Best for: Flat-Rate Cash Back

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card provides a steady 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it a reliable option for those who prefer simplicity in their reward structure. This card is perfect for everyday use, from grocery shopping to fueling up, ensuring you get rewarded for every dollar spent (see rates & fees).

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "428", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "48", "bestForText": "Flat-Rate Cash Back", "headerHint" : "SIMPLE SAVINGS" } ]]

Best for: Flexible Spending

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® not only offers a good return on general purchases with a 1.5% cash back rate but also steps it up with additional categories. You can earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel™, 3% on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% at drugstores, making it versatile for a variety of spending habits.

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "497", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "49", "bestForText": "Flexible Spending", "headerHint" : "MAXIMIZE EVERY PURCHASE" } ]]

Best for: Dining and Entertainment

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card excels in rewarding social spenders, offering 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery store purchases. This card is ideal for those who enjoy a night out or ordering in, making every entertainment expense more rewarding (see rates & fees).

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "3041", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "50", "bestForText": "Dining and Entertainment", "headerHint" : "ENJOY MORE, SPEND LESS" } ]]

Best for: Grocery Rewards

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out in the grocery category, offering a significant 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). Additionally, it earns 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% Cash Back on other purchases. This card is great for families or anyone who spends a substantial amount on groceries and other essential purchases, turning regular shopping trips into opportunities for impressive cash back.

‍

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. 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.

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "261", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "51", "bestForText": "Grocery Rewards", "headerHint" : "SAVE ON ESSENTIALS" } ]]

Comparing Top Credit Cards for Average Credit Scores

When deciding among the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture Rewards, and Chase Freedom Unlimited, it's important to consider how each card aligns with your spending habits and credit improvement goals. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate on travel and dining, making it ideal for those who regularly spend in these categories and wish to leverage rewards for travel. The Cap One Venture Rewards simplifies earning with 2X miles on all purchases, perfect for those who want a straightforward, hassle-free approach to accumulating travel rewards. Meanwhile, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers exceptional flexibility with added bonuses for travel booked through Chase, dining, and drugstore purchases, which can benefit a broader range of spending patterns, especially if you diversify your purchases across multiple categories.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "438", "497"], "bestCategoryIds":["46", "47", "49"], "bestForTexts":["Versatile Rewards", "Travel Enthusiasts", "Flexible Spending"]} ]]

Conclusion

For those with average credit scores, these credit cards offer an excellent opportunity to not only improve your credit status but also maximize rewards on everyday spending. By selecting a card that aligns well with your spending patterns, you can enhance your financial flexibility while steadily working towards a better credit rating.

‍

[[ CARD_LIST * {"ids": ["509", "438", "428", "497", "3041", "261"]} ]]

‍