In a world where every purchase counts, cash back credit cards have become an increasingly popular choice for savvy consumers. With the variety of options available today, it can be overwhelming to find the best cash back credit card that suits your needs. From top contenders like Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to Discover it® Cash Back, we've compiled a list of the most enticing cash back credit cards on the market. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a foodie, or just looking for everyday savings, this article will guide you through the best options to maximize your rewards and put money back in your pocket.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our top pick for: Consistent cash back rewards at a high rate with additional incentivesWhen it comes to flat-rate cash-back cards, it's hard to find one that surpasses the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. This card allows you to earn an impressive unlimited 2% back on all your purchases. But that's not all. It also offers a generous sign-up bonus and an attractive 0% introductory APR for both purchases and balance transfers. It's rare to find a card with all these features and a $0 annual fee. Check out our detailed review.
The Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash Card is CNBC Select's top choice for a flat-rate cash-back card, thanks to its unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.Rewards
Earn 2% cash back: 1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you make a payment.
Welcome bonus
None
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Cardholders have various options to redeem their cash back, including checks, direct deposits, statement credits, and gift cards. You can also transfer your rewards to Citi's three travel partners: Wyndham, JetBlue, and Choice Privileges.
Linking your Citi Double Cash card with the Citi Premier® Card will amplify the value of your rewards. With both of these cards, you can transfer the points earned with the Citi Double Cash to all of Citi's travel partner programs, including Turkish Airlines, Avianca, and Singapore Airlines.
On top of the rewards, cardmembers can enjoy special programs such as Citi Entertainment℠. This program grants cardholders exclusive access to purchase tickets for thousands of concerts and events. The card also provides access to Citi® Identity Theft Solutions, a service that offers assistance if you become a victim of identity theft.
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The PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Our top choice for: Flat-rate cash back with added benefits for PayPal usersEarn an attractive unlimited 3% cash back on purchases made with the card through PayPal, and an unlimited 2% cash back on all other purchases. Since you most likely already have a PayPal account, this card is perfectly suited for individuals like you. Find out more in our comprehensive review.
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our top pick for: Flat-rate cash back with a bonus offer and a 0% introductory period for purchasesDespite the crowded market, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card remains a noteworthy player in the realm of flat-rate cash-back cards. It offers a compelling combination of a competitive rewards rate, flexible redemption options, a sign-up bonus, and an introductory 0% APR period. Discover more in our detailed review.
The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Our top choice for: Flat-rate cash back with a bonus offer and additional incentivesThe Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is one of several flat-rate cash-back cards on the market that offer 1.5% cash back. However, it differs from the competition thanks to its decent sign-up bonus, generous intro APR period, and the opportunity to boost your earnings through Bank of America®'s Preferred Rewards program. Don't miss our comprehensive review.
The Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Our top pick for: Flat-rate cash back with higher rewards for bigger spendersThe Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card is specifically designed for individuals who spend significantly. While it may not cater to the biggest spenders, it does offer the highest ongoing rewards rate among all flat-rate cash-back cards. However, be aware that the card comes with an annual fee and imposes limits on the amount of spending that can earn rewards. Nevertheless, if you expect to put more than $2,500 per month on a credit card, this is an excellent choice for you. Learn more in our detailed review.
The SoFi Credit Card
Our top pick for: Flat-rate cash back for investors, savers, and borrowersEarn 2% cash back when you redeem your rewards into a SoFi Money, SoFi Invest, or SoFi Crypto account, or when you apply them towards the outstanding balance on a SoFi loan. Additionally, you have the opportunity to receive a bonus by opening a SoFi Money or SoFi Invest account (terms apply), and there's even a way to reduce your APR. Check out our detailed review.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our top pick for: Bonus rewards in categories such as groceries, gas, commuting, and streamingFor households that spend a significant amount on groceries, gas, transit, and streaming services, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the ideal choice. It offers generous rewards in these categories, especially at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services. New cardholders can also enjoy a tempting welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. However, it's important to note that this card does come with an annual fee. Read our review to find out more.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our top pick for: Bonus rewards in popular 3% categories with no annual feeThe Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases. While the rewards may not be as extensive as those of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, this card comes with the advantage of no annual fee. New cardholders can also benefit from a decent welcome offer and an introductory 0% APR period. Learn more in our thorough review.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Our top pick for: Bonus rewards in 5%/3% categories with a high ongoing rateEven before its update, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® was an excellent card with its 1.5% cash back on all purchases. However, it has become even better, now offering bonus rewards on travel bookings made through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of these benefits, new cardholders can enjoy a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a generous cash bonus. Discover more in our detailed review.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our top pick for: Bonus rewards with high rates on dining, grocery stores, and moreIf you're a fan of the nightlife but prefer not to pay an annual fee, consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It offers slightly lower cash-back rates on dining and entertainment compared to the regular Savor card, but the rewards are still quite competitive. The sign-up bonus may be smaller than its annual-fee counterpart, but it's still a solid offer. Find out more in our comprehensive review.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠
Depending on your spending habits, the Chase Freedom Flex could be the most rewarding cash-back card due to its valuable rotating bonus categories and easily attainable welcome bonus.Rewards
- 5% back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in rotating bonus categories that you activate each quarter
- 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% back at drugstores
- 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
- 1% back on all other purchases.
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Notable perks
Earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025. Additionally, Freedom Flex cardholders can benefit from perks on Instacart deliveries, such as up to $10 in statement credits each quarter and three months of free Instacart membership.
By maximizing the rotating quarterly bonus categories of the Freedom Flex card, you could earn an extra $300 cash back throughout the year. If you possess a Chase card that permits Ultimate Rewards points transfers (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred), combining your rewards onto that card has the potential to significantly enhance their value.
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The Discover it® Cash Back
Our top pick for: Bonus categories with quarterly rotations and a cash-back match featureThe Discover it® Cash Back lets you earn bonus cash back in categories that you activate on a quarterly basis. In the past, these categories have included common spending areas such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and Amazon.com. Although category activation may require some effort, if your spending aligns with these categories (which is likely for most households), you can accumulate substantial rewards. In addition, the issuer provides a "cash-back match" bonus during your first year. Explore our comprehensive review for more information.
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Our top pick for: Customizable rewards with tailored 5% cash back based on your spendingThe Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers significant value without charging an annual fee. It automatically gives you 5% back on your top spending category (up to $500 spent per billing cycle) and 1% back on other expenses. The list of eligible 5% categories is extensive and includes popular options such as restaurants and grocery stores. Unlike its competitors, there's no activation schedule or bonus calendar to keep track of. Find out more in our detailed review.
In conclusion, when it comes to cash back credit cards, there is no shortage of excellent options available. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a savvy shopper, or simply looking to earn some extra money on your everyday purchases, one of these top cash back credit cards is sure to fit your needs. From the generous rewards program of the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card to the flexibility and simplicity of the Discover it® Cash Back, each card on this list offers its own unique perks and benefits. So why wait? Start maximizing your cash back rewards today with one of these top contenders and watch your savings grow!
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