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Best Credit Cards for Travel Rewards and Cashback in 2025

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    Jagadish V Gaikwad
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If you love travel, dining out, or just want to stretch your dollar further, the right credit card can be a game-changer. In 2025, the best credit cards for travel rewards and cashback are more flexible and rewarding than ever. Whether you’re planning a dream vacation or just want to earn something back on everyday spending, there’s a card out there for you.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top travel rewards and cashback cards, compare their perks, and share tips to help you maximize your rewards. Let’s dive in!

Why Choose a Travel Rewards or Cashback Card?

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about why these cards are worth considering.

  • Travel rewards cards let you earn points or miles on every purchase, which you can redeem for flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. Many cards also offer bonus points for travel and dining, plus perks like airport lounge access and travel insurance.
  • Cashback cards give you a percentage of your spending back as cash, statement credits, or gift cards. Some cards offer higher cashback rates on travel, dining, and groceries.

Both types of cards can help you save money, but the best choice depends on your spending habits and travel goals.

Top Travel Rewards Credit Cards for 2025

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a favorite among frequent travelers for good reason. It offers a generous sign-up bonus, flexible rewards, and solid travel perks.

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Earning Rates: 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on other travel purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $95.
  • Perks: No foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.

This card is ideal for those who travel often and want flexibility in how they redeem their points.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

If you’re looking for a premium travel card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is hard to beat.

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Earning Rates: 3x points on all travel and dining, 1x on everything else.
  • Annual Fee: $550.
  • Perks: $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass lounge access, and a higher points value when redeemed for travel through Chase.

This card is best for frequent travelers who want luxury perks and high rewards.

3. American Express® Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card is a top pick for foodies and frequent travelers.

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 80,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
  • Earning Rates: 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines.
  • Annual Fee: $250.
  • Perks: $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit, and access to airport lounges.

This card is perfect for those who love dining out and want extra value on groceries and flights.

4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X is a strong contender for luxury travel rewards.

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Earning Rates: 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, 2x miles on all other purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $395.
  • Perks: $300 annual travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles each year, Priority Pass lounge access, and no foreign transaction fees.

This card is great for those who want high-value rewards and premium travel benefits.

5. Wells Fargo Autograph Journey

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey is a newer card that’s making waves in the travel rewards space.

  • Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
  • Earning Rates: 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airfare, 3x points on restaurants and all other travel, 1x on everything else.
  • Annual Fee: $95.
  • Perks: No cap on bonus earnings, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees.

This card stands out for its uncapped bonus categories and straightforward earning structure.

Top Cashback Credit Cards for 2025

1. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

This card is a versatile option for those who want flexibility in their cashback categories.

  • Welcome Bonus: $200 cash rewards after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
  • Earning Rates: 3% cash back on a category of your choice (gas, dining, or travel), 2% on grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 per quarter), 1% on everything else.
  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • Perks: No annual fee, introductory 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases.

This card is ideal for those who want to customize their cashback and avoid an annual fee.

2. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a simple, no-frills cashback card.

  • Welcome Bonus: $200 cash rewards after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
  • Earning Rates: 2% cash back on all eligible purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • Perks: No annual fee, introductory 0% APR for 12 months on purchases.

This card is perfect for those who want a straightforward cashback card with no annual fee.

3. Citi Double Cash Card

The Citi Double Cash Card is a classic cashback card with a unique earning structure.

  • Welcome Bonus: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.
  • Earning Rates: 1% cash back on purchases, 1% cash back when you pay, for a total of 2% on all purchases.
  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • Perks: No annual fee, 5% cash back on travel booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal (through 12/31/25).

This card is great for those who want unlimited cashback on all purchases.

4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver is a popular choice for flat-rate cashback.

  • Welcome Bonus: $200 bonus cash after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
  • Earning Rates: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • Annual Fee: $0.
  • Perks: No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee.

This card is ideal for those who want a simple, flat-rate cashback card with no annual fee.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

1. Use the Right Card for the Right Purchase

Different cards offer higher rewards in different categories. For example, use your Chase Sapphire Preferred for travel booked through Chase, your Amex Gold for dining, and your Wells Fargo Active Cash for everyday purchases.

2. Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are one of the fastest ways to earn rewards. Focus your spending on a new card until you hit the bonus threshold.

3. Redeem Points for Maximum Value

When redeeming travel rewards, look for transfer partners or booking portals that offer the highest value per point. For cashback cards, consider redeeming for statement credits or gift cards.

4. Avoid Annual Fees When Possible

If you don’t travel often or don’t use the perks, a no-annual-fee card may be a better choice.

5. Monitor Your Spending

Keep track of your spending to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards and staying within your budget.

Travel Rewards vs. Cashback: Which Is Right for You?

Travel Rewards Cards Are Best If:

  • You travel frequently.
  • You want flexibility in how you redeem your rewards.
  • You value travel perks like lounge access and travel insurance.

Cashback Cards Are Best If:

  • You want simplicity and flexibility.
  • You prefer cash back over points or miles.
  • You don’t travel often or don’t use travel perks.

Final Thoughts

The best credit card for travel rewards and cashback in 2025 depends on your spending habits and travel goals. Whether you choose a premium travel card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or a simple cashback card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash, the key is to use your card strategically to maximize your rewards.

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By understanding the strengths of each card and following our tips, you can make the most of your credit card rewards and enjoy more travel, dining, and everyday savings. Happy spending!

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