Best Cash Back Credit Cards of May 2022

All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and Alliant Visa®️ Signature Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.

Best cash back credit cards compared

Editor’s picks: Cash back credit card details

Best for 2% cash rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

• Best features: The Wells Fargo Active Cash keeps it simple by letting you earn an unlimited 2% flat cash rewards rate on your purchases. No rotating categories. No enrollment. No need to think about which card to use for each purchase.
• Biggest drawbacks: If you’re assigned this card’s high-end APR, you could be stuck with hefty interest charges should you carry a balance beyond the introductory APR period. Plus, this card’s perks are limited compared to those of some pricier rewards cards.
• Alternatives: If you’re looking for a card with a generous base rate plus some additional perks, check out the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which earns at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases and allows you to transfer points to a higher-tier Ultimate Rewards card and redeem for travel at an up to 50% higher value.
• Bottom line: The Active Cash Card is a hassle-free credit card for people who value simplicity and consistent flat-rate cash rewards over earning high rewards in specific categories.

Related: Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Wells Fargo Platinum

Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for customizing rewards: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

• Best features: Cardmembers can earn high rewards for select travel purchases and in customizable categories that best fit their quarterly spending habits.
• Biggest drawbacks: You must enroll each quarter to earn at the full cash back rate in your customizable bonus category, otherwise you’ll only earn 1% back. Plus, three of the most popular everyday categories (groceries, restaurants and gas) are excluded from earning 5% cash back, and you can only set one of them to earn 2% cash back. The other two will earn just 1% cash back.
• Alternative: If you spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express may be a better option, as it earns three times more cash back in some of these everyday categories than the U.S. Bank Cash+ card, without requiring enrollment.
• Bottom line: The U.S. Bank Cash+ card is worth it if you want to earn bonus cash back in a variety of categories and don’t mind carrying multiple credit cards to get the job done.

Read our U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: The SavorOne is one of the only no-annual-fee cards out there to offer 3% cash back on both dining and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Target® and Walmart®), making it an obvious choice for home cooks and restaurant lovers alike. Plus, its broad entertainment category covers everything from concert tickets to tourist attractions and amusement parks.
• Biggest drawbacks: Since its bonus categories are focused on food and entertainment, it may not make sense as an all-purpose rewards card. To get the most value, you’ll need to pair the SavorOne with another rewards card that earns more than 1% on your everyday purchases.
• Alternatives: Depending on how much you spend, you might be better served by the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. It offers higher rewards to the tune of 4% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 3% cash back at grocery stores and 1% cash back on other purchases, but charges a $95 annual fee. (Learn how to decide what Capital One Savor card is right for you.)
• Bottom line: Food and entertainment enthusiasts will have a hard time finding a no-annual-fee credit card that matches the benefits of the SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Related: Is the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards card worth it?

Read our Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Best features: This card’s 6% cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1%) is one of the highest rates out there. Plus, there are no rotating categories or enrollment to worry about. Read more on how our expert, Brady Porche, uses the Blue Cash Preferred card.
• Biggest drawbacks: The $300 welcome offer is nice, but it comes with a sizable spending requirement compared to other rewards cards ($3,000 in your first six months). Some other cards offer a not-far-off bonus of $200 after just $500 in spending in the first three months.
• Alternatives: If you’re seeking an American Express card but are put off by an annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is worth a look. It charges no annual fee and offers a decent rewards rate not only at U.S. supermarkets, but also in the harder-to-find bonus category of select U.S. department stores.
• Bottom line: Some may find the annual fee of $95 ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year) a tad steep, but it’s worth remembering the card’s high rewards rates. We estimate a Blue Cash Preferred cardholder only needs to spend around $132 per month at U.S. supermarkets to cover the card’s annual fee and only around $265 per month at U.S. supermarkets to both cover the annual fee and beat the rewards you’d earn on the same spend with the Blue Cash Everyday card. (Learn how to decide which Blue Cash card is right for you.)

Related: Who should get the Blue Cash Preferred Card from Amex?

Read our Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for automatically maximizing cash back: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

• Best features: It’s one of the only credit cards that automatically earns 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category (on up to the first $500 spent each billing cycle, then 1%). That should appeal to rewards seekers looking for a no-maintenance credit card. Plus, the card touts a generous sign-up bonus: $200 worth of ThankYou points after you spend $750 in your first three months.
• Biggest drawbacks: Your cash back potential is limited since you’ll only earn 5% back in a single eligible spending category, and only on the first $500 you spend in that category each billing cycle (after which you earn just 1% back). You’ll also pay a steep 5% balance transfer fee (or $5, whichever is greater) if you take advantage of the card’s balance transfer offer.
• Alternatives: If you’re looking for a simpler way to earn cash back with no spending caps, the Citi Double Cash Card is a great no-frills, all-purpose rewards card that earns up to 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay off those purchases).
• Bottom line: If you like the idea of automatically maximizing cash back in your biggest eligible spending category, the Citi Custom Cash Card is a great pick, especially when combined with other rewards cards that earn more than 1% back in other categories.

Related: Citi Custom Cash card rewards and benefits guide

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for unlimited rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: Ideal for those who prefer to keep it simple, this gimmick-free card has no annual fee and offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Rewards remain valid for the life of the account and there are no caps on how much you can earn. Read more on how credit cards expert Ana Staples uses the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card.
• Biggest drawbacks: The 1.5% cash back rate isn’t all that great compared to some of the best flat-rate cash back cards, several of which earn 2% cash back on all purchases and also don’t charge an annual fee.
• Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is another relatively simple cash back card. However, it stands out for its rewards flexibility: You can pool your points with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards to potentially boost the value of your rewards by 25% to 50% when you redeem for travel through the Chase portal.
• Bottom line: While other cards offer higher cash back rates, the simplicity of unlimited 1.5% back on every purchase may appeal to someone in the market for a pared-down cash back card.

Related: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards benefits guide

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for flexible cash back categories: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features: The Bank of America Customized Cash card gives you the freedom to change your bonus category once per calendar month, allowing you to tailor your rewards to your spending habits. That’s especially handy when your summer budget may skew more heavily toward gas or travel, but you spend more on online shopping during the holidays. Bonus categories include gas, online shopping, travel, drug stores, dining and home improvement/furnishings. If you plan ahead, this card can be exceptionally valuable, especially since there’s no annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks: The $1,000 in spending required in your first 90 days to earn the $200 online cash rewards sign-up bonus is $250 to $500 larger than some other rewards cards offering the same $200 bonus. There’s also a $2,500 combined spend cap on 2% and 3% reward categories for each quarter. It may be a hassle for big spenders to have to track those categories to make sure they avoid only earning 1% cash back on their purchases.
• Alternatives: If you enjoy choosing your own categories to maximize rewards, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card may be a good fit. It lets you choose two categories that earn 5% cash back (up to a combined $2,000 in eligible purchases each quarter) and one category that earns an unlimited 2% cash back on eligible purchases. While this takes a little more effort to maintain, it also gives you more chances to earn cash back in a variety of categories.
• Bottom line: The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a solid choice for people looking to earn rewards in a wide variety of categories while avoiding an annual fee.

Related: Is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card worth it?

Read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for introductory APR on purchases: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Best features: You’ll have plenty of opportunities to earn cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. Along with consistent cash back in popular everyday categories, the card carries a generous flat cash back rate on general purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards. There’s also a lengthy 15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (15.24% to 23.99% variable APR after that). That’s a lot of perks for a no-annual-fee credit card.
• Biggest drawbacks: There’s no annual bonus or statement credits, though that may not deter many considering the lack of rewards limits and the competitive return rate.
• Alternatives: If you’d rather earn cash back in a variety of rotating categories than a high base rewards rate on general purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex is worth a look. It earns 5% cash back in rotating bonus categories each quarter (upon enrollment, on up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1%).
• Bottom line: Rewards seekers looking to earn rewards on their everyday purchases will get plenty of value out of the Chase Freedom Unlimited. It will be especially appealing to people who prefer to carry only one credit card in their wallet.

Related: Is the Chase Freedom Unlimited worth it?

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for rotating categories: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features: Discover will automatically match all of your cash back earnings at the end of your first year. This is a popular incentive that encourages you to use the credit card often in the first year. Plus, Discover credit cards have a few consumer-friendly policies attached to its popular credit cards, including no foreign transaction fees, free FICO credit score access and no fee the first time you pay late (up to $41 for any late payments after that).
• Biggest drawbacks: It takes some work to maintain this card: You’ll have to remember to enroll in a bonus category each quarter and you may need to track your spending since the 5% cash back rate is limited to your first $1,500 in combined rotating category purchases per quarter (then 1%).
• Alternatives: If you aren’t a fan of tracking bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash card offers one of the best flat cash back rates available (up to 2 percent back on every purchase (1 percent when you buy, 1 percent as you pay off those purchases)  – for no annual fee.
• Bottom line: The Discover it Cash Back is a solid pick thanks to its generous cash back rate in a wide variety of popular and practical rotating categories. Read more on how credit card expert, Ana Staples, uses the Discover It Cash Back card.

Related: Guide to Discover it Cash Back rewards and benefits

Read our Discover it® Cash Back card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for flat-rate cash back: Citi® Double Cash Card

• Best features: Offering 1% cash back when you make purchases and an additional 1% back as you pay them off, the Citi Double Cash boasts one of the most competitive flat rewards rates available on a cash back card with no annual fee. Plus, the card’s rewards are flexible and can be redeemed not only for cash back, but also travel, gift cards and more.
• Biggest drawbacks: There’s no sign-up bonus, which decreases the card’s short-term value compared to other top flat-rate credit cards.
• Alternatives: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers the same flat rate of 2 percent cash rewards on purchases but stands out by offering an intro APR on both new purchases and balance transfers, as well as a sign-up bonus of $200 in cash rewards after spending $1,000 in purchases in your first three months.
• Bottom line: This uncomplicated flat-rate cash back card would be a good match for someone who values flexibility.

Related: Is the Citi Double Cash Card worth it?

Read our Citi® Double Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for cash back on eligible travel: Chase Freedom Flex℠

• Best features: It’s one of the only cash back cards that offers both rotating bonus categories and fixed categories, including generous rates on travel and dining.
• Biggest drawbacks: Remembering to enroll in the 5% bonus category each quarter requires some attention and categories may not always line up with your spending habits.
• Alternatives: If you’d rather earn a higher cash back rate on general purchases and not worry about tracking or enrolling in rotating bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great option. (Learn how to decide between the Chase Freedom cards.)
• Bottom line: It can take some work tracking all the rewards categories this card offers, but if your spending aligns with the bonus categories, the Freedom Flex will make it worth your while.

Related: Chase Freedom Flex benefits guide

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for tiered cash back: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

• Best features: Its generous welcome offer ($200 in statement credits if you spend $2,000 in your first six months) and bonus categories make this card a solid contender for people who want to earn cash back on everyday spending and avoid an annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks: You’ll only earn 3% back on the first $6,000 you spend at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1%), which could limit the card’s value if you spend heavily in that category. Depending on your spending habits, you may earn more with the Blue Cash Preferred, which charges a $95 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year), but also offers higher rewards.
• Alternatives: For cardholders who prefer a flat rate of cash back on every purchase over keeping track of bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash Card offers one of the best rates on the market – 1% cash back on every purchase you make, plus an additional 1% cash back as you pay off those purchases.
• Bottom line: This card is a good fit for household shoppers who spend moderately at U.S. supermarkets but aren’t ready to commit to an annual fee or complex rewards program. Read more on how credit cards expert Ana Staples uses the Blue Cash Everyday card.

Related: Is the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card worth it?

Read our Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for cash back for Preferred Rewards Members: Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features: If you’re a Bank of America customer with large savings, checking or investment accounts, this could prove the most valuable flat-rate cash back card available. You’ll earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases and may qualify for a rewards boost of 25% to 75% as an eligible Preferred Rewards member.
• Biggest drawbacks: You’ll need a three-month average balance of at least $20,000 across your eligible Bank of America or Merrill accounts to be eligible for any Preferred Rewards boost. And to get the 75% boost, you’ll need at least a $100,000 average balance.
• Alternatives: Unless you’re a Preferred Rewards member at the Platinum tier or above, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which carries a flat 2% cash rewards rate, will almost certainly be a more rewarding long-term choice.
• Bottom line: While this card has huge rewards potential, the best rates are reserved for people with sizable account balances. For everyone else, other flat-rate options can beat the Unlimited Cash Rewards card’s base cash back rate.

Read our Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back

• Best features: Students can build healthy credit habits while enjoying some of Discover’s best features, including an intro APR offer, very forgiving rates and fees and Discover’s famous Cashback Match offer, which matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Biggest drawbacks: The rewards program can be a bit confusing and takes some work compared to flat-rate cards and other cash back cards with a more straightforward rewards structure.
• Alternatives: The Chase Freedom® Student credit card not only offers students a foot in the door of Chase Ultimate Rewards, but also comes with a $50 bonus if you make a purchase in your first three months and a $20 annual bonus for your first five years as a cardholder if you keep your account in good standing.
• Bottom line: This is a top-notch student credit card that lets you earn rewards even as you’re learning how to build and manage your credit.

Related: Is the Discover it Student Cash Back card worth it?

Read our Discover it® Student Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

What are cash back credit cards?

Cash back credit cards are a type of rewards credit card. Unlike other rewards credit cards, which offer redeemable points or miles on purchases, cash back credit cards give a particular dollar amount of each eligible purchase back to the cardholder. Cash back essentially works like a rebate. Because reward points often come with a lot of restrictions in terms of how they can be redeemed, some people may prefer the simplicity of a cash back rewards card.

How do they work?

With a cash back credit card, you’ll earn back a percentage of whatever you spend on eligible purchases. A flat-rate cash back credit card typically offers anywhere from 1% to 2% back on all purchases. Bonus category cash back cards offer higher rewards rates on purchases made in specific categories. These are typically rotating categories that require activation each quarter to earn the rewards. Don’t want to deal with rotating categories or having to remember to activate bonus categories? Fixed bonus category cards (or tiered rewards cash back cards) also let you earn higher rewards rates in specific categories, but you won’t have to wait until a certain time of the year, and no activation is required. Find out more about types of cash back credit cards.

When you redeem your cash back, you’ll probably have several options. Most cards allow you to redeem your cash back as a statement credit, which will lower your credit card balance. Direct deposits to your bank account, gift cards and checks are also common redemption options.

You’ll usually need at least fair credit to get a cash back card, so make sure you meet the credit requirements before applying. Cash back cards are best for people who can spend responsibly and pay their bill in full each month. If there’s a chance you might carry a balance from time to time, you’re probably better off with a low interest credit card.

How to calculate cash back

Exactly how much cash you earn back per purchase will vary depending on the terms of your card and the type of purchase you make. Let’s say you spend $500 each month in a category with a cash back rate of 5%. That means you earn $25 a month, just for card loyalty ($500 X 0.05 = $25). Sometimes there are spending limits, which is why it’s important to read through a card’s terms before applying.

Read our full guide to how cash back credit cards work to learn more.

Types of cash back categories

It’s important to choose a cash back credit card that aligns with the categories you spend on most frequently. Here are some examples:

• Restaurants. Whether you enjoy dining out or take out, many cash back cards are designed with foodies in mind to maximize spending at your favorite restaurants.
• Grocery stores. Cards that offer cash back on grocery store purchases are perfect for families or anyone that enjoys home cooking.
• Gas stations. Getting cash back at the pump can be especially rewarding for frequent drivers. Cards that offer cash back rewards at gas stations can be a great credit building tool as well.
• Retailers. Loyal shoppers of companies like Amazon, Walmart and Target can receive cash back on online purchases when equipped with the right card.
• Fitness. If you work out at a gym or fitness club membership, some cards offer cash back rewards on membership payments.
• Streaming services. Binge-watchers of services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ can receive cash back rewards on their subscription payments when using certain credit cards.

Pros and cons of cash back cards

Cash back credit cards are a popular type of rewards card, given their return on spending and ease of use. But, depending on your financial goals, they’re not always the best fit for your wallet. Understanding the big draws and disadvantages of cash back credit cards can help you pinpoint if one is right for you.

How to choose a cash back credit card

When searching for the best cash back cards, it can be easy to get confused. What is the best card for your situation? Are all cash back credit cards the same? To find the right fit, you’ll need to weigh certain factors. Consider these points when comparing cards:

Read more on factors to consider when choosing a cash back credit card.

How to make the most of your cash back credit card

• Match yourself with a card that best suits your spending habits. Before you choose a card, take a hard look at your budget and identify the areas where you’re spending the most. If a good portion of your budget goes towards groceries, it makes sense to seek out a card that offers a high cash back rate for supermarkets. If in the course of a month you spend a lot of money on a broad range of purchases, a flat-rate card with no cap might offer you the best value.
• Strategize spending on bonus categories. With some cards offering cash back rates from 4% to 6% in the higher ranges, bonus categories can be an enormous boon to your rewards earnings. But rotating bonus categories aren’t always easy to keep track of, especially when spending across multiple credit cards. Luckily, many credit cards release bonus categories annually or sometimes quarterly, which gives you time to strategize. Match these categories with your personal calendar, identifying occasions where you’re most likely to spend such as birthdays, holidays, vacations and weekend getaways.
• Pair cards to fill in reward gaps. Even the most robust rewards program will have its limitations. You can fill in those gaps by adding another card in your rotation. Let’s say you have a great flat-rate cash back card like the Citi Double Cash Card and earn 2% on general purchases (1% when you buy combined with an additional 1% cash back as you pay off those purchases) but feel like you’re missing out on potential travel rewards. With its 5% cash back on travel (purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® ), the Chase Freedom Flex would provide much more value when booking travel.
• Pay your balances in full each month. If you do not, you’ll end up losing the cash back you’ve earned to interest. Paying your monthly balances on time and in full is a best practice regardless of what type of card you’re carrying, but cash back credit cards tend to carry higher APRs than low-interest credit cards.
• Utilize a sign-up bonus. If your cash back credit card offers a sign-up bonus, you can receive bonus rewards if you reach the spending requirement in a given amount of time. Make sure the requirement lines up with your current spending habits to avoid carrying a balance and losing your rewards to interest.

How we picked the best cash back credit cards

• Cash back rate and categories. Of course, the best cash back credit cards make it easy to earn cash back. That’s why we chose credit cards that offer high rewards rates on common purchases. We understand that “everyday spending” looks different for various lifestyles, so we chose a variety of bonus categories, from travel to groceries to entertainment.
• Redemption options. What’s the use of cash back if you can’t redeem it in a way that’s valuable to you? Most cash back cards allow the option to redeem as a statement credit, but some also allow you to redeem as a bank direct deposit, gift card, charitable donation or even a credit toward a loan balance. Since these alternative redemption methods can sometimes add value to your cash back earnings, we weighed all methods of redemption. We also considered ease of redemption since some cards require a minimum cash back balance in order to redeem.
• Sign-up bonus. When analyzing a credit card’s overall value, we always think long-term: ongoing rewards rate, fees, etc. But a sign-up bonus is a nice way to kickstart your cash back earnings. The ideal sign-up bonus rewards you generously for a low spending threshold.
• Rates and fees. Here, we dug into a few costs that may cut into the card’s potential value. When assessing cards with annual fees, we did the math to ensure that cardholders’ cash back and other benefits could likely surpass that cost. We also avoided cards with sky-high interest rates.
• Miscellaneous benefits and features. Additional perks and benefits are rarely the main attraction, but they can be tie-breakers when comparing two similar offers. Features like auto rental insurance and price protection are often overlooked but can save you hundreds if you remember to use them.

Additional information on cash back credit cards

For more information on all things cash back cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Cash back credit card mistakes to avoid
• Cash back vs points: Which is best for you?
• What are rotating category credit cards, and how do they work?

About the Author

Ryan Noonan

Ryan Noonan began working in marketing for Bankrate.com in December 2018 and has since begun using his industry expertise as a writer, contributing to both Bankrate.com and Creditcards.com. During his time in Columbus, Ryan led philanthropy efforts for his fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa. Ryan is fascinated by the doors credit card rewards open up to incredible opportunities and experiences, particularly world travel. Ryan has traveled to the Cayman Islands, the United Kingdom, Italy and Switzerland, among other destinations thanks to credit card and airline mile programs.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Jason Steele

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets. He’s frequently interviewed and quoted by mainstream outlets on the subjects of credit cards and travel. Jason is passionate about travel rewards credit cards, which he uses to earn rewards that he can redeem for him and his family to travel around the world. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, a conference for credit and credit card journalists that’s held annually.