What is the best cash back credit card with no foreign transaction fee?

There are a few cash back cards that come with no foreign transaction fee, including the Discover it® Cash Back and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card. The best card will feature cash back categories that match your spending habits, as well as other benefits like no annual fee and intro APR offers.

What is the highest cash back credit card?

This highest tiered cash back card is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which gives you a whopping 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services and purchases made at U.S. supermarkets. The highest flat-rate cash back card is technically the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card, which lets you earn up to 2.5% cash back on your first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases (1.5% for purchases over $10,000). However, this card requires that you open a checking account with Alliant Credit Union and maintain a daily balance of at least $1,000 to be eligible for the 2.5% rate. Instead, we recommend the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which lets you earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

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LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Best Cash Back Credit Cards in May 2025

Citi is an advertising partner.

Key Takeaways

Cash back credit cards offer anywhere from 1% to 6% cash back on purchases.
Some cash back cards offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases, while other offer tiered cash back or rotating quarterly categories.
The best cash back credit cards provide rewards that match your spending habits, and can put hundreds of dollars back in your wallet each year.
Many of our top card picks offer more than $600 in value in the first year.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card lets you earn a generous cash back rate in a variety of everyday spending categories.

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Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

11 best credit cards for cash back

Winner / best cash back credit card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Best 2% cash back credit card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

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Best 5% cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Flex^®

Learn More
Best cash back credit card no annual fee
Best cash back business credit card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

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Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee

Capital One Spark Cash Select

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Best cash back credit card for gas

Citi Custom Cash^® Card

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Best cash back credit card for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express

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Best restaurant cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

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Best cash back credit card for students

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best cash back credit card for bad credit

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card

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Best cash back credit card:

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-4% cash back on dining, entertainment, grocery stores and all other purchases

3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

Outstanding earning rate on common spending categories
Earn an excellent welcome offer
One of the highest earning cards for everyday purchases
One of the most flexible cash back rewards programs
Other good benefits, including travel and purchase protections
None foreign transaction fees

$0 annual fee
No intro 0% APR offers
Target and Walmart aren’t included in grocery category
Recommended for consumers with Good / Excellent

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card comes in as the best cash back credit card, and it’s a great choice for foodies. It’s one of the most rewarding cash back cards around, thanks to an outstanding earning rate on dining, entertainment, streaming services and grocery stores. You can 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases

It does have a $0 annual fee, so you’ll want to make sure that the rewards outweigh the annual fee. If not, you can consider the — it features a slightly lower cash back rate on the same categories for no annual fee***.

First year value: $708**
Ongoing value: $408**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Top rated mobile app
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

*The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best 2% cash back credit card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Wells Fargo Active Cash<sup>®</sup> Card

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

Rewards rate: 2% cash back on all purchases

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

One of the highest earning flat-rate cash back cards
Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0 annual fee
Very flexible rewards redemption
Sign-up bonus

Potentially high regular APR
3% foreign transaction fee

The Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card not only offers 2% cash back but also comes with a sign-up bonus. And there aren’t any restrictions on earning the full 2% — unlike its closest competitor, the Citi Double Cash^® Card. It also features a few additional benefits (including cellphone protection and concierge services) that give it a boost over the Citi Double Cash^® Card.

Plus, you’ll get an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, which can help you fund a new purchase or pay down a balance on an existing card.

First year value: $600**
Ongoing value: $400**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
$0 annual fee.
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.

*The information related to the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best 5% cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Flex^®*

LendingTree's Review

4.5

LendingTree's Review

4.5

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back on rotating categories, Chase travel, dining, drugstore purchases and everything else

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.

Generous rewards on rotating quarterly categories
Elevated rewards on dining, drugstores and Chase travel
$0 annual fee
Easy-to-earn sign-up bonus
Travel and purchase protections
Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers

$1,500 spending cap for bonus categories
Bonus categories require activation each quarter
Foreign transaction fees

If you want to earn a high cash back rate in categories rotating quarterly categories, the $0-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex^® is tough to beat. On top of its rotating bonus categories, it also offers an ongoing bonus rate on dining, drugstores and Chase travel purchases — giving it an edge over the Discover it^® Cash Back.

Further, the Chase Freedom Flex^® also comes with a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers and a valuable sign-up bonus.

First year value: $641**
Ongoing value: $441**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74%-28.24%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

*The information related to the Chase Freedom Flex^® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back business credit card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus*

LendingTree's Review

4.7

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Learn More

Rewards rate: 2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel

Unlimited 2% cash back
Earn one of the largest cash back welcome offers
No preset spending limit
Earn a $150 annual fee refund for spending $150,000 each year
Free employee cards
Foreign transaction fees: None

$150 annual fee
High spending requirement to earn welcome offer and annual bonus
Balance must be paid in full each month

For businesses with a lot of spending power, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus is one of the most rewarding cash back cards around. It lets you earn 2% cash back on every purchase, an enormous welcome offer and a $150 annual fee refund for spending $150,000 each year.

Of note, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card is a charge card, which comes with no preset spending limit. Because it’s a charge card, you’ll need to pay the balance in full each and every month or be subject to a late fee.

First year value: $1,461**
Ongoing value: $411**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Enjoy big purchasing power so you can spend more and earn more rewards. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
Streamline your accounts payable process, employee spending, and more from your online account with free business management tools
Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards
$150 annual fee - Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
Your card is designed to be paid in full. However you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you'll be charged a 2.99% late fee
For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back
Top rated mobile app
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

*The information related to the Capital One Spark Cash Plus has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee

Capital One Spark Cash Select*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel

Earn a large sign-up bonus
High flat rate of cash back on every purchase
$0 annual fee
Very flexible rewards redemption
Foreign transaction fee: None
Free employee cards

Geared towards consumers with excellent credit
No elevated rewards on office expenditures

If you’re a business owner with a smaller budget and you want to avoid an annual fee, the Capital One Spark Cash Select is one of your best bets. It lets you earn a large welcome offer, as well as a high flat rewards rate on general purchases and an elevated one on select travel expenses. Plus, its free employee cards allow you to maximize your cash back rewards.

However, if you spend heavily on common business purchases, the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card may be a better choice.

First year value: $1,050**
Ongoing value: $300**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a $750 bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
No annual fee
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
$0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
Top rated mobile app
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

*The information related to the Capital One Spark Cash Select has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back credit card for gas

Citi Custom Cash^® Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.4

LendingTree's Review

4.4

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-5% cash back on top spending categories and all other purchases

Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

$0 annual fee
High rewards rate on your top eligible spend category
Sign-up bonus
Easy redemption options

$500 monthly spending cap on 5% cash back
You only earn 1% on the rest of your spending
Foreign transaction fees

The Citi Custom Cash^® Card offers one of the highest cash back rates on gas purchases, if gas is your top spending category for the month. You can Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Gas is included in the list of eligible categories — so if you’re able to max out the $500 spending cap each month, you can earn $300 cash back each year.

Since the elevated reward is on your highest spend category, you’re free to adjust how you use the card if you find that another category works better. However, you’ll probably want to stick to using it for one spending category, since you only earn 1% cash back on the rest of your purchases.

First year value: $610**
Ongoing value: $410**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.99% - 27.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2026.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.

*The information related to the Citi Custom Cash^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back credit card for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Blue Cash Preferred<sup>®</sup> Card from American Express

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-6% cash back on U.S. supermarket purchases, U.S. streaming subscriptions, U.S. gas station purchases, transit and all other purchases

Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.

Valuable welcome offer
High cash back rate at U.S. supermarkets
Long intro APR

Spending cap on highest earning category
Foreign transaction fees

The Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express is the best option for those who want to earn top rewards on U.S. supermarkets along with a variety of other everyday categories, including U.S. gas stations. For those who can max out the $6,000 annual spending cap — which translates to $500 a month — you will get back $360 each year at U.S. supermarkets. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com. You’ll pay a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. But the cash back, plus the welcome offer, easily offsets the fee.

Note, however, that if you’re looking for a card to only use for grocery purchases, the Citi Custom Cash^® Card is the better deal. Unlike the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, it doesn’t charge an annual fee.

First year value: $765**
Ongoing value: $420**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $300 cash back* after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $3,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
Terms Apply.

*The information related to the Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best restaurant cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®*

LendingTree's Review

4.6

LendingTree's Review

4.6

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1.5%-5% cash back on Chase travel, drugstore purchases, dining and all other purchases

Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

Large sign-up bonus gives you an extra 1.5% cash back on restaurant purchases
Generous cash back rewards rate on everything else
$0 annual fee
Pairs well with other Chase cards
Long intro APR for purchases and balance transfers
Travel and purchase protections

Requires Good / Excellent credit
Foreign transaction fees

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is currently one of the most rewarding cash back cards for restaurant purchases thanks to its sign-up bonus. You’ll Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases. This makes it the highest-earning first-year cash back rate for restaurant purchases of any card on our listEarn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

Plus, you can get even more value from your rewards when you transfer them to an Ultimate Rewards® card (like the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®) and redeem for travel through Chase’s portal. In addition, the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® comes with an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, as well as a generous welcome offer.

First year value: $722**
Ongoing value: $422**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

*The information related to the Chase Freedom Unlimited^® has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back credit card for students

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.9

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.9

Rewards rate: 1%-8% cash back

3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.

$0 annual fee
No security deposit required
High rewards rate on dining and entertainment
Earn a sign-up bonus
Very flexible rewards
Foreign transaction fees: None

Potentially high APR
No intro APR on purchases or balance transfers
Late payment fee

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of the most rewarding student credit cards, as it offers unlimited cash back rewards in areas where college students spend the most: dining and entertainment. Cash back can be redeemed at any time for statement credits or gift cards, or to pay for purchases. The card is geared to those with limited / fair credit and above, and it also reports to all three credit bureaus. Plus, it offers a path for you to upgrade once you’re out of school.

First year value: $129**
Ongoing value: $79**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), with 1% on all other purchases
Early Spend Bonus: Earn $50 when you spend $100 in the first three months
Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
Enjoy no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
Earn up to $500 a year by referring friends and family when they're approved for a Capital One credit card
Earn 8% cash back on entertainment purchases when you book through the Capital One Entertainment portal
Build your credit with responsible card use
Whether you're at a 4-year university, community college or other higher education institution, this card might be an option for you
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.

*The information related to the Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Best cash back credit card for bad credit

Discover it^® Secured Credit Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Discover it<sup>®</sup> Secured Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.2

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1%-2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants and on all other purchases

2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically

Available to consumers with Limited / Poor credit
$0 annual fee
Earns cash back on every purchase
Matches cash back in the first year for new cardmembers
Ability to graduate to an unsecured card in as little as seven months
No penalty APR and no late fee on your first late payment

Refundable security deposit required
Low credit limit
High intro APR on purchases

If you’re looking to earn cash back while also building or rebuilding your credit, the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice. It doesn’t charge an annual fee, and lets you earn rewards on every purchase.

You’ll earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically You’ll need to provide a deposit of at least $200 to open the card. However, Discover will conduct automatic account reviews starting at seven months to see if you are eligible for an unsecured card. With timely payments, you could potentially score a card upgrade and have your deposit refunded in less than a year.

First year value: $90**
Ongoing value: $45**

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

No credit score required to apply. No Annual Fee.
Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. You'll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers—only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards.
Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on the dark web. Activate for free.
Terms and conditions apply.

*The information related to the Discover it^® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Compare the best cash back credit cards

Credit Cards	Our Ratings	Welcome Offer	Rewards Rate	First year value
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card* Learn More	4.6 Best cash back credit card	Earn $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening	3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services; 5% Cash Back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases	$708**	Learn More
Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card* Learn More	4.6 2% cash back	Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months	Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.	$600**	Learn More
Chase Freedom Flex^®* Learn More	4.5 5% cash back	Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter! Plus, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.	$641**	Learn More
Capital One Spark Cash Plus* Learn More	4.7 Business	$2,000 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year	2% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel	$1,461**	Learn More
Capital One Spark Cash Select* Learn More	4.6 No annual fee business card	Earn $750 Cash Back once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening	1.5% Cash Back on every purchase; 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel	$1,050**	Learn More
Citi Custom Cash^® Card* Learn More	4.4 Gas	Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.	Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.	$610**	Learn More
Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express* Learn More	4.6 Groceries	You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.	Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.	$765**	Learn More
Chase Freedom Unlimited^®* Learn More	4.6 Restaurants	Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening	Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases	$722**	Learn More
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*	4.9 Students	Earn $50 Cash Back when you spend $100 in the first three months	3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®); 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply); 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases	$129**
Discover it^® Secured Credit Card* Learn More	4.2 Bad credit	Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.	2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically	$90**	Learn More

*The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card, Chase Freedom Flex^®, Capital One Spark Cash Plus, Capital One Spark Cash Select, Citi Custom Cash^® Card, Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, Chase Freedom Unlimited^®, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card and Discover it^® Secured Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.

**This estimate is based on LendingTree’s value methodology.

What is cash back?

Cash back credit cards give you a percentage of your qualifying purchase back as a reward. Many cards offer 1% cash back as their lowest level, so for every $100 you spend, you will receive $1 back. Likewise, a 2% cash back card would net you $2 for every $100 you spend.

How do cash back credit cards work?

Cash back credit cards give you a percentage of your qualifying purchase back as a reward. For instance, a card that earns 5% cash back on groceries gives you $5.00 in rewards on a $100 grocery purchase. A card that earns 1.5% cash back gives you $1.50 on every $100 in purchases.

Your cash back rewards are usually available each month, after your statement closing date. Most cash back credit cards give you several ways to redeem your rewards. Redemption options may include:

Statement credits toward purchases made with the card (the most common option)
Direct deposits
Paper check by mail
ATM withdrawal
Gift cards

Get cash back from points

Some cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed for cash or other rewards. Some of the best cash back credit cards technically earn points rather than cash rewards (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®). When you redeem these points for cash back at a value of 1 cent per point, these cards are effectively cash back cards.

Types of cash back cards

Flat-rate cash back credit cards
Flat-rate cash back credit cards earn cash back at the same rate on every purchase. The rewards rate is typically between 1% and 2%.

Flat-rate cash back card examples:
Rotating cash back credit cards
Some cash back cards offer elevated cash back rates that rotate on a monthly or quarterly basis There’s typically a cap on how much you can earn for these categories, and you would earn the regular cash back rate after meeting the cap. A few cards let you choose the categories in which you earn rewards, allowing you to maximize the rewards potential.

Rotating cash back card examples:
Tiered category cards
Many cards offer tiered rewards categories. This means you earn bonus cash back on certain categories of spend and 1% cash back on everything else. It’s common to find cards that offer 3% or higher cash back on groceries, gas, dining and more.

Tiered category card examples:
Store credit cards
Store credit cards help you earn cash back at a specific store. Since store cards are usually limited to purchases with that retailer, you should pick a card from a store you shop with regularly. These cards usually have higher APRs, so make sure to pay off your card balance each month.

Store credit card examples:

Tiered vs. flat-rate credit cards

A tiered cash back card lets you earn an elevated rate of cash back in specific categories (and then 1% on everything else). On the other hand, a flat-rate cash back card lets you earn the same rate on every purchase, regardless of category. To give you an idea of how much you can earn with each type, we’ll compare the tiered Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express with the flat-rate Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card.

	Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express	Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card
Welcome offer value	$250	$200
Earning rate	6% cash back on groceries, 3% cash back on gas, 1% cash back on everything else	2% cash back on every purchase
Rewards earned on $6,000 in groceries	$360	$120
Rewards earned on $3,000 in gas	$90	$60
Rewards earned on $11,000 in other spend	$110	$220
Annual fee	$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.	$0
Rewards minus annual fee	$715	$600
Annual rewards without factoring in sign-up bonus	$465	$400

*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, please click here.

Common cash back categories

Gas

Many issuers consider both gas and gas station purchases to be applicable for cash back rewards on gas. Most major gas stations are covered, but some smaller chains might not be. Check on your issuer’s website to see if your gas station of choice qualifies for rewards.

Top pick for cash back gas card: Citi Custom Cash^® Card
Groceries

Since groceries are a universal expense, many cards offer an elevated rate on them. Issuers sometimes label this category as “supermarkets” or “U.S. supermarkets.” Cards that offer rotating bonus categories may also feature a popular grocery store like Target or Walmart for a quarter.

Top pick for cash back groceries card: Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express
Restaurants

The restaurants category can include everything from fast food to high-end restaurants. Many cards usually consider take-out and delivery to fall under dining as well.

Top pick for cash back dining card: Chase Freedom Unlimited^®
Travel

Some cash back cards give you a bonus on travel if you purchase through the issuer’s portal. However, if you’re serious about saving on travel, consider getting a travel card — you’ll often earn points that are more valuable than cash back.

Top pick for cash back travel card:
Business

Business cash back cards tend to have business-specific categories, like office supply stores, internet, phone services and more.

Top pick for cash back business card: Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Entertainment

Entertainment can include concerts, sporting events, streaming services, theme parks, movies and more. Major events can be costly and it doesn’t hurt to earn some cash back to offset the price.

Top pick for cash back entertainment card:

Pros and cons of cash back credit cards

Simple rewards with straightforward value. Unlike airline miles or hotel points which may require more time to accumulate, cash back can often be redeemed in any amount, at any time.
Many cash back cards have no annual fee. As long as you don’t carry a balance on your card and pay interest, you’re getting free money.
Often come with easy-to-earn sign-up bonuses and/or intro APRs which give your budget more breathing room. A sign-up bonus puts extra cash in your pocket while an intro APR saves you on interest by allowing you to finance a purchase with more favorable terms.
Can offset the cost of your purchases by redeeming cash back as a statement credit. This is especially helpful to slightly lower the cost of expenses that don’t give coupons or discounts like gas stations and doctor’s offices.

Cash back is sometimes less valuable than travel rewards. Frequent travelers may get more value with a travel credit card and take advantage of transfer partners that maximize the value of each point or mile.
Cash back cards don’t typically offer premium travel protections or rewards. Cards that offer more robust perks may offer rewards but also come with an annual fee.
APRs on cash back cards can be higher than on no-frills credit cards. If you do carry a balance, consider moving it to a balance transfer credit card to save money on interest while paying down your debt.

How to compare and choose the best cash back card for you

To pick the best credit card for you, you’ll need some information on hand, including your credit score and an estimate of how much you spend monthly in various expense categories.

Your credit score is the primary factor in determining which cash back credit cards you can qualify for. Most of the best cash back cards require good to excellent credit — that is, a FICO Score of 670 or greater. And depending on the card and issuer, you may also have to meet other eligibility criteria. This could include having sufficient income and not having opened too many credit cards recently. However, your options will be quite limited if your credit is fair or poor, in which case you might want to consider a credit card to build credit instead.

TIP: Read the fine print of each offer. Even if you have great credit, some issuers have other eligibility criteria you’ll need to meet. As an example, Chase has an unwritten “5/24” rule, which means you may not be approved for a new Chase cardif you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the last 24 months. Meanwhile, Citi and American Express have restrictions on welcome offer eligibility for new card accounts.

Don’t know your credit score? Sign-up for an account at LendingTree Spring to get your free credit score and recommendations to boost your score.

If you want...	Choose a …
The simplest rewards possible	Flat-rate cash back credit card
A card to use strategically to earn more cash back	Rotating cash back credit card
A card that matches your spending patterns	Tiered category card
To shop at the same store	Store credit card

Tip: If you’re willing to do some work, having multiple cash back credit cards can maximize your rewards. Piece a tiered category card that matches your typical spending patterns and supplement that one with a flat-rate cash back card for noncategory purchases. Finally, consider adding a rotating 5% cash back credit card to use strategically each quarter.

Ultimately, you’ll want to maximize your rewards rate, and that means tailoring your cash back credit cards to your spending.

For example, several cards offer bonus spending on gas and groceries. However, if you live somewhere like New York City and don’t have a car, cash back at gas stations would be useless. Likewise, if you shop for groceries at superstores like Walmart and Target, you may be excluded from earning a grocery bonus on these purchases.

You’ll have to figure out which cards offer bonus cash back in categories where you spend the most.

Tip: If you do a large amount of shopping at a single store (like Costco or Walmart), a cash back card for a specific retailer might be the best choice. A card like the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Card that earns 5% at Walmart.com and 2% on in-store purchases could be perfect for the frequent Walmart shopper.

According to a LendingTree survey on unused credit card rewards, of the 60% of cardholders who redeemed rewards in the past year, the most popular redemption choice (71%) was cash back.

Once you’ve narrowed down the card choices, you’ll want to do a comparison. Take into account the various bonus categories and how much you typically spend in each either monthly or yearly. For example, if you spend approximately $500 in groceries each month and use a 2% flat-rate cash back card to buy them, you’ll earn $120 in cash back each year.

It’s good to consider the value of any sign-up bonuses as well, but note that these only affect the first year value. A card without a sign-up bonus could be better in the long run.

How to calculate cash back rewards

To get an idea of how much you can earn in a month with a cash back card, you can do some simple math. The formula will vary slightly based on whether you’re using a flat-rate cash back card or a tiered cash back card.

Scenario: You spend $500 a month on groceries, $200 on gas and $1,000 on other store purchases and bills for a total of $1,700.

Flat-rate cash back card

pending x Cash back rate = Cash back savings

As an example, let’s use the Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card, which gives you 2% (0.02) cash back on all purchases.

Example: $1,700 x 0.02 = $34 cash back
Tiered cash back card

(Spending A x Cash back rate A) + (Spending B x Cash back rate B) = Cash back savings

In this example, let’s use the , which gives you 3% (0.03) cash back at U.S. grocery stores and U.S. gas stations and 1% (0.01) on other purchases.

Example: ($700 x 0.03) + ($1,000 x 0.01) = $21 + $10 = $31 cash back

How to maximize cash back credit cards

The following tips will help you maximize your earnings and get the most out of your cash back cards.

Pair two or more cash back credit cards to maximize your earning. For example, pick a good flat-rate card such as the Citi Double Cash^® Card. Pair it with the to earn a bonus on dining and groceries.
Choose at least one flat-rate cash back card that earns at least 2% cash back. This should be your benchmark rewards rate for all non-bonus spend.
Open at least one card with rotating 5% quarterly categories. These cards may have a cap on spend eligible for bonus rewards, but it’s hard to beat a 5% return.
Tailor your card choices to your spending patterns. Drive a lot? Consider a card that earns bonus cash back at gas stations. For example, the Citi Custom Cash^® Card lets you earn up to $300 cash back if fuel is your top purchase category each month.
Pair a no-annual-fee Chase card with a premium Chase card. If you have a premium Chase travel card — the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, for example — the points you earn with a card like the Chase Freedom Flex^® are far more valuable.
Choose no-annual-fee cards — unless you’ll get an even greater return with an annual fee card. If you don’t spend enough on a monthly or annual basis to make full use of the cash back opportunities, stick with a no-annual fee card. However, people who have larger budgets may find that the annual fee is easily recouped by the higher cash back amounts.
Pick at least one card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Most cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% to 5% for making purchases outside the U.S. If you’re planning a trip abroad, this can really cut into your rewards. Make sure you keep at least one cash back card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees — like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card — in your wallet.

*To see rates & fees for Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, please click here.

Cash back credit cards vs. travel credit cards

Savvy travelers may find that travel cards are far more valuable than cash back cards. For instance, you might find a card that earns 3X miles on dining purchases and allows you to transfer points to your favorite airline loyalty program. By booking special deals with the airline, you might be able to get a value of 2.5 cents per point, which gives you a 7.5% rewards rate on your dining purchases. That’s a better rate than any of the cards on this page.

Still, maximizing the value of hotel points and airline miles takes some work — so if you don’t really travel or just prefer simplicity, cash back cards are probably the better option for you.

Here are some key features of cash back credit cards and travel credit cards:

	Cash back	Points or miles
Simple and straightforward
Lower annual fees
Easy-to-earn sign-up bonuses
Maximizing your rewards
Getting travel perks and protections

Should I get a cash back credit card?

Cash back cards are best for people who don’t travel as much and prefer having flexible rewards. If any of these apply to you, then a cash back credit card is also likely a good fit for you.

Savvy budgeters: If you love to find new ways to save, then a solid selection of cash back cards can help you do just that. Plus, cash back rewards only meet their full potential if you pay your balance off every month.

Frequent shoppers: If you love online shopping or buying things elsewhere, then a cash back card can help you save on the shopping you’re already doing. Just be careful you don’t overspend for the sake of earning rewards.

People new to credit cards: Cash back are usually a lot simpler to use and have lower annual fees than travel cards. If you’re new to credit cards and are interested in earning rewards, a cash back credit card is a great place to start.

Alternatives to cash back credit cards

Depending on your financial situation, a cash back card might not be the best credit card option for you.

People who are serious travelers
If you are a frequent traveler, you may find a travel card to be a better fit than a cash back card. You can earn points or miles, which can be worth more than cash reward when redeemed for travel the right way.

People with a large upcoming expense
If you need to make a large purchase and want the flexibility to pay over time, consider a 0% APR credit card. You can find several cards that let you spread your payments out for more than a year, and as long as 21 months, without paying a cent of interest.

People with credit card debt
You may find that a balance transfer credit card is best, since you can transfer high-interest credit card debt to a card with little to no interest for up to 21 months. This can potentially save you thousands of dollars.

People building credit
Many cash back credit cards require a good or excellent
credit score to be approved, but a credit card to build credit can help you improve your credit score to qualify for a high-earning cash back card. Some secured credit cards even offer cash back rewards.

Frequently asked questions

The best cash back credit card is the one that gives you rewards on the items you buy most — and this varies for everyone. For example, a college student who lives on campus and has a meal plan would be better off with a flat-rate cash back card. Meanwhile, a couple who commutes to work might want to consider a tiered cash back card that earns a higher cash back rate on gas or transit purchases.

The annual fee on a credit card varies depending on the amount of cash back and other perks it offers. Many of the cash back cards listed above don’t come with an annual fee. If you choose a card that charges an annual fee, do some quick math to ensure that you’re likely to earn the fee back through the rewards and other benefits. However, there are several cash back cards that offer a solid amount of value without a fee.

Typically, cash back earned on a credit card won’t be taxable, since the IRS considers it a rebate on what you’ve spent. However, if you receive a bonus without having to do any spending to earn it, that’s considered taxable income.

Cash back cards are worth getting and using as long as you pay off your balance in full each month. Earning an extra $20 is great, but paying a high APR or late fee can immediately negate your cash back earnings. If you’re tempted to overspend or are in a situation where you can’t pay off your balance, a cash back card won’t be your best option.

Credit cards provide cash back rewards to incentivize card usage and customer loyalty. Cardholders receive a percentage of their purchases back as a cash reward, reducing their overall expenses. In the meantime, credit card companies aim to increase spending and profits through interest charges. This creates a win-win relationship for consumers and card issuers.

Yes, cash back rewards can expire. Rules vary between card issuers, with banks like Wells Fargo and Capital One allowing you to keep rewards stashed away until your account closes. Cash back rewards from U.S. Bank, on the other hand, expire after 36 months — even if your account is open.

Methodology: How we chose our cash back cards

To bring you the list of best cash back credit cards, we use an objective rating and ranking system that compares features across a large set of credit cards (over 200 of them, from over 50 issuers). We use calculations to estimate the value of each card for the average cardholder, based on LendingTree and U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.
We rank cards based on the following criteria:

Average value over two years (50% of rating): We calculate the cash back earned for the average cardholder using Bureau of Labor statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes sign-up bonus and annual bonuses. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
Flexibility of rewards (30% of rating): We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates and minimum thresholds to redeem.
Other features (20% of rating): We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase and travel protections, against benefits from other cards.

Note that our ratings are only a starting point for comparing and choosing the best cash back credit card. However, your needs may be different from the average cardholder. You should consider the amount you’re likely to spend in a card’s bonus categories, as well as which benefits you value to choose the best card for you.

*To see rates & fees for Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, please click here.

The information related to the Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi, Target Circle™ Card Mastercard and Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

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

Expert insights

LendingTree has curated an exclusive panel of professionals, spanning various areas of expertise, to help dissect difficult subjects and empower you to make smarter financial decisions. Read on for more cash back credit card insights.

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?

The commentary provided by these industry experts represent their viewpoints and opinions alone.

Duong "Katie" Pham, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Finance, Georgia Southern University

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
Yes, cash back is a great additional benefit for credit card users. The purpose of using credit cards responsibly is to build a history of excellent credit so you can tap into the larger loan markets. The cash back feature is an added benefit that helps users save money while using credit cards.

How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
These words motivate the consumers in making decisions. The consumers themselves when wanting to purchase something have an internal desire to do so. However, they are oftentimes bounded by budget and opportunity costs. These words help create external motivation that makes it easier for the consumers to make decisions by adding one more item on the benefit side of their decision-making chart.

What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
The best way to utilize cash back rewards is to use the cash back balance and apply towards payments of the credit card balance. Credit card users can also ask for a paper check or ask for the cash reward to be deposited directly to their bank account. Another great way to utilize cash back rewards is to convert them into gift cards to use at other stores.

In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
Cash back rewards program works well at keeping customers loyal. Customers love to accumulate points or rewards so seeing their rewards adding up will discourage them from finding an alternative option. Many times the fear of losing what they have accumulated overtime is what keeps customers from parting with a business, a brand or a product. For a business, the cost of giving away rewards to keep their current customers is much cheaper than the cost of acquiring new customers.

	Charles Lindsey, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Marketing, University at Buffalo

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
It really depends on the individual circumstances of the person. There are so many “so-called” loyalty cards out there: cash back, flexible cash back, rewards, airline, etc. My recommendation as to the specific type of loyalty credit-card would depend on the person’s spending patterns. One needs to also take into account the annual-fee, from a cost-benefit standpoint. That said, cash is fungible (vs. other more specific loyalty cards like airlines).

How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
Those are charged words when it comes to the “psychology of consumption.” Similar to the word “sale” or “free,” these terms often function like a neon flashing sign in the minds of consumers. Hence, consumers can engage in a kind of faulty mental calculus where they overweight the value of these benefits relative to the costs. For example, when someone drives across town to get the lowest price per gallon on gas but winds up actually paying more per gallon than had they gone to the corner gas station nearest their home (when you factor in fuel and time to drive across town). So, the danger is when these terms cause consumers to “chase” the rewards or reward tiers by spending more than they typically would.

What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
Don’t spend any more than you would otherwise spend in a given month just because you are getting cash back on purchases in general (or on certain categories of purchases). Use the cash back to pay off your credit card (or to pay down your credit card balance). Given credit-card interest rates, that’s a pretty great “reward” or “deal” in and of itself!

In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
They definitely move the loyalty needle. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have seen the proliferation of such cards over the past decade plus. However, with so many of these cards nowadays, it’s becoming less of a “point of differentiation” for financial institutions and more of a “point of parity.” It’s almost expected now by consumers that the differentiators in this space offer percentage of cash back, flexibility, etc.

	Mark Alpert Professor of Marketing, The University of Texas at Austin

Would you recommend a cash back credit card to a first-time credit card user? Why or why not?
Yes, I would recommend a cash back credit card, provided it pays at least 2% on all purchases. Some cards pay only 1.5%, which is perhaps not as valuable as frequent flier miles or hotel points, depending on one’s activity and status with these travel partners. These days, frequent flier miles are worth only about 1% of what you’ve spent; so 2% is definitely more valuable.

How do words like “bonus” or “rewards” impact consumers’ buying decisions?
These tend to be “buzz words,” and their impact likely depends on the perceived value of the “bonus” or “reward.” The “devil is in the details,” implying that in order to be effective, the “bonus” and/or “rewards” should be meaningful and valuable to the consumers, and, ideally, designed with knowledge of the specific consumers’ habits and preferences.

What are a few sensible ways in which consumers can utilize their cash back rewards?
Most important, pay the entire balance due on your credit cards each period (I recommend “auto pay” in which the credit card company draws funds on your bank account to pay the entire balance on the date that payment is due). Now that you are getting cash back and not paying in credit card interest, you can spend or invest the cash rewards on products or services, or as accumulated, investments that will provide good returns

In your opinion, how well do cash back rewards programs work at keeping customers loyal to a brand?
As long as the cash back is worth more than other incentives offered by competitors’ programs (or credit cards), consumers will continue to favor using the credit cards that give them valuable cash back, and/or they will tend to favor buying from companies that reward their loyalty with incentives that provide meaningful experiences (e.g., airline lounges, upgraded flights or concert experiences) or combo deals (BOGO, “buy one get one” (free), and the like).

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

The information related to the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card, Chase Freedom Flex^®, Capital One Spark Cash Plus, Capital One Spark Cash Select, Citi Custom Cash^® Card, Blue Cash Preferred^® Card from American Express, Chase Freedom Unlimited^®, Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card, Discover it^® Secured Credit Card, Citi Double Cash^® Card, Discover it^® Cash Back, Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi, Prime Visa, Target Circle™ Card Mastercard and Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.

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Best Cash Back Credit Cards in May 2025

Key Takeaways

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

11 best credit cards for cash back

Best cash back credit card:

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*

Best 2% cash back credit card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card*

Best 5% cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Flex®*

Best cash back business credit card

Capital One Spark Cash Plus*

Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee

Capital One Spark Cash Select*

Best cash back credit card for gas

Citi Custom Cash® Card*

Best cash back credit card for groceries

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express*

Best restaurant cash back credit card

Chase Freedom Unlimited®*

Best cash back credit card for students

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card*

Best cash back credit card for bad credit

Discover it® Secured Credit Card*

Compare the best cash back credit cards

What is cash back?

How do cash back credit cards work?

Get cash back from points

Types of cash back cards

Flat-rate cash back credit cards

Rotating cash back credit cards

Tiered category cards

Store credit cards

Tiered vs. flat-rate credit cards

Common cash back categories

Gas

Groceries

Restaurants

Travel

Business

Entertainment

Pros and cons of cash back credit cards

How to compare and choose the best cash back card for you

1. Determine what credit cards you can qualify for

2. Decide on your level of maintenance

3. Find cards that match your spending habits

4. If there’s no clear-cut winner, do the math

How to calculate cash back rewards

Flat-rate cash back card

Tiered cash back card

How to maximize cash back credit cards

Cash back credit cards vs. travel credit cards

Should I get a cash back credit card?

Alternatives to cash back credit cards

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cash back credit card?

What is the annual fee on a credit card that gives cash back?

Is cash back taxable?

Are cash back credit cards worth it?

Why do credit cards give cash back?

Does cash back expire?

Methodology: How we chose our cash back cards

Expert insights

Duong "Katie" Pham, Ph.D.

Charles Lindsey, Ph.D.

Mark Alpert

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