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If you’re spending money and not getting rewarded for it, you’re missing out on one of the easiest ways to earn back value on your purchases. In 2025, credit card companies in the United States are competing fiercely by offering cashback, travel rewards, and exclusive perks to cardholders — and the benefits have never been better.
Whether you’re focused on everyday savings, travel points, or business expenses, this guide will help you find the best cashback and rewards credit cards of 2025 based on spending habits, annual fees, and bonus categories.
đź’ˇ Why Choose a Cashback or Rewards Credit Card?
Credit cards with cashback or rewards allow you to earn money, points, or miles for every dollar you spend. These rewards can be:
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Statement credits
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Travel bookings
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Gift cards
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Retail purchases
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Cryptocurrency (in select cards)
If you pay your balance in full every month, a cashback or rewards card is essentially free money — and the right card can easily earn you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars per year.
🥇 Top 7 Cashback and Rewards Credit Cards for 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best for: Travel and flexible point redemption
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards:
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5x on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
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3x on dining and online grocery
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2x on all other travel
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1x on everything else
Why it’s great:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is ideal for those who want flexible points that can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or transferred to airline and hotel partners. It also comes with trip insurance, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees.
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2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for: Supermarket and streaming cashback
Annual Fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer: $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in 6 months
Rewards:
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6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
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6% on select U.S. streaming services
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3% on transit and gas stations
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1% on all other purchases
Why it’s great:
One of the best cashback cards for families and daily spenders, this card gives top rewards in essential categories. You also get access to Amex Offers and return protection.
3. Citi Double Cash® Card
Best for: Simple flat-rate cashback
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards:
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2% cashback on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
Why it’s great:
No categories to track — just pure cashback. This card is ideal for minimalists or business owners who want consistent rewards across the board.
4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Flexible travel rewards
Annual Fee: $95
Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Rewards:
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2x miles on every purchase
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5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Why it’s great:
With a flat rate of 2x miles and transfer options to 15+ travel partners, this card is great for travelers who want flexibility without the restrictions of airline loyalty programs.
5. Discover it® Cash Back
Best for: Rotating bonus categories
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Offer: Cashback Match (Discover will match all cashback earned in your first year)
Rewards:
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5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter)
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1% on all other purchases
Why it’s great:
Discover’s Cashback Match makes this one of the most valuable cards in your first year. Their rotating categories often include Amazon, groceries, and gas stations.
6. American Express® Gold Card
Best for: Foodies and frequent diners
Annual Fee: $250
Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after $4,000 in 6 months
Rewards:
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4x at restaurants
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4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000/year)
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3x on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
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1x on all other purchases
Why it’s great:
High earners on food and travel can maximize their points quickly with this card. Plus, it comes with $120 Uber Cash and $120 Dining Credit annually.
7. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Best for: Unlimited 2% cashback with no annual fee
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Offer: $200 cash rewards after $500 in purchases
Rewards:
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Unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases
Why it’s great:
If you want no-hassle cashback and no annual fee, this is one of the best flat-rate cards available. Ideal for everyday spending and budgeting.
đź§ Tips to Choose the Best Credit Card for You
1. Understand Your Spending Habits
Choose a card that rewards the categories you spend most on (e.g., groceries, gas, dining, travel, etc.).
2. Watch the Annual Fee
Many premium cards offer huge value, but only if you actually use the benefits. Make sure your spending offsets the annual fee.
3. Take Advantage of Welcome Offers
Intro bonuses can give you $200–$1,000 in value if you meet the spending requirements.
4. Consider Travel Protections and Perks
Some cards offer rental car insurance, airport lounge access, extended warranty, and trip cancellation insurance — all of which add value.
đź”’ Are These Cards Safe to Use?
Absolutely. All of the cards listed above are issued by major U.S. financial institutions and come with advanced security features, such as:
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Real-time fraud alerts
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Zero liability for unauthorized charges
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Virtual card numbers for online purchases
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Biometric login in mobile apps
🔍 Other Useful Resources
Here are some trusted platforms to compare and apply for credit cards:
These platforms allow you to filter by credit score, rewards type, and fees to find the perfect card for your goals.
đź’¬ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What credit score do I need for a rewards card?
Most premium rewards cards require a good to excellent credit score (typically 670+). If your score is lower, consider a secured card to build credit first.
Q: Do cashback rewards expire?
It depends on the issuer. Many cards have no expiration as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Q: Can I have multiple rewards cards?
Yes! Many savvy users stack cards to maximize rewards. For example, use one card for groceries and another for travel.
🎯 Final Thoughts
In 2025, there are more options than ever to turn everyday purchases into real value. Whether you’re looking to travel more, save money on groceries, or simply get rewarded for spending, there’s a credit card tailored to your lifestyle.
Use this guide as your starting point to find the best cashback and rewards card for your needs. Just remember to:
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Pay your balance in full monthly
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Track your rewards
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Reassess your cards annually