Cash-back credit cards can help you earn money back on monthly purchases you often make.
There are two types of cash-back credit cards: flat-rate cards that reward you on all purchases and cards that offer specific rates for certain spending categories. You can then turn those rewards into statement credits to lower your credit card account balance or redeem them for cash, gift cards or travel.
There are a myriad of cash-back credit cards to choose from. Pick the one that most closely aligns with your spending habits.
Intro OfferEarn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
APR19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Balance Transfer APR19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%; min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR None
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Our Take
The Active Cash card is one of the best general credit cards you could choose. Not only does it reward you for your purchases, but it also features a welcome bonus that's easy to reach through normal spending and an introductory APR offer on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
And all of the benefits come with no annual fee. The Active Cash card outranks its main competitor, the Citi Double Cash, thanks to its welcome bonus and additional features like cell phone protection and access to a few Visa Signature benefits. It would pair well with a credit card that covers multiple bonus categories.
You can learn more in our Wells Fargo Active Cash card review.
Mitigate credit card debt and earn good rewards
Intro OfferN/A
APR18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Balance Transfer APR18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Late Payment Fee Up to $41
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Our Take
While it may fall a bit short compared to the Active Cash card, the Citi Double Cash is still a strong contender. And if you need to eliminate some existing credit card debt it'll be the better option.
It earns rewards for all purchases, has no annual fee and features a relatively long introductory 0% APR for balance transfers. Cardholders get 18 months (then 18.49% to 28.49% variable) to pay off a transferred balance. While those are compelling reasons to get the card, it doesn't offer much else outside of them.
You could use it to knock out existing credit card debt by transferring your balance and paying it down while it accrues no interest and then continue to use it to earn rewards afterwards.
You can find all the details in our Citi Double Cash card review.
Pick how you'd like to earn
Intro Offer$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
APRSee Terms
Intro Purchase APRSee Terms
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the amount of each transaction
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% APR
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Our Take
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.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers more flexibility than most cards, but it's held back by a low spending cap. That means it's better suited to lower spenders as your rewards rate will fall to 1% once you spend $2,500 in combined purchases across its bonus categories each quarter.
It offers the choice of a few unique 3% cash back categories including online shopping and home improvement/furnishings, while its 2% cash back choices cover everyday expenses like grocery stores and wholesale clubs. If your combined quarterly expenses in the 3% and 2% rewards categories aren't greater than $2,500, this could be a good card to pick. Consider pairing it with a flat-rate, no-annual fee card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash card.
You can learn more in our Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card review.
Intro OfferEarn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
APR18.49%-29.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% on balance transfers for 12 months
Balance Transfer APR18.49%-29.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Our Take
The Blue Cash Preferred is one of, if not the most, rewarding credit cards when it comes to U.S. supermarket purchases and select U.S. streaming subscriptions. While it does carry an annual fee of $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), its high rewards rate makes it easy to quickly cover the fee.
It would take just $1,600 in U.S. supermarket spending each year (roughly $133 per month) to essentially cover its annual fee, without taking into account any rewards generated from its other bonus categories. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Most people spend far more than that each year on groceries, especially considering how much food prices have increased over the past year.
Learn more about earning rewards on essential purchases in our American Express Blue Cash Preferred review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Intro Offer$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
APR18.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined 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/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro APR Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
Balance Transfer APR18.99% - 28.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined 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/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Our Take
The U.S. Bank Cash+ offers rewards that cover some unique purchase types, including fast food, gym and fitness centers, furniture stores, movie theaters and home utilities, to name a few. You'll need to manually activate your top two eligible categories each quarter to qualify.
You can earn a maximum of $100 each quarter before the 5% rewards rate on your two chosen categories falls to 1%, but there's no limit to the number of rewards you can earn with its 2% cash back categories.
Intro OfferIntro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
APR19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 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
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Our Take
The Freedom Unlimited is a great dining companion for travelers. It combines a strong base rewards rate with an introductory APR offer and high travel rewards when you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards. It also lacks an annual fee -- a welcome surprise for a card with these features.
It's straightforward and rewarding. If you don't already have a card that earns 1.5% cash back for general spending, this card has you covered.
You can read more about it in our Chase Freedom Unlimited Review.
Best for dining and entertainment
Intro OfferEarn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 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
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee 3%
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR None
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- 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
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
Our Take
The SavorOne is another card that offers a ton of features without asking for an annual fee in return. Its limited-time offering of 10% cash back for Uber and Uber Eats (through 11/14/2024) is far higher than what most rewards cards -- even those with an annual fee -- offer. Coupled with its 8% cash back for Capital One Entertainment, you could earn a huge return on your entertainment spending.
In addition to its high earning potential, it has an introductory APR offer to help avoid interest charges on new purchases and any transferred balances. If you're looking for a card that rewards you whether you're going out or staying in to watch your favorite streaming service, this is definitely one to consider.
You can learn all the details in our Capital One SavorOne review.
Intro OfferUp to a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval
APR18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership*
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores*
- 1% back on all other purchases*
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees None
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership*
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores*
- 1% back on all other purchases*
Our Take
It's nearly impossible to match the number of products Amazon offers shoppers, and its Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card* is almost as impressive. It's important to note that, while it doesn't carry an annual fee, you'll need to subscribe to Amazon Prime ($139 annually) to qualify. Otherwise, there's a non-Prime version.
Unlike many retailer-specific credit cards, you can also earn rewards outside of the Amazon ecosystem. The welcome bonus is also unique in that you can earn up to a $150 Amazon gift card upon approval – no spending requirements necessary to unlock it.
You can learn more in our Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card review.
Intro Offer$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
APRSee Terms
Intro Purchase APRSee Terms
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer Fee 3% of the amount of each transaction
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR up to 29.99% APR
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Our Take
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.
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card isn't the best-in-class of any category, but as a combination its benefits become competitive. The flat-rate rewards may appeal to those seeking simplicity in their credit card, and the introductory APR is one of the longest on the market. The welcome bonus is also on par with other cash-back cards with no annual fee.
Intro OfferEarn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
APR18.49%-29.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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 in purchases, then 1%.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR18.49%-29.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 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 in purchases, then 1%.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Our Take
If you're looking for a way to earn rewards for essential purchases like U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, consider the Blue Cash Everyday Card. While everyday spending is at the forefront of the card, it also features a rare bonus category for U.S. online retail purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
It provides a higher cash-back rate than most other no-annual-fee cash-back cards and features an introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers, which provides even more utility. Earning rewards for purchases you need to make no matter what should be an easy choice to make.
You can find all the details in our Blue Cash Everyday card review.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Average rewards with strong features
Intro OfferEarn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee 3%
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR None
- 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
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Our Take
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card* offers an average cash-back rate rounded out with an introductory APR offer and an easily obtainable welcome bonus. Unlike some comparable cards, it could also double as a travel rewards card considering the lack of foreign transaction fees.
Learn more in our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review.
Versatile and lucrative rewards
Intro OfferEarn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
APR19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.