Posted by: John S Kiernan

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 when it comes to 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.

Full Details Overall

What are the best kind of credit card rewards?
Cash back	74%
Airline miles	11%
Gas	9%
Hotel points	6%
Which type of purchase do you most want bonus rewards on?
Groceries purchases	43%
Gas purchases	22%
Dining purchases	12%
Travel purchases	11%
Department store purchases	6%
Entertainment purchases	6%
Would you rather get a flat rewards rate on all purchases or a higher rewards rate on some categories?
Flat rate on all purchases	58%
Higher rewards in some categories	42%
Do you think credit card debt will prevent you from retiring as early as you’d like to?
No	68%
Yes	32%
Which are you closer to doing: getting another credit card or getting rid of your credit card(s)?
Getting rid of your credit card(s)	60%
Getting another credit card	40%
Have you ever made a credit card purchase while intoxicated that you later regretted?
No	82%
Yes	18%
Which would you prefer your credit card to have: no annual fee or great customer service?
No annual fee	84%
Great customer service	16%
What is your stance on credit cards with annual fees?
Never apply for them	51%
Apply only if the rewards are worth the fee	39%
Only apply when no other cards are available	10%
What are you more likely to let your significant other review: your recent credit card transactions or your recent text messages?
Credit card transactions	64%
Text messages	36%
Would you get a new credit card in order to earn more in rewards in a single purchase category (e.g. gas, groceries, travel)?
No, I would not get a new card for more rewards in a category	38%
Yes, for at least 30% more rewards	24%
Yes, for at least 10% more rewards	18%
Yes, for at least 20% more rewards	10%
Yes, for at least 5% more rewards	10%
Do you think credit card companies know too much about you?
Yes	71%
No	29%
Will you apply for the new Apple credit card?
No, I don’t have an iPhone	50%
No, I have an iPhone but won’t apply	40%
Yes	10%
Are credit card rewards programs easy to use?
Yes	76%
No	24%
What are the biggest issues with rewards programs?
Annual fees	27%
Rewards expiration	26%
Fine print	19%
Rotating categories	15%
Earning limits	13%
Do you spend money with certain companies because they get you extra credit card rewards?
Yes	60%
No	40%
Credit card rewards are worth most when redeemed for _______ ?
Cash Back	52%
Travel	23%
Gift Cards	19%
Merchandise	6%
Is it fair when a credit card company requires a customer to earn a certain amount of rewards before they can redeem?
Yes	53%
No	47%
Are credit card rewards worth the hassle?
Yes	67%
No	33%
Would you sign up for a credit card just for a sign-up bonus?
Yes	58%
No	42%

Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

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