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:
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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 |
🔝 Breakdown of our Picks for Best Rewards Credit Cards
Here is a quick breakdown of what we have displayed above. Note that these cards are suited for U.S. consumers.
1. American Express® Gold Card (U.S.)
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 4X at restaurants worldwide, 3X on flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com
- 60,000-point bonus after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
- $325 annual fee
- $120 dining credit and $120 Uber Cash annually
- Travel insurance and purchase protection included
- Charge card with Pay Over Time options; APR varies
This card offers excellent rewards for food lovers and travelers, with a generous signup bonus and valuable credits to offset the annual fee.
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. 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
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