CNET sister site Bankrate provided card recommendations for this list.
Cash-back credit cards offer rewards on your transactions that can be redeemed for statement credits, checks or other forms of “cash.” There is a wide variety of cash-back credit cards tailored to all kinds of budgets. Some cards even adapt to your spending habits. Many cash-back credit cards also offer welcome bonuses, introductory APRs and other valuable benefits. See which offer below best fits your lifestyle.
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Intro OfferEarn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
APR18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR
Intro Purchase APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Balance Transfer APR18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% Variable APR
Balance Transfer Fee up to 5%; min: $5
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR None
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Our Take
If you’re looking for a no-frills card with an ample sign-up bonus, zero annual fee and a simple rewards structure, then you’ll go far with the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card. It offers a zero percent introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (then 18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable APR thereafter), unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, cell phone protection, and Visa Signature perks. Do note, however, that there’s an introductory 3% balance transfer fee ($5 minimum) for the first 120 days from account opening (then up to 5%; $5 minimum), and a 3% foreign transaction fee for charges made abroad.
For more information, see CNET’s review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
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Best cash back card that can help improve your credit
Intro OfferN/A
APR17.74% – 27.74% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro for 18 months on Balance Transfers
Balance Transfer APR17.74% – 27.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
Late Payment Fee Up to $41
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Our Take
Here’s a card that rewards you for spending responsibly with its “earn-as-you-pay” rewards program. In addition to the 1% cash back you earn on purchases, you’ll get an extra 1% cash-back rewards, provided you pay the balance you owe. This can help incentivize cardholders to pay their bills on time and learn good financial habits, and there’s no annual fee. And while you’ll get an introductory APR on balance transfers, it won’t apply to purchases. There’s also no limit on the amount of cash back rewards you can receive, so swipe away (just do so responsibly).
For more information, see CNET’s review of the Citi® Double Cash Card.
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Best cash back card for matching your spending to your earning
Intro Offer$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
APRSee Terms
Intro Purchase APRSee Terms
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer APRSee Terms
Balance Transfer Fee Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee See Terms
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
Penalty APR Up to 29.99% APR
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Our Take
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a rarity in the world of cash back cards. In addition to cardholders being able to select one of six 3% cash back bonus categories, you can swap your choice out once every month, which means you can time big-ticket purchases to coincide with a bonus category. But be careful: 3% and 2% categories share a spending limit totaling $2,500 every quarter, after that the cash back rate drops to 1%. What more, cardholders can earn up to 75% more cash back on purchases as a Preferred Rewards member, as well as Visa Signature benefits and free general admission to more than 200 “cultural institutions” on the first weekend of every month.
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Intro OfferEarn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
APR17.74%-28.74% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Annual Fee$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% on balance transfers for 12 months
Balance Transfer APR17.74%-28.74% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Our Take
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express charges a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), unlike many other cash back cards. But it offers a lot of value to make up the cost. You’ll earn 6% cash back (on up to $6,000 spent annually, then 1%) at U.S. supermarkets, which is more than nearly every other grocery card available today. Plus, get rewards in other everyday categories and a big welcome offer. If your spending aligns with the Blue Cash Preferred’s bonus categories, you can get a lot of long-term value from this card. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
For more information, see CNET’s review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
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Intro Offer$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR 0% intro APR Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro APR Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
Balance Transfer APR18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 2% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in U.S. Dollars 3% of each foreign purchase transaction or foreign ATM advance transaction in a Foreign Currency
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the combined two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Our Take
U.S. Bank’s Cash+ Visa Signature Card is a great option if you’re looking for unique bonus categories to get maximum value where you really spend most. Some of the card’s rewards options include home utilities, ground transportation, gyms and fitness centers, department stores, and more. You will need to do some extra work by activating categories each quarter and tracking your spending to make sure you choose the ones that best fit your plan. But this card can reward you over time with customized rewards tailored to your quarterly spending, all for no annual fee.
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Best for travel redemptions
Intro OfferIntro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
APR17.99% – 26.74% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more;
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR17.99% – 26.74% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more;
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
- 1.5% on all other purchases
Our Take
With no shortage of bonus rewards categories, the Chase Freedom Unlimited can make a valuable addition to your wallet. It offers flat 1.5% cash back rewards in addition to higher-earning bonus categories and a welcome bonus that can help you maximize spending throughout the first year. Plus, if you already have a Chase credit card, you’ll benefit from combining your points to redeem via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
For more information, see CNET’s review of the Chase Freedom Unlimited card.
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Best for dining and entertainment
Intro OfferEarn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
APR17.99% – 27.99% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% intro on purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
- Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro on balance transfers for 15 months
Balance Transfer APR17.99% – 27.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee 3%
Late Payment Fee Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR None
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
- Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Our Take
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers rewards on dining and entertainment, whether you’re going out or spending a night in. It’s also a good choice to carry on trips, since you can maximize restaurant purchases as well as tourist attractions, museums, and more. It’s the no annual fee version of Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*, and offers a valuable alternative for those who don’t want to pay that card’s fee.
For more information, see CNET’s review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
FAQs
How do cash-back credit cards work?
Cash-back credit cards offer cardholders rewards on their spending in the form of statement credits or cash. A statement credit is a reduction in the amount due to the credit card company on your monthly bill. Note that rewards are not always available the month you earn them — they are usually applied to your balance by credit card issuers after one or two billing cycles.
The redemption process for cash-back credit cards is either automatic or very simple. Some cards automatically apply cash rewards to your statement balance each month. Others require you to log in and redeem available rewards points for statement credits. Most points don’t expire, but you will lose them if you close the account before redeeming them.
What types of cash-back credit cards are there?
Cash-back credit cards generally fall into four primary categories: flat-rate, tiered, rotating or choose-your-own.
Flat-rate cards offer the same rate for every purchase. Tiered cards offer a different rewards rate for different categories of spending. Rotating category cards offer different rewards each quarter, determined by the card issuer. Choose-your-own category cards allow you to choose your rewards category.
How do you choose a cash-back credit card?
To choose the best cash-back credit card for you, the most important thing is to have a clear idea of how you’re already spending money each month. Once you identify the categories where you have the highest, most consistent spending, use the charts in our list to determine which card will net you the highest return. Consider other features of the cards, too, such as APR, sign-on bonuses and foreign transaction fees — make sure you get something that fits with your lifestyle and spending habits.
Your credit card choice may also be affected by your credit score. Most of the cards we recommend require a good or excellent credit score, which is typically around 670 or higher. If you don’t meet the credit criteria required, there are credit cards available that are specifically for those trying to rebuild credit, like secured credit cards. Alternatively, you can look into the best credit cards for no credit and the best credit cards for bad credit.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.
*All information about the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
