Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card data comes from issuers' published terms; data as of September 27, 2026. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content.
Top picks for Rakuten from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Rakuten, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Rakuten American Express Card earns the top spot for Rakuten purchases at 3.1¢ per dollar at rakuten — no annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Rakuten purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
First Electronic Bank
Cardless
Amex
Rakuten American Express Card earns 3.1¢ per dollar at Rakuten, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. Without an annual fee, the math is simple — every dollar you spend earns immediately. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind a focused rewards structure.
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Dining Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten American Express CardFirst Electronic Bank | 2% cash back | 3.1¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Bilt Obsidian CardCardless | 3x Bilt Rewards | 6.6¢/$ | $95 | $10 | mastercard |
| American Express Gold CardAmex | 4x Membership Rewards | 6.0¢/$ | $325 | $36 | amex |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred CardChase | 3x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $95 | $46 | visa |
| Citi Strata Elite℠ CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $595 | $630.50 | mastercard |
| Pottery Barn Key Rewards VisaCapital One | 4x points | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| BMO EscapeBmo | 4x points | 4.0¢/$ | $150 | $36.50 | mastercard |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $95 | $10 | mastercard |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 3x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $795 | $180 | visa |
| Verizon Visa CardSynchrony | 4% cash back | 4.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
Other brands in Shopping where the top picks above also earn well.
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