The best cash back cards provide high earn rates, perks to help you maximize your rewards, and flexible redemptions. Here are top cards with the best cash back, according to our research.
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Cash back credit cards are the easiest way to earn rewards on all your purchases. Whether you're buying groceries, gas, or dining out, using a cash back card means earning money when you spend money.
There are dozens of cash back cards to choose from, but none of us can have them all. The key is to pick one (or two, or three) that best aligns with your spending habits and use it responsibly in a way that maximizes your rewards. We've narrowed down the choices for you — all of these cards offer competitive cash back rewards, and many offer generous welcome bonuses and no annual fee.
How we evaluate products
To find the best cash back credit cards, we researched cards that offer cash back-earning opportunities in popular spending categories available from the most popular issuers. For each card, we considered the following factors:
Cash back rates: We analyzed every card's potential rewards rates, including its base earning rates on everyday categories, higher earning rates on bonus categories, and other promotional rates or rates subject to change. Our list of the best cards for earning cash back includes flat-rate rewards cards, cards with rotating bonus categories, and cards with static bonus categories.
Potential value: We considered each credit card's potential annual value, in the first year and beyond, by referencing estimates obtained using our FinanceBuzz Credit Card Rewards Valuation Model.
Annual fees: Many of the best cash rewards cards come with annual fees, while many others do not. Because it's possible to find excellent options within both categories, we included some cards with annual fees and some without on this list. If you're thinking about signing up for a credit card with an annual fee, be sure to consider this cost against the card's potential value.
APRs: Because intro APRs on purchases and balance transfers can be important to many of our readers, we included these for consideration in our analysis to provide a more complete picture of a card's possible benefits and featured some options with one or both of these offers. However, keep in mind that APR promotions don't last, and regular APRs will kick in after an intro period ends between 12 and 21 months after signing up for a card. It's important to have a plan for paying off your card's balance whenever possible to avoid interest charges.
Welcome offers: While not a factor we recommend leaning on too heavily to decide if any card is right for you, we did consider welcome offers new customers can be eligible for if they meet activity requirements within a specified timeframe. Welcome offers can help break ties between two cards that might provide a similar amount of value to you.
We did not include all cards available in our research, and we featured credit cards from our partners. However, we maintain editorial independence.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Why We Like It
If you love earning cash rewards but prefer to avoid the hassle of tracking spending categories, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card could be a good option for you. Cardmembers can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
This card also offers a 0% intro APR on qualifying balance transfers and purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable. Those looking for straightforward rewards and an introductory APR will likely find value in this card.
Card Details
Apply Now to take advantage of this 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
Why We Like It
If you want a rewards credit card and don’t want to worry about rotating spending categories, consider the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. It’s a simple, easy-to-use card that offers a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, with no limit on how much you can earn.
The Capital One Quicksilver card also offers a competitive 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a 19.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR; Balance transfer fee applies.
The card also has a welcome bonus for new cardmembers, an unexpected perk for a card that has no annual fee.
Card Details
Earn a 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; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter) and 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; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Why We Like It
For anyone who wants a powerful rewards card without paying an annual fee, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card.
You’ll earn 5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter) and 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; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. This card allows you to tailor the rewards to your own spending habits, maximizing your cash back.
This card has an introductory 0% APR offer for the first 15 billing cycles on purchases and balances transfers (then 18.49% to 28.74% (Variable)). If you transfer over high-interest credit card debt, this offer could give you over a year to pay down the balance without paying interest charges, allowing you to save money.
Card Details
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on 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
0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.99% - 29.24%
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Easy, unlimited cash back without categories or caps on how much you can earn.
Competitive, introductory 0% APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR), with no annual fee.
Card Details
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
New Offer! Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back with Preferred Rewards. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
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.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
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% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases
Why We Like It
If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, or small business owner in need of a business credit card that offers valuable rewards, consider the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. It has no annual fee, a valuable welcome offer for new cardmembers, and rewards for common business purchases.
You don’t even need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply; sole proprietors and people who run side hustles can take advantage of this card’s benefits, too.
With the Ink Business Cash card, you’ll 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. You’ll also earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
Card Details
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after 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 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®.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a fantastic card for anyone who loves earning cash back on everyday purchases.
Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (then 3% cash back after the first year from account opening in your choice category) — categories include gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing; 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter); and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Cardholders also benefit from a long introductory APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
Card Details
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
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
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter
Rewards Rate
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express allows you to earn up to a whopping 6% cash back in select categories.
You’ll earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
The card does have a generous welcome offer and is a great card for large purchases and balance transfers.
Card Details
Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months
6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (for first $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)
Intro purchase 0% APR offer: 0%
for 12 months then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable)
Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: 0%
for 12 months
then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable)
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel
Why We Like It
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. To earn cash back, just be sure to pay at least the minimum due on time.
In addition to unlimited cash back on all your purchases with no confusing categories, this card also offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable) APR, and no annual fee.
Card Details
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 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. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% - 28.24%, 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).
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
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
Why We Like It
With no annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a powerful rewards credit card. It has an easy-to-earn and potentially lucrative welcome offer for new cardholders.
When spending with this card, you can earn 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.
It's a fantastic everyday use card - you'll earn at least 1.5% cash back whenever you shop.
Card Details
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
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.
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 18.99% - 28.49%.
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.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on eligible purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)
Why We Like It
If you have good to excellent credit and want a rewards credit card that allows you to earn valuable cash back on your most common purchases, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express may be a good match for you.
You’ll earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on eligible purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. There’s also a welcome offer, which is a nice perk for a card that has a $0 annual fee.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is also good for large purchases with a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months, then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable) APR after that.
Card Details
Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year on eligible purchases in each category, then 1%); and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout)
Intro purchase 0% APR offer: 0%
for 15 months then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable)
Intro balance transfer 0% APR offer: 0%
for 15 months
then 20.24% - 29.24% (variable)
When looking for a new credit card, you should always determine how much immediate value a card's benefits might provide for you. The cash back credit card we'd most recommend for one person might not be the one we'd recommend for you, as it all depends on your spending habits and lifestyle.
You should also compare various cards' perks. Some cash back credit cards offer extra features beyond rewards, such as purchases protection or specific deals on things like rideshare purchases.
Consider bonus categories and rewards rates
Exactly how a card earns rewards is going to be the most important factor to consider when you're thinking about a new cash back card. In particular, take a close look at the categories.
If you eat out a lot or routinely spend money on travel, for example, you might want a credit card that offers higher rewards rates on these purchases. Some cash back cards have fixed rewards rates for particular categories, while other cash back cards give you higher rewards (upon activation) for purchases in various categories that rotate throughout the year (usually once per quarter). The latter are often referred to as rotating category credit cards. Sometimes, rotating category cards let you pick your highest earning rate for rewards in the category of your choice instead of assigning potential categories for you.
Editor's note: How do you spend?
Many cash back credit cards offer bonus rewards rates on things like groceries, gas, or restaurant purchases, which may or may not provide a lot of value for you depending on your spending habits. Look for a cash back card with higher rates in the categories you spend in the most; there's no "right" answer as long as you're aligning the card with your purchases.
When you might need a travel card instead
If you spend a lot on travel each year, you might want to consider travel rewards cards that earn points or miles you can redeem directly for travel, rather than a cash back card. Cash back cards tend to be better when you want to redeem your rewards for cash or cash equivalents, such as statement credits, gift cards, or "pay yourself back" programs. On the flip side, travel cards are better when you'd rather redeem your rewards for more travel.
Watch out for fees and interest
Common credit card fees include foreign transaction fees, late fees, cash advance fees, and balance transfer fees. Do your due diligence to understand what to expect from a card, paying close attention to interest rates.
Some cash back cards also charge an annual fee, but many of the best don't. If a card has an annual fee, and you don't think the card's rewards justify its annual cost, choose a no-annual-fee rewards card or a different card with greater potential value.
Check out 0% intro APR and balance transfer cards while you're at it
In addition to earning cash rewards, some cash back cards also offer a 0% intro APR on purchases and/or balance transfers for a set time period — usually a number of months or billing cycles (such as 18 months). (Just note that the best balance transfer cards are often not the best cash back cards.)
Whether you're planning to do a balance transfer or make a large purchase with your new 0% APR card, make sure you can pay off the entire balance of your card before the introductory APR offer ends and the regular variable APR kicks in. Paying off your balance by then can help you save a bundle on interest. Look into balance transfer fees, which typically cost around 3% to 5% of the amount of each balance transferred, as well.
It depends on what categories you spend in the most. A card that offers a 5% cashback rewards rate on dining and entertainment won't be as valuable to a family who doesn't go out to eat very much. However, a card that offers 3% back at select U.S. grocery stores may be very valuable to the same family, even though the rewards percentage is lower.
You should decide what matters most to you and examine what your spending habits look like. Then you can look for cards that offer high cashback rates for the purchases you make most.
High percentages are generally 2% or more, as most cash back cards offer 1% or 1.5% on select purchases. And don't forget to pay attention to spending caps for certain categories, which limit how much of your annual spending on the card is eligible to earn rewards.
In general, here are some excellent cards for earning rewards in different categories:
When you use a cash back credit card, the issuer gives you back rewards as a percentage of what you spend on qualifying purchases. You can usually redeem these rewards for statement credits, and sometimes for other things, like gift cards.
There are different types of cash back credit cards. For example, if you have a flat-rate cash back card that offers 1.5% back on all purchases and you buy a $10 birthday cake, the card issuer will give you 15 cents back. Certain cash back cards also offer rotating bonus categories, which typically vary from quarter to quarter.
One quarter, bonus cashback categories might include eligible online shopping purchases on sites like Amazon, Target, or Walmart. The next quarter, you might earn bonus cash at a wholesale club or home improvement store, or on a streaming subscription. As an added bonus, some issuers will even match the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, up to a certain amount.
The exact rewards structure will vary from card to card, though redemption options may be similar across credit cards. Some typical cashback redemption options include statement credits, direct deposits to your checking account, mailed checks, or credits you can use to purchase gift cards. Some issuers even let you donate your cash back to a charity.
Why do credit cards offer cash back?
Because issuers want to give you a reason to apply for their credit cards over others. Competition among credit card issuers is fierce and any kind of incentive program, such as rewards or cash back, can make one card more appealing than another.
The rewards you get back typically come from transaction fees that merchants pay every time they process a charge. The issuer takes a percentage of those fees and passes some of them on to customers as rewards for using cash back cards.
Getting a percentage of money back encourages consumers to swipe more, which results in more transaction fees that the issuer can collect from merchants. You may also find that cash back cards have higher interest rates than credit cards that don't offer rewards. That's because these cards are so popular that issuers can set their APRs higher and still gain new customers.
Is it better to get cash back or rewards?
Whether cash back or points/miles are better depends on what you value most. Big travel spenders might appreciate rewards that can be traded in for airline tickets, statement credits, and hotel stays. These points may be worth more than cash back depending on how you earn and redeem them.
However, some credit cards offer cashback rewards that can save customers a lot of money annually, which may be more important for you. In the end, it's up to you to decide which is better for your lifestyle.
If you'd prefer more flexibility, certain cashback rewards cards allow you to use your cash back to book travel. This can give you the best of both worlds if you're on the fence about which type of card to choose. For instance, if you have the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can convert your cashback earnings into travel rewards and use them to book travel through the Chase Travel program.
What credit score do you need to get approved for a cash back credit card?
Every issuer will likely consider your creditworthiness when you apply for a new cash back card — but exact credit requirements vary. Some issuers require excellent credit for approval, while others may approve your application even if you have a credit score on the low side, or a more limited credit history.
Issuers are in charge of approval/rejection, and it's at their discretion. To increase your options when it comes to credit cards, it's a good idea to learn more about how FICO Scores work and how to improve your credit score.
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
Foreign transaction fee of 3%
No bonus categories
Card Details
Apply Now to take advantage of this 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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.
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