Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.

Earning rate: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® card tops our list of best cash back cards due to its versatility, simplicity and synergy with other Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards. The 1.5% rewards rate may not seem the best at first glance, but its 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases gives it an edge. Not to mention, when paired with a premium card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, you can boost the 1.5% rate to 2.25% and the 3% rate to 4.5% back by redeeming your rewards for travel.

If you’re already familiar with Chase Ultimate Rewards® and cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® and Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is a fantastic addition to your wallet. You can effectively earn 2.25% back on most purchases when you transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to a Chase Sapphire Reserve^® account and redeem through Chase Travel. This is one of the highest cash back credit card earning rates available without a spending cap.

You can also earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, and earn 5% cash back on gas station purchases on up to $6,000 spent in the first year you have your card.

With no annual fee, it’s hard to go wrong with the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®.

• New purchase protection coverage for 120 days on covered items
• Extended warranty protection
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Earning rate: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Why we picked this card: In addition to offering earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. This is one of the best cash back credit card rewards rates among flat-rate cards. Rewards can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including as a statement credit, as a credit to a qualified Wells Fargo loan, mortgage or other credit account, in $20 increments at a Wells Fargo ATM or for gift cards.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card is an excellent choice if you want to earn flat-rate rewards without worrying about different categories. It also comes with strong intro APR periods on both purchases and balance transfers — so whether you need to finance a big purchase and pay it off over time, or transfer a balance from another card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card can help you do that.

Enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening. After, a 17.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% variable APR applies.

And when it comes to transferring debt from a non-Wells Fargo card, this card also has a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers. After that, a 17.99%, 22.99%, or 27.99% variable APR applies. There’s a balance transfer fee of 3% intro for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5.

Just know that if you opened a Wells Fargo credit card in the past 15 months and received an intro APR and/or a bonus, you might not qualify for intro APR and/or a bonus on this card. And if you opened another Wells Fargo credit card in the past six months, your application for this card might be denied.

Also, if traveling abroad, beware the 3% foreign transaction fee.

• Enjoy 24/7 access to the Visa Signature Concierge, which can help with travel plans, finding the right gift and more
• Receive a variety of benefits when you use this card to book a stay at properties in the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection — such as a $25 food or beverage credit, an automatic room upgrade upon arrival (when available) and late checkout upon request (when available). You must book through visasignaturehotels.com or through the Visa Concierge for benefits to apply

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: For a limited time, earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

Earning rate: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Why we picked this card: Carrying a balance and looking for a card to give you time to pay it off? The Citi^® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer currently offers an introductory 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers (followed by a 16.24% - 26.24% (Variable) APR), currently the best among cash back cards. Plus, earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. This is an excellent flat rewards rate on all purchases and provides an incentive to pay your bill on time.

The Citi® Double Cash Card offers a lengthy intro APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers, after which an APR of 16.24% - 26.24% (variable) applies. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.

If you’re carrying high-interest debt on a non-Citi card, transferring it to the Citi® Double Cash Card could help you get out of debt.

Plus, this card is also a standout choice to keep on hand after paying off your transferred debt. It earns a flat cash back rate on all purchases, so you know what you’re going to earn without worrying about different rates for different categories.

The annual fee is $0. However, there’s a 3% foreign transaction fee, so this isn’t the best card to take when traveling abroad.

• Get access to ticket presales and exclusive events such as concerts and sporting events with Citi Entertainment
• Use your credit card with digital wallets including Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and Samsung Pay

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

Earning rate: 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.

Why we picked this card: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is the best of 5% cash back cards because it’s potentially the most rewarding. In addition to 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in qualified purchases each quarter you activate), you also get 3% cash back on drugstores and dining, which gives it an edge over its main competitor, the Discover it Cash Back. You can also earn a generous sign-up bonus with a low spending requirement: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

If you want a solid ongoing cash back rate on dining and drugstore purchases, and your spending also lines up well with the rotating categories, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers the chance to earn generous cash back. Just remember to activate the new bonus category every quarter, and be aware that after spending $1,500 in the quarterly category, your earning rate for such purchases will drop to 1% (meaning you can earn up to $75 cash back at the elevated rate each quarter).

Examples of Chase’s bonus categories have included:

• Wholesale clubs, select streaming services and internet, cable and phone services
• Gas stations and home improvement stores
• Grocery stores, excluding Target and Walmart, and select streaming services

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ does charge a 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars foreign transaction fee, so leave it at home if traveling outside the country. Also, before applying, make sure you’re aware of the Chase 5/24 rule — an unwritten rule that essentially means Chase will deny your application for a card if you’ve opened five or more cards from any issuer in the past 24 months.

• Auto rental collision damage waiver (secondary coverage)
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
• Free access to your VantageScore with Credit Journey
• Take three rides in one calendar month and earn a $5 Lyft credit
• Get a $5 Fandango Reward when you spend $20 at Fandango or on Fandango’s streaming service
• Purchase a HelloFresh meal kit delivery plan and get 5% back toward your next HelloFresh delivery
• Complimentary one-year ShopRunner membership, which comes with free two-day shipping on eligible items (enrollment required)

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

Earning rate: 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment; 3% Cash Back on popular streaming services; 3% Cash Back at grocery stores; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases. Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats

Why we picked this card: With unlimited 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers one of the highest cash back rates on dining and entertainment that we can find. This is doubly true for a card with a $0 annual fee. Plus, you can score a nice sign-up bonus with a low spending requirement: earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Avid foodies will love the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card’s rewards for dining and grocery store purchases, while those who enjoy events such as going to a movie or a sports event can appreciate earning cash back on entertainment expenses.

Plus, the foreign transaction fee is none. That means if you’re planning a trip abroad and want to experience all the culinary goodies your vacation destination has to offer, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent card to keep in your wallet.

• 24/7 access to a complimentary concierge service
• Extended warranty protection
• Travel accident insurance

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earning rate: 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply.

Why we picked this card: The 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 1% Cash Back on other purchases. Terms apply. Your cash back can easily be redeemed for statement credits.

For consumers whose budgets include a significant amount of grocery shopping, streaming, and gas or transit costs, the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is well worth paying a $95 annual fee. It takes $1,584 in spending per year on categories that earn 6% back to recoup the amount of the annual fee.

Be aware that the elevated rate on U.S. supermarket purchases is capped at $6,000 spent per year, after which your rate will drop to 1%. Still, if you max that out (which would require spending $500 a month), that’s $360 in cash back.

If you’re thinking about taking this card abroad with you, however, know that there’s a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

• Up to $10 in monthly statement credits toward an Equinox+ membership (enrollment required)
• Free two-day shipping on eligible items with ShopRunner (enrollment required)
• Amex Offers (enrollment required)
• American Express Experiences
• *Terms apply

Credit needed:

Sign-up bonus: Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.

Earning rate: 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: Do a ton of online shopping? Then the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is a no-brainer. You can earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.

If you do much of your online shopping at Amazon, getting the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card could be a no-brainer — it charges a $0 annual fee and earns cash back at a generous rate. For those who already have an Amazon Prime membership, it’s hard to think of a downside. But if you don’t have a Prime membership, you’d only qualify for the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card , which earns cash back at a lower rate.

To decide if this card is worth the cost of a Prime membership ($139 for a regular annual membership, $69 for an annual membership at the college student rate), note that you’d need to spend $2,780 on purchases earning 5% back to recoup the cost of a regular membership and $1,380 to recoup the cost of a student membership.

• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Baggage delay insurance
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel and emergency assistance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Roadside dispatch
• Extended warranty protection
• Purchase protection

Credit needed:

Sign-up bonus: $200 if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days

Earning rate: 2% cash back

Why we picked this card: The SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card is the rare cash back card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. It also happens to offer 2% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee and a reasonable APR. The sign-up bonus of $200 if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days just sweetens the deal.

With a solid flat-rate cash back rate and a $0 foreign transaction fee, the SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card is a great card for frequent travelers and expats. It’s also a Visa card, meaning you’re likely to find wide acceptance wherever your travels take you.

Note that you have to join State Department Federal Credit Union in order to apply for the card. Some ways to qualify for membership include:

• You’re an employee or on-site contractor with the U.S. Department of State.
• A family member or household member works for the U.S. Department of State.
• You’re a member of one of SDFCU’s associations, organizations or company partners.
• You have an American Consumer Council membership.

• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Roadside dispatch (you are responsible for any charges incurred)
• ID Navigator Powered by NortonLifeLock

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: None

Earning rate: Earn 5% cash back on your first $3,000 in gas and military base purchases annually on these categories combined. Earn 2% on your first $3,000 on supermarket purchases per year. Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: An excellent 5% cash back rate on gas and military base purchases make this an ideal credit card for military members and their families. The card also offers 2% cash back on grocery purchases. Unfortunately, each of the bonus categories is capped at $3,000 in purchases per year (you’ll only earn 1% cash back on your other purchases). But you can earn a fair amount of cash back before you hit the cap.

The USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card offers among the top cash back rates on gas purchases that we’re aware of. It’s true there’s a spending cap on the 5% rate, but it would take spending around $250 a month on gas to hit that cap. If you’re on the road frequently, this card can reward you well for it.

Note that you must join USAA to be able to apply for the card. Folks who are eligible for USAA membership include:

• U.S. military members and veterans.
• Precommissioned officers.
• Spouses and children of military members and veterans.

• Concierge services for help with reservations, event tickets and shopping
• Auto rental coverage
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
• Baggage delay and reimbursement
• Extended warranty protection on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties
• *Terms apply

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: No bonus

Earning rate: 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)

Why we picked this card: The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase — this is an exceptional cash back rate for those with fair credit (a FICO Score between 580 and 669). The card’s $39 annual fee is a downside, but you can offset this by spending just $2,600 in a year.

Many cash back credit cards require good to excellent credit, but the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is available to applicants with fair/limited credit. Typically, fair credit is considered a FICO Score between 580 and 669.

If you’re looking for a card that earns cash back, is accessible if you have fair/limited credit and can help you improve your credit score with responsible use, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card fits that description.

Plus, you can be automatically considered for a higher credit limit in as little as six months.

• Lock your card in the Capital One mobile app

Credit needed: Poor/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Earning rate: 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

Why we picked this card: If your credit is limited or poor and needs to be rebuilt, the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card could be an ideal choice. It offers a more-than-decent cash back rate of 2% at restaurants and gas stations (on up to $1,000 in quarterly spend) and 1% on everything else. Moreover, Discover matches all the cash back you earn in the first year, for new cardmembers. You do have to provide a security deposit, but Discover will review your account monthly and potentially graduate you to an unsecured card after the initial seven months.

If you have poor/limited credit, the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card is one of the best credit cards available to help you improve your score (as long as you always pay on time and don’t max it out). It’s a secured credit card, meaning you must submit a security deposit to the issuer in the amount of your desired credit limit. This protects Discover in case you don’t pay back what you charge to the card.

Where the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card stands head and shoulders above the competition is guaranteed monthly reviews to see if you qualify to get your deposit back. Other cards may offer the chance to graduate from a secured card to an unsecured one, but don’t typically offer such transparency on when account reviews are conducted. But know that your behavior on other financial accounts, not just accounts with Discover, can also impact your eligibility.

You can also get your deposit refunded if you pay off your card in full and close the account.

• Access to your FICO® Score for free
• Free alerts if your Social Security number is found on the dark web (enrollment required)
• Easily freeze and unfreeze your card online or in the mobile app
• Customer service based 100% in the United States

Credit needed: Excellent

Sign-up bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Earning rate: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

Why we picked this card: With a fantastic 5% cash back rate at office supply stores, and on internet, cable and phone services, the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card is a great fit for many small businesses. There is an annual cap of $25,000 in combined purchases for the 5% cash back bonus, but if you max it out each you, that’s $1,250 in cash back. The card also offers an excellent $750 sign-up bonus where you can earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

If you are a small business owner who spends a large amount on office supply store purchases and internet, cable and phone services each year, the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card could be a good fit. If you max out the $25,000 annual spending cap in combined purchases for those categories, you can earn $1,250 back each year.

Additionally, if you max out the $25,000 cap in combined gas station and restaurant purchases each account anniversary year, you’ll get $500 back.

Just know, if your business primarily spends on travel, this card won’t be a good fit for you since it does not offer an accelerated cash back rate on travel purchases, and it charges foreign transaction fees.

• Employee cards at no additional cost
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Roadside dispatch
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection
• Personalized account alerts

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 Bonus after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first 3 billing cycles following account opening of a PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card. Offer available when applying through a link on a PNC.com page on which the bonus is offered.

Earning rate: Earn 2% on grocery store purchases, 3% on dining purchases at restaurants and 4% on gas station purchases for the first $8,000 in combined purchases in these categories annually. 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time.

Why we picked this card: There are few cards that compare to the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card when it comes to rewarding you for gas station purchases. The card offers a 4% cash back rate on gas, 3% at restaurants and 2% at grocery stores on the $8,000 in combined purchases each year. If you’re able to max out the card strictly on gas each year, you’ll earn $320 in cash back.

If you do a lot of driving and spend over $600 per month on gas, this card is an excellent choice to have in your wallet. You can maximize your cash back by using the card strictly for fuel. Rewards can be redeemed as soon as you have at least $25 in your PNC Rewards account either as a statement credit or into a PNC account.

The sign-up bonus that lets you earn a $200 Bonus after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first three billing cycles following account opening is another great feature, as is the $0 annual fee.

The card also offers an intro APR of 0% for the first 12 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening  (followed by a 16.24% to 27.24% variable APR). 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars.

• Access to PNC online banking and mobile app
• PNC Easy Lock® in case you misplace your card

Credit needed: Excellent/Good

Sign-up bonus: Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Earning rate: Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.

Why we picked this card: Style alone shouldn’t be the determining factor when settling on the best cash back credit card for your wallet, but you can’t discount how much more impressive a metal card is. Luckily, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card combines a sleek look with attractive features, including the ability to earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a no-brainer for people who frequently dine out. It’s hard to find another card with as great an earning rate on both dining and grocery purchases, especially one that is uncapped. If you spend $500 per month dining out and $500 on monthly groceries, you’ll earn $420 in cash back each year on just those expenses.

The card does charge a $95 annual fee, however, and it takes $2,375 in annual dining spend to offset this.

If you travel abroad, the card is a great choice as well. It doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers travel accident insurance.

• Complimentary 24-hour concierge services
• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees
• Capital One Dining program benefits
• Earn 8% cash back on Vivid Seats

Credit needed: Fair/Limited

Sign-up bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Earning rate: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.

Why we picked this card: The Discover it^® Student Cash Back is a great choice for those just starting to build a credit profile. It lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, gyms/fitness clubs, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically. The lack of an annual fee also makes it a smart choice for students.

The Discover it^® Student Cash Back is ideal for students looking to build credit history while earning cash back on daily purchases. Earn cash back in rotating quarterly categories, on up to $1,500 in purchases and 1% on everything else. Pay your bills in full and on time to maximize your rewards and increase your credit score.

The card also offers unlimited cash back match its first year, which means that Discover will double your rewards after the initial 12 months. Earn $300 in cash back? Discover will turn this into $600.

Beyond its excellent rewards, the card doesn’t charge an annual fee. You can also take advantage of a 0% Intro APR for 6 months (followed by a 15.24% - 24.24% Variable APR).

• Daily Experian credit report monitoring
• No late payment fee the first time you pay late
• Foreign transaction fees: None