“5 Best credit cards for cashback in 2025”
5 Best credit cards for cashback in 2025: If you love earning money while you spend, cashback credit cards are your best friend. In 2025, competition will be fiercer than ever between credit card issuers offering more rewards, better features, and more flexibility. Whether you’re a frequent shopper, a travel enthusiast, or just want to save on everyday purchases, there’s a great cashback card out there for you.
In this guide, we’ll analyze the best credit cards for cashback in 2025 to help you choose the right card based on your spending habits. We’ll also explain how cashback works, tips for maximizing rewards, and key features to look out for.
How do cashback credit cards work?
Cashback credit cards give you a certain percentage of your spending back in cash. For example, if a card offers 2% cash back on all purchases, and you spend $1,000, you’ll get $20 back. Some cards offer higher rewards in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining.
There are three main types of cash back cards:
1. Flat-rate cash back cards – Earn the same percentage on all purchases.
2. Bonus category cards – Higher rewards in select spending areas.
3. Rotating category cards – Rewards change every quarter (for example, 5% back on Amazon purchases one quarter, then gas the next quarter).
Now, let’s take a look at the best cash back credit cards of 2025.
The 5 Best credit cards for cashback of 2025
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited – Best for Everyday Spending
Why it’s great:
- 1.5% – 5% cash back on purchases (5% on travel through Chase, 3% on dining/drugstore, 1.5% on everything else).
- No annual fee, making it perfect for budget-conscious users.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on up to $20,000 in spending in the first year.
Best suited for: People who want simple, high rewards without having to track categories.
🔗 Learn more on Chase’s official site.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card – Best flat-rate cash back
Why it’s great:
- 2% cash back on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- No annual fee, just pure, straight-up rewards.
- Flexible redemption: Get cash back as a statement credit, check, or direct deposit.
Best suited for: People who want a no-fuss, high-rewards card for all purchases.
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – Best for groceries and gas
Why it’s great:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
- 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% on transit and gas.
- $95 annual fee, but the rewards easily make up for it for big spenders.
Best for: Families and grocery shoppers who spend more on food and gas.
🔗 See details at American Express.
4. Discover it® Cash Back – Best for Varying Categories
Why it’s great:
- 5% cash back in varying categories (up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%).
- First-year cash back match – Discover doubles all rewards earned in the first year.
- No annual fee, making this a risk-free way to maximize rewards.
Best for: People who don’t mind keeping track of quarterly bonus categories.
5. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards – Best for Dining and Entertainment
Why it’s great:
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and groceries.
- No annual fee, plus no foreign transaction fees (great for travelers).
- $200 bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months.
Best suited for: Foodies, concert-goers, and frequent diners.
How to choose the best credit cards for cashback?
Choosing the best credit cards for cash back in 2025 depends on your spending habits:
✅ If you spend evenly across all categories, → Citi Double Cash (2% flat rate).
✅ If you spend more on groceries and gas, → Blue Cash Preferred (6% return).
✅ If you love dining and entertainment, → Capital One SavorOne (3% return).
✅ If you want rotating bonuses → Discover it® Cash Back (5% quarterly).
Pro tips for maximizing cash back in 2025
1. Lots of rewards – Use multiple cards for different spending categories.
2. Pay in full – Avoid interest charges that eat away at rewards.
3. Look for bonus offers – Some cards offer extra cash back when you sign up.
4. Use shopping portals – Some issuers (like Chase) offer additional cashback through their own shopping sites.
Final Thoughts: Best credit cards for cashback
The best credit cards for cashback in 2025 offer incredible rewards if you tailor them to your lifestyle. Whether you want simplicity, more grocery rewards, or a rotating bonus, there’s a great card for you.
Before you apply, always check the latest terms, as issuers update benefits each year. And remember, the best cashback card is the one that fits your spending, so choose wisely!
🔗 For more comparisons, check out NerdWallet’s guide to cash back cards.
FAQs About the Best credit cards for cashback in 2025
1. Which cashback card offers the most rewards?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% off groceries and streaming, while the Citi® Double Cash offers 2% off everything. The best card depends on your spending habits.
2. Are there cash-back cards with no annual fee?
Yes! The Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Citi Double Cash, and Discover it® Cash Back all have no annual fee and offer great rewards.
3. How do I redeem cash back rewards?
Most cards let you redeem as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. Some (like Discover) even let you shop with rewards on Amazon or PayPal.
4. Do cash-back rewards expire?
Usually, no, as long as your account is open. But check your card’s terms, as some (like store cards) may have expiration policies.
5. Can I use a cash-back card for travel?
Absolutely! Cards like the Capital One SavorOne (3% on dining) or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (5% on Chase travel) let you earn rewards on flights, hotels, and more.
