In 2025, credit card rewards are a game-changer for savvy spenders. Whether you’re buying groceries, booking flights, or running a business, the best rewards credit cards can turn everyday purchases into cash back, free travel, or premium perks. With issuers like Chase, American Express, Capital One, and Citi rolling out massive welcome bonuses—some worth $1,000+—and earning rates up to 6x points, there’s never been a better time to optimize your wallet. But the wrong choice, like chasing points while carrying a balance at 18–29% APR, can cost you more than you gain.
As a financial analyst with 15 years of experience covering personal finance for outlets like Forbes, NerdWallet, and Bankrate, I’ve evaluated hundreds of cards using real-world spending data, redemption values, and long-term ROI. This guide, updated for October 2025, highlights the top rewards credit cards across five key categories: best rewards credit cards, best cash back credit cards, best travel rewards credit cards, best credit cards for excellent credit, and top high reward credit cards. We’ll also address related queries like best points card, best everyday credit card, and best credit cards for 750 credit score to ensure you find the perfect fit.
Last updated: October 17, 2025. Card terms change frequently; verify with issuers. This analysis is independent, with no issuer sponsorship.
Why Rewards Credit Cards Matter in 2025
With U.S. household credit card spending averaging $8,641 in 2024 (up 5% from 2023), rewards cards are a powerful tool to offset rising costs. Inflation is cooling, but travel demand is soaring, making points, miles, and cash back more valuable than ever. Here’s why the best credit cards for great credit shine:
- Welcome Bonuses: Up to 175,000 points (worth $3,500+ in travel).
- Bonus Categories: 3–6% back on dining, groceries, or gas.
- Premium Perks: Airport lounge access, travel credits, purchase protections.
- Redemption Flexibility: Cash, travel, or transfers to airline/hotel partners.
The catch? These cards are best for those with excellent credit (FICO 800+ or VantageScore 781+), unlocking lower APRs and higher limits. For credit cards for great credit (670–739), no-fee options still deliver. Always pay in full to avoid interest wiping out rewards.
Pro Tip: “Stack” cards—use a flat-rate card for non-bonus spending and a category-specific card for 3–5x points—to maximize returns.
Our Methodology
We evaluated cards based on:
- Welcome Bonus Value: Points/miles converted at 1–1.5 cents each.
- Ongoing Rewards: Average earn rates across typical U.S. spending ($1,500/month).
- Annual Fees vs. Perks: Net value after subtracting fees.
- Redemption Ease: Flexibility for cash, travel, or transfers.
- Credit Requirements: Accessibility for 670+ scores, with focus on best cards for excellent credit.
Data is sourced from issuer sites, consumer spending reports (e.g., CFPB 2024), and redemption analyses from The Points Guy and NerdWallet.
Top Picks: The Best Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
Here are our top five cards, tailored to different needs, with comparisons to help you decide.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best Overall for Flexible Points
The best points credit card for most users, this card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferable to 14+ partners (e.g., United, Hyatt) at 1.25–1.5 cents each via Chase Travel.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in 3 months (worth $750 in travel) |
| Rewards Rates | 5x travel via Chase; 3x dining; 2x other travel; 1x everything else |
| Key Perks | $50 annual hotel credit; 10% anniversary bonus; trip delay insurance |
| Best For | Best rewards credit cards, top points credit cards, beginners |
| Drawbacks | No intro APR; 3% foreign transaction fees |
Real-World Value: For $2,000 monthly spend (dining/travel-heavy), expect $300–400 in annual rewards. Pair with Chase Freedom Unlimited® (1.5% on non-bonus) for bigger transfers.
Why It Ranks: Balances low fee with high-value points, ideal for best credit card with benefits.
2. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for Simple Travel Miles
Perfect for travelers who want simplicity, this earns unlimited 2x miles on everything, redeemable for any travel at 1 cent each or transferred to 15+ partners.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 75,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 3 months (worth $750 in travel) |
| Rewards Rates | 5x hotels/rentals via Capital One; 2x all else |
| Key Perks | $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; Hertz Five Star status; no foreign fees |
| Best For | Best travel rewards credit cards, award credit card |
| Drawbacks | Lower rates on dining/groceries |
Real-World Value: A family spending $20,000 yearly on travel could earn $500+ in flights. Great for credit cards with good rewards like lost luggage protection.
Why It Ranks: No-fuss miles make it a top pick for best credit card for someone with excellent credit who travels.
3. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best Flat-Rate Cash Back
For simplicity, this card’s unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases is unbeatable—no categories, no caps.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Welcome Bonus | $200 cash after $500 spend in 3 months |
| Rewards Rates | 2% unlimited cash back |
| Key Perks | 0% intro APR for 15 months; cellphone protection |
| Best For | Best cash back credit cards, best everyday credit card |
| Drawbacks | No travel/dining bonuses |
Real-World Value: On $15,000 annual spend, earn $300—outpacing 1% cards. Ideal for good rewards cards seekers.
Why It Ranks: No-fee, high-return simplicity suits credit cards for great credit.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Premium Perks
The ultimate best credit card for excellent credit, offering unmatched luxury perks for frequent travelers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $695 |
| Welcome Bonus | 175,000 points after $8,000 spend in 6 months (worth $3,500+ in travel) |
| Rewards Rates | 5x flights/hotels via Amex; 1x else |
| Key Perks | Centurion Lounges; $200 airline credit; $200 Uber; hotel elite status |
| Best For | Best credit cards for high credit scores, excellent credit cards |
| Drawbacks | High fee; low everyday rewards |
Real-World Value: Frequent flyers can offset the fee 2x via $1,500+ in credits. Perfect for top credit cards for excellent credit.
Why It Ranks: Elite perks justify the cost for high spenders.
5. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for Business High Rewards
Entrepreneurs get massive value with 3x points on business categories and a huge bonus.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 120,000 points after $8,000 spend in 3 months (worth $1,500) |
| Rewards Rates | 3x travel/advertising/shipping ($150K cap); 1x else |
| Key Perks | Cellphone protection; primary car rental coverage |
| Best For | Top high reward credit cards, highest rewards credit card |
| Drawbacks | Business-only; no intro APR |
Real-World Value: $50,000 business spend yields $1,500+ in points. Top for best bonus points credit card.
Why It Ranks: High earn rates for best credit cards for great credit in business.
Comparison Table: Best Rewards Credit Cards
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus Value | Avg. Rewards Rate | Best Category Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | $750 | 2–3x | Best points card; top points cards |
| Capital One Venture | $95 | $750 | 2x | Best travel rewards; award credit card |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | $0 | $200 | 2% | Best cash back; good rewards cards |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | $3,500+ | 1–5x | Best for excellent credit; high scores |
| Ink Business Preferred | $95 | $1,500 | 3x | Highest rewards; best bonus points |
Based on $1,500/month average U.S. spend. Point values at 1.25–1.5 cents.
How to Choose the Best Credit Card for You
- Analyze Spending: Use apps like Mint to track 3 months. Heavy on groceries? Try Blue Cash Preferred (6% U.S. supermarkets). Travel-heavy? Go Sapphire Preferred.
- Check Credit Score: Free tools like Credit Karma show if you’re at excellent credit (800+) or great credit (670–739). The former unlocks all; the latter suits no-fee cards.
- Weigh Fees vs. Perks: Divide credits by fee. Amex Platinum’s $1,500 credits beat its $695 fee for travelers.
- Plan Redemptions: Cash back for ease; points/miles for 20–50% more value via transfers.
For best credit cards for 750 credit score, prioritize bonuses over low APRs—you won’t carry balances.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- Interest Costs: Pay in full to dodge 20%+ APRs.
- Category Overload: Skip rotating bonuses (e.g., Discover It® 5%) if you forget activations.
- Fee Traps: Avoid high-fee cards like Venture X ($395) unless you spend $500+ on travel.
- Churning Risks: Limit applications to 1–2/year to avoid issuer flags.
Building Credit for Premium Cards
For best credit cards for high credit scores but a sub-750 score, start with secured cards like Discover it® Secured (2% cash back). Keep payments on time (35% of score), utilization below 30% (30%), and mix credit types.
FAQs
What are the best credit cards for excellent credit?
The Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Preferred lead for 800+ scores, offering premium perks and high bonuses.
What credit cards have the best rewards?
Chase Sapphire Preferred (flexible points), Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% cash), and Ink Business Preferred (3x business) top the list.
What is the best credit card to get?
For most, Chase Sapphire Preferred balances rewards and affordability. For no-fee, Wells Fargo Active Cash.
Which cards are best for a 750 credit score?
All listed cards work, but Wells Fargo Active Cash and Capital One Venture are accessible and rewarding.
Final Thoughts
The best credit card with best rewards in 2025 depends on your habits, but Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out for its balance of points, perks, and $95 fee. Apply via issuer pre-approval tools or CardMatch for personalized offers.
Got a favorite rewards card or spending style? Share in the comments for tailored advice!
Disclosure: We may earn commissions from links, but recommendations are unbiased. Consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.
