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Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Rewards & Cash Back in 2025
Maximize your spending with the top reward cards of 2025. Our experts analyzed hundreds of credit cards to find the best options for cash back, travel points, and sign-up bonuses.
Choosing the right credit card can put hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars back in your pocket each year. Whether you prefer simple cash back, valuable travel points, or premium perks, today’s top cards offer exceptional rewards for every spending style.
Our team analyzed over 200 credit cards, comparing rewards structures, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and additional benefits. Here are the 10 best credit cards for maximizing your rewards in 2025.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Chase Sapphire Preferred | Best Overall Travel Card | $95 | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. American Express Gold | Best for Dining & Groceries | $250 | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Citi Double Cash | Best Flat-Rate Cash Back | $0 | ★4.8/5 |
| 4. Capital One Venture X | Best Premium Travel Card | $395 | ★4.9/5 |
| 5. Chase Freedom Unlimited | Best No-Fee Cash Back | $0 | ★4.7/5 |
| 6. Discover it Cash Back | Best Rotating Categories | $0 | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Blue Cash Preferred | Best for Families | $95 | ★4.7/5 |
| 8. Wells Fargo Active Cash | Best Simple Cash Back | $0 | ★4.6/5 |
| 9. Chase Sapphire Reserve | Best for Frequent Travelers | $550 | ★4.8/5 |
| 10. Bank of America Customized Cash | Best Customizable Rewards | $0 | ★4.5/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Chase Sapphire Preferred
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains the gold standard for mid-tier travel cards. Its generous sign-up bonus, flexible point transfers to 14+ airline and hotel partners, and strong travel protections deliver exceptional value for the $95 annual fee.
Pros
- ✓Excellent travel and dining rewards
- ✓Points transfer to airline & hotel partners
- ✓25% bonus on Chase travel portal
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓Trip cancellation insurance included
Cons
- ✗$95 annual fee
- ✗No airport lounge access
- ✗Lower earn rate on other purchases
American Express Gold
The Amex Gold is a powerhouse for food lovers. Between the 4x earning on dining and groceries plus $240 in annual credits, this card can easily justify its $250 fee for those who maximize its benefits.
Pros
- ✓4x points on restaurants worldwide
- ✓4x points on U.S. supermarkets (up to $25k/yr)
- ✓$120 annual dining credit
- ✓$120 annual Uber Cash
- ✓Valuable transfer partners
Cons
- ✗High $250 annual fee
- ✗Credits require specific merchants
- ✗Amex not accepted everywhere
Citi Double Cash
For those who want simplicity, the Citi Double Cash delivers an effective 2% back on everything—1% when you buy, 1% when you pay. No categories to track, no annual fee, just straightforward rewards.
Pros
- ✓Simple 2% back on all purchases
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓No category tracking needed
- ✓Cash back never expires
- ✓Can convert to ThankYou Points
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Modest sign-up bonus
- ✗No additional perks or protections
Capital One Venture X
The Venture X offers premium perks that rival cards costing $550+. With the $300 travel credit and 10,000-mile annual bonus, the effective annual fee drops to under $100 while you enjoy lounge access and elite benefits.
Pros
- ✓Priority Pass & Capital One lounge access
- ✓$300 annual travel credit
- ✓10,000 miles anniversary bonus
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓Premium travel insurance
Cons
- ✗$395 annual fee
- ✗Requires excellent credit
- ✗Limited lounge locations currently
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited shines as a no-fee earning workhorse. It's especially powerful when paired with a Sapphire card, letting you pool Ultimate Rewards points for maximum value on travel redemptions.
Pros
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓3% on dining and drugstores
- ✓5% on travel via Chase
- ✓Pairs well with Sapphire cards
- ✓Easy $500 spending requirement
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Base rate of 1.5% is lower than some competitors
- ✗Best value requires pairing with other Chase cards
Discover it Cash Back
Discover's first-year Cashback Match makes this card unbeatable for new cardholders. Every dollar you earn in the first year gets matched, effectively giving you 10% back on rotating categories.
Pros
- ✓5% on rotating quarterly categories
- ✓First-year Cashback Match effectively doubles rewards
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓Free FICO score monitoring
Cons
- ✗Requires quarterly activation
- ✗5% capped at $1,500/quarter
- ✗Discover less widely accepted internationally
Blue Cash Preferred
For families spending heavily on groceries and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred delivers outstanding value. The 6% grocery rate can earn $360/year alone, easily covering the annual fee.
Pros
- ✓6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6k/yr)
- ✓6% on select U.S. streaming
- ✓3% on transit and gas stations
- ✓Return protection on purchases
- ✓$84 Disney Bundle credit available
Cons
- ✗$95 annual fee
- ✗Grocery cap of $6,000/year
- ✗Amex acceptance limitations
Wells Fargo Active Cash
The Active Cash offers a compelling 2% flat rate with no annual fee and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus. The included cell phone protection adds extra value most flat-rate cards don't offer.
Pros
- ✓Flat 2% cash back on all purchases
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Low spending requirement for bonus
- ✓Cell phone protection included
- ✓Zero liability protection
Cons
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗No bonus categories
- ✗Must have Wells Fargo relationship for best experience
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Sapphire Reserve is Chase's flagship travel card, offering premium lounge access and the best point redemption value in the Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. Ideal for those who travel frequently and value comprehensive protections.
Pros
- ✓Priority Pass lounge access
- ✓$300 annual travel credit
- ✓Points worth 50% more on travel
- ✓Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- ✓Premium travel and purchase protections
Cons
- ✗High $550 annual fee
- ✗Requires significant travel to justify cost
- ✗Same earn rate as cheaper Venture X
Bank of America Customized Cash
The Customized Cash card lets you pick your top 3% category—gas, online shopping, dining, travel, and more. For Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, earnings can reach up to 5.25% in your chosen category.
Pros
- ✓Choose your own 3% category
- ✓2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Preferred Rewards can boost earnings to 5.25%
- ✓Change category monthly
Cons
- ✗3% category capped at $2,500/quarter
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Best rates require Preferred Rewards status
How We Evaluate Credit Cards
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to test and compare credit cards. Here’s what we evaluate:
Rewards Structure
We analyze the full earning potential including:
- Base earning rates: Cash back or points on everyday purchases
- Bonus categories: Higher rates on dining, travel, groceries, etc.
- Caps and limits: Maximum spending for bonus rates
- Point valuations: Real-world value of rewards currencies
Sign-Up Bonuses
We calculate the true value of welcome offers:
- Bonus amount in dollars or points
- Spending requirements and time limits
- How achievable the requirements are for typical consumers
Fees and Costs
We look at the complete cost picture:
- Annual fees vs. benefits received
- Foreign transaction fees
- Balance transfer and cash advance fees
- Late payment penalties
Additional Benefits
We evaluate perks that add real value:
- Travel protections (trip cancellation, baggage delay)
- Purchase protections (extended warranty, return protection)
- Lifestyle perks (lounge access, credits, concierge)
- Insurance benefits (rental car, cell phone)
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a rewards card?
Most premium rewards cards require good to excellent credit (670+). Some cards, like the Discover it, are more accessible with scores in the fair range (580-669). Check your credit score before applying to target appropriate cards.
Is it worth paying an annual fee?
It depends on your spending habits. A card with a $95 annual fee that earns 3x on dining is worth it if you spend over $3,000/year on restaurants. Calculate your expected rewards and subtract the fee to see your net benefit.
Should I get a travel card or cash back card?
Travel cards offer better value if you travel regularly and enjoy premium perks like lounge access. Cash back cards are simpler and better for those who prefer straightforward rewards without managing points.
How many credit cards should I have?
There’s no perfect number, but 2-3 cards that cover different spending categories can maximize rewards. Too many cards can be hard to manage and may impact your credit score through hard inquiries.
Will applying for a new card hurt my credit?
A new application typically causes a small, temporary drop (5-10 points) due to the hard inquiry. However, responsible use of a new card can improve your score long-term by increasing available credit and building payment history.
What’s the difference between cash back and points?
Cash back is straightforward—you earn a percentage back in dollars. Points require more strategy but can offer higher value when redeemed for travel through transfer partners or booking portals.
Last updated: December 2025. Rates, fees, and offers are subject to change. Please review current terms on each issuer’s website before applying.