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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.
Debit cards like the Discover® Cashback Debit Card and Axos Cash Back Checking Debit Card offer straightforward cash back on a wide range of debit card transactions that can be redeemed for cash. Others, like the Stash Stock-Back Card, offer more unique rewards like fractional shares 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. We most recommend Discover for its simple rewards rate and high limits.
How we evaluate products
When choosing cash back debit cards, we considered various criteria including:
- Amount and type of rewards: We look for debit cards that offer various ways to earn rewards as we know not all consumers have the same spending habits
- Monthly fees: We strive to only recommend accounts with no monthly fees; however the Stash Stock-Back card is an exception due to its unique stock rewards
- ATM network: We aim for banks with a large ATM network or the option to get some of your non-network ATMS reimbursed (there are a couple of exceptions)
- APY: Earning cash back doesn’t have to be exclusive, so we try to include accounts that also pay interest, usually with a minimum balance requirement
The best cash back debit cards
- Discover Cashback Debit Card
- Stash Stock-Back Card
- Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
- Axos Cash Back Checking Debit Card
- LendingClub Rewards Checking
Editor's note
All of the accounts we've included in this list are online-only, meaning you won't be able to visit a branch to manage your account. Keep this in mind but note that it's very rare to find cash back checking accounts from brick-and-mortar institutions.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 month1 <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 Card2 <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 Plus3 <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> 4 <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 Rewards Checking | Unlimited cash back | Unlimited 1% cash back on qualified debit card purchases when you meet direct deposit requirements |
Discover Cashback Debit Card
- Rewards: 1.00% on up to $3,000 per month
- Monthly fees: $0
- ATM network: 60,000 fee-free ATMs
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.
- Access to your paycheck two days early with direct deposit
- Pay no monthly maintenance fee
- Access to Zelle for transfers
- No in-person branches
Visit Discover to find out more about its Cash Back Debit Card
Stash Stock-Back Card
- Rewards: Up to 3% in stock-back
- Monthly fees: $3 to $9 per month
- ATM network: 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs
If you're looking for different ways to earn rewards, check out the Stash Stock-Back Card5 <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.
Tip
Keep in mind that some transactions don't qualify for stock back, such as cash withdrawals, money orders, prepaid debit cards, and P2P payments.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.
- You can automatically invest just by making regular purchases
- You can invest in the companies you believe in
- Easy access to your cash if needed
- Not all debit card purchases qualify for cashback rewards
- Has a monthly account fee that's either $3 or $9, depending on your subscription
Visit Stash | Learn more in our Stash review.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
- Rewards: 2% back on everyday purchases; 1% on everything else
- Monthly fees: $0
- ATM network: 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs
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.6 <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.
As an added bonus, you can earn up to 10% back at select stores with Shopping Powered by Dosh. But unfortunately, you must go into the Upgrade mobile app and activate these offers.
- No monthly fees
- Many opportunities to earn cash back
- Option to increase your interest earnings
- Charges a $2.50 non-network ATM fee
- Requires a minimum $1,000 monthly direct deposit to qualify for rewards
Visit Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus
Axos Cash Back Checking Debit Card
- Rewards: Up to 1% cash back
- Monthly fees: $0
- ATM network: Includes unlimited ATM reimbursements
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.
- Easily pay others via its mobile app
- Access to free online bill pay
- Free access to your credit scores
- High minimum account balance to get 1% cash back
- Cashback rewards only apply to purchases that require a signature
Visit Axos Cashback Checking | Learn more in our Axos Bank review.
LendingClub Rewards Checking
- Rewards: Unlimited 1% cash back on qualified debit card purchases when you meet direct deposit requirements
- Monthly fees: $0
- ATM network: 40,000+ (and unlimited fee rebates for out-of-network machines)
LendingClub Rewards Checking made our list because it earns up to 1% cash back on all debit card purchases, with no limits. Unlimited cash back on a checking account is very rare, so you can see why this account stands out.
This is a great cash back debit account no matter how you slice it, 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 $2,500 in recurring direct deposits every 30 days or keep an average balance of $2,500 in your checking account to be eligible for cash back. Otherwise, you won't earn any.
The account also earns an APY of up to 0.15% (as of 3/26/25), which is not the best you can find by any means but certainly nice to have in a cash back checking account.
- No limits on cash back (and online purchases qualify)
- Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- Early direct deposit
- No physical branches
- Steep direct deposit activity requirements to qualify for cash back and APY
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.
FAQs
Is it better to use a credit card or debit card?
It's not inherently better to use a credit card versus a debit card. It simply depends on your spending habits and your financial preferences. One of the main differences between credit cards and debit cards is that credit cards allow you to make purchases using credit that you pay back later. Debit cards typically allow you to spend only the amount of money that you have.
While there are some reasons to stop using your debit card and switch to one of the best rewards credit cards or best cash back credit cards, every financial situation is different. You might prefer to work on your credit score, build credit history, or simply prefer using debit cards. If that's the case, make sure to select one that helps you earn rewards for your daily purchases.
Are cash back debit cards worth it?
Cash back debit cards are worth using, especially if you don't use a cash back credit card that has a higher rewards rate. Cash back debit cards can also offer various features attached to their checking accounts. Some cash back debit cards can help you earn 1% or more on qualifying purchases.
Can someone access my bank account with my debit card?
A person may be able to access your bank account with your debit card, especially if they also have your PIN. Your debit card includes your card number, first and last name, CVV code, and card expiration date, among other information.
This information can be used online, over the phone, or in person to access funds in your bank account. To improve your security, make sure to activate measures that your financial institution may offer, including warnings against suspicious activities, two-factor authentication, and more.
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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SoFi Checking and Savings Benefits
- Earn up to 3.80% APY7 <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 Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) <b>OR</b> $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/banking#1">sofi.com/banking#1</a>. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC.</p> <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Jan. 24, 2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.</p> and collect up to a $300 cash bonus with direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits8 <p>SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of Jan. 24, 2025. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at <a href="http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet">http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet</a>. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at <a href="https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus">https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus</a>.</p>
- No account, overdraft, or monthly fees9 <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 early10 <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 million11 <p><b style="font-family: Rubik, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", 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. 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 <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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