🏆 14 Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Introduction
The best cash back credit card is one you will use regularly. Some cards pay a single rate on every purchase, with no work required on your part. Others pay higher rewards in specific categories (up to 6% in some cases) and a lower rate elsewhere. Choose one card for everything, or carry several to maximize your cash back.
In 2025, U.S. consumers have more choices than ever before when it comes to earning cash back on their daily spending. From groceries and gas to dining and digital subscriptions, the right cash back card can return hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars each year. The key is finding one that fits your lifestyle, spending habits, and financial goals.
We’ve carefully reviewed and selected the 14 best cash back credit cards available to American consumers. These cards stand out for their generous rewards, low fees, flexible redemption options, and extra perks. Whether you prefer simple flat-rate rewards or category-based bonuses, there’s a perfect match for everyone on this list.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- 1.5% on all other purchases
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Why We Included It:
Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns its place for being one of the most versatile cash back cards in America. It’s perfect for anyone who wants consistent rewards without juggling categories. With no annual fee and strong rates on everyday purchases, it’s a solid “one-card” solution.
Pros: Excellent all-around rewards, strong travel portal bonuses, no annual fee.
Cons: Requires good credit; optimal redemption via Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.
2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $95 (waived for first year)
Rewards Rate:
- 6% on U.S. supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations
- 1% on other purchases
- Intro Offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
Why We Included It:
If your household spends heavily on groceries and streaming, no other card competes with Blue Cash Preferred®. It’s tailor-made for families, suburban commuters, and anyone who wants to save big on daily living expenses.
Pros: Industry-leading grocery rewards; great streaming category.
Cons: Annual fee (after first year); supermarket cap limits heavy spenders.
3. Discover it® Cash Back
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Intro Offer: Discover matches all cash back earned at the end of your first year automatically.
Why We Included It:
Discover it® Cash Back is one of the most user-friendly cards with a unique first-year match that can double your rewards. Rotating categories like restaurants, gas, and Amazon make it perfect for maximizing cash back across seasons.
Pros: No annual fee, generous first-year match, solid mobile app.
Cons: Requires category activation; category caps may limit high spenders.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- Intro Offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first 3 months.
Why We Included It:
Simplicity is king here. No rotating categories, no caps—just flat 1.5% cash back on everything. Perfect for Americans who want a stress-free experience and strong value.
Pros: Simple flat-rate rewards; no foreign transaction fees.
Cons: No elevated category bonuses.
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 2% unlimited cash rewards on all purchases.
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Why We Included It:
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers one of the best flat-rate returns on the market. Its simplicity, combined with cell phone protection and Visa Signature® perks, makes it an excellent everyday card.
Pros: 2% back on everything, no categories, strong intro offer.
Cons: No travel bonus categories.
6. Citi Double Cash® Card
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 2% total cash back (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
- Intro Offer: Earn $200 after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months.
Why We Included It:
This card’s dual-earning structure encourages smart repayment habits. It’s a long-standing favorite for Americans who value consistent returns on everything.
Pros: Simple, transparent, flat 2% back.
Cons: No category bonuses or intro 0% APR.
7. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $95
Rewards Rate:
- 4% on dining, entertainment, and streaming
- 3% on groceries
- 1% on everything else
- Intro Offer: $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Why We Included It:
The Savor Card is a foodie’s dream. It’s ideal for Americans who enjoy dining out, concerts, and entertainment while earning premium cash back.
Pros: Outstanding for dining and entertainment.
Cons: Annual fee may outweigh benefits for light spenders.
8. Chase Freedom Flex®
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.8/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500)
- 5% on Chase travel
- 3% on dining and drugstores
- 1% on everything else
- Intro Offer: $200 after spending $500 in 3 months.
Why We Included It:
This card balances flexibility and high earning potential. When paired with a Chase Sapphire card, rewards become even more valuable through Ultimate Rewards.
Pros: High rotating rewards, excellent travel/dining bonuses.
Cons: Requires category activation each quarter.
9. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 3% on U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and online retail (up to $6,000 per year per category)
- 1% on everything else
- Intro Offer: $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
Why We Included It:
It’s an excellent no-fee alternative to Blue Cash Preferred®, perfect for moderate spenders seeking flexibility without the annual cost.
Pros: Triple bonus categories; no annual fee.
Cons: Annual spending cap per category.
10. Apple Card
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 3% on Apple, Uber, Walgreens, T-Mobile
- 2% on Apple Pay purchases
- 1% on all other purchases
- Intro Offer: None (but offers Daily Cash instantly).
Why We Included It:
Apple Card’s integration with the iPhone Wallet app, real-time cash back, and no fees make it one of the most transparent cards in America.
Pros: Daily cash back, no hidden fees, tech-friendly.
Cons: Works best for iPhone users only.
11. Prime Visa
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $0 (requires Amazon Prime membership)
Rewards Rate:
- 5% on Amazon.com and Whole Foods
- 2% on gas, restaurants, and transit
- 1% elsewhere
- Intro Offer: $150 Amazon gift card upon approval.
Why We Included It:
Perfect for frequent Amazon or Whole Foods shoppers, this card offers unmatched value in its niche.
Pros: 5% back on Amazon/Whole Foods, instant gift card bonus.
Cons: Requires Prime membership.
12. Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases.
- Intro Offer: None.
Why We Included It:
This lesser-known gem offers consistent 2% cash back for those who want simplicity without big-brand affiliation.
Pros: Flat 2% rate; no annual fee.
Cons: No intro offer or bonus categories.
13. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.7/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 3% in a chosen category (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement)
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% on other purchases
- Intro Offer: $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in 3 months.
Why We Included It:
The card’s flexible 3% category makes it a top pick for Americans who want control over their rewards strategy.
Pros: Customizable bonus category, no annual fee.
Cons: Category cap at $2,500 per quarter.
14. PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)
Annual Fee: $0
Rewards Rate:
- 2% cash back on all purchases when paid via PayPal.
- Intro Offer: None.
Why We Included It:
Ideal for online shoppers, this card seamlessly integrates with PayPal, offering effortless rewards for everyday digital spending.
Pros: Easy online redemption, 2% on all purchases.
Cons: Requires PayPal account; no intro bonus.
🧾 Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the best overall cash back credit card in 2025?For most U.S. consumers, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® deliver the best blend of simplicity and value.
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Do cash back rewards expire?Typically, no. Most major issuers (like Chase, Citi, and Capital One) offer rewards that never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
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Is it better to get a flat-rate or category-based card?Flat-rate cards (like Wells Fargo Active Cash®) suit consistent spenders. Category-based cards (like Blue Cash Preferred®) reward specific lifestyles.
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Can I have multiple cash back cards?Absolutely. Many Americans pair two or three cards—one for groceries, one for gas, and one for general purchases—to maximize rewards.
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Do I have to pay taxes on cash back rewards?No. The IRS classifies cash back as a rebate, not income.
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Which card is best for groceries?The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express leads with 6% back at U.S. supermarkets.
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What credit score do I need for a cash back card?Most top-tier cards require a score of 670 or higher, though some like Discover it® accept fair credit applicants.
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Which card is best for online shopping?The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards or PayPal Cashback Mastercard® excel for online spenders.
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Can I use cash back toward my statement balance?Yes. Most cards allow you to redeem cash back directly as a statement credit, deposit, or even PayPal transfer.
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Is there a limit to how much cash back I can earn?Some category cards cap bonus spending (e.g., Discover or Amex), but flat-rate cards like Wells Fargo Active Cash® have no limit.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right cash back credit card depends on how and where you spend. Flat-rate cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® or Citi Double Cash® deliver consistent value, while category-based cards like Blue Cash Preferred® and Chase Freedom Flex® reward focused spenders.
Our list of the 14 best cash back credit cards covers every kind of American lifestyle—whether you’re a traveler, a grocery shopper, or an online spender. Choose one that fits your habits, and you’ll turn every swipe into real savings.
