-service grocery line of merchandise including a deli and bakery as well as smaller grocery stores
Grocery store exclusions
- Warehouse clubs
- Discount stores
- Smaller merchants such as drugstores
- Merchants that specialize in only a few grocery items
- Purchases made at gas stations from merchants who also operate grocery stores are not included in this category
- Delivery service merchants will not be included in this category unless the merchant has set up such purchases to be classified in the grocery stores category
Drugstores
- Merchants that specialize in selling prescription drugs, supplements, over-the-counter medications and other health-related items
- These retailers may also sell toiletries, greeting cards, household supplies, cosmetics and packaged food or drinks
Drugstore exclusions
- Onsite pharmacies at discount stores, warehouse clubs or grocery stores are not included in this category
Chase cards that earn bonus rewards at drugstores
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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Rewards
Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 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; and 3% cash back 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.
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Welcome bonus
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!
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
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Member FDIC. Terms apply.
How Citi classifies bonus category purchases
How Citi classifies purchases varies by card, so the lists below may not cover every specific inclusion or exclusion, please refer to your Citi credit card’s terms for an exhaustive list.
Travel
- Airlines
- Hotels
- Car rentals
- Travel agencies
- Cruise lines
- Some Citi cards earn additional rewards for select purchases made through CitiTravel.com or Costco Travel
Travel exclusions
- Commuter travel
- Timeshares
- Boat leases and rentals
- Real estate agencies
- Campgrounds and trailer parks
Dining
- Restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food, delivery and take out
Dining exclusions
- Caterers
- Restaurants located inside other establishments, such as hotels, stores, stadiums, discount and or warehouse clubs
Citi cards that earn bonus rewards on travel and dining
Citi Strata Premier℠ Card
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Rewards
Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.; 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations; 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer, $5 minimum
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
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Rewards
4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year (then 1%); 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases; 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com; 1% cash back on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
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Annual fee
$0, Costco membership required
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Intro APR
N/A for purchases and balance transfers
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Grocery stores
- Supermarkets/grocery stores
Grocery store exclusions
- General merchandise/discount superstores
- Drugstores, warehouse clubs, wholesale clubs, specialty vendors, candy stores, nut stores, confectionery stores, and meal kit delivery services
- Some online supermarkets may not qualify
Gas and EV charging
Gas exclusions
- Fuel purchased for commercial purposes or used for non-automobile purposes
- Gas and EV charging purchases at warehouse clubs, discount stores, department stores and convenience stores may not qualify
Citi cards that earn bonus rewards on groceries and gas
Citi Rewards+® Card
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Rewards
As a special offer, earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025. Earn 2X ThankYou® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou® Points on all other purchases
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Welcome bonus
Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening.
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
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)
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
How Discover classifies bonus category purchases
Dining
- Full-service restaurants
- Cafes
- Cafeterias
- Fast-food chains
- Restaurant delivery services
Dining exclusions
- Purchases made using third-party payment accounts, tap-and-pay, mobile or wireless card readers, virtual wallets or similar technology may not be eligible
Gas
- Merchants that sell automotive gasoline that can be paid for either at the pump or inside the station, and some electric vehicle charging stations
Gas exclusions
- Gas stations affiliated with superstores, supermarkets, discount stores, warehouse clubs or wholesale distributors may not be eligible
- Purchases made using third-party payment accounts, tap-and-pay, mobile or wireless card readers, virtual wallets or similar technology may not be eligible
Discover cards that earn bonus rewards on gas and dining
Discover it® Chrome
On Discover’s secure site
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Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year.
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Annual fee
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Intro APR
0% for 6 months on purchases; 0% for 18 months on balance transfers
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Regular APR
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Balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
On Discover’s secure site
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Rewards
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
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Annual fee
-
Intro APR
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Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
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Foreign transaction fee
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Credit needed
Grocery store
- Supermarkets/grocery stores
- Meat lockers
- Bakeries
- Smaller grocery stores
- Grocery delivery services
Grocery store exclusions
- Purchases made at convenience stores, wholesale clubs and discount stores are not eligible.
- Purchases made using third-party payment accounts, tap-and-pay, mobile or wireless card readers, virtual wallets or similar technology may not be eligible
Discover cards that earn bonus rewards at grocery stores
Discover it® Cash Back
On Discover’s secure site
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Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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Welcome bonus
Discover will match all the cash back earned for all new cardmembers at the end of your first year.
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Annual fee
-
Intro APR
0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
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Regular APR
-
Balance transfer fee
3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
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Foreign transaction fee
-
Credit needed
FAQs
Do mobile wallet purchases earn rewards?
Mobile wallet and digital wallet purchases will usually earn rewards. Some cards even offer additional rewards for these transactions.
What’s the best way to maximize my credit card rewards?
The best way to earn the most credit card rewards is to use a card for purchases where it gets you the highest return. However, if you don’t want to manage multiple cards for different categories, a card that earns at least 2% cash back on all purchases can give you an above-average return everywhere.
What purchases qualify for credit card rewards?
You’ll typically earn rewards on eligible goods and services you pay for with your credit card, minus returns or refunds. Transactions such as cash advances, balance transfers, money orders, lottery tickets and other cash-like purchases normally won’t earn rewards.
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At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card story is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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Information about the Chase Freedom®, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the cards prior to publication.
*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Green Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Cash Back, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Discover it® Chrome, click here.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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