Are you looking to make the most out of your everyday spending? Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an online shopper, or someone who just wants to earn some cashback on groceries and gas, reward credit cards can offer great value. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for rewards in 2025, what makes them stand out, and how to choose the right one for your lifestyle.
🔍 What Are Rewards Credit Cards?
Rewards credit cards are designed to offer points, miles, or cashback in return for spending. These rewards can be redeemed for:
- Travel (flights, hotels, car rentals)
- Statement credits
- Gift cards
- Merchandise
- Cashback
Depending on the type of card, users can earn up to 5% or more in value on their purchases.
🏆 Top 5 Best Credit Cards for Rewards in 2025
Below is a comparison table of the top-performing rewards cards this year:
| Credit Card | Type of Rewards | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® | Travel Points | 60,000 points (worth $750) | $95 | Travel & dining |
| Capital One Venture Rewards | Travel Miles | 75,000 miles (worth $750) | $95 | Flat-rate travel rewards |
| American Express® Gold Card | Membership Rewards | 60,000 points (worth ~$600) | $250 | Dining & supermarkets |
| Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | Cashback | $200 bonus | $0 | Flexible 5% cash back |
| Discover it® Cash Back | Cashback (Matched) | Cashback match (1st year) | $0 | Rotating categories |
💡 How to Choose the Right Rewards Card
Choosing the best card depends on your spending habits and financial goals. Here’s what to consider:
1. Spending Categories
- Do you travel frequently? Choose a travel rewards card.
- Do you spend more on groceries and dining? Consider cashback or points cards that offer high returns in those categories.
2. Redemption Options
Some cards offer more flexible redemption:
- Points (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards) can be transferred to airline/hotel partners.
- Miles (Capital One or Amex) can be used for flights or hotels.
- Cashback is direct and easy to use.
3. Annual Fees vs. Benefits
- Higher-fee cards offer more perks but need higher spending to justify.
- No-annual-fee cards are great for occasional users.
📋 Detailed Reviews of Top Rewards Cards
🟦 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best For: Frequent travelers and foodies
- Rewards: 2x points on travel and dining, 1x on all else.
- Perks: Trip cancellation insurance, purchase protection, and access to Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after $4,000 spent in 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
✅ Why It’s Great: You can transfer points to major airline/hotel partners, and the redemption value is higher when used via the Chase portal.
🟥 2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best For: Simple, flat-rate travel rewards
- Rewards: 2x miles on every purchase.
- Perks: Travel accident insurance, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
- Welcome Bonus: 75,000 miles after $4,000 spent in 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $95
✅ Why It’s Great: Easy to use for both novice and experienced travelers with simple 1:1 transfer partners and a flat earning rate.
🟨 3. American Express® Gold Card
Best For: Foodies and heavy grocery shoppers
- Rewards: 4x on restaurants and supermarkets, 3x on flights.
- Perks: Dining credits, travel insurance, and access to Amex Offers.
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points after $6,000 in 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $250
✅ Why It’s Great: The reward rates for groceries and dining are among the highest, and it includes monthly dining credits.
🟩 4. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Best For: Customizable cash back
- Rewards: 5% cashback on your top spending category (up to $500/mo), 1% on others.
- Perks: No annual fee, intro APR on purchases.
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $1,500 spent in 6 months.
✅ Why It’s Great: Automatically adjusts to your highest spending category, so no activation needed.
🟪 5. Discover it® Cash Back
Best For: Beginners and rotating category lovers
- Rewards: 5% cashback on rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter), 1% on others.
- Perks: Cashback match at end of year.
- Annual Fee: $0
✅ Why It’s Great: The cashback match effectively doubles your first-year rewards.
💳 Types of Rewards Credit Cards
🏝️ Travel Rewards
- Ideal for frequent flyers.
- Can include lounge access, TSA PreCheck, and travel insurance.
- Top Picks: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture
🛍️ Cashback Rewards
- Straightforward and flexible.
- Cashback can be used for anything.
- Top Picks: Discover it®, Citi Custom Cash, Wells Fargo Active Cash®
🎁 Points-Based Cards
- Points are redeemable for travel, gift cards, or statement credit.
- Often have higher value when used in specific portals or transferred.
- Top Picks: Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Preferred
✈️ Maximizing Your Rewards Strategy
To get the most out of your card:
| Tip | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Use the card for everyday buys | Maximize rewards on groceries, gas, and bills |
| Pay in full each month | Avoid interest charges that cancel out rewards |
| Stack with loyalty programs | Combine card rewards with airline/hotel loyalty points |
| Use shopping portals | Earn bonus points through partner e-commerce sites |
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
- Annual Fees: Ensure the benefits outweigh the cost.
- Redemption Restrictions: Some programs limit how or when you can use points.
- Category Caps: Cashback cards may limit 5% to certain spending caps.
- Expiration of Rewards: Some points or miles may expire with inactivity.
📌 FAQ: Best Credit Cards for Rewards
Q1: What is the easiest rewards card to get approved for?
👉 Cards like Discover it® or Citi Custom Cash with no annual fee are easier to qualify for with good credit (680+).
Q2: Are reward credit cards worth it?
👉 Yes, if you pay your balance in full each month and spend strategically.
Q3: How do I redeem points/miles?
👉 Typically via the issuer’s portal (e.g., Chase Ultimate Rewards) or by transferring to travel partners.
Q4: Can I have multiple rewards cards?
👉 Yes! Many users “stack” cards to maximize different reward categories.
✅ Final Thoughts
With so many options available, choosing the best credit card for rewards in 2025 comes down to understanding your own habits and needs. Whether you’re looking for travel perks, cashback flexibility, or premium dining rewards, there’s a perfect card out there for you.
Before applying, always:
- Check your credit score
- Understand the card’s terms
- Calculate your estimated rewards based on actual spending
A well-chosen rewards credit card can save you hundreds (or even thousands) each year.