Cash back credit cards are an excellent way to earn rewards on everyday purchases, from groceries and gas to dining and travel. The best cash back cards provide competitive rates, valuable perks, and flexible redemption options. Here’s a guide to some top cash back credit cards, each tailored to different spending habits and lifestyles.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a well-rounded cash back card with no annual fee, known for its bonus categories and flexible redemption options.
Key Benefits
- 5% Cash Back on Travel: Earn 5% on travel purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
- 3% on Dining and Drugstores: Earn 3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery, and at drugstores.
- 1.5% on All Other Purchases: Provides a higher flat rate than the typical 1% many cards offer.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn an additional 1.5% on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), totaling up to 6.5% on travel, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other spending.
Best For: People who want straightforward cash back across all purchases, with bonus categories that align with common spending.
Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is popular for its unique cash back structure, rewarding both purchases and payments. With no annual fee and high flat-rate cash back, it’s a solid choice for those who prefer simplicity.
Key Benefits
- 2% Cash Back on All Purchases: Earn 1% back when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off, which encourages good payment habits and responsible debt management.
- Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit, check, or convert it to Citi ThankYou® Points.
- No Annual Fee: Rewards without added costs make this card an affordable option.
Best For: Users who want straightforward, flat-rate rewards on all purchases without managing bonus categories.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out for its cash back on groceries and streaming, offering some of the highest rewards rates in these categories. While it does have an annual fee, heavy grocery and transit users can offset this with their rewards.
Key Benefits
- 6% Cash Back on U.S. Supermarkets: Earn 6% back on up to $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, then 1% thereafter.
- 6% on Select U.S. Streaming Subscriptions: Major streaming services like Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu are eligible, maximizing entertainment spending.
- 3% on Transit and U.S. Gas Stations: Earn on transit expenses, including taxis, rideshares, parking, and public transportation.
- Welcome Bonus: Get $350 after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Best For: Frequent grocery and streaming spenders, especially those who commute regularly, as these rewards offset the $95 annual fee (waived in the first year).
Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card is known for its quarterly rotating cash back categories. With no annual fee and an intro offer that matches cash back earned in the first year, this card is a top choice for those willing to maximize the categories.
Key Benefits
- 5% Cash Back on Rotating Categories: Earn 5% back on up to $1,500 each quarter in popular categories like groceries, gas, and restaurants, with activation.
- 1% on All Other Purchases: Earn a consistent 1% on purchases outside rotating categories.
- Cash Back Match: Discover matches all cash back earned at the end of the first year, doubling rewards.
Best For: Users who enjoy optimizing cash back in rotating categories and tracking quarterly changes.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for those who frequently dine out or enjoy entertainment, offering elevated rewards in these categories without an annual fee.
Key Benefits
- 3% Cash Back on Dining, Entertainment, and Popular Streaming Services: Perfect for food enthusiasts and entertainment lovers.
- 3% on Groceries: Covers grocery stores but excludes superstores like Walmart and Target.
- 1% on All Other Purchases: Solid base rate for general spending.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Best For: Frequent diners and entertainment enthusiasts seeking high cash back in these categories without an annual fee.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a simple 2% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for those who prefer a high flat-rate cash back card without an annual fee.
Key Benefits
- 2% Cash Back on All Purchases: Consistent cash back with no need to track categories.
- Introductory APR: 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, useful for big purchases.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
Best For: Those seeking simplicity with a high, flat-rate cash back card that includes an intro APR offer.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows cardholders to choose a 3% cash back category, offering a flexible rewards structure that fits specific spending habits.
Key Benefits
- 3% Cash Back on a Category of Your Choice: Choose from gas, dining, travel, drugstores, home improvement, and furnishings.
- 2% on Groceries and Wholesale Clubs: Earn 2% back on groceries and wholesale club purchases, capped at $2,500 combined with the 3% category each quarter.
- 1% on All Other Purchases: Consistent rewards for all other spending.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Best For: Those who want to customize cash back to fit their spending patterns, making it a flexible choice.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is unique in allowing you to choose two 5% cash back categories per quarter, providing greater control over rewards.
Key Benefits
- 5% Cash Back on Two Categories of Choice: Choose two 5% categories quarterly (up to $2,000 in combined purchases), with options like utilities, cell phone bills, and streaming services.
- 2% Cash Back on One Everyday Category: Select one 2% category, such as gas stations or groceries.
- 1% on All Other Purchases: Base rate for purchases outside chosen categories.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days.
Best For: People who want customizable rewards and are willing to change categories each quarter to match their spending.
Choosing the right cash back credit card depends on your spending habits and preferred rewards structure. Whether you want straightforward rewards on all purchases or high returns on specific categories like groceries, dining, or entertainment, there’s a cash back card to suit your needs. By maximizing rewards in
areas where you spend the most, you can make the most of your cash back and save more on everyday purchases.
