The 8 Best Rewards Credit Cards to Maximize Your Spending for September 2025

In today’s world, using the right rewards credit card is one of the smartest ways to get more value from your everyday spending. Whether it’s cashback on groceries, points toward travel, or miles for your next adventure, rewards credit cards are designed to help you earn as you spend. But with so many options available, it can be tricky to figure out which one is the best fit for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the top rewards credit cards of 2025 and help you maximize every dollar you spend.

Best Rewards Credit Cards:

• Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
• American Express® Gold Card
• Citi Double Cash® Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Citi Strata Premier® Card
• Discover it® Cash Back

What to Look for in a Rewards Credit Card

When shopping for the best rewards credit card, there are a few key features to consider. The right card for you will depend on your spending habits and lifestyle. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Rewards Type: Rewards cards typically offer cashback, points, or miles. Cashback is straightforward—you get a percentage of what you spend back as cash. Points and miles, on the other hand, can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or other rewards. If you love to travel, a card that earns miles might be a better fit. If you prefer flexibility, cashback is often the way to go.
• Redemption Flexibility: Some cards have strict rules about how you can redeem your rewards, while others let you redeem points or cashback in multiple ways, like for travel, statement credits, or gift cards. Make sure the card you choose has redemption options that suit your lifestyle.
• Sign-Up Bonuses: Many rewards credit cards offer hefty sign-up bonuses if you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. These bonuses can be a great way to kickstart your rewards. Just be sure you can meet the spending threshold without overspending.
• Ongoing Rewards Rates: Pay attention to how a card rewards you for everyday purchases. Some cards offer flat-rate rewards on everything, while others give you higher rewards rates in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining.
• Annual Fees and APR: Don’t forget to check whether the card charges an annual fee and what the ongoing APR (annual percentage rate) will be after any introductory offers. Cards with annual fees can still be worth it if the rewards and perks outweigh the cost, but it’s something to consider carefully.

Comparing Rewards Credit Cards

To help you find the best rewards credit card, let’s compare some of the top options for 2025. Below is a breakdown of rewards rates, sign-up bonuses, and other important details to help you decide which card is right for you.

1. Citi Strata Elite^℠  Card

The Citi Strata Elite^℠ Card is a solid pick for a travel credit card with added benefits for dining out. Travel perks include no foreign transaction fees, an annual hotel benefit and extra points on restaurants, hotels, car rentals and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• LIMITED TIME OFFER: For a limited time, earn 80,000 bonus Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• Dining Rewards: Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights℠ purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.
• Annual Hotel Benefit: Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through CitiTravel.com

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: A balance transfer fee applies with this offer, 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
• No 0% Intro APR Offer: This card does not have an introductory 0% APR offer. 
• Annual Fee: There’s a $595 annual fee. 

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a traveler who enjoys dining out, the Citi Strata Elite Card℠ could help you make the most of your spending. The annual fee is steep at $595, but for the right cardholder, the rewards can offset the cost _{(Rates and fees)}. 

Apply for the Citi Strata Elite Card 

2. American Express® Gold Card

The American Express® Gold Card is a good pick for dining enthusiasts, offering high rewards rates for meals and flights and lots of extra perks (terms apply).

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Dining Reward Rates: Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Welcome Bonus: As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• Travel Benefits: Includes trip delay insurance*, baggage insurance, dining credits and more. 

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Annual Fee: There’s a $325 annual fee. _{^{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• Not as Widely Accepted: This card is not as widely accepted internationally as Visa or Mastercard.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a frequent diner and traveler, the American Express® Gold Card offers robust rewards on meals and travel expenses, making it ideal for foodies abroad.

Explore the American Express® Gold Card

Enrollment is required for select benefits.

For rates and fees of The American Express® Gold Card, please visit here.

*Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is American Express® that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

3. Citi Double Cash^® Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card is a solid pick for a rewards credit card. With unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, plus an extra 1% as you pay for those purchases, you have the opportunity to really rake in some rewards. Plus, you can enjoy all of the perks with no annual fee. 

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Unlimited Cash Back: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
• Intro Offer: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Balance Transfer Intro APR: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the APR will be 18.24% – 28.24% (Variable), based on your creditworthiness.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Foreign Transaction Fee: There’s a 3% foreign purchase transaction fee. Keep that in mind if you’re traveling internationally.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a credit card with serious rewards potential and a decent balance transfer period to help you pay down your debt, the Citi Double Cash Card may be right for you. ^{_{(Rates and fees)}}. 

Apply for the Citi Double Cash Card

4. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a favorite among frequent travelers for its straightforward rewards structure and ability to earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. Plus, it comes with valuable travel perks like Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits and no blackout dates.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Unlimited Miles: Earn 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. 5 Miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Big Sign-Up Bonus: Get 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
• Transfer to Travel Partners: Move your miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs to maximize value.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Annual Fee: There’s a $95 annual fee, which might be a drawback for occasional travelers.
• Transfer Ratios: When transferring miles to partners, you might not always get a 1:1 ratio, so more miles may be needed to get full value.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a frequent traveler who wants a simple, flat-rate rewards structure without worrying about rotating categories, this card is a great choice.

Explore the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

5. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card may be right for you. With some serious travel rewards, plus one year of free access to DashPass, this card can help travelers can make the most of out their purchases.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Introductory Bonus Points: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Serious Travel, Cash Back Rewards: Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases

Things to Keep in Mind:

• You’ll Pay an Annual Fee: This card has a $95 annual fee. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• There’s No Intro APR: This card has a variable 19.99% - 28.24% APR.

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for ways to support your wanderlust, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® credit card can help you maximize your spending.

Explore the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

6. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

If you spend a lot on groceries, gas, and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is designed to help you save. With up to major cash back at U.S. supermarkets and streaming subscriptions, this card gives you plenty of bang for your buck (terms apply).

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• High Cash Back Rates: Earn Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
• Intro Balance Transfer Offer: Enjoy an APR of 0% on purchases and 0% on balance transfers for 12 months (20.24% - 29.24% after intro period), giving you time to pay off debt.
• $0 Intro Annual Fee: There’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Annual Fee After First Year: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}
• Limited Cash Back at Certain Stores: Purchases at Walmart®, Target®, and wholesale clubs like Costco don’t qualify for the higher cash back rates. 

Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve got a family and regularly spend on groceries, gas, and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can help you maximize your rewards.

Explore the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Enrollment is required for select benefits. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please visit here.

7. Citi Strata Premier^®  Card

The Citi Strata Premier^® Card packs a serious rewards punch, especially for regular travelers. With some solid travel rewards, including an annual hotel credit, travel insurance protection and no foreign transaction fees, this card makes sense for those who want to squeeze more from their travels. 

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Solid Rewards: Earn 10 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com. Earn 3 Points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations. Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Intro Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• Travel Insurance Protection: Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption (Common Carrier), Trip Delay, Lost or Damaged Luggage, MasterRental Coverage (Car Rental).

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Balance Transfer Fee: Balance transfer fee applies with this offer 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
• Annual Fee: There’s a $95 annual fee. 

Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a regular traveler looking for a credit card to maximize your spending, the Citi Strata Premier Card may be right for you. For the right person, the travel benefits will pay for the $95 annual fees ^{(Rates and fees)}. 

Apply for the Citi Strata Premier Card

8. Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back card is a favorite for its 0% intro APR for 15 months. Combine that with rotating 5% cash back categories, which can help you earn big on everyday purchases, and this card offers a rewarding way to manage your finances.

Why It’s a Great Pick:

• Long 0% Intro APR Period: Take advantage of 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers (18.24%-27.24% variable APR after the intro period).
• High Cash Back in Rotating Categories: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories like groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and more (up to the quarterly maximum) when you activate.
• Unlimited Cash Back: Even if your purchases don’t fall into the 5% category, you’ll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.
• No Annual Fee: All the perks without an annual fee. ^{_{(See Rates & Fees)}}

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Rotating Categories: While the 5% cash back is a great offer, the categories rotate quarterly, so you’ll need to track which categories are active.
• Quarterly Limits: The 5% cash back is capped each quarter, so keep that in mind if you tend to spend a lot in those categories.

Real-Life Scenario: If you like to optimize your cash back by focusing on specific categories each quarter while paying down your debt, the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you plenty of opportunities to earn big rewards.

Explore the Discover it® Cash Back card

Additional Perks of Using Rewards Credit Cards

Rewards credit cards don’t just offer cashback, points, or miles. Many also come with valuable perks that can make your spending even more rewarding. Here are a few extra benefits to consider when choosing your card:

• Purchase Protection: Some rewards cards offer purchase protection, meaning you can be reimbursed if an item you bought with your card is damaged or stolen within a certain period.
• Extended Warranties: Many cards extend the manufacturer’s warranty on items purchased with the card, giving you added peace of mind on big-ticket purchases.
• Travel Insurance: If you’re using a rewards card that earns travel miles, you might also benefit from travel insurance. This can cover things like trip cancellations, lost luggage, or travel delays.
• Concierge Services: Some premium rewards cards come with concierge services that can help with things like booking dinner reservations, securing event tickets, or even planning trips.
• Exclusive Event Access: Certain cards offer cardholders access to special events, from concerts to VIP travel experiences. These perks can make having the card even more rewarding.

How to Choose the Right Rewards Credit Card for Your Spending Habits

Selecting the right rewards credit card depends on how you spend your money. Here are a few things to consider before you make your decision:

• Where You Spend the Most: Do you spend a lot on groceries, gas, or dining out? Look for a card that offers high rewards in those categories. For example, if you’re a frequent traveler, a travel rewards card with miles might be a better fit than a cashback card.
• Preferred Rewards Type: Think about how you want to use your rewards. If you value flexibility, a card that offers cashback might be ideal. If you prefer to earn points for travel or other experiences, a points-based card could be better.
• Maximizing Rewards: Some cards offer tiered rewards, meaning you earn more in specific categories. Others offer flat-rate rewards, which can be simpler to manage. Choose a card that aligns with how you spend and whether you can maximize its rewards structure.
• Current Credit Cards: If you already have a credit card, take a look at the rewards it offers. Are you getting the most out of it? If not, it may be worth considering a new rewards card that better suits your spending habits.

By evaluating your spending patterns and deciding what type of rewards matter most to you, you can pick a rewards card that helps you get the most bang for your buck.