Credit cards with rewards programs can provide valuable benefits for everyday spending, travel, and more. The key to choosing the best rewards card is understanding your spending habits and selecting a card that aligns with your lifestyle. Here are some of the top credit cards for rewards in 2025.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Best For: Travel Rewards
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 2x points on travel and dining; 1x on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and you get 2x points on dining and travel expenses. Points can be transferred to 13 travel partners, including United, Southwest, and Marriott.
- Why It’s Great: This card is one of the top travel rewards cards, with great point-earning potential and flexibility in redemption options. Its low annual fee also makes it accessible for most travelers.
2. American Express® Gold Card
- Best For: Dining & Restaurants
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $4,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate: 4x points on dining at restaurants (including takeout and delivery); 3x on flights booked directly with airlines; 1x on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $250
- Perks: $120 in dining credits (up to $10 monthly), 3x points on flights, and the ability to transfer points to more than 20 airline and hotel partners.
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for foodies, this card offers the highest rewards rate on dining purchases. The points can be transferred to airlines for premium travel rewards.
3. Citi® Double Cash Card
- Best For: Simplicity & Cashback
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: None
- Rewards Rate: 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- Annual Fee: $0
- Perks: None, but cashback can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or direct deposit.
- Why It’s Great: This card is perfect for those who want a simple, no-annual-fee card with a straightforward cashback rewards structure. It’s ideal for people who prefer cash rewards without complicated categories or limits.
4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best For: Groceries and U.S. Supermarkets
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 6% on up to $6,000 per year on purchases at U.S. supermarkets; 3% on transit, including taxis, rideshares, parking, and trains; 1% on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Cashback can be redeemed as statement credits, and the 6% grocery rewards are among the best in the industry.
- Why It’s Great: With 6% cash back on grocery store purchases, this card is ideal for families and anyone who spends a significant amount on food. It’s one of the top choices for maximizing cashback on everyday purchases.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Best For: Travel with Flexible Points
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 2x miles on every purchase.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Miles can be redeemed for travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, and car rentals. You can also transfer miles to over 15 travel partners.
- Why It’s Great: This card offers a simple 2x miles on every purchase, making it perfect for frequent travelers who don’t want to worry about bonus categories. It’s also one of the most flexible travel rewards cards.
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Best For: Cashback on Everyday Purchases
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases; 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3% on dining and drugstores.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Perks: Points can be transferred to other Chase Ultimate Rewards accounts, and cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, check, or direct deposit.
- Why It’s Great: This no-annual-fee card is great for earning cashback on everyday purchases. With bonus categories for dining, travel, and drugstores, it’s an excellent choice for those who want a versatile, easy-to-use rewards card.
7. Discover it® Cash Back
- Best For: Rotating Categories
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Dollar-for-dollar match of all cashback earned in the first year.
- Rewards Rate: 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 per quarter), 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Perks: Cashback is matched at the end of your first year. The rotating 5% categories include popular spending areas like gas stations, restaurants, and Amazon.com.
- Why It’s Great: This card provides high cashback rates on rotating categories, which can be very rewarding if you’re strategic with your spending. Plus, the dollar-for-dollar match at the end of the first year is a huge perk.
8. The Platinum Card® from American Express
- Best For: Luxury Travel Rewards
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
- Rewards Rate: 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on American Express Travel; 1x on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $695
- Perks: Access to over 1,200 airport lounges, a $200 airline fee credit, 5x points on travel, hotel status, and other luxury benefits.
- Why It’s Great: If you travel often and enjoy luxury perks, this card is a top choice. From extensive travel rewards to access to exclusive benefits, it’s designed for frequent travelers who want premium experiences.
9. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Best For: Simple Cashback
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 2% cash back on all purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Perks: Simple, unlimited cashback on every purchase, with no rotating categories or restrictions.
- Why It’s Great: If you prefer a straightforward card that earns 2% cash back on everything without worrying about categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent option. It’s simple, with no annual fee and unlimited rewards.
10. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Best For: Business Travel & Rewards
- Key Features:
- Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.
- Rewards Rate: 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services; 1x on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Perks: Points can be transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners, and there are robust travel benefits for business owners.
- Why It’s Great: For business owners who spend heavily on travel and related expenses, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers high rewards rates on key categories, making it one of the best cards for business rewards.
Conclusion
The best rewards credit card for you depends on your spending habits and what type of rewards you’re looking for. Whether you’re seeking cashback, travel points, or dining rewards, there’s a card that will suit your needs.
Look for a card with a generous sign-up bonus, great earning potential, and valuable perks that match your lifestyle. Make sure to evaluate the annual fee and weigh it against the rewards you’ll earn to ensure it’s worth the cost.
Leave a Reply