Top-Rated Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards are a type of credit card that rewards cardholders by returning a small percentage of their purchases back to them in the form of cash rewards. These cards are popular for their simplicity and immediate value, as the cash back can often be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
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Cash back credit cards often come with different earning structures, such as flat-rate cash back, tiered rewards, or rotating categories. Flat-rate cards provide a consistent percentage back on all purchases, making them straightforward and easy to use. Tiered rewards cards offer higher cash back percentages on specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining, and a lower rate on other purchases, catering to spending habits. Rotating category cards typically offer higher cash back percentages on categories that change quarterly, requiring more active management to maximize rewards. Additionally, some cards may offer sign-up bonuses, introductory 0% APR periods, or other perks like travel insurance and purchase protection. While these cards can provide significant value, it's essential to consider factors such as annual fees, interest rates, and spending habits to choose the best card for your needs.
Chase Freedom UnlimitedView AllChase Freedom Unlimited - Cash back card with no annual fee.
Discover it Cash BackView AllDiscover it Cash Back - Credit card offering rotating 5% cash back categories.
Citi Double CashView AllCiti Double Cash - 2% cash back: 1% on purchases, 1% on payments.
Blue Cash Preferred from American ExpressView AllBlue Cash Preferred from American Express - High cash back on groceries, gas, and streaming services.
Bank of America Cash RewardsView AllBank of America Cash Rewards - Flexible cash back rewards on various spending categories.
Wells Fargo Active CashView AllWells Fargo Active Cash - Wells Fargo Active Cash offers 2% unlimited cash back.
Capital One QuicksilverView AllCapital One Quicksilver - No-annual-fee card with unlimited 1.5% cash back.
U.S. Bank Cash+View AllU.S. Bank Cash+ - Flexible 5% cash back on chosen categories.
Alliant Cashback Visa SignatureView AllAlliant Cashback Visa Signature - High-reward cash back credit card with no annual fee.
HSBC Cash Rewards MastercardView AllHSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard - HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard: Earn cash back on purchases.
Top-Rated Cash Back Credit Cards
1.
Chase Freedom Unlimited
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a popular cash-back credit card offering 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. It also provides 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases. New cardholders can benefit from a generous introductory offer, including a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. It’s ideal for those seeking versatile rewards and simplicity.
Pros
No annual fee- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- bonus categories
- travel insurance
- purchase protection
Cons
Foreign transaction fee- APR can be high
- limited reward transfer options
- requires good credit
- cash back redemption minimum
2.
Discover it Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back is a popular credit card offering 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, such as groceries, gas, or dining, up to a quarterly maximum, after activation. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. It features no annual fee, a dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned in the first year, and includes benefits like free access to your FICO® credit score. The card is ideal for users seeking to maximize rewards through strategic spending.
Pros
- Cashback match first year
- no annual fee
- 5% rotating categories
- flexible redemption options
- free FICO score.
Cons
- Rotating categories require activation
- 5% limited to $1
- 500 per quarter
- international transaction fees
- limited acceptance abroad
- average base cashback rate.
3.
Citi Double Cash
The Citi Double Cash Card is a popular cashback credit card that offers a straightforward rewards structure: cardholders earn 1% cash back on purchases and an additional 1% when they pay off those purchases, totaling 2% cash back. There is no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those seeking simple, high-value rewards. Additionally, the card offers introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for 18 months, although it does not provide a sign-up bonus or specific category bonuses.
Pros
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- no annual fee
- flexible redemption options
- long intro APR on balance transfers
- easy cash back tracking.
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- foreign transaction fee
- high regular APR
- no travel perks
- limited benefits compared to premium cards.
4.
Blue Cash Preferred from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a rewards credit card that offers exceptional cash back on everyday purchases. Cardholders earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit, and 1% on other purchases. It also features a welcome offer, various travel and purchase protections, and has an annual fee. Terms apply.
Pros
- High cashback on groceries
- Cashback on streaming services
- Cashback on transit
- Intro APR offer
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Annual fee
- Cashback caps on certain categories
- Requires good credit
- Limited acceptance overseas
- Rewards redemption complexity.
5.
Bank of America Cash Rewards
The Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card offers a flexible cashback program, allowing cardholders to earn 3% cash back in a category of their choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. The card also features a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending a specified amount within the first 90 days. With no annual fee and additional perks for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, it's a versatile option for everyday spending.
Pros
- 3% category choice
- no annual fee
- $200 sign-up bonus
- multiple redemption options
- online banking integration.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees
- limited high-reward categories
- potential for high APR
- balance transfer fees
- low base cash back rate.
6.
Wells Fargo Active Cash
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a versatile credit card that offers a straightforward 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for everyday spending. It features a $0 annual fee and includes a generous sign-up bonus, 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, and robust security features. This card is particularly appealing for those seeking a simple, high-reward cash back program without the hassle of rotating categories.
Pros
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards
- No annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases
- Simple rewards structure
- Visa benefits.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- Limited travel perks
- No bonus categories
- Requires good credit
- Potential for high APR after intro period.
7.
Capital One Quicksilver
The Capital One Quicksilver is a popular cash-back credit card offering unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no annual fee. It features a straightforward rewards structure, making it ideal for those seeking simplicity and value. The card often includes a sign-up bonus for new cardholders who meet spending requirements. Additional benefits include no foreign transaction fees, fraud coverage, and access to travel and shopping discounts, making it a versatile choice for everyday use.
Pros
- No annual fee
- unlimited 1.5% cash back
- $200 sign-up bonus
- no foreign transaction fees
- flexible redemption options.
Cons
- High APR
- no bonus categories
- limited benefits
- requires good credit
- no intro APR for balance transfers.
8.
U.S. Bank Cash+
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers customizable cash back rewards, allowing cardholders to earn 5% back on two categories of their choice (up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter), 2% back on one everyday category (such as gas or groceries), and 1% on all other purchases. There is no annual fee, and the card includes additional benefits like fraud protection and Visa Signature perks. It’s ideal for those seeking flexible rewards tailored to their spending habits.
Pros
- Customizable rewards
- No annual fee
- Generous cashback categories
- Introductory 0% APR
- Flexible redemption options
Cons
- Requires activation
- Cashback cap
- Limited 5% categories
- Foreign transaction fee
- Average customer service
9.
Alliant Cashback Visa Signature
The Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Card is a premium cash-back credit card offering an impressive 2.5% cash back on all purchases, up to $10,000 per billing cycle, for eligible Alliant members. It features no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international use. Cardholders also benefit from Visa Signature perks, including travel and purchase protections. Designed for those with excellent credit, the card balances high rewards with practical benefits, catering to savvy spenders seeking value and flexibility.
Pros
- High cashback rate
- No annual fee
- Visa Signature benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Mobile wallet compatibility
Cons
- Requires Alliant membership
- Limited customer service hours
- No introductory APR
- Relatively high credit score needed
- Cashback cap
10.
HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard
The HSBC Cash Rewards Mastercard is a versatile credit card that offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual fee. It features an introductory offer of 3% cash back on up to $10,000 in purchases within the first year. Cardholders benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. Additionally, the card provides access to exclusive events, travel benefits, and robust fraud protection, making it a valuable choice for everyday spending.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR on purchases
- Cash back on all purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- Easy redemption options.
Cons
- High regular APR
- Limited bonus categories
- Requires good credit
- No travel benefits
- Cash back redemption threshold.