Why Nearly Every Purchase Should Be on a Credit Card

Credit cards offer convenience, security, help build credit, simplify budgeting, and provide rewards. It is possible to benefit from credit cards without incurring debt or paying interest.

Top Reward Credit Cards and Their Benefits

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 6% cash back on up to $6,000 yearly at U.S. supermarkets, then 1% thereafter (terms apply).
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions (terms apply).
- 3% cash back for six months at U.S. locations.
Discover it® Cash Back
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 per quarter in categories that must be activated, and 1% on other purchases.
- In 2024, restaurants were a 5% category for the first quarter.
- In 2023, gas stations were a 5% bonus category for a quarter.
Chase Freedom Flex®
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 per quarter in activated categories, and 1% on other purchases.
- 3% cash back at restaurants for nine months.
- In 2023, gas and EV stations were a 5% category for a quarter.
- Amazon.com was a bonus category for three months in 2023.
Citi Double Cash® Card
- Earns 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off the balance.

“You don't have to go into debt or pay interest to earn rewards with credit cards.”

Using credit cards strategically can maximize rewards across various spending categories while maintaining financial health.

Author's summary: Credit cards provide a secure, rewarding way to manage spending and build credit without incurring debt, with diverse cash back options tailored to different purchase categories.

NerdWallet — 2025-11-08

Why Nearly Every Purchase Should Be on a Credit Card

Top Reward Credit Cards and Their Benefits

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