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Cash back credit cards offer an enticing opportunity to earn rewards on everyday purchases. The best cash back credit cards provide a high cash back rate in relevant spending categories, low or no annual fees and a sizeable sign-up bonus. Finding the right cash back card for you depends on your spending habits and whether you want to earn consistent cash back across broad categories or a higher rate in a select few fixed or rotating categories.

Why You Can Trust Our List

Best Cash Back Credit Cards

With the ability to accrue cash rewards on everyday expenses, cash back credit cards have gained immense popularity and have become an essential tool for savvy consumers. Just how much cash back you earn depends on the card you select. For instance, some cards offer higher cash back rates when you spend on purchases in specific categories, such as dining, travel, gas, groceries and drugstores. On the other hand, some of the best cards from this segment offer higher-than-usual flat cash back rates across all categories. Our list of the top cash back credit cards can help you narrow down your choices.


  • U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

    Solid dining rewards card with no annual fee


    • 1–4 Points per $1Rewards Rate
    • 18.24% – 29.24% VariableAPR
    • $0Annual Fee
    • ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

    A great no-annual-fee cash back card with a unique bonus category system


    • 1% – 5% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • 19.24% – 29.24% VariableAPR
    • $0Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Great no-annual-fee card for diverse spenders


    • 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
    • 15 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
    • 19.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
    • 3%Balance Transfer Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    A great cash back card for gas and grocery shopping


    • 3% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • 19.24% – 29.99% VariableAPR
    • $95Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

    A great no-annual-fee cash back card with a 0% APR offer


    • 2% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% VariableAPR
    • $0Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Best for intro APR on balance transfers and purchases with ongoing value


    • 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
    • 15 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
    • 19.99%–29.99% VariableAPR
    • 3%Balance Transfer Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

    One of the best cards available for Costco members who spend a lot on gas


    • 1–4% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
    • 20.49% VariableAPR
    • $0Annual Fee
    • ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

    A simple cash back card that’s best for everyday purchases.


    • 1–3% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
    • 19.24% – 29.99% VariableAPR
    • $0Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    Best card for earning cash back across categories


    • 1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • 30.49% VariableAPR
    • $39Annual Fee
    • Fair–GoodRecommended Credit

  • Capital One Spark Cash Plus

    Generous flat-rate cash back on business expenses


    • 2% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • None (charge card)APR
    • $150Annual Fee
    • ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Citi® Double Cash Card

    A great no-annual-fee card that offers up to 2% cash back


    • 0% Intro APR (then variable APR)Balance Transfer Offer
    • 18 monthsBalance Transfer Duration
    • 19.24% – 29.24% VariableAPR
    • $5 or 3% whichever is greater; $5 or 5% after first four months*Balance Transfer Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

What Is a Cash Back Credit Card?

A cash back credit card is a type of credit card that rewards you with a certain percentage of your purchases in the form of a cash rebate. These rewards are usually a percentage of the total purchase amount, typically 1% to 5%, depending on the card.

Cash back credit cards provide flexibility to earn rewards on various types of purchases, including groceries, gas, dining, travel, and more. Some cards even offer higher cash back rates for specific spending categories, allowing you to maximize your rewards in areas that align with your spending habits. You can usually redeem your cash rewards in several ways, such as statement credits, direct deposits to a bank account, or even as a gift card.

Benefits of Cash Back Credit Cards

  • grocery icon

    Earn Rewards on Everyday Spending

    Cash back credit cards allow you to earn rewards on your everyday purchases, such as groceries, gas, dining, and more. With each transaction, you accumulate cash rewards that can be used to reduce expenses or build up savings.

  • cashCard icon

    Flexibile Redemption Options

    Cash back rewards can typically be redeemed in various ways, such as statement credits, direct deposits, or checks. This flexibility gives you the freedom to choose how you want to use your earned cash rewards, whether it's paying off your balance or using the funds for other financial purposes.

  • graphCard icon

    Potential for Maximizing Rewards

    Some cash back credit cards offer higher cash back rates for specific spending categories, such as dining or travel. By strategically using your card in these categories, you can maximize your cash back rewards and earn even more on your preferred purchases.

Drawbacks of Cash Back Credit Cards

  • annualFee icon

    Annual Fees

    Some cash back credit cards may come with an annual fee, which can eat into your cash back rewards. Do the math to see if the benefits and rewards you earn outweigh the cost of the annual fee.

  • cardLock icon

    Reward Caps or Expiration

    Certain cash back credit cards may impose limits on the amount of cash back rewards you can earn within a specific timeframe, or require a minimum amount of cash back for redemption. Additionally, rewards may have expiration dates, requiring you to use them within a certain period. Understanding these limitations is crucial to maximizing the benefits of your cash back credit card.

How Do Cash Back Credit Cards Work?

A cash back credit card works by rewarding you with a specific percentage of your spending as 'cash back.' Every time you make an eligible purchase using the card, a certain proportion of the amount, often 1% to 5%, is credited back to you.

The exact percentage can vary depending on the card's structure and the type of purchase. Some cards offer a higher cash back rate for specific fixed categories, like groceries, gas, or dining, while others offer bonus categories that rotate each quarter. You can also get a cash back card with a flat rate on all purchases, regardless of the category - the best offer up to 2% on all spending. As you continue to use your card for purchases, your cash back rewards accumulate in your credit card account. You can see these in a separate rewards balance in your online account.

When it comes to redeeming these rewards, there are several options. The most common is a statement credit, where the cash back is applied to reduce your credit card balance. Alternatively, some issuers might offer to mail a check to you or deposit the cash back directly into a linked bank account. Additional redemption options sometimes include converting your rewards into gift cards for specific retailers or using them to purchase merchandise directly through the issuer's online shopping portal.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Any accrued interest from carrying a balance month to month will likely negate the cash back benefits. So maximizing your cash back credit card requires paying off your balance in full each billing cycle to avoid interest charges

How to Choose a Cash Back Credit Card

Cash back credit cards are not all created equal, and the right card for someone else may not be the right one for you. Here are some tips to simplify the process and find the best cash back credit card for you.

1

Know Your Credit Score

Knowing your credit score will help you quickly narrow down the field to only cards you qualify for right now. Having access to credit scores and understanding the factors that make up your score will help you now and in the long run. If you can, get pre-qualified for a card. While it's not a guarantee of approval, it can help reduce the impact to your credit score of applying for a card you're unlikely to get approved for.

2

Think About Your Spending

Having a good sense of where you spend your money will also lead you to the right card. Cash back cards offer several reward structures. Some cards offer flat cash back rewards on all purchases. Other cards offer bonus rewards in select spending categories like travel, dining, groceries and gas. Look for a card with a rewards structure that matches your spending habits.

3

Factor in Fees

Consider fees when calculating potential card earnings. That doesn’t mean cards without annual fees are better. A card with lucrative cash back rewards in your biggest spending categories may be well worth an annual fee. Think about how you will use the card and whether the perks and rewards the card offers justify the annual fee.

4

Consider Other Benefits

Once you’ve looked at the cash back rewards, take time to consider other benefits included with the card. Some cards offer extra features like cell phone protection, free credit score access, travel perks and purchase protection.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

"Sometimes ‎the excitement over the possibility of redeeming points causes people to forget the practicality of the offer. The pursuit of points can lead to unmanageable debt, so can the process of redeeming rewards. Getting 5% cash back on groceries is great, but if you end up stocking the refrigerator with food that goes untouched to get that cash-back then it's actually costing you more."

  • Bruce McClary, Vice President of Communications, National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Is a Cash Back Credit Card Worth It?

Consider your spending habits when evaluating if a cash back credit card is right for you. You could yield significant rewards if a card's reward categories align with your biggest expenditures. Consider the card's reward redemption options and whether they suit your preferences. Some cards only allow statement credits, while others offer checks, direct deposit, or even gift card and merchandise redemptions. It's also vital to consider the annual fee: rewards must offset this cost to make the card worthwhile.

Who Should Get a Cash Back Credit Card?

  • High Spenders: Individuals with large monthly expenditures can benefit significantly from cash back cards. By picking a card that aligns with their biggest spending categories, cardholders can accumulate substantial rewards to offset future purchases or statement balances.
  • Routine Shoppers: Those who spend consistently in certain categories, like groceries or gas, can benefit from a card that offers higher cash back rates in those areas. This can provide regular and predictable cash back rewards.
  • Disciplined Payers: Those who consistently pay off their balance every month can maximize the benefits of cash back cards, as they avoid the interest charges that could negate the rewards.

Who Shouldn't Get a Cash Back Credit Card?

  • Infrequent Credit Card Users: If you rarely use credit cards for purchases, a cash back card might not be ideal, as you may not spend enough to earn meaningful rewards or offset potential annual fees.
  • Balance Carriers: If you frequently carry a balance month-to-month, you may not benefit from a cash back card, as the interest charges can quickly overshadow the rewards.
  • International Travelers: Many cash back cards charge foreign transaction fees, making them less beneficial for frequent travelers. Moreover, you're likely to get better value from earning points or miles, plus you'll get better travel perks with a travel credit card.
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MAXIMIZE CASH BACK WITH MULTIPLE CARDS

To maximize cash back rewards, you’ll want to be in tune with your spending habits. Do a deep dive into your past spending to see where you spend money the most. Then, align your cash back cards with your spending so that you earn the best rates.

Having more than one credit card can also help you take advantage of increased rewards rates from both cards. If you have a card that offers a higher cash back rate for grocery purchases but only 1% cash back for other purchases, you can pair it with a flat-rate cash back card that earns 2% on all other purchases to earn more cash back.

Common Questions about Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back credit cards come in many different forms, and having the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about cash back cards and rewards will help you find the best card for you.

Expert Advice for First-Time or Newer Cash Back Cardholders

We continue to help your research, by gathering advice from financial, credit counselors and other credit card experts and answering common questions related to cash back cards and reward programs.

  1. What mistakes do people make with credit cards, and specifically rewards programs?
  2. What are the "gotchas" about credit cards and rewards programs that are not well understood by consumers?
  3. What advice can you give consumers about managing their cash back rewards cards?
Marc Kalan
Marc Kalan

Associate Professor of Professional Practice at Rutgers Business School

David A. Frantsvog
David A. Frantsvog

Assistant Professor at Minot State University

Liz Frazier Peck
Liz Frazier Peck

Financial Planner, CFP

Beverly Mendoza
Beverly Mendoza

Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance at Stephen F. Austin State University

Gregory A. Kuhlemeyer, Ph.D.
Gregory A. Kuhlemeyer, Ph.D.

Professor of Business Finance at Carroll University

Nirit Rubenstein
Nirit Rubenstein

CEO & Co-founder of Dovly

Gregory Germain
Gregory Germain

Professor at Syracuse University College of Law

Ethan Pew, Ph.D.
Ethan Pew, Ph.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing and MS Marketing Program Director at the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin

Tiray Johnson
Tiray Johnson

Professor at Concordia University, St. Paul

Charles H Thomas III, CFP®
Charles H Thomas III, CFP®

Founder and President of Intrepid Eagle Finance

Dr. Kwamie Dunbar
Dr. Kwamie Dunbar

Associate Professor of Finance at Simmons University

Shilpi Sunil Kumar
Shilpi Sunil Kumar

Assistant Professor of Economics at the College of Saint Benedict and St. John's University

John Garner
John Garner

Founder & CEO at Odynn

Amarjit Singh
Amarjit Singh

Professor, Various Universities

Katherine Aumer
Katherine Aumer

Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Rob Larson
Rob Larson

Associate Professor of Management at Luther College

Michael Dixon
Michael Dixon

Adjunct Instructor of Business Administration at Shepherd University

Dr. Angela Seidel
Dr. Angela Seidel

Associate Professor of Accounting and Chair of Undergraduate Business Programs at Saint Francis University

S. Abraham Ravid
S. Abraham Ravid

Sy Syms Professor of Finance, Sy Syms School of Business at Yeshiva University

Dr. Han-Yen Kao
Dr. Han-Yen Kao

Department Chair, Assistant Professor of Business and Economics at Northwestern College

Mark Ma
Mark Ma

Assistant Professor of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh

Michelle Gabor
Michelle Gabor

Business Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, Entrepreneur, CPA

Monique Beauchamp-Doll
Monique Beauchamp-Doll

Professor of Business Administration at Macomb Community College

Michael Manahan
Michael Manahan

Lecturer – California State University Dominguez Hills; Author and Business Consultant

Philip Mayer
Philip Mayer

Professor of Economics and Political Science at Three Rivers Community College

Dr. Angela Buchanan
Dr. Angela Buchanan

Associate Professor in Business & Economics at Lyon College

Jacqueline R. Jaeger
Jacqueline R. Jaeger

Assistant Professor of Business at Clarke University, Dubuque, IA

Dr. Aniruddha Pangarkar
Dr. Aniruddha Pangarkar

Assistant Professor of Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Jesse Veenstra
Jesse Veenstra

Instructor of Finance at Dordt University

Kunter Gunasti
Kunter Gunasti

Associate Professor of Marketing at Washington State University

Dr. Christopher Newman
Dr. Christopher Newman

Associate Professor of Marketing at The University of Mississippi

Amit Sinha
Amit Sinha

Professor of Finance and Quantitative Methods at Bradley University

Joseph R. Stasio
Joseph R. Stasio

Associate Professor, Marketing at Merrimack College

Sheila A. Handy
Sheila A. Handy

Visiting Professor - Department of Economics at Lafayette College

John Peatross
John Peatross

Certified Public Accountant and Adjunct Instructor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Laura Coordes
Laura Coordes

Associate Professor of Law at Arizona State University

Chris M. Lawrey, PhD
Chris M. Lawrey, PhD

Assistant Professor at the University of South Alabama

Caleb Martin
Caleb Martin

Professor of Accounting at Erskine College

Demissew Ejara
Demissew Ejara

Associate Professor of Finance at The University of New Haven

Peter Staples
Peter Staples

Assistant Professor of Business and Economics at Lyon College

Tahereh Alavi Hojjat
Tahereh Alavi Hojjat

Chair & Professor of Economics

Dr. Kareem Tannous
Dr. Kareem Tannous

Assistant Professor at Cabrini University

Callie Renner
Callie Renner

Wealth Advisor at Beacon Pointe Advisors

Dr. Michael Shipman, CPA
Dr. Michael Shipman, CPA

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Bruce McClary
Bruce McClary

Vice President of Communications, National Foundation for Credit Counseling

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About Grace Pilling


Grace Pilling headshot

Grace Pilling is passionate about empowering readers to make informed financial choices to support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line. Prior to joining MoneyGeek as a senior content manager, Grace was a senior editor at CreditCards.com and Bankrate, where she focused on teaching people how to use credit cards wisely.


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*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
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