Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The 8 Best 5% Cash-Back Credit Cards [2024]

Stephen Au's image
Stephen Au
Stephen Au's image

Stephen Au

Former Senior Content Contributor

483 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24U.S. States Visited: 22

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used...
Edited by: Juan Ruiz
Juan Ruiz's image

Juan Ruiz

Senior Editor & Content Contributor

241 Published Articles 869 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 41U.S. States Visited: 28

Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards, loyalty programs, and travel. He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade. His work has been ...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Upgraded Points: Expertise You Can Trust

Our seasoned and experienced team brings years of expertise in the credit card and travel sectors. Committed to integrity, we offer data-driven guides to help you find the card(s) that best fit your requirements. See details on our intensive editorial policies and card rating methodologies.

  • Content by Leading Industry Experts
  • Routine Updates and Fact-Checks
  • First-Hand Credit Card Experience
  • Shared Across 200+ Top Outlets
  • Methodical “U.P. Rating” System
  • 1090+ Expert Credit Card Guides

There’s something just so satisfying about getting back 5% from your credit card purchases, rather than 1% or 2% on common everyday bonus categories.

Unfortunately, getting 5% cash-back from credit card spending is not as easy as you might think. Many credit card companies offer 2% cash-back credit cards, which reward all credit card purchases regardless of category, but very few banks offer the ability to earn 5% cash-back even on specific categories.

In this guide, we’ll be demystifying which cash back credit cards are the best options to use if you’re looking to rack up 5% cash-back on your spending. Let’s get started!

Hide SummaryShow Summary

The Best 5% Cash-back Credit Cards

What To Look For in a 5% Cash-Back Credit Card

The most obvious feature you should be looking for with a 5% cash-back credit card is the ability to earn 5% cash-back.

In an ideal world, your credit card would earn 5% cash-back on categories that you can easily maximize throughout your everyday life without jumping through too many hoops.

For example, if your 5% cash-back card only focuses on grocery spending but you typically are eating out, it might not be practical to get that particular card.

Another great feature of cash-back credit cards is that they often offer introductory promotion periods where you get 0% APR on purchases and/or balance transfers so you can defer accruing any credit card interest for a short period in the event that you need to carry a balance.

There are no credit cards that earn 5% cash-back on all purchases (these cards are typically restricted to a maximum of 2% cash-back on all purchases), so if you want to elevate your earnings to the next level, you’ll need to start paying attention to bonus categories or rotating quarterly categories.

Once you start familiarizing yourself with bonus categories and rotating quarterly categories, you can squeeze so much extra value out of your credit card spending.

Best 5% Cash-Back Personal Cards

Card Summary

SCROLL FOR MORE

Card

Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee

Benefits

Chase Freedom Flex℠
  • Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $0
  • 5% cash-back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 per quarter when you activate)
  • 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
  • Earn $200 cash-back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
  • Annual fee of $0

5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 per billing cycle)

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
  • Annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (rates & fees)
  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
  • 6% cash-back on select streaming subscriptions
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR of 18.49%-29.49%
Discover it® Cash Back Card
  • No welcome offer
  • Annual fee of $0

5% cash-back at different places each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate

Prime Visa card
  • Eligible Prime Members get a $100 Amazon Gift Card upon approval.
  • Annual fee of $0

5% cash-back at Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership

Freedom Flex Card (Best for Rotating Categories, Travel, and 0% Intro APR)

Chase Freedom Flex®
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.
Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%.
  • Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee
Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
Card Highlights
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • 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% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% - 28.49%
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Our top 5% cash-back personal credit card is none other than the Freedom Flex card. This is one of Chase’s flagship no-annual-fee credit cards; surprisingly, the rewards on this no-annual-fee card beat out even some of the best cards with annual fees.

Currently, the Freedom Flex card enjoys a new cardmember welcome bonus, plus a 0% introductory APR promotion on purchases and balances transfers for 15 months.

The Freedom Flex card is most famous for its quarterly bonus categories, where you can earn 5% cash-back on different categories on up to $1,500 in total combined purchases every quarter you activate.

The 5% quarterly cash-back categories have included grocery stores, eBay, Amazon.com, select streaming services, gas stations, movie theaters, select live entertainment, car rental agencies, Walmart, and PayPal.

Also, the Freedom Flex card earns 5% cash-back on all travel purchased through the Chase Travel portal, which is fantastic if you’re planning to travel anytime soon. And if you book rideshares, you can get 5% cash-back on Lyft through March 31, 2025.

Even further, you can earn 3% cash-back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, as well as 3% cash-back on drugstore purchases.

All other purchases will earn 1% cash-back.

You can get even more value from your card with the 3-month complimentary membership for DoorDash DashPass.

To help protect you even further, the Freedom Flex card has purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, zero liability protection, cell phone insurance, and access to a free credit score through Chase Credit Journey.

The Freedom Flex card has no annual fees for the primary cardholder or any authorized users.

Why We Like Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Even though the rewards earned from the Freedom Flex card are well-known to be cash-back rewards, the secret is that you can also convert your cash-back to Ultimate Rewards points at a 1% to 1x points ratio if you have the right credit card pairing.

To be specific, if you also have an Ultimate Rewards credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can convert your cash-back to Ultimate Rewards points, earning up to 5x Ultimate Rewards points and doubling your return on spending to around 10%, based on our valuations!

Once you convert your cash-back to Ultimate Rewards points, you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners to book luxury award travel for phenomenal value.

If you aren’t interested in this, you can also use your points for cash-back, gift cards, Chase Travel portal bookings, Pay Yourself Back, and more.

Citi Custom Cash Card (Best for Highest Eligible Spend Category)

Citi Custom Cash® Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, without an annual fee!
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, with a $0 annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
  • $0 annual fee
  • Multiple redemption options
Cons
  • Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
  • Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
Card Highlights
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Get 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • 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. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%

Our runner-up credit card is the Citi Custom Cash card, another great product to consider adding to your wallet if you want large cash-back rewards.

We think the Citi Custom Cash card is especially strong if your monthly spending is on the low side.

There’s currently a cash-back welcome bonus, as well as a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

But the real value proposition here is the ability to earn 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category (up to $500 spent per month) from the list below:

  • Drugstores
  • Fitness clubs
  • Gas stations
  • Grocery stores
  • Home improvement stores
  • Live entertainment
  • Restaurants
  • Select streaming services
  • Select transit
  • Select travel

On other purchases, you’ll earn 1% cash-back.

Standard Citi card benefits apply, including zero fraud liability on unauthorized purchases, contactless payments, digital wallets, 24/7 customer service, and no additional fee for authorized users.

Why We Like Earning Citi ThankYou Rewards Points

The Citi Custom Cash card earns ThankYou Rewards points, which can be redeemed for cash-back.

However, if you also have a Citi card like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, you can open up several different ways to use your points, including for transfers to airlines and hotels to book business and first class award travel.

This way, you can get around 1.6 cents per point of value, instead of the standard 1 cent per point. Earning 5% cash-back can be converted to 5x ThankYou Points, which would be worth an 8% return on spending!

Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card (Best for U.S. Supermarkets and Streaming)

HIGHEST CASH BACK
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
18.49%-29.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.

With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
  • 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
Cons
    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)
Card Highlights
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.49% - 29.49%.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.49%-29.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Rewards Center

Redeem cash-back through your American Express account

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card is a fantastic cash-back credit card that you should take seriously if you consider yourself to be savvy in personal finances.

You should consider getting this card, not only because of the cash-back welcome bonus and the 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, but because you can earn an amazing 6% cash-back on purchases:

  • 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
  • 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
  • 3% cash-back on transit, including buses, parking, rideshare, taxis, trains, tolls, and more
  • 3% cash-back at U.S. gas stations
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases

You can also get a major credit card benefit:

  • $7 monthly statement credit after using your eligible enrolled card to spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing subscription to The Disney Bundle. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card also offers secondary rental car insurance, access to Global Assist, return protection, fraud protection, and authorized users for no additional annual fees (rates & fees).

Discover Cash Back Card (Best for Rotating Categories and 0% Intro APR)

Discover it® Cash Back Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Apply Now(at Discover's secure site)
$0
0% for 15 months from date of account opening, after the intro APR expires, regular APR will be 17.74% - 27.74% variable.
Card Highlights
  • Intro Offer: Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
  • 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.
  • Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
  • Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
  • No annual fee.
  • Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% for 15 months from date of account opening, after the intro APR expires, regular APR will be 17.74% - 27.74% variable.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Discover Cash Back card is a good choice if you’re looking for rotating categories and would like to be a part of the Discover brand.

Although there is no welcome bonus on the card, there is a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

And for the first year of card membership, Discover will automatically offer an unlimited, dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash-back you’ve earned.

With the Discover Cash Back card, you will earn 5% cash-back on everyday purchases at different places (rotating categories), up to the quarterly maximum (almost always $1,500 per quarter) when you activate.

All other purchases earn 1% cash-back.

You can also customize your card designs (which is great) and will receive a $0 fraud liability guarantee, 24/7 customer service, a free FICO credit score, and authorized users for no additional annual fees.

Prime Card (Best for Amazon Loyalists)

Prime Visa Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A strong rewards card if you shop regularly at Amazon.com and Whole Foods.

Apply Now(at Amazon.com)
A strong rewards card if you shop regularly at Amazon.com and Whole Foods.
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
$150 Amazon gift card
$150
$0
19.74% - 28.49% Variable
Why We Like This Card

We all do our fair share of shopping on Amazon, some of us more than others, and when we shop with Amazon, we obviously want to get the best deal possible. Now, with the Prime Visa Card, you can add a credit card to your wallet that will help you do just that.

You’ll not only earn rewards on all of your Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, but on 4 other bonus categories as well, along with flexible redemption options, all for no annual fee!

When you consider everything that the Prime Visa card offers, it is basically a no-brainer for those who frequently shop with Amazon. Let’s dig a little deeper to see just how much the card can save you.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn 1% back on all other purchases
Card Highlights
  • Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
  • Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
  • Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
  • No annual credit card fee
  • No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.74% - 28.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

The Amazon Prime Signature card is a great choice for those looking to maximize cash-back and make a lot of Amazon.com purchases.

This credit card, which is only available to those with an eligible Amazon Prime membership, is the last card we’ll discuss on the side of the personal cards.

At the moment, you’ll get an Amazon gift card welcome bonus, plus up to 5% cash-back on eligible purchases:

  • 5% cash-back at Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
  • 5% cash-back at Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
  • 2% cash-back at restaurants
  • 2% cash-back at gas stations
  • 2% cash-back at drugstores

Additionally, the Amazon Prime Signature card earns 10% or more back in bonus rewards on a rotating selection of Amazon products and categories through limited-time offers.

There are key Visa Signature benefits associated with this card, including travel insurance, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, extended warranty, access to the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection, no foreign transaction fees, and authorized user cards for no additional annual fees.

Best 5% Cash-Back Business Cards

Now that we’ve wrapped out our discussion of the best 5% cash-back personal credit cards, let’s see what options are available for business credit cards in this section!

SCROLL FOR MORE

Card

Welcome Bonus and Annual Fee

Benefits

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
  • Annual fee of $0
  • 5% cash-back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases every cardmember year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
  • 2% cash-back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases every cardmember year at gas stations and restaurants
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 25.74% thereafter
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
  • Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon gift card upon approval.
  • Annual fee of $0 (rates & fees)
  • 5% cash-back or 90-day terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership (on the first $120,000 in purchases per calendar year)
  • 2% cash-back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • Earn a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Annual fee of $0
  • 3% cash-back in the category of your choice and 2% cash-back on dining purchases (terms apply, and bonus rewards are earned on the first $50,000 in combined 3% and 2% categories each calendar year) with the ability to 75% more bonus rewards as a Preferred Rewards for Business member (up to 5.25% total cash-back)
  • 0% introductory APR for the first 9 billing cycles

Ink Business Cash Card (Best for Office Supplies and Communications)

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Up to $750
Up to $750
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.74% - 25.74% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
  • Travel insurance and purchase protection
Cons
  • Spending caps in bonus categories
  • Low points earning outside of bonus categories
Card Highlights
  • Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Without a doubt, the Ink Business Cash card is the best 5% cash-back business credit card by far.

New cardholders have access to a welcome bonus and a 0% introductory APR promotion for 12 months on purchases.

What we love about this card is that you can earn up to 5% cash-back on your purchases:

  • 5% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services every account anniversary year
  • 2% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants every account anniversary year
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases

In addition, your cash-back rewards can be converted to Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a 1% to 1x ratio, just like the Freedom Flex card in the above personal card section.

That can elevate your return on spending from 5% to 8%, based on a maximum accrual rate of 8%.

You can also boost the value proposition of this card with purchase protection, extended warranty, primary rental car insurance, roadside dispatch, fraud protection, and no additional fee for employee cards.

Amazon Business Prime Card (Best for Amazon Loyalists)

Amazon Business Prime American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
$125 Amazon Gift Card
$125
No annual fee
18.74% - 26.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850)
Card Highlights
  • Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
  • Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership. You can earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
  • 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
  • 1% Back on other purchases
  • No Annual Fee¤
  • Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
  • Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
  • Terms apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.74% - 26.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Amazon Business Prime card is our runner-up business card because it also earns up to 5% cash-back on select purchases.

Right now, there’s a new cardmember welcome bonus in the form of an Amazon.com gift card to sweeten the deal even further.

When you hold the Amazon Business Prime Amex card, you can expect to earn according to the below structure:

  • 5% cash-back (or 90-day terms) on select U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market (up to the first $120,000 in purchases per calendar year with an eligible Prime membership)
  • 2% cash-back on U.S. purchases at restaurants
  • 2% cash-back on U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • 2% cash-back on U.S. wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases

You will also enjoy Amazon Business enhanced data views, basic travel insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, no foreign transaction fees, and no additional fee for employee cards (rates & fees).

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Card (Best for Cash-back in the Select Category of Your Choice)

The Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card is an absolute monster of a business credit card to have in your wallet, though there is a caveat to being able to break into the 5% cash-back arena with this card.

Before we get into that, though, new cardmembers who add this card to their wallet are eligible for a statement credit welcome bonus and a 0% introductory APR benefit on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles.

Now, let’s talk about cash-back! The Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card earns:

  • 3% cash-back in the category of your choice (gas stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services, or business consulting services)
  • 2% cash-back on dining
  • 1% cash-back on other purchases

The 3% and 2% cash-back rewards are limited to the first $50,000 in combined choice category or dining purchases per calendar year.

But if you participate in Preferred Rewards for Business, you can earn up to 75% in bonus rewards, elevating your maximum rewards to:

  • 5.25% cash-back in the category of your choice (gas stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services, or business consulting services)
  • 3.5% cash-back on dining
  • 1.75% cash-back on other purchases

To get the 75% rewards bonus, you must qualify for Platinum Honors, which requires a 3-month averaged combined balance of $100,000 or more in eligible Bank of America deposit and/or Merrill investment accounts.

So if you are willing to move at least $100,000 to Bank of America, earning 5.25% cash-back can become a reality for you.

Otherwise, this credit card also offers travel accident insurance, fraud monitoring, zero liability protection for unauthorized transactions, overdraft protection, and no additional annual fees for authorized users.

Final Thoughts

Cash is king. To make the most of cash-back rewards from a credit card, you should strive to use credit cards that earn 5% cash-back.

They’re not exactly the easiest cards to find out there, but if you’re someone who can follow bonus categories, activate quarterly promotions, and easily move your purchases from card to card, you’ll realize a substantial ROI for your efforts.

We found it much easier to find 5% cash-back personal credit cards than 5% cash-back business credit cards.

Whatever your situation may be, you now have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about which 5% cash-back credit card you should be adding to your wallet!

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. 

For the return protection benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by the Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, card members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

The information regarding the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Custom Cash® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Discover it® Cash Back Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 5% cash-back good?

Earning 5% cash-back is fantastic. If you can earn 5% cash-back on most of your purchases through rotating quarterly categories or regular bonus categories, you’re doing well for yourself.

What does it mean to earn 5% cash-back?

Earning 5% cash-back means that for every $100 you spend, you will get back $5. Some credit cards offer 5% cash-back as a benefit to cardholders.

What credit cards give 5%?

Our favorite 5% cash-back personal credit cards are the Freedom Flex card, Citi Custom Cash card, Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, Discover Cash Back card, and Amazon Prime Signature card.

Our favorite 5% cash-back business credit cards are the Ink Business Cash card, Amazon Business Prime Amex card, and Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card.

How do you get 5% cash-back on everything?

You can get 5% cash-back on all of the credit card purchases you make on credit cards that offer 5% cash-back on the categories you’re making purchases on.

For example, if you make eligible purchases at U.S. supermarkets using the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, you will earn 6% cash-back.

How does the Discover Cash Back card 5% cash-back work?

Every quarter, you must activate the 5% bonus category because it rotates regularly. After activating, just make those purchases, and you’ll be good to go! The main thing to remember is that you need to activate your 5% cash-back.

Stephen Au's image

About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status