Cash back credit cards are a useful tool to get paid back for the things you buy every day. Many cards offer flat cash back for all purchases, while others offer higher cash back across rotating categories like dining, groceries and shopping. We researched 682 cash back card offers and narrowed them down to our top recommendations. Browse our editor’s picks for the 10 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. Many cards offer flat cash back for all purchases, while others offer higher cash back across rotating categories like dining, groceries and shopping. We researched 682 cash back card offers and narrowed them down to our top recommendations. Browse our editor’s picks for the 10 best cash back offers from our partners and find a card that fits your spending habits.
July 10, 2020
Back to topEditorial 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 Bank of America Cards, Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card, Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Freedom, Alliant Visa Signature Card and Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
It’s clear that Americans love their cash back cards, according to our July 2019 poll, which notably shows a jump in cash back from 43% in 2018 to 49% in 2019. Cash back beat out gas/retail (29%), airline/hotel (20%), general travel (19%) and business (18%).
Want to know more? Our experts at CreditCards.com have pulled together the best cash back credit cards for you in various spending categories. Each card has different rewards and fees, but we make it easy for you to decide which is best for your spending habits. With the current uncertainty surrounding the economy, the comfort of earning cash back can add tremendous value to your finances and peace of mind in knowing you’re earning cash back for your daily purchases. Choosing a credit card is an important financial decision, so we lay out the pros and cons for you all in one place.
The best credit card for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Here’s our take on 2020’s best cash back cards with pros and cons to consider for each offer. Feel free to email us at editors@creditcards.com if you have any questions!
Flat-rate cash back cards typically offer 1.5% back on all purchases, meaning you won’t need to deal with categories, maximum spends and quarterly sign-ups. However, the rewards are lower, which is the tradeoff for not worrying about what you purchase and where you shop.
The Citi® Double Cash Card boasts one of the highest earning options available for flat-rate cash back cards. Offering 1% on general purchases (excluding gift cards) and then a 1% additional cash back as you pay off those purchases, the rewards can really add up. If you regularly pay off your balance each month, this card could be an ideal option for the cash back enthusiast.
If you’re not planning on receiving your rewards as exclusively cash back, you can transfer them to Citi ThankYou points. ThankYou points are flexible and can be redeemed for future travel purchases, gift cards and more for a rate of $1 cash back to 100 ThankYou points.
Other than the rewards structure, this card doesn’t offer too much in the way of extra benefits. Also, the awards will expire if the card isn’t used in more than 12 months, so it’s imperative that you use the card consistently to maximize earnings.
This card’s perks are especially impressive, considering it charges no annual fee. Among other benefits, you’ll enjoy free shipping at dozens of online stores with a complimentary ShopRunner membership and a chance at no-interest financing through Amex’s “Pay It Plan It” program.
Offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, the Amex Cash Magnet is a great fit if you’re looking for a hassle-free, “set-it-and-forget-it” cash back card. It also comes with a respectable introductory bonus of $150 when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months and a competitive 0% intro APR offer on new purchases (0% for 15 months, then 13.99%-23.99% Variable).
This card only earns cash back, not points, so you’re out of luck if you’re hoping to earn Amex Membership Rewards. Even worse, you can’t redeem until you’ve earned a minimum of $25 in cash back.
The Alliant Visa Signature card is a great option if you’re looking to put most or all of your spending on one card due to the 2.5% cash back on every purchase. If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward card with no categories to keep track of, this card checks those boxes.
You’ll gain access to numerous benefits like roadside assistance, rental car collision coverage and purchase protection. Also, the annual fee is waived for the first year, so that won’t cut into your earnings.
In order to qualify for the card, you must be a member of the Alliant Credit Union. There are also no other redemption options like gift cards or merchandise, and there’s an annual fee of $99 after the first year, which can decrease the overall value of the card.
This card’s exceedingly simple rewards earning scheme should appeal to small-business owners too busy to deal with tracking bonus categories. You’ll earn unlimited cash back at a flat rate of 1.5% on every purchase – no matter where, when or what you buy. You can also get employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits.
You’ll score a $500 sign-up bonus if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, which shouldn’t be too hard for most small-business owners. The card is also a great choice if you need to free up cash flow or pay off a large business expense over the course of a year: It comes with a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for the first 12 months, after which the APR is 13.24%-19.24% Variable.
The Ink Business Unlimited does not offer a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers. If you’re carrying debt on another card and are looking for a way to hit pause on interest charges while earning cash back, consider a business card that offers balance transfers with cash back rewards.
It can be difficult to find a card that offers a generous cash back structure for fair to average credit. However, the Capital One QuicksilverOne fills that gap by offering many of the benefits that you’d find with a card for excellent credit, like an unlimited cash back bonus on every purchase, as well as travel accident and car rental insurance.
The rewards rate of 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase is a great perk, especially for a card designed for fair credit. Along with the opportunity to earn cash back, QuicksilverOne offers benefits that encourage good credit habits like unlimited access to your credit score and the ability to increase your credit limit.
While this card offers a generous rewards structure, there is no welcome bonus offered and you’ll be charged an annual fee of $39.
Some cards offer boosted cash back above 1% on one or more specific categories. The rate is year-round in this case for consistent cash back, but there may be a maximum spend limit.
Through everyday spending, you can really rack up the rewards with the Blue Cash Preferred Card. Offering one of the highest cash back rates (6% for up to $6,000 each year, then 1%) for U.S supermarkets and 6% for select U.S streaming subscriptions, this could be an ideal option for the family that frequently cooks at home and streams.
The introductory offer of $250 after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months is a great way to easily get some extra cash back in the bank. Plus, this card comes with a slew of other benefits that are great for frequent supermarket shoppers, like a free ShopRunner membership, purchase protection and extended warranty.
The annual fee of $95 could be a setback for some people, but it’s to be expected for a card with such a high rewards structure. Also, this card is designed for users with good to excellent credit, so if your credit falls below that, you might consider the Capital One QuicksilverOne.
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 select department stores and then 1% on general purchases. The Blue Cash Everyday Card makes it easy to earn lucrative cash back for the purchases you make every day. As added benefits, the cash you earn won’t expire for the length of your account, there’s no limit on the 2% or 1% cash back categories and there are no rotating categories to keep track of.
Along with the great rewards rate, this card comes with a lengthy introductory APR period for new purchases: 0% for 15 months (13.99%- 23.99% Variable). This could be a useful tool in paying for purchases over time while also letting cash back rewards accrue. Just make sure you have a plan for paying off your charges.
There is a yearly $6,000 limit on the 3% purchase category, so if you spend more than $6,000 at U.S supermarkets, this could cut into your potential earnings.
Supporting local restaurants through takeout and delivery has never been more rewarding. The Capital One Savor card offers 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases, making this a great card for foodies. Plus, this card is a Mastercard World Elite card, meaning you qualify for extra perks and benefits.
The sign-up bonus of $300 once you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months is a great way to earn some extra cash back.
The cash back rate at supermarkets is lower than alternative cards such as the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
With this card you’ll get rewarded for the everyday purchases you’re already making with your Costco membership, like gas and groceries. This also could be an ideal card if you’re looking ahead to making travel purchases in the future, as you’ll get 3% cash back on eligible travel purchases worldwide.
When it comes to getting cash back benefits for gas purchases, this card has an offer that’s hard to beat. You’ll earn 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide, including gas at Costco (for the first $7,000 in purchases annually, 1% thereafter). You can also use your Costco Anywhere Visa as your membership card, you can redeem your cash back for merchandise at U.S Costco warehouses and you’ll get 2% cash back on Costco purchases.
You’ll only get your cash back once a year as a certificate in February, and the certificate expires 12/31 of the same year. You also must redeem this at a Costco warehouse, and you must redeem your cash back before you close your account, or you’ll lose your earnings. So, in all, this is not the most convenient or simple way to redeem and use your cash back.
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. You may have to sign up for bonus categories each quarter, and you have to pay attention to when and where you make purchases. However, you have the potential to earn some of the highest cash back rates on seasonal expenses.
Discover’s rotating cash back categories give you the option to earn a generous 5% cash back bonus on everyday, useful categories (up to $1,500 upon enrollment each quarter, then 1%). If you stay on top of it and remember to enroll each quarter, your rewards could really accrue from the purchases you’re already making.
Along with the versatile and high rewards structure, the ultra-generous year-end bonus just adds to the cash back value of this card: Discover will match all of your cash back earnings at the end of the first year– automatically.
Other than the cash back rewards, this card doesn’t yield too many benefits. Plus, if you’re a hefty spender in certain categories, there is a $1,500 quarterly limit on the 5% cash back category, so that could cut into your earnings. If this is the case, then a flat-rate cash back card like the Citi Double Cash Card may be a better option for your spending habits.
The rewards rate on the Chase Freedom card can be very lucrative, but only if you don’t mind enrolling each quarter and keeping track of the rotating group of bonus categories that offer 5% cash back (up to $1,500, then 1%). For Q3 2020, you’ll earn bonus cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market (runs July 1 to September 30).
You have options for how you redeem your rewards to things like future travel purchases, merchandise or gift cards. If you’re planning ahead for future travel and trips, you’ll have better travel options when paired with a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards card.
Due to the rotating categories, you have to keep up with the rotating categories and enroll online each quarter. There also is that $1,500 spending cap, so if you foresee yourself spending more than that a quarter, a flat-rate cash back card may better suit your spending habits.
This card offers students a unique feature that rewards you for getting good grades. You’ll get a $20 statement credit each year your GPA is a 3.0 or higher for up to the next 5 years. Plus, Discover matches all of the cash back that you earn at the end of the first year, which you can use instantly on Amazon.com.
The cash back offer is a hard one to beat, especially for a student card. You’ll earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter after you enroll (up to $1,500 quarterly maximum, 1% on all purchases thereafter). For example, from July to September that cash back bonus applies to everyday purchases at places like restaurants and PayPal.
While the rewards structure is one of the most lucrative for a student card, you’ll have to remember to enroll each quarter to maximize your potential earnings. Also, the APR (12.99%-21.99% Variable) can be quite high based on your creditworthiness.
A new type of cash back card opportunity has appeared recently that allows you to choose your own bonus category. They’re often structured like tiered cash back cards for reliable rewards, but you can swap categories after a period (usually monthly or quarterly) like rotating rewards cards. 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 Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card gives you the extremely flexible option to choose your own bonus category and change it up to once a calendar month. You’ll be able to choose from a list of categories that include options like gas, online shopping and drug stores. This choice in categories is a great perk if your spending habits change monthly.
The cash you earn won’t expire for the life of your account, there’s a low minimum redemption amount ($25) and you can even set up an automatic redemption into your Bank of America account.
Although the freedom to choose your bonus category each month is a great perk, there is a $2,500 spending cap each quarter, which limits the amount that you can earn. It’s also important to keep in mind that the only redemption option is cash back, which can decrease the value of the card if you plan on using your rewards for options like future travel purchases or gift cards.
| Credit card | Best for: | Cash back % | Annual fee | CreditCards.com rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discover it® Cash Back | Rotating categories | 5% on rotating categories | $0 | 4.3/5 |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | Flat rate cash back | 2% | $0 | 3.8/5 |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Groceries/ U.S supermarkets | 6% at U.S supermarkets | $95 | 4.3/5 |
| American Express Cash Magnet® Card | No annual fee | 1.5% on every purchase | $0 | 2.9 / 5 |
| Chase Freedom | Sign-up bonus | 5% on rotating categories | $0 | 3.1/5 |
| Alliant Visa Signature Card | 2.5% cash back | 2.5% on every purchase | $99; $0 first year | 4.1/5 |
| Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card | Business cash back | 1.5% on every purchase | $0 | 3.5/5 |
| Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card | Choice of cash back category | 3% on a chosen category | $0 | 4/5 |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Tiered cash back | 3% at U.S supermarkets | $0 | 4.3/5 |
| Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Restaurants | 4% on dining and entertainment | $95 | 4.8/5 |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | Gas | 4% at gas stations | $0 | 2.5/5 |
| Capital One® QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card | Fair credit | 1.5% on every purchase | $39 | 4.1/5 |
| Discover it® Student Cash Back | Students | 5% on rotating categories | $0 | 4.3/5 |
We know just how important it is that you have the perfect cash back card for your specific spending habits to maximize your potential rewards. That is why we analyzed 682 cards to bring you the top 13 cash back cards. For a list of detailed criteria and more detail on our review scores, see our ratings process for cash back credit cards.
Cash back credit cards analyzed: 682
Criteria used: Cash back rate, other rewards, redemption options, redemption flexibility, cash back categories, credit needed, miscellaneous benefits and features, security, ease of application, sign-up bonus, customer service, rates and fees
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 rewards cards out there, making them a great starter product. According to our 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 will usually also have a sign-up bonus of up to $300 back, so be sure to shop around. However, as with all rewards cards, you need to be sure to pay in full each month, because otherwise, you’ll pay interest charges on the balance each month, and that would defeat the purpose of having a rewards card.
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 cash back 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. Examples of flat rate cards include:
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. Examples of a tiered cash back card include:
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. Examples of cash back cards with rotating categories include:
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. These kinds of cards include:
If you’re still getting your feet wet in the world of credit card rewards, it can be hard to tell what sort of card – cash back or points — fits you best. When comparing the value of cash back and points, you should weigh annual fees, bonuses and perks, as well as reward redemption and flexibility.
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 redeeming rewards as a statement credit, check or direct deposit simple, while redemption can be more complicated with travel cards, as well as less rewarding if you aren’t redeeming for travel. That being said, when things pick back up and we’re able to think about travel again, travel rewards cards can help you squeeze extra value out of your rewards via redemption through a travel portal or transfer to airlines and hotel loyalty programs.
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.
When we asked consumers in November 2018 what their favorite rewards categories are, we were a little surprised to find that time and again, they turn to groceries overall, with travel following close behind.
Favorite cash back categories…
Our own CreditCards.com analyst, Ted Rossman, reminds us that you want to make sure the card you choose matches your lifestyle. “Whether you’re planning a family vacation, stocking up at the grocery store, enjoying a dinner out with friends, or refueling your car on the way home, credit cards can reward you for things you’re planning to purchase anyway.”
With so many options to choose from in the way of cash back cards, it helps to know how to compare them. Here, we look at the Blue Cash Preferred from American Express and the Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa card, each with their own advantages.
Rewards can vary widely, sometimes with maximums on spending and sometimes unlimited. For example, the Cash Wise Visa offers 1.5% back on all spending, while the Blue Cash Preferred has boosted rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and more (for the U.S. supermarkets, it’s up to $6,000 a year, then 1%). The Cash Wise Visa also offers 1.8% cash rewards on qualified digital wallet purchases, like Apple Pay or Google Pay, during the first 12 months from account opening.
Most have a welcome bonus, typically of $150 after a set amount of spend, however, cash back cards with an annual fee may have a higher offer. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred offers $250 after a $1,000 spend within the first 3 months, while the Cash Wise Visa offers $150 after a $500 spend within the first 3 months.
Annual fees can stop you in your tracks, but they don’t have to. Sometimes, they are worth the cost, whether there are certain benefits or particularly rich rewards. While the Blue Cash Preferred’s annual fee of $95 is not waived the first year, the rewards at U.S. supermarkets can be unbeatable for the large family. Meanwhile, many of the cash back cards on the market have no annual fee, such as the Cash Wise Visa.
Some cards have features like auto rental insurance, price protection and more. Look at your lifestyle and see if there is a benefit that makes the card worth your while. For example, the Cash Wise’s famous cellphone protection is a great find, while the Blue Cash Preferred’s travel benefits such as auto rental insurance may be worth your attention.
Here we put it all together.
| Card: | Blue Cash Preferred |
Cash Wise Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | $250 after $1,000 spend/3 mths |
$150 after $500 spend/3 mths |
| U.S. supermarkets | $500*12 mths*6%= $360 |
$500*12 mths*1.5%= $90 |
| U.S. gas stations | $200*12 mths*3%= $72 |
$200*12 mths*1.5%= $36 |
| Select U.S. streaming | $100*12 mths*6%= $72 |
$100*12 mths*1.5%= $18 |
| Digital wallet purchases | $100*12 mths*1%= $12 |
$100*12 mths*1.8%= $21.60 |
| Other spending | $200*12 mths*1%= $24 |
$200*12 mths*1.5%= $36 |
| Annual fee | $95 | $0 |
| Total first year | $695 | $351.60 |
As you can see, if you are a big spender on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred is best, but if you favor all types of spending, the Cash Wise Visa might be the right choice.
Cash back cards appeal to customers for a number of reasons, but mainly due to their ease and flexibility: Because they offer cash back rewards, there’s no need to convert points and miles to dollar values.
While many people prefer cash back cards because of their simplicity, the cards also have their drawbacks, so we’ve compiled a short list of the advantages and disadvantages of using a cash back rewards card. If you’ve ever contemplated whether a cash back card can help you, here are some key considerations to keep in mind as you make a decision.
Whether you are treating your new cash back card as a starter card or if you want redemption options, a cash back product has a number of benefits:
Cash back cards aren’t for everyone. For example, the world traveler may want to look elsewhere, and some cash back cards can have onerous rules.
To quickly bulk up rewards earnings or meet the minimum spend requirement for a sign-up bonus, you should use your cash back cards for as many of your everyday purchases as possible. A large purchase – such as furniture or another major purchase – can help you meet a spending threshold and score a large amount of cash back in one swoop.
However, using cards for your everyday spending – including groceries, gas and utility bills – is the best way to go if you want to earn a large amount of cash back over time. Note that you need to watch out for merchants that tack on a convenience fee, since this can negate the value of your cash back.
If you sign up for multiple cash back cards that offer bonuses in different spending categories and rotate them to earn bonuses in each of the spending categories, you can increase the rate of cash back that you earn.
You need to take care to pay your card by the due date, since the late fees and penalties from a missed payment can quickly negate any cash back that you earn.
Some cards reward for signing on an authorized user or referring new cardholders, so check for that.
If you have a card with 5% rotating quarterly categories – such as the Discover it Cash Back card – there are a few tricks you can use to reach the $1,500 spending cap each quarter:
After your first year of card membership, if there is an annual fee, consider calling your card issuer and asking if they’ll waive the annual fee a second year. Our study shows that when cardholders ask for better terms on their cards, chances are they’ll get it.
These rules of thumb will make sure your card is operating at peak performance while avoiding these common cash back credit card mistakes.
The most common redemption options for cash back cards are statement credits, checks mailed to you, bank deposits, prepaid gift cards and charitable donations. To redeem your cash back, you can go online or call the issuer directly to specify in what form you want to receive the cash back. Some issuers will allow you to opt to have the rewards automatically applied each month, while others require you to request the rewards each time you want to use them.
The amount of cash back needed to redeem your rewards varies depending on the specific card and the redemption option. Read on to see what options are available for Discover, Citi, Chase, American Express, Capital One, Bank of America and Wells Fargo cardholders.
Discover allows the following redemption options:
Discover rewards never expire; however, if your account is closed or not used within 18 months, Discover will credit your account with your rewards balance.
Once your Citi rewards balance equals $25 or more, you can redeem your cash rewards as follows:
Your cash rewards balance will expire if you have not earned cash back from purchases or payments for 12 months. If you close or convert your card account, you must redeem any eligible cash rewards prior to account closure to avoid forfeiting your rewards. If your card account is closed by Citi, you cannot redeem cash rewards and you will forfeit any accumulated cash rewards.
Chase cardholders can redeem cash back rewards at a 1:1 value for gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
The Chase cash back cards offer a unique feature in that you can transfer your rewards to certain higher-end Chase cards, then use those rewards for a higher award by redeeming for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.
In general, your cash back will not expire as long as your account remains open. However, if Chase closes your account due to fraudulent activities, failure to pay or other reasons, you will immediately lose all rewards.
American Express offers cash back in the form of Blue Cash Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed in the following ways:
We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of your credit card’s rewards program. To avoid losing any rewards, be sure to use rewards before they expire or prior to closing your credit card account and pay your bill on time each month.
Capital One allows cash back to be redeemed at any time and amount as the following:
Capital One cash back doesn’t expire for the life of your account, however you will lose any rewards not redeemed if your account is closed. You can also conveniently set up automatic redemptions.
Bank of America cash rewards can be redeemed at any time and amount (barring a few terms) as the following:
Bank of America’s cash rewards don’t expire for the life of your account, but rewards redeemed as checks will expire in 90 days if you don’t cash them. Additionally, check and qualifying Merrill 529 account contribution redemptions start at $25. Automatic redemptions are also available only for eligible Bank of America, Merrill accounts, also starting at $25.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards members could also earn up to 25%-75% more rewards across all categories.
Wells Fargo cash back can be redeemed as the following:
Wells Fargo cash rewards don’t expire for the life of your account, and the redemption options are mainly beneficial if you already have a Wells Fargo banking account.
Whether your best choice is flat-rate, tiered category or rotating category cash back, it comes down to what categories you’ll earn the most rewards back on.
Merchant category codes (MCCs) are four-digit numbers each credit card network (not issuer) uses to identify businesses that accept credit cards. Each of the main networks – Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express – have their own number directory to track your spending for reward and security purposes. Discover and American Express don’t openly advertise their MCC directories, but the IRS has a complete list for general reference. The numbers work like a “genre” for credit card purchases, and the numbers alter slightly as “sub-genres.”
These different “sub-genres” can differ from store to store within the same chain – or even from department to department in the same store.
The good news is that you can maximize your spending and earn rewards on unusual purchases if you know the MCCs in your area. For instance, most Sears Optical locations fall under Visa’s “5311: department stores” code, so a department store bonus category could earn cash back on your glasses.
Interested in learning more about each card? We’ve reviewed several cash back credit cards – check them out in our reviews section.
Laura Mohammad is an editor and writer at CreditCards.com. She regularly covers the best credit cards and works to bring you the most up-to-date analysis and advice. You can reach Laura at laura.mohammad@creditcards.com.
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