13 Best Cash Back Credit Cards of February 2023
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ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best rewards credit cards || Best travel credit cards || Best 0% credit cards
Cash back is the most flexible of all credit card rewards. Instead of points that you have to figure out how to redeem — and that you might not be able to redeem for something you want — you get real dollars and cents you can use for, well, anything. Depending on the card you use and where you use it, you'll earn cash rewards of 1% to 6% of the amount of each transaction. Some cards pay a single, flat rate on every purchase, while others pay higher rates in specific categories and a lower rate on everything else.
Some of our selections for the best cash-back credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2023 || Best rewards credit cards || Best travel credit cards || Best 0% credit cards
Cash back is the most flexible of all credit card rewards. Instead of points that you have to figure out how to redeem — and that you might not be able to redeem for something you want — you get real dollars and cents you can use for, well, anything. Depending on the card you use and where you use it, you'll earn cash rewards of 1% to 6% of the amount of each transaction. Some cards pay a single, flat rate on every purchase, while others pay higher rates in specific categories and a lower rate on everything else.
Some of our selections for the best cash-back credit cards can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
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Best Cash Back Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Bonus rewards: 5%/3% categories + high ongoing rate | $0 | 1.5%- Cashback | $300 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Apply now on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back: High ongoing rate + incentives | $0 | 2% Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Wells Fargo's website |
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Bonus rewards: High rates on dining, groceries and more | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Bonus rewards: 5% categories tailored to your spending | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Discover it® Cash Back Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Bonus rewards: Quarterly categories + cash-back match | $0 | 1%- Cashback | Cashback Match™ | Apply now on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 343-3246 | Best for Flat-rate cash back: Bonus offer + incentives | $0 | 1.5% Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 343-3246 |
Citi® Double Cash Card Apply now on Citibank's application | Best for Flat-rate cash back: High ongoing rate | $0 | 1%- Cashback | N/A | Apply now on Citibank's application |
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Apply now on Chase's website | Best for Bonus rewards: Quarterly categories + cash bonus | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Chase's website |
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card Apply now on US Bank's website | Best for Customizable rewards: Wide selection of categories | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on US Bank's website |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Bonus rewards: Groceries, gas, commuting, streaming | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. | 1%- Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express' website |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply now on Capital One's website | Best for Flat-rate cash back: Bonus offer + intro 0% period | $0 | 1.5%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Capital One's website |
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706 | Best for Customizable rewards: 3% categories you can adjust monthly | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706 |
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website | Best for Bonus rewards: Popular 3% categories + no annual fee | $0 | 1%- Cashback | $200 | Apply now on American Express' website |
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: 5%/3% categories + high ongoing rate
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1.5%-6.5%
Cashback
$300
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. New cardholders get a great bonus opportunity, too.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. New cardholders get a great bonus opportunity, too.
Pros
This card earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1.5% on other purchases. New cardholders who apply through NerdWallet get this bonus 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!
Cons
While you can earn big rewards on travel bookings with this card, it also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, so it's not a good companion abroad.
INTRO 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!
Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%.
No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® 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.
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back: High ongoing rate + incentives
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an excellent 2% rewards rate on everything you buy, as well as a bundle of other goodies not often found on cards like it.
The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an excellent 2% rewards rate on everything you buy, as well as a bundle of other goodies not often found on cards like it.
Pros
You'll earn 2% cash rewards on all purchases, among the best rates on the market for products in its class. But the card also features a generous sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.. On top of that, it also offers a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR.
Cons
You can find higher cash-back rates in specific, popular spending categories, if you're OK with keeping track of tiered or rotating reward structures. And like many cash-back cards, this one's not ideal for traveling abroad, thanks to its foreign transaction fee.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable APR; 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
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: High rates on dining, groceries and more
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-10%
Cashback
$200
For foodies, the $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an irresistible (and hard-to-find) combo: high rates on dining AND at grocery stores.
For foodies, the $0-annual-fee Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an irresistible (and hard-to-find) combo: high rates on dining AND at grocery stores.
Pros
You'll earn 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 3% back on dining, grocery stores, eligible streaming services and entertainment. All other purchases earn 1% back. There's also a generous sign-up bonus, not to mention an intro APR offer. That's a lot of value packed into a card with a $0 annual fee.
Cons
If your spending is more concentrated in one food category over the other — dining out or cooking at home — you might do better with a card that specializes in one of those areas.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
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
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: 5% categories tailored to your spending
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers something unique in its class: 5% rewards that are automated based on your spending and don't require any "activation" or bonus-calendar tracking. Terms apply.
The $0-annual-fee Citi Custom Cash℠ Card offers something unique in its class: 5% rewards that are automated based on your spending and don't require any "activation" or bonus-calendar tracking. Terms apply.
Pros
The card earns 5% back automatically in your eligible top spending category per billing cycle, on up to $500 spent per cycle. All other purchases earn 1% back. Eligible 5% categories include popular line items like restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and a host of others. And you get that rate automatically; it's customized to your spending.
Cons
Note the $500 monthly spending cap for the 5% rewards rate, which means the most you can earn per month in a bonus category would be $25. Also note the low rewards rate outside of your lone bonus category for the month.
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.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: Quarterly categories + cash-back match
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
Cashback Match™
You get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in categories that you activate — and unlike with some cards, the 5% categories include places where a lot of people spend a lot of money. With Discover's unique bonus and a $0 annual fee, the Discover it® Cash Back does well as either an everyday card or a backup.
You get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in categories that you activate — and unlike with some cards, the 5% categories include places where a lot of people spend a lot of money. With Discover's unique bonus and a $0 annual fee, the Discover it® Cash Back does well as either an everyday card or a backup.
Pros
The 5% categories regularly include big line items in many household budgets: grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com. You earn 1% on all other spending (that is, spending outside the bonus categories and category spending above the $1,500 quarterly limit when you activate). This card also puts you in charge of your new cardmember bonus. The more you use the card, the bigger your bonus.
Cons
Activating the bonus categories each quarter can be a hassle. If you forget, you don't get 5%. The categories might not be a good fit for everyone. You also have to wait a year for your bonus.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
Discover helps remove your personal information from select people-search websites. Activate by mobile app for free.
Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 16.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
No annual fee.
Click "Apply Now" to see terms and conditions.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back: Bonus offer + incentives
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 343-3246
on Bank of America's website, or call (800) 343-3246
$0
1.5%
Cashback
$200
The $0-annual-fee Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card earns a simple, straightforward rate on all purchases, and you can boost that rate even further if you're eligible for the Bank of America® Preferred Rewards program.
The $0-annual-fee Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card earns a simple, straightforward rate on all purchases, and you can boost that rate even further if you're eligible for the Bank of America® Preferred Rewards program.
Pros
The card earns an unlimited 1.5% back on all purchases, an uncomplicated rate that's in line with the industry standard. On top of that, it offers incentives, including a sign-up bonus and an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
In recent years, a 1.5% rewards rate has become table stakes. You can find any number of cards with higher rewards rates.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back on every purchase with Preferred Rewards.
No annual fee.
No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire.
New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
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.
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back: High ongoing rate
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1%-2%
Cashback
N/A
The stalwart Citi® Double Cash Card gets high marks for pure value and simplicity: 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you make it and 1% when you pay it off. Shop as you normally would and get a fantastic rewards rate on EVERYTHING.
The stalwart Citi® Double Cash Card gets high marks for pure value and simplicity: 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you make it and 1% when you pay it off. Shop as you normally would and get a fantastic rewards rate on EVERYTHING.
Pros
There are no bonus categories to track or spending limits to be mindful of. The combined 2% rate on all purchases is probably the best you're going to do on a card with a $0 annual fee.
Cons
The value in this card is all in the rewards rate, so there's no sign-up bonus or 0% period for purchases. Higher cash back percentages can be had on different cards for specific categories.
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.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, 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).
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: Quarterly categories + cash bonus
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers rewards as high as 5% in specific categories (some that change quarterly and some that don't), plus a generous bonus for new cardholders. If you're willing to put in a little work, it's one rich card.
Pros
This card earns 5% cash back in bonus categories that change every three months (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending, then 1%); 5% on travel booked through Chase; 3% cash back at restaurants and drugstores; and 1% on other purchases. New cardholders can snag this sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Cons
You have to opt in to the bonus categories every quarter, which can be a hassle. The rotating 5% categories might not be a good fit for everyone, and in recent years, they've shifted a bit toward lower-spending areas: Restaurants dropped out of the rotation entirely (although dining is now a permanent 3% category), and gas stations have been included for two quarters a year.
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 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, 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 19.24% - 27.99%.
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.
Our pick for
Customizable rewards: Wide selection of categories
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The unique rewards system on the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card makes it a potentially lucrative option for people who don't mind (or who even enjoy) actively managing their credit card accounts.
The unique rewards system on the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card makes it a potentially lucrative option for people who don't mind (or who even enjoy) actively managing their credit card accounts.
Pros
A rotating category card with a twist: You pick your bonus categories. You earn 5% cash back in two categories you choose, on up to $2,000 per quarter in combined spending (then 1%); unlimited 2% cash back in an "everyday" category of your choice; and 1% elsewhere. There's a good sign-up bonus, and the annual fee is $0.
Cons
Rotating category cards involve work, and this one adds an extra layer of effort because you have to pick your categories each quarter. Forget to do so, and you'll earn only 1%. Further, the 5% categories tend to be more specialized than on comparable cards, so you might have trouble maxing out bonus rewards.
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 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/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 - 28.99%
No Annual Fee
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: Groceries, gas, commuting, streaming
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
Cashback
$250
The annual fee is high for a cash-back card, but the stellar rewards rates on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will more than make up for it for families that spend a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming.
The annual fee is high for a cash-back card, but the stellar rewards rates on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express will more than make up for it for families that spend a lot on groceries, gas, transit and streaming.
Pros
This card’s 6% cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 a year in spending, then 1%) and its 3% rate at U.S. gas stations have long made it a NerdWallet favorite. On top of that, you now get 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions and 3% on transit, including such things as taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains and buses. All other purchases earn 1% back. The welcome bonus offer also adds to the appeal.
Cons
The annual fee will be a sticking point for some, but the rewards will offset the fee if you spend just $31 a week at the supermarket. If you don't have significant grocery expenses, however, this simply isn't the card for you. Instead, consider the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, which has a $0 fee but lower rewards rates.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in 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% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% to 29.49%
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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Flat-rate cash back: Bonus offer + intro 0% period
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1.5%-5%
Cashback
$200
The original 1.5% cash-back credit card is still getting it done, even after being challenged by a wave of competitors. Few cards offer as compelling a combination of cash-back rate, sign-up bonus, intro 0% APR offer and redemption flexibility as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
The original 1.5% cash-back credit card is still getting it done, even after being challenged by a wave of competitors. Few cards offer as compelling a combination of cash-back rate, sign-up bonus, intro 0% APR offer and redemption flexibility as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and you can redeem your cash back in any amount, with no minimum. New cardholders get a great 0% intro APR period for purchases. And don't sleep on the sign-up offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Cons
Simplicity is this card's strength, but if you're willing to put in a little effort, you can score bigger cash back with other options, especially those with bonus categories.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
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
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24%-29.24% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Our pick for
Customizable rewards: 3% categories you can adjust monthly
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
on Bank of America's website, or call (877) 754-6706
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card combines a rich offer for new cardholders (see the product details tab) with a semi-customizable rewards structure that lets you choose which purchases will earn the highest cash-back rate.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card combines a rich offer for new cardholders (see the product details tab) with a semi-customizable rewards structure that lets you choose which purchases will earn the highest cash-back rate.
Pros
The bonus offer is rich for a no-fee cash-back card. You'll earn 3% cash back in a category you choose and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, on up to $2,500 per quarter in combined spending in those categories. All other purchases earn 1% cash back. (The 3% options are gas, dining, travel, online shopping, drugstores or home improvement and furnishings; you can change your choice once a month.)
Cons
The rewards structure is somewhat complicated. Because the amount of spending eligible for the 3% and 2% rewards is capped, you might earn more rewards with a simple flat-rate card that pays an unlimited 1.5% or 2% on everything.
$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.
If you're a 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 no expiration on rewards.
New longer intro period! 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
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.
Our pick for
Bonus rewards: Popular 3% categories + no annual fee
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0
1%-3%
Cashback
$200
Refreshed with new benefits, including higher rewards in some of the most popular spending categories, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a strong contender for fee-averse families.
Refreshed with new benefits, including higher rewards in some of the most popular spending categories, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a strong contender for fee-averse families.
Pros
The card earns 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent per year in each of three categories: U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. Other spending earns 1% cash back. There's a great 0% intro APR period and a strong welcome offer, among other benefits. And the annual fee is an unbeatable $0. Terms apply.
Cons
Bonus rewards are capped in each category. Many households that spend a lot on groceries and streaming will be better off with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, even after accounting for its annual fee, because of that card's high rewards rates.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
No Annual Fee.
Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
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%.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Everyday Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CASH BACK CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — high ongoing rate + incentives
Citi® Double Cash Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — high ongoing rate
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — PayPal users
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — bonus offer + 0% period for purchases
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — bonus offer + incentives
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — high rewards for bigger spenders
SoFi Credit Card
Our pick for: Flat-rate cash back — investors / savers / borrowers
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Bonus rewards — groceries, gas, commuting, streaming
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Bonus rewards — popular 3% categories + no annual fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Our pick for: Bonus rewards — 5%/3% categories + high ongoing rate
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Bonus rewards — high rate for big-box shoppers
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Bonus rewards — high rates on dining, at grocery stores and more
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
Our pick for: Bonus rewards — quarterly categories + cash bonus
Discover it® Cash Back
Our pick for: Bonus categories — quarterly categories + cash-back match
The Discover it® Cash Back earns bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate. In past years, those categories have included common spending areas like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and Amazon.com. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending aligns with those categories (and for most households, it probably will), you can rake in serious rewards. You also get the issuer's signature "cash-back match" bonus in your first year. Read our review.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Our pick for: Customizable rewards — 5% cash back tailored to your spending
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Customizable rewards — 3% categories you can adjust monthly
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Customizable rewards — wide selection of categories
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
• • •
OTHER RESOURCES
By Gregory Karp, NerdWallet
What are cash-back credit cards?
Cash-back credit cards offer the most useful and flexible rewards currency there is: cash. Points and miles can have squishy value and limited flexibility when redeeming. But a dollar in cash back is a buck you can spend anywhere.
Also, cash-back cards are typically the simplest rewards cards: You get a certain amount of cash for every dollar you spend. You might get more cash back for certain types of spending — at restaurants or gas stations, for example.
If you spend $60 at a restaurant using a card that gives 3% back on restaurant spending, you just earned $1.80 for doing nothing. Think of it this way: A cash-back rewards card is like getting a discount on everything you buy with the card. The fun comes when you use the card everywhere and your cash back piles up.
Even the best cash-back credit cards probably aren't as flashy as travel rewards credit cards, but as with the hare and the tortoise, sometimes slow-and-steady wins the race.
Types of cash-back credit cards
Cash-back credit cards come in three basic types that determine how you accumulate cash rewards.
Flat rate
Flat-rate cash-back cards give you a set percentage of cash back regardless of what you buy with the card. A good benchmark is 1.5% cash back on everything. But several cards give you back 2% or even more.
Examples:
Citi® Double Cash Card. This card gives you 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% for every dollar you spend and another 1% for every dollar you pay off.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything and comes with a sign-up bonus.
Tiered
Tiered cards earn a higher rate in specific categories of spending, such as groceries or gas, and usually 1% on everything else. With some cards, you get to choose which categories earn the higher rewards.
Examples:
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. Earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent per year (then 1% back); 6% on select U.S. streaming services; and 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. All other spending earns 1% back. Terms apply.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. Earn 3% back at restaurants and grocery stores, and on eligible streaming services and entertainment; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Rotating categories
Rotating bonus category credit cards offer a high cash-back rate, typically 5%, in specific categories that change periodically — usually every three months. Everything else earns 1% on everything else. You have to "opt in" or "activate" the bonus categories online each quarter.
Examples (with both of these cards, the 5% cash back applies to the first $1,500 in bonus category spending per quarter):
Chase Freedom Flex℠. (In addition to the rotating categories, this card earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3% back at drugstores and restaurants; and 1% back on everything else).
Common cash-back bonus categories
Many cash-back cards earn a higher rewards rate for certain purchases. That’s usually based on where you use the card rather than what you buy with it. You’ll see this with all rewards cards except flat-rate cards.
Examples of common bonus categories:
Supermarkets. Sometimes card issuers call this category “groceries,” but the rewards are determined by the type of store, not the specific items you purchase. So it applies to groceries, cleaning supplies, toiletries, prepared meals and anything else bought at the supermarket. You can often buy a gift card for a restaurant or retailer at the supermarket, and it counts as a supermarket purchase. Often warehouse clubs and superstores, like Target and Walmart, are excluded. For larger households, this can be one of the most valuable categories to get accelerated rewards.
Restaurants. Sometimes called "dining" this usually includes everything from fast-food restaurants and pizza delivery to white-tablecloth fine dining. Your whole restaurant bill, including the server’s tip, counts for accelerated rewards.
Gas stations. This is often described as "gas" and usually applies to traditional gasoline service stations, such as Mobil, Shell and BP. It usually doesn't extend to gas stations affiliated with supermarkets or warehouse clubs. Often, it counts everything you buy in the associated convenience store, too, although a few cards count only gas paid for at the pump. Gas sounds like a really useful category, but unless you’re a long-distance commuter, most households don’t spend as much at gas stations as they do at, say, supermarkets.
That last point hints at the key to cash-back categories — the best ones are where you spend the most money regularly. So a bonus category like digital streaming services might be comparatively less valuable because while you might spend money on Netflix and Spotify, you probably don’t spend very much.
Other bonus categories you might see include entertainment, drugstores, home improvement stores, wholesale clubs and mobile wallet purchases. Rotating bonus category cards sometimes designate specific retailers for bonus rewards for a quarter, such as Amazon or Walmart.
Card issuers determine whether a purchase earns a higher rate based on the retailer's merchant category code, which usually describes the merchant’s primary business.
How to compare cash-back credit cards
Which type of cash-back credit card is right for you depends on how you spend money and your patience for tracking rewards categories. If you spend a lot in certain categories, such as gas or groceries, consider a tiered or bonus category card. If you don’t want the fuss of remembering which of your cards have which bonus categories, opt for a flat-rate card.
Once you’ve decided which type of cash-back credit card works best for you, consider these factors:
Annual fee
Nobody wants to pay an annual fee — and most cash-back cards don’t have one — but sometimes it can work out better. That’s because cards with annual fees often have more lucrative rewards like higher cash-back rates for some or all of your spending.
The key is to make sure paying the annual fee is worthwhile mathematically. Think of the fee as a reduction in your annual cash-back total.
Sign-up bonus
A cash sign-up bonus is nice to get — if your regular spending will be enough to earn it. (You typically have to spend $500 to $1,000 in the first few months.) It’s essentially free money. Or, for a card with an annual fee, it might compensate for the annual fee for a few years.
Don’t disregard cash-back cards without a bonus, though. Bonuses are less common with cash-back cards, and bonuses are low compared with those on travel credit cards. A higher rewards rate on one card could be a better deal than a card with a bonus and a lower rate, depending on how much you spend and where you spend it.
Flexibility
What are the rules for getting your cash back? Some cards have a threshold amount — maybe you need to earn $25 in cash back before you can redeem, for instance. Some cards allow you to take the cash back as a statement credit, which can lower your next credit card bill. Others allow you to redeem cash directly into your bank account, while some offer to mail you a paper check. Some issuers allow you to redeem rewards for more than cash back — for merchandise or gift cards, for example. And others might allow you to transfer cash-back points to another card program where strategic use might yield better value.
0% introductory APR period
You typically don’t want to carry a monthly balance with rewards cards, but some cash-back cards offer 0% intro APR periods on new purchases, balance transfers or both.
Carrying a balance from month to month incurs interest charges that can eat up the value of your rewards. If you expect to carry a balance, look for a low-interest credit card instead.
Cash back vs. travel cards
Cash-back cards are easy to understand and use, but they can also seem boring. That’s especially true when they're compared with travel cards, which can be aspirational — visions of earning a free flight to Bora Bora in first class or a night at a swanky hotel in New York City.
And co-branded travel cards for airlines and hotel companies might give you perks no other card will. For example, airline cards often offer free checked bags and priority boarding. Many of the best hotel credit cards give you a free night's stay each year.
Still, while travel dreams are more exciting than another $90 in cash back on your credit card statement, cash-back credit cards might actually be the right choice for most people. A 2016 study by NerdWallet found in many cases, a consumer could get more value by using a cash-back card and using the cash rewards to pay for travel expenses.
The study found that domestic travelers who spend less than $8,600 per year on travel earn more rewards with a cash-back card than a travel rewards card, especially if they hold the card a long time.
A big exception: Americans who travel overseas an average of at least once per year are often better off with a travel rewards credit card because of higher point values and no foreign transaction fees.
Pros and cons of using a cash-back card
Cash-back cards are great for many people, but not everybody. Here’s a quick look at their advantages and disadvantages compared with other types of cards.
Pros: Why it's worth getting a cash-back card
Best rewards currency. Cash is king for flexibility. Nobody can change the value of it, and you can spend it anywhere. You don’t have to wait years to accumulate enough miles or points to redeem them for a free flight or hotel stay, as you might with a travel card.
Simplicity. Cash-back cards tend to be far easier to understand and use than other types of cards that leave you wondering whether you’re getting the most value out of them.
No or low annual fees. You can find plenty of choices with no annual fee or reasonable fees if you want superior cash-back rewards.
Low bonus requirements. It’s usually easier to hit the required spending level for a sign-up bonus on a cash-back cards than on travel credit cards.
Cons: Why a cash-back card might not be for you
Relatively low sign-up bonuses. Bonuses might range from none to about $200, while some travel-card bonuses exceed $500.
No outsized value. Points earned with travel cards can sometimes be parlayed into huge value, far exceeding the value of any cash-back card.
Inappropriate for carrying a monthly balance. Some cash-back cards have a good 0% intro APR period, but most do not. If you carry a balance, you’re likely to pay more in interest than you earn in cash-back rewards.
Few perks. You’re unlikely to find such valuable perks as reimbursement for TSA Precheck applications or free checked bags or early check-in at a hotel.
Foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards charge you a percentage of every purchase you make abroad. Such fees are rarer on travel and luxury cards.
Making the most of your cash-back card
Charge often
If you’ll have trouble paying off the balance every month, a cash-back card — or any reward card — might not be for you. But if you never carry a balance, try to pile as much spending as you can onto your cash-back card to pump up your rewards.
Combine cards for optimum rewards
If you’re willing to switch among cards to maximize your rewards, be sure to get cards that complement one another's rewards structures. For example, you can get one card that offers extra cash back for dining, another that offers extra for shopping at Amazon, and another that gives extra for gas and groceries. If your cash-back categories overlap, you’ll wind up with redundant cards in your wallet.
Earn back the annual fee
If there's an annual fee, make sure you’re getting more than that in cash back. An annual fee is worth it only if you’re earning more in rewards than you pay — and more than you would if you were using a no-fee card. Most cash-back credit cards keep a running total of the rewards you’ve earned in the past year, so log in to your account and check your statements after a year to make sure it’s worth it to pay the annual fee again.
Take advantage of rotating bonus categories
If you have a card with rotating cash-back bonus categories, make sure to activate the categories every quarter so you don’t miss out on 5% cash back on featured categories like restaurants, wholesale clubs, gas stations, groceries and more.
Earn your sign-up bonus
Make sure you meet the minimum spending requirement to qualify for the bonus, otherwise you could miss out on hundreds of dollars. Cash-back cards typically require less than $1,000 in spending to earn the bonus, so shift as much spending as possible to a new card until you earn the bonus.
Use the card's shopping portal for extra rewards
Online credit card malls, accessible through your credit card login, can help you earn extra cash back on your web-based purchases, sometimes up to 10 times as much. Not all card issuers offer shopping portals, but it’s worth checking.
Other cards to consider
If you carry a balance from month to month, the interest can quickly gobble up more than you're earning in cash back. In that case, a low-interest card is probably a better choice. If you need to transfer a balance, look for a balance-transfer credit card. If you have bad credit or you’re a student, there are specialty cards for you.
If you’re a frequent traveler, you might be able to reap better value from a travel credit card, maybe coupled with an airline card or hotel card.
Still not sure? See our best rewards cards for a range of credit cards that earn cash, points or miles.
Last updated on February 22, 2023
Methodology
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best cash-back credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of consumers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's cash-back earning rates, rewards structure (such as flat-rate or tiered categories), annual fee, redemption options (including minimum redemption amounts), promotional APR period for purchases, bonus offers for new cardholders, and noteworthy features such as loyalty bonuses or the ability to choose one's own rewards categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
Every time you use a cash-back credit card, the card issuer "pays you back" a certain percentage of the purchase amount. For example, if your card earns 2% cash back on all purchases, and you buy something for $80, then you would earn $1.60 in cash back. Or say your card earns 5% at the gas station; in that case, a $42 fill-up would earn $2.10.
With most cash-back cards, you can see your accumulated earnings on your monthly statement or through your online account portal, and you can decide when and how to redeem your cash back. Some cards automatically apply your cash back to your account as a credit.
"Cash back" doesn't mean the card issuer sends you an envelope full of dollar bills. But the rewards do ultimately leave you with more cash in your pocket. The simplest way to redeem cash back is to take it as a credit that reduces your account balance: Redeem $50 worth of cash back, and a $325 balance becomes $275. Many cards also allow you to redeem cash back as a direct deposit into a bank account, and some will even mail you a paper check if you request it.
Every card issuer has its own rules for how you can redeem cash back. Some have a minimum redemption requirement — you might not be able to cash in your rewards until you have accumulated at least $20 or $25. Others let you redeem any amount at any time.
There are three basic kinds of cash-back credit cards:
• Flat-rate cards pay the same cash-back rate no matter what you buy. Flat-rate cards typically pay 1% to 2% on everything.
• Tiered cards pay higher rates at specific types of merchants, such as grocery stores or restaurants, and a lower rate (usually 1%) everywhere else. Some cards let you pick which types of merchants earn the higher rates, but most have set categories.
• Rotating category cards pay a higher rate (often 5%) in bonus categories that change from time to time and a lower rate (usually 1%) on everything else. You usually have to "activate" the category online to qualify for the higher rate.
Everyone's spending patterns are different, so the card that earns you the most cash back depends on your individual situation. If you spend far more money eating out than at home, for example, a card that pays 3% at restaurants would likely be a better fit than one that pays 6% at supermarkets.
Legally speaking, credit card rewards are treated as discounts on purchases rather than as income. That means you don't owe any taxes on your cash back.
