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If you’re going to use a credit card, you might as well get something back for it, right? Whether it’s cash back on groceries, travel perks, or points you can redeem for just about anything, the right rewards credit card can help you stretch your dollars further, without changing how you spend.
But let’s be honest: choosing the best rewards credit card is no small task. Issuers are rolling out new offers left and right, and while that’s great for consumers, it also makes it easy to get overwhelmed. That’s where this list comes in.
Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the 10 best rewards credit cards of 2025, what makes them great, who they’re best for, and what to watch out for. Whether you’re a traveler, big spender, or just want solid cash back on the money you spend, there’s something here for you.
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Wallet Monkey’s Top Choices for Best Rewards Credit Cards
We did the research so you don’t have to. Here are our top 10 picks, and why:
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for: Everyday spending and beginners
- Welcome Offer: $200 bonus after spending $500 in your first 3 months of account opening
- Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases (at minimum), 3% cash back on dining and drugstores, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months, then variable APR of 18.99%–28.49%
Why it’s a top pick: You’re earning solid rewards across the board without juggling categories. Plus, if you ever upgrade to a premium Chase card, your points become more valuable when redeemed for travel.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Travel rewards with flexible point transfers
- Welcome Offer: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
- Rewards: 5x points on travel purchased through Case Travel℠, 3x on dining, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on everything else
- Annual fee: $95
- APR: 19.99%-28.24% variable APR
Why it’s a top pick: This card continues to dominate the travel space in 2025 for plenty of good reasons. You can transfer points to hotel and airline partners, book travel directly through Chase Travel℠, or redeem for cash if needed. It’s hard to beat the combo of rewards, value, and ease of use, all with a fairly reasonable fee.
3. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card
Best for: Cash back on groceries and streaming
- Welcome offer: $250 back after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
- Rewards: 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 6% on select streaming, 3% on gas and transit, 1x on other purchases
- Annual fee: $95 (after your first year)
- APR: 20.24%-29.24% variable APR
Why it’s a top pick: If you’re not big on travel but want to maximize everyday spending, especially groceries and streaming subscriptions, this is a no-brainer. That 6% grocery cash back is one of the highest you’ll find anywhere. Plus, they offer a $0 intro annual fee!
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Claim Your $20 Bonus4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Simple, flat-rate travel rewards
- Sign-up bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Rewards: 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Annual fee: $95
- APR: 19.99%-29.24% variable APR
Why it’s a top pick: This card has been one of the most beloved travel credit cards for a long time and for good reason. No need to think about spending categories here. The flat 2x miles on everything makes this one of the easiest travel rewards cards to use; plus, you can use your miles to “erase” travel purchases retroactively, which is great if you book with different platforms.
5. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
6. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Foodies and frequent diners
- Sign-up bonus: Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in 6 months
- Rewards: 4x at restaurants, 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3x on flights, 2x on pre-paid hotels, 1x on all other eligible purchases
- Annual fee: $325 (Recently Updated)
- APR: 20.24%-29.24 variable APR
Why it’s a top pick: If your budget leans heavily into groceries and eating out, this card pays for itself quickly. The 4x categories are incredibly generous, and Amex’s Membership Rewards® points are versatile when it comes to travel or gift cards. With that said, the $325 annual fee is quite steep, so be sure to consider whether it makes sense for your spending habits.
7. Citi Double Cash® Card
Best for: Simple, flat-rate cash back on everything
- Sign-up bonus: $200 cash back (as 20,000 ThankYou® Points) after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months
- Rewards: 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay it off), 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel® portal
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR
Why it’s a top pick: The Citi Double Cash® Card remains one of the easiest ways to earn reliable cash back without overthinking it. There are no rotating categories, no caps, no need to track where you’re spending, it’s just 2% back on everything, which is tough to beat. It’s perfect for people who want solid rewards with zero hassle or tracking. Plus, if you have another Citi card that earns ThankYou® Points, you can combine rewards for even more flexibility (like travel redemptions or point transfers).
8. Discover it® Cash Back
Best for: Rotating cash back categories
- Sign-up bonus: Discover matches all your cash back at the end of the first year
- Rewards: 5% cash back on quarterly categories (up to $1,500), 1% on everything else
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 18.24%-27.24% standard purchase variable APR (after 15 months)
Why it’s a top pick: The “cash back match” in year one is huge if you play the rotating categories smart. For a no-annual-fee card, it packs serious value, especially for someone just starting to explore rewards cards.
9. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Best for: Flat-rate 2% cash back with standout perks
- Sign‑up bonus: $200 cash rewards after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Rewards: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases; no categories, no caps
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 19.24%, 24.24% or 29.24% Variable APR (after 12 months)
Why it’s a top pick: This card is a great contender. Its flat-rate cash-back option is among the Best Rewards Credit Cards. With a low spend requirement for the welcome bonus and a generous 2% return on everything, it offers simplicity and consistent value, especially for those who prefer not to juggle categories. Plus, it comes with valuable perks like cell phone protection and Visa Signature benefits, all at no annual fee.
10. Citi Custom Cash® Card
Best for: Automatically earning top cash back where you spend the most
- Sign-up bonus: $200 cash back (as 20,000 ThankYou® Points) after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months
- Rewards: 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500/month), 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through Citi Travel®, 1% on everything else
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR (after 15 months)
Why it’s a top pick: The Citi Custom Cash® Card is a smart pick for anyone who doesn’t want to think too hard about maximizing rewards. You automatically earn 5% back on your highest eligible spending category each month; no need to activate anything or plan your purchases. Whether you’re spending on groceries, gas, restaurants, or streaming, the card adjusts to you. For a no-annual-fee card, it’s surprisingly flexible and generous, hence why a ton of people choose it.
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Start Building CreditFactors to Consider When Choosing the Best Rewards Credit Card for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to picking the best rewards credit card; it really comes down to your lifestyle, spending habits, and financial goals. Before jumping into any shiny sign-up bonus or cash-back promise, take a step back and ask yourself a few key questions:
1. Where Do You Spend the Most Money?
Rewards only matter if you’re actually earning them. If you spend a lot on groceries and gas, look for cards that offer bonus categories in those areas. Travel a lot? A card with flexible points and airline or hotel partners might be more valuable than straight cash back.
2. Do You Want Cash Back or Travel Points?
Some people love racking up miles and planning trips with points. Others just want cold, hard cash back in their account. Neither is wrong; it just depends on what motivates you and how you prefer to use your rewards.
3. Will You Carry a Balance?
If there’s even a chance you’ll carry a balance, rewards shouldn’t be your top priority: interest will wipe out anything you earn. Look for a low APR card or a 0% intro APR offer to avoid digging yourself into a hole.
4. How Much Are You Willing to Pay in Fees?
Annual fees aren’t always bad. In fact, some of the highest-earning rewards cards have them, and they can easily pay for themselves. Just make sure you’re getting more value than you’re spending. If not, go with a solid no-annual-fee option.
5. Do You Want to Keep It Simple or Maximize Every Dollar?
Some people love strategizing and using different cards for different categories. Others want a single card they can swipe for everything and not think twice. There are great options for both. Flat-rate cards like Citi Double Cash® or Wells Fargo Active Cash® offer simplicity, while category-focused cards like the Citi Custom Cash® give you a bit more reward potential with a little effort.
6. What Extra Perks Matter to You?
Beyond rewards, some cards come with added benefits like cell phone protection, travel insurance, extended warranties, or airport lounge access. These perks can add up fast, especially if you travel or make big purchases often.
Conclusion: Which Rewards Credit Card Is Right for You?
The best rewards credit cards of 2025 are all about matching the perks to how you actually live and spend. Flashy bonuses are great, but long-term value matters more. Be honest with yourself about your habits, pick a card that aligns with them, and don’t leave money on the table.
Rewards aren’t just for the rich or frequent flyers anymore. With the right card, everyday purchases can turn into free travel, cash back, or benefits that actually make your life a little easier.
Our advice: Take some time, and do your research!
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Subscribe NowFAQs About Best Rewards Credit Cards
1. Which is the best credit card with the most benefits?
It depends on your lifestyle. For travel perks and flexible points, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Amex Gold stand out. For simple, everyday cash back, cards like the Citi Double Cash® or Wells Fargo Active Cash® offer great all-around value with no annual fee.
2. How many credit card rewards points can I earn?
There’s no set limit on how many points you can earn; most rewards programs are unlimited. That said, some bonus categories do have monthly or annual caps. Always check the card’s terms to make sure you’re maximizing your rewards.
3. Are credit card rewards taxable?
In most cases, no. Rewards earned through regular spending, like cash back, points, or miles, are considered rebates, not income. However, if you receive a bonus without making a purchase (like a referral reward), that could be taxable. When in doubt, consult a tax professional.
4. How do you redeem credit card rewards?
It depends on the card. You can usually redeem rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit, gift cards, or travel bookings. Some cards also let you transfer points to airline or hotel partners. Check your card issuer’s online portal or mobile app for options.
5. Do credit card rewards expire?
They can, but not always. Many rewards don’t expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing. Some programs may wipe your rewards after a period of inactivity or if you close your account. Be sure to read the fine print and use your points regularly if you’re unsure.
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