Choosing the right credit card can help you earn more on everyday purchases. The best credit cards for rewards & cashback offer valuable perks, from higher earnings on groceries to travel benefits.
This article highlights the top options for 2025, focusing on maximizing value based on your spending habits. Find the best card to boost your savings and enjoy extra benefits effortlessly.
How Cards Changed by 2025?
Cards in 2025 offer more rewards and better perks than before. Companies now focus on personalized benefits to match different lifestyles.
Many cards have flexible reward options, letting users switch categories. Travel perks have improved, with more no-fee foreign transactions.
Digital security is stronger, adding more fraud protection. Subscription-based reward programs are also growing.
Understanding How Rewards Work
Earning rewards depends on how you spend. Some cards give higher cashback, while others focus on travel or shopping perks.
Types of Reward Programs
Different programs offer unique ways to earn and redeem rewards. Here are the main types:
- Cash Back: Get money back on purchases, usually as a statement credit.
- Points: Earn points on spending, which can be used for shopping or travel.
- Miles: Designed for travel, converting spending into airline miles or hotel stays.
- Rotating Categories: Some cards change reward categories every few months.
- Tiered Rewards: Higher percentages on select spending, like gas or dining.
Choosing Based on Your Spending
Your spending habits should guide your choice. If you travel often, a miles card gives the best value.
Grocery shoppers save more with high cashback on food. Some people prefer flat-rate rewards for simplicity.
Look for signup bonuses that fit your usual purchases. The right card boosts savings without extra effort.
Best Rewards and Cashback Cards for 2025
Picking the right rewards card helps you earn more from daily spending. Here are the top options for cashback and perks this year.
American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Blue Cash Preferred offers 6% cashback on groceries and streaming services. Supermarket spending is rewarded up to a yearly limit.
Gas stations and transit purchases earn a solid 3% rate. The card has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year and a $95 fee thereafter.
After meeting the spending requirement, a $250 welcome bonus is available. This option works best for those with high grocery and fuel expenses.
Capital One Savor
Capital One Savor gives 3% unlimited cashback on dining, groceries, entertainment, and streaming. There’s no annual fee, making it a good long-term choice.
Intro APR is 0% for 15 months, then 19.24% to 29.24% based on creditworthiness. The flat-rate cashback applies to everyday spending without rotating categories.
It’s a great fit for those who frequently dine out or subscribe to streaming services. Users who prefer a simple, high-reward structure will benefit the most.
Citi Double Cash
Citi Double Cash gives 2% unlimited cashback with no spending limits. You earn 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay.
There are no rotating categories, making it a straightforward option. It has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice.
After reaching the spending requirement, a $200 sign-up bonus is available. This card works well for those who want consistent rewards without extra effort.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited offers fixed-rate cashback and extra rewards in select categories. Purchases earn an additional 1.5% cashback in the first year.
Travel booked through Chase gets 5% cashback, while dining and drugstores earn 3%. Everything else earns a flat 1.5% rate.
There’s a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months. It’s a solid pick for everyday spending and travel perks.
Discover it Cash Back
Discover it Cash Back features 5% rotating categories that change every quarter. Bonus categories include groceries, dining, and gas.
All other purchases earn 1% cashback. Discover matches all cashback earned in the first year.
There’s no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly choice. It’s best for those who track categories and maximize bonus rewards.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature
Amazon Prime Rewards offers 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases with a Prime membership. Non-Prime members still earn 3% cashback at these stores.
Travel and dining purchases earn a flat 2% rate. Gas stations and transit spending also qualify for extra rewards.
There’s no annual fee, and foreign transactions are free. This card is a top pick for Amazon shoppers and frequent travelers.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Bank of America Customized Cash lets users choose their top cashback category. You get 3% cashback on select spending areas like gas, dining, or online shopping.
Grocery stores and wholesale clubs earn 2%, while all other purchases get 1%. Rewards apply to the first $2,500 in combined category spending each quarter.
Bank of America customers may qualify for bonus rewards. This card is ideal for those who want flexible cashback options.
TD Cash Credit Card
TD Cash Credit gives 3% cashback on dining and 2% on groceries. Cardholders can choose categories to maximize rewards.
All other purchases earn 1% cashback. There’s no annual fee, making it a budget-friendly choice.
After meeting the spending requirement, you can claim a $200 welcome bonus. This is a solid option for food lovers and people who spend money every day.
Wells Fargo Bilt Rewards
Wells Fargo Bilt is one of the only cards that earns points on rent without fees. Rent payments earn 1X points, while dining at Bilt Partners gets 5X or more.
Travel purchases earn 2X points, and Lyft rides earn 5X points. To keep earning rewards, you must use the card at least five times per statement.
Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners for extra value. This is a great option for renters who travel frequently.
United MileagePlus Explorer Card
United Explorer earns 2X miles on United flights, dining, and hotels. Everyday purchases earn 1X miles, helping build rewards faster.
After meeting the spending requirement, new users can earn a 50,000-mile bonus. Extra perks include a free checked bag and priority boarding.
There’s a $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95 after. It’s a strong pick for frequent United travelers.
Essential Features to Look For
Not all reward cards work the same. Some offer higher cashback, while others focus on travel perks. Here are key features to check before choosing one:
- Sign-up Bonuses: Many cards offer cash or points to meet spending requirements.
- Category Bonuses: Some provide higher rewards on dining, groceries, or travel.
- Intro APR Offers: Look for 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Some cards waive these fees, making them great for travel.
- Redemption Flexibility: Rewards can be used for cash, travel, or statement credits.
- Annual Fees: Higher-fee cards may offer better perks, but only if you use them enough.
Key Takeaways for Choosing the Best Rewards Card
Picking the right rewards card depends on your spending habits and goals. Some work best for travel perks, while others maximize everyday cashback.
Comparing bonuses, fees, and categories helps you get the most value. These Credit Cards for Rewards & Cashback in 2025 make saving and earning easier.