Best Cash Back Credit Cards of January 2025

13 Best Credit Cards for Cash Back in 2024

A Closer Look at the Best Credit Cards for Cash Back

Best for Gas and Grocery Purchases: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Why we love this card: The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers major rewards potential at U.S. supermarkets and other everyday categories, which is undoubtedly a large expense for many families. Earn 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases per year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, plus 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit and 1% back on all other purchases. The cash back earned with the Blue Cash Preferred is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Who should have this in their wallet: If groceries make up a sizable portion of your monthly budget, then this card is worth considering. Plus, its introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers can help you save on costly interest charges for a period of time, further helping those who are budget conscious.

Other cards to consider: If you spend more than $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets, you may want to consider the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card. With this card, you can earn an unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target) and on a few other popular categories.

Best for Dining and Grocery Purchases: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why we love this card: Featuring an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), plus 1% back on everything else, the Savor can easily become your go-to cash back for dining out and buying at eligible grocery stores.

Who should have this in their wallet: If grocery and dining purchases are some of your biggest spending categories, but you don’t want to keep up with rotating categories or spending limits, the Savor Cash offers both higher cash back potential and simplicity.

Other cards to consider: If you’d rather earn higher cash back rates on your grocery spending or dining and don’t mind keeping up with spending limits each month, consider the Citi Custom Cash Card instead. Since the Custom Cash automatically rewards you a high cash back rate on your top spending category, just make sure to strategically swipe it at restaurants or the grocery store.

Best for Everyday Spending: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Why we love this card: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a good pick for everyday spending because you earn 1.5% cash back without having to think about it. But you will earn extra in certain categories like dining at restaurants, drugstore purchases and qualifying Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025). The options for redeeming your cash back are also quite generous, as you can choose a statement credit, direct deposit to most U.S. checking and savings accounts, gift card, travel booked with Chase Travel or Amazon credit.

Who should have this in their wallet: Consumers who don’t want to keep track of rotating categories and quarterly activation will love the simplicity of the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Plus, the no annual fee means you don’t have to feel pressured to offset any costs.

Other cards to consider: The Wells Fargo Active Cash does offer 2% cash back on all purchases, meaning it technically is a simpler card to use. That said, it doesn’t have any bonus categories, so it’s not the best deal if you like to eat out a lot.

Best Flexible Welcome Bonus: Discover it® Cash Back

Why we love this card: The no-annual-fee Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back on activated, rotating bonus categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending, then 1%). It also includes the lucrative Cashback Match™ welcome bonus, where Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned after the first 12 months. 

Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re concerned about keeping costs low, the Discover it Cash Back could be a good option for you. Not only does it feature fewer fees—no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, your first late payment fee is waived (up to $41 thereafter) and no penalty APR—but it also includes an intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers.

Other cards to consider: If you like the idea of rotating bonus categories but are also interested in earning rewards in a few consistent categories, consider the Chase Freedom Flex. It offers rotating bonus categories as well as rewards on travel, dining and drugstore purchases.

Best for High Bonus Category Cash Back: Chase Freedom Flex

Why we love this card: The Chase Freedom Flex earns 5% cash back on activated, rotating bonus categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending, then 1%), but that’s not all. You also earn 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on dining and at drug stores and 1% cash back on everything else. There’s a ton of value packed in this no-annual-fee card too, including purchase protection, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, cellphone protection and much more.

Who should have this in their wallet:  The Chase Freedom Flex is best for those looking to both maximize rotating bonus categories and earn heightened cash back rewards on a few other popular categories. Note, the card also offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, which makes it a good option for those looking to cover a large, upcoming purchase or pay off existing credit card debt while still earning rewards.

Other cards to consider: While the Chase Freedom features an array of benefits, it can be a costly option if you’re late on a payment since it charges a late fee of up to $40 (and a penalty APR can kick in). If you’re concerned about this, consider the Discover it® Cash Back. It also offers rotating cash back categories, no annual fee and an intro APR offer. However, it waives your first late fee (up to $41 after) and doesn’t charge a penalty APR.

All information about the Chase Freedom Flex® has been collected independently by Newsweek Vault. The Chase Freedom Flex® is no longer available through Newsweek Vault.

Best for Choice of Bonus Categories: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

Why we love this card: This card lets you do the picking by offering 5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter, then 1%). There are 12 categories to choose from, including fast food, department stores, ground transportation, movie theaters and gyms/fitness centers. As an added bonus, you also earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked via the Rewards Travel Center, 2% cash back on another category of your choosing (grocery stores and grocery delivery, restaurants and gas stations and EV charging stations) and 1% everywhere else.

Who should have this in their wallet: The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card is a fantastic no-annual-fee card for those looking to earn cash back rewards in niche categories. It also features an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, should you have existing credit card debt to pay off or plan on making a large purchase with the card.

Other cards to consider: The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card also lets you choose your top spending category to earn highest cash back rewards in and features an intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers. However, the Bank of America card caps all bonus category rewards—not just the highest rate.

Best for 2% Cash Back: Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Why we love this card: The Wells Fargo Active Cash is one of the top cash back cards on the market thanks to its unlimited 2% cash back rate on all purchases. This means you can swipe the card for all of your purchases and earn a steady rate of cash back no matter what. We also like that the card features an intro APR offer on purchases and balance transfers and a cellphone protection benefit when you pay your monthly cellphone bill with the card.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is a great option for anyone interested in a simple cash back rewards structure for no annual fee, but it also works well when paired with bonus category cash back cards. 

Other cards to consider: You might also want to consider the Citi Double Cash Card, which earns up to 2% cash back (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay for your purchases). The Double Cash also offers a longer intro APR offer on balance transfers (though it doesn’t feature an intro APR offer on purchases).

Best for Automatic 5% Cash Back: Citi Custom Cash Card

Why we love this card: The Citi Custom Cash Card takes the guesswork out of cash back since it automatically applies 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 in spending per billing cycle, then 1%). No enrollment or activation is required, and there are 10 eligible categories: grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment. You also get access to an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Who should have this in their wallet: If you spend around $500 per month in one of the card’s eligible categories, you can easily earn the highest cash back tier. The Custom Cash also works well for those who already have a flat-rate cash back card and can pull that card out of their wallet after meeting the Custom Cash’s spending cap each billing cycle.

Other cards to consider: If you would rather have a yearly spending cap on your category purchases and are most interested in grocery rewards, consider the Amex Blue Cash Preferred. Plus, the Blue Cash Preferred offers additional bonus categories without spending caps.

Best for Customized Cash Back: Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why we love this card: The name says it all—you can customize your cash back rewards by choosing from one of the popular spending categories that most aligns with your shopping habits. To start, earn 3% cash back on one of the following categories of your choice: gas and EV charging; online shopping, cable, streaming, internet and phone plans; dining; travel; drug store and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings purchases. Plus, earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on all other purchases. The most important thing to note is that there’s a $2,500 spending cap each quarter in combined 3% and 2% category purchases, after which you earn 1%.

Who should have this in their wallet: Consider the Bank of America Customized Cash if you’re interested in earning heightened, customizable cash back rewards in any of the eligible categories. And if you’re a member of the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program, know that you can boost your earnings even further (up to 75% more) with this card. 

Other cards to consider: If you need more than one category for boosted rewards, but like the idea of customizing categories, consider the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card. You can choose two categories each quarter to earn heightened cash back in.

Best Secured Credit Card Option: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Why we love this card: If you’ve looked at other secured credit cards, you’ve likely noticed how many of them lack substantial rewards or benefits. The Discover it® Secured Credit Card, on the other hand, lets you establish a credit history while earning cash back along the way. Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%) and an unlimited 1% back on everything else. While the cash back opportunity certainly stands out, we love it because it offers a clear path to an unsecured credit card after seven months of responsible card usage (plus Discover’s Cashback Match™ welcome bonus).

Who should have this in their wallet: You don’t need a credit score if you want to apply for the Discover it® Secured Credit Card, which makes it a smart choice for those trying to establish a credit profile. As long as you’re confident you can pay the balance each month and avoid interest charges, the card’s cash back program can bring you extra value during your credit-building journey. 

Other cards to consider: If you want a secured credit card that earns rewards, but the Discover it® Secured Credit Card categories don’t align with your spending habits, consider the Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, and you’ll automatically be considered for a higher credit line after six months.

Best for Flat-Rate Cash Back: Citi Double Cash Card

Why we love this card: For no annual fee, the Citi Double Cash offers up to 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you make a purchase, plus another 1% when you pay the purchase off). This is one of those cards that works well in your wallet as either a standalone option or in tandem with another rewards credit card offering bonus categories. Further, if you have existing credit card debt to pay off, the Double Cash features a long intro APR on balance transfers.

Who should have this in their wallet: If you’re searching for a low-maintenance cash back card, the Citi Double Cash fits the bill. When you’re ready to use your cash back rewards, you can choose from a statement credit, direct deposit or check in the mail. Further, anyone who needs to consolidate high-interest debt should consider the Double Cash, as it offers one of the longest intro APRs on balance transfers while still earning rewards.

Other cards to consider: The Wells Fargo Active Cash also earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases for no annual fee and comes with a few extra features not offered by the Double Cash Card, including a highly-coveted cellphone insurance perk.

Best for International Travel: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Why we love this card: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a handful of good perks for cardholders who travel internationally, especially considering it’s a no-annual-fee cash back card. The Quicksilver features no foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance and emergency card replacement if you lose your credit card in another country. Members also get unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Who should have this in their wallet: People who travel overseas often (or have an international trip planned) should consider the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card. It’s also a good option for people interested in earning solid, flat-rate cash back on all of their purchases.

Other cards to consider: The Quicksilver Cash Rewards Card isn’t the best choice for people who want to maximize their earnings on everyday spending, as there aren’t any bonus categories outside of 5% back on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One. If you want a card that offers more cash back on everyday purchases, like at U.S. supermarkets and on transit, opt for the Amex Blue Cash Preferred.

Best for Cash Back at Specific Retailers: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card

Why we love this card: The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card is a unique cash back card that earns a generous 6% cash back at two retailers of your choosing every quarter (on up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter). Plus, you get 3% cash back on one everyday spending category (also subject to a $1,500 quarterly spending cap) and 1.5% back on everything else. There are plenty of ways to redeem your cash back—as a statement credit, merchant gift card or a direct deposit into your checking or savings account.

Who should have this in their wallet: This card is best for people who shop frequently at specific stores. There are 24 participating retailers to choose from, such as Amazon, Chewy.com, Lululemon, Macy’s, Home Depot and Ikea. You can change the retailers every quarter, so the card will always meet your current spending needs.

Other cards to consider: If you’re looking for a cash back credit card with no annual fee, U.S. Bank’s Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature won’t be a good fit. While there is no annual fee for the first year, you’ll have to pay $95 per year after the introductory offer expires. Fortunately, most of the best cash back credit cards we reviewed have no annual fee.

What Is a Cash Back Credit Card?

Cash back credit cards work by rewarding you with a percentage of the purchase price in the form of cash back. No, you don’t actually receive a physical dollar bill or some loose change, but you can see the rewards add up and eventually redeem them for options like a statement credit, direct deposit, check and more.

Let’s consider an example. Suppose you and a friend go out to dinner, and your total bill is $100, which you pay for with your cash back credit card. If your card earns 5% cash back on dining purchases, then you’ll receive $5 in cash back rewards. Another way to look at it is you’ll receive 5 cents for every dollar spent on dining purchases (or whatever category your credit card offers cash back rewards on). 

While it may not sound like a lot in an isolated example, this cash back can add up throughout the year, benefitting your bottom line.

Types of Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back credit cards come in a variety of forms. You can choose which one works best for you based on your own spending habits and how much effort you can devote to “managing” a cash back credit card.

Flat Rate

A flat-rate cash back credit card refers to a rewards structure offering a set percentage of whatever purchases you make—no matter the category. Most flat-rate cash back credit cards offer 1.5% or 2% cash back, so you can use this as a guide when you’re comparing similar cards. Flat-rate cash back cards can be appealing to those who prefer a straightforward approach to managing rewards, without any activations or promotions to keep up with.

Tiered

A tiered cash back credit card means there are different percentages of cash back you can earn on specific categories. The tiered structure typically includes categories with higher rewards, followed by a flat percentage of rewards on all other purchases falling outside of these categories. While it may sound a little confusing at first, the tiered structure often means you can earn a much higher rewards rate on a specific category, such as gas or groceries.

Rotating Bonus Categories

If a credit card features a rotating bonus category structure, it means the categories you’ll earn the highest reward in will change on a regular basis—typically each quarter. For instance, the first quarter of the year might offer 5% cash back on grocery purchases, while the second quarter offers the same 5% cash back on gas purchases. Outside of the rotating bonus category, you can expect a flat rate of cash back (around 1%). Note, this structure usually requires activation or enrollment each quarter in order to earn heightened cash back.

Membership-Only

You can find cash back credit cards with membership-only financial institutions, such as credit unions or membership-only retailers like Costco. These co-branded credit cards offer cash back with a specific retailer or service provider and typically include other incentives (like no annual fee and free membership). Two examples include the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and Amazon’s Prime Visa.

Pros and Cons of Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back credit cards can be a great solution for anyone who wants to earn money on their daily purchases. However, there are also some downsides of cash back credit cards. Before you choose a cash back credit card, you should understand the pros and cons.

Common Cash Back Categories

Every cash back credit card has different spending categories, but some are more common than others. Here are some of the most common cash back categories that you will find with many of the top cash back credit cards:

• Grocery stores: Supermarkets are one of the biggest categories where you can earn cash back on your spending. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express earns some of the highest cash back at U.S. supermarkets, making it one of the best credit cards for groceries, though wholesale club and superstore, convenience store, warehouse club and meal-kit delivery service spending doesn’t count toward this category. Keep these limitations in mind as you research card options.
• Dining: Many cash back credit cards offer restaurants or dining as a spending category. The Capital One Savor is a popular option for frequent diners, offering 3% cash back on dining, covering restaurants, fast food chains, cafes, bars and more.
• Gas stations: For most people, gas is an everyday expense, which is why many cash back credit cards allow members to earn money back at the gas pump. Depending on the card, gas stations can earn automatic cash back, or it may be available as a rotating spending category. A few of the best gas credit cards, like the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards and U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card, also earn cash back at EV charging stations.
• Streaming Services: The cost of popular streaming services can add up, but many cash back credit cards are now offering cash back on select streaming platforms. When you pay for a streaming service with your credit card, like Netflix or ESPN+, you can earn back a percentage of the monthly fee. Not all streaming services may be eligible for cash back, so find out what platforms qualify if you want to use your card for cash back on your subscriptions. You can view our list of the best credit cards for streaming services for more information on top picks.

Maximizing Your Cash Back From Your Credit Card

Of course, familiarizing yourself with a card’s spending categories is the key to maximizing your cash back. Here are a few other strategies you can use to maximize your cash back credit card:

• Take note of category requirements. As discussed, some cards offer rotating bonus categories or caps on your spending. You’ll only earn heightened cash back rewards if you remember to activate your bonus categories each quarter, and you’ll leave rewards on the table if you spend over your monthly, quarterly or yearly cap. Before you start swiping, make sure you’re aware of any requirements or limitations your cash back card has.
• Strategically pair your cash back credit cards. If you’re willing to keep up with more than one card and rewards program, rotating between other cash back credit cards is another strategic option for maximizing rewards. For example, use a bonus category card to cover your top spending in eligible categories, then switch to a flat-rate cash back card after meeting the spending cap or for non-category spending.
• Take advantage of the card’s welcome bonus. Sign-up bonuses only come around once, and taking advantage of them can add a significant amount of cash back to your rewards pile and help offset the annual fee (if there is one). Just be sure to meet the spending requirement within the allotted time frame (typically three or six months). 
• Look for opportunities for extra cash back. There may be simple options you can use for getting even more cash back, such as using a credit card company’s shopping portal or supplemental cash back programs like Amex Offers and Chase Offers.

How Do I Choose the Best Cash Back Credit Card for Me?

The first step of choosing the best cash back credit card for you is to consider cards that reward you for the spending you do most often. You should also think about which rewards structures appeal to you the most (or that you’re most likely to stick with), such as a flat-rate structure versus a rotating bonus category structure requiring quarterly activation. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider these other factors:

Annual Fee

The good news is, most of the top cash back credit cards don’t charge an annual fee. However, if you do find a card you like and it happens to charge an annual fee, you might not want to dismiss it right away. Generally speaking, most cards with an annual fee come with more lucrative earning opportunities and greater perks, like travel and purchase protections. Ultimately, you need to make sure you’ll use the card enough to justify the annual fee.

Redemption Flexibility

Consider the redemption options available on the cash back cards you’re interested in. Some cash back programs offer a range of options, including statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards and even travel. Further, some cards require a minimum amount earned before you can cash out any rewards.

Annual Percentage Rates (APR)

Paying off your credit card balance in full each month is the most ideal scenario, but it’s not always possible. If this is the case for you, compare cards’ variable APR ranges prior to applying to ensure you won’t get stuck with an overly high rate. Currently, the average credit card interest rate is hovering over 20%, according to the Federal Reserve.

0% Introductory APR Offers

You can find numerous cash back credit cards offering 0% introductory APR offers on purchases, balance transfers or both, and they can last as long as 21 months. These introductory offers give you the opportunity to pay off new purchases or high-interest credit card debt for a period of time. Just keep in mind that you typically can’t earn cash back on a balance transfer, and many cards charge a balance transfer fee of 3% or 5%.