Credit Cards with the Most Cash Back Rewards
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Unless you travel a lot, it’s hard to beat cash back rewards as a credit card benefit over travel rewards.
A cash rewards card pays in dollars, not points or miles. Cash back earnings are versatile and easy to redeem, such as on a statement credit or a check that’s mailed to you.
Many types of cash back credit cards exist. Consumers should look for cards that fit their lifestyle and consider spending categories, fees, earning rate, and if a sign-up bonus is offered, among other perks.
Jump To
Overview of credit cards with the most cash back rewards
Cash Back Credit Card | Best for |
|---|---|
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | High welcome bonus |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Everyday purchases |
Citi Double Cash® Card | Unlimited 2% cash back |
Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back on top spending category |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | 5% back on gas |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Grocery shopping |
Discover it Cash Back | Double cash back in first year |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards for Good Credit | Foodies |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | No tracking expenses |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Wells Fargo customers |
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Not available in CO, HI, ND, OR, RI, VT, WA, WV, WY, MN, DE, IA.
Best cash back rewards cards
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Card Name
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
APR
19.24% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Special Offer
Earn a $250 statement credit
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
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.
Why We Like It
- Buy Now, Pay Later options.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Card Name
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
APR
19.24% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn a $200 statement credit
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Rewards Rate
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Why We Like It
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening.
- Earn cash back at U.S. supermarkets on eligible purchases
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Card Name
Citi Double Cash® Card
APR
19.24% - 29.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good, Fair
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn $200 cash back
Special Offer Terms
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.
Rewards Rate
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, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Unlimited cash back earned on every dollar spent.
- Earn cash back when paying your bills on time.
- Intro 0% on balance transfers for 18 months (after which is an ongoing APR of 19.24% - 29.24%)
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Card Name
Citi Custom Cash® Card
APR
19.24% - 29.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn $200 in cash back
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $1500 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.
Rewards Rate
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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025.
Terms
Why We Like It
- No rotating bonus categories.
- No annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Card Name
Chase Freedom Flex℠
APR
19.24% - 27.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn a $200 Bonus
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
Terms
Why We Like It
- No minimum to redeem for cash back.
- No annual fee.
- Free access to your credit score and real-time alerts through Chase Credit Journey.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Card Name
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
APR
20.49% - 29.24%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
Special Offer Terms
— worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Rewards Rate
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
Terms
Why We Like It
- Higher cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back.
- No annual fee.
- Monitor your credit for free access using Chase Credit Journey.
Discover it Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back Card
Card Name
Discover it® Cash Back Card
APR
18.24% - 27.24%
Recommended Credit Score
670 to 850
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer Terms
0% intro APR for 15 months from date of account opening.
Intro Offer
0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers and 3% Intro Balance Transfer Fee until November 10, 2023.
Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically. Unlimited Cashback Match.
Why We Like It
- No annual fee.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com,4 grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Card Name
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
APR
19.99% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
$200 Cash Back
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards Rate
3 % Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). 5 % Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 8 % Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 1 % Cash Back on all other purchases.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- No rotating categories or sign-ups are needed to earn cash rewards.
- No annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Card Name
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
APR
29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Average, Fair, Limited
Annual Fee
$39
Special Offer
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back
Special Offer Terms
on every purchase, every day
Rewards Rate
1.5 % Cash Back on every purchase, every day. 5 % Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply).
Terms
Why We Like It
- Earn unlimited cash back on every purchase.
- No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn.
- Cash back doesn't expire.
- You can be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as six months.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Card Name
Wells Fargo Active Cash
APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%
Annual Fee
$0
Intro Offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Why We Like It
- Unlimited cash rewards
- 0% APR for 15 months
- Credit Close-Up to track FICO Score, raise and maintain it
Best cash back credit cards summary
Credit card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 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. | Earn a $250 statement creditafter you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 | 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases. | Earn a $200 statement creditafter you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. |
Citi Double Cash® Card | $0 | 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, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24. | Earn $200 cash backafter 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. |
Citi Custom Cash® Card | $0 | 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. | Earn $200 in cash backafter you spend $1500 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. |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | $0 | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | Earn a $200 Bonusafter you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening! |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ | $0 | 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases. | Earn a $200 Bonusafter you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening! |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | 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 | Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)— worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. |
Discover it Cash Back | $0 | Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com6, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. | Get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 3 % Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). 5 % Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). 8 % Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. 1 % Cash Back on all other purchases. | Earn unlimited 3% cash backafter you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 1.5 % Cash Back on every purchase, every day. 5 % Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply). | One-time $200 cash bonusafter you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 | Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend new price $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. |
Millions struggle with debt. We help them move on with their lives.
- End your debt stress with a proven, affordable debt relief program. Our consultants will guide you through every step.
- Everyone’s financial situation is different. That’s why we start by giving you a free debt analysis and create a custom solution based on your unique needs and goals.
- Let us help you solve your debt problems and move forward with improving your overall financial health.
Not available in CO, HI, ND, OR, RI, VT, WA, WV, WY, MN, DE, IA.
FAQs
What’s most important in choosing a cash-back credit card?
Fees. Always look out for fees in credit card offers. Sign-up bonuses and cash back opportunities are the sexy things that will attract your attention, but check what the fees are before applying for a card. Why? Because they eat into the rewards you earn, lessening the potential benefits. The first year of a card may be without an annual fee, but check if one is charged in the second year and beyond. Also, check for foreign transaction fees, late fees, and balance transfer rates. If a 0% intro APR is offered for a year or so, check the interest rate range when the zero-interest period ends.
What should I expect from a cash-back card?
You should be able to find a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees. Late and balance transfer fees are common, so don’t expect to escape those. A welcome offer is common among cash rewards credit cards. You should get at least 1.5% cash back on purchases, and 5% is common in some spending categories such as groceries and travel. However, you’ll likely have to go through the card company’s travel portal to purchase travel and receive the extra cash-back rewards.
Will I get better rewards if I pay an annual fee?
It’s common for credit card companies to offer higher rewards in an annual fee card. If the extra rewards are worthwhile and you would spend money in those areas anyway, paying an annual fee can be worth the cost. Just do the math to decide if the extra rewards are worth much more than the annual fee.
Why you should use credit cards with cash back rewards
You probably buy groceries at least once a week. Credit cards with cash back rewards can pay you to offset the costs of some of those groceries without paying an annual fee or keeping track of spending categories if you don’t want to. New card members can also often get a sign-up bonus of $200 or more by spending as little as $500 within the first three months of opening a card. A new credit card, however, isn’t a lot of fun to own if you don’t pay the credit card bill in full and on time each month. Late fees and interest charges can quickly negate any cash back rewards, so keep that in mind if you’re going to activate spending categories each quarter and aim to max out your spending in those areas.
The bottom line
Getting cash back for spending money you were going to spend anyway may sound too good to be true, but plenty of credit cards offer cash back rewards for everyday spending. If you can keep your spending in check and avoid fees by paying your credit card bill on time and fully each month, these cards can be a good way to save on everything from groceries to streaming services, travel, and much more.
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Writer
Aaron Crowe is a freelance journalist who specializes in personal finance writing and editing. He has worked at newspapers, where he won a Pulitzer Prize, and has written for numerous online publications. These include AOL, US News & World Report, WiseBread, Bankrate, AARP, and many websites focusing on housing, credit and insurance. He lives in California with his wife and daughter.
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