Cash back credit cards do exactly what their name suggests: They earn cash back on qualifying purchases, and many don't even charge annual fees. They're great for people who value simplicity or who are just getting into credit card rewards.
The best cash back credit cards require little work to use, and earn up to 10% on a variety of purchases. Some cards earn flat-rate rewards, while others earn bonuses on specific categories. Many of the best options don't charge annual fees, while those that do offer significant value to offset your financial investment.
Business Insider's experts evaluated dozens of credit cards, comparing benefits, earning rates, fees, and other drawbacks to determine the top cash back credit cards of 2025.
Best Cash Back Credit Cards of April 2025
| What It's For | Card | Annual Fee |
| Best for no annual fee | Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 |
| Best for flat-rate cash rewards | Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | $0 (rates and fees) |
| Best for reward maximizers | Discover it® Cash Back | $0 |
| Best for families | Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 (rates and fees) |
| Best for foodies | Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 |
| Best for wellness | Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card | $0 |
| Best for balance transfers | Citi® Double Cash Card | $0 |
Best Cash Back Credit Card for No Annual Fee
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
18.99% - 28.49% Variable
Limited Time Offer: Earn a $250 bonus
Good to Excellent
- Solid flat cash-back rate
- You can combine cash-back rewards with Ultimate Rewards points if you have an eligible card
- No annual fee
- Some other cards offer a higher rate of cash back on certain types of purchases
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a great choice for credit card beginners and experts alike. With no annual fee and a high earnings rate, it's worth considering as an everyday card — and it's even better when you pair it with an annual-fee Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.
Chase Freedom Unlimited- Limited Time Intro Offer: Earn a $250 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 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!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
- 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 Chase Freedom Unlimited® is perfect for people who want a no-annual-fee credit card that earns well on all purchases.
This card combines strong bonus categories with decent flat-rate rewards on non-bonus spending: 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
New cardholders can earn a $250 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. They can also take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then a 18.99% - 28.49% Variable APR). That zero-interest period can be useful for paying down large expenses over time at no cost.
You can use this card to book travel through Chase Travel℠, although you'll need to watch out for foreign transaction fees.
If you also have a travel-focused Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you can combine your Chase Freedom Unlimited® rewards to one of these cards for even better redemptions through Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer partners.
Best Cash Back Credit Card for Flat-Rate 2% Cash Rewards
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus
Good to Excellent
- Good welcome bonus for a $0 annual fee card
- Straightforward 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track
- Strong benefits including cell phone protection, Visa Signature perks, and an intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- If you've opened a Wells Fargo card in the past six months, you may not qualify for an additional Wells Fargo credit card
- Foreign transaction fees
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is definitely worth considering if you want to earn a strong rate of cash rewards on purchases without rotating categories or earning caps and with no annual fee. It's got a solid welcome bonus and intro APR offer, which puts it high on our list of the best zero-interest credit cards.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card- 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. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% 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 Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is best for people who want to earn rewards with minimal fuss. This card earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, which are easy to redeem through Wells Fargo Rewards. While you won't earn bonus points on anything, you're also earning a respectable return on everything you buy.
However, this card does charge foreign transaction fees, so you'll want to pack a different card when you're traveling outside the U.S.
New cardholders can earn an easy $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. They also get a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening (followed by a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% variable APR). This intro offer makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card one of our top picks of the best zero-interest credit cards.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card comes with a good array of benefits including cellphone protection, roadside dispatch, travel emergency assistance, and access to the Visa Signature® Concierge.
Best Cash Back Credit Card for Reward Maximizers
$0
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
Earn Unlimited Cashback Match®
Good to Excellent
- From January 1 to March 31, 2025, earn 5% cash back at restaurants, home improvement stores, and select streaming services on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%
- Discover will match your cash back earned at the end of your first account year
- No annual fee
- Cap on how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter
- If the quarterly categories aren't convenient for you, you can earn more cash back with a different card
The Discover it® Cash Back is one of the best credit cards that offers 5% back on popular rotating categories up to a spending limit. Your rewards are matched by Discover after the first 12 months, and the card has no annual fee.
Discover it Cash Back- 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. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
The no-annual-fee Discover it® Cash Back is perfect for people who don't mind doing a little extra mental math and legwork to earn maximum rewards.
This card earns 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically (from January 1 to March 31, 2025, earn 5% cash back at restaurants, home improvement stores, and select streaming services on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).
Instead of a typical welcome bonus, Discover rewards new cardholders in a different way. After your first 12 months as a cardholder, Discover matches all of the rewards you earn from the card through the Discover Cashback Match® program. This means you can effectively earn up to 10% back on certain purchases in your first year — and if you're a big spender, this can pay off handsomely.
Pro tip: Discover cards, including the Discover it® Cash Back, don't charge annual fees or foreign transaction fees. So you can safely use this card on trips abroad without worrying about paying extra charges.
Best Cash Back Card for Families
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening
18.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn a $250 statement credit
Good to Excellent
- Generous bonus rewards, especially at U.S. supermarkets
- One of a small handful of credit cards that offer bonus rewards on select streaming services
- Intro APR offer
- Unlike many other cash-back cards, it charges an annual fee
- If you spend more than $6,000 at US supermarkets each year, you'll want to use another card once you reach that cap
The Amex Blue Cash Preferred is one of the best cash-back cards, particularly for consumers who spend a lot of money at U.S. supermarkets, use streaming services, or have lots of commuting and gas expenses. The annual fee is worth it if your typical spending lines up with the card's bonus categories.
Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 18.24% - 29.24%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent option for households that spend a lot on groceries, transit, and streaming services like Netflix and Spotify.
This is one of the best American Express cards for earning cash back: It earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%) and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more), 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 or at Amazon.com checkout).
New cardholders can also earn a welcome bonus and take advantage of an introductory zero-interest offer: $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card within the first six months from account opening, and 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then 18.24% - 29.24% Variable APR (rates and fees).
All cardholders enjoy a handful of travel and shopping protections including car rental insurance, Amex return protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty.
Pro tip: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the only card on this list with an annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95. If paying for a credit card is a dealbreaker for you, you may prefer the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express instead: lower earning rates, but no annual fee.
Best Cash Back Credit Card for Foodies
$0
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time)
19.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn $200 cash back
Good to Excellent
- No annual fee
- Bonus cash back on dining, entertainment, and grocery store purchases
- Long intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers
- Other cards earn more cash back in certain bonus categories
- Not the highest sign-up bonus among cash-back cards
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a good welcome bonus and excellent return rates that can earn you cash back on common expenses like dining, groceries (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target), streaming, and entertainment — plus there's no annual fee to worry about.
Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- 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 and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- 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 15 months; 19.24% - 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is perfect for fun-loving foodies who love cooking, dining out, and attending live shows. This no-annual-fee card earns 3% on most food purchases, landing it a spot on our guides to the best credit cards for dining and the best credit cards for groceries.
Cardholders earn 3% cash back on dining, at grocery stores excluding superstores like Walmart and Target, popular streaming services, and entertainment such as tickets for sporting events, shows, and concerts. You'll also earn 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 8% cash back through Capital One Entertainment. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
New cardholders earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases within three months from account opening. They can also save on interest with a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (3% fee for the first 15 months, then 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time), followed by a 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR.
As with all other Capital One credit cards, you won't pay foreign transaction fees on international purchases, so it's great for globetrotting.
Best Cash Rewards Credit Card for Wellness
The Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card is perfect for people who prioritize fitness, self-care, pet care, live shows and events, and environmentally friendly choices.
This no-annual-fee card earns unlimited 4% cash rewards on select self-care, planet-friendly, and sports, recreation, and entertainment purchases and 1% cash rewards on other purchases.
New cardholders can also take advantage of two introductory offers: $100 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening, and 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR).
Best Cash Back Credit Card for Balance Transfers
The Citi® Double Cash Card is great for people who need to pay down existing debt over time without incurring more interest. It has the added benefit of earning generous rewards on new purchases.
This no-annual-fee card comes with a lengthy zero-interest period for new cardholders: 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR.
This card also earns great flat-rate rewards on everything, making it a good choice for daily use: 2% cash back on every purchase (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases) and 5% cash back on hotel and car rentals booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of $200 cash back, fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
What You Should Know About Cash Back Credit Cards
Cash back credit cards offer an easy introduction to the world of credit card rewards.
If you're new to rewards credit cards and aren't interested in earning travel points or miles, a cash back card is the best choice for you.
With cash back cards, 1% back is always worth 1 cent, no matter what, and you can use your rewards to lower your monthly bill or transfer them to your checking account, among other options.
Cash Back Credit Card Types
Cash back cards come in a few different flavors:
- Flat rate — These types of cards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited, earn the same rate of cash back on all purchases.
- Select bonus categories — Some cash back cards, like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, offer bonus rewards on select spending categories such as dining, streaming services, entertainment, and grocery stores.
- Rotating categories — Some cards, like the Discover it Cash Back, offer bonus cash back on rotating categories that change every quarter once enrolled. These cards limit how much bonus cash back you can earn each quarter — typically 5% on the first $1,500 per quarter, then 1% after that.
- Pick your own bonus categories — Some cards are starting to offer yet a fourth format for delivering cash back rewards, where you choose your own bonus categories from a list of options. These cards include the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card (not included in this guide).
The best cash back credit card for you depends on your spending habits and whether you prefer a flat rate of cash back on all spending or earning bonus cash back on specific purchase categories and 1% on everything else.
Flat-rate cash back cards are best for those who don't want to keep track of multiple bonus categories and just want a simple earning structure.
But if you really want to maximize your rewards earning, choosing a card that earns bonus cash back in categories where you spend a lot — like groceries, dining, or gas — can make a huge difference in your rate of return.
Cash Back vs. Travel Rewards
If you're willing to juggle multiple credit cards for different expenses, there's value in having both cash back and points-earning cards. If you prefer a single-card strategy, evaluate your goals to determine your top earning priorities.
If you're trying to put money back in your wallet, we recommend transferring your cashback to a bank account or redeeming it as a statement credit to reduce your monthly credit card balance.
On the other hand, if you're hoping to earn rewards that you can redeem for travel, a card that earns points is more up your alley. Many of the best rewards credit cards earn Amex points, Chase Ultimate Rewards points, Citi ThankYou points, or Capital One Miles.
You can transfer all of these currencies to travel partners and redeem them for things like flights. (Note that, while Capital One calls its rewards currency "miles," they aren't miles with a given airline program.)
Find out more about what your credit card rewards are worth by reading Business Insider's guide to what points and miles are worth in value.
How to Choose a Cash Back Credit Card
To choose the best cash back credit card for you, you'll want to consider a few things:
Earning Rate for Common Spending Categories
Earning extra cash back for gas is pointless if you don't drive, while a credit card that earns bonus points on groceries isn't very useful if you don't cook. Consider how you intend to use your new card and compare the rate for those spending categories.
How You Redeem Your Cash Back
Make sure you're clear on what you're earning. Is it statement credit? Cash? Points? If points, can they be combined with or transferred to other cards you have, or brands you like?
Annual Fee
An annual fee may make or break your choice. Are you willing to pay an annual fee — and more importantly, can you afford it comfortably, or will the cash back you'll earn in a year exceed the amount you pay?
Cash back credit cards are often best used in combination with cards that earn points to create a complete credit card portfolio that takes advantage of multiple types of rewards.
Pro tip: We don't mention a credit card's interest rate, because the APR only applies if you're carrying a balance on your credit card. We recommend applying for a cash back credit card intending to pay off the balance in full each month. For other categories of credit cards, like balance transfer cards, the APR might be a more important consideration.
Cash Back Credit Card Best Practices
If you have a cash back credit card or are considering opening one, you'll want to make the most of it. Keep the following steps in mind to get the most value from your card:
Always Pay Your Balance in Full
Credit card cash back or points aren't useful if you're carrying a balance and paying interest charges each month. To make the most of rewards, use your card responsibly: Spend only the money you have and pay your bill in full each month.
Track and Maximize Bonus Categories
Cash back cards vary greatly in their return rates: You can earn anywhere from 1% to 10% back depending on the purchase category, card, and issuer. Many cash back cards don't charge annual fees, so you don't have to pay for the privilege of earning rewards.
Some cash back cards offer elevated rewards rates on specific spending areas, like restaurants, gas stations, or supermarkets. Some of these cards even change those areas from quarter to quarter, meaning you'll want to stay on top of where your card earns the most and when.
Pro tip: If you struggle to keep track of which cards earn how much, consider downloading a credit card rewards-tracking app like CardPointers to help you remember which card to use when checking out.
If you use your cash back card for every purchase, you don't need to be as diligent, but if you're using your card as one of many you'll want to be sure you know how to maximize rewards.
Redeem Your Cash Back Rewards
It might be tempting to let your cash back pile up just to watch the total tick up, but it's more useful if you redeem it. You can generally apply the cash to your card balance or get it deposited in your checking account, and either one is a fine option.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Business Insider's financial experts evaluated dozens of cash back credit cards and narrowed down our list by considering the following factors:
- Ease of use — Are there any hoops to jump through, like needing to be a member of a specific bank?
- Rewards earning potential — How much cash back can you earn with this card, and how broad are the bonus categories?
- Annual fee — Many cash back cards waive an annual fee, but for the few that do charge a fee, is it justified based on the card's rewards?
- Options for various types of consumers — We wanted our top cash back card picks to reflect different types of users, from families looking to maximize grocery spending to those looking to rebuild their credit score.
See a full breakdown of how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.
FAQs
What's the best credit card for earning cash rewards?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Citi® Double Cash Card are best for earning 2% cash rewards on all purchases. If you spend a lot on food, you'll earn more with the Chase Freedom Unlimited® or the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card.
Is there a credit card that earns 5% cash back?
Yes, the Discover it Cash Back and the Chase Freedom Flex both earn 5% cash back on bonus categories that change every few quarter once activated up to a quarterly maximum, then 1%.
Is 2% cash back worth it?
Yes, 2% cash back or even 1.5% cash back rewards can be well worth it if your card doesn't charge an annual fee, and you want to put all of your monthly expenses on a single card. The consistent returns and simplicity for your personal finances will help you come out ahead month after month.
Is a cash back card better than a travel or rewards card?
A cash back card can be better than a travel or rewards card, depending on how you want to use your rewards. A cash back credit card is ideal if you primarily want to put money back in your bank account rather than earn rewards you can redeem for travel — and many don't charge annual fees.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, please click here.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
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.
