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July 29, 2022
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This article was last updated July 29, 2022 . Terms and conditions may have changed. For the most accurate information, please consult the issuer website.
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.
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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®.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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®.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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!.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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:
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.
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!.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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:
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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:
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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:
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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:
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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:
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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.
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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).
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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).
| Credit card | Best for | Cash back rate | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Overall | 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. | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Flat-rate credit card | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases | $0 |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | Intro APR on balance transfers | Earn 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% categories | 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. | $0 |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Dining out, entertainment and groceries | 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. | $0 |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | U.S. supermarket spending | 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. | $95 |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | Amazon shopping | 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. | $0 |
| SDFCU Premium Cash Back+ Credit Card | No foreign transaction fee | 2% cash back. | $0 |
| USAA® Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card | Military members | 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. | $0 |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | People with fair credit | 1.5% 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 Card | Secured card | 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. | $0 |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | Small business owners | 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. | $0 |
| PNC Cash Rewards® Visa® Credit Card | Gas credit card | 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. | $0 |
| Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Metal credit card | Earn 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 Back | Students | 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 | $0 |
To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
| FICO Score | Vantage Score |
|---|---|
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