Best cash-back credit cards for May 2022
For many, cash back is king. With the right card, you can earn money back on where you spend the most — whether that be the grocery store, on takeout or gas. Here are the top cash-back credit cards from our partners that you can use to maximize your everyday purchases. As always, check out our best credit cards overall for monthly offers.
- 6% 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
- 3% 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Why We Chose It
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. You’ll get a great return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Pros
- This card has one of the best earning structures out for among cash-back credit cards.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
- The card comes with access to Amex Offers (activation required), which can save you even more money on specific purchases.
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with large grocery budgets.
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on international purchases, so it’s not a great choice when you’re traveling abroad.
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%
- 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.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
- 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Why We Chose It
If you’re interested in opening a cash rewards card but are confused by other options that discuss “rotating categories” or “spending limits,” make your life easier with the Wells Fargo Active Cash card. Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases and turn your rewards into cash-back that you can use towards everyday expenses or treat yourself to a gift — from you, to you. Read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
Pros
- There’s no annual fee, meaning that you can keep your costs low while focusing on earning rewards
Cons
- Don’t take this card abroad with you, as this card incurs a 3% foreign transaction fee
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
- $0 annual fee
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- 5% 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.
- 1% Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Why We Chose It
The Citi Custom Cash is the most flexible cash-back card on the market, allowing you to earn 5% back on your top eligible spend category on up to $500 spent each billing cycle. Read our full review on the Citi Custom Cash Card.
Pros
- 5% cash-back rewards on your top eligible spend category on up to $500 spent each billing cycle.
- No annual fee.
- $200 cash-back bonus after spending $750 or more in the first three months of account opening.
Cons
- Maximum $500 on top eligible spend category each billing cycle, then 1%.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 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 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
- 8% Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
- 5% 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
- 3% Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
- 1% Earn 1% on all other purchases.
Why We Chose It
The Capital One SavorOne is a great cash-back credit card for beginners looking for a solid cash back structure and no annual fee. Dining, entertainment and groceries are high-value bonus categories, and it’s rare for a card to hit all three. Read our full review of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
- This card is better for beginners since it’s easier to be approved for than the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
- The intro APR offer that comes with this card makes it a solid choice for those looking to finance a large purchase. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (15.24% - 25.24% variable APR after).
Cons
- If you spend a lot on dining and entertainment each year, the Savor is the better value since it earns higher rewards.
- The sign-up bonus isn’t anything to write home about (though it is easy to earn).
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 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 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and tickets at Vivid Seats
- 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; 15.24% - 25.24% variable APR after that
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- 5% 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
- 1.5% Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a decent option for those in need of a straightforward cash back card. However, there are other options that offer more flexibility to redeem your rewards. Read our full review of the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Cash back doesn't expire
Cons
- Limited card perks and benefits
- Other cards offer more potential and upside when it comes to redeeming cash back
- One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 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; 15.24%-25.24% variable APR after that
- 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2% Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a business cash-back card that offers 2% on all purchases. If your business spends more than $7,500 annually and doesn’t want to keep up with multiple bonus categories, this is the perfect card for you. Read our full review of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus credit card.
Pros
- Unlimited 2% on all purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- $150 annual fee.
- Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
- Earn an annual $200 cash bonus every year you spend $200,000 or more
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
- $150 annual fee
- Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
- 1.5% Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Why We Chose It
The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card brings in simplicity to the line-up of the best Bank of America cards. With an easy-to-remember 1.5% rewards rate, you could potentially earn 25 to 75% more cash back on every purchase if you’re a Preferred Rewards member. That means you could earn up to 2.62% cash back on every purchase. Read our full review of the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5% earnings on every single purchase.
- No annual fee.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Cons
- Other cards can offer bonus points on common everyday purchases.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 2.62% cash back on every purchase.
- No annual fee.
- No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 14.24% - 24.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
- 5% 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% 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service
- 1.5% 1.5% on all other purchases
Why We Chose It
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a surprisingly powerful card that earns at least 1.5% back on everything. However, it becomes a standout card if you pair it with a card that earns transferable Ultimate Rewards points, doubling their potential value. Read our full review on the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
Pros
- At least 1.5% back on every purchase, with up to 3% back on select categories.
- There is no annual fee - Perfect for everyday, non-bonused spending - incredible value when paired with a premium Chase card.
Cons
- There is a foreign transaction fee so the card shouldn't be used abroad.
- Limited card perks and benefits.
- Intro Offer: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 15.24% - 23.99%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- 5% Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- 2% Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- 1% Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Why We Chose It
The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no annual fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Pros
- The current sign-up bonus on this card is an impressive $750. TPG values it at $1,500, not including any points you may earn from the valuable bonus categories.
- There is no annual fee which is perfect for small business owners.
- You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
Cons
- 5% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- 3% 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 1% 1% Cash Back on other purchases
Why We Chose It
The Blue Cash Everyday card is a good option for people who want a simple cash-back structure with no annual fee. You’ll earn bonus cash-back on popular bonus categories, including U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations. Read our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
Pros
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- No annual fee.
- Unlimited 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores.
- Amex Offers, which earn you statement credits or extra points on purchases with a wide variety of merchants. (Enrollment required)
Cons
- There is a $6,000 spending cap on the U.S. supermarket bonus category, which may not work for those with larger annual grocery spend.
- You’ll have to pay a foreign transaction fee on purchases abroad, so it’s not a great choice to take with you when traveling outside of the U.S.
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 plan fees on plans created during the first 15 months after account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 14.74% to 24.74%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits.
- No annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
- 3% Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- 2% Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
- 1% Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
Why We Chose It
The Bank of America Cash Rewards is a solid cash-back card with the potential to offer lucrative rewards for smaller budgets. If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25 to 75% more cash back on every purchase. Read our full review of the Bank of American Customized Cash Rewards credit card.
Pros
- Flexible earning structure (3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
- No annual fee or expiration on rewards.
- $200 online cash-rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Cons
- Maximum $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%.
- 3% foreign transaction fee.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 14.24% - 24.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
- 2% Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Why We Chose It
When it comes to everyday spending, it’s hard to beat the Citi® Double Cash Card. You’ll earn up to 2% back on every purchase, and you can now redeem as cash back or by converting earnings to ThankYou points with an eligible card. Read our full review of the Citi Double Cash Card.
Pros
- Earning 2% back on every purchase is an industry-leading return on everyday spending for a no-annual-fee credit card.
- Now that you have the ability to convert rewards to ThankYou points with an eligible card, your redemption options are even more flexible.
- It’s great for those looking to consolidate debt since if offers an introductory APR offer on balance transfers
Cons
- There is no welcome bonus available on this card.
- Those looking to make a balance transfer will have to pay a balance transfer fee.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 14.74% - 24.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
More on the best cash-back credit cards of May 2022
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| Card | Best for | Welcome Offer/Sign Up Bonus | Earning Rate | Annual Fee |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Best for gas and supermarkets | $300 |
|
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Best rewards rate for a cash rewards card | $200 cash rewards |
|
$0 |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | Best for flat-rate cash back | $200 |
|
$0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Best for bonus categories | Earn an Additional 1.5% Cash Back |
|
$0 |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | Best for balance transfers | N/A |
|
$0 |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | Best for Preferred Rewards members | $200 |
|
$0 |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | Best for business card for unlimited cash back | Up to $1,000 cash bonus |
|
$150 |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Best for beginner cash back | $200 |
|
$0 |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | Best for small businesses | $750 |
|
$0 |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | Best cash back for online purchases | $200 |
|
$0 |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | Best for entertainment cash back | $200 |
|
$0 |
| Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | Best for flexibility | $200 |
|
$0 |
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express: Best for gas and supermarkets
Another rewards credit card with some intriguing bonus categories is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express. This is a great all-around cash-back card because it earns solid cash back on categories that don’t always get a lot of attention from other cards. When Amex added streaming services and transit to this card’s bonus categories, it got a major bump in value. Just remember that it charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees), so while it’s a great option for use in the U.S., you shouldn’t use it when you’re traveling abroad.
Related: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express review
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Official application link: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express.
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Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Best rewards rate for a cash rewards card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash makes credit card rewards straightforward for those who want to avoid an annual fee altogether. Its 2% earning rate on purchases is solid since there’s no limit to how much cash back you can accrue.
Plus, by simply paying your monthly bill with your Active Cash card, you’ll receive up to $600 of complimentary cell phone protection in case of damage or theft (subject to a $25 deductible).
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Official application link: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
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Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a no-fuss card with a 1.5% cash back rate no matter the purchase. You won’t have to worry about paying foreign transaction fees or an annual fee with this card.
As with the other Capital One cards on this list, your rewards will never expire if you keep your account open.
Related: Capital One Quicksilver review
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Official application link: Capital One Quicksilver.
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Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for bonus categories
In addition to a great bonus and earning structure, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers a 0% APR introductory period for 15 months from account opening on new purchases (15.24% – 23.99% variable APR applies after). This way, you can earn cash back while financing large purchases — just make sure you’re paying off your balance before the end of the intro APR period to avoid paying interest.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases and 1.5% on all other eligible purchases.
It’s also a great card to pair with your existing Chase credit cards to earn cash back on non-bonus spending — in fact, it makes up one-third of the Chase Trifecta. If you have an Ultimate Rewards credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can combine rewards and take advantage of 25% to 50% Chase travel portal redemption bonuses and transfer partners. Since TPG values Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each, you’ll get a 3% return on all non-bonus spending when you pair the Freedom Unlimited with a Chase Ultimate Rewards card.
Related: Chase Freedom Unlimited review
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Official application link: Chase Freedom Unlimited.
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Citi Double Cash Card: Best for balance transfers
One of the simplest and most rewarding cash-back cards out there is the Citi Double Cash Card. This card gives you 1% cash back when you buy and then another 1% as you pay. You only need to make the minimum payment each month to earn the second reward, but remember that paying your balance in full is always strongly recommended. Cardholders can now convert the cash back they earn to ThankYou Points via a linked ThankYou card such as the Citi Prestige® Card and Citi Premier® Card. The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
This converts into an effective 2 points per dollar earning rate on all purchases. TPG values ThankYou points at 1.8 cents each, meaning this card would effectively get a 3.6% return on all purchases. Unfortunately, you won’t earn a sign-up bonus with this card, but the long-term value it offers still makes the card worth it.
Related: Citi Double Cash Card review
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Official application link: Citi Double Cash.
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Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card: Best for Preferred Rewards Members
While you can earn 1.5% cash back on all your purchases with the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card, you can boost your earnings if you qualify for the issuer’s Preferred Rewards program. Depending on your membership tier, you could earn 1.875% to 2.625% cash back on all your purchases — one of the best returns you’ll find for a no-annual-fee card.
Related: Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card review
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Official application link: Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card.
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Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best business card for unlimited cash back
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a business card that offers 2% cash back rewards on all eligible purchases.
This card is best suited for businesses with thousands of dollars in operating expenses for two reasons. You’ll have to spend at least $7,500 on the card to recoup the $150 annual fee in rewards, and the Spark Cash Plus has no APR since your balance is due in full every month.
Related: Capital One Spark Cash Plus review
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Official application link: Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for beginner cash back
Beginners to the rewards game will appreciate the Blue Cash Everyday’s no annual fee (see rates and fees) and simple cash-back structure. You’ll also get 0% intro APR (see rates and fees) on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a variable APR, 14.74% to 24.74%; (see rates and fees). While it’s certainly not as lucrative from an earning perspective as the Blue Cash Preferred, it is a great option for those just jumping into the cash-back game for the first time.
Related: Blue Cash Everyday Card review
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Official application link: Blue Cash Everyday Card.
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Ink Business Cash: Best for small businesses
The Ink Business Cash is one of the most rewarding business cash-back cards. It offers an impressive 5% earning rate on the first $25,000 spent each account anniversary year at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services. You’ll also earn 2% on the first $25,000 spent each same account anniversary year at gas stations and restaurants and 1% on all other eligible purchases.
With no annual fee, the Ink Business Cash is a nice introduction into the world of Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you wish, you can turn those cash-back rewards into fully transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you also carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Related: Ink Business Cash review
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Official application link: Ink Business Cash.
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Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards: Best cash back for online purchases
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards allows cardholders to earn 3% back on their top spending category — which you can change on a monthly basis. One of these is online shopping, which is a category that many other cards do not offer bonus points for.
You’ll also earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (another purchase category that tends to not get much love). Note that the 3% and 2% earning rate only applies up to the first $2,500 spent cumulatively each quarter (then 1% thereafter).
Related: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards review
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Official application link: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for entertainment cash back
Whether you’re a city dweller or a foodie (or why not both!), the Capital One SavorOne offers some serious rewards for your everyday purchases — all for no annual fee. You’ll earn 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores, plus 1% on all other eligible purchases.
You can even bring the SavorOne along with you on your international travels as this card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. Finally, your rewards will never expire as long as you keep your account open.
Related: Capital One SavorOne review
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Official application link: Capital One SavorOne.
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Citi Custom Cash℠ Card: Best for flexibility
As the name suggests, this card is meant to be customized to fit your lifestyle. It earns 5% cash back on up to $500 in purchases each billing cycle on your top spending category (then 1% thereafter). The 10 eligible categories include things like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, gym memberships and home improvement stores.
If you maximize the cash-back earnings each billing cycle, you could earn up to $300 in cash-back rewards each year. This is a pretty great offering for those who want to maximize their everyday purchases but have a hard time fitting their budget into other cards’ bonus categories.
Related: Citi Custom Cash Card review
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Official application link: Citi Custom Cash.
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Cash-back credit cards that require a membership
Some credit cards have specific membership requirements. The following cards can be good options, but I’ve left them off the main “best cash-back cards” list due to their membership requirements:
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi: 4% on eligible gas (on up to $7,000 per year; then 1% thereafter), 3% on restaurants and eligible travel purchases and 2% at Costco. The card has no annual fee if you have a paid Costco membership.
- Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card: 2% on all purchases with no annual fee (must have a specific Fidelity account).
- Sam’s Club Mastercard: 5% on gas (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% thereafter) and 3% on dining and travel. The card has no annual fee. You must have a Sam’s Club membership and visit Sam’s Club location to redeem. Cash back is capped at $5,000 annually).
- USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card: 5% on the first $3,000 on combined gas and U.S. military base purchases annually. Earn 2% on the first $3,000 on grocery purchases annually with no annual fee (must be a USAA member).
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: 5% return on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% back on restaurants, gas stations and drug stores (must be an Amazon Prime member).
The information for the Fidelity Rewards Visa, Sam’s Club Mastercard, USAA Cashback Rewards Plus American Express® Card and Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Research methodology: How we choose the best cash-back credit card
Choosing the best cash-back credit card for you can take a lot of research. At TPG, we try to make the research process as simple as possible. We spend hours combing through the credit cards available from our partners and outside our network, comparing them to see which cards offer the best return for readers. Here are a few of the factors we look at when choosing the credit cards on our best cash-back cards guide:
- Cash-back rates – First and foremost, we look at which cards can help you earn the most cash back in top spending categories such as groceries, gas, and everyday spending.
- Sign-up bonus – What kind of sign-up bonus cards offer is another factor we consider when choosing our cards. While having a bonus isn’t a requirement to make the list (hello, Citi Double Cash Card), a sign-up bonus can greatly increase the overall value of a card in its first year.
- Annual fee – We make sure we include cards that have no annual fee and some that do come with an annual fee in exchange for higher cash-back rates. Whether your budget can justify paying an annual fee or not, you’ll find a great card for you in our guide.
- 0% APR periods – Many top cash-back cards come with a set period of time when new purchases, balance transfers or both come with a 0% APR intro period. For anyone looking to consolidate debt or finance a large purchase, these cards are excellent ways to earn money while saving on interest rates.
- Pairability – We also consider how these cards fit into a larger credit card strategy. Can you convert your cash back to transferable currencies within the card family? Does it compliment the spending categories of other cards? These are questions that help determine how “pairable” a card is with others.
How do cash-back credit cards work?
Cash-back cards reward you a percentage (usually somewhere between 1% and 5%) of each purchase. Those earnings are pooled into an account as cash back, which you can then use as a statement credit or deposit into your bank account. Cash back offers a more straightforward way of earning and redeeming cash back compared to points and miles.
Rather than having to keep up with point valuations and transfer partners, you always know what you’re getting with cash back in terms of value and redemption options. However, this can also mean that cash back is more limited. Points and miles can often be redeemed at a far greater value than just 1 cent per point. But if you’re looking for an easy way to accrue earnings that can be used for anything, cash can be the best option.
Common types of cash-back credit cards
With so many cash-back card options, it can be hard to narrow down which card might be right for you. To start, I would take a look at which type of cash-back card you want. Here are a few common types and the advantages of each:
- Flat-rate: These are cards that earn the same cash-back rate across all spending. An example is the Citi Double Cash because you’re earning the same 2% across all categories (1% when you make purchases, 1% as you pay your bill). A flat-rate card is great for everyday spending because you don’t have to juggle specific bonus categories. Still, it does limit your earning potential in popular categories such as dining or travel.
- Tiered: Similar to most travel credit cards, these cash-back cards offer higher bonus earnings for specific, static categories. For example, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred offers 6% cash back on one set of categories, 3% on others and 1% on non-bonus spending. While these cards are excellent for maximizing cash back for categories you spend a lot on each month, you won’t necessarily earn bonus cash back on every purchase. These are best to pair with a flat-rate or complementary tiered card.
- Rotating categories: Rotating category cards typically offer 5% cash back on certain categories that shift every quarter. The Chase Freedom Flex and Discover it Cash Back are both examples. While 5% is an excellent bonus rate, keep in mind that these cards typically limit your bonus earning to $1,500 each quarter you enroll and you have to activate new categories each quarter.
- Choose-your-categories: A newer cash-back category that has sprung up in recent years is the choose-your-categories cash-back card. These cards allow you to choose the category (or categories) that you earn your bonus earnings each month. I personally love these cash-back cards because they allow you to customize your cash-back structure in a way other cards do not. This type of card is great if your spending habits change throughout the year. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is one example of such a card.
The information for the Discover it Cash Back card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to choose a cash-back credit card
What things should you look for when you’re comparing credit cards that offer cash back? Here are some factors to consider:
- Earning rates: How much cash back will you earn? Is it consistent across all purchases, or does the card restrict the best rates to specific types of purchases? Since cash back, by definition, provides you with money to go back in your wallet, there isn’t any way to truly “maximize” the points or miles you earn. Instead, be sure to evaluate the exact earning rates compared to your typical spending patterns.
- Ease of redemption: Not all cash-back cards are created equally when it comes to actually getting the cash in your hands or bank account. Some post earnings automatically to your statement, while others earn you points/miles that can then be redeemed for cash back or for statement credits to offset specific purchases. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of the issuer program, so you know how (and when) you’ll actually get the funds.
- Additional perks: A third factor involves the additional card perks and features. Does it incur foreign transaction fees? What about coverage and added protection for your purchases or trips? These benefits can add significant value to a card.
- Annual fee: A final aspect to consider is any possible annual fee. Some cash-back cards don’t charge an annual fee, but others do. It’s critical to crunch the numbers to see if the card’s earning rates offset the annual fee.
What credit card gives the most cash back?
While there is no single cash-back credit card that gives you the most cash back everywhere you spend your money, there are credit cards that can help you maximize cash back in various spend categories. Here are a few examples:
- U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express – 6% cash back on up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1%.
- Gas: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card – 3% on the category of your choice (one of the choices includes gas stations) for up to $2,500 per quarter in combined purchases including 2% categories; then 1%.
- Dining out and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card — 4% on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.
- Rotating categories: Chase Freedom Flex – 5% return on up to $1,500 each quarter you activate.
- All categories: Citi® Double Cash Card – 2% cash back on all purchases. Earn 1% as you make purchases and 1% as you pay them off.
The information for the Capital One Savor card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
How to maximize cash-back credit cards
1. Maximize your spending categories
One of the simplest ways to get the most out of your cash-back credit card is by maximizing your bonus categories. If you have a Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, then you should make sure that it is at the front of your wallet on every trip to the U.S. supermarket for a hefty 6% cash back at the register. And if you only have a credit card that earns flat-rate cash back like the Citi Double Cash Card, then you can’t go wrong using your card on all everyday expenses for a sizable 2% cash back (1% when you buy, plus 1% as you pay) on your transactions across the board. And if your card earns bonus cash back on categories that rotate throughout the year, then be sure to check the latest calendar for your quarterly savings.
2. Pay your card in full and avoid fees
This is a given regardless of what type of credit card you have. But if you want to make the most out of your cash-back credit card and ensure you’re maximizing your savings, then keeping a balance on your card is never a good idea. As always, use your card only insomuch as you have the money to pay it off every month on or before the due date.
3. Bonus cash-back offers
Issuers may offer additional cash back for spending on select purchases. Amex Offers and Chase Offers likely come to mind as eligible cardholders are able to opt into earnings not typically offered for that particular card. These offers could range from an additional few percentage points of cash back at your local Starbucks to extra savings on your Amazon spend just in time for the holidays. Offers are targeted to your specific account and there is no limit to the number of offers you can add to your card at one time.
4. Opt for a no-annual-fee card if you’re a low spender
While getting a credit card with an annual fee can seem daunting, the higher cash-back rates do offset the annual fee in most cases. But if you aren’t going to be putting much on your card in a given calendar year anyway, then you won’t be able to maximize your cash back with a card that has an annual fee. If you currently have a credit card with an annual fee that you aren’t able to maximize anymore given changes in your spending habits, then you can always call your issuer and ask if there is an option to downgrade to a no-annual-fee alternative.
Are cash-back credit cards worth it?
In short, yes. Cash-back credit cards can be a valuable addition to your wallet. While we tout points as the most valuable currency out there most of the time, it’s never a bad idea to have a cash-back credit card in your collection that earn in your most frequent spend categories.
At the end of the day, cash-back credit cards are only worth it if you spend more than the cost of holding the card itself. If the cost of the card is $0 and you pay off your statements in time every month, then you’ll always end up in the green with your savings. If the card does have an annual fee, then tracking the amount you save vs. the cost of holding the card every year will help you determine if that specific cash-back card is worth it for you.
Bottom line
The credit card game isn’t all or nothing when earning miles or cash back. You can have a card for each or even a card that does a little bit of both.
Cash-back cards have played an integral role in my overall credit card strategy, helping me offset the cost of travel expenses that points and miles don’t cover. Plus, there’s no doubt that earning cash back can be simpler and easier to quantify — something casual travelers and beginners can both appreciate.
Additional reporting by Hayley Coyle.
Featured image by Isabelle Raphael/The Points Guy.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday, please click here.
Updated on 5/3/22.
