Best Cash Back Debit Cards [2026]: How to Maximize Your Spending

While most checking account spending doesn't offer rewards, some accounts earn cash back on eligible debit card purchases. These cards are known as cash back or rewards debit cards. We've analyzed cash back debit cards from many top institutions to help find the best, most worthwhile ones. Some offer straightforward cash back on a wide range of transactions, while others offer more unique rewards like fractional shares of stocks instead of cash back.

As you look for a cash back debit card, keep fees, rewards earning structures, qualifying debit card purchases, and checking account features in mind. This list includes the best rewards debit cards we've found in our research, and who each option is best for. 

Limited-Time Offer

AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking

SoFi Checking and Savings

5.0

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Learn More on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

Bonus Offer

Up to $300 New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

Minimum Opening Balance

$0

Monthly Fee

$0

Why We Like It

• Earn a $50 or $300 bonus and up to 4.00% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> on your money with eligible direct deposit
• Limited-Time Offer: +0.70% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.00% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>
• No account, overdraft, or monthly fees³ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>
• Get your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit⁴ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>
• Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3 million⁵ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

Learn More on SoFi's secure website, Member FDIC

Compare the best cash back debit cards

Card name	Great for…	Rewards rate
Discover Cashback Debit card*	Everyday spending	1.00% cash back on up to $3,000 in eligible debit card purchases each month6 <p>Earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. See Deposit Account Agreement for details on transaction eligibility, limitations and terms. Deposit Account Agreement can be found at <a href="https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf">https://www.discover.com/content/dam/dfs/online-banking/documents/NationalDepositAccountAgreement.pdf</a>.</p>
Stash Stock-Back Card7 <p>Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investments LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Investing involves risk and investments may lose value. Holdings and performance are hypothetical. Stash Banking services provided by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. The Stash Stock-Back® Debit Mastercard® is issued by Stride Bank pursuant to license from Mastercard International. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. Any earned stock rewards will be held in your Stash Invest account. Investment products and services provided by Stash Investments LLC, not Stride Bank, and are Not FDIC Insured, Not Bank Guaranteed, and May Lose Value. In order for a user to be eligible for a Stash banking account, they must also have opened a taxable brokerage account on Stash.</p>	Beginning investors	Up to 1% back in stocks or ETFs on eligible purchases
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus8 <p>Rewards Checking Plus customers who set up monthly direct deposits of $1,000 or more earn 2% cash back on common everyday expenses at convenience stores, drugstores, restaurants and bars - including deliveries - and gas stations, as well as recurring payments on utilities and monthly subscriptions including phone, cable, TV and other streaming services, and 1% cash back on all other debit card purchases. 2% cash back is limited to $500 in rewards per calendar year; after $500, customers earn 1% cash back on all eligible debit card purchases for the remainder of the year. Rewards Checking Plus accounts with less than $1,000 in monthly direct deposits 60 days after account opening will earn 1% cash back on common everyday expenses and 0.50% cash back on all other eligible debit card purchases. Some limitations apply. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.</p> 9 <p>There are no overdraft fees or annual fees associated with Rewards Checking Plus accounts. Third-party institutions may charge you a fee if you use their ATM/network or if you use your Upgrade VISA® Debit Card internationally. Please refer to the applicable Cross River Bank Checking Deposit Account Agreement and Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.</p>	Recurring expenses	2% on everyday expenses up to $500 in rewards per year, then 1% plus
Axos Cash Back Checking Debit Card	In-person shoppers	Up to 1% cash back on purchases requiring a signature, up to $2,000 cash back each month
LendingClub LevelUp Checking	Unlimited cash back (on select categories)	Unlimited 1% cash back on qualified debit card purchases when you meet direct deposit requirements

*Details about Discover® Cashback Debit have been collected by FinanceBuzz editors. This information is accurate as of the date of the review and was not reviewed or approved by the issuer. FinanceBuzz does not receive commission for this product.

Discover Cashback Debit card

When it comes to cash back debit accounts, Discover pretty much takes the cake. The Discover Cashback Debit card pays 1.00% back on up to $3,000 in qualifying debit card purchases each month. This is a high cash back limit considering the account doesn't require any direct deposits to qualify for rewards. You can earn cash back on your normal (qualifying) purchases without worrying about rotating categories or activating offers.

In addition to cash back, Discover offers the option to get your paycheck up to two days early and the ability to deposit cash at any Walmart.

However, it's important to note that if you need to deposit cash, you must either do so at a Walmart location (no charge) or deposit the cash into another account and transfer it to your Discover account. Discover is FDIC insured.

Stash Stock-Back Card

If you're looking for different ways to earn rewards, check out the Stash Stock-Back Card¹⁰ <p class=""> Bank Account Services provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC.<br></p> . Rather than traditional cash back, this card pays you in fractional shares of popular stocks when you swipe your card. The typical reward is 1%, but there are opportunities to earn more.

This option is great for beginning investors who don't know where to start or who may not have much capital to invest. It's like earning free stock for doing your normal spending.

When you shop with your Stock-Back card, you earn stock from the company you made a purchase from. For example, imagine buying something at Amazon only to earn fractional shares of AMZN stock, or filling up your gas tank at BP and earning BP stock. It certainly makes shopping more fun knowing that you're building a portfolio, regardless of how small it may be.

Don't worry, if you shop at small, local businesses, you'll get a default investment in a stock.

The amount you earn depends on the plan you choose (each has a monthly fee):

• Stash Growth: $3 per month and earn up to 1% stock-back (up to 2% with certain bonuses)
• Stash+: $9 per month and earn 1% stock-back (up to 3% with certain bonuses)

Note that Stash Banking services are provided by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Stock rewards are held in a Stock Invest account, however, and are not FDIC insured.

Visit Stash | Learn more in our Stash review.

Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus

The Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account stands out for offering cash back on recurring transactions, a category not usually included in cash back earning opportunities for credit or debit cards. This can prove to be pretty lucrative, even if you only use it to pay a few bills.

While this account doesn't earn interest, if you pair it with a Performance Savings account, you may earn an APY of up to 4.69% APY with a $1,000 monthly direct deposit.¹¹ <p>The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Premier Savings account is accurate as of 09/23/2024. It is variable and may change at any time. There is no minimum balance to open your account, but you will only earn the APY on days when the closing balance of your Premiere Savings account is or exceeds $1000. On days where the account closing balance drops below $1000, the APY will be 0%.<br><br> There are no monthly account fees associated with Premier Savings accounts.<br><br> Upgrade is a financial technology company, not a bank. Premier Savings accounts are provided by Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.</p> Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus is FDIC insured through Cross River Bank.

Visit Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus | Learn more in our Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus review

Axos Cash Back Checking Debit Card

If you do a lot of in-person shopping and prefer to do signature-based transactions versus using your PIN, you can earn 1% back on your purchases with the Axos Cash Back Checking Debit Card.

I like that the limit is high, up to $2,000, so you can earn $200 a month or $2,400 annually just for making your regular purchases. However, there's a catch; you must maintain an average daily balance of $1,500 otherwise your cash back percentage decreases to 0.5%. If you don't regularly keep a higher balance, I'd suggest one of the other cash back debit cards on this list.

In addition to the rewarding cash back options, Axos also offers unlimited reimbursements on non-network ATMs. If you travel often or live in a rural area with only a few ATMS, this can be a great feature. Member FDIC.

Learn more in our Axos Bank review.

LendingClub LevelUp Checking

LendingClub LevelUp Checking made our list because it earns up to 1% cash back on qualifying debit card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies, with no limits. If you have a LendingClub loan, you can also earn up to 2% cash back on on-time payments you make toward your loan with this account.

This is a great cash back debit card, if the earning categories work for you, but we'd be inclined to recommend it to more people if it weren't for its requirements to qualify. You must receive at least one direct deposit into your checking account each month to be eligible for cash back. Otherwise, you won't earn any. This account is also members-only, which means you must have or have had a LendingClub account (either a loan or another banking account) to be eligible to apply. This is unusual and not ideal, especially if you don't want another account right now.

The account also earns an APY of up to 1.00% (as of 01/07/26), which is not the best you can find by any means but certainly nice to have in a cash back checking account.

Learn more in our LendingClub LevelUp Checking review.

How to choose the best cash back debit card

While there are credit cards that offer 5% cash back on certain spending categories, debit cards don't typically offer similar rewards rates, but there are still factors you should consider, including:

• Cashback rate: Look for a debit card that offers a higher cash back rate on most of your everyday purchases, since you'll use your card for these purchases most often. Some cards offer a flat cashback rate, while others may have tiered rates depending on your balance, account type, or purchase.
• Fees and limitations: Consider any fees associated with the rewards debit card. Is there a monthly fee for the checking account? Do you have to maintain a minimum balance to earn the highest rewards? Are you limited to how much cash back you can earn? Look at the whole picture and calculate whether additional fees outweigh the potential rewards you could earn.
• Compatibility with existing accounts: If you already have a checking account or other financial products with a specific bank, consider choosing a cash back debit card from the same institution. This can provide convenience in managing your accounts.

4.8

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Bank of America Advantage Banking

Up to $500 cash offer. Click ‘Learn More' for more details. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC.

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4.3

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Enjoy $400 as a new Chase checking customer

When you open a new Chase Total Checking® account with qualifying activities.¹² <p>Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance within the last 3 years. You can receive only one new checking account opening related bonus every two years from the last coupon enrollment date and only one bonus per account. Coupon is good for one-time use. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; AND 2) Have your direct deposits totaling $1,000 or more made to this account within 90 days of coupon enrollment. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. Person to Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit. Micro-deposits do not qualify as a direct deposit for the bonus. Micro-deposits are small deposits, typically less than $1, that are sent to your account to verify it is the correct account. After you have completed all the above requirements, we'll deposit the bonus in your new account within 15 days. To receive this bonus, the enrolled account must not be closed or restricted at the time of payout. Eligibility may be limited based on account ownership. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT (or Form 1042-S, if applicable). Offer availability subject to change. Other Chase checking bonus offers may exist concurrently.</p> FDIC Insured. Offer valid through 4/15/2026.

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AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking

SoFi Checking & Savings - Earn Up to $300 When You Set Up Direct Deposit

Limited-Time Offer: Earn a $50 or $300 bonus with eligible direct deposit and up to 4.00% APY on Savings (3.30% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p> FDIC Insured.⁵ <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, sans-serif;">SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.&nbsp;Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at&nbsp;<a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms</a>. See list of participating banks at <a href="http://sofi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks">SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks</a>.</b></p>

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4.6

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Use Cash App As Your All-in-One Financial Services Platform

Bank¹³ <p>Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p><p class="">Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Direct Deposit provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand.</p> without all the fees—save, send, and spend your money the way you want.¹⁴ <p class="">Your balance is eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance through our Program Banks Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and/or Sutton Bank, Members FDIC for up to $250,000 per customer when aggregated with all other deposits held in the same legal capacity at each Program Bank above, if certain conditions are met. Cash App is a financial services platform, and not an FDIC-insured bank. Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement">terms and conditions</a>. </p> Get paid up to 2 days early – up to 2 days earlier than most banks¹⁵ <p>Your first deposit may take longer depending on your employer.</p>

Download Cash App

FAQs

Bottom line

Cash back debit cards can help you make the most of your everyday spending. When selecting a cash back debit card, always consider what you're looking for in a debit card as well as in the checking account attached to it. Make sure the offers are something you can benefit from and the rewards will outweigh any monthly fees. If you're ready to get your cash back debit card, check out our list of the best checking accounts to see which offer cashback rewards.

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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score products and companies on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence our ratings.

AWARD WINNER Best Online Checking

High APY of up to 4.00% on Savings (3.30% APY¹ <p>New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not received a cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p><p>SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.30% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 12/23/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>.</p> with +0.70% APY Boost) for up to 6 Months on new accounts. Terms Apply.² <p>Earn up to 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.30% APY as of 12/23/25) for up to 6 months. Open a new SoFi Checking and Savings account and pay the $10 SoFi Plus subscription every 30 days OR receive eligible direct deposits OR qualifying deposits of $5,000 every 31 days by 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sofi.com/banking/#2">sofi.com/banking#2</a>. SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.</p>

Paycheck access up to 2 days early with direct deposit⁴ <p>Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.</p>

No monthly maintenance or overdraft fees³ <p>We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at <a href="http://sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/">sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/</a></p>

Streamlined savings and savings goals with Vaults

Access to a large ATM network¹⁶ <p>We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees may be incurred when using out-of-network ATMs. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.</p>