Cash back credit cards are a useful tool to get paid back for the things you buy every day. Cash back is typically easy to understand and redeem, which is great for on-the-go folks who like to keep it simple. Cash back is also the most flexible form of rewards, allowing you to spend your earnings however you’d like.
For the simplicity lover, some cards offer a flat cash back rate on all purchases – usually between 1% and 2%. Other cash back cards offer a higher rewards rate on specific purchase categories like dining or groceries.
We analyzed 682 cash back card offers and narrowed them down to our top recommendations for a variety of lifestyles. Browse our picks for the best cash back offers from our partners and find a card that fits your spending habits.
Cash back credit cards are a useful tool to get paid back for the things you buy every day. Cash back is typically easy to understand and redeem, which is great for on-the-go folks who like to keep it simple. Cash back is also the most flexible form of rewards, allowing you to spend your earnings however you’d like.
For the simplicity lover, some cards offer a flat cash back rate on all purchases – usually between 1% and 2%. Other cash back cards offer a higher rewards rate on specific purchase categories like dining or groceries.
We analyzed 682 cash back card offers and narrowed them down to our top recommendations for a variety of lifestyles. Browse our picks for the best cash back offers from our partners and find a card that fits your spending habits.
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.
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.
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 Bonus
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%).
2%
2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores.
1%
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro Bonus
Up to $300
Earn 20% back on purchases at Amazon.com on the Card in the first 6 months, up to $200 back. Plus, earn $100 back after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
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.
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.
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 cash back on your next road trip with 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter.
1%
Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
At A Glance
Intro Bonus
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. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
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 Bonus
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.
Editorial disclosure: All reviews are prepared by CreditCards.com staff. Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the bank's website for the most current information.
All information about Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Offering supreme cash back rates (6% for up to $6,000 each year, then 1%) for purchases at U.S supermarkets, this is a fantastic option for those who frequently cook at home. Plus, the introductory offer of a $250 statement credit after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months is a great way to easily pay for a trip or two to the grocery store. The annual fee of $95 could be a setback for some people, but it’s to be expected for a card with such high rewards rates.
Cardholders get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, and the rewards don’t expire for the life of the account. With no annual fee, this is a great, gimmick-free option designed for simplicity lovers. However, there are flat-rate cash back cards with higher rates. For example, there’s the Citi® Double Cash Card, which earns 2% cash back, 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay off your purchase.
With the Discover it Cash Back, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a generous 5% cash back bonus on everyday, useful categories (up to $1,500 upon enrollment each quarter, then 1%) that rotate each quarter. Also, Discover will automatically match all of your cash back earnings at the end of the first year. However, if you anticipate spending far more than the $1,500 quarterly limit, then a flat-rate cash back card like the Citi Double Cash Card may be a better option for you.
Offering 1% on general purchases (excluding gift cards) and then an additional 1% cash back as you pay off those purchases, the Citi Double Cash boasts one of the most competitive rewards rates of all cash back cards. Cash back rewards can also be converted to ThankYou points, which can be redeemed for travel purchases, gift cards and more for a rate of $1 cash back to 100 ThankYou points. While the long-term value is great, the lack of a sign-up bonus does detract from some of this card’s appeal. Also, the rewards will expire if the card isn’t used in more than 12 months, so you need to remember to use the card every so often if you don’t want your rewards to go to waste.
For most people, spending is cyclical. You might do a lot of online shopping during the holiday months, but your summer budget may skew more heavily toward gas or travel. With the Bank of America® Cash Rewards, you have the freedom to change your bonus category once per calendar month, allowing you to tailor your rewards to your spending habits. Bonus categories include gas, online shopping, travel, drug stores, dining and home improvement/furnishings. Cardholders earn 3% cash back on the category of their choice, plus 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%). If you plan ahead, this card can be exceptionally valuable, especially since there’s no annual fee.
If you consider yourself a foodie or a thrill-seeker, you might like the SavorOne for its generous 3% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases. Plus, even when you feel like eating in, you’ll earn 2% cash back at grocery stores. The fact that there are no spending caps for these categories makes this card even more exciting for big spenders. If you like the sound of 3% cash back on dining, you might also consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠, which offers that and rewards on several other everyday categories.
The Blue Cash Everyday is all about rewarding essential purchases, which is why it’s a great addition to nearly anyone’s wallet. This card offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases annually, then 1%), 2% at U.S. gas stations and at select U.S. department stores and then 1% on general purchases. Plus, there’s no annual fee. On the flip side, the yearly $6,000 limit on the 3% purchase category could cut into your potential earnings.
It’s safe to say you have plenty of opportunities to earn cash back with the Chase Freedom Unlimited. You’ll earn a standard 1.5% on all purchases, plus boosted rewards in several categories, including travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, dining, drugstores and Lyft purchases. As a welcome bonus, you can earn $200 after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of opening an account.
Those who travel often will really benefit from earning 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards ®. You can also earn 5% cash back on eligible purchases in rotating categories (quarterly activation required) and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants. If the idea of keeping track of all of the cash back categories and the rules that come with each makes your head spin, you might want to look for a different cash back card. That, along with remembering to enroll in the 5% bonus category each quarter, requires some attention and may not be ideal for everyone.
This is a great card for on-the-go consumers because of the 2% cash back on restaurant and gas station purchases (on up to $1,000 in combined spending per quarter, then 1%). That means you can earn up to $80 a year on the boosted rewards. As an added bonus, that $80 would become $160 at the end of your first year, thanks to Discover’s first-year cash back match for new cardholders. Also, there’s no annual fee, and there’s no foreign transaction fee. Keep in mind, however, that although the Discover it chrome rewards some everyday purchases, it is missing one key category for boosted rewards: groceries, which earn just 1% cash back.
This product is a top-notch student card: Earn a $20 statement credit each year for up to the next 5 years that you have a 3.0 GPA or better. In addition, earn 5% cash back on rotating categories (then 1%; activation required each quarter and $1,500 limit each quarter), up to $300 a year on the 5% offer. Then, match your earnings to get $600 at the end of your first year. There’s no annual fee, and there’s no foreign transaction fee.
Summary of the Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Credit card
Best for:
Cash back %
Annual fee
CreditCards.com rating
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Groceries/ U.S supermarkets
6% at U.S supermarkets
For the first $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1% cash back
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
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 2022); 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Cash back credit cards are the most straightforward type of rewards card. A percentage of each eligible purchase you make with your card is rewarded back to you. Let’s say you spend $500 each month in a category with a cash back rate of 5%. That means you are earning $25 a month, just for card loyalty (500 X .05 =25). Sometimes there are spending limits, which is why it’s important to read through a card’s terms before applying.
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.
At a high level, cash back cards are as simple as that. Read our full guide to how cash back credit cards work to learn more.
Types of cash back credit cards
Here, we look at types of cash back cards’ advantages and which spending habits they cater to.
Flat-rate
Cash back is straightforward, and flat-rate cash back is even more so. With a flat-rate card, you’ll earn a set amount of cash back, usually between 1% and 2%, on every purchase. 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. Simply set and forget until you want to redeem your rewards.
Tiered categories
This type of credit card will offer higher cash back rates – usually anywhere from 2% to 6% – in one or more categories, then 1% cash back on all other purchases. Common cash back categories include dining, groceries, travel and gas. Credit card issuers use merchant category codes to classify and reward your purchases.
A cash back card with tiered categories is a great choice if you have regular expenses within particular categories, like gas or groceries. 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.
Rotating or customizable bonus category
This type of cash back card is very similar to a tiered category card, the main difference being that the categories change. For example, the Discover it® Cash Back categories change each quarter (activation required). There are even cards that allow you to choose and change your own bonus category once per calendar month, like the Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card. 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.
Research methodology: How we picked the best cash back credit cards
Cash back credit cards analyzed: 682
Criteria used:
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.
Check out our reviews
Interested in learning more about each card? We’ve reviewed several cash back credit cards – check them out in our reviews section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cash back cards can be a little confusing when you are shopping around because each one has a slightly different rewards plan. The best plan for you is the one that matches your past spending habits. Here are some different types:
Flat rate: Flat-rate cards typically offer 1.5% back on all purchases, allowing you to not worry about maximum spends or quarterly sign-ups. However, the rewards are lower, which is the tradeoff for not having to think about what and where you are making purchases.
Multiple tiers: Some cards offer boosted cash back on specific categories. The rate is year-round in this case, but there may be a maximum spend limit.
Rotating categories: This type of cash back card requires the most thinking because select categories reward you with, for example, 5% back for a specific amount of time (typically 1% cash back after a $1,500 maximum spend each quarter). You have to sign up for bonus categories each quarter and you have to pay attention to when and where you make purchases.
Customizable choice of category: A new type of cash back card opportunity has appeared in the last year that allows you to choose your own bonus category. There can be a requirement to sign up for a boosted category with some cards, and you need to keep track of which category you are currently signed up for to maximize your rewards.
To maximize your cash back earnings, you should use your cash back cards for the bulk of your purchases, especially larger ones. For example, if you’re able to pay rent with a credit card without incurring a fee, that’s an easy way to earn a chunk of cash back each month.
You should also use a combination of cards strategically, making sure you’re earning a high rate of cash back on your most frequent expenses. If you spend $100 at the grocery store each week, you should be using a card that rewards groceries at a rate higher than 1%. You can also double up on cash back by using cash back apps like Rakuten.
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.
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.
Since most people have a variety of expenses, a combination of cash back credit cards is probably best if you want to maximize your earnings. However, if you’re just starting out with credit cards or only want to have one card, a flat-rate cash back card is probably the best choice. Rather than tethering you to a specific category or two, flat-rate cards provide long-term value no matter how your budget changes.
About the Author
Mariah Ackary
CreditCards.com writer Mariah Ackary is passionate about financial literacy for all, especially women. Mariah's work has been cited in such media as Forbes, Fox Business and CNBC. An expert in rewards and small businesses, she does the research to make complicated financial topics more approachable for her readers. Send your questions to mackary@creditcards.com.
About the Editor
Laura Mohammad
CreditCards.com Senior Editor Laura Mohammad writes, edits and coaches extensively on all things credit cards and works to bring you the most up-to-date analysis and advice. In Laura's 20+ years as a financial and personal finance journalist, her work has appeared in such publications and websites as The New York Times, The Associated Press, StreetAuthority.com and American City Business Journals. You can reach Laura at laura.mohammad@creditcards.com.
Essential news and expert tips in your inbox every week
Your credit cards journey is officially underway.
Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be sending over your first message soon.
Advertiser Disclosure
CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
Know your odds before you apply
See your unique approval odds listed next to cards on our site. We’ll do a soft credit pull to find them, which will never impact your credit score.
Calculating your approval odds
Oops! Something went wrong.
We’re sorry, but something went wrong and we couldn’t find your approval odds. Instead, you’ll see recommended credit ranges from the issuers listed next to cards on our site to help you determine which cards you’re likely to be approved for.
Back to top
