Best Rewards Credit Cards:
Choosing the right rewards credit card can unlock a world of benefits, from earning cashback to collecting points for travel and gift cards. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which cards offer the best rewards for your spending habits.
Make sure to check out our Rewards Cards Guide to understand the nuances between the different types of rewards cards and how they function for different purposes or check out our ‘All Credit Cards‘ list here.
Below we’ll explore some of the top rewards cards that offer the highest value, whether you’re looking to redeem points for gift cards, earn cashback on everyday purchases, or take advantage of exclusive perks. Read on to discover which rewards credit cards are worth adding to your wallet:
“Disclosure: We currently have no product partnerships. Links are informational only. If this changes, we’ll update this notice.”
Top Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus* | Rewards Rate | Key Perks & Benefits | Foreign Transaction Fee | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold | $250 (waived 1st yr) | 60,000 MR points (after $4,000 spend in 6 mos) | 4x points at restaurants, 4x at supermarkets (US), 3x flights | $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, travel insurance | None | Dining, Travel, Flexible Points |
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | 75,000 points (after $4,000 spend in 3 mos) | 2x travel, 3x dining, 2x other travel | 25% more value via Chase Travel, travel protections | None | Travel, Flexible Points |
3. Capital One Venture Rewards | $95 | 75,000 miles (after $4,000 spend in 3 mos) | 2x miles on every purchase | $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, flexible redemptions | None | Simple Travel Rewards |
4. Discover it® Cash Back | $0 | Cashback Match (all cash back matched year 1) | 5% cash back rotating categories, 1% all else | No annual fee, first-year cash back match | None | Cash Back, No Annual Fee |
5. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from Amex | $95 ($0 first yr) | $250 back (after $3,000 spend in 6 mos) | 6% at supermarkets (US, up to $6k/yr), 6% streaming, 3% transit/gas | High cash back on groceries and streaming | 2.7% | Groceries, Streaming |
6. Virgin Atlantic Reward Card | £0 | 3,000 Virgin Points (after 1st purchase in 90 days) | 0.75x points per £1 (1.5x with Virgin Atlantic/Holidays) | Companion voucher or upgrade after £20,000 spend | 2.99% (non-EEA) | Virgin Atlantic Flyers |
1. American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
- Earn 1 Amex point per £1 spent, more points for airline travel and American Express travel
- 20,000-point bonus if you spend £3,000 in the first three months
- Up to 12,500 bonus points per year based on spending
- £0 annual fee in the first year, £195 thereafter
- 87.8% APR
This card offers excellent rewards for travelers and high spenders, with a generous signup bonus and ongoing rewards.
Apply for American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries
- 2x points on all other travel purchases
- 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- $95 annual fee
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers great value for travelers and foodies, with a substantial signup bonus.
Apply for Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Earn 2x miles on every purchase
- 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- $95 annual fee
This card offers straightforward rewards with a generous signup bonus, ideal for frequent travelers.
Apply for Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
4. Discover it® Cash Back
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to quarterly maximum)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cashback Match: Discover automatically matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
- No annual fee
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers high cashback rates in rotating categories and a unique first-year bonus.
Apply for Discover it® Cash Back
5. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
- $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95
This card offers exceptional cashback rates on everyday spending categories, with a generous welcome bonus.
Apply for Blue Cash Preferred® Card
6. Virgin Atlantic Reward Card
- Earn 0.75 Virgin Atlantic points per £1 spent
- 3,000-point bonus for using your card within 90 days
- No annual fee
- 26.9% APR
This card is ideal for frequent Virgin Atlantic flyers, offering a decent earning rate and a quick signup bonus.
Apply for Virgin Atlantic Reward Card
Maximizing Your Rewards
To get the most out of your rewards credit cards:
- Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
- Take advantage of signup bonuses by meeting minimum spend requirements.
- Use your card for all eligible purchases to maximize point or mile accumulation.
- Consider combining multiple cards to optimize rewards across different spending categories.
- Always pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that could negate your rewards.
Remember, the best rewards card for you depends on your individual spending patterns and financial goals. Consider your options carefully and choose the card that offers the most value for your lifestyle.
Trade-off: High APRs (avg. 30%+) and annual fees may offset rewards if balances aren’t paid in full