Can you get cash back from a credit card?
Editor's Note
Credit card rewards come from your credit card spending. Rewards can take several forms, including points, miles and cash back. The latter is a popular credit card reward currency that often serves as the gateway for getting into the credit card rewards game.
With cash-back rewards, you get a portion of your money back when you make purchases within specific spending categories — unless you're using a flat-rate, cash-back card that earns a specified percentage across all purchases you make.
Let's discuss how cash-back credit cards work, as well as the best ways to earn and redeem rewards to get the most bang for your buck when using the right card.
Can you get cash back from a credit card?
In short, yes — as long as you have a cash back card. A cash-back card allows cardholders to accrue rewards with every purchase made using the card.
Cardholders who accrue rewards can typically redeem the cash back as a check, as a statement credit for the respective credit card or as a deposit into a bank account.
Some cards may offer a simple 2% cash back on all purchases; others can offer increased earning rates on specific categories, such as 5% back on gas and 3% at restaurants.
Related: Are cash-back credit cards worth it?
How to get cash back from a credit card
With so many credit cards offering cash back, it can be difficult to understand how to earn cash back rewards across different spending categories.
Flat-rate rewards
Some cards, such as the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, offer a flat rate on eligible purchases. The Quicksilver Cash Rewards offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
The simple cash-back earning structure and easy-to-track rewards of this card (and other flat-rate rewards cards) are ideal for those seeking a stress-free method of getting cash back from a credit card.
Rotating rewards
The rotating category is a popular reward structure for cash-back cards. These cards split earning categories across quarters or specific time periods.
Take the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) for example. It offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories you activate each quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on payments at pet stores, McDonald's and select charities.
In addition to rotating rewards, the Freedom Flex also earns 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3% on dining, including takeout and drugstore purchases; 2% back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027 and 1% on all other purchases.
Another card that offers rotating categories is the Discover it® Cash Back. When activated, it earns 5% cash back on purchases at different places each quarter (up to a quarterly maximum of $1,500) in addition to unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
It’s important to note that cardholders only earn in quarterly bonus categories when they activate the offer each quarter.
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.
Tiered rewards
Cash-back cards with tiered rewards offer a complex earning structure across various categories.
For example, the popular Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) earns cash back at the following rates: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 3% on drugstore purchases, 2% back on Lyft rides through Sept. 30, 2027 and 1.5% on all other purchases.
You can redeem the cash back you earn on this card as a statement credit, a check, a bank deposit or for travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
This card offers a variety of bonus categories through which to earn rewards. Its lowest category earning — 1.5% — aims to help customers earn more than the usual 1% earned with many other cash-back credit cards.
Other structures
Some credit cards can take a unique approach to earning cash-back rewards. A great example is the Citi Custom Cash® Card. This card's bonus-earning categories change based on spending habits.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on purchases in their top eligible spending category each billing cycle, on up to $500 monthly; they then earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The information for the Citi Custom Cash® 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.
Cash back vs. cash advance
“Cash back” refers to a percentage of the purchase amount returned to the customer. Credit cards or retailers often offer it as an incentive to spend. On the other hand, a cash advance involves borrowing money from a credit card or financial institution, typically with high interest rates and fees.
How to redeem cash-back rewards
The process of redeeming cash back varies from issuer to issuer. However, it usually starts with logging into your credit card account via the issuer’s website or mobile application.
From there, you can choose to receive your rewards as a statement credit, a deposit to a qualifying bank account or a check mailed to you. Some cards automatically apply cash back as a statement credit. Additional options include redeeming cash back for gift cards or shopping with select retailers.
Some cards earn points or miles instead of cash back. If you hold other cards within the same credit card family, such as the Chase Trifecta, you can transfer rewards to more powerful credit cards. You can then leverage those rewards for travel by transferring them to an airline or hotel loyalty partner.
Bottom line
Getting cash back from credit cards is possible — and if you strategize which cash back cards you apply for and which you use for certain purchases, you can earn back several hundred dollars annually.
Based on your expenses and existing cards within your wallet, opening a cash-back credit card from the same issuer or a card that offers a good return based on spending habits may make sense.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.