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Best cashback credit cards

Get cashback on everyday purchases or earn more on specific categories.

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Steven Dashiell
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The best cashback credit cards offer above-average cashback opportunities on the shopping categories you spend in most. Finder’s credit card experts spent more than 400 hours reviewing and comparing each rewards credit cards based on factors including cashback limitations, earning categories, redemption flexibility and welcome offers. We’ve narrowed down the best cashback credit cards across 10 categories to help you zero in on the best card for earning back bucks. The biggest changes to our list for 2021 are the addition of both Chase Freedom cards, which received massive value boosts thanks to the tiered earning categories in addition to their standard rates.
  • Why trust us? Unlike our competitors, Finder’s credit card experts research and write about all credit cards, including those from providers who aren’t partners on our site. Our trustworthy, unbiased evaluations are solely meant to help you choose the best credit card for your financial needs.

What are the best cashback credit cards?

Best for grocery rewards with no annual fee
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express logo
Finder Rating: 4.6 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & fees
670
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 3%
Cash back
$100
Welcome offer
For smaller families who like to keep overall costs low, the Blue Cash Everyday Card 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 cash back returns with little effort or cost.
  • Cash back. Earn 3% back as statement credit at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that. Earn 2% back at US gas stations and select department stores, and 1% back on everything else.
  • Welcome offer. Earn a $100 bonus after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 6 months following your account opening. Also earn 20% back on Amazon purchases on up to $150 total during that same time frame.
  • Intro APR period on purchases. Get a 0% intro APR period on purchases for 15 months after account opening. After that, your rate reverts to 13.99% to 23.99% variable.
  • Foreign transaction fee. Purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 2.7% of the amount.
  • No balance transfers. Amex removed balance transfers from their cards in 2020.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR N/A
Welcome offer 20% back on Amazon.com purchases in the first 6 months for up to $150 back, plus $100 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months
Estimated welcome offer value $200 based on Finder's valuation
Rewards 2% at US gas stations and select US department stores, 3% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
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.

Best for pairing with Chase cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited® logo
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
Rates & fees
670
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 5%
Cash back
$200
Welcome offer
Of all of Chase's Ultimate Rewards cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the must-have card for the 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.
  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards and on Lyft through March 2022, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores and 1.5% back on all other purchases. The 1.5% cash back is what makes this card a great addition to the Chase Trifecta combo because the other two cards earn only 1% on most categories.
  • Signup bonus. Earn a signup bonus of $200 after you spend $500 within your first 3 months of account opening. Get 15 months of 0% intro APR period on purchases. After that, your APR reverts to 14.99% to 23.74% variable.
  • Second card needed. You'll need a Chase Sapphire card to transfer points and make the most of your rewards.
  • Foreign transaction fee. Transactions made abroad or online with foreign retailers cost 3% of the amount.
  • No intro APR period on balance transfers. There's no 0% intro APR period to use to consolidate your debt.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)
Balance transfer APR 14.99% to 23.74% 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 on travel purchased through Chase, 5% on Lyft, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1.5% on all other purchases

Best 5% cashback card
Chase Freedom Flex℠

Chase Freedom Flex℠ logo
Finder Rating: 4.7 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Apply now
on Chase's secure site
Rates & fees
670
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 5%
Cash back
$200
Welcome offer
In all of Finder's card comparisons in 2020, 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.
  • Cash back. Earn 5% back on travel purchased via the Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2022 and 5% back on rotating categories on up to $1,500 each quarter. After reaching the cap, you earn 1% back. Purchases made at drugstores and restaurants, including delivery and takeout earn 3% back. Everything else earns 1% back.
  • Signup bonus. Earn $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months when you open your account.
  • Intro APR period. Get 15 months of 0% intro APR period on purchases. A variable APR of 14.99% to 23.74% applies thereafter.
  • Foreign transaction fees. Purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants will cost you 3% of the amount.
  • No intro APR period on balance transfers. You don't get to use a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 14.99% to 23.74% variable)
Balance transfer APR 14.99% to 23.74% variable
Welcome offer $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Estimated welcome offer value $200 based on Finder's valuation
Rewards 5% back in rotating categories up to $1,500 combined each activated quarter (then 1%), 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases

Best cashback card for unlimited cash back and ongoing rewards after a balance transfer
Citi® Double Cash Card

Citi® Double Cash Card logo
Finder Rating: 3.8 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Apply now
on Citi's secure site
670
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 2%
Cash back
n/a
Welcome offer
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 in recent months, the Citi Double Cash has the longest balance transfer offer of any cashback card, so it maintains a key spot on our list.
  • Earn cash babck. Earn 1% cash back when you make the purchase and 1% when you pay your balance for a total 2% cash back. The difference between 1.5% and 2% cashback cards is $100 for $20,000 spent in one year.
  • Intro APR on balance transfers. Get 18 months of a 0% intro APR period for balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 13.99% to 23.99% applies. Most cashback cards offer either 12 or 15 months of interest-free period on balance transfers, which makes the Citi offer superior.
  • No annual fee. You get to earn cash back and save money with balance transfers without paying an annual fee.
  • Foreign transaction fee. All purchases made abroad or online with foreign merchants cost 3% of the amount.
  • No welcome offer. Getting a higher cashback rate on your purchases is compensated with a lack of signup bonus. However, the higher rate offers a long-term value.
  • No intro APR period on purchases. This card offers only an interest-free period on balance transfers but not on purchases.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 13.99% to 23.99% variable
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 18 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
Welcome offer N/A
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards Up to 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay)

Best for gas
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi logo
Finder Rating: 3.6 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (740-850)
Apply now
on Citi's secure site
740
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 4%
Cash back
n/a
Welcome offer
Similar cashback cards let you earn either 2% or 3% back on gas purchases. At 4% back, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is the current leader in gas rewards. Even though this cashback rate is capped at $7,000 annually, after which you earn 1% back, it's still the best choice to earn the most cash back on gas. Plus, you'll enjoy accelerated rewards on travel, dining and Costco purchases as well.
  • Cash back. Earn 4% cash back on gas for the first $7,000 spent annually, 1% after that. Earn 3% cash back on restaurants and travel, 2% back on purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1% cash back on everything else.
  • Acts as a membership card. Use your Costco credit card to enter Costco.
  • Costco membership required. You need to have Costco membership to apply for the card.
  • Limited redemption options. You can only redeem your Costco rewards once a year.
  • No intro APR period. This card doesn't have a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 15.24% variable
Balance transfer APR 15.24% variable
Welcome offer N/A
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards 4% at gas stations on up to $7,000 annually (then 1%), 3% at restaurants and on travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on all other purchases

Best for new to credit
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card

Petal® 2
Finder Rating: 2.9 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (600-850)
Apply now
on WebBank's secure site
Rates & fees
600
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 10%
Cash back
n/a
Welcome offer
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.
  • No credit history required. To be approved for most rewards credit cards, you need a good or excellent credit score. Petal, on the other hand, analyzes your income and financial records, including your checking accounts and bill payments to determine your eligibility.
  • Cash back. Earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Make six on-time monthly payments and your rewards rate goes up to 1.25%. After 12 on-time monthly payments, your cash back rate will increase again to 1.5%. As of December 2020, Petal awards you with 2% to 10% cash back at select merchants.
  • Potentially high credit limit. You can get a credit limit of between $500 and $10,000. This isn't bad, considering you don't need a credit history to get this card.
  • No signup bonus. Most similar cards come with a signup bonus in one form or another. Unfortunately, you won't get anything extra with the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card.
  • No intro APR period. There's no 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 12.99% to 26.99% variable
Balance transfer APR N/A
Welcome offer N/A
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards 1% cashback, 1.25% after six on-time payments and 1.5% after 12 on-time payments, plus 2% - 10% back from select merchants

Best cashback card for groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express logo
Finder Rating: 4.3 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
Rates & fees
670
Min. credit score
$95 ongoing
Annual fee
Up to 6%
Cash back
$150
Welcome offer
The Blue Cash Preferred continues to serve as the defacto 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.
  • Cash back. Earn 6% cash back as statement credit at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year. After that, you'll earn 1% back. You also earn 6% back on select US streaming services, 3% back on transit purchases and purchases made at US gas stations, and 1% back on everything else.
  • Welcome offer. Earn $150 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months of card membership. Also earn 20% back on Amazon purchases on up to $200 total during that same time frame.
  • Intro APR period. Get a 0% intro APR period on purchases for the first 12 months of account opening. After that, a variable APR of 13.99% to 23.99% applies.
  • Annual fee. You'll pay a $95 annual fee starting from your second year of card membership.
  • Foreign transaction fee. Every transaction made abroad or online with foreign merchants will cost you 2.7% of the amount.
  • No balance transfers. American Express no longer offers balance transfers on their credit cards.
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Purchase APR 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR N/A
Welcome offer 20% back on Amazon.com purchases in the first 6 months for up to $200 back, plus $150 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in the first 6 months
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards 6% on select US streaming services, 3% on transit and US gas stations, 6% at US supermarkets on up to $6,000 annually, then 1% after that and on all other purchases (redeem as statement credit)
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.

Best cashback card for rotating categories
U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card logo
Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Read review
Rates & fees
670
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 5%
Cash back
$150
Welcome offer
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.
  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on two categories of your choosing on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter you activate, then 1%. Earn unlimited 2% back on one everyday category of your choosing, like gas or groceries. For all other purchases, you earn 1% back.
  • Signup bonus. Earn a $150 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of card membership.
  • Intro APR period on balance transfers. Get a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers for the first 12 months following your account opening. A variable APR of 13.99% to 23.99% applies thereafter.
  • You must keep enrolling in cash back categories. Each quarter, you must log in to your online account and register the categories you want to earn 5% and 2% cash back. Enrollment starts 45 days before the beginning of or during each quarter. If you don't, you'll earn 1% back on these categories.
  • No intro APR period on purchases. You don't get a 0% intro APR period on purchases, a feature offered by similar cashback cards.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 13.99% to 23.99% variable
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 13.99% to 23.99% variable)
Welcome offer $150 after spending $500 in the first 90 days
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards 5% on up to $2,000 each activated quarter on two categories combined (1% after), 2% on one everyday category and 1% on all other purchases

Best cashback card for dining and entertainment
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card logo
Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Read review
Rates & fees
670
Min. credit score
$95 ongoing
Annual fee
Up to 8%
Cash back
$300
Welcome offer
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, theather or concert events.
  • Cash back. Earn 4% back on dining and entertainment, 8% back on Vivid Seats purchases through January 2022, 5% back on Uber Eats through January 2021, and 2% back at grocery stores. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
  • Signup bonus. Earn $300 bonus cash once you spend in your first 3 months of account opening.
  • No foreign transaction fees. This can be an excellent card to use for international travel as it has no foreign transaction fees. Other cashback cards often charge a 3% fee for every transaction made abroad.
  • Annual fee. The card costs $95 annually.
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Purchase APR 15.99% or 24.99% variable
Balance transfer APR 15.99% or 24.99% variable
Welcome offer $300 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards 8% cash back with Vivid Seats, 5% on Uber Eats, 4% on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases

Best for Cashback Match after first year
Discover it® Cash Back

Discover it® Cash Back logo
Finder Rating: 4.8 / 5

★★★★★

Credit recommended (670-850)
Read review
670
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 5%
Cash back
Other
Welcome offer
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 of the value offered by a 5% rotating category card.
  • Cashback match. Discover will match your total cash back earned during your first year. Maxing out the 5% categories alone mean you'll earn an extra $300. Spend another $14,000 with your card and you're looking at a $440 signup bonus at the end of your first year.
  • Cash back. Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories on up to $1,500 each quarter and 1% back after that. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
  • Intro APR period. Get 0% Intro APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable APR of 11.99% to 22.99% applies.
  • Bonus categories change. Bonus categories change every quarter. Luckily, you know what these are at the start of the year.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 0% intro for the first 14 months (then 11.99% to 22.99% variable)
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 14 months (then 11.99% to 22.99% variable)
Welcome offer Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first card year
Estimated welcome offer value
Rewards 5% back in rotating categories up to $1,500 combined each activated quarter, then 1% after that and on all other purchases

Compare cashback credit cards

Though we’ve highlighted some of the top performing cashback credit cards, there are plenty of great options available not on our list. You can compare all cashback credit cards to find one that best suits your reward preferences.
See all cards

How do I choose the best cashback card?

As you compare credit cards, certain features may stand out to you. Here’s what to look for as you find your next cashback card.

  • Consider the annual fee. Consider a card with no annual fee. If you choose a card with an annual fee, make sure you can earn enough rewards within a year to offset the fee.
  • Review your spending habits and needs. Think about the areas you spend the most and pick a card that earns more cashback in those areas.
  • Compare each card’s signup bonus. Cashback cards commonly offer signup bonuses to new cardholders. If a card has a bonus, consider whether you can meet the spending requirement in time.
  • Look at your average spending amounts. Some cashback cards cap the amount of rewards you can earn within a certain time period.
  • Do you travel? If you travel, a cash back card might not offer the greatest value for your spending needs.
  • Additional features. Some cashback cards might come with intro APRs or forgo foreign transaction fees.

How do cashback cards work?

With a cashback credit card, your card provider pays you back a small portion of what you spend. For example, if it offers 1% cash back, you’ll receive $1 in rewards for every $100 you spend. This makes cashback cards one of the simplest card types when it comes to earning value on your credit card purchases. Here’s a small breakdown of how it all works.

  • Choose your cashback credit card. There are three types of cashback credit cards to choose from, each offering a different method of earning cash back.
  • Start making purchases. As you spend on reward categories with your cashback card, you’ll start accruing cashback automatically. This usually comes in the form of a statement credit.
  • Redeem your cash. For most credit cards, you won’t have to do anything to redeem your cash: it will post automatically to your account as you earn. Some cards however require you log in to your card account for redemptions.

Cashback credit card pros and cons

Pros

  • Earn cash on your everyday spending. Rewards are the foundational benefit of a credit card and cash back is the simplest way to earn those rewards.
  • Different types for different spending. With three types of cashback cards to choose from, you can create a robust earning strategy based on your spending habits.
  • Widely available. There are plentiful cashback credit cards on the market, meaning you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.

Cons

  • Rewards inflexible. Unlike points or miles earned with a rewards card, you typically can’t transfer your cashback rewards into other loyalty programs. Your only option is a statement credit.
  • Lacking in perks. Cashback credit cards can lack the bells and whistles you’d find on a travel or rewards card (such as concierge service or travel insurance).

When is a cashback credit card worth it?

It’s rare that adding a cashback card to your wallet won’t be worth it. There are three main considerations you’ll want to think about before applying for one.

  • Would you rather have a rewards card? Rewards programs are more complex, but potentially more valuable than a simple cashback program.
  • What kind of cashback card do you want? You’ll need to decide between a flat-rate card, a tiered card, or a category card.
  • Do you need a credit card for a more specific purpose? For example, you’ll want to prioritize a 0% APR balance transfer card if you need to pay off existing debt interest free.

These three questions will largely determine whether a cashback card is worth it for you, though you can check out our full article for more details.

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 cash back cards should I have? There’s no “correct” number of cash back 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.

Credit card ratings

★★★★★ — Excellent

★★★★★ — Good

★★★★★ — Average

★★★★★ — Subpar

★★★★★ — Poor

Our team evaluates credit cards to determine their value against similar cards on the market.

We rank card types — travel, cash back, business — on a set of factors that are most relevant to that type of card. We create these rankings to help you narrow down a credit card that best suits your spending and budget.

Learn the details of our methodology and scoring.

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