Our list of personal and business best cash back credit cards includes the best rates on a combination of various categories and all purchases. Many cash back cards offer rotating categories where others will just have a flat rate on all purchases. Several cards will also offer an additional introductory promotion like double cash back for a year that will make it even more valuable.
Check out our best credit card bonuses here.
Carefully review and compare each card for caps, limitations, and other fine print. It’s important to know where you spend the most, like gas, groceries, or at restaurants so that you will choose a card that will earn you the most cash back in the long run.
Types of Cash Back Credit Cards
Normally, cash back credit cards can be put into 4 different types of rewards structures such as:
Flat-rate rewards. Usually, these cards will be able to earn you the same rewards rate for spending in general. For example, the Citi Double Cash Card comes with a total of 2% cash back on spending. It’s perfect for everyday transactions since you don’t have to keep track of the bonus options. But, the flat-rate cards do have a limitation to your earning potential.
Tiered rewards. Like most travel credit cards, tiered cash back cards come with bonus earnings for certain spending categories. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on specific spending options. Additionally, you’ll get 3% on others, and 1% on everything else. Tiered rewards cards come with an amazing earning potential, however, it will only be good if your spending matches the categories.
Rotating Categories. Typically, these cards will allow you to earn bonuses towards spending options that usually change every quarter. For example, the Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back towards bonus options that shift every 3 months. When the earning rate is high, cards with rotating categories will come with caps on their bonuses. Additionally, you have to remember to activate new categories every time they change.
Customized categories. These types of cards will allow you to pick your bonus category on a month-to-month basis. For example, with Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card will give you 3% cash back category. Cards with specific categories enables you to modify their rewards structure to match your spending habits. Furthermore, this is a great choice if the types of transactions you make change throughout the year. But, like most cards with rotating categories, you must remember to activate your bonuses.
What We Considered
Usually, to make the best of the cash back credit cards list, you should consider:
- Welcome bonus
- Earning potential
- Annual fee
- Rewards simplicity
- Additional perks
- Unlimited vs capped rewards
- Redemption threshold
Best Cash Back Credit Cards
This card is the best flat-rate cash back card and is the best cash back card that comes with no annual fee. Normally, it will earn 1% cash back on all transactions and 1% back when you pay for these transactions.
Owning one of these cards will earn Citi ThankYou Rewards, you’ll be able to convert your Citi Double Cash rewards towards ThankYou Points.
With the Chase Freedom Flex is the best cash back card with rotating bonus categories. Additionally, it earns 5% cash back towards up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter. Furthermore, new cardmembers receive a $200 welcome bonus which is rare for a card with no annual fees.
The Chase Freedom FlexSM offers a $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%. You'll earn: • Earn 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 • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases You cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and there is no minimum to redeem for cash back. This card has no annual fee. |
The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best cashback card with custom bonus options to pick from. Additionally, you’ll be able to earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice such as: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, etc.
You can even get 2% back at the grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Plus, you’ll receive 1% back on other transactions. This card comes with a $200 welcome bonus and no annual fees as well.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is the best cash back card for dining and entertainment spending. It will gain you 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% back on groceries and 1% back on everything else.
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is the best for gas and grocery purchases. It earns 6% cash back at supermarkets (up to $6,000 a year in spending) and on specific streaming subscriptions. These subscription are in the United States, 3% cash back on transit and gas. You’ll also be able to get 1% back on other transactions.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It(R) 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 18.74% - 29.74%. You'll earn • 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. • $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. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. The card does come with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (See Rates & Fees) Terms Apply. |
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card is great for people with a decent to average credit. It earns an unlimited, flat rate of 1.5% cash back towards transactions.
With the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, you can enjoy: Earning 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 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. With responsible use, you can help strengthen your credit and be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months. You'll be able to monitor your credit profile with the free CreditWise® app and enjoy $0 fraud liability if your card is ever lost or stolen. This card comes with a $39 annual fee. |
This Chse Freedom Unlimited is great for pairing it with a points-earning one. Additionally, it offers an unlimited, flat rate of 1.5% cash back towards all transactions. Plus, you’ll be able to convert your cash rewards into valuable points if you have a card that earns Ultimate rewards.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card offers: 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 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%. In addition, you can earn: • 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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 • 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 travel purchased through Chase TravelSM, 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. There is no minimum to redeem for cash back & your cash back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open. This card comes with no annual fee and you'll get a free credit score that is updated weekly with Credit JourneySM. Member FDIC |
Best Cash Back Credit Cards that Need Memberships
Normally, these cash back cards are great options if you’re willing to sign up for specific memberships. Keep in mind they aren’t the best options to pick from, but they are worth your attention. Please be sure to check with the card issuer before signing up for a membership with these cards. Just in case there have been any changes.
- Alliant Cashback Visa Signature Credit Card. This offers 2.5% cash back on all transactions and $99 annual fee waived for the first year. Keep in mind you have to be a member of Alliant Credit Union to be eligible for this card.
- Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi. Offers 4% cash back towards gas (up to $7,000 per year, 1% after). Additionally, 3% on dining and travel, 2% for Costco, and 1% towards other transactions. Furthermore, it comes with no annual fee with your paid Costco membership.
- Sam’s Club Mastercard. 5% cash back towards gas (up to $6,000 per year, 1% thereafter), 3% towards dining and travel. Plus, you’ll get 1% back towards other purchases. This card comes with no annual fees and you must be a member of Sam’s Club to partake.
- USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express Card. Get 5% cash back for the first $3,000 on combined gas and U.S. military base purchases a year. Furthermore, 2% for the first $3,000 on grocery transactions a year and 1% on everything else. This card comes with no annual fee, but you must be a member to sign up.
Additional Guides
Here are some extra guides to help you find the best credit card suited for your needs.
- Best Airline Credit Cards for Travel Benefits and Rewards.
- Hotel Credit Cards for Travel Benefits + Rewards.
- Travel Credit Cards: Rewards and Benefits.
- Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards for Family Vacations.
- Credit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Best Rewards Credit Cards: Cash, Points, Miles, & Benefits
- Cash Back Credit Cards: Welcome Bonuses, Rewards
- Best Dining Credit Cards: Restaurant Points, Rewards & Cash Back
- Grocery Credit Cards: Co-Branded, Cashback & Rewards
- Best Small Business Credit Cards: Points, Miles & Rewards
Conclusion
Overall, when you sign up for any of these credit cards, you’ll be getting the most for your money’s worth. Many of them come with easy and flexible rewards and redemption options. Plus, they don’t usually come with annual fees you have to worry about.
J Doe says
Today, January 2, 2017, at 1pmET I went to bank of america.com and did not find $200 bonus to open Cash rewards credit card nor Pink Ribbon(Susan g Komen) nor Major league Baseball card. I am already a Preferred Rewards Customer and I signed in through the website https://www.bankofamerica.com/sitemap/hub/signin.go?request_locale=en_US. I phoned (800 5510831) the application center for all Bank of America credit cards and she said there is only $100 bonus rewards for only CASH REWARDS CARD. She said there is not even $100 Bonus for any affiliate cards. Your email notice arrived at 12:00pm ET which is an hour before I phoned. it is 1:40 pm ET right now. What did I do wrong?