Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2024

*All information about the Alliant Visa®️ Signature Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Flex and Chase Freedom Student has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer. The issuer did not provide the content, nor is it responsible for its accuracy.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Best cash back credit cards compared

Editor’s picks: Best cash back credit card details

Best for 2% cash rewards: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

• Best features: The Wells Fargo Active Cash keeps it simple by letting you earn an unlimited 2% flat cash rewards rate on your purchases. No rotating categories. No enrollment. No need to think about which card to use for each purchase.
• Biggest drawbacks: If you’re assigned this card’s high-end APR, you could be stuck with hefty interest charges should you carry a balance beyond the introductory APR period. Plus, this card’s perks are limited compared to those of some pricier rewards cards.
• Alternatives: If you’re looking for a card with a generous base rate plus some additional perks, check out the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, which earns at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases and allows you to transfer points to a higher-tier Ultimate Rewards card and redeem for travel at an up to 50% higher value.
• Bottom line: The Active Cash Card is a hassle-free credit card for people who value simplicity and consistent flat-rate cash rewards over earning high rewards in specific categories.

Related: Wells Fargo Active Cash vs. Wells Fargo Platinum

Read our Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for grocery, gas and online rewards: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

• Best features: This card’s new cash back rates and perks make it a terrific choice for earning rewards on everyday spending. Household shoppers on a budget won’t want to pass up the generous cash back in multiple everyday categories, welcome offer and newly-added credits, which include $7 back each month when you spend at least $9.99 per month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle (enrollment required, subject to auto renewal).
• Biggest drawbacks: You’re out of luck if you like to shop at superstores like Walmart or warehouse/wholesale clubs like BJs and Sam’s Club, all of which will only earn 1% cash back on purchases. And since the card only earns 3% back on your first $6,000 in purchases per year in each of its bonus categories, big spenders may prefer the unlimited cash back bonus categories found with other cash back cards.
• Alternatives: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card comes with six bonus categories that earn 3X points and covers everyday purchases like dining, gas, travel, transit and phone plans plus, earn 1X points on other purchases. Plus this no-annual-fee card has enough additional benefits to give the Blue Cash Everyday Card and even some cards with an annual fee a run for their money.
• Bottom line: If your spending lines up well with the Everyday card’s everyday rewards categories and credits, this card is a great choice.

Related: Is the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card worth it?

Read our Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for rotating categories: Discover it® Cash Back

• Best features: Discover will automatically match all of your cash back earnings at the end of your first year. This is a popular incentive that encourages you to use the credit card often in the first year. Plus, Discover credit cards have a few consumer-friendly policies attached to its popular credit cards, including no foreign transaction fees, free FICO credit score access and no fee the first time you pay late (up to $41 for any late payments after that).
• Biggest drawbacks: It takes some work to maintain this card: You’ll have to remember to enroll in a bonus category each quarter and you may need to track your spending since the 5% cash back rate is limited to your first $1,500 in combined rotating category purchases per quarter (then 1%).
• Alternatives: If you aren’t a fan of tracking bonus categories, the Citi Double Cash card offers one of the best flat cash back rates available (up to 2 percent back on every purchase (1 percent when you buy, 1 percent as you pay off those purchases)  – for no annual fee.
• Bottom line: The Discover it Cash Back is a solid pick thanks to its generous cash back rate in a wide variety of popular and practical rotating categories. Read more on how credit card expert, Ana Staples, uses the Discover it® Cash Back card.

Related: Guide to Discover it Cash Back rewards and benefits

Read our Discover it® Cash Back card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for dining and entertainment: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: The Savor is one of the only no-annual-fee (See rates and Fees) cards out there to offer 3% cash back on both dining and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Target® and Walmart®), making it an obvious choice for home cooks and restaurant lovers alike. Plus, its broad entertainment category covers everything from concert tickets to tourist attractions and amusement parks.
• Biggest drawbacks: Since its bonus categories are focused on food and entertainment, it may not make sense as an all-purpose rewards card. To get the most value, you’ll need to pair the Savor with another rewards card that earns more than 1% on your everyday purchases.
• Alternatives: Depending on how much you spend on dining, you might be better served opting for the Citi Custom Cash® Card. Since that card automatically rewards your top spending category each billing cycle (and dining is an eligible category), you can use it just for dining and you’ll enjoy one of the highest rewards rates available in that category. Pair the Custom Cash with a card like the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express for groceries and gas and you should have several key everyday categories covered.
• Bottom line: Food and entertainment enthusiasts will have a hard time finding a no-annual-fee (See rates and Fees) credit card that matches the benefits of the Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.

Read our Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for flat-rate cash back: Citi Double Cash® Card

• Best features: Offering 1% cash back when you make purchases and an additional 1% back as you pay them off, the Citi Double Cash boasts one of the most competitive flat rewards rates available on a cash back card with no annual fee. Plus, the card’s rewards are flexible and can be redeemed not only for cash back, but also travel, gift cards and more.
• Biggest drawbacks: There’s no intro APR offer on purchases, which differs from other top cash back cards that usually offer an intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers.
• Alternatives: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers the same flat rate of 2 percent cash rewards on purchases but stands out by offering an intro APR on both new purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
• Bottom line: This uncomplicated flat-rate cash back card would be a good match for someone who values flexibility.

Related: Is the Citi Double Cash Card worth it?

Read our Citi Double Cash® Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

• Best features: This card’s 6% cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1%) is one of the highest rates out there. Plus, there are no rotating categories or enrollment to worry about. Read more on how our expert, Brady Porche, uses the Blue Cash Preferred card.
• Biggest drawbacks: The $250 welcome offer is nice, but it comes with a sizable spending requirement compared to other rewards cards ($3,000 in your first six months). Some other cards offer a not-far-off bonus of $200 after just $500 in spending in the first three months.
• Alternatives: If you’re seeking an American Express card but are put off by an annual fee after the first year, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is worth a look. It charges no annual fee and offers a decent rewards rate not only at U.S. supermarkets, but also on U.S. online retail purchases.
• Bottom line: Some may find the annual fee of $95 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year) a tad steep, but it’s worth remembering the card’s high rewards rates. We estimate a Blue Cash Preferred cardholder only needs to spend around $132 per month at U.S. supermarkets to cover the card’s annual fee and only around $265 per month at U.S. supermarkets to both cover the ongoing annual fee and beat the rewards you’d earn on the same spend with the Blue Cash Everyday card. (Learn how to decide which Blue Cash card is right for you.)

Related: Who should get the Blue Cash Preferred Card from Amex?

Read our Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

 Best for dining and drugstores: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

• Best features: Not only does it have bonus categories that reward you for common purchases, but it earns 1.5% cash back on general spending. This flat rate makes it a great standalone card to use for getting maximum cash back.
• Biggest drawbacks: Its flat cash back rate isn’t as high as other cards’ rates and its welcome offer is a bit weak compared to other cards.
• Alternative: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is another great no-annual-fee card that gets 2% cash rewards on purchases, which could out-earn the Chase Freedom Unlimited, depending on your spending.
• Bottom line: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great all-purpose card to earn elevated cash back rates on purchases, particularly for its common dining at restaurants and drugstores categories.

Read our full Chase Freedom Unlimited® review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for unlimited rewards: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Best features: Ideal for people who prefer to keep it simple, this gimmick-free card has no annual fee (See rates and Fees) and offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Rewards remain valid for the life of the account and there are no caps on how much you can earn. Read more on If the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is worth it.
• Biggest drawbacks: The 1.5% cash back rate isn’t all that great compared to some of the best flat-rate cash back cards, several of which earn 2% cash back on all purchases and also don’t charge an annual fee.
• Alternatives: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is another relatively simple cash back card. However, it stands out for its rewards flexibility: You can pool your points with certain Chase Ultimate Rewards cards to potentially boost the value of your rewards by 25% to 50% when you redeem for travel through the Chase Travel portal.
• Bottom line: While other cards offer higher cash back rates, the simplicity of unlimited 1.5% back on every purchase may appeal to someone in the market for a pared-down cash back card.

Related: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards benefits guide

Read our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for flexible cash back categories: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features: The Bank of America Customized Cash card gives you the freedom to change your bonus category once per calendar month, allowing you to tailor your rewards to your spending habits. That’s especially handy when your summer budget may skew more heavily toward gas or travel, but you spend more on online shopping during the holidays. If you plan ahead, this card can be exceptionally valuable, especially since there’s no annual fee.
• Biggest drawbacks: The $1,000 in spending required in your first 90 days to earn the $200 online cash rewards sign-up bonus is $250 to $500 larger than some other rewards cards offering the same $200 bonus. There’s also a $2,500 combined spend cap on 2% and 3% reward categories for each quarter. It may be a hassle for big spenders to have to track those categories to make sure they avoid only earning 1% cash back on their purchases.
• Alternatives: If you enjoy choosing your own categories to maximize rewards, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card may be a good fit. It lets you choose two categories that earn 5% cash back (up to a combined $2,000 in eligible purchases each quarter) and one category that earns an unlimited 2% cash back on eligible purchases. While this takes a little more effort to maintain, it also gives you more chances to earn cash back in a variety of categories.
• Bottom line: The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a solid choice for people looking to earn rewards in a wide variety of categories while avoiding an annual fee.

Related: Is the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card worth it?

Read our Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for cash back for Preferred Rewards Members: Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

• Best features: If you’re a Bank of America customer with large savings, checking or investment accounts, this could prove the most valuable flat-rate cash back card available. You’ll earn at least 1.5% cash back on all purchases and may qualify for a rewards boost of 25% to 75% as an eligible Preferred Rewards member.
• Biggest drawbacks: You’ll need a three-month average balance of at least $20,000 across your eligible Bank of America or Merrill accounts to be eligible for any Preferred Rewards boost. And to get the 75% boost, you’ll need at least a $100,000 average balance.
• Alternatives: Unless you’re a Preferred Rewards member at the Platinum tier or above, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which carries a flat 2% cash rewards rate, will almost certainly be a more rewarding long-term choice.
• Bottom line: While this card has huge rewards potential, the best rates are reserved for people with sizable account balances. For everyone else, other flat-rate options can beat the Unlimited Cash Rewards card’s base cash back rate.

Read our Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for automatically maximizing cash back: Citi Custom Cash® Card

• Best features: It’s one of the only credit cards that automatically earns 5% cash back in your highest eligible spending category (on up to the first $500 spent each billing cycle, then 1%). That should appeal to rewards seekers looking for a no-maintenance credit card. Plus, the card touts a generous sign-up bonus: $200 worth of ThankYou points after you spend $1,500 in your first six months.
• Biggest drawbacks: Your cash back potential is limited since you’ll only earn 5% back in a single eligible spending category, and only on the first $500 you spend in that category each billing cycle (after which you earn just 1% back). You’ll also pay a steep 5% balance transfer fee (or $5, whichever is greater) if you take advantage of the card’s balance transfer offer.
• Alternatives: If you like the idea of customized rewards but want a single card that earns in multiple categories at once, a great alternative could be the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card. Although you’ll still have a cap on spending to earn at the card’s highest rewards rate, you’ll have more flexibility with your spending across multiple categories. Instead of earning 5% back in one category on the Custom Cash card, the Customized Cash Rewards card would be great for cardholders who spend evenly in a few categories.
• Bottom line: If you like the idea of automatically maximizing cash back in your biggest eligible spending category, the Citi Custom Cash Card is a great pick, especially when combined with other rewards cards that earn more than 1% back in other categories.

Related: Citi Custom Cash card rewards and benefits guide

Read our Citi Custom Cash Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back

• Best features: Students can build healthy credit habits while enjoying some of Discover’s best features, including an intro APR offer, very forgiving rates and fees and Discover’s famous Cashback Match offer, which matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Biggest drawbacks: The rewards program can be a bit confusing and takes some work compared to flat-rate cards and other cash back cards with a more straightforward rewards structure.
• Alternatives: The Chase Freedom® Student credit card not only offers students a foot in the door of Chase Ultimate Rewards, but also comes with a $50 bonus if you make a purchase in your first three months and a $20 annual bonus for your first five years as a cardholder if you keep your account in good standing.
• Bottom line: This is a top-notch student credit card that lets you earn rewards even as you’re learning how to build and manage your credit.

Related: Is the Discover it Student Cash Back card worth it?

Read our Discover it® Student Cash Back review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for flat rate + sign-up bonus: Upgrade Cash Rewards Elite Visa®

• Best features: This hybrid credit card/personal loan comes with a lot of versatility and value for no annual fee. You’ll earn one of the highest flat rates on the market on all purchases (every time you make a payment) and enjoy a number of additional features that are hard to find with other flat-rate credit cards. If you take advantage of the welcome offer and open an Upgrade Rewards Checking account, you’ll not only quickly put cash back in your wallet but also get a chance to earn lower rates on future Upgrade cards and loans.
• Biggest drawbacks: Rewards are not flexible and are automatically put toward paying off your balance. This isn’t ideal for people looking for more options, like travelers who prefer to transfer their rewards for greater value.
• Alternatives: If you prefer the simplicity of a traditional flat-rate credit card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a straightforward welcome bonus and earns an unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on eligible purchases. It’s a versatile card with some features not found with the Upgrade Elite, like an intro APR offer and a variety of redemption options.
• Bottom line: This card’s unique sign-up bonus and generous flat rate could help rewards maximizers rake in more cash back than they would with the typical flat-rate card.

Jump back to this card’s offer details.

Best for simplicity: Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®

• Best features: This card’s best feature by far is its simplicity. You can earn rewards at a solid flat rate, with no need to worry about tracking spending categories, juggling multiple cards or maximizing redemption and point values. This makes it an ideal fit for low-maintenance cardholders and anyone new to cash back cards .
• Biggest drawbacks: The card’s streamlined cash back program is its only notable feature. There’s no sign-up bonus or intro APR, and its perks are mostly shrug worthy. This puts it at a big disadvantage compared to some of the best flat-rate cash back cards, which offer a ton of short-term value on top of their great ongoing rewards rate.
• Alternatives: The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card could make more sense in the long run, despite its lower cash back rate (1.5% back on all eligible purchases). Its sign-up bonus gives you a big head start, and as part of the larger Capital One rewards program, it’s a great foundation for a more lucrative card stack down the line.
• Bottom line: Though it offers limited short-term value and future stacking potential, this card makes sense if you want to enjoy a solid flat cash back rate without stressing over bonus categories and redemption values.

Jump back to this card’s offer details.

What are cash back credit cards?

Cash back credit cards are a type of rewards credit card. Other rewards cards may offer redeemable points or miles on purchases, but a cash back credit card gives a percentage of eligible purchases back to the cardholder.

Most cash back credit cards offer between 1% and 5% cash back on eligible purchases. The percentage you earn varies by card issuer. It can also depend on if the card earns more on certain categories, or the same percentage on all purchases. For example, if a card offers 2% cash back and you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases, your cash back potential would be $20.

Depending on the card, you’ll have numerous options for redeeming your cash back, including a statement credit to lower your balance or direct deposits into your checking or savings account.

How to calculate cash back

Exactly how much cash you earn back per purchase will vary depending on the terms of your card and the type of purchase you make. Let’s say you spend $500 each month in a category with a cash back rate of 5%. That means you earn $25 a month, just for card loyalty ($500 X 0.05 = $25). Sometimes there are spending limits, which is why it’s important to read through a card’s terms before applying.

Read our full guide to how cash back credit cards work to learn more.

Types of cash back cards

Since there are several different cash back cards, there’s likely one that suits your spending habits. Card issuers are privy to consumer spending patterns and flesh out cash back cards with different rates to compliment those patterns. This consumer-based approach amounts in a number of differently styled cash back programs on various amounts of cards, but overall there are typically three different kinds of cash back cards.

Here are the different types:

Types of cash back categories

It’s important to choose a cash back credit card that aligns with the categories you spend on most frequently. Here are some examples:

• Restaurants. Whether you enjoy dining out or take out, many cash back cards are designed with foodies in mind to maximize spending at your favorite restaurants. The Capital One Savor card is one of the best cash back dining credit cards, since it earns elevated cash back at restaurants.
• Grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Cards that offer cash back on grocery store purchases are perfect for families or anyone that enjoys home cooking. Grocery stores and wholesale clubs are usually considered distinct categories. If you want to earn on your weekly or monthly grocery trips, one of the best cash back cards for groceries is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred or the Blue Cash Everyday.
• Gas stations. Getting cash back at the pump can be especially rewarding for frequent drivers. Cards that offer cash back rewards at gas stations can be a great credit-building tool as well. Two popular cash back gas credit cards are the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express and the Sam’s Club® Mastercard®.
• Retailers and drugstores. Loyal shoppers of companies like Amazon, Walmart and Target can receive cash back on online purchases when equipped with the right card. Pharmacy-goers can also benefit from cash back on prescription purchases. For cash back on drugstore purchases, the Chase Freedom Flex® is your top option.
• Fitness. If you work out at a gym or fitness club membership, some cards offer cash back rewards on membership payments. For example, Discover has included gym memberships in its rotating bonus category calendar for the Discover it® Cash Back card in recent years.
• Streaming and internet services. Internet service subscribers and binge-watchers of services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ can receive cash back rewards on their subscription payments when using certain credit cards. The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is one of these cards, since it earns 6% back on select streaming services, so it’s worth a look.

Pros and cons of cash back cards

Cash back credit cards are a popular type of rewards card, given their return on spending and ease of use. But, depending on your financial goals, they’re not always the best fit for your wallet. Understanding the big draws and disadvantages of cash back credit cards can help you pinpoint if one is right for you.

How to compare cash back credit cards

There are several factors to consider when searching for the best cash back card. Some include how much cash back you’ll earn with each purchase, whether a card offers a 0% interest rate on new purchases or how easy it is to turn your cash back into statement credits, gift cards or direct deposits into your checking account.

• Cash back rates. Not all cards offer the same amount of cash back with every purchase. Some cards award more when you make purchases at the pump, while others provide bigger payouts when you use them to book hotel rooms or airline flights. The Chase Freedom Unlimited provides 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase’s online portal and 3% on dining and drugstore purchases. If you travel frequently or spend a lot on eating out, this might be a good card for you. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card earns 2% cash rewards on purchases. This card might be a smart choice if you spread your spending out each month.
• Redemption options. When you want to redeem the cash you’ve earned, it’s best to have options. Some cards limit how you can use your cash back while others let you receive your cash back as a statement credit or a direct deposit to your bank account. You could also turn your cash back into gift cards or use it to shop for merchandise. With the Discover it® Cash Back card, you can turn your cash into a statement credit, bank deposit, gift card or charitable donation. You can also shop with the cash you’ve earned at Amazon.com and with PayPal.
• Intro APR offers. Some cash back cards offer an introductory 0% interest rate on new purchases, balance transfers or both. It varies, but this offer usually lasts 12 to 18 months. When the offer expires, any money you owe from a completed balance transfer and all new purchases will be subject to your card’s standard APR. With a cash back card, a 0% interest offer on new purchases is especially valuable: You’ll earn cash back but you won’t have to pay interest on these purchases during the intro period.

Cash back cards vs. travel cards: Which should you pick?

Both cash back and travel cards are rewards cards, meaning you earn some reward for your spending: cash back or points and miles. Consider a few things if you’re trying to decide between earning cash back vs. points and miles with a credit card.

A cash back card may be best for you if:

• You pay your balance in full each month
  Paying your balance in full each month means the cash back you earn goes straight to your bottom line instead of towards costly interest payments.
• You prefer a straightforward redemption plan
  Cash back rewards tend to be more straightforward than travel rewards. Although the amount of cash back you earn in specific spending categories can vary, cash back rewards programs aren’t typically too complicated.
• You value redemption flexibility
  Cash back credit cards allow cardholders to redeem earnings for statement credits, gift cards and more. A travel card often limits your most valuable redemption options to travel-related purchases.

A travel card may be best for you if:  

• You prefer extra perks when traveling
  A travel credit card often includes perks while traveling simply for being a cardholder. These perks can either save money or offer convenience. Benefits like a TSA PreCheck credit, free checked baggage or access to airport lounges are a few popular examples.
• Travel is one of your biggest spending categories
  Travel reward credit cards offer the most value for travel-related purchases. If travel is one of your biggest spending categories, you can quickly rack up rewards for future travel.
• You don’t mind strategizing for maximum value
  Often with a travel card, your greatest value will come from redeeming your earnings on travel-related purchases like airfare and hotel stays. However, you could get even more value from your points and miles by transferring them to another travel rewards program.

How to choose a cash back credit card

Comparing cash back credit cards can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where you spend the most or how different card types fit different lifestyles.

What is your credit score?

Your credit score is one of the most important factors a credit card issuer evaluates to determine your approval odds and interest rate. Cash back cards are typically issued to consumers with good or excellent credit. If your credit score falls in the bad or fair range, a better choice may be a secured, credit-builder card that helps you focus on improving your score.

How much will the card cost?

There are multiple fees associated with owning a credit card, and it’s important to know what these fees are so you understand the true cost of carrying one. Once you add up the fees, such as the interest rate, annual fee, balance transfer fee, and foreign transaction fees, you can weigh if the benefit of the cash back justifies the cost of using the credit card. 

What spending category is most important to you?

Track your spending habits and determine which category you spend the most in. Once you know your top spending category, like groceries or gas, you can choose a cash back card that rewards you the most for those types of purchases. If you don’t have one stand-out category, consider a flat-rate cash back card, where you earn a specific amount of cash back no matter where you spend.

How much time do you want to devote to your cash back card?

Some rewards programs are more complicated than others. While cash back cards may require you to enroll in and keep track of rotating bonus categories, others may require some strategizing to maximize tiered rewards earnings. If you’re unsure of the amount of time you have to devote to a strategy, selecting a flat-rate cash back card may be the simplest approach.

Check out this example, which shows how your earnings can vary based on how much you spend and the structure of your card’s rewards program. Depending on your spending habits, you could come out on top with either a flat-rate card or a card that earns bonus rewards in a specific category.

* Assumes a $500 spend in an eligible bonus category each billing cycle, after which the rewards rate drops to 1 percent back.

Read more on factors to consider when choosing a cash back credit card.

Pitfalls to avoid with a cash back card

A cash back card is often a great way to earn a little something extra when you spend, but there are a few drawbacks to using one if you’re not careful. Avoid the following to ensure you continue to maximize your cash back credit card.

Carrying balances

Carrying a balance from month-to-month means you’re paying interest on top of whatever balance you already have. Cash back cards tend to have higher interest rates too, so this could mean a substantial amount of interest payments. If you’re paying interest each month, these charges can chip away at your earnings or wipe them out completely. Paying your balance in full each month not only keeps you from paying costly interest charges, but lets you reap the full benefit of the cash back reward.

Mismatched spending behavior

To avoid missing out on rewards from your cash back card, choose one where you earn the most in your highest spending categories, such as groceries or gas. Another way to avoid mismatched spending habits is to choose a flat-rate cash back card. Since this type of cash back card earns the same amount of rewards no matter where you spend, you can skip tracking top spending categories altogether.

Missed redemption opportunities

Some card issuers place expiration dates on cash rewards, or it’s possible you may close your account before using all your earnings. Keep a close eye on what you earn and try to redeem regularly to take full advantage of this kind of rewards card.

How to maximize your cash back credit card

• Match yourself with a card that best suits your spending habits. When choosing the card that works best for you, take a close look at your budget and identify where you spend most. If you spend substantially on groceries, choose a grocery card that offers high cash back rates at supermarkets. If you spend widely across categories, a flat-rate card with no spending cap might offer the best value.
• Strategize spending on bonus categories. Maximizing bonus categories can bring a welcome boost to your reward earnings. Many credit cards release bonus categories annually or quarterly, giving you time to strategize. Match these categories with your personal calendar, and identify occasions where you’re most likely to spend.
• Pair cards to fill in reward gaps. Even the most robust rewards programs have limitations. You can fill in those gaps by adding another card in your rotation. If you have a flat-rate cash back card to cover daily expenses, but you want more travel rewards, adding a travel card could help you get the best of both worlds.
• Pay your balances in full each month. If you do not, you’ll end up losing the cash back you’ve earned to interest. Paying your monthly balances on time and in full is a best practice regardless of what type of card you’re carrying, but cash back credit cards tend to carry higher APRs than low-interest credit cards.
• Utilize a sign-up bonus. If your cash back credit card offers a sign-up bonus, you can receive bonus rewards if you reach the spending requirement in a given amount of time. Make sure the requirement lines up with your current spending habits to avoid carrying a balance and losing your rewards to interest.
• Check the card’s online shopping portals. Some larger banks, like Bank of America or Capital One, offer private shopping portals where cardholders can access exclusive deals and discounts. Check with prospective lenders to see whether an account comes with access to one of these sites, which can allow for substantial cash-back savings on travel bookings, partner brand discounts, and more.
• Make the most of an intro APR offer. Taking advantage of a cash back card offering an introductory APR for a specified period of time is another way to maximize a card’s value — and save money on interest charges. A 0% introductory APR gives you greater flexibility for planning purchases, without worrying about costly interest charges reducing the value of your cash back earnings.

Alternatives to cash back credit cards

Not everyone has the same financial goals, which is why some cash back cards may not be the best fit depending on what works for your particular lifestyle. Cash back is one of numerous options for rewards cards, but other cards offer benefits for travel, specific purchases and lower interest rates.

• Travel cards. These credit cards offer travel rewards for purchases, which can be used towards future travel or experiences. While these cards can help reduce the cost of travel, you often need to redeem through select travel partners to receive the highest rewards value.
• Student cards. Student cards are often wise options for those building or establishing their credit. Most feature no annual fees while offering incentives such as free credit monitoring or no penalty APRs.
• Low-interest cards. If you tend to carry balances often, a low-interest card may be the best option. You can save a potentially large amount of money by avoiding the most costly interest charges.
• Starter/credit builder cards. For borrowers with lower credit scores (500 and below on the FICO scale), these credit accounts focus on building credit from scratch and improving existing credit. The goal of opening an account of this kind is usually to improve credit over time, increasing accessibility to lower-interest, higher-reward cards with better benefits.

How we picked the best cash back credit cards

• Cash back rate and categories. Of course, the best cash back credit cards make it easy to earn cash back. That’s why we chose credit cards that offer high rewards rates on common purchases. We understand that “everyday spending” looks different for various lifestyles, so we chose a variety of bonus categories, from travel to groceries to entertainment.
• Redemption options. What’s the use of cash back if you can’t redeem it in a way that’s valuable to you? Most cash back cards allow the option to redeem as a statement credit, but some also allow you to redeem as a bank direct deposit, gift card, charitable donation or even a credit toward a loan balance. Since these alternative redemption methods can sometimes add value to your cash back earnings, we weighed all methods of redemption. We also considered ease of redemption since some cards require a minimum cash back balance in order to redeem.
• Sign-up bonus. When analyzing a credit card’s overall value, we always think long-term: ongoing rewards rate, fees, etc. But a sign-up bonus is a nice way to kickstart your cash back earnings. The ideal sign-up bonus rewards you generously for a low spending threshold.
• Rates and fees. Here, we dug into a few costs that may cut into the card’s potential value. When assessing cards with annual fees, we did the math to ensure that cardholders’ cash back and other benefits could likely surpass that cost. We also avoided cards with sky-high interest rates.
• Miscellaneous benefits and features. Additional perks and benefits are rarely the main attraction, but they can be tie-breakers when comparing two similar offers. Features like auto rental insurance and price protection are often overlooked but can save you hundreds if you remember to use them.

Additional information on cash back credit cards

For more information on all things cash back cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• Cash back credit card mistakes to avoid
• Cash back vs points: Which is best for you?
• What are rotating category credit cards, and how do they work?

About the Author

Ryan Noonan

Ryan Noonan Ryan Noonan is a former writer for Bankrate and CreditCards.com and is a graduate of the School of Journalism at Ohio State University. 

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.

About the Reviewer

Jason Steele

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets. He’s frequently interviewed and quoted by mainstream outlets on the subjects of credit cards and travel. Jason is passionate about travel rewards credit cards, which he uses to earn rewards that he can redeem for him and his family to travel around the world. Jason is also the founder and producer of CardCon, a conference for credit and credit card journalists that’s held annually.