12 Best Credit Cards Cash Back: If you’re like most people, you probably swipe your credit card every day—for groceries, gas, dining out, and even online shopping. But what if you could earn money back for doing what you already do? That’s exactly what cash back credit cards offer. These nifty financial tools reward you with a percentage of your purchases back, essentially giving you free money just for using your card.
Cash back cards have become wildly popular, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you want a simple flat-rate return or prefer to maximize specific spending categories like groceries or travel, there’s a card out there for you. But with so many choices, how do you pick the right one? That’s where we come in.
In this guide, we’ll break down the 12 best cash back credit cards on the market. We’ll dig into their rewards, highlight the pros and cons, and help you find the perfect fit based on your lifestyle and spending habits.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the most popular cash back cards for a reason—it’s versatile, rewarding, and ideal for almost any type of spender. Unlike many cards that complicate things with rotating categories or spending limits, this one keeps it pretty straightforward.
Cash Back Structure:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- 3% on dining and drugstore purchases
- 5% on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
That blend of everyday cash back plus bonus categories makes it a powerhouse. You’re getting enhanced rewards where you’re likely to spend the most—like restaurants and pharmacies—without giving up value on other purchases.
Why It’s Great:
- No annual fee
- Offers an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Comes with a generous sign-up bonus
Best For: Anyone looking for a mix of flexibility and strong earning power. If you like cash back but don’t want to manage rotating categories or complicated reward structures, Chase Freedom Unlimited® keeps it simple while still delivering solid value.
2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If your budget leans heavily toward grocery runs and streaming binges, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express might just become your new best friend. It’s known for having one of the highest cash back rates on U.S. supermarket purchases, plus added perks for modern living.
Cash Back Structure:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% on transit (gas, rideshares, tolls, and more)
- 3% on U.S. gas stations
- 1% on everything else
Yes, there’s an annual fee—$95 after the first year—but the cash back potential here can far outweigh that if you’re spending regularly in those categories.
Why It’s Great:
- Huge 6% return on everyday essentials
- Ideal for families or heavy supermarket shoppers
- Strong travel perks and Amex customer service
Best For: Households that spend heavily on groceries, gas, and streaming. If you’re cutting the cable cord but still subscribing to Netflix, Spotify, or Hulu, this card makes those monthly charges work for you.
3. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Ever wish your credit card could just figure out where you spend the most and reward you accordingly? That’s exactly what the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card does. No need to manually select categories or activate anything—it automatically gives you 5% back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 per month).
Cash Back Structure:
- 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category (up to $500 per billing cycle, then 1%)
- 1% on all other purchases
Eligible categories include gas stations, restaurants, grocery stores, select travel, transit, streaming services, and more. That level of flexibility is tough to beat.
Why It’s Great:
- No annual fee
- Automated rewards—no micromanaging required
- Excellent for people with changing monthly spending patterns
Best For: People who want a high return in different spending areas from month to month. If your expenses shift around—maybe gas one month, then groceries the next—the Citi Custom Cash℠ adapts to your lifestyle without you lifting a finger.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card is a fan favorite thanks to its rotating 5% bonus categories and unique Cashback Match™ feature. It’s a great pick if you’re willing to put in a bit of effort to activate quarterly categories.
Cash Back Structure:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (on up to $1,500 in purchases, activation required)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Past categories have included grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, PayPal, and even Amazon.com. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. That essentially doubles your rewards in year one!
Why It’s Great:
- No annual fee
- Generous first-year bonus via Cashback Match™
- Strong fraud protection and free credit score monitoring
Best For: Strategic spenders who are willing to track and activate categories each quarter. It’s also ideal for new credit card users who want a year of double cash back to supercharge their earnings.
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Looking for a card with no fuss and no limits? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gives you an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. That means no rotating categories, no caps, and no headaches.
Cash Back Structure:
- 2% cash back on all purchases
It’s as simple as it gets—and for many people, that’s the ideal setup. Whether you’re buying a coffee or booking a vacation, you’re always earning the same solid return.
Why It’s Great:
- Unlimited 2% on everything
- Intro APR offers on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Best For: Anyone who values simplicity. If you don’t want to track spending categories or worry about optimizing every purchase, this card gives you consistent rewards with zero hassle.
6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Flexibility is the name of the game with the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card is designed for users who want some control over how they earn their rewards without getting bogged down in complex rotating categories.
Cash Back Structure:
- 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings)
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 combined quarterly spend on 3% and 2% categories)
- 1% on all other purchases
You can change your 3% category once each month, giving you the power to align your rewards with your spending habits. That’s a win for smart budgeters.
Why It’s Great:
- No annual fee
- Option to select your 3% category
- Bonus rewards for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members
Best For: Existing Bank of America customers stand to benefit the most, especially if they qualify for Preferred Rewards status, which can boost your cash back by up to 75%. It’s also a solid pick for people whose spending varies seasonally—like those who spend more on travel in the summer or online shopping during the holidays.
7. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Do you live for food, fun, and entertainment? Then the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is right up your alley. This card focuses on rewarding your lifestyle—think dining out, concerts, movies, and streaming.
Cash Back Structure:
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Whether you’re grabbing takeout, binging on Netflix, or catching a show downtown, you’ll be racking up rewards along the way.
Why It’s Great:
- No annual fee
- High cash back on entertainment and dining
- Unlimited rewards with no expiration
Best For: Social butterflies and entertainment lovers. If you’re spending your weekends at concerts, dining out with friends, or staying in with a movie marathon, this card makes your lifestyle more rewarding. Plus, no annual fee means you keep more of your cash back.
8. American Express Cash Magnet® Card
The American Express Cash Magnet® Card keeps things refreshingly simple with flat-rate rewards and a user-friendly experience. You’ll earn the same percentage back on every purchase—no need to stress over categories or limits.
Cash Back Structure:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
While it doesn’t offer the highest rate out there, the Cash Magnet® Card wins with convenience and American Express customer perks, like purchase protection and entertainment access.
Why It’s Great:
- Flat-rate cash back with no caps
- No annual fee
- Access to Amex Offers and travel perks
Best For: People who want a hassle-free way to earn rewards and enjoy the added value of American Express benefits. It’s especially appealing to those new to the Amex ecosystem who want solid value without the complexity.
9. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Love personalization? The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card gives you more control than most. You choose the bonus categories—and even earn 5% back on two of them each quarter.
Cash Back Structure:
- 5% cash back on two categories of your choice (up to $2,000 combined per quarter)
- 2% on one everyday category like gas, groceries, or restaurants
- 1% on all other purchases
This card puts you in the driver’s seat, but it does require you to opt in to your bonus categories every quarter.
Why It’s Great:
- Customizable cash back categories
- No annual fee
- High reward potential for strategic spenders
Best For: People who don’t mind a little bit of work to earn maximum rewards. If your spending is consistent and you can plan ahead, this card can help you squeeze every last drop of value from your purchases.
10. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Amazon loyalists, this one’s for you. If you’re a regular on Amazon or Whole Foods, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers one of the highest cash back rates available on those purchases.
Cash Back Structure:
- 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% back on all other purchases
It’s available only to Amazon Prime members, but the rewards can quickly add up if you’re already spending a good chunk online.
Why It’s Great:
- Huge cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods
- No annual fee (with Prime membership)
- Travel and purchase protections included
Best For: Amazon Prime members who do a lot of their shopping online or at Whole Foods. If you’re not a Prime member, though, you won’t get the full benefits—and might want to look elsewhere.
11. PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
For those who frequently shop online or love the convenience of digital wallets, the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® is a must-have. It offers one of the simplest and most rewarding cash back structures with no annual fee and no rotating categories.
Cash Back Structure:
- 2% cash back on all purchases, with no cap
- Cash back is automatically added to your PayPal balance
The seamless integration with your PayPal account means you can easily use your cash back for future purchases, transfer it to your bank account, or even send it to friends or family.
Why It’s Great:
- Flat 2% cash back on everything
- Instant redemption through PayPal
- No annual fee or category tracking
Best For: Anyone who shops online regularly, uses PayPal for payments, or prefers a digital-first approach to managing rewards. It’s especially great for freelancers, small business owners, and online sellers who already use PayPal as part of their day-to-day transactions.
12. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
If simplicity and reliability are what you’re after, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card delivers. This card offers flat-rate rewards across the board and is widely recognized for being user-friendly and transparent.
Cash Back Structure:
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
You won’t have to worry about activation, categories, or quarterly limits. Plus, your rewards never expire, and there’s no cap on how much you can earn.
Why It’s Great:
- Easy to understand and use
- No annual fee
- Generous sign-up bonus for new users
Best For: People who want a reliable, everyday rewards card without the fuss. Whether you’re a student, professional, or retiree, this card offers consistent value and peace of mind, making it a great long-term option.
FAQs about the Best Credit Card to Rebuild Credit
What is a credit card for rebuilding credit?
Credit cards designed to rebuild credit are tailored for individuals with low credit scores who are looking to improve their credit history. These cards often come with features that promote responsible usage, such as low initial credit limits, automatic credit limit reviews, and free access to your credit score.
How do credit cards help rebuild your credit?
When used wisely, these cards can be a stepping stone to better credit. By making purchases and consistently paying off the balance on time, you signal to credit bureaus that you’re a responsible borrower. This can help improve your credit score over time, as payment history is a major component of credit scoring models.
What should I look for in a credit card to rebuild credit?
Key features to look for include:
- Low annual fees: Minimize costs while rebuilding credit.
- Credit reporting: Ensure the card reports to all three major credit bureaus.
- Flexible credit limits: Starting with a low limit can help you manage spending better.
- Educational resources: Many issuers provide guidance on credit improvement.
Are secured credit cards a good option for rebuilding credit?
Yes, secured credit cards are an excellent option for those rebuilding credit. These cards require a security deposit which typically serves as your credit limit. This reduces the risk for lenders, making it easier to get approved. Plus, they often report to credit bureaus, directly aiding in your credit repair journey.
How long does it take to rebuild credit with a credit card?
Rebuilding credit is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take several months to see an improvement in your score, and maintaining consistent, responsible credit behavior is key. Most individuals notice significant improvements within six to twelve months.
Conclusion
Choosing the best cash back credit card depends on your spending habits, lifestyle, and how much effort you want to put into optimizing rewards. Some cards, like the Citi Custom Cash℠ or U.S. Bank Cash+, reward those who plan and strategize. Others, like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® or Capital One Quicksilver, appeal to those who prefer a “set it and forget it” approach.
Whether you’re a foodie, a frequent flyer, a grocery-run expert, or just someone who wants to earn a little back on everything, there’s a card on this list for you. The key is to choose a card that aligns with your budget and gives you the most value based on how you already spend.
Remember to check for sign-up bonuses, understand any annual fees, and always pay off your balance in full to avoid interest eating into your rewards.
