Credit Cards – When it comes to earning rewards with credit cards, I’ve spent quite a bit of time figuring out which ones really give you the best bang for your buck. Some credit cards offer mediocre rewards that make you feel like you’re working harder for them than you should be. Others, though, are like finding gold buried in your backyard—you just have to know where to dig. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve rounded up what I believe are the top 5 credit cards for earning rewards in 2025. Whether you’re looking to rack up travel points, cash back, or even points for your favorite shopping brands, these cards will help you earn rewards like a pro.
Top 5 Credit Cards for Earning Rewards in 2025
1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If you’re even remotely into travel rewards, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This card is a bit of a legend in the rewards space, and for good reason. The bonus points you get for travel and dining are really hard to beat. I remember the first time I got this card—it was like opening the floodgates to a whole new world of rewards.
You earn 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x on all other purchases. But the real magic happens when you use your points through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® portal, where they’re worth 25% more. You can book flights, hotels, and car rentals, and it feels like you’re paying with discounted money.
One thing I’ll admit is the $95 annual fee, which had me a bit hesitant at first. But once I started redeeming points for travel, it became clear that the rewards far outweighed the cost. Plus, you get a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which is like getting $750 toward travel right off the bat. It’s a no-brainer for travel lovers.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning a big vacation or looking to splurge on a hotel stay, redeeming your points through Chase Ultimate Rewards can unlock some serious value.
2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If cash back is more your style, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a strong contender. This card gives you 6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% at U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% on everything else. I know—I almost fell out of my chair when I saw the supermarket rate. If you’re like me and spend a decent amount on groceries every month, this card can rack up cash back faster than you’d think.
The $95 annual fee might seem a bit much at first glance, but once you calculate how much you’ll earn on your grocery store runs, you’ll see that the fee is easily outweighed by the rewards. I remember when I started using this card for groceries; it was like my spending on essentials was actually giving me free money.
Pro Tip: Use this card for all your gas station and supermarket purchases to maximize cash back. Just be mindful of the $6,000 annual cap at grocery stores to make sure you’re not missing out on the higher cash back rate.
3. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
For those of you who might be just starting your credit card journey or don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a solid pick. It offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase. Simple, no fuss, no categories to remember.
What I love about this card is that the rewards are straightforward. I don’t have to juggle rotating categories or plan purchases around certain categories. Everything I buy earns 1.5% cash back, which adds up quickly over time. The annual fee is $39, but when you’re getting unlimited cash back on every single purchase, it feels pretty worth it.
Pro Tip: This card is perfect for people who just want a no-nonsense way to earn rewards without worrying about categories or activation periods. It’s also a great starter card for building credit.
4. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Okay, I’m not going to lie, this card is for serious rewards enthusiasts who are willing to pay for premium perks. The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest annual fees around, at $695. But, hear me out—if you travel a lot, this card can be a game-changer.
You’ll earn 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Plus, there’s a ton of other perks—like access to airport lounges, a $200 annual airline fee credit, and more. I once got to enjoy access to an airport lounge where I had complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi while I waited for my flight. It felt like I was living the high life.
Even though the fee is steep, the rewards you earn with travel and the added luxury perks can make it worth it. If you’re flying often and love a good lounge experience, this card will pay off big time.
Pro Tip: Use the card for travel-related purchases, and take advantage of the annual credits to offset the high fee.
5. Citi® Double Cash Card
This one’s for the no-frills, steady earners out there: the Citi® Double Cash Card. It’s one of the best options if you just want straightforward, reliable cash back. You earn 2% on every purchase—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay off your balance.
I’ve had this card for a while now, and honestly, I like that it doesn’t require me to do anything special to earn rewards. Whether I’m getting my morning coffee or buying a new pair of shoes, I’m always earning 2% cash back. And while the cash back isn’t as high in certain categories compared to other cards, the simplicity of it makes up for that.
The best part? No annual fee. You get the perks without any of the hassle. It’s definitely worth considering if you prefer cash back that’s easy to earn and redeem.
Pro Tip: Pair this card with a more category-specific rewards card to maximize your earnings across different types of spending.
There you have it—the top 5 credit cards for earning rewards in 2025. Whether you’re chasing travel points, cash back, or a combination of both, these cards offer some seriously rewarding opportunities. Personally, it all comes down to how you want to use your rewards. Are you someone who’s planning a vacation soon? Go for Chase Sapphire Preferred®. Prefer cash back with no gimmicks? Citi Double Cash has your back.
Take some time to figure out which card aligns best with your spending habits, and you’ll start seeing those rewards pile up faster than you’d expect. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s totally worth it.
