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The points and miles we earn on credit cards are great for booking travel, but cash-back is king when it comes to flexible rewards that boost your financial bottom line.
While earning and redeeming can be simple, there are plenty of variables between cash-back credit cards (just like with cards that earn points or miles). For that reason, it takes some research to match up your own major spending categories to a credit card that earns the most on those purchases.
In this article, we cover how you earn cash-back, the different ways cards pay out your rewards, and our recommendations for some of the best cash-back credit cards.
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 all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Matched Cash Back
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
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)
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.
Pros
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
1.5% back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
Ability to pool points
Cons
3% foreign transaction fee
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned! There is no limit to how much you can earn. Every dollar in cash back rewards you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
Unlimited 1.5% cash back is just the beginning of what you can earn. You’ll enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24%.
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!
No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® 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 on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
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.
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 purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.24%-29.99% 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.
With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select 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
6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services
6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
1% cash-back on all other purchases
Cons
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in 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 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
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.
Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an auto-renewing subscription to Equinox+ at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
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.
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% 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)
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 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.
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
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
No annual fee
Cons
Spending caps in bonus categories
Low points earning outside of bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fees
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card 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; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
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 Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% 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)
As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.
If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.
Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Employee cards at no additional cost
Earn flexible rewards
Cons
3% foreign transaction fee
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
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.
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
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)
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
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
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
Excellent cell phone insurance
Ability to pool points
Mastercard World Elite benefits
Cons
3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars
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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 20.49%-29.24%.
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.
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.
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
$0
19.24% - 29.24% 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.
Fair to Excellent (580-850)
The Citi Double Cash® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!
This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.
Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.
Pros
Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
Flexible redemption options
No annual fee
Cons
No bonus categories
3% foreign transaction fees
Lack of premium travel benefits
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
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, with no annual fee!
Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus 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 19.24% - 29.24%.
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)
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, without an 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
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
No annual fee
Multiple redemption options
No redemption minimums
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
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, 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. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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.
No 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 19.24% - 29.24%.
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.
An excellent cash-back card that offers rewards for categories like dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
An excellent cash-back card that offers rewards for categories like dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
$300
$95
20.74%-28.74% 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.
Excellent (740-850)
When it comes to rewards credit cards, you can break up most savvy consumers into 2 camps: those who prefer travel rewards and those who prefer cash-back.
Both options can be very lucrative to you and your wallet, especially if you’re using the right card. For those who fall in the “cash is king” camp, you’ll likely find the Capital One Savor card quite compelling.
Pros
10% cash-back on Uber and Uber Eats
8% cash-back on Capital One Entertainment
5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
4% cash-back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
3% cash-back at grocery stores
1% cash-back on all other purchases
Complimentary Uber One membership through November 14, 2024
This is strictly a cash-back card, so it features no travel rewards like other cards offer
Earn a one-time $300 cash bonus after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment.
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
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 Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to maximize your cash-back in your choice category each month.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card allows you to maximize your cash-back in your choice category each month.
Earn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. Variable rate of 16.24% - 26.24% applies 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)
If you’re looking to the rake in the cash-back rewards, then the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option. Not only do you get to choose the 3% category for the card, but you can also boost the cash-back you earn by being a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program.
Pros
3% cash-back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings (your category can be changed each month)
2% cash-back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
1% cash-back on all other purchases
No annual fee
Boost your rewards rate with the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program
Cons
3% and 2% cash-back categories are limited to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then you’ll earn 1%
Charges a foreign transaction fee
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 16.24% – 26.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% Intro APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases. Variable rate of 16.24% - 26.24% applies thereafter.
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 Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months.
$1,200
$150
N/A
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.
Excellent (740-850)
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card is great for business owners looking to improve their bottom line by earning 2% cash-back on all purchases without a high annual fee. Further, with no preset spending limit, the ability to get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000, and free employee cards, there is something that every business owner will love.
Pros
Unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases
5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
No preset spending limit
Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
Complimentary employee cards
No foreign transaction fees
Extended warranty coverage
Payment flexibility (pick your own due date)
Cons
$150 annual fee
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere – with no limits or category restrictions
Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000 or more
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
$150 annual fee
Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlimited Matched Cash Back. Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year! There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Annual fee of $0
5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% on dining and at drugstores
1.5% on all other purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% at drugstores and on dining
Unlimited 1.5% on all other purchases
Travel and purchase protection
The Freedom Unlimited card is perfect for those who are looking to have 1 card to use for pretty much every purchase, as you know you’ll always get an uncapped 1.5% on all non-bonused purchases you make with the card.
That said, the card also offers some solid bonus categories, too, like 5% on travel purchased through Chase and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases.
As with the Freedom Flex card, those who pair their Freedom Unlimited card with a premium Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Reserve card can redeem their points for an increased value of up to 50% more through the Chase travel portal or transfer to one of Chase’s airline and hotel partners, as well.
The Freedom Unlimited card also comes with rental car insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage.
5% in rotating quarterly bonus categories up to $1,500 spending per quarter
5% on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards
3% on dining and drugstore purchases
Cell phone protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage
The Freedom Flex card is one of our favorite cards thanks to its quarterly rotating bonus categories such as grocery stores, gas stations, wholesale clubs, home improvement stores, and more. You’ll earn 5% on these purchases, on up to $1,500 in spend each quarter, allowing you to rack up $75 back each quarter.
5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category (includes restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment)
Each month, you’ll get 5% on whichever bonus category you spend the most on from a list of 10 options on up to $500 in spend. This allows you to adapt your 5% rewards month-to-month based on spending, and there is no need to preselect a category.
Plus, the card has no annual fee, offers a cash welcome bonus offer and 0% intro APR offer (as mentioned above), and no minimum redemption is required.
Earn a total of 2% cash-back on every purchase: 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay it off (earned as ThankYou Points)
With the Double Cash card, you’re going to earn a flat rate of 2% on all purchases you make with the card. As far as non-bonused cash-back rewards cards go, 2% on all purchases is about as good as it gets!
This card’s cash can be used for a statement credit, a direct deposit, a check, or on gift cards. Because your cash-back is earned as ThankYou Points, you can also redeem your points for travel by transferring them to Citi’s transfer partners — access the full suite of partners when pairing your Double Cash card with a premium ThankYou Rewards card such as the Citi Premier® Card.
6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spend each year
6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% on transit purchases
3% at U.S. gas stations
Those who have expenses that often fall within one of the card’s 4 bonus categories can really rake in the rewards with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card. While the card does charge an annual fee, you could earn $360 in cash-back alone each year just by meeting the $6,000 threshold on U.S. supermarket purchases.
5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
4% on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
3% at grocery stores
Earning an uncapped 4% on all dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, along with 3% at grocery stores, is an excellent combination … even more so when you consider that many people have expenses that regularly fall within these categories.
3% on the category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings)
2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
Another card that lets you optimize for the items you spend the most on, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card lets you earn 3% in the category of your choice from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings.
That said, your 3% and 2% are limited to the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then earn 1%.
5% 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
2% on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants
Travel and purchase protections and benefits
The Ink Business Cash card is a compelling option thanks to its combination of 5% and 2% cash-back bonus categories, large welcome bonus, travel and purchase protections, and no annual fee.
Plus, those who hold other premium Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards will be able to pool their points together to then use the Chase travel transfer partners.
Earning a solid 1.5% on every purchase, regardless of the category, makes earning lots of rewards an easy task. You can then redeem those rewards for what your business needs most — cash, travel, gift cards, Amazon purchases, or transfer to premium Chase cards for increased redemption value.
While the card charges an annual fee, which might seem steep for a cash-back card, earning an uncapped 2% on all purchases can be well worth it for business owners who have a high level of spending each year.
How Do Cash-back Credit Cards Work?
Cash-back credit cards have relatively simple rewards-earning and redemption structures. You spend on your card and get a rebate on a percentage of your purchases in the form of cash-back.
Some purchase categories earn more than others. For example, on one credit card, you might receive 5% on office supply purchases, 3% on gas, and 1% on all other purchases. On another, the percentages and categories could be totally different, so selecting a cash-back credit card that rewards your greatest spending categories is key. There can also be limits on the amount you can receive in a given category.
Many cards offer introductory welcome bonuses, such as $150 for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months after card approval. These bonus offers fluctuate and are specific to each card, but can be another consideration when selecting your credit card.
Additionally, how you receive your rewards can differ. You may earn points that can be redeemed for cash-back, receive an automatic statement credit, or accumulate earned rewards in a separate account.
Let’s take a look at examples of some of the redemption processes you’ll find on different cash-back credit cards:
Cash-back Earned as Points
Certain credit cards — such as the Freedom Unlimited card — actually earn rewards as points that can be redeemed for cash-back.
Cash-back Automatically Applied as a Statement Credit
Some credit cards automatically apply the earned cash-back you earn each month as a statement credit, but this is relatively uncommon. There is no opportunity for accumulation and no manual redemption process.
Cash-back Accumulates in an Account
Credit cards like the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card allow the cash-back you’ve earned to accumulate in your account. You can request to use it whenever you’re ready.
Bottom Line: While it’s important to match up bonus category earnings on the credit card with your actual spending habits, you should also understand the process a card uses to distribute your cash-back earnings.
Which Is Better: Earning Cash-back or Points/Miles?
Is earning cash-back better than earning points/miles? This question is not easily answered, because the reward that is most valuable to you will be the one you can use to realize your goals.
If travel is your goal, points and miles can get you where you want to go using award tickets and hotel stays and offsetting travel-related purchases. While cash is undeniably flexible, you’ll need a strategy in place to collect the cash and apply it appropriately to those travel goals.
For example, if your goal is to use your earnings toward a family Disney vacation, you may want to purchase Disney gift cards, restaurant gift cards, or gas cards with each cash-back distribution.
This method works especially well if you’re using a credit card that applies the earnings as a statement credit automatically.
However, note that earnings may have a fixed value, while points/miles might be transferred to airline/hotel partners and used creatively for increased value. Conversely, cash-back is extremely liquid, but it may be difficult to liquidate points or miles for exactly what you want when you want it.
Bottom Line: Whether earning cash-back or points or miles is better for you depends on what you plan to do with the rewards and your spending priorities. If travel is not your priority, but having a little extra cash flow would help your financial bottom line, a cash-back credit card may be a good option.
Types of Cash-back Credit Cards
For the most part, there are 4 types of cash-back credit cards:
Flat-rate Cards
Flat-rate cards offer a flat rewards rate on every purchase you make, with no unique bonus categories. Cards in this category usually offer 1.5% to 2% on all purchases.
Bonus Categories
These cards have predetermined bonus categories that offer elevated rewards. An example might be a card that offers 3% on dining and groceries and 1% on all other purchases.
Rotating Bonus Categories
Some cards offer rotating bonus categories that are not predetermined for you when you sign up for the card. An example of this is the Freedom Flex card, which offers 5% on a quarterly rotating category such as gas or purchases at Amazon.
Customizable Bonus Categories
Customizable cards offer a list of bonus categories for you to choose that you’d like to be your increased earnings. An example of this is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card, which offers 3% in the category of your choice between gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings.
Common Cash-back Bonus Categories
When it comes to cash-back credit cards, the bonus categories that they offer can vary quite a bit. That said, some of the most popular cash-back bonus categories include dining, grocery stores, gas stations, utilities, or cards that offer a flat cash-back rate for every purchase made with the card.
Further, some cash-back cards like the Freedom Flex card offer rotating bonus categories, and others like the Citi Custom Cash card adjust your top cash-back bonus category based on what eligible categories you spend the most on from month to month.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Cash-back Card
Cash-back credit cards come in so many different varieties, so here are a few helpful guidelines to help you narrow down your search.
Are You Willing To Pay an Annual Fee?
While cash-back credit cards are mostly known for not charging an annual fee, there are also more premium options that can offer better cash-back rates and additional perks but do come with an annual fee.
Given that, you’ll want to weigh the value proposition of each card option to see which would stand to benefit you more.
He is an example to illustrate our point. Let’s take the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card, which charges no annual fee and offers 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, and the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, which charges a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee and offers 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
If you are confident that your household would meet $6,000 in supermarket spend in a year, then you’d probably be better off opting for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card as you’d earn $360 in cash-back, minus the $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee, for a net savings of $265. Whereas with the no annual fee Amex Blue Cash Everyday card you’d earn $180 in cash-back — $85 less than the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card. Of course, you should also consider what other bonus categories and perks each card has to offer.
If you want to earn as much cash-back as possible, you want to make sure your new cash-back card offers bonus categories that reward the items you frequently spend the most on.
For instance, if you regularly go out to try new restaurants with friends, you’d benefit from a card offering dining as a bonus category. If you have a rather lengthy commute to work each day, you may opt for a credit card that rewards gas purchases. That said, most cards offer more than 1 bonus category, so you’d likely be able to choose a card that offers bonus categories for the top 2 or 3 items you spend the most on.
If you value simplicity or your purchases vary from month to month, you could opt for a flat-rate cash-back card, like the Double Cash card, which offers an uncapped 2% cash-back on every purchase. Similarly, other cards like the Citi Custom Cash card, adjust your top 5% cash-back category to the eligible category that you spent the most on in the previous billing period.
What Perks Are You Looking For?
Cash-back cards aren’t known for offering as many perks as their travel rewards card counterparts, but if there are certain perks you’re looking for then you’ll want to make sure that your new card offers them.
Consider benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, rental car insurance, cell phone insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and more.
Who Should Get a Cash-back Card?
You should get a cash-back card if:
You currently using a debit card or cash for more of your purchases and leaving valuable rewards on the table
You aren’t interested in travel rewards cards and prefer the flexibility of cash-back.
That said, you should only get a cash-back credit card if you are able to pay your bill on time and in full each and every month. If you don’t, the interest that your balance will accrue will negate the value of any cash-back you earned for making the purchases.
What Credit Card Gives the Most Cash-back?
The credit card that would offer you the most cash-back depends entirely on your unique spending habits. While one person might spend more at supermarkets, another person might spend more on dining.
Given that, when it comes to deciding which cash-back card is best for you you’ll want to examine your monthly budget and see what areas you regularly spend the most money on, and then select a card that provides the best cash-back rates for those purchases.
Pros and Cons of Using a Cash-back Card
Pros
The biggest pro of using a cash-back credit card is that it earns you rewards on every purchase that you make. This is a great way to earn some added savings on your expenses, as this cash can really add up throughout the year.
Beyond that, most of these credit cards don’t have an annual fee, include added perks like purchase protection, and might even offer a welcome bonus.
Cons
The downside to these credit cards is that there isn’t as much upside as you’d find with certain travel rewards cards. Further, they can also have caps on the amount of cash you can earn, and they often charge foreign transaction fees.
Alternatives to a Cash-back Card
If you’re looking for an alternative to a cash-back credit card, then you could opt for cards that offer a flexible rewards currency.
Take the Chase Sapphire Preferred card that earns 5x points per $1 on purchases made through the Chase travel portal, 3x points per $1 on dining, online grocery store purchases, and select streaming services, 2x points per $1 on all other travel purchases, and 1x point per $1 on all other purchases.
Once you’ve built up a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points you have multiple good options when it comes time to redeem them. You can transfer them at a 1:1 rate to any of the great Chase travel transfer partners like World of Hyatt, you can redeem them for any purchase through the Chase travel portal with a 25% bonus, or even redeem them for cash-back if you prefer at a rate of 1 cent per point.
Having a card that offers flexible redemption options can help you get as much value as possible each time you decide to redeem some of your hard-earned points.
How To Compare Cash-back Cards
Deciding which cash-back card is right for you is a personal decision.
The first thing you will want to consider is the card’s bonus categories. Are you hoping to maximize the cash you earn on certain types of purchases like groceries? Or do you prefer to earn a flat cash-back rate on all purchases?
Once you know which rewards setup is best for you, then you should consider what type of benefits you might be looking for in a card … perhaps one that offers perks like purchase protection and extended warranty coverage to help cover the items you buy with your card.
You’ll also want to consider other key features like whether or not the card offers a lucrative welcome bonus, and whether or not it charges an annual fee.
Methodology – How We Selected the Best Cash-back Credit Cards
At Upgraded Points, we evaluate which credit cards are best based on how much value the card can provide to you. We make this determination by analyzing each factor that makes up a card, including its benefits, earnings structure, welcome bonus, redemption value/rewards program, fees, and more.
Here is some insight into our thought process when selecting the best cash-back cards:
Associated Benefits
One thing that can really help a card stand out from the crowd is the benefits that it offers. These could be benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty protection, travel insurance, and more. This is why we give extra points to cards that include benefits that offer more value to cardholders.
Earnings Structure
Perhaps the most important aspect of a cash-back credit card is how much cash you can actually earn back. Usually, cards will either offer a flat rate on all purchases or will offer certain bonus categories such as gas and groceries. In either case, we evaluate how compelling the card’s rates are when deciding on the best cards.
Welcome Offers
Some of the best cards offer a cash welcome sign up bonus after meeting a minimum spend requirement. This can be a great way to get some extra cash in your pocket, as these welcome bonuses can sometimes be upwards of $200 to $300. Given that welcome bonuses are a one-time bonus, and because of how lucrative these bonuses can be, they are a factor in how we evaluate cards.
We’ve provided you with the current welcome bonus information available for each card, but we encourage you to confirm the welcome bonus and review any earnings offers before applying for any card.
Fees
Of course, another important factor is the fees it does or does not charge. These can include annual fees, foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, and more.
Redemption Value
When it comes to cash-back cards, most often your cash-back options will be limited to a statement credit or having cash deposited into your checking account. However, there are other cards that offer a flexible rewards approach and expand your redemption options beyond just this method.
Hot Tip: While the most desired benefits and features of a card will vary by person, our holistic approach gives readers the full picture of what they can expect from every card we review. To learn more about how we review cards, read through our methodology page.
Final Thoughts
Credit cards that earn cash-back rewards are great for consumers who pay off their credit card balances each statement period. Carrying over a balance and being charged interest would dissolve any benefit of these earnings.
Also, we don’t focus on welcome bonuses for these cards because they’re constantly changing — but these initial bonuses can help you jump-start your earnings and should definitely be considered when selecting a cash-back credit card!
And finally, we’ve mentioned a lot of great cards here, but the list is not all-encompassing, as there are just too many to mention. We’ve also abbreviated any benefit descriptions, so you’ll want to click on the links provided for a more in-depth review of cards you’d like further details on.
The information regarding the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One SavorOne Card Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Capital One Spark Cash Plus 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 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit 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.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
How do cash-back credit cards work?
Cash-back credit cards give you a rebate back on your purchases. For example, if you make a purchase of $100 on your card and the cash-back percentage is 3%, you’ll receive $3 on that purchase.
The rewards may be received as a statement credit or accumulate in an account until you redeem it, and limits on how much you can receive may apply.
Earning percentages differ between cards and also by category. You may receive 3% on purchases at gas stations or 2% on dining, for example.
The best way to maximize a cash-back credit card is to select a card that rewards the purchases on which you spend the most.
Which cash-back credit card is the best?
The best cash-back credit card for you is the one that earns the most in the category of purchases on which you spend the most.
If you spend a lot at U.S. supermarkets, for example, you might consider a card that rewards those purchases, such as the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card that pays 6% on up to $6,000 in purchases per year and 1% thereafter.
How do you get the cash-back from a cash-back card?
Each cash-back credit card has its own process for delivering the rewards you have earned on the card.
One card may apply the earnings automatically as a statement credit, while another may deposit it into an account attached to your credit card and let you request it manually by logging into your account.
Some card issuers will transfer the cash to your bank account or send you a paper check.
It’s good to know upfront how a credit card you’re considering delivers the cash-back so you can plan accordingly.
Is there a limit to how much cash-back you can earn on a cash-back credit card?
Each cash-back credit card has limits on how much bonus cash you can earn, but many allow unlimited earnings on the lower 1% category purchases.
On higher percentage purchases, card issuers may limit the number of purchases that can receive 5%, 3%, or even 2%.
For example, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card offers 6% on purchases at grocery stores but limits the amount of rewards-eligible purchases to $6,000 annually.
Does cash-back expire?
Your rewards from your credit card will usually not expire so long as the account is open and active.
How can I redeem cash-back earnings?
Most credit card issuers will allow you to redeem your rewards as a statement credit on your account to offset purchases you’ve made, as a deposit into your checking or savings account, or even as a check mailed to your address.
Is the cash-back from a credit card taxable?
No, credit card rewards are treated as a rebate, and so they are not taxable.
Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.