Best cashback credit cards

Finder’s credit card experts spent more than 400 hours reviewing and comparing cashback credit cards to narrow down the best cashback credit cards across 10 categories. We considered factors such as cashback limitations, earning categories, redemption flexibility and welcome offers. Unlike our competitors, Finder’s experts provide unbiased, trustworthy evaluations of all cashback credit cards and providers, not just those we partner with on the site.

Best no-annual-fee cashback card for moderate spending on groceries

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Finder rating 4.6 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

For smaller families who like to keep overall costs low, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is the ideal choice for grocery rewards. The combination of no annual fee, a solid rewards rate on groceries, and a welcome offer makes this card perfect for easy cashback returns with little effort or cost.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Intro APR period on purchases. Get a 0% intro APR period for 15 months following your account opening. After that, your rate reverts to 15.49% to 25.49% variable.
  • Earn cash back. Earn 3% cash back on US supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that. You also get to earn 2% cash back at US gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.
  • Welcome offer. Get bonus after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 6 months following your account opening.

  Cons

  • No balance transfer option. Amex removed the balance transfer offer for this card in June 2020.
  • Cap on US supermarket rewards. Your accelerated rate at US supermarkets only lasts until you spend $6,000 each year.
  • Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	N/A
  Welcome Offer	Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months
  Rewards	3% cash back

Pros

• Intro APR period on purchases. Get a 0% intro APR period for 15 months following your account opening. After that, your rate reverts to 15.49% to 25.49% variable.
• Earn cash back. Earn 3% cash back on US supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that. You also get to earn 2% cash back at US gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.
• Welcome offer. Get bonus after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 6 months following your account opening.

Cons

• No balance transfer option. Amex removed the balance transfer offer for this card in June 2020.
• Cap on US supermarket rewards. Your accelerated rate at US supermarkets only lasts until you spend $6,000 each year.
• Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 2.7% fee on purchases made abroad.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	N/A
  Welcome Offer	Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months
  Rewards	3% cash back

Disclaimer

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Welcome Offer	$200
Rewards	3% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

Best for unlimited cash back

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Finder rating 4.7 / 5 ★★★★★

See offer on Creditcards.com's secure site Read review

Of all of Chase's Ultimate Rewards cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the must-have card for those who want unlimited cash back on purchases, as well as Chase Ultimate Rewards enthusiasts. The flat earning rate on all purchases lets you steadily build your points without needing to worry about quarterly categories and the new accelerated categories bolster those points even further. The end result is a card that can outstrip the common 2% cashback card in value.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Earn cash back. Earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel Portal purchases, 3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% back on drugstore purchases. On everything else, earn 1.5% back.
  • Signup bonus. Earn an additional 1.5% back on all purchases on up to $20,000 spent total in your first year. This is a $300 value.
  • Intro APR on purchases. Enjoy 15 months of 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 15.74% to 24.49% applies.
  • Point transfer value. Pair this card with one of the Sapphire cards and you get either 25% or 50% higher redemption value for travel purchases at the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

  Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back
  Estimated welcome offer value	$300 based on Finder's valuation
  Rewards	5% cash back

Pros

• Earn cash back. Earn 5% cash back on Chase Travel Portal purchases, 3% back on dining, including takeout and delivery, and 3% back on drugstore purchases. On everything else, earn 1.5% back.
• Signup bonus. Earn an additional 1.5% back on all purchases on up to $20,000 spent total in your first year. This is a $300 value.
• Intro APR on purchases. Enjoy 15 months of 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 15.74% to 24.49% applies.
• Point transfer value. Pair this card with one of the Sapphire cards and you get either 25% or 50% higher redemption value for travel purchases at the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back
  Estimated welcome offer value	$300 based on Finder's valuation
  Rewards	5% cash back

Welcome Offer	$300
Rewards	5% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

See offer on Creditcards.com's secure site Read review

Best 5% cashback card

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Finder rating 4.7 / 5 ★★★★★

See offer on Creditcards.com's secure site Read review

In all of Finder's card comparisons in 2022, few cards have come up on top as often as the Chase Freedom Flex℠. That's because it offers a huge variety of 5% cashback categories, and Chase added several new flat-rate earning categories to the mix, including 5% on select travel and 3% on dining and drug stores. It's tough to go wrong with this card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back in select rotating categories on up to $1,500 each quarter you activate, then 1%. You'll also earn 5% back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and on Lyft through March 2022, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.
  • Signup bonus. Earn $200 cash back after you make $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
  • Intro APR. Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening, then 15.74% to 24.49% variable.

  Cons

  • You'll need to keep track of rotating categories. You won't get the 5% cashback rate on the same categories each quarter. Also, you'll need to activate your cashback categories, or you won't receive the bonus rate.
  • Categories not always known. Often, Chase won't reveal the whole year's rotating categories until they're close to launching.
  • Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 3% fee on transactions made abroad.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
  Estimated welcome offer value	$200 based on Finder's valuation
  Rewards	5% cash back

Pros

• Cash back. Earn 5% cash back in select rotating categories on up to $1,500 each quarter you activate, then 1%. You'll also earn 5% back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and on Lyft through March 2022, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases.
• Signup bonus. Earn $200 cash back after you make $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Intro APR. Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months from account opening, then 15.74% to 24.49% variable.

Cons

• You'll need to keep track of rotating categories. You won't get the 5% cashback rate on the same categories each quarter. Also, you'll need to activate your cashback categories, or you won't receive the bonus rate.
• Categories not always known. Often, Chase won't reveal the whole year's rotating categories until they're close to launching.
• Foreign transaction fees. You'll pay a 3% fee on transactions made abroad.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.74% to 24.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	$200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
  Estimated welcome offer value	$200 based on Finder's valuation
  Rewards	5% cash back

Welcome Offer	$200
Rewards	5% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

See offer on Creditcards.com's secure site Read review

Best for gas

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

Other gas cards typically offer a lower rewards rate than the Sam's Club® Mastercard®, but some may have a higher annual cap. For pure gas rewards, though, this card is unmatched. Aside from earning one of the highest cashback rates on gas, you earn cash back at Sam's Club and on dining. What's more, you get to enjoy these benefits without paying an annual fee. Although, you need a Sam's Club membership to apply for the card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Cash back. Earn up to 5% cash back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases (3% with Sam's Club® Mastercard® in addition to the 2% you earn with Plus membership), 5% back on gas purchases on up to $6,000 annually (reverting to 1% after), 3% back on dining and takeout, and 1% back on all other purchases.
  • No annual fee. The Sam's Club® Mastercard® doesn’t carry an annual fee, though you’ll need to be a Sam’s Club member to apply. Basic membership is $45 and Plus membership is $100.
  • Cash advance at register. You can request up to $100 as a cash advance at checkout. You should generally stay away from cash advances, but this can prove useful in an emergency.
  
  
  

  Cons

  • One annual redemption. You can only redeem your rewards in February of each year for that prior year’s earnings. Redeem your rewards online at SamsClub.com or at any Sam’s location.
  • No intro APR. You won’t find an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers with this card.
  • Tied to Plus membership. If you don’t have a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you can only earn 1% back on your Sam’s Club purchases with this card.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	15.9% to 23.9% variable
  Balance transfer APR	15.9% to 23.9% variable
  Welcome Offer	Get a $30 statement credit when you open a new account and make $30 in Sam's Club purchases within 30 days.
  Rewards	5% cash back

Pros

• Cash back. Earn up to 5% cash back on eligible Sam’s Club purchases (3% with Sam's Club® Mastercard® in addition to the 2% you earn with Plus membership), 5% back on gas purchases on up to $6,000 annually (reverting to 1% after), 3% back on dining and takeout, and 1% back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee. The Sam's Club® Mastercard® doesn’t carry an annual fee, though you’ll need to be a Sam’s Club member to apply. Basic membership is $45 and Plus membership is $100.
• Cash advance at register. You can request up to $100 as a cash advance at checkout. You should generally stay away from cash advances, but this can prove useful in an emergency.

Cons

• One annual redemption. You can only redeem your rewards in February of each year for that prior year’s earnings. Redeem your rewards online at SamsClub.com or at any Sam’s location.
• No intro APR. You won’t find an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers with this card.
• Tied to Plus membership. If you don’t have a Sam’s Club Plus membership, you can only earn 1% back on your Sam’s Club purchases with this card.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	15.9% to 23.9% variable
  Balance transfer APR	15.9% to 23.9% variable
  Welcome Offer	Get a $30 statement credit when you open a new account and make $30 in Sam's Club purchases within 30 days.
  Rewards	5% cash back

Welcome Offer	$30
Rewards	5% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

Best for those new to credit

Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card

Finder rating 3.1 / 5 ★★★★★

Apply now on WebBank's secure site Terms apply, see rates & fees Read review

Those who don't have a credit history and want to jump right into cashback cards should look no further. Unlike standard cards where the credit score is determining factor of credit card approval, Petal 2 checks your overall finances, including income, savings and spending. The Petal 2 also features no fees whatsoever, which is highly unusual for a rewards card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Cashback rewards. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases. To reward responsible spending, that cashback value will be bumped to 1.25% after six on-time payments and 1.5 after 12 on-time monthly payments. The Petal 2 also earns 2% to 10% back at select retailers, including Gap, Old Navy, Casper and more.
  • No credit history required. If you have no credit score or limited credit history, your income and financial records, including your checking accounts and bill payments, may be analyzed to determine your eligibility. You can still apply if you already have a good credit history and you want to take advantage of the card’s generous fee structure.
  • No fees. There’s no annual, foreign transaction, overlimit or even late fees.
  
  

  Cons

  • No intro APR period. Most cashback cards come with a intro APR period on purchases, balance transfers or both. Unfortunately, that’s one perk you won’t get with the Petal 2.
  • No signup bonus. Unlike many of its competitors that offer signup bonuses or introductory offers, Petal has no such offer.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	13.74% to 27.74% variable
  Balance transfer APR	N/A
  Welcome Offer	N/A
  Rewards	10% cash back

Pros

• Cashback rewards. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases. To reward responsible spending, that cashback value will be bumped to 1.25% after six on-time payments and 1.5 after 12 on-time monthly payments. The Petal 2 also earns 2% to 10% back at select retailers, including Gap, Old Navy, Casper and more.
• No credit history required. If you have no credit score or limited credit history, your income and financial records, including your checking accounts and bill payments, may be analyzed to determine your eligibility. You can still apply if you already have a good credit history and you want to take advantage of the card’s generous fee structure.
• No fees. There’s no annual, foreign transaction, overlimit or even late fees.

Cons

• No intro APR period. Most cashback cards come with a intro APR period on purchases, balance transfers or both. Unfortunately, that’s one perk you won’t get with the Petal 2.
• No signup bonus. Unlike many of its competitors that offer signup bonuses or introductory offers, Petal has no such offer.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	13.74% to 27.74% variable
  Balance transfer APR	N/A
  Welcome Offer	N/A
  Rewards	10% cash back

Disclaimer

Petal credit cards are issued by WebBank, Member FDIC

Welcome Offer	n/a
Rewards	10% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	New to credit

Apply now on WebBank's secure site Terms apply, see rates & fees Read review

Best cashback card for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Finder rating 4.3 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

The Blue Cash Preferred continues to serve as the de facto leader when it comes to grocery rewards in the industry. Those who spend at least $500 on groceries each month would earn $360 cash back annually on this category alone. No other card can match this rewards rate.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Welcome offer. Earn $350 after spending $3,000 in purchases during your first 6 months of card membership.
  • Earn cash back. Earn 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year. After that, you'll earn 1% back. You'll also earn 6% on select US streaming services and 3% on transit purchases. At US gas stations you'll earn 3% back. For everything else you buy, you'll get 1% back.
  • Intro APR period. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on purchases for the first 12 months of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 15.49% to 25.49% applies.

  Cons

  • Annual fee. The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
  • No balance transfers. Amex removed the ability to perform balance transfers with this card.
  • Cashback cap on groceries. Your 6% cashback rate at US supermarkets is capped on up to $6,000 each year, and 1% after that.

• More details

  Annual fee	$95
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	N/A
  Welcome Offer	$350 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
  Rewards	6% cash back

Pros

• Welcome offer. Earn $350 after spending $3,000 in purchases during your first 6 months of card membership.
• Earn cash back. Earn 6% cash back at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year. After that, you'll earn 1% back. You'll also earn 6% on select US streaming services and 3% on transit purchases. At US gas stations you'll earn 3% back. For everything else you buy, you'll get 1% back.
• Intro APR period. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on purchases for the first 12 months of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 15.49% to 25.49% applies.

Cons

• Annual fee. The card comes with a $95 annual fee.
• No balance transfers. Amex removed the ability to perform balance transfers with this card.
• Cashback cap on groceries. Your 6% cashback rate at US supermarkets is capped on up to $6,000 each year, and 1% after that.

• More details

  Annual fee	$95
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	N/A
  Welcome Offer	$350 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months
  Rewards	6% cash back

Disclaimer

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.
Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.

Welcome Offer	$350
Rewards	6% cash back
Annual Fee	$95
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

Best cashback card for ongoing rewards after a balance transfer

Citi® Double Cash Card

Finder rating 3.8 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review

Credit cards with a flat cashback rate typically offer 1.5% back on all purchases. But this card offers 1% back when you make the purchase and another 1% back when you pay it off. That gives you a total of 2% cash back on all purchases. While this has been outclassed by the Chase Freedom cards recently, the Citi® Double Cash Card has the longest balance transfer offer of any cashback card, so it maintains a key spot on our list.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Earn cash back. Earn cash back twice on everything you buy — 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay your balance. Similar cards let you earn 1.5% back. That's up to a $100 difference if you spend $20,000 a year with your card.
  • Intro APR on balance transfers. Enjoy 18 months of a 0% intro APR period for balance transfers. Compared to similar cards, this is one of the longest intro periods you can get. After that, a variable APR of 15.49% to 25.49% applies.
  • Citi Entertainment℠. Get special access when buying presale tickets or VIP packages for concerts, sports events, dining and more.
  
  

  Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	15.49% to 25.49% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 18 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	N/A
  Rewards	2% cash back

Pros

• Earn cash back. Earn cash back twice on everything you buy — 1% when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay your balance. Similar cards let you earn 1.5% back. That's up to a $100 difference if you spend $20,000 a year with your card.
• Intro APR on balance transfers. Enjoy 18 months of a 0% intro APR period for balance transfers. Compared to similar cards, this is one of the longest intro periods you can get. After that, a variable APR of 15.49% to 25.49% applies.
• Citi Entertainment℠. Get special access when buying presale tickets or VIP packages for concerts, sports events, dining and more.

Cons

• Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	15.49% to 25.49% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 18 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	N/A
  Rewards	2% cash back

Welcome Offer	n/a
Rewards	2% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review

Best for ease of maxing rewards

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Finder rating 4.9 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card leans into the flexibility added to many cards during the pandemic, offering up to 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category on up to $500 spent total each billing cycle. This is comparable to the earning caps on cards like the Chase Freedom Flex, but without the need to adjust your spending based on a rotating category.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Flexible rewards. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card earns 5% back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, on up to $500 that cycle. After meeting the cap you’ll earn 1% back until the next billing cycle. This puts its total accelerated earnings on par with a rotating category card, but without the quarterly limitations. Eligible categories are grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, drugstores, live entertainment, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, travel, transit and streaming services.
  • Signup bonus. The card’s $200 bonus is higher than the average you’d find on a 5% cashback card, which usually sticks to the $100 to $150 range if they offer a bonus.
  • No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card.

  Cons

  • High penalty APR. Missing payments on this card can result in a hefty penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable.
  • Foreign transaction fees. This card isn’t great for travelers abroad. You’ll pay 3% on transactions made outside of the US.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	$200 cash back after spending $750 in the first 3 months. Fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back
  Rewards	5% cash back

Pros

• Flexible rewards. The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card earns 5% back on your highest eligible spending category each billing cycle, on up to $500 that cycle. After meeting the cap you’ll earn 1% back until the next billing cycle. This puts its total accelerated earnings on par with a rotating category card, but without the quarterly limitations. Eligible categories are grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, drugstores, live entertainment, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, travel, transit and streaming services.
• Signup bonus. The card’s $200 bonus is higher than the average you’d find on a 5% cashback card, which usually sticks to the $100 to $150 range if they offer a bonus.
• No annual fee. You won't pay an annual fee to use this card.

Cons

• High penalty APR. Missing payments on this card can result in a hefty penalty APR of up to 29.99% variable.
• Foreign transaction fees. This card isn’t great for travelers abroad. You’ll pay 3% on transactions made outside of the US.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 15.49% to 25.49% variable)
  Welcome Offer	$200 cash back after spending $750 in the first 3 months. Fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back
  Rewards	5% cash back

Welcome Offer	$200
Rewards	5% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review

Best cashback card for flexible rotating categories

U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card

Finder rating 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

There are several cards with rotating categories, but what makes this card the best are two things: you can choose your rotating categories and your quarterly cap is $2,000 compared to $1,500 of similar cards. Maxing out the rotating categories means you get to earn an extra $100 back each year compared to a standard rotating category card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Signup bonus. Get a $150 cash back bonus once you spend $500 in your first 90 days of card membership. Competitor cards offer the same bonus amount but you need to spend from $1,000 to $1,500 to claim it.
  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 each quarter you activate in combined purchases in two categories of your choice, after that you get 1% back. You also earn 2% back on one category like gas or groceries, and 1% back on everything else you buy. Redeem cash back as a statement credit or as a deposit made to your U.S. Bank savings, checking or money market account. Alternatively, get your cash back as a U.S. Bank rewards card.
  • Intro APR period on balance transfers. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers for the first 12 months following your account opening for transfers completed within 60 days of card membership. After that, a variable APR of 15.99% to 25.99% will apply.

  Cons

  • Must enroll in rewards. Each quarter, you must go online and register which two categories where you want to earn 5% and 2% cash back. Enroll 45 days before the beginning of or during each quarter. Otherwise, you'll earn 1% back on these categories.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	15.99% to 25.99% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 15.99% to 25.99% variable)
  Welcome Offer	$150 after spending $500 in the first 90 days
  Rewards	5% cash back

Pros

• Signup bonus. Get a $150 cash back bonus once you spend $500 in your first 90 days of card membership. Competitor cards offer the same bonus amount but you need to spend from $1,000 to $1,500 to claim it.
• Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 each quarter you activate in combined purchases in two categories of your choice, after that you get 1% back. You also earn 2% back on one category like gas or groceries, and 1% back on everything else you buy. Redeem cash back as a statement credit or as a deposit made to your U.S. Bank savings, checking or money market account. Alternatively, get your cash back as a U.S. Bank rewards card.
• Intro APR period on balance transfers. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers for the first 12 months following your account opening for transfers completed within 60 days of card membership. After that, a variable APR of 15.99% to 25.99% will apply.

Cons

• Must enroll in rewards. Each quarter, you must go online and register which two categories where you want to earn 5% and 2% cash back. Enroll 45 days before the beginning of or during each quarter. Otherwise, you'll earn 1% back on these categories.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	15.99% to 25.99% variable
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 12 months (then 15.99% to 25.99% variable)
  Welcome Offer	$150 after spending $500 in the first 90 days
  Rewards	5% cash back

Welcome Offer	$150
Rewards	5% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review Terms apply, see rates & fees

Best cashback card for dining and entertainment

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Finder rating 4.4 / 5 ★★★★★

Read Review

You won't find another credit card that can match this card's cashback rate on entertainment purchases. Aside from streaming services where you earn 1% back, you earn 4% back on movie tickets, tourist attractions, amusement parks, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, billiard and pool, bowling, sport, theater or concert events.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Signup bonus. Earn $300 cash bonus after you spend $3,000 during your first 3 months of card membership.
  • Cash back. Earn 4% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases, 2% at grocery stores, 8% back on Vivid Seats until January 31, 2023, and 1% back on all other purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees. Use this card freely abroad and you won't pay any foreign transaction fees.

  Cons

  • Annual fee. You'll pay a $95 annual fee.
  • No intro APR period. You get cool perks with this card, but you don't get a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers or purchases.

• More details

  Annual fee	$95
  Purchase APR	16.24%, 21.24% or 24.24% variable
  Balance transfer APR	16.24% or 24.24% variable
  Welcome Offer	$300 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  Rewards	8% cash back

Pros

• Signup bonus. Earn $300 cash bonus after you spend $3,000 during your first 3 months of card membership.
• Cash back. Earn 4% cash back on dining and entertainment purchases, 2% at grocery stores, 8% back on Vivid Seats until January 31, 2023, and 1% back on all other purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees. Use this card freely abroad and you won't pay any foreign transaction fees.

Cons

• Annual fee. You'll pay a $95 annual fee.
• No intro APR period. You get cool perks with this card, but you don't get a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers or purchases.

• More details

  Annual fee	$95
  Purchase APR	16.24%, 21.24% or 24.24% variable
  Balance transfer APR	16.24% or 24.24% variable
  Welcome Offer	$300 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
  Rewards	8% cash back

Welcome Offer	$300
Rewards	8% cash back
Annual Fee	$95
Minimum Credit Score	670

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Best for Cashback Match after first year

Discover it® Cash Back

Finder rating 4.8 / 5 ★★★★★

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Most no-annual-fee cashback cards offer a signup bonus worth between $50 and $250 when you meet the spend requirements. This card offers something more unique: an unlimited cashback match. Depending on how much you spend during your first year, you could easily make more than the average welcome offer value. Plus you get all the value offered by a 5% rotating category card.

• Pros and cons

  Pros

  • Rewards. Great cash back in rotating categories. Earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 you spend on purchases each quarter in eligible rotating categories, such as at gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com, grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 1% cash back after you've hit the spending cap each quarter, and on all other purchases.
  • Intro APR. 0% for 15 months following your account opening on purchases and balance transfers. After that, your purchase and balance transfer APR will be between 12.74% to 23.74% variable. This is an above-average intro APR when compared to its competitors.
  • Cashback match. Discover will match all the cash back you have earned at the end of your first year.

  Cons

  • Balance transfer limitations. You must complete your balance transfers until a certain date to use the 0% intro APR period.
  • Cashback categories. You don't know what the 5% cashback categories will be until the start of each year.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 12.74% to 23.74% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 12.74% to 23.74% variable)
  Welcome Offer	Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
  Rewards	5% cash back

Pros

• Rewards. Great cash back in rotating categories. Earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 you spend on purchases each quarter in eligible rotating categories, such as at gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com, grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 1% cash back after you've hit the spending cap each quarter, and on all other purchases.
• Intro APR. 0% for 15 months following your account opening on purchases and balance transfers. After that, your purchase and balance transfer APR will be between 12.74% to 23.74% variable. This is an above-average intro APR when compared to its competitors.
• Cashback match. Discover will match all the cash back you have earned at the end of your first year.

Cons

• Balance transfer limitations. You must complete your balance transfers until a certain date to use the 0% intro APR period.
• Cashback categories. You don't know what the 5% cashback categories will be until the start of each year.

• More details

  Annual fee	$0
  Purchase APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 12.74% to 23.74% variable)
  Balance transfer APR	0% intro for the first 15 months (then 12.74% to 23.74% variable)
  Welcome Offer	Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
  Rewards	5% cash back

Welcome Offer	Other
Rewards	5% cash back
Annual Fee	$0
Minimum Credit Score	670

Read Review

Ann Martin, director of operations at CreditDonkey, tell Finder: “If you’re not sure what type of credit card is best for you, you generally can’t go wrong with cash back. Here are some of the main things to look for in a cashback card.

No or low annual fees. Cashback cards tend to have $0 or low annual fees, so there’s no reason to pay a lot of money for one.
High rewards rate. Look for at least 2%. Cash back on streaming services. Some programs, including Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, now offer this perk.
Signup bonus. Many cashback cards offer a signup bonus at select times. With some planning, you can score some cash right off the bat.

As an overall rule, it’s best to find a cashback card that gives high rewards for the type of purchases you make most often. So if you’re a homebody with a big family, look for a card that rewards grocery purchases. If you’re a jetsetter who likes dining out, look for a card that rewards restaurant and travel bookings.”

Pros and cons of cashback credit cards

You asked, we listened: Top 5 common questions

Cash back on purchases sounds straightforward, but there can be a few caveats. Here are the five most common questions we receive on the subject.

1. Do cashback cards actually give cash? No. Instead, you’ll receive a statement credit on your card account.
2. How many cashback cards should I have? There’s no “correct” number of cashback cards to have. However, there are effective earning strategies you can create by pairing cashback credit cards.
3. Do I owe taxes on cash back? No. Cash back is treated as a discount for the purpose of taxes.
4. Which is better: cash back or reward points? This depends on what you ultimately want to use your rewards points on. While you can potentially get more value out of reward points, cash back is also worth it if you personally find it valuable.
5. What types of cashback cards are there? Cashback cards fall into three earning categories: flat rate, tiered and rotating categories.

Bottom line

Cashback cards are pretty easy to understand and a great way to dip your toes into earning rewards with a credit card.

Consider your spending to figure out which kind of card might reward you most. Then, compare your cashback options to find the best product for you.