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Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 8 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in o...
A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
Michael Y. Park is a journalist living in New York City. He’s traveled through Afghanistan disguised as a Hazara Shi’ite, slept with polar bears on the Canadian tundra, picnicked with the king and que...
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Credit card points and miles are great for booking travel, but cash-back is king when it comes to flexible rewards that boost your bottom line.
Earning and redeeming can be simple, but there are plenty of variables among cash-back credit cards to consider as you match your major spending categories to a credit card that earns the most on those purchases.
This article covers how you earn cash-back, the different ways cards let you earn rewards, and our recommendations for the best cash-back credit cards.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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!
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
$200
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
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 card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
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.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 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 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
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, 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 18.24% - 27.74%.
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 ins and outs 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!
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 cash back
$0
17.49% to 27.49% 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 card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
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 & Cons
Pros
Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
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.
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. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% – 27.49%, 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: 17.49% to 27.49% 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 ins and outs 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 Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases with no annual fee.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 cash rewards bonus
$0
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR 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 card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Pros & Cons
Pros
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter
Cons
No bonus categories for those who want to optimize certain purchases
Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction converted to U.S. dollars.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.
You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.
As High As $300
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.49%-28.49% 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 card application.
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)
Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.49%-28.49% 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 rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Savor card is a great no-annual fee card for those who regularly spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).
The Capital One Savor card is a great no-annual fee card for those who regularly spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target).
Earn $250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
$250
$0
Purchases: 0% intro on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% 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 card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
The Capital One Savor card is a phenomenal option when it comes to no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards. With popular bonus categories like dining, grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), entertainment, and popular streaming services, and the ability to earn 3% cash-back on these purchases, it is easy to see why those who use the card can earn some serious cash-back throughout the year.
The card also allows you to take your rewards and experiences even further by offering access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
5% cash-back on hotels, rental cars, and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.
3% cash-back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
Cons
Rewards are purely cash-back, so there is no option for miles transfers to transfer partners for redemptions
For a limited time, earn a one-time $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
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
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
APR: Purchases: 0% intro on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable thereafter
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% 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 card application.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card
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 BofA Rewards program.
Pros & Cons
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
Cons
3% and 2% cash-back categories are limited to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then you’ll earn 1%
$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 BofA Rewards member, you can earn 10%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.3%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% to 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers in the first 60 days your account is open. After the intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for all future balance transfers is 5%.
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 15 billing cycles for purchases and balance transfers. Variable rate of 17.49% to 27.49% applies thereafter.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Chase Freedom Rise card is the perfect option for those starting their credit journey that also want to earn cash-back rewards.
The Chase Freedom Rise card is the perfect option for those starting their credit journey that also want to earn cash-back rewards.
Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeouts and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 spent in the first 6 months from account opening.
3% Cash-Back on Dining
$0
18.24% - 27.74% Variable
Why We Like This Card
The Chase Freedom Rise card is a great option for those looking for a card to help build their credit score, with no annual fee, that also earns cash-back rewards.
Pros & Cons
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
$25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account
Limited Time Offer - Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeouts and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 spent in the first 6 months from account opening.
Increase your approval chances - Having a Chase checking or savings account with a balance of at least $250 will increase your chances of getting approved for Chase Freedom Rise®
Earn Cash Back - With Chase Freedom Rise®, you can establish credit while earning 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back.
Earn a $25 statement credit after signing up for automatic payments within the first three months of opening your account. With automatic payments, just pick a date and dollar amount to make sure your Credit Card gets paid on time.
Credit Limit Increase - As a Freedom Rise® cardmember, you'll be evaluated for a credit line increase in as soon as 6 months. Your credit line is the maximum amount of money you can spend on your Freedom Rise® Card
Free Credit Score - Track your credit score and learn how to build it with Chase Credit Journey.
No Annual Fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Rise® Card.
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 18.24% - 27.74% Variable
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 ins and outs 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 $750$1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening.
$750 $1,000
$1,000
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% 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 card application.
Good to Excellent
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; 16.74% - 24.74% variable 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 on dining and gas, and 1% back on all other purchases
Earn $750 $1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening
Earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 in combined spend
Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 spent in combined spend.
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
As a Chase cardmember, you’ll be automatically checked for a credit line increase at least every 6 months.
Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
No Annual Fee
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% 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 ins and outs 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 $750 $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
$750 $1,000
$1,000
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% 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 card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card
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 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.
Pros & Cons
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers an unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases and helpful features for business owners. The information regarding this card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
Earn $2,000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.
$2,000
$150
25.74% (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 card application.
Excellent (740-850)
Why We Like This Card
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 no-additional-fee employee cards, there is something that every business owner will love.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Unlimited 2% cash-back on all purchases
5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Business Travel
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 plus for a limited time, earn a $500 Capital One Business Travel credit once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Enjoy big purchasing power so you can spend more and earn more rewards. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
Streamline your accounts payable process, employee spending, and more from your online account with free business management tools
Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards
$150 annual fee – Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
Your card is designed to be paid in full. However you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you’ll be charged a 2.99% late fee
For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back
Top rated mobile app
Financial Snapshot
APR: 25.74% (Variable)
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Best Cash-Back Credit Cards: Comparison Table (2026)
$200 cash backCiti Double Cash® CardEarn $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.
Annual fee of $0
2%-5%cash backCiti Double Cash® Card
Earn 2% cash back on purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% as you pay with no categories, caps, or annual fee.
Earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions when booked with Citi Travel.
SPECIAL OFFERAs High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer.Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American ExpressYou may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
Annual fee of $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 (rates & fees)
1%-6%cash-backBlue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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.
$250Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit CardEarn $250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee of $0
1%-8%cash-backCapital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
$200Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit cardEarn $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee of $0
1%-3%cash-backBank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Earn 3% cash-back in the category of your choice
Earn an automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases)
LIMITED TIME OFFER3% Cash-Back on DiningChase Freedom Rise®Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeouts and eligible delivery services, on up to $6,000 spent in the first 6 months from account opening.
Office supply stores, and internet, cable, and phone service purchases
LIMITED TIME OFFER$750 $1,000Ink Business Cash® Credit CardEarn $750$1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening.
Annual fee of $0
1%-5%cash-backInk Business Cash® Credit Card
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 on dining and gas each account anniversary year.
LIMITED TIME OFFER$750 $1,000Ink Business Unlimited® Credit CardEarn $750 $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.
$2,000Capital One Spark Cash Plus CardEarn $2,000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.
Annual fee of $150
2%-5%cash-backCapital One Spark Cash Plus Card
Earn unlimited 5% cash-back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
Earn unlimited 2% cash-back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
The 7 Best Cash-Back Personal Credit Cards
Here are our favorite personal credit cards that offer cardholders a great balance of rewards and perks.
The Freedom Unlimited card is perfect for those looking for a single card to use for pretty much every purchase, since you always get an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases.
That said, the card still offers solid bonus categories, such as 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel and 3% on dining and drugstores. The 5% doesn’t stack with the default 1.5% bonus.
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 through Chase Travel 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.
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 Citi Double Cash card, you earn a flat rate of 2% on all purchases you make with the card, 1% cash-back when you buy, and 1% cash-back as you pay. For cash-back rewards without bonus categories, this solid 2% rate is about as good as it gets.
This card’s cash-back rewards can be used for a statement credit, direct deposit, check, or 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. To access the best transfer ratio, pair your Double Cash card with a premium ThankYou card such as the Citi Strata Premier® Card.
Similar to the Double Cash card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is great for earning unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases with a $0 annual fee. If you’d rather not keep track of bonus categories and prefer a flat earning rate, 2% cash rewards on all purchases is about the best rewards rate you can find for such purchases.
Plus, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers cellphone protection and 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% Variable APR thereafter (rates & fees).
6% at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spend each year (then 1%)
6% on some U.S. streaming subscriptions
3% on transit purchases
3% at U.S. gas stations
If you have expenses that often fall within one of the card’s 4 bonus categories, you could really rake in the rewards with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card. Though the card charges an annual fee, you could earn $360 in cash-back annually by meeting the $6,000 threshold on U.S. supermarket purchases.
5% cash-back on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores, excluding superstores like Target and Walmart
1% on all other purchases
Earning unlimited 3% on all dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and 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, drugstores, or home improvement and 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 earns you 3% in the category of your choice from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement and furnishings.
That said, your 3% and 2% are limited to the first $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store, and wholesale club purchases each quarter, after which you earn 1%.
$25 statement credit after enrolling in automatic payments within 3 months of account opening
The Freedom Rise card is designed for those building credit, and having a Chase checking or savings account with at least a $250 balance increases your chances of approval when applying for the card. Many credit-building cards don’t offer rewards or a welcome offer, but the Freedom Rise card has both.
The card has a $0 annual fee, so you can earn rewards and build credit without a fee.
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 on dining and gas
Travel and purchase protections and benefits
The Ink Business Cash card is compelling thanks to its combination of 5% and 2% cash-back bonus categories, large welcome offer, travel and purchase protections, and a $0 annual fee.
Plus, those who hold other premium Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning cards can pool their points to then use the Chase travel transfer partners.
Earning a solid 1.5% on every purchase, regardless of the category, makes earning rewards easy. You can then redeem those rewards for what your business needs most: cash, travel, gift cards, Amazon purchases, or transfers to premium Chase cards for increased redemption value.
Though the card charges an annual fee that might seem steep for a cash-back card, earning unlimited 2% back on all purchases can be well worth it for business owners with high annual spending.
How Do Cash-Back Credit Cards Work?
Cash-back credit cards have relatively simple reward-earning and redemption structures. You spend on your card and get a rebate on a percentage of your purchases as 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, you might earn 1.5% cash-back on everything. There can also be limits on the amount you can receive in a given category.
Many cards offer introductory welcome offers, such as $150 for spending $1,000 in the first 3 months after card approval. These offers fluctuate and vary by card, but they can be a 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 some of the redemption processes on different cash-back credit cards:
Cash-Back Earned as Points
Certain credit cards, such as the Freedom Unlimited card, 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 cash-back you earn each month as a statement credit, but this is relatively uncommon. In these cases, you don’t accumulate the cash-back, and there’s no way to redeem your cash-back manually.
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 and Miles?
Whether it’s better to earn cash-back or points and miles depends on which is most valuable to you. Points and miles can offset travel-related purchases with award tickets and hotel stays. Cash is undeniably flexible and can be used to cover any expense.
For example, if your goal is to use your earnings on 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 automatically applies the earnings as a statement credit.
However, earnings may have a fixed value, whereas points and miles can be transferred to airline or hotel partners and used creatively for greater value. Conversely, cash-back is liquid, but it may be difficult to redeem points or miles for exactly what you want when you want it.
Bottom Line: Whether earning cash-back, 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 good for you.
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 without 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 apply for the card. For example, it may offer 5% on a quarterly rotating category, such as gas or Amazon purchases.
Customizable Bonus Categories
Customizable cards offer a list of bonus categories for you to choose from. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers 3% in the category of your choice among gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement and furnishings.
Common Cash-Back Bonus Categories
Cash-back bonus categories can vary, but some of the most popular include dining, grocery stores, gas stations, and utilities.
Some cash-back cards offer rotating bonus categories, and others 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 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?
Cash-back credit cards often don’t charge an annual fee, but some premium cards with higher cash-back rates and additional perks do.
Weigh the value of each card to see which would benefit you more.
For example, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card charges a $0 annual fee (rates & fees) and offers 3% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). The Amex Blue Cash Preferred card charges a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee and offers 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets for up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
If you are confident that your household would meet $6,000 in supermarket purchases in a year, then you’d probably be better off with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, as you’d earn $360 in cash-back, minus its annual fee, for a net savings of $265. The $0-annual-fee Amex Blue Cash Everyday card would earn $180 in cash-back — $85 less than the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card. Of course, you should also consider the other bonus categories and perks each card offers.
If you want to earn as much cash-back as possible, 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 want 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 Citi Double Cash card, which offers unlimited 2% cash-back on every purchase (1% cash-back when you buy and 1% cash-back as you pay). Other cards 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 make sure that your new card offers them.
Consider benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, rental car insurance, cell phone insurance, and trip cancellation insurance.
Who Should Get a Cash-Back Card?
You should get a cash-back card if:
You currently use a debit card or cash for most of your purchases, 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 can pay your bill on time and in full each month. If you don’t, the interest your balance accrues negates the value of any cash-back you earn from 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 how your spending habits line up with a card’s bonus categories.
When choosing a cash-back card, examine your monthly budget to identify where you spend the most, then select a card that offers the best cash-back rates on 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 rewards on every purchase that you make. This is a great way to earn extra savings on your expenses, as this cash can add up over the course of a 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 offer bonus.
Cons
The downside to these credit cards is that there isn’t as much upside as you find with certain travel rewards cards. Furthermore, they may also cap the amount of cash you can earn and often charge foreign transaction fees.
Alternatives to a Cash-Back Card
If you’re looking for an alternative to a cash-back credit card, consider cards that offer a flexible rewards currency.
A good example is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, which earns 5x points on purchases made through Chase Travel; 3x on dining, vacation homes, gas and EV charging, online grocery store purchases, and some streaming services; 2x on all other travel purchases; and 1x on all other purchases.
Once you’ve built up a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you have a lot of ways to redeem them. You can transfer them to any of Chase’s great travel transfer partners, like World of Hyatt. You can redeem them for any purchase through Chase Travel, and some purchases offer a bonus of up to 50% or 75%. Points can be redeemed for cash-back at a rate of 1 cent per point.
Having a card that offers flexible redemption options helps you get as much value as possible each time you redeem hard-earned points.
How To Compare Cash-Back Cards
Consider the card’s bonus categories and whether you want to maximize the cash-back you earn on certain types of purchases, like groceries, or if you prefer to earn a flat cash-back rate on all purchases.
Once you know which rewards structure is best for you, you should consider what benefits you might be looking for in a card. Some offer perks such as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage to help cover the items you buy with your card.
Also consider other key features, such as whether the card has a welcome offer or charges an annual fee.
Methodology: How We Selected the Best Cash-Back Credit Cards
We evaluate which credit cards are best based on how much value the card can provide to you. We analyze each factor that makes up a card, including its benefits, earnings structure, welcome offer, 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 is its benefits, such as purchase protection, extended warranty protection, or travel insurance.
Earnings Structure
Perhaps the most important aspect of a cash-back credit card is how much cash you can actually earn back. Usually, cards either offer a flat rate on all purchases or on certain bonus categories, such as gas and groceries. We evaluate how compelling the card’s rates are when deciding which cards are best.
Welcome Offers
We’ve provided you with the current welcome offer information available for each card, but we encourage you to confirm the offers and review any earnings offers before applying for any card.
Fees
Another important factor is the fees a card does or does not charge. These can include annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and late payment fees.
Redemption Value
Cash-back is often limited to a statement credit or to cash deposited into your checking account. However, some cards offer a flexible rewards approach and expand your redemption options.
Hot Tip: While the most desired benefits and features of a card vary from person to person, our holistic approach gives readers the full picture of what to expect from every card we review. To learn more about how we review cards, read through our methodology page.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best cash-back card depends on your spending habits and how much work you want to put into managing rewards. Cards with bonus categories can offer more value for specific purchases, and flat-rate cards are simple and consistent. Before you apply for a cash-back card, consider its earning rates, welcome offer, annual fee, and redemptions.
