Best Credit Cards for Apple Pay & Contactless (April 2026)
Tap-to-pay cards with bonus rewards for mobile wallet spending
Nearly all major credit cards now support Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless tap-to-pay. But some cards earn bonus rewards specifically for digital wallet purchases. These picks combine universal contactless compatibility with the best overall rewards — so you get maximum value from every tap.
Reviewed by CardCompare Editorial Board
|CFP-reviewed|Updated April 202673 cards foundUpdated April 2026
Credit Card
Annual Fee
Rewards Rate
Intro Offer
BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR APPLE PAY & CONTACTLESS
Capital One
Capital One Venture X Rewards
4.8
Best for: Premium travelers seeking maximum value
$395
2x–10x
miles
$750 value
Annual Fee
$395
Rewards
2x–10x
Intro Offer
$750 value
Editor's Pick10/10 score
Chase
Chase Ink Business Preferred
4.7
Best for: Growing businesses with travel and advertising expenses
$95
1x–3x
points
$1,125 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$1,125 value
Editor's Pick9/10 score
Chase
Chase Sapphire Preferred
4.7
Best for: Frequent travelers who dine out often
$95
1x–5x
points
$750 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–5x
Intro Offer
$750 value
Editor's Pick9/10 score
Chase
Chase Sapphire Reserve
4.5
Best for: Frequent luxury travelers
$550
1x–10x
points
$900 value
Annual Fee
$550
Rewards
1x–10x
Intro Offer
$900 value
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Editor's Pick9/10 score
Chase
Chase Ink Business Cash
4.6
Best for: Small businesses with high office supply & telecom spend
$0
1%–5%
cashback
$750 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–5%
Intro Offer
$750 value
Editor's Pick9/10 score
Chase
World of Hyatt Credit Card
4.5
Best for: Hyatt loyalists who value premium hotel stays
$95
1x–4x
points
$600 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–4x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Editor's Pick9/10 score
Wells Fargo
Bilt Mastercard
4.6
Best for: Renters wanting to turn monthly rent into travel rewards
$0
1x–3x
points
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
N/A
Editor's Pick9/10 score
Chase
Chase Freedom Flex
4.7
Best for: Savvy cashback maximizers, especially Chase ecosystem users
$0
1%–5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Editor's Pick9/10 score
Citi
Citi Strata Premier Card
4.4
Best for: Travelers who want high hotel multipliers and flexible transfer partners
$95
1x–10x
points
$750 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–10x
Intro Offer
$750 value
Chase
Chase Freedom Unlimited
4.6
Best for: Everyday spending with no annual fee
$0
1.5%–5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%–5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Capital One
Capital One SavorOne
4.5
Best for: Dining and entertainment enthusiasts
$0
1%–3%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Citi
Citi Double Cash
4.6
Best for: Maximizing flat-rate cash back
$0
2%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
2%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Citi
Citi Premier
4.3
Best for: Diverse spenders who want travel rewards
$95
1x–3x
points
$600 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Active Cash
4.5
Best for: Simple flat-rate cash back seekers
$0
2%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
2%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Chase
Chase Ink Business Unlimited
4.5
Best for: Businesses wanting simple flat-rate rewards
$0
1.5%
cashback
$750 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
$750 value
Capital One
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
4.5
Best for: High-spending businesses wanting simple flat-rate rewards
$150
2%–5%
cashback
$1,200 value
Annual Fee
$150
Rewards
2%–5%
Intro Offer
$1,200 value
Citi
Citi Simplicity
4.3
Best for: Paying off high-interest credit card debt
$0
None
cashback
0% APR / 12 mo
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
0% APR / 12 mo
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Reflect Card
4.4
Best for: Anyone needing maximum time to pay off debt interest-free
$0
None
cashback
0% APR / 21 mo
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
0% APR / 21 mo
Chase
United Explorer Card
4.3
Best for: Frequent United Airlines flyers
$95
Waived 1st yr
1x–2x
miles
$600 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–2x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Capital One
Capital One Venture Rewards
4.5
Best for: Travelers wanting simple flat-rate miles
$95
2x–5x
miles
$750 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
2x–5x
Intro Offer
$750 value
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite
4.3
Best for: Mobile payment users wanting premium travel perks
$400
1x–5x
points
$750 value
Annual Fee
$400
Rewards
1x–5x
Intro Offer
$750 value
Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi
4.4
Best for: Costco members who drive frequently
$0
1%–4%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–4%
Intro Offer
N/A
Capital One
Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards
4.4
Best for: Students studying abroad or international students
$0
1.5%
cashback
$50 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
$50 value
Capital One
Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards
4.3
Best for: Credit builders wanting flat-rate rewards
$0
1.5%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
N/A
Citi
Citi Custom Cash Card
4.5
Best for: People who want automatic 5% back in their top spending category
$0
1%–5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature
4.3
Best for: Foodies who want high dining rewards without an annual fee
$0
1x–4x
points
$250 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1x–4x
Intro Offer
$250 value
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature
4.2
Best for: Travelers who value cell phone protection and streaming credits
$95
Waived 1st yr
1x–5x
points
$500 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–5x
Intro Offer
$500 value
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Autograph Card
4.4
Best for: People who spend across multiple categories and want no annual fee
$0
1x–3x
points
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$200 value
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card
4.3
Best for: Travelers who want high hotel and airline multipliers with transfer flexibility
$95
1x–5x
points
$600 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–5x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Bank of America
Bank of America Premium Rewards Card
4.3
Best for: Bank of America Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors members
$95
1.5x–2x
points
$600 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1.5x–2x
Intro Offer
$600 value
U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature
4.3
Best for: People with high utility or cell phone bills
$0
1%–5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Chase
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
4.3
Best for: IHG hotel loyalists who stay a few times per year
$99
3x–26x
points
$700 value
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards
3x–26x
Intro Offer
$700 value
Chase
United Quest Card
4.2
Best for: United flyers who book award flights and check bags
$250
1x–3x
miles
$600 value
Annual Fee
$250
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card
4.3
Best for: Frequent Southwest flyers pursuing the Companion Pass
$149
1x–3x
points
$700 value
Annual Fee
$149
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$700 value
Chase
Amazon Prime Visa
4.5
Best for: Amazon Prime members who shop frequently on Amazon
$0
1%–5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Capital One
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4.5
Best for: Travelers who want simple, flexible miles earning
$95
2x–5x
miles
$750 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
2x–5x
Intro Offer
$750 value
Brex
Brex Card
4.3
Best for: Funded startups and tech companies
$0
1x–8x
points
$1,100 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1x–8x
Intro Offer
$1,100 value
Chase
Ink Business Premier Credit Card
4.2
Best for: Businesses with high per-transaction spending
$195
2%–2.5%
cashback
$1,000 value
Annual Fee
$195
Rewards
2%–2.5%
Intro Offer
$1,000 value
Capital One
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
4.3
Best for: High-spending businesses that want maximum flat-rate cashback
$150
2%
cashback
$1,200 value
Annual Fee
$150
Rewards
2%
Intro Offer
$1,200 value
Capital One
Capital One Quicksilver
4.4
Best for: Those who prefer simplicity over maximizing categories
$0
1.5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
HSBC
HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard
4
Best for: International travelers with HSBC accounts
$95
Waived 1st yr
1x–3x
points
$500 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$500 value
Barclays
Barclays Arrival Premier
4.1
Best for: Simple travel rewards without tracking categories
$150
Waived 1st yr
2x
miles
$750 value
Annual Fee
$150
Rewards
2x
Intro Offer
$750 value
Bank of America
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
4.3
Best for: Bank of America customers who want category flexibility
$0
1%–3%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Capital One
Capital One Platinum Secured
4
Best for: Building or rebuilding credit
$0
None
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
N/A
Capital One
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
4.3
Best for: Business travelers wanting simple flat miles
$95
Waived 1st yr
2x–5x
miles
$500 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
2x–5x
Intro Offer
$500 value
Bank of America
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards
4.2
Best for: Small businesses banking with Bank of America
$0
1%–3%
cashback
$300 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
$300 value
Bank of America
BankAmericard Credit Card
4.2
Best for: Consolidating debt while making new purchases
$0
None
cashback
0% APR / 21 mo
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
0% APR / 21 mo
Chase
Chase Slate Edge
4.1
Best for: Building better credit habits while paying off debt
$0
None
cashback
$100 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
$100 value
Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
4.3
Best for: Regular Marriott hotel guests
$95
2x–6x
points
$450 value
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards
2x–6x
Intro Offer
$450 value
Chase
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
4.3
Best for: Budget Southwest Airlines frequent flyers
$69
1x–2x
points
$500 value
Annual Fee
$69
Rewards
1x–2x
Intro Offer
$500 value
Goldman Sachs
Apple Card
4.3
Best for: iPhone users wanting a seamless, no-fee cashback card
$0
1%–3%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
N/A
Chase
Chase Freedom Rise
4.2
Best for: College students starting their credit journey
$0
1.5%
cashback
$25 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
$25 value
Bank of America
Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students
4.1
Best for: Students who travel internationally
$0
1.5x
points
$250 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5x
Intro Offer
$250 value
Stride Bank
Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa
4.2
Best for: People who want a risk-free way to build credit
$0
None
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
N/A
Bank of America
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards
4.3
Best for: Bank of America customers who want simple, enhanced cashback
$0
1.5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
Barclays
AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard
4.1
Best for: American Airlines loyalists who want easy miles and bag savings
$99
1x–2x
miles
$600 value
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards
1x–2x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Synchrony
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
4.2
Best for: People who want simple 2% back everywhere with PayPal perks
$0
2%–3%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
2%–3%
Intro Offer
N/A
HSBC
HSBC Premier World Mastercard
3.9
Best for: HSBC Premier banking customers who travel internationally
$0
1x–3x
points
$500 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1x–3x
Intro Offer
$500 value
Ramp
Ramp Corporate Card
4.4
Best for: Growing companies that want expense management + cashback
$0
1.5%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
N/A
Bank of America
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards
4.2
Best for: Bank of America business customers who want simple cashback
$0
1.5%
cashback
$300 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1.5%
Intro Offer
$300 value
Citi
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
4.1
Best for: American Airlines flyers who want a free first year
$99
Waived 1st yr
1x–2x
miles
$500 value
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards
1x–2x
Intro Offer
$500 value
Barclays
JetBlue Plus Card
4.1
Best for: Frequent JetBlue flyers
$99
1x–6x
points
$600 value
Annual Fee
$99
Rewards
1x–6x
Intro Offer
$600 value
Chase
Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card
4.1
Best for: Occasional Marriott guests who want a no-fee hotel card
$0
1x–14x
points
$420 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1x–14x
Intro Offer
$420 value
Barclays
Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card
4
Best for: Budget travelers and Las Vegas visitors
$75
1x–6x
points
$540 value
Annual Fee
$75
Rewards
1x–6x
Intro Offer
$540 value
USAA
USAA Cashback Rewards Plus
4.2
Best for: Active-duty military and veterans who shop on base
$0
1%–5%
cashback
$200 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–5%
Intro Offer
$200 value
PenFed Credit Union
PenFed Gold Visa Card
4.1
Best for: People transferring a balance who want zero fees
$0
None
cashback
0% APR / 12 mo
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
0% APR / 12 mo
Coinbase
Coinbase Visa Debit Card
3.8
Best for: Crypto enthusiasts who want to earn Bitcoin/ETH on daily spending
$0
1%–4%
mixed
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–4%
Intro Offer
N/A
Synchrony
Venmo Credit Card
3.9
Best for: Venmo users who want automatic category optimization
$0
1%–3%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
N/A
SoFi
SoFi Credit Card
4.1
Best for: SoFi members who want 2% everywhere with crypto redemption
$0
2%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
2%
Intro Offer
N/A
Capital Bank
OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
3.9
Best for: People rejected everywhere else who need to start building credit
$35
None
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$35
Rewards
None
Intro Offer
N/A
TD Bank
Target REDcard Credit Card
4
Best for: Frequent Target shoppers
$0
0%–5%
cashback
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
0%–5%
Intro Offer
N/A
Crypto.com
Crypto.com Visa Card
3.6
Best for: Crypto holders who want lifestyle perks and high cashback rates
$0
1%–3%
mixed
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
N/A
Gemini
Gemini Credit Card
3.7
Best for: People who want a real credit card that earns crypto
$0
1%–3%
mixed
$100 value
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards
1%–3%
Intro Offer
$100 value
Comparing the best cards
| Credit Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards | Intro Offer | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Capital One | Premium travelers seeking maximum value | $395 | 2x–10x | $750 value | 4.8 |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred Chase | Growing businesses with travel and advertising expenses | $95 | 1x–3x | $1,125 value | 4.7 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Chase | Frequent travelers who dine out often | $95 | 1x–5x | $750 value | 4.7 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Chase | Frequent luxury travelers | $550 | 1x–10x | $900 value | 4.5 |
| Chase Ink Business Cash Chase | Small businesses with high office supply & telecom spend | $0 | 1%–5% | $750 value | 4.6 |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card Chase | Hyatt loyalists who value premium hotel stays | $95 | 1x–4x | $600 value | 4.5 |
| Bilt Mastercard Wells Fargo | Renters wanting to turn monthly rent into travel rewards | $0 | 1x–3x | — | 4.6 |
| Chase Freedom Flex Chase | Savvy cashback maximizers, especially Chase ecosystem users | $0 | 1%–5% | $200 value | 4.7 |
| Citi Strata Premier Card Citi | Travelers who want high hotel multipliers and flexible transfer partners | $95 | 1x–10x | $750 value | 4.4 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited Chase | Everyday spending with no annual fee | $0 | 1.5%–5% | $200 value | 4.6 |
| Capital One SavorOne Capital One | Dining and entertainment enthusiasts | $0 | 1%–3% | $200 value | 4.5 |
| Citi Double Cash Citi | Maximizing flat-rate cash back | $0 | 2% | $200 value | 4.6 |
| Citi Premier Citi | Diverse spenders who want travel rewards | $95 | 1x–3x | $600 value | 4.3 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash Wells Fargo | Simple flat-rate cash back seekers | $0 | 2% | $200 value | 4.5 |
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited Chase | Businesses wanting simple flat-rate rewards | $0 | 1.5% | $750 value | 4.5 |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus Capital One | High-spending businesses wanting simple flat-rate rewards | $150 | 2%–5% | $1,200 value | 4.5 |
| Citi Simplicity Citi | Paying off high-interest credit card debt | $0 | 0% | 0% / 12 mo | 4.3 |
| Wells Fargo Reflect Card Wells Fargo | Anyone needing maximum time to pay off debt interest-free | $0 | 0% | 0% / 21 mo | 4.4 |
| United Explorer Card Chase | Frequent United Airlines flyers | $95(waived yr 1) | 1x–2x | $600 value | 4.3 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Capital One | Travelers wanting simple flat-rate miles | $95 | 2x–5x | $750 value | 4.5 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite U.S. Bank | Mobile payment users wanting premium travel perks | $400 | 1x–5x | $750 value | 4.3 |
| Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi Citi | Costco members who drive frequently | $0 | 1%–4% | — | 4.4 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Capital One | Students studying abroad or international students | $0 | 1.5% | $50 value | 4.4 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Capital One | Credit builders wanting flat-rate rewards | $0 | 1.5% | — | 4.3 |
| Citi Custom Cash Card Citi | People who want automatic 5% back in their top spending category | $0 | 1%–5% | $200 value | 4.5 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature U.S. Bank | Foodies who want high dining rewards without an annual fee | $0 | 1x–4x | $250 value | 4.3 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature U.S. Bank | Travelers who value cell phone protection and streaming credits | $95(waived yr 1) | 1x–5x | $500 value | 4.2 |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Card Wells Fargo | People who spend across multiple categories and want no annual fee | $0 | 1x–3x | $200 value | 4.4 |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Card Wells Fargo | Travelers who want high hotel and airline multipliers with transfer flexibility | $95 | 1x–5x | $600 value | 4.3 |
| Bank of America Premium Rewards Card Bank of America | Bank of America Preferred Rewards Platinum Honors members | $95 | 1.5x–2x | $600 value | 4.3 |
| U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature U.S. Bank | People with high utility or cell phone bills | $0 | 1%–5% | $200 value | 4.3 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card Chase | IHG hotel loyalists who stay a few times per year | $99 | 3x–26x | $700 value | 4.3 |
| United Quest Card Chase | United flyers who book award flights and check bags | $250 | 1x–3x | $600 value | 4.2 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card Chase | Frequent Southwest flyers pursuing the Companion Pass | $149 | 1x–3x | $700 value | 4.3 |
| Amazon Prime Visa Chase | Amazon Prime members who shop frequently on Amazon | $0 | 1%–5% | $200 value | 4.5 |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Capital One | Travelers who want simple, flexible miles earning | $95 | 2x–5x | $750 value | 4.5 |
| Brex Card Brex | Funded startups and tech companies | $0 | 1x–8x | $1,100 value | 4.3 |
| Ink Business Premier Credit Card Chase | Businesses with high per-transaction spending | $195 | 2%–2.5% | $1,000 value | 4.2 |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus Capital One | High-spending businesses that want maximum flat-rate cashback | $150 | 2% | $1,200 value | 4.3 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Capital One | Those who prefer simplicity over maximizing categories | $0 | 1.5% | $200 value | 4.4 |
| HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard HSBC | International travelers with HSBC accounts | $95(waived yr 1) | 1x–3x | $500 value | 4 |
| Barclays Arrival Premier Barclays | Simple travel rewards without tracking categories | $150(waived yr 1) | 2x | $750 value | 4.1 |
| Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Bank of America | Bank of America customers who want category flexibility | $0 | 1%–3% | $200 value | 4.3 |
| Capital One Platinum Secured Capital One | Building or rebuilding credit | $0 | 0% | — | 4 |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business Capital One | Business travelers wanting simple flat miles | $95(waived yr 1) | 2x–5x | $500 value | 4.3 |
| Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Bank of America | Small businesses banking with Bank of America | $0 | 1%–3% | $300 value | 4.2 |
| BankAmericard Credit Card Bank of America | Consolidating debt while making new purchases | $0 | 0% | 0% / 21 mo | 4.2 |
| Chase Slate Edge Chase | Building better credit habits while paying off debt | $0 | 0% | $100 value | 4.1 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Chase | Regular Marriott hotel guests | $95 | 2x–6x | $450 value | 4.3 |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Chase | Budget Southwest Airlines frequent flyers | $69 | 1x–2x | $500 value | 4.3 |
| Apple Card Goldman Sachs | iPhone users wanting a seamless, no-fee cashback card | $0 | 1%–3% | — | 4.3 |
| Chase Freedom Rise Chase | College students starting their credit journey | $0 | 1.5% | $25 value | 4.2 |
| Bank of America Travel Rewards for Students Bank of America | Students who travel internationally | $0 | 1.5x | $250 value | 4.1 |
| Chime Credit Builder Secured Visa Stride Bank | People who want a risk-free way to build credit | $0 | 0% | — | 4.2 |
| Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Bank of America | Bank of America customers who want simple, enhanced cashback | $0 | 1.5% | $200 value | 4.3 |
| AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard Barclays | American Airlines loyalists who want easy miles and bag savings | $99 | 1x–2x | $600 value | 4.1 |
| PayPal Cashback Mastercard Synchrony | People who want simple 2% back everywhere with PayPal perks | $0 | 2%–3% | — | 4.2 |
| HSBC Premier World Mastercard HSBC | HSBC Premier banking customers who travel internationally | $0 | 1x–3x | $500 value | 3.9 |
| Ramp Corporate Card Ramp | Growing companies that want expense management + cashback | $0 | 1.5% | — | 4.4 |
| Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Bank of America | Bank of America business customers who want simple cashback | $0 | 1.5% | $300 value | 4.2 |
| Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Citi | American Airlines flyers who want a free first year | $99(waived yr 1) | 1x–2x | $500 value | 4.1 |
| JetBlue Plus Card Barclays | Frequent JetBlue flyers | $99 | 1x–6x | $600 value | 4.1 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card Chase | Occasional Marriott guests who want a no-fee hotel card | $0 | 1x–14x | $420 value | 4.1 |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus Card Barclays | Budget travelers and Las Vegas visitors | $75 | 1x–6x | $540 value | 4 |
| USAA Cashback Rewards Plus USAA | Active-duty military and veterans who shop on base | $0 | 1%–5% | $200 value | 4.2 |
| PenFed Gold Visa Card PenFed Credit Union | People transferring a balance who want zero fees | $0 | 0% | 0% / 12 mo | 4.1 |
| Coinbase Visa Debit Card Coinbase | Crypto enthusiasts who want to earn Bitcoin/ETH on daily spending | $0 | 1%–4% | — | 3.8 |
| Venmo Credit Card Synchrony | Venmo users who want automatic category optimization | $0 | 1%–3% | — | 3.9 |
| SoFi Credit Card SoFi | SoFi members who want 2% everywhere with crypto redemption | $0 | 2% | — | 4.1 |
| OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card Capital Bank | People rejected everywhere else who need to start building credit | $35 | 0% | — | 3.9 |
| Target REDcard Credit Card TD Bank | Frequent Target shoppers | $0 | 0%–5% | — | 4 |
| Crypto.com Visa Card Crypto.com | Crypto holders who want lifestyle perks and high cashback rates | $0 | 1%–3% | — | 3.6 |
| Gemini Credit Card Gemini | People who want a real credit card that earns crypto | $0 | 1%–3% | $100 value | 3.7 |
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Winner: Chase Sapphire Preferred — Best value for most travelers who don't need lounge access
Chase Sapphire Preferred vs Capital One Venture X Rewards
Citi Double Cash vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
Winner: Citi Double Cash — Higher flat-rate earning at 2% on all purchases
Capital One Venture X Rewards vs Chase Sapphire Reserve
Winner: Capital One Venture X Rewards — Lower effective cost with comparable premium perks
How We Ranked These Cards
Our Apple Pay card rankings evaluate rewards rate when using Apple Pay (30%), integration quality with Apple Wallet (20%), contactless payment reliability (15%), base earning rate on non-Apple-Pay transactions (15%), privacy and security features (10%), and additional digital wallet perks (10%).
We model a consumer who makes 70% of purchases via Apple Pay (the average among iPhone users who've adopted contactless). The Apple Card earns 3% Daily Cash on Apple Pay purchases everywhere — the highest flat-rate Apple Pay bonus available. We compare this against cards like Citi Custom Cash (5% on top category via any payment method) and evaluate whether the Apple Pay-specific bonus outweighs higher general-purpose earning rates.
What You Need to Know
Apple Pay has transformed how millions of Americans pay, with over 90% of US retailers now accepting contactless payments. For iPhone and Apple Watch users, the convenience of tapping to pay is paired with enhanced security — each transaction uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code, meaning your actual card number is never shared with merchants.
The Apple Card was designed from the ground up for Apple Pay, offering 3% Daily Cash on all Apple Pay transactions, 3% at select partners (Uber, T-Mobile, Walgreens, Nike, Exxon), 2% on physical card purchases, and 1% on Apple Card Monthly Installments. The Daily Cash feature is unique — rewards are deposited to your Apple Cash balance every day, not monthly. This instant liquidity sets it apart from traditional cashback cards that pay once per statement cycle.
Beyond the Apple Card, many premium credit cards work seamlessly with Apple Pay while offering higher earning rates in specific categories. The Amex Gold earns 4x on dining regardless of payment method, and the Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% rotating categories — both work perfectly through Apple Pay. The strategic move is to use Apple Pay as your payment method while selecting the card with the highest earning rate for each purchase category.
Privacy-focused consumers gravitate toward Apple Pay because Apple doesn't track what you buy, where you buy it, or how much you spend. This contrasts with Google Pay and Samsung Pay, which may share transaction data for advertising purposes. The Apple Card extends this philosophy: no fees (no annual, late, international, or over-limit fees) and a clean, transparent interface showing spending categories and interest calculations in real time.
Apple Pay's limitation is that not all merchants support contactless payments, particularly in rural areas, government offices, and some online retailers. The 30% of transactions that still require a physical card or card number mean you need a strategy for non-Apple-Pay spending too. The ideal setup pairs the Apple Card (3% via Apple Pay) with a 2% flat-rate card like Citi Double Cash for swipe/insert transactions.
Expert Tips
Pair Apple Card with category-specific cards for optimal earning
Use the Apple Card (3% Daily Cash) as your default Apple Pay card, but set different cards as your Apple Pay default for specific merchants. In Wallet, you can designate one default card for Apple Pay and manually select others at checkout when dining (Amex Gold, 4x) or buying groceries (Amex Blue Cash, 6%).
Maximize 3% partners by checking the updated Apple Card partner list
Apple regularly adds new 3% Daily Cash partners. As of 2026, partners include Uber, Uber Eats, T-Mobile, Walgreens, Nike, ExxonMobil, Ace Hardware, and Panera Bread. Check the Wallet app periodically for new additions — these earn 3% regardless of whether you use Apple Pay or the physical card.
Use Apple Cash for instant reward redemption and peer-to-peer payments
Daily Cash deposited to Apple Cash can be sent to friends via Messages, used with Apple Pay at stores, or transferred to your bank. Unlike traditional cashback programs with $25 minimums, Apple Cash is available immediately with no minimum balance. This instant liquidity is a genuine advantage over competitors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming all purchases through iPhone count as Apple Pay
Only in-store contactless tap payments and in-app/online purchases where you select Apple Pay at checkout earn the 3% Apple Card rate. Manually entering your card number on a website, even on an iPhone, earns only 1%. Always look for the Apple Pay button at online checkout.
Using Apple Card for everything instead of category-optimized cards
The Apple Card's 3% via Apple Pay is solid but not the highest rate available. Cards like Amex Gold (4x dining), Citi Custom Cash (5% top category), or Chase Freedom Flex (5% rotating) beat it in specific categories. Use Apple Card as your default, then switch to higher-earning cards for dining, groceries, and gas.
Not setting up Apple Pay on Apple Watch for faster checkout
Apple Watch enables Apple Pay even when your iPhone is in your pocket or bag. Double-click the side button and hold near the reader. This is faster than Face ID authentication on iPhone and works even when your phone is dead. Many Apple Pay users miss out on this convenience by not configuring their Watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit card gives the best rewards with Apple Pay?▾
The Apple Card earns 3% Daily Cash on all Apple Pay transactions — the highest flat-rate bonus specifically for Apple Pay. However, category-specific cards like Amex Gold (4x dining) or Citi Custom Cash (5% on top category) earn more in their bonus categories regardless of payment method. Use Apple Card as your Apple Pay default and switch for bonus categories.
Is the Apple Card worth getting?▾
If you use Apple Pay for most purchases, yes. The 3% Daily Cash on Apple Pay transactions, no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and daily reward deposits make it a strong everyday card. It's especially good for Apple ecosystem users who buy devices, subscriptions, and accessories. For non-Apple-Pay spending, a 2% flat-rate card is better.
Do all credit cards work with Apple Pay?▾
Most major credit cards from Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi, Discover, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo work with Apple Pay. Some smaller credit unions and regional banks may not support it yet. Check your card issuer's website or try adding your card to the Wallet app — it will tell you immediately if it's supported.
Is Apple Pay safe to use?▾
Apple Pay is more secure than physical card swipes. It uses tokenization (your real card number is never transmitted), biometric authentication (Face ID or fingerprint), and device-specific encryption. Even if a merchant is hacked, your actual card number isn't in their system. Apple also doesn't track your purchases or share transaction data.
Does Apple Pay charge a fee?▾
No. Apple Pay itself has no fees for consumers. You pay the same price whether you tap with Apple Pay or swipe a physical card. The Apple Card also has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no late fees (though interest still accrues). Merchants pay standard card processing fees, not inflated Apple-specific rates.
Sources
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