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Best Cash Back Credit Cards for December 2024

Review Updated
Lyle Daly
Author: Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
Lyle Daly
Writer

Lyle Daly is a personal finance writer who specializes in credit cards, travel rewards programs, and banking. His work with Motley Fool Money and The Motley Fool has appeared syndicated in USA Today and Yahoo! Finance. He was born in California but currently lives as a digital nomad with a home base in Colombia.

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Nathan Alderman
Fact Checked: Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Nathan Alderman
Fact checker

Nathan Alderman has been a full-time Motley Fool employee since 2005, making errors his arch-enemies in a variety of roles including a six-year stint as the dedicated fact-checker for The Motley Fool's premium newsletter services. As Motley Fool Money's Compliance Lead, he makes sure that all the site's information is accurate and up to date, which ensures we always steer readers right and keeps various financial partners happy. A graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Nathan spends his spare time volunteering for civic causes, writing and podcasting for fun, adoring his wife, and wrangling his two very large young children.

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Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Cash back credit cards maximize rewards on your everyday spending. You read that right - you can get a percentage of money back (often between 1%-6%) on the purchases you're already making.

We know you care about the cash back rate, bonus categories, annual fees, and the reputation of card issuers. That's why our ratings team has reviewed over 260 credit cards to find the top cash back cards below. In fact, many of these cash back cards are used by our very own team, and that's why we are confident in recommending them to you.

  • Our team of experts reviewed over 260 credit cards
  • We evaluate all credit cards across the same 4 key criteria: value, welcome experience, fees, and perks
  • Our credit card ratings are never influenced by our advertising partners
  • If we wouldn't recommend an offer to a close family member, we won't recommend it to you

Our best cash back credit cards
Show The List [+] Hide The List [-]

Ratings Methodology

Discover it® Cash Back

Great for: No annual fee

Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Discover it® Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months

Regular APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • We think this card has among the highest cash back potential for cards with no annual fee. The key is the Unlimited Cashback Match — Discover automatically matches all the cash back new cardholders have earned at the end of the first year. That cash back can seriously add up when you earn 5% cash back on rotating bonus categories (when you activate them, up to the quarterly maximum) and 1% on other purchases. Read Full Review

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Sign-up bonus offer
    • Great intro APR offer
    • No annual fee
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
    • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
    • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.49% to 27.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
    • Terms and conditions apply.
Award Icon 2025 Award Winner

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Great for: U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas

Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

On American Express' Secure Website.

Terms apply

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 12 months

Balance Transfers: 0%, 12 months

APR

18.24%-29.24% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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.

1%-6% Cash Back

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

$250

  • This card offers market-leading cash back at U.S. supermarkets. The welcome bonus and intro APR offer sweeten the deal. Terms apply. If you spend a lot on groceries (excluding wholesale clubs and superstores like Costco and Walmart), this card is worth considering. Read Full Review

    • Big welcome offer
    • U.S. supermarkets rewards
    • U.S. gas stations rewards
    • Streaming subscription rewards
    • Travel and purchase protections
    • Annual fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
    • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%.
    • 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.
    • $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
    • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
    • Terms Apply.
• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. • Extended warranty, purchase protection warranty, and car rental loss & damage insurance underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Award Icon 2025 Award Winner

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Great for: Flat rate cash rewards

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR, 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

2% cash rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

$200 cash rewards

  • This card’s unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases is the highest we’ve seen for a flat-rate rewards card with no annual fee. It also has an incredibly easy-to-earn $200 welcome bonus and a decent intro APR offer. We simply haven’t come across this combination of top perks in one card before. Read Full Review

    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards
    • Long 0% intro APR offer
    • Generous cash rewards welcome bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Cellphone protections
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • Balance transfer fee
    • Select “Apply Now” 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Great for: 2% cash back

Apply Now for Citi Double Cash® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Citi Double Cash® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair to Excellent (580-850)
Apply Now for Citi Double Cash® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months on Balance Transfers

Regular APR

18.24% - 28.24% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.

2% cash back

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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

  • This card combines a top-notch balance transfer offer with best-in-class unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. There's no introductory APR for purchases, so you'll need to pay those off in full every month if you want to avoid interest charges. Read Full Review

    • High cash back
    • 0% intro APR balance transfer offer
    • No annual fee
    • Free credit score monitoring
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • No 0% intro APR on purchases
    • 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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
    • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
    • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
    • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
    • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Chase Freedom Flex®

Great for: Rotating bonus categories

Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Chase Freedom Flex®
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Flex®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on Purchases

Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Regular APR

19.74% - 28.49% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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 Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

5% cash back offer

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening!

$200 bonus

  • This Chase card is one of our favorites, and with good reason. You earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate, alongside other standout perks (and at least 1% on all purchases). Plus, this one comes without an annual fee and with a generous welcome bonus. Read Full Review

    • Big sign-up bonus
    • Lucrative cash back program
    • Long 0% intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Purchase and travel protections
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
    • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
    • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
    • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74%-28.49%.
    • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Great for: Students

Apply Now for Discover it® Student Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Discover it® Student Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair/New to Credit Under(669)
Apply Now for Discover it® Student Cash Back

On Discover's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Fair/New to Credit Under(669)

Intro APR

Purchases: 0%, 6 months

Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months

Regular APR

17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR *Rates as of December 12, 2024.

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

1% - 5% Cashback

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer

Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

  • Student credit cards are sometimes light on perks, but this Discover one might surprise you. You can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 of spending in rotating bonus categories -- just opt in every quarter. And earning 1% back on other purchases plus an innovative Unlimited Cashback Match welcome bonus makes this one worth considering for college students. Read Full Review

    • Rotating bonus categories
    • Valuable sign-up bonus offer
    • Good for avoiding fees
    • Credit score monitoring
    • Highly rated customer service
    • No fixed bonus categories
    • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
    • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • No credit score required to apply.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
    • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
    • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.49% - 26.49% applies. Rates as of December 12, 2024.
    • Terms and conditions apply.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Great for: Fair credit

Apply Now for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

On Capital One's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair (300-669)
Apply Now for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

On Capital One's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Fair (300-669)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

29.99% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply.

1.5%-5% cash back

Annual Fee

$39

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. N/A

N/A

  • Getting 1.5% back on every purchase couldn't be easier — and it makes this Capital One card a standout for those who want to improve their credit with responsible use and still earn rewards. You can even sign up to have your cash back redeemed as a statement credit automatically, saving you money every month. Note that it comes with an annual fee of $39, though. Check out this card to simplify your life. Read Full Review

    • Solid cash back rate
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • Flexible credit score requirements
    • Annual fee
    • No sign-up bonus
    • No intro APR offer
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
    • No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
    • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
    • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
    • Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
    • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
    • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Great for: Cash back of your choice

Apply Now for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
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Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers will apply. A 3% fee for 60 days from account opening, then 4% fee applies to all balance transfers.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% at at grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases, 1% on all other purchases.

1% - 3% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

$200 cash back

  • This card's wide range of extra cash back options speaks for itself, with a choice of six bonus categories you can change monthly for 3% earnings in the category of your choice. And you can earn 2% back automatically at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. No annual fee and a nice welcome bonus also make this one a winner. Plus, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, this card will be even more valuable for you. Read Full Review

    • Competitive welcome bonus
    • Bonus cash back in a category of your choice
    • No annual fee
    • Great 0% intro & transfer APR offer
    • Relationship rewards bonus
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Limit on bonus cash back
    • $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 choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
    • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
    • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
    • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
    • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
    • 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.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Great for: Cash back versatility

Read Review
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Read Review
Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases billing cycles, and after that 18.99% - 29.24% (Variable).

Purchases: 0%, 15 billing cycles on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 billing cycles

Regular APR

18.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 5% cash back back on up to $2,000 of quarterly spending in two categories of choice and for travel booked directly in U.S. Bank's Rewards Travel Center, unlimited 2% back in one "everyday" category of choice, 1% back on other purchases

1% - 5% back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

$200

  • You get the power to choose not one, but two bonus 5% cash back categories every quarter with this U.S. Bank card. Plus, you get 5% on travel spending when you book through U.S. Bank. No annual fee, a generous welcome bonus, and 15 billing cycles of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers round out the perks on this card.

    • Sign-up bonus
    • Bonus categories of your choosing
    • No annual fee
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • Lackluster 5% back categories
    • Cash back redemption minimum
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • $200 rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
    • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
    • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
    • 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
    • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
    • 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.99% - 29.24%
    • No Annual Fee
    • Terms and conditions apply.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is unavailable on Motley Fool Money. All information was collected independently and not reviewed for accuracy or provided by the credit card issuer. Some items may be out of date.

  • At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.

    Our highest-rated credit cards have:

    • A rewards rate above 2% (or 2x points or miles) with average spending, or competitive 0% intro APR balance transfer and purchase offers
    • Attainable welcome bonuses that make up for any annual fees
    • Low annual fees or a balance transfer fee of 3%
    • Top perks such as purchase and travel protections, no foreign transaction fees, travel credits, and status upgrades

    We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

How to compare cash back credit cards

When you're looking at rewards credit cards, the three most important features are cash back rates, annual fees, and welcome offers. Here are more details on each of these:

  • Cash back rates are how much a card earns, with some cards earning a flat rate on all types of purchases and others earning more in bonus categories.
  • The annual fee is the cost of having the card, and cash back cards with annual fees tend to have higher cash back rates.
  • The welcome offer is an introductory bonus reward available to new cardholders who meet a spend requirement.

Cash back cards can have plenty of other perks, such as 0% intro APR offers and free credit score monitoring. But the three listed above are what to focus on to find the best credit card with cash back for you.

To easily compare cards, try our credit card comparison tool.

Reviews of our top cash back credit card picks

Great for a no annual fee cash back card: Discover it® Cash Back

Why beginners love this card: The Discover Cashback Match is a unique offer, as Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. It's a great incentive for first-time credit card users and an easy way to start maximizing rewards. The no annual fee also makes it a lower-risk choice for beginners. Read the full review.

Why experienced cardholders prefer this card: The flexible redemption options let you cash in your cash back any time. And if you love a good strategy, planning purchases around your quarterly rotating 5% cash back bonus categories (activation required) turns good rewards into great ones. Spending in bonus categories is capped at $1,500 quarterly.

Consider other options if…

  • You don't want to track or activate quarterly categories.
  • You want a cash back card without having to remember which categories to activate.

Great for cash back at U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Why it's our card of choice at U.S. supermarkets: The 6% return on supermarket purchases is one of the highest available, making it an unbeatable choice for anyone looking to maximize rewards on their grocery shopping (terms apply). Families can maximize cash back (up to the yearly cap) by channeling household spending into this card's high-return categories. Read the full review.

Why beginners love this card: The high cash back rates in spending categories like U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations make it easy for beginners to understand and see the value in using this card for everyday purchases. It's a great introduction to managing credit card rewards. Advanced users can optimize rewards by using this card for its specific categories, then using different cards for everything else.

Consider other options if…

  • You spend little on key categories where this card shines, like groceries or transit.
  • You shop at warehouses or discount stores that are not categorized as supermarkets, meaning you won't get bonus rewards for shopping there.

Great for 2% cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card

Why beginners love this card: This card keeps things simple, meaning you don't have to keep track of different categories or sign up for special rewards. The no annual fee is also attractive for first time cardholders. Read the full review.

Why experienced cardholders prefer this card: It's nice to get rewarded for good financial habits, and the additional 1% cash back on payments is great for users who can consistently pay off their balances.

Consider other options if…

  • You carry a balance every month, as interest charges will offset what you earn in cash back rewards
  • You want more perks in specific categories, like dining or fitness clubs.

Great for flat-rate cash rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Why the flat rate is great: You'll earn the same high rate on every purchase, which is ideal if you prefer straightforward cash rewards. This card works well for beginners who might find managing bonus categories overwhelming. Read the full review.

Why experienced cardholders prefer this card: If you already manage multiple cards for other rewards, you can earn cash rewards on purchases that don't fit into the typical bonus categories.

Consider other options if…

  • You spend heavily in specific categories (such as gas and groceries or travel), as you could get a card that earns bonus cash rewards in those categories.
  • You need to rebuild your credit, as this card generally requires good to excellent credit for approval.

Great for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why fair credit users love this card: Lots of cash back credit cards require good to excellent credit. But if you're still building (or rebuilding) your credit and want to earn rewards while improving your credit score, this card could be right for you. Read the full review.

Why experienced cardholders prefer this card: Watch your rewards pile up, without the need to remember which categories get the best return. The cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account (as long as it remains open and in good standing). Plus, it can be redeemed at any amount.

Consider other options if…

  • You have excellent credit, since there are other cards on this list with better perks.
  • You spend significantly more in specific categories, like U.S. supermarkets or streaming subscriptions.

Great for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex®

Why we love the rotating categories: No idea where your money is going every month? The rotating categories will let you explore your spending habits across different categories (like fitness clubs or restaurants) on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate. Read the full review.

Why experienced cardholders prefer this card: You get a ton of perks in combining this card with other Chase credit cards. Experienced cardholders can further amplify its value by transferring points to the popular Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Consider other options if…

  • You want a simpler, more straightforward rewards program without the need to remember to activate categories.
  • You need a card for international travel, as it does impose foreign transaction fees.

Great cash back option for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back

Why students love this card: The $0 annual fee and big bonus opportunities are a great introduction into the world of cash back cards. Read the full review.

Why experienced student cardholders prefer this card: Not only do you get 5% cash back on rotating categories every quarter (when activated), but Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. You can put that toward new books for the school year or upgrading your dorm decor. Rotating bonus categories have a $1,500 quarterly spending cap.

Consider other options if…

  • You don't want to keep track of categories or activate rewards.
  • You'd rather use a simple cash back card with flat-rate rewards.

Great for cash back of your choice: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Why experienced cardholders prefer to have cash back choices: If you're a big rewards optimizer, this card lets you strategically choose which category to earn rewards for. Thinking of heading to the amusement park or buying that new fancy refrigerator? You can optimize your rewards for that. Read full review.

Why beginners love this card: Unsure which categories you spend the most in? The flexibility this card offers is great for beginners. You'll be able to pick your top categories as your spending habits change -- unlike other cards that have you locked into one.

Consider other options if…

  • You'll go beyond the quarterly cap in combined categories.
  • You want a simpler cash back card without managing categories.

Great for cash back flexibility: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Why we love it for cash back flexibility: As seasons change, so does your spending. Adjust your 5% categories (after enrolling each quarter) to match these changes, like when you tackle home improvement projects in the spring or upgrade your sports streaming subscriptions in the fall. Read full review.

Why experienced cardholders prefer this card: With the added flexibility of earning 1% cash back on other purchases, experienced users can ensure no spending goes unrewarded, no matter how diverse your expenses are.

Consider other options if…

  • You don't want to spend time enrolling in new cash back categories.
  • You prefer a straightforward cash back card that earns the same amount no matter where you use it.

Compare cash back cards by our ratings

The Picks
Card Rating Great For
Graphic of Discover it® Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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No annual fee
Award Icon 2025 Award Winner
Graphic of Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas
Award Icon 2025 Award Winner
Graphic of Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Flat rate cash rewards
Graphic of Citi Double Cash® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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2% cash back
Graphic of Chase Freedom Flex®
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Rotating bonus categories
Graphic of Discover it® Student Cash Back
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Students
Graphic of Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Fair credit
Graphic of Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Cash back of your choice
Graphic of U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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Cash back versatility
• Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. • Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. • Extended warranty, purchase protection warranty, and car rental loss & damage insurance underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is unavailable on Motley Fool Money. All information was collected independently and not reviewed for accuracy or provided by the credit card issuer. Some items may be out of date.

What's the highest cash back credit card?

The cards on this list earn between 1% to 6% cash back, but getting the highest cash back card depends on your spending habits.

As you can see, even though it would be great to get high cash rewards every time you spend, that isn't always the case. The rewards you earn are variable and depend on where you shop or what you purchase.

Should I get a cash back credit card?

Cash back credit cards can work well for just about anyone, because it's easy to save money with them. You'll earn cash back on purchases, and you can redeem it as a statement credit or a deposit to your bank account.

In particular, cash back cards are a good choice for people who want to save time and keep their finances as simple as possible. The tradeoff is that they tend to have smaller bonuses and fewer benefits than higher-priced travel rewards cards. To decide if cash back credit cards are right for you, here's a quick breakdown of the pros and cons.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Earn cash back on purchases
  • Easy to use
  • Most cash back cards don't charge an annual fee

Cons

  • Usually have smaller sign-up bonuses
  • Fewer travel perks and other extras
  • Can't get any extra value on rewards redemptions

Cash back vs. points

Cash back and points are two of the most common types of credit card rewards. Most cards that earn points are travel rewards cards. Here's the main difference between how cash back and credit card points typically work:

  • Cash back has consistent value.
  • Points have variable value and more redemption options.

For example, if you have $50 in cash back, that's how much it's worth. If you have 5,000 points, you could get $25, $50, $100, or another value for them, depending on how you use them.

It's worth mentioning that some rewards credit cards technically earn points, but you get $0.01 per point no matter how you use them. With these cards, 1 point is effectively the same as 1% back. But with travel cards, you could potentially get much less or much more than $0.01 per point.

How to maximize your cash back rewards

Using the best money back credit cards is a great way to save more every month. Here are the best tips to help you maximize cash back rewards:

Always pay with your cash back credit card. Since you're earning cash back on purchases, take full advantage. Instead of using cash or a debit card, put as much spending as you can on your cash back card.

Don't carry a balance. The key to saving money with a cash back card is to pay your credit card bill in full by the due date. If not, the card issuer can charge you credit card interest, which will likely cost as much or more as the cash back you've earned.

Get multiple cash back cards to earn more bonus rewards. Instead of using a single cash back card, open a few different cards that earn bonus cash back in separate categories. You could have a gas and groceries card, a restaurant card, an Amazon card, and a card with a high flat rate for everything else.

Complete the welcome bonus requirements. Welcome bonuses are some of the biggest cash back offers you can find, so it's important not to miss out. Whenever you get a new card with a welcome bonus, check how much you need to spend and how long you have.

Check your credit card's online shopping portal for special offers. Many credit card companies have online shopping portals where you can earn up to 10% back with some retailers. Make sure to check if your card issuer offers one and, if so, what type of bonuses are available.

Different types of cash back credit cards

There are three basic types of cash back credit cards: flat-rate cash back cards, bonus category cash back cards, and rotating bonus category cash back cards. By understanding how each type works, you'll be able to figure out how to maximize some of the best cash rewards credit cards.

Flat-rate cash back cards

Flat-rate cash back cards earn the same rate on purchases, typically 1.5% or 2%. This type of cash rewards credit card is ideal if your spending is fairly balanced and you don't have any particular big spending categories among your everyday purchases.

Consumers who do the math often find that they'll earn the most with a flat-rate cash back card. If you're interested in getting one, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is hard to beat. It can get you 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Bonus category cash back cards

A bonus category cash back card offers a higher cash back rate in one or more categories, such as groceries, dining, or gas.

Those who spend a lot in certain categories could collect more cash back with the right bonus category card. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns an industry-leading 6% back at U.S. supermarkets for up to $6,000 per calendar year. Terms apply.

On eligible purchases outside of bonus categories, these cards have traditionally earned 1% back. But not all bonus category cards are like this anymore.

Rotating bonus category cash back cards

A rotating bonus category cash back card offers a higher cash back rate in a changing mix of categories. You typically get new bonus categories every quarter with this type of card. In most cases, cardholders must activate their bonus categories before or during the quarter to earn the bonus rate.

The advantages with these cash back credit cards are a very high cash back rate in bonus categories and the fact that you get new bonus categories regularly. But the latter can also be a downside, because you may occasionally get stuck with bonus categories that you won't spend much money in.

The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the most famous rotating bonus category cards. Another popular card with this type of rewards program is the Chase Freedom Flex®. Each offers 5% back on your first $1,500 spent in rotating bonus categories you activate every quarter, but the Chase Freedom Flex® is unique in that it also has several fixed bonus categories.

FAQs

  • The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% back at U.S. supermarkets, up to a spending cap of $6,000 per calendar year (terms apply).

    For flat-rate cash back, the Robinhood Gold Card is the winner. It earns 3% back on all eligible purchases. While this card doesn't charge an annual fee, you need to pay for a Robinhood Gold membership to get it.

  • A rate of 1.5% to 2% cash back is considered good for cash back offers with flat-rate rewards on purchases. Cash back rates vary though, so it's good to shop around.

    Other cash back cards reward you with bonus cash back for making purchases in specific spending categories. Typically, bonus rates range from 3% to 5%. Keep in mind that some cards with a higher rewards rate may have a monthly or yearly spending cap in place, so you may not be able to earn unlimited bonus rewards.

  • The top cash back cards typically require applicants to have good to excellent credit -- meaning a score of at least 670. Keep in mind that credit score requirements vary from card to card, and approval isn't guaranteed with any credit score.

  • Yes, when you have a cash back card, you'll earn a percentage back on purchases you make with it. You can then redeem your cash back earnings. Some cardholders choose to receive theirs as a statement credit on their credit card bill, while others prefer to have it deposited into their bank account.

  • In most cases, cash back credit cards aren't taxable. If you earn the cash back by using your card for purchases, then it's not taxable, because the IRS considers it a rebate on those purchases and not income.

  • When using your cash back credit card to pay for eligible purchases, you earn a percentage of cash back.

    The card issuer automatically calculates the cash back you've earned and adds it to your rewards balance. If you make a $100 purchase and your card earns 2% cash back, then the card issuer would give you $2. This usually happens at the end of every statement period, although there are some card issuers that deposit cash back daily.

    Cash back redemption options depend on the card. You may be able to redeem cash back as a statement credit on your credit card bill, as a deposit to your bank account, or as a check. Some cash back cards have redemption minimums, such as $25, but others have no minimum amount.

  • The keys to maximizing your cash back credit card are using it for every eligible purchase and always paying off the full balance. By using your card for every eligible purchase, you'll collect the most possible cash back. When you pay off your full statement balance every billing period, you never incur interest charges on your purchases.