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.
Deciding which cash back credit card is right for you
It’s clear that Americans love their cash back cards, according to our cash back poll. Of those surveyed, 49% said cash back was their favorite type of credit card.
With so many credit card offers on the market, it can be tough to decide which cash back card is going to give you the most value. To make it easier for you, our experts at CreditCards.com have pulled together the best cash back credit cards for every lifestyle. Choosing a credit card is an important financial decision, so we lay out the pros and cons for you all in one place.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for U.S. supermarkets
Our take
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.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for unlimited rewards
Our take
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.
Discover it® Cash Back: Best for rotating categories
Our take
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.
Citi® Double Cash Card: Best for flat-rate cash back
Our take
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 during the holiday season, you might do a lot of online shopping, while 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.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for dining and entertainment
Our take
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 idea of earning 3% cash back on dining, you might also consider the Chase Freedom Flex℠, which offers that and rewards on several other everyday categories.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for tiered cash back
Our take
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.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for introductory APR on purchases
Our take
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.
Chase Freedom Flex℠: Best for cash back on eligible travel
Our take
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: groceries.
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.
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 given back to you. You can think of cash back as a small discount on every purchase – earning 3% cash back on a $100 purchase is like paying $97, instead of $100. Using a cash back card for everyday spending is an easy way to earn some extra cash without much effort on your part.
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 do cash back credit cards work?
Let’s say you spend $500 a month in a spending 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.
Usually, your cash back will accumulate in your account until you decide to redeem it. When you want to 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.
If you’re not sure how to decide which cash back credit card is going to work best for you, it may help to know the 3 main types. Each type of cash back card has advantages and caters to specific spending habits.
Flat-rate: Best for all-purpose use
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: Best for targeted spending
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: Best for seasonal expenses
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 usually correspond with the time of year, which can help you make the most of seasonal expenses. For example, online shopping may be rewarded more heavily during the holiday season, while travel may get the spotlight during summer.
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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 are pretty straightforward – they allow you to earn cash for spending on your favorite card. Once you build your credit and know how to manage your credit cards, it’s time to think about rewards. And cash back rewards can be among the most straightforward of the 2019 cash back survey, the average cash back card offers a cash back rate of around 1.25 percent per dollar, though you can easily exceed that amount with careful card selection and usage.
How do cash back credit cards work? Whether you choose a card with a flat rate or a product with rotating categories, this is a great way to earn cash while making purchases. For example: Let’s say you spend $500 a month and the cash back rate is 5% on specific categories. That means you are earning $25 a month just for card loyalty. There are sometimes spending requirements and sign-up rules, though.
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.
The best 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.
U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred – 6% up to $6,000 a year
Gas: Bank of America Cash Rewards – 3% up to $2,500 a quarter including 2% categories
Dining out and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards – 4%
Grocery stores, Walgreens, CVS: Discover it Cash Back – 5% up to $1,500 spend in the 1st quarter (then 1%, enrollment required), plus another 5% at the end of first year
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.
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.
In general, cash back is best for simplicity-lovers who want to put money back in their pocket. Points and miles are best for those who want to get more value from their rewards and use them on travel purchases.
Fewer cash back cards charge annual fees, but travel cards that use points or miles usually offer large sign-up bonuses and more valuable travel perks like lounge access and credits for expedited security screening. Additionally, cash back cards generally make it simple to redeem rewards as a statement credit, check or direct deposit, while redemption can be more complicated with travel cards, as well as less rewarding if you aren’t redeeming for travel.
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.
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