In today’s fast-paced world, a credit card is more than just a payment method—it’s a smart financial tool that can put money back in your pocket and reward you for the spending you already do. Whether it’s grocery shopping, booking flights, dining out, or paying utility bills, cashback and rewards credit cards can help you save more while enjoying exclusive perks.
The year 2025 brings some exciting updates in the credit card industry. Many issuers are offering higher cashback rates, improved sign-up bonuses, and new categories that match the way we live now—think streaming subscriptions, ride-hailing services, and even food delivery.
In this article, we’ll explore the Top 10 Best Credit Cards for Cashback & Rewards in 2025, their benefits, fees, and how to choose the one that’s perfect for you.
Why Choose a Cashback & Rewards Credit Card?
Before jumping into the list, let’s quickly understand why these cards are so popular:
- Cash in Your Pocket: Cashback rewards are essentially a percentage of your spending returned to you. Simple and straightforward.
- Points for Perks: Reward points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, gift cards, or even statement credits.
- Exclusive Benefits: Many cards offer travel insurance, airport lounge access, extended warranties, and more.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: A big welcome bonus can mean hundreds of dollars in rewards right from the start.
The key is to choose a card that aligns with your spending habits, so you earn the maximum rewards without paying unnecessary fees.
Top 10 Cashback & Rewards Credit Cards in 2025
(Note: The cards listed are based on U.S. market offerings for 2025; rates and offers may vary depending on your location and credit profile.)
1. Chase Freedom Flex®
- Cashback Rate:
- 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%)
- 3% on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1% on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Why It’s Great:
The rotating 5% categories keep things exciting and maximize your cashback potential. In 2025, categories include grocery stores, streaming services, and travel—perfect for everyday and seasonal spending.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
- Cashback Rate:
- 2% on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $1,500 spend in 6 months
- Why It’s Great:
No complicated categories—just a flat 2% on every purchase. It’s ideal for people who want simplicity without sacrificing value.
3. Capital One SavorOne® Cash Rewards
- Cashback Rate:
- 3% on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries
- 1% on all other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $500 in the first 3 months
- Why It’s Great:
Perfect for foodies and entertainment lovers. You’ll earn rewards on movie nights, concerts, and your Netflix subscription.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
- Cashback Rate:
- 5% on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%)
- 1% on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: Dollar-for-dollar cashback match at the end of your first year
- Why It’s Great:
The cashback match essentially doubles your first-year rewards. For example, if you earn $300 in cashback, Discover will give you another $300.
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Cashback Rate:
- Unlimited 2% on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $500 in the first 3 months
- Why It’s Great:
Simple, flat-rate cashback with no limits and no annual fee. Plus, comes with cell phone protection if you pay your bill with the card.
6. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card
- Cashback Rate:
- 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% on transit and gas
- 1% on everything else
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: $250 after $3,000 in the first 6 months
- Why It’s Great:
If you spend a lot on groceries and streaming, this card can deliver serious savings.
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- Rewards Rate:
- 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3x on dining and online groceries
- 2x on all other travel
- 1x on everything else
- Annual Fee: $95
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 points (worth about $750 in travel) after $4,000 in the first 3 months
- Why It’s Great:
This is more of a travel rewards card, but the point value is unbeatable for frequent travelers.
8. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards
- Cashback Rate:
- 3% in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement)
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 combined each quarter)
- 1% on everything else
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Why It’s Great:
Flexible 3% category lets you tailor rewards to your lifestyle.
9. Capital One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards
- Cashback Rate:
- Unlimited 1.5% on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $500 in the first 3 months
- Why It’s Great:
A simple card with a decent flat rate, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel coverage.
10. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Cashback Rate:
- 4% on dining, takeout, and delivery
- 2% on groceries, gas, and streaming services
- 1% on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: 20,000 points (worth $200) after $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Why It’s Great:
If you dine out or order in regularly, this is one of the highest rates available in that category.
Tips for Choosing the Best Cashback & Rewards Credit Card
- Match Categories to Your Lifestyle:
If most of your spending is on groceries and gas, choose a card that rewards those purchases. - Check the Annual Fee:
A card with a high fee can still be worth it if your rewards exceed the cost. - Look for a Good Welcome Bonus:
A strong sign-up bonus can give you a big boost in rewards early on. - Understand Redemption Options:
Some cards are flexible, letting you redeem for cash, travel, or gift cards, while others may limit your choices. - Watch Out for Foreign Transaction Fees:
If you travel internationally, pick a card with no foreign fees.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, credit card companies are competing harder than ever to win your wallet, which means more generous rewards, creative categories, and bigger bonuses. The best cashback or rewards credit card for you depends on where you spend the most and how you want to redeem your rewards.
If you want simplicity, go with a flat-rate card like the Citi Double Cash or Wells Fargo Active Cash.
If you love maximizing categories, try Chase Freedom Flex or Discover it Cash Back.
And if you’re a traveler, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can deliver huge value.