If you’re on the hunt for the best rewards credit cards of 2025, you’ve landed in the right place. With over 91 hours of research conducted by NerdWallet experts and a pool of over 300 cards considered, the results are finally in. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a foodie, a grocery shopper, or a concert enthusiast, there's a perfect card for you. In this blog, we’ll break down the winners of NerdWallet’s 2025 Best-Of Awards in five major categories: travel, dining, groceries, entertainment, and gas.
Let’s dive in—but first, let’s talk about what rewards credit cards are and why millions of consumers use them.
What Are Rewards Credit Cards and Why Should You Use One?
Rewards credit cards offer perks and incentives every time you spend. These rewards generally come in three forms:
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Cashback – A percentage of your purchase returned to you as a credit or deposit.
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Points – Can be redeemed for gift cards, travel, or merchandise.
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Miles – Best for frequent flyers, redeemable for airfare or hotel stays.
Some cards offer a flat-rate reward on all purchases (e.g., 1.5% cashback on everything), while others provide bonus categories, such as 5% back on groceries or 3% on dining.
But here’s the catch: interest rates. If you carry a balance month-to-month, any rewards you earn can be easily wiped out by high interest charges. That’s why the smartest strategy is to:
✅ Make strategic purchases
✅ Pay off your balance in full each month
✅ Never pay interest
This is the true "credit card hack" that companies don’t want you to know—because it turns the tables in your favor.
Now, let’s look at NerdWallet’s top picks across five major spending categories.
1. Best Travel Credit Card of 2025: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
If travel is part of your lifestyle—whether for business or leisure—the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out in 2025 as the top travel rewards card.
🔑 Key Features:
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Recommended Credit Score: 690+ (good credit)
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Sign-up Bonus: Generous introductory points offer (check terms)
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Annual Fee: Reasonable for the perks provided
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Primary Rental Car Coverage: Rare among travel cards
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Flexible Redemption: Points can be transferred to multiple travel partners
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Travel Insurance: Included benefits for trip delays, baggage loss, etc.
If you travel even just a few times a year, the value you gain from the Sapphire Preferred card can easily outweigh the annual fee. The flexible rewards and robust travel protections make it a traveler’s favorite.
2. Best Dining Credit Card of 2025: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Love trying new restaurants or ordering takeout every week? The Capital One SavorOne is your go-to dining companion in 2025.
🍽️ Why It Wins:
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No Annual Fee: Great for cost-conscious users
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No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for dining abroad
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Unlimited Cashback: Earn unlimited rewards on dining and entertainment
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Capital One Shopping Tool: Automatically applies coupons and savings while shopping online
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Intro APR Offers: Available for both purchases and balance transfers
Dining rewards are often capped or subject to rotating categories on other cards—but not here. With unlimited rewards and no annual cost, the SavorOne card brings true value to casual diners and foodies alike.
3. Best Grocery Credit Card of 2025: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Groceries are a huge monthly expense for many households, and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card delivers the highest cashback rate for supermarket spending in 2025.
🛒 What Makes It Exceptional:
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Annual Fee: Waived for the first year; applies afterward
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Top Rewards: Industry-leading cashback at U.S. supermarkets
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Bonus Categories: Also earns high rewards on streaming and transit (bus, subway, rideshare)
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Intro APR Offers: For both purchases and balance transfers
If you’re someone who regularly spends big at places like Whole Foods, Kroger, or Trader Joe’s, this card can pay for itself many times over—especially if you’re smart about managing the annual fee.
4. Best Entertainment Credit Card of 2025: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Whether you love concerts, movies, or live sports, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is tailored to fun-lovers and weekend warriors.
🎟️ Highlights:
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$0 Annual Fee: Enjoy rewards without the cost
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Introductory Cashback Bonus: Nice perk for new cardholders
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High Rewards on Entertainment: Includes concerts, theaters, and more
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Other Bonus Categories: Also includes travel, dining, gas, and transit
This card’s reward structure makes it a multi-category powerhouse, with entertainment being the standout feature. If your weekends include music festivals, comedy clubs, or your local movie theater, this is the one to keep in your wallet.
5. Best Gas Credit Card of 2025: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Got a long commute? Drive an SUV? The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is NerdWallet’s pick for best gas rewards credit card in 2025.
⛽ Key Features:
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No Annual Fee: Zero cost to hold the card
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Custom Bonus Category: Automatically earns 5% back on your top eligible spend category (e.g., gas) each billing cycle, up to $500
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Intro APR Offers: For balance transfers and purchases
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Sign-up Bonus: Limited-time cashback welcome offer
What makes this card shine is its adaptive structure—if you spend the most on gas, it automatically becomes your 5% category. No enrollment, no activation, no rotating calendars. It’s effortless optimization.
Honorable Mention: Best Starter Credit Card – Discover it® Secured Credit Card
If you’re just starting out and looking to build credit, the Discover it® Secured Card is a top choice in 2025.
🔧 Benefits for Beginners:
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No Annual Fee
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Cashback Match: Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
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Reports to All 3 Bureaus: Helps you build credit across the board
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Graduation Path: You may be upgraded to an unsecured card after consistent use
It’s a great beginner tool and was the first card of many young adults, including the video’s creator, Ryan Scribner. If you're 18 or heading into college, this is a smart first step.
How to Choose the Right Card for You
All these credit cards sound great—but how do you choose the right one?
Ask yourself:
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Where do I spend the most? – Dining, gas, groceries, etc.
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Am I OK with an annual fee? – Sometimes worth it if the rewards offset the cost.
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Do I travel often? – Prioritize cards with no foreign fees and travel perks.
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Do I pay off my balance each month? – If not, a low-interest or 0% APR card might be better.
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Do I have good credit? – Most reward cards require good to excellent scores (690+).
Remember: The best card is the one that matches your habits and lets you maximize value without adding debt.
Credit Card Tips: How to Get the Most Out of Your Rewards
Even the best rewards card is useless if you don’t use it wisely. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck:
✅ Pay your statement in full every month
✅ Use your rewards before they expire
✅ Don’t overspend just to earn points
✅ Pair multiple cards to maximize categories (e.g., one for groceries, another for travel)
✅ Set alerts so you don’t miss payment due dates
✅ Watch for promotions or seasonal bonus categories
Final Thoughts
Rewards credit cards are a powerful financial tool—when used responsibly. They allow you to turn your everyday spending into free travel, dining, entertainment, and more. In 2025, the best cards offer high value, low fees, and flexible redemption options.
Let’s recap the top picks again:
| Category | Best Card of 2025 | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | Chase Sapphire Preferred® | ~$95 |
| Dining | Capital One SavorOne | $0 |
| Groceries | Blue Cash Preferred® from Amex | $0 1st year, then ~$95 |
| Entertainment | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | $0 |
| Gas | Citi Custom Cash℠ | $0 |
| Starter/Build Credit | Discover it® Secured Credit Card | $0 |
Before applying, always read the full terms and conditions on the issuer’s website. And if you want the full rundown, visit NerdWallet’s 2025 Best Credit Cards Guide linked in the description of the original video.
What's Your Best Credit Card Hack?
We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment with your personal favorite rewards card, cashback strategy, or any credit-building advice for newbies.
And don’t forget: whether you’re optimizing for rewards or rebuilding your credit, the power is in your hands—use it wisely.
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