The best rewards credit cards of 2025

They are saying to take what you like and switch it right into a job. I get to speak about bank cards, factors and miles every single day and receives a commission for it, so I say I’ve succeeded at that. Anybody who is aware of me personally is aware of that I get pleasure from singing the praises of rewards bank cards each time I am given the possibility.

The bank card trade presents so many playing cards that it is onerous for even an skilled like me to maintain monitor. That is why I like serving to my family and friends sift by way of all the choices obtainable to them to search out the right fit for his or her way of life and journey wants.

Often, there is a handful of rewards playing cards that come up each time I am giving my Ted Speak on bank cards, factors and miles. There is a good cause for that: These playing cards are versatile, straightforward to make use of and brimming with sufficient perks to justify no matter annual charge they could have.

Right here they’re.

Standout advantages: This card’s greatest profit is its rotating quarterly bonus categories. You may earn 5% again on as much as $1,500 of spending every quarter in these classes (then 1% again; activation required). Plus, cardholders can get pleasure from a complimentary six-month DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

The Freedom Flex is, in my view, one in every of Chase’s most underrated playing cards. It usually will get overshadowed by its massive siblings, the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees).

This card is greatest for beginners and people on the lookout for an inexpensive, versatile product. It was my first correct rewards card, and it was the one that really obtained me hooked on this passion.

To be taught extra, take a look at our full review of the Freedom Flex.

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Apply right here: Chase Freedom Flex

Standout advantages: This card presents entry to Chase’s switch companions, a important part of maximizing your rewards. When you have an eligible no-annual-fee Chase card, just like the Freedom Flex, you may turn that card’s rewards into transferable Ultimate Rewards points with the Sapphire Most well-liked.

The Sapphire Most well-liked will get put on a pedestal right here at TPG, and for good cause. It is an inexpensive card that earns priceless, transferable Final Rewards factors. Plus, it is simple to get your a reimbursement (after which some) with the Sapphire Most well-liked’s annual charge, due to its DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by Dec. 31, 2027).

Cardholders additionally get a $50 credit score for an eligible resort reserving by way of Chase Journey every year, along with a ten% anniversary factors increase. These approachable perks make this card an important introduction to the world of factors and miles — it was even my very first transferable rewards card.

To be taught extra, take a look at our full review of the Sapphire Preferred.

Apply right here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Citi Strata Premier

Standout advantages: This card covers all kinds of on a regular basis spending classes, making it an important match for a one-card pockets. In case you like utilizing issuer journey portals in your bookings, you will recognize this card’s annual $100 low cost on a single resort reserving of $500 or extra (excluding taxes) made by way of Citi Journey.

Ask round sufficient at TPG, and you may quickly discover a couple of individuals who’d agree with me that the Strata Premier is a darkish horse within the mid-tier bank card area. With this card, you’ll earn bonus rewards on the vast majority of your on a regular basis spending, together with groceries, gasoline, EV charging and eating. You may additionally achieve entry to Citi’s 22 switch companions, together with award fanatic favorites like American Airlines and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

I haven’t got the Strata Premier myself, however I might completely select it if I had the need (and willpower) to carry myself to only one card.

To be taught extra, take a look at our full review of the Strata Premier.

Apply right here: Citi Strata Premier Card

American Categorical Platinum

Standout advantages: Making an attempt to condense this card’s standout advantages into a couple of sentences is almost not possible. It boasts an extended record of assertion credit, elite statuses and lounges you may entry, amongst different advantages. It might function the very best annual charge of any card available on the market, but it surely’s effectively value it for the appropriate cardmember.

The Amex Platinum is my most costly card, however I will justify it due to its varied advantages. I simply used my assertion credit of as much as $100 every quarter for Resy* and as much as $75 every quarter for Lululemon**, which implies I am already roughly $175 towards breaking even on this card’s annual charge.

I additionally worth this card’s lounge entry, which is the furthest-reaching of any card at present obtainable. In case you can afford to pay $895 in a single billing cycle for a bank card, the Amex Platinum is certainly value contemplating.

To be taught extra, take a look at our full review of the Amex Platinum.

*U.S. eating places solely; enrollment required
**U.S. shops and on-line solely; retailers excluded; enrollment required

Apply right here: American Express Platinum Card

One of the best rewards cards provide flexibility and a variety of worth. They could come with an annual fee or not, however all of them have a minimum of a few tried-and-true methods to justify their place in your pockets. All of them provide bonus classes tied to widespread spending, strong way of life credit, model advantages or some mixture of these.

I like to recommend these playing cards again and again as a result of I imagine they’re the very best match for many vacationers. You do not want all four of those playing cards to have a well-rounded pockets, however your travels can definitely be elevated in the event you do.

Associated: Best credit cards: These 4 keep me on the go about 180 days a year

For charges and charges of the Amex Platinum, click on here.