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If you’re looking for an easy-to-understand rewards credit card with flexible redemption options, cash back credit cards may provide the best value.
Cash back credit cards reward you by giving you back a percentage of your spending. Compared to credit cards that offer points or miles, the rewards you earn are typically easier to track and can be redeemed in a variety of ways. Depending on the card, redemption options may include statement credits or deposits into your checking or savings account.
The right cash back credit card for you may be a flat-rate card that offers the same rate on all of your purchases. Or maybe your spending habits make you a better fit for a card that provides high rewards rates in select categories. Keep reading to learn more about our selection of the best cash back credit cards.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-understand rewards credit card with flexible redemption options, cash back credit cards may provide the best value.
You earn a percentage of your spending back with cash back credit cards. Compared to points or miles, cash back is typically easier to understand and redeem. Depending on the card, redemption options may include statement credits or deposits into your checking or savings account.
The right cash back card for you may earn cash back at the same rate on all purchases or boosted rewards in your top spending categories. Read on to learn more about the top cash back cards available and see how we chose them.
Our rating:4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
2%
Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
1%
Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
3%
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
1%
Earn 1% on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
$200 cash rewards
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24% Variable APR
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:4.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6%
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3%
3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases
At A Glance
Intro offer
$350
Earn a $350 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool.
Our rating:3.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3%
New! 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3%
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 27.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
See if you’re pre-approved for this card using our CardMatch tool.
Our rating:4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
$200 bonus on your Upgrade Card after opening a Rewards Checking account and making 3 debit card transactions within 60 days.*
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
8.99% - 29.99% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200 Cash Back
For a limited time, earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:4.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Earn 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.
1%
Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
13.49% - 24.49% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:3.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
5%
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
2%
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
1%
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200 bonus
New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of
account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.74% - 26.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:4.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Your approval oddsWhen you click “See my approval odds” we’ll run a soft credit check to determine if you have Excellent, Good, Low, or Poor odds of being approved for cards on our site. Approval Odds serves as a guide to help you find the right credit card and will never affect your credit score.
Our rating:5.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1.5%
1.5% on all other purchases
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back
Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5%
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%
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
1%
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$200
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
$200
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.24% - 26.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Our rating:4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
(No Credit History)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Earn 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.
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Cashback Match™
Intro Offer: 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.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 23.49% variable
Recommended credit
(No Credit History)
CreditCards.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
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
Credit card
Best for
Cash back %
Annual fee
CreditCards.com rating
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Flexible cash back categories
3% on category of your choice
Also 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
5% on customizable categories on up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter, 5% on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in Rewards Travel Center, 2% on one select everyday category
3% cash back on dining
5% cash back on travel through Chase; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases; 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025); 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Editor’s picks: Best cash back credit card 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.
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.
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.
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 $350 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 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.)
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.
Best for grocery, gas and online rewards: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Best features: This card’s new cash back rates and perks make it a terrific choice for earning rewards on everyday spending. Household shoppers on a budget won’t want to pass up the generous cash back in multiple everyday categories, welcome offer and newly-added credits, which include $7 back each month when you spend at least $13.99 per month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle (enrollment required).
Biggest drawbacks: You’re out of luck if you like to shop at superstores like Walmart or warehouse/wholesale clubs like BJs and Sam’s Club, all of which will only earn 1% cash back on purchases. And since the card only earns 3% back on your first $6,000 in spending per year in each of its bonus categories, big spenders may prefer the unlimited cash back bonus categories found with other cash back cards.
Alternatives: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with six bonus categories that earn 3X points and covers everyday purchases like dining, gas, travel, transit and phone plans plus, earn 1X points on other purchases. Plus this no-annual-fee card has enough additional benefits to give the Blue Cash Everyday Card and even some cards with an annual fee a run for their money.
Bottom line: If your spending lines up well with the Everyday card’s everyday rewards categories and credits, this card is a great choice.
Best for flat rate + sign-up bonus: Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa®
Best features: This hybrid credit card/personal loan comes with a lot of versatility and value for no annual fee. You’ll earn one of the highest flat rates on the market on all purchases (every time you make a payment) and enjoy a number of additional features that are hard to find with other flat-rate credit cards. If you take advantage of the welcome offer and open an Upgrade Rewards Checking account, you’ll not only quickly put cash back in your wallet but also get a chance to earn lower rates on future Upgrade cards and loans.
Biggest drawbacks: Rewards are not flexible and are automatically put toward paying off your balance. This isn’t ideal for people looking for more options, like travelers who prefer to transfer their rewards for greater value.
Alternatives: If you prefer the simplicity of a traditional flat-rate credit card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a straightforward sign-up bonus and earns an unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on eligible purchases. It’s a versatile card with some features not found with the Upgrade Elite, like an intro APR offer and a variety of redemption options.
Bottom line: This card’s unique sign-up bonus and generous flat rate could help rewards maximizers rake in more cash back than they would with the typical flat-rate card.
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 intro APR offer on purchases, which differs from other top cash back cards that usually offer an intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
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.
Bottom line: This uncomplicated flat-rate cash back card would be a good match for someone who values flexibility.
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.
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.
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 like the idea of customized rewards but want a single card that earns in multiple categories at once, a great alternative could be the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Although you’ll still have a cap on spending to earn at the card’s highest rewards rate, you’ll have more flexibility with your spending across multiple categories. Instead of earning 5% back in one category on the Custom Cash card, the Customized Cash Rewards card would be great for cardholders who spend evenly in a few categories.
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.
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 (16.49% to 25.24% 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Issuers offer cash back rewards as an incentive for consumers to use their card over a competitor’s. Although it varies by issuer, the money that funds cash back typically comes from the interest paid by other cardholders carrying a balance, fees gathered for missed or late payments and interchange fees paid by businesses for accepting credit cards.
With a cash back credit card, you’ll earn back a percentage of whatever you spend on eligible purchases, usually between 1% and 5%, depending on the card, the spending category and any spend limitations. The cash back accumulates in your credit card account until you redeem it. 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.
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.
Since there are several different cash back cards, there’s likely one that suits your spending habits. Card issuers are privy to consumer spending patterns and flesh out cash back cards with different rates to compliment those patterns. This consumer-based approach amounts in a number of differently styled cash back programs on various amounts of cards, but overall there are typically three different kinds of cash back cards.
Here are the different types:
How they work: Flat-rate cash back cards are probably the simplest type of rewards card you can get. With a flat-rate card, you’ll earn a set amount of cash back, usually between 1% and 2%, on every purchase. Simply set and forget earnings until you want to redeem your rewards.
Benefits: Depending on your spending habits, there’s the potential to earn quite a lot in rewards.
Drawbacks: On the flip side, you could also lose out on rewards by not using a card with bonus categories that you would frequently spend more than on everyday purchases.
Who they’re best for: Since there’s no need to strategize spending, this type of cash back card is great for first-time cardholders and those who want to use just one credit card for the majority of their expenses.
A great option: The Citi® Double Cash Card. Earn 1% cash back on general purchases (excluding gift cards) and an additional 1% as you pay off those purchases, effectively 2%.
How they work: One of the best ways to maximize your cash back earnings is to use a tiered card for your most common purchases while using a flat-rate card for miscellaneous expenses. That way, you get the best of both worlds and you never have to settle for a low rate of cash back.
Benefits: Cash back rates for tiered categories can be quite high. If your card offers 3% to 5% cash back in supermarkets and you spend a lot on weekly grocery runs, you stand to earn a decent amount.
Drawbacks: If your card’s featured tiered categories are mismatched with your personal spending habits, you’ll miss out on cash back.
Who they’re best for: A cash back card with tiered categories is a great choice if you have regular expenses within particular categories, like gas or groceries.
A great option: the Chase Freedom Flex℠. Earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories that you must activate each quarter (on up to $1,500 per quarter, 1% thereafter), 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
How they work: This type of cash back card is very similar to a tiered category card, the main difference being that the categories change, usually each quarter. There are even cards that allow you to choose and change your own bonus category once per calendar month, like the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
Benefits: Rotating categories often correspond with the time of year, which can help you make the most of seasonal expenses, like holiday purchases or a summer road trip.
Drawbacks: Keeping track of changing categories can be too much work for some users who then risk losing out on rewards.
Who they’re best for: If you’re fairly organized, able to follow along with quarterly category updates and can be strategic in your spending, a rotating or customizable bonus category rewards program is a great fit.
A great option: The Discover it® Cash Back. Enroll every quarter to earn 5% cash back in a new category (on up to $1,500 per quarter, then 1%).
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. The Capital One SavorOne card is one of the best cash back dining credit cards, since it earns elevated cash back at restaurants.
Grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Cards that offer cash back on grocery store purchases are perfect for families or anyone that enjoys home cooking. Grocery stores and wholesale clubs are usually considered distinct categories. If you want to earn on your weekly or monthly grocery trips, one of the best cash back cards for groceries is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred or the Blue Cash Everyday.
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. Two popular cash back gas credit cards are the Discover it® chrome and the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®.
Retailers and drugstores. Loyal shoppers of companies like Amazon, Walmart and Target can receive cash back on online purchases when equipped with the right card. Pharmacy-goers can also benefit from cash back on prescription purchases. For cash back on drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex is your top option.
Fitness. If you work out at a gym or fitness club membership, some cards offer cash back rewards on membership payments. Discover’s 2022 rotating bonus category calendar recently featured gym memberships for the Discover it Cash Back, so you may see it again in 2023.
Streaming and internet services. Internet service subscribers and binge-watchers of services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ can receive cash back rewards on their subscription payments when using certain credit cards. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is one of these cards, since it earns 6% back on select streaming services, so it’s worth a look.
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.
Pros
Flexibility. Earning and redeeming rewards is generally straightforward and easy to master. You can typically cash in rewards as a statement credit and there are low-to-no minimums for redemption across popular cards.
Affordability. Many cash back cards carry low-to-no annual fees.
Easy welcome offers. Cash back sign-up bonuses tend to have low spending requirements. For instance, some cards let you score bonus points by spending as little as $500 in your first three months. Travel credit card spend requirements tend to run much higher.
Cons
Pricey APRs. Cash back credit cards are rewards credit cards, meaning their APRs tend to be higher than no-frills credit cards. As such, they’re not ideal for people prone to carrying a balance.
Limited value. You can’t really stretch the value of cash back in the same way you can stretch the value of travel points or miles. For instance, you generally can’t transfer to or pool rewards with airline partners.
Less lucrative sign-up bonuses. Cash back sign-up bonuses are generally less lucrative than the big sign-up bonuses you see associated with travel or business credit cards.
How to choose a cash back credit card
Comparing cash back credit cards can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where you spend the most or how different card types fit different lifestyles.
A good starting point is tracking your spending for a month or two and noting the expenses that make up most of your spending. From there, calculate how much you would have earned in cash back with different cards based on their rewards rates. The card that would have earned the most will likely be the one you want to apply for (if you meet the credit score requirements).
For example, if you spend $400 per month at supermarkets, $120 per month at gas stations and $50 per month at restaurants, you’ll likely want to choose a cash back card that carries a high rewards rate on purchases at supermarkets and gas stations as opposed to one that earns highly at restaurants.
However, if you spend evenly across these categories, you may need to juggle multiple cards to earn high rewards in each or opt for a flat-rate cash back card instead. A flat-rate card will be an especially good fit if you spend heavily and your earnings would outpace those offered by a card that carries a bonus cash back spending limit (such as only earning 5% back on your first $500 in spending each month).
Check out this example, which shows how your earnings can vary based on how much you spend and the structure of your card’s rewards program. Depending on your spending habits, you could come out on top with either a flat-rate card or a card that earns bonus rewards in a specific category.
Card
Card type
Rewards rate
Estimated rewards earned on $20,000 annual spend
Estimated rewards earned on $40,000 annual spend
Citi Custom Cash
Tiered bonus category card
5% back in your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to the first $500 in spending, 1% after that); 1% back on all other purchases
$440*
$640*
Citi Double Cash
Flat-rate card
Up to 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay off purchases)
$400
$800
* Assumes a $500 spend in an eligible bonus category each billing cycle, after which the rewards rate drops to 1 percent back.
Who should get a cash back credit card
The strategic spender. If you’re aiming to maximize cash back earnings, you can combine the strengths of flat-rate and tiered cards. With this helpful strategy, pair a credit card that offers a high rewards rate for your large, frequent purchases with a straightforward flat-rate card to cover everything else.
The minimalist. Those who strive for simplicity can see a lot of benefit from a good cash back credit card. A flat-rate cash back credit card that carries no annual fee is a great choice for someone who wants to earn rewards without much additional thought. Certain cards in this category can help you “set and forget” by automating bill payments and reward redemptions.
Who should skip a cash back credit card
The luxury traveler. While cash back is relatively universal, frequent travelers may want to consider a travel, airline or hotel credit card that offers high-end perks and discounts when booking with their favorite travel brands.
The overspender. The concept of getting cash back on all or most of your purchases is enticing, but it may tempt you to spend more than necessary, especially if you anticipate carrying a balance from month to month.
The credit-builder. If you’re on a journey to rebuild or build credit from the ground up, earning cash back shouldn’t be your top priority. Cash back cards often require a good credit score and could tempt you to spend more than you normally would in order to earn cash back. Instead, focus on building credit with responsible card use.
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:
When redeeming for cash back rewards you’ll have a variety of options, all depending on your issuer. While you may not receive cold, hard cash itself, you can often receive rewards in the form of a paper check or a direct deposit to a designated checking account. One of the most frequently used options is a statement credit on your credit card balance, which can be used to offset past purchases.
Something to keep in mind is your issuer’s fine print on how and when you can redeem your cash back rewards. Some may have minimum amount requirements ranging from $5 to $25, while others allow you to redeem at any time, and for any amount.
The most valuable cash back card for you depends on how you’ll use the card, but here are some of the favorite categories and the top credit cards in those groups.
Gas: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi – 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases on the first $7,000 in purchases, 1% thereafter. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards – 3% on up to $2,500 a quarter in combined purchases including 2% categories (capped at $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%).
All categories: Citi® Double Cash Card – 2% cash back on all purchases. Earn 1% as you make purchases and 1% as you pay them off.
Yes, cash back can expire. The best cash back cards often offer non-expiring rewards, but it’s not a given. With some cards, your rewards might expire after a certain length of time or after an extended period of card inactivity.
Even cards that offer non-expiring rewards typically require the account to still be open in order to access your rewards. In other words, most cards will not allow you to redeem your cash back after you’ve closed your account.
Cash back rewards can be quite beneficial to consumers, but as a taxpayer the situation becomes a bit more ambiguous. In general, any income a taxpayer receives is subject to tax by the government. This means the type of rewards and the way in which you receive them can be the main factor for determining whether they are considered taxable.
In most cases, the IRS views cash back rewards to be a rebate or discount and are not considered taxable income. However, sign-up bonuses that are given to you directly for just opening the account may be taxable as extra unearned income.
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.
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