Selecting the right credit card for everyday spending can make a world of difference in the rewards you earn. Whether your goal is to earn points for future travel, rack up cash back on routine purchases, or simplify your financial management, 2025 offers a wealth of options to suit every need.
In this guide, we’ll dive into some of the top credit cards for everyday spending, outline their key benefits, and provide expert tips on how to maximize your rewards.
Before diving into specific cards, let’s recap how credit cards work. At the most basic level, a credit card allows you to borrow money up to a specified limit. This enables you to make purchases without immediately drawing from your bank account. Unlike debit cards, which pull directly from available funds, credit cards can accrue interest if balances are not paid in full each month. This interest can add up quickly, so as a good habit, we recommend paying off your balances on time and in full each month when possible.
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining which cards you can qualify for. A higher score often unlocks premium cards that offer better rewards and lower interest rates. Additionally, maintaining a low utilization rate — ideally under 30% of your total credit limit — can help improve your score over time.
Best for: Earning transferable miles with a low annual fee.Earning rates: 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
Best for: Earning transferable miles with premium travel benefits (including a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit).Earning rates: 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel; 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
Best for: Beginners and travel.Earning rates: 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel; 3 points per dollar spent on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar spent on other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Best for: Drugstore purchases and general cash back.Earning rates: 5% back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠; 3% back on dining and at drugstores; 1.5% back on all other purchases.
Best for: U.S. supermarkets and gas stations.Earning rates: 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more; 3% back at U.S. gas stations; 1% back on other purchases.
Best for: Entertainment spending.Earning rates: 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 3% back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 1% back on all other purchases.
Best for: No-frills cash-back rewards.Earning rates: 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 on the Citi Travel℠ portal through December 31, 2025.
Best for: Amazon shoppers.Key benefits: 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership; 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership; 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare); 1% back on all other purchases.
Best for: Cash-back beginners.Earning rates: 3% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%; 3% back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%; 3% back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%; 1% back on other purchases.
Best for: Flat-rate cash back.Earning rates: 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply; 1.5% back on every purchase, every day.
When selecting a credit card for everyday spending, we recommend considering these factors:
Think about where you spend the most (groceries, dining, travel, etc.). Look for a credit card that maximizes rewards in those categories. For example, if you frequently dine out or travel, a card that offers higher rewards in those categories will help you accumulate points or cash back faster. Some cards offer rotating categories or fixed categories (e.g., 3% back on dining or travel), so find one that aligns with your typical spending behavior.
Weigh the annual fee against the potential rewards you can earn. Some cards may charge an annual fee, but they could offer significantly better rewards or perks that make the fee worthwhile.
For instance, a card with a $95 annual fee may provide benefits such as travel credits, travel insurance benefits, or bonus categories that offset the cost of the fee. Always compare the benefits against the fee to determine if the rewards structure justifies the expense.
Look for cards that offer easy and flexible redemption options for your rewards. If you want to use your travel rewards, look for a card that provides transferable points. Some cards allow you to redeem points or cash back in various ways, such as for travel bookings, statement credits, or even as direct cash back. The more redemption options available, the easier it will be to use your rewards in a way that suits your needs.
Many credit cards offer attractive welcome bonuses, which can provide a significant boost to your rewards balance if you meet initial spending requirements. These bonuses may range from cash back to points that can be redeemed for travel or merchandise.
Please pay attention to the spending thresholds and timeframes for earning the bonus, and consider whether it’s feasible to meet them based on your regular purchasing habits. A large sign-up bonus can make a card much more appealing, especially in the first year.
The best everyday spending card will depend on your unique financial situation and spending habits. By considering the options listed above and aligning them with your lifestyle, you can find a card that not only suits your needs but also helps you earn valuable rewards efficiently.
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