Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex from Chase offers a $200 sign-up bonus worth approximately $200. The $500 spend requirement over 3 months is manageable for most cardholders.

Beyond the sign-up bonus, the card earns 5% rotating categories (quarterly), 3% dining, 3% drugstores on top of 1% on all purchases. Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for outsized value, or redeemed at 1.25-1.5x through the Chase travel portal with a Sapphire card.

With no annual fee, this card is a keeper — you can hold it indefinitely without cost. The card requires good credit (670+).