Credit card rewards aren’t always as rewarding as they could be. One big reason for that is the often-confusing hodgepodge of credit card company rules and restrictions regarding rewards earning and redemption. Plus, some consumers aren’t as knowledgeable as others about picking the right rewards card and then making the most of the account while it’s open.
To learn more about the rewards landscape, WalletHub conducted a nationally representative survey of consumers. We asked about everything from people’s biggest issues and preferences with credit card rewards to whether people believe rewards are ultimately worth the hassle. You can check out the complete findings of the survey in the following infographic, along with commentary from a panel of experts.
Key Stats
- Tariffs Boost Rewards Interest: Nearly half of Americans say tariffs have made them more interested in earning credit card rewards.
- Cash Back Is the Clear Favorite: 82% of people say cash back is the best kind of credit card reward, topping airline miles (7%), hotel points (6%), and gas (5%) by a wide margin.
- Pity for Non-Earners: 45% of Americans feel sorry for people who don’t earn credit card rewards on purchases.
- Inflation Outpaces Rewards: 65% of Americans think their credit card rewards are not keeping up with inflation.
- Problematic Perks: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans think credit card rewards programs are unfair.
- Lack of Variety: 44% of people think that all credit cards have pretty much the same rewards.
Full Survey & Responses
| What is the best kind of credit card rewards? | |
|---|---|
| Cash back | 82% |
| Airline miles | 7% |
| Hotel points | 6% |
| Gas rewards | 5% |
| Which type of purchase do you most want bonus rewards on? | |
| Groceries | 46% |
| Gas | 16% |
| Dining | 12% |
| Travel | 12% |
| Entertainment | 7% |
| Department store purchases | 7% |
| Are your credit card rewards keeping up with inflation? | |
| No | 65% |
| Yes | 35% |
| Do you use multiple rewards credit cards in order to maximize your total rewards earnings? | |
| No | 50% |
| Yes | 50% |
| Are credit card rewards programs fair? | |
| Yes | 63% |
| No | 37% |
| Do credit card rewards encourage overspending? | |
| Yes | 62% |
| No | 38% |
| Do tariffs make you more or less interested in earning credit card rewards? | |
| Less interested | 52% |
| More interested | 48% |
| Do all credit cards have pretty much the same rewards? | |
| No | 56% |
| Yes | 44% |
| Do you feel sorry for people who don’t earn credit card rewards on purchases? | |
| No | 55% |
| Yes | 45% |
| Who do you trust the most to recommend the best rewards credit cards? | |
| Friends | 40% |
| Independent websites | 27% |
| 22% | |
| ChatGPT | 12% |
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
Methodology
This report reflects the results of a nationally representative online survey of 200 respondents.
After we collected all responses, we normalized the data by age, gender, and income so that the sample would reflect U.S. demographics.
WalletHub experts are widely quoted. Contact our media team to schedule an interview.