Cash-back credit cards let you earn a rebate on the spending you are already doing. We focused on consumer cards available in the United States that published new terms through late 2024. Always confirm rates, fees, and eligibility with the issuer before you apply—offers can change without notice, and approval depends on your credit profile.
Editor’s Favorite Cash-Back Cards
| Card | Highlight | Annual fee | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash | 2% back on everything (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay) | $0 | Simple set-and-forget rewards |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | 2% back plus cellphone protection when you pay your bill with the card | $0 | Travelers who need no-foreign-transaction fees |
| Chase Freedom Flex | 5% rotating categories (activation required) and bonus travel via Chase Travel | $0 | Maximizers willing to track quarterly categories |
| Blue Cash Preferred from Amex | 6% back at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually) and on select US streaming services | $95 (waived year one in recent offers) | Families with large grocery bills |
| Capital One SavorOne | 3% back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming, and grocery stores | $0 | Night outs and food delivery |
| Ink Business Cash | 5% back on office supply stores and select telecom services | $0 | Small-business owners |
Card-by-Card Breakdown
Citi Double Cash Card
Citi’s flat-rate workhorse earns 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay the bill. Rewards convert to Citi ThankYou points for added flexibility when paired with Citi Premier or Prestige cards.
- Why we like it: Automatic cash back without tracking categories, balance transfer option during the intro period, and broad acceptance globally.
- Keep in mind: No travel protections, and foreign transaction fees apply unless you carry a premium Citi card.
- See current terms
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
A close rival to Citi Double Cash, Active Cash delivers 2% flat rewards plus built-in cellphone protection (worth up to $600 minus $25 deductible) when you pay your wireless bill with the card.
- Why we like it: No annual fee, Visa Signature perks, and occasional welcome bonuses around $200 after modest spend.
- Keep in mind: 3% fee on foreign transactions, and Wells Fargo may require strong credit history.
- See current terms
Chase Freedom Flex
Freedom Flex pairs a 5% rotating-category calendar with fixed 3% earnings on dining and drugstores, plus boosted rewards on travel booked through Chase Travel. Points can be redeemed as cash or, if you also hold a Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, transferred to airline and hotel partners.
- Why we like it: Valuable rotating categories (think grocery stores, gas stations, PayPal, Amazon).
- Keep in mind: You must activate bonus categories each quarter and cap 5% earnings at $1,500 spend per quarter.
- See current terms
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred is a grocery powerhouse. Earn 6% at US supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, and 1% everywhere else.
- Why we like it: Everyday categories that families actually use, plus Amex Offers for extra savings.
- Keep in mind: $95 annual fee after the introductory waiver; Amex is not as widely accepted abroad.
- See current terms
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
SavorOne focuses on restaurant meals, takeout, entertainment, and grocery stores. Pair it with a Capital One Venture or Venture X to convert rewards to transferable miles.
- Why we like it: Broad 3% categories, no annual fee, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Keep in mind: Entertainment category excludes some ticket resale vendors—read the issuer’s merchant category list.
- See current terms
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Chase’s small-business staple earns 5% on office supply stores and select phone, internet, and cable services (first $25,000 annually combined). It also delivers 2% at gas stations and restaurants.
- Why we like it: Points can roll into Chase Ultimate Rewards for outsized travel value, and employee cards are free.
- Keep in mind: Requires an Employer ID Number or verifiable sole-proprietor income; personal guarantees still apply.
- See current terms
How to Choose the Right Cash-Back Card
- Match rewards to your spending: Check your past three months of statements to see where you spend the most.
- Factor in fees: A card with an annual fee can still come out ahead if elevated rewards cover the cost.
- Plan for welcome offers: Only pursue a bonus if you can meet the minimum spend without debt—interest charges erase rewards.
- Mind credit score requirements: Most top-tier cash-back cards expect good to excellent credit (690+ FICO). Consider starter cards if you are building credit.
Application Preparation Checklist
- Pull a free credit report to confirm there are no errors before applying.
- Calculate your credit utilization; pay cards down below 30% of their limits if possible.
- Gather proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns for self-employed applicants).
- Submit one application at a time; multiple hard inquiries in a week can lower approval odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does cash back post? Issuers deposit rewards as statement credits, bank deposits, or gift cards depending on the program. Some require you to log in and redeem manually, while others auto-redeem each month.
Can I hold multiple cash-back cards? Yes. Many households combine a flat-rate card with a category card to cover every purchase at 2–5% back. Just track annual fees and due dates.
Will closing a card hurt my credit? It can. Closing reduces your available credit and may shorten your average account age. If a card has no annual fee, consider keeping it open to preserve your credit history.
Next Steps
Set up automatic payments as soon as your new card arrives and build a tracker (spreadsheet or planner) noting bonus categories, due dates, and redemption minimums. Responsible use keeps the rewards flowing without interest charges.