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On This Page
  • Our top picks
  • Compare cards
  • What is a cash back card?
  • Types of cash back cards
  • Should you apply?
  • Cash back vs. points and miles
  • Pros and cons
  • How to choose
  • Are cash back cards worth it?
  • How to maximize your cash back card
  • FAQ
  • Methodology

Best Cash Back Credit Cards in August 2022

Glen Luke Flanagan
Robin Ratcliff

July 29, 2022

*Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the author’s opinions and recommendations alone. It may not have been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. This site may be compensated through a credit card issuer partnership.

This article was last updated July 29, 2022 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.

Our top pick for best cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® charges a $0 annual fee and offers one of the highest earning rates among cash back cards when you factor in all its bonus categories. Plus it offers great synergy with other Chase Ultimate Rewards® cards.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards of August 2022

  • Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup>
    Best Overall cash back credit card
    Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card
    Best flat-rate cash back credit card
    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
  • Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
    Best cash back credit card for balance transfers
    Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
  • Chase Freedom Flex℠
    Best cash back credit card for 5% rotating categories
    Chase Freedom Flex℠
  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Best cash back credit card for food and entertainment
    Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express
    Best cash back credit card for groceries and gas
    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
    Best cash back credit card for Amazon shopping
    Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
  • SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card
    Best cash back credit card with no foreign transaction fees
    SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card
  • USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
    Best cash back credit card for military connections
    USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card
  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Best cash back credit card for people with fair credit
    Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card
    Best cash back card for bad credit
    Discover it® Secured Credit Card
  • Ink Business Cash<sup>®</sup> Credit Card
    Best cash back for business spending
    Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
    Best cash back gas credit card
    PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card
  • Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Best cash back metal credit card
    Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back
    Best cash back credit card for students
    Discover it® Student Cash Back

Citi is an advertising partner.

Cash back credit cards let consumers earn cash rewards on their everyday purchases. Cash is king for many people, who prefer its simplicity and flexibility.

The typical cash back credit card earns anywhere from 1% to 6% cash back on spending. Some cards offer a flat rewards rate for all purchases, while other cards offer bonus cash back in specific or rotating categories. Rewards usually can be directly deposited into a bank account, used as a statement credit toward purchases or converted as a check for you to deposit.

The best cash back credit cards earn an average of 2% cash back on all purchases and typically come with no annual fee. If you have the credit score to qualify for one of these cards, you should be able to earn this rate or higher. The key is to find a cash back card (or a combination of cash back cards) that closely matches your spending patterns.

Below is our breakdown of best cash back options for different types of spenders.

Best For Overall cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited<sup>®</sup> Advertisement

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.49% - 25.24% Variable
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  No annual fee

  Great synergy with other Chase cards

  Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers

  Good travel protections

  Low 1.5% rewards rate if not paired with other Chase cards

  3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

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 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.

ProsCons

  No annual fee

  Great synergy with other Chase cards

  Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers

  Good travel protections

  Low 1.5% rewards rate if not paired with other Chase cards

  3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

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

Check out our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

Best For Best flat-rate cash back credit card

Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card Advertisement

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

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Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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, or in $20 increments at a Wells Fargo ATM or for gift cards.

ProsCons

  Long intro APR

  Unlimited 2% cash back

  No annual fee

  Cellphone protection

  Sign-up bonus

  Potentially high APR of 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR

  3% foreign transaction fee

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 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% 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 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% 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: 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, or in $20 increments at a Wells Fargo ATM or for gift cards.

ProsCons

  Long intro APR

  Unlimited 2% cash back

  No annual fee

  Cellphone protection

  Sign-up bonus

  Potentially high APR of 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% variable APR

  3% foreign transaction fee

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 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% 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 17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% 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

Check out our Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review.

Best For Best cash back credit card for balance transfers

Citi<sup>®</sup> Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer Advertisement

Citi® Double Cash Card

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Citi® Double Cash Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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., earned in the form of ThankYou points. This is an excellent flat rewards rate on all purchases and provides an incentive to pay your bill on time.

ProsCons

  Long intro APR on balance transfers

  Cash back earned as flexible ThankYou points

  Multiple ways to redeem cash back rewards

  No annual fee

  Must pay off card to earn half of rewards

  3% foreign transaction fee

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: 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., earned in the form of ThankYou points. This is an excellent flat rewards rate on all purchases and provides an incentive to pay your bill on time.

ProsCons

  Long intro APR on balance transfers

  Cash back earned as flexible ThankYou points

  Multiple ways to redeem cash back rewards

  No annual fee

  Must pay off card to earn half of rewards

  3% foreign transaction fee

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

Check out our Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer review.

Best For Best cash back credit card for 5% rotating categories

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Advertisement

Chase Freedom Flex℠

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Chase Freedom Flex℠

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.49% - 25.24% Variable
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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!.

ProsCons

  5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories

  3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases

  No annual fee

  Large sign-up bonus

  Long intro APR

  $1,500 spending cap for bonus categories

  Bonus categories require activation each quarter

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

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 $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!.

ProsCons

  5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories

  3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases

  No annual fee

  Large sign-up bonus

  Long intro APR

  $1,500 spending cap for bonus categories

  Bonus categories require activation each quarter

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

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)

Check out our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

Best For Best cash back credit card for food and entertainment

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Apply Now
on Capital One's secure site

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 16.49% - 26.49% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Excellent uncapped earning rate

  No annual fee

  Long intro APR

  3% cash back limited to specific categories

  Target or Walmart don't qualify as grocery spend

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 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.

ProsCons

  Excellent uncapped earning rate

  No annual fee

  Long intro APR

  3% cash back limited to specific categories

  Target or Walmart don't qualify as grocery spend

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

Check out our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review.

Best For Best cash back credit card for groceries and gas

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express Advertisement

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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Rates & Fees
Terms Apply

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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Intro Purchase APR 0% on purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee $95
Regular Purchase APR 16.24%-26.24% Variable
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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. making it a great option for your wallet. Your cash back can easily be redeemed for statement credits.

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

ProsCons

  Large welcome offer

  6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets

  Long intro APR

  $95 annual fee

  Supermarket 6% rewards rate capped at $6,000 per year

Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

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.

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

  • 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: 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. making it a great option for your wallet. Your cash back can easily be redeemed for statement credits.

To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express please click here.

ProsCons

  Large welcome offer

  6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets

  Long intro APR

  $95 annual fee

  Supermarket 6% rewards rate capped at $6,000 per year

Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

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.

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

  • 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

Check out our Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review.

Best For Best cash back credit card for Amazon shopping

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Highlights
  • Only available to Amazon Prime members
  • Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
  • 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
  • 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores
  • 1% back on all other purchases
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods

  No foreign transaction fees

  Visa Signature travel protections

  Only available to Amazon Prime members

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: 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.

ProsCons

  5% cash back at Amazon and Whole Foods

  No foreign transaction fees

  Visa Signature travel protections

  Only available to Amazon Prime members

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
The information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Best cash back credit card with no foreign transaction fees

SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card

Highlights
  • 2% cash back on purchases
  • Earn $200 if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  2% cash back on all purchases

  No foreign transaction fees

  Low 9.49% - 15.49% variable APR 

  Must join SDFCU to qualify

  Few other card benefits

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:

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.

ProsCons

  2% cash back on all purchases

  No foreign transaction fees

  Low 9.49% - 15.49% variable APR 

  Must join SDFCU to qualify

  Few other card benefits

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
The information related to the SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Best cash back credit card for military connections

USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card

Learn More
Highlights
  • 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
  • USAA membership is available to active and former military and their eligible family members
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Earn 5% cash back on gas

  No annual fee

  No foreign transaction fee

  Long intro APR on balance transfers

  No sign-up bonus

  5% and 2% categories are each capped at $3,000 in yearly purchases

  Spending outside of gas and military base earns 2% or less

  Balance transfer fee

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: 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.

ProsCons

  Earn 5% cash back on gas

  No annual fee

  No foreign transaction fee

  Long intro APR on balance transfers

  No sign-up bonus

  5% and 2% categories are each capped at $3,000 in yearly purchases

  Spending outside of gas and military base earns 2% or less

  Balance transfer fee

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
The information related to the USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Best cash back credit card for people with fair credit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Advertisement

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $39
Regular Purchase APR 26.99% (Variable)
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Available to consumers with fair credit

  Access to your credit score and profile

  Automatic credit line reviews

  $39 annual fee

  High 26.99% (Variable) APR

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: 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.

ProsCons

  Available to consumers with fair credit

  Access to your credit score and profile

  Automatic credit line reviews

  $39 annual fee

  High 26.99% (Variable) APR

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

Check out our review of the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best For Best cash back credit card for bad credit

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card Advertisement

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

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Rates & Fees

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR N/A
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 24.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Available to consumers with bad credit

  No annual fee

  Earns cash back on every purchase

  Matches cash back in the first year, for new cardmember

  Ability to graduate to an unsecured card in as little as seven months

  Refundable security deposit required

  No traditional sign-up bonus

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: 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.

ProsCons

  Available to consumers with bad credit

  No annual fee

  Earns cash back on every purchase

  Matches cash back in the first year, for new cardmember

  Ability to graduate to an unsecured card in as little as seven months

  Refundable security deposit required

  No traditional sign-up bonus

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

Check out our Discover it® Secured Credit Card review.

Best For Best cash back credit card for business spending

Ink Business Cash<sup>®</sup> Credit Card Advertisement

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

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Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

(0) Reviews
Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.74% - 20.74% Variable
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Fantastic sign-up bonus

  Excellent 5% cash back rate on typical business categories

  No annual fee

  Visa Signature Business benefits

  Bonus 5% cash back has a $25,000 annual cap

  No bonus cash back for travel spend

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars

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

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.

ProsCons

  Fantastic sign-up bonus

  Excellent 5% cash back rate on typical business categories

  No annual fee

  Visa Signature Business benefits

  Bonus 5% cash back has a $25,000 annual cap

  No bonus cash back for travel spend

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars

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

Check out our Ink Business Cash® Credit Card review.

Best For Cash back gas credit card

PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card

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Highlights
  • $100 Bonus after you make $1,000 or more in purchases during the first 3 billing cycles following account opening.
  • You’ll earn at least 1% cash back on purchases everywhere, every time. 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.
  • Cash back is automatic – there’s no need to enroll or track rotating categories
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening. Then a variable APR, currently 14.74%-24.74%, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  High 4% cash back rate on gas

  Generous sign-up bonus

  No annual fee

 $8,000 annual cap on bonus cash back

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars

 Few other card benefits

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 15.49% to 26.49% 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

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.

ProsCons

  High 4% cash back rate on gas

  Generous sign-up bonus

  No annual fee

 $8,000 annual cap on bonus cash back

Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction in U.S. dollars

 Few other card benefits

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 15.49% to 26.49% 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
The information related to the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Cash back metal credit card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Highlights
  • Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus after you spend $3000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 3% cash back at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, earn 8% cash back on tickets at Vivid Seats through January 2023.
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Capital One cardholders get access to premium experiences in dining, entertainment and more
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Sleek metal card

  Excellent uncapped 4% cash back on dining

  Great uncapped 3% cash back on groceries

  No foreign transaction fees

  $95 annual fee

  Grocery category doesn't include Target or Walmart

  Excellent credit required

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: 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.

ProsCons

  Sleek metal card

  Excellent uncapped 4% cash back on dining

  Great uncapped 3% cash back on groceries

  No foreign transaction fees

  $95 annual fee

  Grocery category doesn't include Target or Walmart

  Excellent credit required

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
The information related to the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best For Best cash back credit card for students

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Student Cash Back Advertisement

Discover it® Student Cash Back

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Rates & Fees

Discover it® Student Cash Back

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Intro Purchase APR 0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases
Annual Fee $0
Regular Purchase APR 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR
  • About the card
  • Who's This Card Best For?
  • Card Benefits

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.

ProsCons

  Rotating 5% cash back quarterly categories

  Geared toward students with limited credit history

  Matches cash back in first year, for new cardmembers

  No annual fee

  You have to enroll in the 5% categories every quarter

  $1,500 cap on quarterly bonus categories

  Few other card benefits

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 on purchases (followed by a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR).

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

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.

ProsCons

  Rotating 5% cash back quarterly categories

  Geared toward students with limited credit history

  Matches cash back in first year, for new cardmembers

  No annual fee

  You have to enroll in the 5% categories every quarter

  $1,500 cap on quarterly bonus categories

  Few other card benefits

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 on purchases (followed by a 14.49% - 23.49% Variable APR).

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

Check out our Discover it® Student Cash Back review.

Side-by-side comparison of the best cash back credit cards

Credit cardBest forCash back rateAnnual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®OverallEnjoy 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.$0
Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardFlat-rate credit cardEarn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases$0
Citi® Double Cash Card Intro APR on balance transfersEarn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.$0
Chase Freedom Flex℠Rotating 5% categories5% 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.$0
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit CardDining out, entertainment and groceries3% 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.$0
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressU.S. supermarket spending6% 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.$95
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature CardAmazon shopping5% 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.$0
SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit CardNo foreign transaction fee2% cash back.$0
USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® CardMilitary membersEarn 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.$0
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit CardPeople with fair credit1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through capital one travel (terms apply).$39
Discover it® Secured Credit CardSecured card2% 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.$0
Ink Business Cash® Credit CardSmall business ownersEarn 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.$0
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit CardGas credit cardEarn 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.$0
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit CardMetal credit cardEarn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.$95
Discover it® Student Cash BackStudents5% 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$0

To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.

What is a cash back credit card?

Cash back credit cards earn rewards that are easily redeemable for cash. Usually, the rewards rate is expressed as a percentage of spend (e.g., 4% back on gas), and the rewards that accumulate in your account are denoted in dollars.

Tip: Some cards earn flexible points that are redeemable for cash as well as other rewards. Some of the best cash back credit cards technically earn points rather than cash rewards (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited). When you can redeem these points for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point, these cards are effectively cash back cards.

Most cash back credit cards allow you to redeem rewards in multiple ways:

  • Statement credit toward purchases made with the card (the most common option)
  • Direct deposit
  • Paper check by mail
  • Into a bank account at the issue bank
  • ATM withdrawal

Types of cash back credit cards

  • Flat-rate cash back credit card

    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%. A great example is the Wells Fargo Active cash card, which earns 2% cash back on every purchase.

  • Rotating cash back credit card

    Other cash back cards offer bonus cash back on categories that change on a monthly or quarterly basis. Examples include the Chase Freedom Flex and a number of Discover cards. Some category cards adapt to your spend each month, applying a bonus rate to the category with the most spend (e.g., the Citi Custom Cash Card). Some of the highest cash back credit earning rates are associated with rotating category cards.

  • Tiered category card

    Many cards offer tiered rewards categories. These cards offer bonus cash back on certain categories of spend and 1% cash back on the remainder of your purchases. For example, cards that offer 3% or higher cash back rates on dining, gas or grocery spend are common.

Should you apply for a cash back credit card?

For most people with sufficiently good credit, a cash back credit card is ideal. These cards offer the simplest program structure. Earning and redeeming rewards is very straightforward. Many cash back credit cards have no annual fee, making them cheaper across the board than travel credit cards.

However, if you travel frequently, a cash back credit card might not be for you. In many cases, you can get more value out of airline and hotel credit cards than you would if you used a cash back credit card instead, especially if you know how to maximize these points. Airline and hotel cards also often provide you with valuable loyalty perks you wouldn’t receive with a cash back card.

There are general credit card pitfalls to consider as well. If you’re not sure you will pay off your balance every month, then you should either use cash or your debit card instead, as using a credit card will cost you more in the long run as you pay monthly interest. The APR for rewards cards tends to be higher than cards that don’t earn rewards. If you tend to forget to pay off your card, then a card such as the Citi Simplicity with no penalty rate and no late fees is a reasonable option.

Other card categories to consider

  • Credit cards with 0% interest rates
  • Balance transfer credit cards
  • Credit cards for building credit

Cash back vs. points and miles

For those who travel and are savvy with points and miles, points and miles can be far more valuable than cash back. For example, a card that earns 3X miles that can be redeemed at a value of 2.5 cents each offers more value to a knowledgeable consumer. This is effectively a 7.5% rewards rate, which is better than any of the best cash back credit cards on this page.

It can take more work, however, to maximize the value of hotel points and airline miles. Cash back credit cards are far simpler.

Pros and cons of cash back credit cards

  • Simple rewards with straightforward value
  • Many cash back cards have no annual fee
  • Often have easy-to-earn sign-up bonuses
  • Can offset the cost of your purchases by redeeming cash back as a statement credit
  • To offset travel costs, a travel card earning points might be better
  • Cash back cards don’t typically offer premium travel protections
  • APRs on cash back cards can be higher than on no-frills credit cards

How to choose a cash back credit card

Now that you've seen some of the best cash back credit cards, let's walk through how to pick the perfect card for you. You'll need some information on hand, including your credit score and an estimate of how much you spend monthly in various expense categories.
  • Figure out which cards you qualify for

    Your credit score and history are the primary factor in determining which cash back credit cards you can qualify for. Many of the best cash back cards require excellent credit, which in FICO Score terms is a score of 740 or greater. Depending on the card and issuer, you’ll also have to meet other eligibility criteria, such as having sufficient income and not having opened too many credit cards within a certain timeframe.

    If you have good but not excellent credit, you should still qualify for a decent number of cards, but some of the best cash back cards will not be available to you, such as the Chase Freedom Flex℠.

    The options will be quite limited if your credit is fair or poor, so you may want to consider a card for rebuilding your score instead.

    Don’t know your credit score? Sign-up for an account at LendingTree to get your free credit score and recommendations to boost your score.
    FICO ScoreVantage Score
    • 300-579 is poor credit
    • 580-669 is fair credit
    • 670-739 is good credit
    • 740-799 is very good credit
    • 800-850 is exceptional credit
    • 300-499 is very poor credit
    • 500-600 is poor credit
    • 601-660 is fair credit
    • 661-780 is good credit
    • 781-850 is excellent credit