If you’re going to spend money anyway, why not get rewarded for it? That’s the beauty of credit card rewards—you earn cash back, points, or miles every time you buy gas, groceries, travel, or even grab a coffee.
But with hundreds of options out there, choosing the best rewards credit card in the USA can feel oBest Credit Cards with Rewards in the USA: Maximize Every Swipeverwhelming. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about reward credit cards, including how they work, what to look for, and the top cards available right now for every type of spender.
What Are Credit Card Rewards (and How Do They Work)?
Let’s start with the basics. A rewards credit card gives you something in return every time you make a purchase. Instead of just spending money, you earn:
- Cash back: A percentage of your purchase amount back as cash or statement credit.
- Points: Rewards that can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, or merchandise.
- Miles: Points that can be used toward flights, hotels, and travel expenses.
For example, if your card gives you 2% cash back and you spend $1,000 a month, you’ll get $20 back. Over a year, that’s $240—for doing nothing extra.
Some cards offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases, while others give bonus categories (like 5% on travel or dining). The key is finding a card that matches your spending habits.
Types of Rewards Credit Cards
Before choosing the best one, it helps to understand the main types of reward cards in the USA:
1. Cash Back Credit Cards
These are the most straightforward. You earn a percentage back on what you spend, usually 1%–5%.
Best for: Everyday spending—groceries, gas, streaming services, etc.
Example: Spend $500 on groceries with a 3% cash back card, and you get $15 back. Easy.
2. Travel Rewards Credit Cards
These cards earn points or miles you can redeem for flights, hotels, or travel perks. Many also come with benefits like airport lounge access or no foreign transaction fees.
Best for: Frequent travelers or anyone who wants free or discounted travel.
3. Points-Based or Flexible Rewards Cards
These earn points that you can redeem in multiple ways—travel, gift cards, merchandise, or even statement credit. Some programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, offer bonus value when you redeem for travel.
Best for: People who like flexibility and optimizing rewards.
4. Co-Branded Credit Cards
These are partnered with specific airlines, hotels, or retailers (like Delta SkyMiles or Amazon Prime Rewards). They give special perks for loyal customers.
Best for: Brand loyalists—if you often fly the same airline or stay in the same hotel chain.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the fun part—the best credit cards with rewards in the USA for 2025.
Top 10 Best Credit Cards with Rewards in the USA (2025 Edition)
Whether you want cash back, points, or miles, here are the top-performing reward cards in America today—each with unique perks.
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Best Overall Travel Rewards Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred remains a crowd favorite, and for good reason. It offers high value for both beginners and experienced travelers.
Key Rewards:
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3X points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming
- 2X points on other travel purchases
- 1X on all other spending
Sign-Up Bonus:
Earn 60,000 bonus points (worth $750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $95
Why It’s Great:
Chase points are flexible—you can redeem them for travel or cash or transfer them to airlines like United, Southwest, or British Airways.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
Best for Simple Cash Back
If you like no-frills rewards, this one’s perfect. You earn cash back twice—once when you buy and once when you pay off your balance.
Key Rewards:
- 2% total cash back (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay)
- No confusing categories or limits
Sign-Up Bonus:
Often includes a $200 cash back bonus after meeting the minimum spend.
Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great:
It’s simple, reliable, and perfect for people who want effortless rewards without tracking categories.
3. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Best for Flexible Travel Rewards
This one’s for the wanderlusts. You earn miles on everything—no categories, no limits.
Key Rewards:
- 2X miles on every purchase
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Sign-Up Bonus:
75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months (worth about $750 in travel).
Annual Fee: $95
Why It’s Great:
You can transfer miles to over 15 airline partners or use them to “erase” travel purchases.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
Best for Rotating Categories
This card keeps things interesting with quarterly rotating categories that offer 5% cash back.
Key Rewards:
- 5% cash back on changing categories (like gas, groceries, restaurants, PayPal, etc.)
- 1% cash back on everything else
- Discover matches all your cash back at the end of your first year!
Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great:
The “cash back match” doubles your rewards in the first year—that’s unbeatable for beginners.
5. American Express® Gold Card
Best for Foodies
If you dine out or cook often, this card turns your food expenses into rewards gold.
Key Rewards:
- 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
- 4X at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year)
- 3X on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel
- 1X on everything else
Welcome Offer:
Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $250
Why It’s Great:
It’s a powerhouse for food lovers and travelers alike—plus, those points can be transferred to airlines and hotels.
6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Best for Unlimited Cash Back
Sometimes simple is best—and this card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
Key Rewards:
- Flat 2% cash back on everything
- $200 bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months
Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great:
It’s perfect for everyday use and has no rotating categories or gimmicks.
7. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for Families and Everyday Spending
If your biggest expenses are groceries, streaming, and gas, this card is a dream come true.
Key Rewards:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit
- 1% on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
Earn $250 back after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Annual Fee: $95 (worth it if you spend on groceries regularly)
Why It’s Great:
No card gives more back for groceries and everyday family expenses.
8. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for Versatile Cash Back + Travel Potential
This is one of the best “starter” rewards cards out there, and it pairs beautifully with Chase travel cards.
Key Rewards:
- 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- 1.5% on everything else
Sign-Up Bonus:
$200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great:
You can combine points with other Chase cards for maximum value.
9. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
Best for Customizable Rewards
This card lets you pick your 3% cash back category each month (like gas, dining, travel, or online shopping).
Key Rewards:
- 3% on your chosen category
- 2% on groceries and wholesale clubs
- 1% on everything else
Sign-Up Bonus:
$200 online cash reward after $1,000 in purchases in 90 days.
Annual Fee: $0
Why It’s Great:
You control your rewards, and Preferred Rewards clients can boost earnings by up to 75%.
10. U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
Best for Digital Nomads and Travelers
This one’s great if you’re always on the go—especially for travel and streaming.
Key Rewards:
- 4X points on travel and gas
- 2X on groceries, dining, and streaming services
- 1X on everything else
Sign-Up Bonus:
50,000 points (worth $500) after $2,000 spent in 120 days.
Annual Fee: $95 (waived first year)
Why It’s Great:
Flexible travel rewards and generous bonus categories make it ideal for digital nomads.
How to Choose the Right Rewards Credit Card for You
Here’s the thing—the “best” card depends on your lifestyle and spending habits. Ask yourself:
- Do you travel often? → Get a travel rewards card like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture.
- Do you want simplicity? → Go for flat-rate cards like Citi Double Cash or Wells Fargo Active Cash.
- Do you spend big on groceries or dining? → Try Amex Gold or Blue Cash Preferred.
- Want no annual fee? → Check out Chase Freedom Unlimited or Discover it Cash Back.
The key is to pick one that fits you—not just the one with the flashiest perks.
Tips to Maximize Credit Card Rewards
Here’s how to get the most bang for your buck:
- Pay your balance in full each month.
Rewards aren’t worth it if you’re paying interest. - Use the right card for the right purchase.
Example: Amex Gold for restaurants, Freedom Unlimited for drugstores. - Take advantage of welcome bonuses.
Spend strategically in the first few months to unlock sign-up bonuses. - Use shopping portals or partner programs.
Many cards have bonus offers for using specific travel or retail sites. - Combine points strategically.
Some issuers (like Chase or Amex) let you pool points for higher redemption value. - Don’t forget perks!
Travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranties—these extras often go unused but are super valuable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best rewards cards can backfire if you’re not careful. Avoid these rookie mistakes:
- Carrying a balance and paying high interest
- Missing payments (hurts credit and loses rewards)
- Overspending just to earn points
- Ignoring annual fees that outweigh your rewards
- Forgetting to redeem or use points before expiration
Smart cardholders treat rewards as a bonus, not a reason to spend more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What credit score do I need for a rewards card?
Most top rewards cards require a good to excellent credit score (700+). But there are entry-level options for fair credit too.
2. Are rewards cards worth it?
Absolutely—if you pay your balance in full and use them strategically, they can save you hundreds (or thousands) a year.
3. Do rewards expire?
It depends on the issuer. Some points never expire (like Chase), while others may after inactivity.
4. Can I have multiple rewards cards?
Yes! Many people use a multi-card strategy to maximize different categories.
5. What’s the difference between points and miles?
Points are general-purpose (can be used for travel, gift cards, etc.), while miles are usually airline-specific.
Conclusion: Turn Every Swipe into a Reward
At the end of the day, a credit card isn’t just a spending tool—it’s a money-saving machine when used wisely.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a foodie, or someone who just wants cash back on groceries, there’s a perfect card out there for you.
If you want simplicity, start with Citi Double Cash or Wells Fargo Active Cash. If you love travel, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture will take you places (literally). And if you’re all about food and family, Amex Gold or Blue Cash Preferred are unbeatable.
The trick is to match your lifestyle with your rewards—and always pay your balance in full. That’s how you win the credit card game.
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