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Best Cash Back Credit Cards in November 2024

Q: What credit card has the best cash back rewards?

The [coca name='savor-card.name' type='cards'] is our overall winner for having the best cash back rewards. It offers a generous cash back rate on travel, dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores. For those who prefer a flat-rate of cash back, the [coca name='active-cash.name' type='cards'] offers excellent cash back rewards.

Updated on:

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Citi is an advertising partner.

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is our pick for the best cash back credit card since it offers up to 8% cash back in popular spending categories — for a $0 annual fee. (see rates & fees)
Cash back credit cards offer anywhere from 1% to 6% cash back on purchases.
The best cash back credit cards provide rewards that match your spending habits, and can put hundreds of dollars back in your wallet each year.
Many of our top card picks offer more than $600 in value in the first year.

Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

10 top credit cards with cash back

Winner / best cash back credit card: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best 2% cash back credit card: Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card
Best 5% cash back credit card: Chase Freedom Flex℠
Best cash back business credit card: Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee: Capital One Spark Cash Select (see rates & fees)
Best cash back credit card for gas: Citi Custom Cash^® Card
Best cash back credit card for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express*
Best restaurant cash back credit card: Chase Freedom Unlimited^®
Best cash back credit card for students: Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best cash back credit card for bad credit: Discover it^® Secured Credit Card

Best cash back credit card:

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Rewards rate: 1%-8% cash back

3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

$0 annual fee
Generous cash back rate on everyday purchases
Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
Flexible rewards program
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
No foreign transaction fees

Potentially high regular APR
Balance transfer fee
Target and Walmart aren’t included in grocery category

First year value: $702**
Ongoing value: $452**

With the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, you’ll get a generous cash back rate in popular spending categories, like dining, entertainment, grocery stores and eligible travel. The $0-annual-fee card also lets you earn $250 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

For a limited time, earn a $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

Best 2% cash back credit card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

Rewards rate: 2% cash back

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Flat-rate cash back rate on every purchase
Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
Flexible rewards redemption
$0 annual fee
Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

Potentially high regular APR
3% foreign transaction fee
Balance transfer fee

First year value: $600**
Ongoing value: $400**

If you want a card that offers simple, elevated rewards on every purchase, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card is a great option. You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. This means you won’t have to keep track of bonus earning categories or spending caps.

Plus, you can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

*The information related to the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best 5% cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠*

LendingTree's Review

4.5

LendingTree's Review

4.5

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

High rewards rate in popular spending categories
Flexible reward redemption options
Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
$0 annual fee
Travel and purchase protections
Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

Quarterly spending cap on bonus categories
Bonus categories require activation each quarter
Foreign transaction fees

First year value: $641**
Ongoing value: $441**

If you want to earn a high cash back rate in categories that rotate quarterly, the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ is tough to beat. You’ll get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

This card also lets you earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the 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 19.99% - 28.74%.
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.

*The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back business credit card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

LendingTree's Review

4.7

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Rewards rate: 2%-5% cash back

Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Earn a hefty sign-up bonus
No preset spending limit
Earn a $150 annual fee refund for spending $150,000 each year
Free employee cards
Foreign transaction fees: None

$150 annual fee
High spending requirement to earn welcome offer and annual bonus
Balance must be paid in full each month

First year value: $1,461**
Ongoing value: $411**

For businesses with a lot of spending power, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus is one of the most rewarding cash back cards around. It lets you earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus, you can earn $2000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.

Just know, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a charge card, which comes with no preset spending limit. Because it’s a charge card, you’ll need to pay the balance in full every month or be subject to a late fee.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Enjoy purchasing power that adapts to your business. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
$150 annual fee - Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply
For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back

Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee

Capital One Spark Cash Select

LendingTree's Review

4.6

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Rewards rate: 1.5%-5% cash back

1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Earn a large sign-up bonus
Elevated cash back on every purchases
$0 annual fee
Flexible rewards redemption
Foreign transaction fee: None
Free employee cards

Geared towards consumers with excellent credit
No elevated rewards on office expenditures

First year value: $800**
Ongoing value: $300**

If you’re a business owner with a smaller budget and want to avoid an annual fee, the Capital One Spark Cash Select is one of your best bets. It lets you earn 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Plus earn $500 cash back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
No annual fee
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

Best cash back credit card for gas

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

LendingTree's Review

3.6

LendingTree's Review

3.6

Apply Now

on Citibank's secure site

Rates & Fees

Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back

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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.

High rewards rate on your top eligible spend category
Sign-up bonus
Easy redemption options
$0 annual fee

$500 monthly spending cap on 5% cash back
You only earn 1% on the rest of your spending
Foreign transaction fees

First year value: $622**
Ongoing value: $422**

The Citi Custom Cash^® Card offers one of the highest cash back rates on gas purchases, if gas is your top spending category for the month. You can 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 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.

Gas is included in the list of eligible categories — so if you’re able to max out the $500 spending cap each month, you can earn $300 cash back each year.

You’ll also 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.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
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.

Best cash back credit card for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

LendingTree's Review

4.3

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express

LendingTree's Review

4.3

Apply Now

on American Express's secure site

Rates & Fees

|Terms Apply

Rewards rate: 1%-6% cash back

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. Terms apply.

Extremely high earning rate at U.S. supermarkets
Valuable welcome offer
Long intro APR

Spending cap on highest earning category
Foreign transaction fees

First year value: $765**
Ongoing value: $420**

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express offers the highest cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets of any cash back credit card. If you max out the $6,000 annual spending cap on those purchases, you’ll get back $360 each year, redeemable for statement credits. You can also earn an accelerated cash back rate on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. gas stations and transit.

Plus, earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.49% - 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.
3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
Terms Apply.

Best restaurant cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

LendingTree's Review

4.6

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Apply Now

on Chase's secure site

Rewards rate: 1.5%-5% cash back

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Elevated cash back rate on every purchase
$0 annual fee
Pairs well with other Chase cards
Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
Travel and purchase protections

Requires good / excellent credit
Cap on sign-up bonus earnings
Foreign transaction fees

First year value: $722**
Ongoing value: $422**

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is currently one of the most rewarding cash back cards for restaurant purchases thanks to its sign-up bonus. You’ll earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. This makes it the highest-earning first-year cash back rate for restaurant purchases of any card on our list.

Plus, you can get even more value from your rewards when you transfer them to an Ultimate Rewards® card (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®) and redeem for travel through Chase’s portal.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

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 Travel℠, 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 travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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 19.99% - 28.74%.
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, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Best cash back credit card for students

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.9

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.9

Apply Now

on Capital One's secure site

Rates & Fees

Rewards rate: 1%-8% cash back

$0 annual fee
No security deposit required
High rewards rate on dining and entertainment
Earn a sign-up bonus
Very flexible rewards
Foreign transaction fees: None

Potentially high APR
No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
Late payment fee

First year value: $129**
Ongoing value: $79**

The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding student credit cards, as it offers unlimited cash back rewards in areas where college students spend the most: dining and entertainment. Cash back can be redeemed at any time for statement credits or gift cards, or to pay for purchases. The card is geared to those with fair / good credit and above, and it also reports to all three credit bureaus. Plus, it offers a path for you to upgrade once you’re out of school.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
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 up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

Best cash back credit card for bad credit

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-2% cash back

Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

Available to consumers with limited / poor credit
$0 annual fee
Earns cash back on every purchase
Matches cash back in the first year for new cardmembers
Ability to graduate to an unsecured card in as little as seven months
No penalty APR and no late fee on your first late payment

Refundable security deposit required
Low credit limit
High intro APR on purchases

First year value: $90**
Ongoing value: $45**

If you’re looking to earn cash back while also building or rebuilding your credit, the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice. It doesn’t charge an annual fee and lets you earn rewards on every purchase.

You’ll earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. You’ll need to provide a deposit of at least $200 to open the card. However, Discover will conduct automatic account reviews starting at seven months to see if you are eligible for an unsecured card. With timely payments, you could potentially score a card upgrade and have your deposit refunded in less than a year.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Raise your credit score by 30+ points.
Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
Terms and conditions apply.

*The information related to the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Compare the best cash back credit cards

Credit Cards	Our Ratings	Welcome Offer	Rewards Rate	First year value
Capital One Spark Cash Plus Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees	4.7 Business	$2000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year	Earn 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel	$1,461**	Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees
Capital One Spark Cash Select Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees	4.6 No annual fee business card	$500 Cash Back once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening	1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel	$800**	Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees
Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express Apply Now on American Express's secure site Rates & Fees \|Terms Apply	4.6 Groceries	Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.	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. Terms apply.	$765**	Apply Now on American Express's secure site Rates & Fees \|Terms Apply
Chase Freedom Unlimited^® Apply Now on Chase's secure site	4.6 Restaurants	Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.	Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases	$722**	Apply Now on Chase's secure site
Chase Freedom Flex℠* Learn More	4.5 5% cash back	Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the 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. Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.	$641**	Learn More
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees	4.6 Best overall	$250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases	$702**	Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees
Citi Custom Cash^® Card Apply Now on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees	4.4 Gas	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.	Earn 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. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.	$610**	Apply Now on Citibank's secure site Rates & Fees
Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card* Learn More	4.6 2% cash back	Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases	$600**	Learn More
Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees	4.9 Students	Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months	3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases	$129**	Apply Now on Capital One's secure site Rates & Fees
Discover it^® Secured Credit Card* Learn More	4.2 Bad credit	Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.	2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically	$90**	Learn More

*The information for the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card and Discover it^® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

What is cash back?

Cash back credit cards give you a percentage of your qualifying purchase back as a reward. Many cards offer 1% cash back as their lowest level, so for every $100 you spend, you will receive $1 back. Likewise, a 2% cash back card would net you $2 for every $100 you spend.

A LendingTree study found that nearly 70% of credit card users have unused rewards. Some credit cards allow you to have your cash back automatically redeemed as a monthly statement credit.

How does cash back work?

Cash back credit cards give you a percentage of your qualifying purchase back as a reward. For instance, a card that earns 5% cash back on groceries gives you $5 in rewards on a $100 grocery purchase. A card that earns 1.5% cash back gives you $1.50 on every $100 in purchases.

Your cash back rewards are usually available each month, after your statement closing date. Most cash back credit cards give you several ways to redeem your rewards. Redemption options may include:

Statement credits toward purchases made with the card (the most common option)
Direct deposits
Paper check by mail
ATM withdrawal
Gift cards

Some cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed for cash or other rewards. And some of the best cash back credit cards technically earn points rather than cash rewards (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®). When you redeem these points for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point, these cards are effectively cash back cards.

Types of cash back cards

Flat-rate cash back credit cards
Flat-rate cash back credit cards earn cash back at the same rate on every purchase. The rewards rate is typically between 1% and 2%.

Flat-rate cash back card examples:
Tiered category cards
Many cards offer tiered rewards categories. This means you earn bonus cash back on certain categories of spend and 1% cash back on everything else. It’s common to find cards that offer 3% or higher cash back on groceries, gas, dining and more.

Tiered category card examples:
Rotating cash back credit cards
Some cash back cards offer elevated cash back rates that rotate on a monthly or quarterly basis. There’s typically a cap on how much you can earn for these categories, and you would earn the regular cash back rate after meeting the cap. A few cards let you choose the categories in which you earn rewards, allowing you to maximize the rewards potential.

Rotating cash back card examples:
Additional resources:
Chase quarterly bonus category calendar
Discover quarterly bonus category calendar
Store credit cards
Store credit cards help you earn cash back at a specific store. Since store cards are usually limited to purchases with that retailer, you should pick a card from a store you shop with regularly. These cards usually have higher APRs, so make sure to pay off your card balance each month.

Store credit card examples:

Tiered vs. flat-rate credit cards

To show you how much you can earn with flat-rate and tiered cash back credit cards, we’ll compare two sample cards below.

	Tiered cash back card	Flat-rate cash back card
Welcome offer value	$250	$200
Earning rate	6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on general purchases	2% cash back on every purchase
Rewards earned on $6,000 in groceries	$360	$120
Rewards earned on $3,000 in gas	$90	$60
Rewards earned on $11,000 in other spend	$110	$220
Annual fee	$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.	$0
Rewards minus annual fee	$715	$600
Annual rewards without factoring in welcome offer	$465	$400

Common cash back categories

Gas

Many issuers consider both gas and gas station purchases to be applicable for cash back rewards on gas. Most major gas stations are covered, but some smaller chains might not be. Check on your issuer’s website to see if your gas station of choice qualifies for rewards.

Best cash back credit cards for gas : Citi Custom Cash^® Card
Groceries

Since groceries are a universal expense, many cards offer an elevated rate on them. Issuers sometimes label this category as “supermarkets” or “U.S. supermarkets.” Cards that offer rotating bonus categories may also feature a popular grocery store like Target or Walmart for a quarter.

Best cash back card for groceries: Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express
Restaurants

The restaurants category can include everything from fast food to high-end restaurants. Many cards usually consider take-out and delivery to fall under dining as well.

Best dining cash back credit card: Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card
Travel

Some cash back cards give you a bonus on travel if you purchase through the issuer’s portal. However, if you’re serious about saving on travel, consider getting a travel card — you’ll often earn points that are more valuable than cash back.

Best travel cash back credit card: Chase Sapphire Reserve^®
Business

Business cash back cards tend to have business-specific categories, like office supply stores, internet, phone services and more.

Best business cash back credit card: Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card
Entertainment

Entertainment can include concerts, sporting events, streaming services, theme parks, movies and more. Major events can be costly and it doesn’t hurt to earn some cash back to offset the price.

Best entertainment cash back credit card: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Pros and cons of cash back credit cards

Simple rewards with straightforward value. Unlike airline miles or hotel points which may require more time to accumulate, cash back can often be redeemed in any amount, at any time.
Many cash back cards have no annual fee. As long as you don’t carry a balance on your card and pay interest, you’re getting free money.
Often come with easy-to-earn sign-up bonuses and/or intro APRs which give your budget more breathing room. A sign-up bonus puts extra cash in your pocket while an intro APR saves you on interest by allowing you to finance a purchase with more favorable terms.
Can offset the cost of your purchases by redeeming cash back as a statement credit. This is especially helpful to slightly lower the cost of expenses that don’t give coupons or discounts like gas stations and doctor’s offices.

Cash back is sometimes less valuable than travel rewards. Frequent travelers may get more value with a travel credit card and take advantage of transfer partners that maximize the value of each point or mile.
Cash back cards don’t typically offer premium travel protections or rewards. Cards that offer more robust perks may offer rewards but also come with an annual fee.
APRs on cash back cards can be higher than on no-frills credit cards. If you do carry a balance, consider moving it to a balance transfer credit card to save money on interest while paying down your debt.

How to choose the best cash back card for you

To pick the best credit card for you, you’ll need some information on hand, including your credit score and an estimate of how much you spend monthly in various expense categories.

Your credit score is the primary factor in determining which cash back credit cards you can qualify for. Most of the best cash back cards require good to excellent credit — that is, a FICO Score of 670 or greater. And, depending on the card and issuer, you may also have to meet other eligibility criteria. This could include having sufficient income and not having opened too many credit cards recently. However, your options will be quite limited if your credit is fair or poor, in which case you might want to consider a credit card to build credit instead.

TIP: Read the fine print of each offer. Even if you have great credit, some issuers have other eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet. As an example, Chase has an unwritten “5/24” rule, which means you may not be approved for a new Chase card if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the last 24 months. Meanwhile, Citi and American Express have restrictions on welcome offer eligibility for new card accounts.

Don’t know your credit score? Sign-up for an account at LendingTree Spring to get your free credit score and recommendations to boost your score.

If you want...	Choose a …
The simplest rewards possible	Flat-rate cash back credit card
A card to use strategically to earn more cash back	Rotating cash back credit card
A card that matches your spending patterns	Tiered category card
To shop at the same store	Store credit card

Tip: If you’re willing to do some work, having multiple cash back credit cards can maximize your rewards. Piece a tiered category card that matches your typical spending patterns and supplement that one with a flat-rate cash back card for noncategory purchases. Finally, consider adding a rotating 5% cash back credit card to use strategically each quarter.

Ultimately, you’ll want to maximize your rewards rate, and that means tailoring your cash back credit cards to your spending.

What’s in my wallet: The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® card is my dining credit card because of the 3% cash back on dining. I use it at restaurants, breweries and bars and in our food delivery and takeout apps. I also use it anytime I go to the pharmacy because of the 3% back on drugstore purchases and 2% back on gas. I use the Amazon Prime Visa to get 5% back on all Amazon purchases. And finally, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card is my go-to card for all other purchases because it offers 2% back on all purchases.
Sammi Scharf, Credit cards writer

Tip: If you do a large amount of shopping at a single store (like Costco or Walmart), a cash back card for a specific retailer might be the best choice. A card like the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card that earns 5% at Walmart.com and 2% on in-store purchases could be perfect for the frequent Walmart shopper.

Did you know? According to a LendingTree survey on unused credit card rewards, of the 60% of cardholders who redeemed rewards in the past year, the most popular redemption choice (71%) was cash back.

Once you’ve narrowed down the card choices, you’ll want to do a comparison. Take into account the various bonus categories and how much you typically spend in each either monthly or yearly. For example, if you spend approximately $500 in groceries each month and use a 2% flat-rate cash back card to buy them, you’ll earn $100 in cash back each year.

It’s good to consider the value of any sign-up bonuses as well, but note that these only affect the first year value. A card without a sign-up bonus could be better in the long run.

How to calculate cash back rewards

To get an idea of how much you can earn in a month with a cash back card, you can do some simple math. The formula will vary slightly based on whether you’re using a flat-rate cash back card or a tiered cash back card.

Scenario: You spend $500 a month on groceries, $200 on gas and $1,000 on other store purchases and bills for a total of $1,700.

Flat-rate cash back card

Spending x Cash back rate = Cash back savings

As an example, let’s use the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card, which gives you 2% (0.02) cash back on all purchases.

Example: $1,700 x 0.02 = $34 cash back
Tiered cash back card

(Spending A x Cash back rate A) + (Spending B x Cash back rate B) = Cash back savings

In this example, let’s use the Blue Cash Everyday^® Card from American Express, which gives you 3% (0.03) cash back* at U.S. grocery stores and U.S. gas stations and 1% (0.01) on other purchases.

Example: ($700 x 0.03) + ($1,000 x 0.01) = $21 + $10 = $31 cash back
Rotating cash back

With a 5% rotating cash back card, like the Chase Freedom Flex℠, you’ll need to take a look at the card’s previous categories to guess which categories are likely to occur in the next 12 months. If a category is usually included in the card’s calendar, then you would assume that you’d earn 5% in that category for three months, plus the go-to rate the remaining nine months.

(Spending A x 1/4 x Cash back rate A) + (Spending A x 3/4 x Cash back rate B) + (Spending B x Cash back rate B) = Cash back savings

For this example, we’ll use the Chase Freedom Flex℠. The Chase Freedom Flex℠‘s categories have included groceries and gas in the past, so we’ll assume 5% for these categories for a quarter of the year, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Example: ($1,500 x .05) + ($4,500 x .015) + ($600 x .05) + ($1,800 x .015) + ($1,200 x .015) = $75 + $67.50 + $30 + $27 + $18 = $217.50 cash back

How to maximize cash back credit cards

The following tips will help you maximize your earnings and get the most out of your cash back cards.

Choose at least one flat-rate cash back card that earns at least 2% cash back. This should be your benchmark rewards rate for all non-bonus spend.
Pair two or more cash back credit cards to maximize your earning. For example, pick a card that offers elevated cash back in specific categories, like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. Then pair it with a good flat-rate card, like the Citi Double Cash^® Card, to earn 2% cash back on all other purchases.
Open at least one card with rotating 5% quarterly categories. These cards may have a cap on spend eligible for bonus rewards, but it’s hard to beat a 5% return.
Tailor your card choices to your spending patterns. Drive a lot? Consider a card that earns bonus cash back at gas stations. For example, the Citi Custom Cash^® Card lets you earn up to $300 cash back if fuel is your top purchase category each month.
Pair a no-annual-fee Chase card with a premium Chase card. If you have a premium Chase travel card — the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, for example — the points you earn with a card like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ are far more valuable.
Choose no-annual-fee cards — unless you’ll get an even greater return with an annual fee card. If you don’t spend enough on a monthly or annual basis to make full use of the cash back opportunities, stick with a no-annual fee card. However, people who have larger budgets may find that the annual fee is easily recouped by the higher cash back amounts.
Pick at least one card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Most cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% to 5% for making purchases outside the U.S. If you’re planning a trip abroad, this can really cut into your rewards. Make sure you keep at least one cash back card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees — like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card — in your wallet (see rates & fees).

Is a cash back credit card right for you?

Cash back cards are best for people who don’t travel as much and prefer having flexible rewards. If any of these apply to you, then a cash back credit card is also likely a good fit for you.

Savvy budgeters: If you love to find new ways to save money by budgeting, then a solid selection of cash back cards can help you do just that. Plus, cash back rewards only meet their full potential if you pay your balance off every month.

Frequent shoppers: If you love online shopping or buying things elsewhere, then a cash back card can help you save on the shopping you’re already doing. Just be careful you don’t overspend for the sake of earning rewards.

People new to credit cards: Cash back are usually a lot simpler to use and have lower annual fees than travel cards. If you’re new to credit cards and are interested in earning rewards, a cash back credit card is a great place to start.

Alternatives to cash back credit cards

Depending on your financial situation, a cash back card might not be the best credit card option for you.

People who are serious travelers
If you are a frequent traveler, you may find a travel card to be a better fit than a cash back card. You can earn points or miles, which can be worth more than cash reward when redeemed for travel the right way.

→ Learn more about miles vs. cash back

People with a large upcoming expense
If you need to make a large purchase and want the flexibility to buy now and pay later, consider a 0% APR credit card. You can find several cards that let you spread your payments out for more than a year, and as long as 21 months, without paying a cent of interest.

People with credit card debt
You may find that a balance transfer credit card is best, since you can consolidate high-interest credit card debt to a card with little to no interest for up to 21 months. This can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

People building credit
Many cash back credit cards require a good or excellentcredit score to be approved, but a credit-building credit card can help you improve your credit score to qualify for a high-earning cash back card. Some secured credit cards even offer cash back rewards.

Frequently asked questions

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is our overall winner for having the best cash back rewards. It offers a generous cash back rate on travel, dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery stores. For those who prefer a flat-rate of cash back, the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card offers excellent cash back rewards.

The best cash back credit card is the one that gives you rewards on the items you buy most — and this varies for everyone. For example, a college student who lives on campus and has a meal plan would be better off with a flat-rate cash back card. Meanwhile, a couple who commutes to work might want to consider a tiered cash back card that earns a higher cash back rate on gas or transit purchases.

Typically, cash back earned on a credit card won’t be taxable, since the IRS considers it a rebate on what you’ve spent. However, if you receive a bonus without having to do any spending to earn it, that’s considered taxable income.

Cash back cards are worth getting and using as long as you pay off your balance in full each month. Earning an extra $20 is great, but paying a high APR or late fee can immediately negate your cash back earnings. If you’re tempted to overspend or are in a situation where you can’t pay off your balance, a cash back card won’t be your best option.

Credit cards provide cash back rewards to incentivize card usage and customer loyalty. Cardholders receive a percentage of their purchases back as a cash reward, reducing their overall expenses. In the meantime, credit card companies aim to increase spending and profits through interest charges. This creates a win-win relationship for consumers and card issuers.

Yes, cash back rewards can expire. Rules vary between card issuers, with banks like Wells Fargo and Capital One allowing you to keep rewards stashed away until your account closes. Cash back rewards from U.S. Bank, on the other hand, expire after 36 months — even if your account is open.

Methodology: How we chose our cash back cards

To bring you the list of best cash back credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them, from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
We rank cards based on the following criteria:

Average value over two years (50% of rating): We calculate the cash back earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up bonus and annual bonuses. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
Flexibility of rewards (30% of rating): We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates and minimum thresholds to redeem.
Other features (20% of rating): We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase and travel protections, against benefits from other cards.

Note that our ratings are only a starting point for comparing and choosing the best cash back credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories, as well as which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.

*Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Expert insights

LendingTree has curated an exclusive panel of professionals, spanning various areas of expertise, to help dissect difficult subjects and empower you to make smarter financial decisions. Read on for more cash back credit card insights.

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?

The commentary provided by these industry experts represent their viewpoints and opinions alone.

Duong "Katie" Pham, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Finance, Georgia Southern University

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
Yes, cash back is a great additional benefit for credit card users. The purpose of using credit cards responsibly is to build a history of excellent credit so you can tap into the larger loan markets. The cash back feature is an added benefit that helps users save money while using credit cards.

How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
These words motivate the consumers in making decisions. The consumers themselves when wanting to purchase something have an internal desire to do so. However, they are oftentimes bounded by budget and opportunity costs. These words help create external motivation that makes it easier for the consumers to make decisions by adding one more item on the benefit side of their decision-making chart.

What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
The best way to utilize cash back rewards is to use the cash back balance and apply towards payments of the credit card balance. Credit card users can also ask for a paper check or ask for the cash reward to be deposited directly to their bank account. Another great way to utilize cash back rewards is to convert them into gift cards to use at other stores.

In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
Cash back rewards program works well at keeping customers loyal. Customers love to accumulate points or rewards so seeing their rewards adding up will discourage them from finding an alternative option. Many times the fear of losing what they have accumulated overtime is what keeps customers from parting with a business, a brand or a product. For a business, the cost of giving away rewards to keep their current customers is much cheaper than the cost of acquiring new customers.

Charles Lindsey, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Marketing, University at Buffalo

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
It really depends on the individual circumstances of the person. There are so many “so-called” loyalty cards out there: cash back, flexible cash back, rewards, airline, etc. My recommendation as to the specific type of loyalty credit-card would depend on the person’s spending patterns. One needs to also take into account the annual-fee, from a cost-benefit standpoint. That said, cash is fungible (vs. other more specific loyalty cards like airlines).

How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
Those are charged words when it comes to the “psychology of consumption.” Similar to the word “sale” or “free,” these terms often function like a neon flashing sign in the minds of consumers. Hence, consumers can engage in a kind of faulty mental calculus where they overweight the value of these benefits relative to the costs. For example, when someone drives across town to get the lowest price per gallon on gas but winds up actually paying more per gallon than had they gone to the corner gas station nearest their home (when you factor in fuel and time to drive across town). So, the danger is when these terms cause consumers to “chase” the rewards or reward tiers by spending more than they typically would.

What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
Don’t spend any more than you would otherwise spend in a given month just because you are getting cash back on purchases in general (or on certain categories of purchases). Use the cash back to pay off your credit card (or to pay down your credit card balance). Given credit-card interest rates, that’s a pretty great “reward” or “deal” in and of itself!

In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
They definitely move the loyalty needle. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have seen the proliferation of such cards over the past decade plus. However, with so many of these cards nowadays, it’s becoming less of a “point of differentiation” for financial institutions and more of a “point of parity.” It’s almost expected now by consumers that the differentiators in this space offer percentage of cash back, flexibility, etc.

Mark Alpert
Professor of Marketing, The University of Texas at Austin

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend a cash back credit card, provided it pays at least 2% on all purchases. Some cards pay only 1.5%, which is perhaps not as valuable as frequent flier miles or hotel points, depending on one’s activity and status with these travel partners. These days, frequent flier miles are worth only about 1% of what you’ve spent; so 2% is definitely more valuable.

How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
These tend to be “buzz words,” and their impact likely depends on the perceived value of the “bonus” or “reward.” The “devil is in the details,” implying that in order to be effective, the “bonus” and/or “rewards” should be meaningful and valuable to the consumers, and, ideally, designed with knowledge of the specific consumers’ habits and preferences.

What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
Most important, pay the entire balance due on your credit cards each period (I recommend “auto pay” in which the credit card company draws funds on your bank account to pay the entire balance on the date that payment is due). Now that you are getting cash back and not paying in credit card interest, you can spend or invest the cash rewards on products or services, or as accumulated, investments that will provide good returns

In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
As long as the cash back is worth more than other incentives offered by competitors’ programs (or credit cards), consumers will continue to favor using the credit cards that give them valuable cash back, and/or they will tend to favor buying from companies that reward their loyalty with incentives that provide meaningful experiences (e.g., airline lounges, upgraded flights or concert experiences) or combo deals (BOGO, “buy one get one” (free), and the like).

To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.

The information related to the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card, Chase Freedom Flex℠, Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, Discover it^® Cash Back, Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi and Target Circle™ Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.

Charlotte Zhang

Charlotte Zhang is a credit cards writer at LendingTree, where she explains credit cards and other personal finance topics in simple terms to help readers with financial decisions.

Charlotte believes learning about personal finance is a vital skill to prepare people for different financial scenarios in life.

Prior to joining LendingTree in 2023, she spent more than a decade contributing to personal finance and insurance websites, as well as parenting, education and travel websites and magazines. Before writing professionally, she taught English in China for over a decade.

Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, spending time with her husband and two kids and leading 4-H activities for community youth.

Specialties

Credit card reviews
Credit scores and building credit
Budgeting
Life insurance

Achievements

14+ years of personal finance writing experience
60+ articles written for LendingTree
Writing has also been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, The Penny Hoarder, Money Under 30 and The Simple Dollar

Education

Bachelor of Science, Martin Luther College

Charlotte’s favorite credit cards

“I love the simplicity of cash back credit cards. I use the Discover it^® Cash Back for its rotating categories and Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card to get 2% back on everything else.”

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Best Cash Back Credit Cards in November 2024

Editorial Guidelines

Key takeaways

Show summary

10 top credit cards with cash back

Best cash back credit card:

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best 2% cash back credit card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*

Best 5% cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Flex℠*

Best cash back business credit card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Best cash back credit card for gas

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Best cash back credit card for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best restaurant cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best cash back credit card for students

Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best cash back credit card for bad credit

Discover it® Secured Credit Card*

Compare the best cash back credit cards

What is cash back?

Did you know?

How does cash back work?

Get cash back from points

Types of cash back cards

Tiered vs. flat-rate credit cards

Common cash back categories

Pros and cons of cash back credit cards

How to choose the best cash back card for you

1. Determine what credit cards you can qualify for

2. Decide on your level of maintenance

3. Find cards that match your spending habits

4. If there’s no clear-cut winner, do the math

How to calculate cash back rewards

How to maximize cash back credit cards

Is a cash back credit card right for you?

Alternatives to cash back credit cards

Frequently asked questions

What credit card has the best cash back rewards?

What is the best cash back credit card?

Is cash back taxable?

Are cash back credit cards worth it?

Why do credit cards give cash back?

Does cash back expire?

Methodology: How we chose our cash back cards

Expert insights

Duong "Katie" Pham, Ph.D.

Charles Lindsey, Ph.D.

Mark Alpert

Charlotte Zhang

Specialties

Achievements

Education

Charlotte’s favorite credit cards

Recommended Articles

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card*

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card*