The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited, generous cash back rewards on popular spending categories like dining, groceries, entertainment and select streaming services — all for a $0 annual fee. Plus, the card’s easy-to-earn sign-up bonus adds to the card’s value.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Winner
|
1% - 8% cash back
| $200 Cash Back
$200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
| $0 | |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*
|
2% cash back
|
2% cash rewards on purchases
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
| $200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
| $0 | |
Chase Freedom Flex℠*
|
5% cash back
|
1% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash bonus
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
| $0 | |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
|
Groceries
|
1% - 6% cash back
| $250 statement credit
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
| $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | |
Citi Custom Cash® Card*
|
Gas
|
1% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
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.
| $0 | |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
 Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Restaurants
|
1.5% - 5% cash back
| $200 cash back
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
| $0 |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site Rates & Fees |
Capital One Spark Cash Select
|
Business
|
1.5% - 5% Cash Back
| $500 Cash Back
$500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
| $0 | |
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
Students
|
1% - 8% cash back
| $100 Cash Back
Earn $100 Cash Back when you spend $300 in the first three months
| $0 | |
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
Bad credit
|
1% - 2% cash back
| Match all cash back
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
| $0 |
Apply Now
on Discover's secure site Rates & Fees |
To bring you the list of best cash back credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them, from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
We calculate the cash back earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up and annual bonuses. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates and minimum thresholds to redeem.
We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase and travel protections, against benefits from other cards.
Note that our ratings are only a starting point for comparing and choosing the best cash back credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories, as well as which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 Cash Back
Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is our top credit card with the best rewards for cash back. You’ll get a generous cash back rate in popular spending categories, like dining, entertainment, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and eligible travel. The $0-annual-fee card also lets you earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 cash rewards
If you want a card that offers simple, elevated rewards, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great option. You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — which means you won’t have to keep track of bonus earning categories or spending caps.
Plus, the card has a lower spend threshold to earn the welcome offer compared to many other 2% cash back credit cards: You’ll earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 cash bonus
If you want to earn a high cash back rewards rate in categories that rotate quarterly, the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ is tough to beat. You’ll earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
The card also offers an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $250 statement credit
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers the highest cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets of any cash back credit card**. If you max out the $6,000 annual spending cap on those purchases, you’ll get $360 in cash back each year. You can also earn an accelerated cash back rate on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, at U.S. gas stations and on transit.
Plus, earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $200 cash back
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers a very generous cash back rate on gas purchases, if gas is your top spending category for the month. You can earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special travel offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2026. This is one of the highest cash back credit cards with a $0 annual fee that also offers flexibility in earning cash back rewards.
Gas is included in the list of eligible categories — so if you’re able to max out the $500 spending cap each month, you can earn $300 cash back each year.
You’ll also 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.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: $200 cash back
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is currently one of the most rewarding cash back cards for restaurant purchases, thanks to its elevated earning rate on those purchases. Plus, you can get even more value from your rewards when you transfer them to an Chase Ultimate Rewards® card (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®) and redeem them for travel through Chase’s portal.
The card also comes with travel and purchase protections that you don’t typically see with a $0-annual-fee cash back card, like rental car insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, extended warranty and purchase protection.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $500 Cash Back
Earn $500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
If you’re a business owner with a smaller budget and want to avoid an annual fee, the Capital One Spark Cash Select is one of your top options. You can earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site. Plus, earn $500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
You’ll also get free employee cards that earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which can help you maximize cash back earnings for your business.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Welcome offer: $100 Cash Back
The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is among the best rewards credit cards for students, as it offers some of the highest unlimited cash back rates in areas where college students sometimes spend the most: dining and entertainment. Cash back can be redeemed at any time for statement credits or gift cards, or to pay for purchases. The card is geared to those with fair credit and also reports to all three credit bureaus. Plus, it offers a path to upgrade your card once you’re out of school.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here. Apply Now
Welcome offer: Match all cash back
If you’re looking to earn cash back while also building or rebuilding your credit, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice. It has a $0 annual fee and lets you earn elevated rewards on everyday purchases. You’ll earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
This is a secured credit card, meaning you’ll need to provide a deposit of at least $200 to open the card. However, Discover will conduct automatic account reviews starting at seven months to see if you are eligible for an unsecured card. With timely payments, you could potentially score a card upgrade and have your deposit refunded in less than a year.
Cash back on a credit card is a percentage of your qualifying purchase that you get back as a reward, usually available after your statement closing date. You can typically redeem cash back rewards in several ways, including as statement credits, direct deposits or gift cards.
Many cash back cards offer 1% cash back as their lowest level, meaning you’ll earn $1 for every $100 spent. Similarly, a 2% cash back card would give you $2 for every $100 spent.
Some credit cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed for cash back. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, which earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®, let you redeem points for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point.
Learn more about cash back vs. points and miles.
Flat-rate cash back credit cards earn cash back at the same rate on every purchase. The rewards rate is typically between 1% and 2%.
For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Citi Double Cash® Card offer a set amount of cash back on purchases
With tiered category cards, you can earn bonus cash back on specific categories of spend and 1% cash back on everything else. It’s common to find cards that offer a 3% or higher cash back rate on groceries, gas, dining and more.
Examples of tiered category cards include the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express and Chase Freedom Unlimited®.
Rotating cash back credit cards earn elevated cash back rates in categories that change monthly or quarterly. There’s typically a cap on how much you can earn for these categories, and you earn 1% cash back rate after meeting the cap. You should also know that you may need to opt in to the rotating categories each quarter in order to earn the higher rate.
Rotating cash back card examples include the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Discover it® Cash Back credit cards.
Store credit cards help you earn cash back at a specific store and might limit you to purchases with that retailer. These cards usually have higher APRs, so it’s important to pay off your card balance in full each month.
Examples of store credit cards include Prime Visa, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and Target Circle™ Card. There are also co-branded cards, including the and PayPal Cashback Mastercard®, which offer rewards for making purchases on their partner platforms.
A recent LendingTree study revealed that nearly half of store cardholders (46%) say they use their store card more than any other credit card. While these cards offer tempting rewards for loyal shoppers, you should be cautious about carrying a balance. That’s because store cards often have interest rates 3% to 4% higher than average, sometimes over 30%. This could quickly outweigh any discounts offered for signing up.
Like any credit card, a store card can be useful if you use it responsibly. However, before applying, make sure you know where you can use the card, understand any special financing like intro APRs, be aware of the interest rates if you carry a balance and don’t let the cashier pressure you into making a hasty decision.
Choosing the best cash back credit card for you typically depends on your spending habits and how you want to earn rewards. The best cash back credit cards have an easy-to-earn welcome offer, an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers (or both), a low or no annual fee, and a generous rewards rate. Here are a few other considerations to help you choose the right card for you:
Your credit score is the primary factor in determining which cash back credit cards you can qualify for. Most of the best cash back cards require good to excellent credit — that is, a FICO Score of 670 or greater.
You might prefer the simplicity of earning the same amount of cash back on purchases without tracking rewards categories, or you may want to get more strategic by aligning categories with your spending habits to maximize rewards. Either way, determining how much effort you’re willing to put into managing cash back rewards will help you choose the best card for you.
| If you want... | Choose a … |
|---|---|
| The simplest rewards possible | Flat-rate cash back credit card |
| A card to use strategically to earn more cash back | Rotating cash back credit card |
| A card that matches your spending patterns | Tiered category card |
| To shop at the same store | Store credit card |
Ultimately, you’ll want to maximize your rewards-earning potential, and that means tailoring your credit cards to fit your spending.
For example, you might get the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express to use for U.S. supermarket and U.S. streaming services, the Citi Custom Cash® Card for a category you spend heavily in like fuel, home improvement or travel and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card for everything else. This ensures you earn elevated cash back rewards on general purchases, with some expenses netting you an extra 6% cash back.
After narrowing down your card options, it’s important to compare them. Consider the different bonus categories and how much you typically spend in each, either monthly or annually. Then, choose the card with the highest earning potential.
In addition to choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits and using it for those purchases, there are other ways to maximize cash back rewards. This includes having multiple cash back cards, taking advantage of shopping portals, paying your balance in full each month and being strategic about how you redeem your rewards. While this might require some additional effort, it could be well worth it. After all, who doesn’t love putting extra money back in their wallet?
You can use multiple cash back credit cards to maximize your rewards-earning potential by rotating cards with different bonus categories. For example, you could use a card with a high earning rate on dining when you go out to eat, and a card with elevated flat-rate cash back for your other purchases.
Adding an authorized user, like a spouse or partner, can help boost your rewards earnings. Many cash back cards allow rewards on purchases made by an authorized user, but only the primary cardholder can redeem cash back. Still, this can be a great way to offset family expenses.
→ Learn more about being an authorized user on a credit card.
Shopping through your card’s shopping portal can help you earn additional rewards on top of the cash back you’re already earning with your credit card. Some programs offer additional incentives during holidays and other sale events, like back-to-school. Additionally, certain credit card issuers provide programs that let you earn more cash back at participating retailers. For example, Chase Offers allows you to enroll in available offers and then earn rewards by making eligible purchases that meet the offer’s terms and conditions.
Although it may be tempting to use your credit card more to earn extra cash back, it’s important to keep track of your spending and make sure you can pay off your balance in full each month. If you’re unable to do so, interest charges could offset any rewards you’ve earned.
Cash redemption options include statement credits, direct deposits and gift cards. Consider how you can get the most value from your rewards.
Tip: While cash back is generally worth about $1 per $100 spent, depending on the card, it may be possible to get a higher redemption rate if you transfer your rewards to an eligible card. For example, if you have a Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can transfer your rewards to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and get up to 75% more value when you redeem them through Chase TravelSM.
Learn more about earning and redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points.
I maximize my rewards by using multiple cash back cards and having made a plan for where to use each one based on their earning rates.
For example, I use my Chase Freedom Unlimited® at restaurants, breweries and bars, and on food delivery and takeout apps because of its generous cash back rate on dining purchases. I also use it anytime I go to the pharmacy because of the extra cash back on drugstore purchases. I use the Prime Visa to earn a high rate of cash back on all Amazon purchases, and the Target Circle™ Card for savings at Target and Target.com. And finally, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is my go-to card for all other purchases because of its high flat rate.
I also added my husband as an authorized user on my cash back cards, and together we earn rewards that help offset our home expenses. Our top redemption options are statement credits to reduce our credit card balance or for gift cards to purchase things like furniture for our home.
– Sammi Scharf, credit cards writer at LendingTree
LendingTree has curated an exclusive panel of professionals, spanning various areas of expertise, to help dissect difficult subjects and empower you to make smarter financial decisions. Read on for more cash back credit card insights.
Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
Yes, cash back is a great additional benefit for credit card users. The purpose of using credit cards responsibly is to build a history of excellent credit so you can tap into the larger loan markets. The cash back feature is an added benefit that helps users save money while using credit cards.
How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
These words motivate the consumers in making decisions. The consumers themselves when wanting to purchase something have an internal desire to do so. However, they are oftentimes bounded by budget and opportunity costs. These words help create external motivation that makes it easier for the consumers to make decisions by adding one more item on the benefit side of their decision-making chart.
What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
The best way to utilize cash back rewards is to use the cash back balance and apply towards payments of the credit card balance. Credit card users can also ask for a paper check or ask for the cash reward to be deposited directly to their bank account. Another great way to utilize cash back rewards is to convert them into gift cards to use at other stores.
In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
Cash back rewards program works well at keeping customers loyal. Customers love to accumulate points or rewards so seeing their rewards adding up will discourage them from finding an alternative option. Many times the fear of losing what they have accumulated overtime is what keeps customers from parting with a business, a brand or a product. For a business, the cost of giving away rewards to keep their current customers is much cheaper than the cost of acquiring new customers.
Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
It really depends on the individual circumstances of the person. There are so many “so-called” loyalty cards out there: cash back, flexible cash back, rewards, airline, etc. My recommendation as to the specific type of loyalty credit-card would depend on the person’s spending patterns. One needs to also take into account the annual-fee, from a cost-benefit standpoint. That said, cash is fungible (vs. other more specific loyalty cards like airlines).
How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
Those are charged words when it comes to the “psychology of consumption.” Similar to the word “sale” or “free,” these terms often function like a neon flashing sign in the minds of consumers. Hence, consumers can engage in a kind of faulty mental calculus where they overweight the value of these benefits relative to the costs. For example, when someone drives across town to get the lowest price per gallon on gas but winds up actually paying more per gallon than had they gone to the corner gas station nearest their home (when you factor in fuel and time to drive across town). So, the danger is when these terms cause consumers to “chase” the rewards or reward tiers by spending more than they typically would.
What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
Don’t spend any more than you would otherwise spend in a given month just because you are getting cash back on purchases in general (or on certain categories of purchases). Use the cash back to pay off your credit card (or to pay down your credit card balance). Given credit-card interest rates, that’s a pretty great “reward” or “deal” in and of itself!
In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
They definitely move the loyalty needle. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have seen the proliferation of such cards over the past decade plus. However, with so many of these cards nowadays, it’s becoming less of a “point of differentiation” for financial institutions and more of a “point of parity.” It’s almost expected now by consumers that the differentiators in this space offer percentage of cash back, flexibility, etc.
Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend a cash back credit card, provided it pays at least 2% on all purchases. Some cards pay only 1.5%, which is perhaps not as valuable as frequent flier miles or hotel points, depending on one’s activity and status with these travel partners. These days, frequent flier miles are worth only about 1% of what you’ve spent; so 2% is definitely more valuable.
How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
These tend to be “buzz words,” and their impact likely depends on the perceived value of the “bonus” or “reward.” The “devil is in the details,” implying that in order to be effective, the “bonus” and/or “rewards” should be meaningful and valuable to the consumers, and, ideally, designed with knowledge of the specific consumers’ habits and preferences.
What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
Most important, pay the entire balance due on your credit cards each period (I recommend “auto pay” in which the credit card company draws funds on your bank account to pay the entire balance on the date that payment is due). Now that you are getting cash back and not paying in credit card interest, you can spend or invest the cash rewards on products or services, or as accumulated, investments that will provide good returns
In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
As long as the cash back is worth more than other incentives offered by competitors’ programs (or credit cards), consumers will continue to favor using the credit cards that give them valuable cash back, and/or they will tend to favor buying from companies that reward their loyalty with incentives that provide meaningful experiences (e.g., airline lounges, upgraded flights or concert experiences) or combo deals (BOGO, “buy one get one” (free), and the like).
Typically, cash back earned on a credit card won’t be taxable, since the IRS considers it a discount on what you’ve spent. However, if you receive a bonus without having to do any spending to earn it, that’s considered taxable income.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers one of the highest cash back rates available. You’ll earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
But the best cash back credit card is the one that gives you rewards on the items you buy most, which varies for everyone.
Cash back credit cards are worth it because they allow you to earn rewards on purchases you’re already making. Like any credit card, they’re most beneficial when used responsibly, but they can be a great way to help offset expenses.
Credit cards provide cash back rewards to incentivize card usage and customer loyalty. Cardholders receive a percentage of their purchases back as a cash reward, reducing their overall expenses. In the meantime, credit card companies aim to increase spending and profits through interest charges. This creates a win-win relationship for consumers and card issuers.
Yes, cash back rewards can expire. Rules vary between card issuers — with banks like Chase and Capital One allowing you to keep rewards stashed away as long as your account remains open and in good standing. Cash back rewards from U.S. Bank, on the other hand, expire after 36 months — even if your account is open.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Citi Custom Cash® Card, Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, Target Circle™ Card and PayPal Cashback Mastercard® has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
