Why choose a Cash-Back card?
Cash-back credit cards are a versatile option because they allow you to earn rewards on purchases you’re already making, like groceries, gas, or dining out. Unlike other rewards cards that might limit you to travel points or specific perks, cash-back cards give you the flexibility to use your rewards as you see fit—whether that’s a statement credit, a deposit into your bank account, or even applying the money toward future purchases.
How to find the best Cash-Back card for you
The right cash-back card can vary depending on your spending patterns. Are you a frequent grocery shopper? Do you spend heavily on dining or travel? Some cards offer higher cash-back rates in specific categories, while others offer a consistent rate across all purchases.
To help you decide, use our Cash Back Credit Card Tool. Enter your monthly spending amounts in different categories, and we’ll show you which cards will maximize your cash-back rewards. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re getting the best value.
What to look for in a Cash-Back card
When choosing a cash-back credit card, consider these factors:
- No Annual Fee: We focus on cards that don’t charge you an annual fee, so you’re not losing money just for holding the card.
- Welcome Bonuses: Some cards offer generous sign-up bonuses if you meet a spending threshold within the first few months.
- Introductory APR: A 0% APR offer can be a great perk if you’re planning a large purchase and want to pay it off over time without interest.
- Spending Categories: Check for cards that offer higher rewards for your largest spending areas, such as groceries, gas, or streaming services.
- Additional Fees: Be aware of foreign transaction fees or other charges that may eat into your rewards.
- Extra Perks: Look for benefits like extended warranties, purchase protection, or travel insurance, which can add even more value.
How we evaluated the cards
We’ve excluded local or regional banks and credit unions from our evaluation to ensure the cards we recommend are widely available. That said, your local financial institutions may offer some great options, so we recommend checking them out as well.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cash-Back cards
- Should I Avoid an Annual Fee? If you’re a light spender, avoiding an annual fee makes sense. However, if you consistently spend in high-reward categories like groceries or travel, a card with an annual fee might offer more value in the form of higher cash-back percentages.
- Are Rotating Cash-Back Bonuses Better Than Fixed Rates? Rotating cash-back bonuses can be great, but they require more attention to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards. For example, a card offering 5% back on certain categories (like the Discover it® Cash Back) might offer more during bonus periods, but if you’re not spending in those categories, a card with a fixed rate (like the Citi® Double Cash) could be more reliable.
- What’s the Difference Between a Cash-Back Card and a Points Card? Cash-back cards reward you with actual cash or credits, whereas points cards offer rewards that can be redeemed for things like travel or merchandise. Points can sometimes be more valuable if you prefer experiences like flights or hotel stays, but cash-back cards provide more straightforward rewards.
Top Cash-Back credit cards for 2025
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
For me, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a no-brainer. I spend a lot on groceries and streaming subscriptions, and this card offers fanastic perks:
- 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.
- See Rates & Fees
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Since my business tends to have high monthly expenses, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus really stands out. I love that it gives me 2% cash back on every purchase with no limits. It’s reassuring to know that no matter how much I’m spending, I’m maximizing my rewards: $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2000 cash bonus for every $500k spent during the first year. It’s like an extra reward for doing what I’m already doing. It feels like the card is built to match my business’s needs perfectly.
- 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
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
If there’s one card that fits my lifestyle, it’s the Capital One Savor. As someone who loves streaming and attending events, this card rewards me for the things I already enjoy. I earn unlimited 3% cash back on entertainment and streaming services, plus an impressive 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, perfect for concerts and events—all with no annual fee.
This card makes it easy to indulge in my favorite activities while earning great rewards, making it a top choice for the socially active.
More perks:
- For a limited time, earn a one-time $250 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
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
I’m someone who likes to keep things straightforward, and the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards card is perfect for that. It gives me 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, with no extra fees or complicated reward categories. I don’t have to think about where I’m spending or if I’m maximizing rewards—it just works. Plus, the $200 bonus for spending $500 early on was a great way to kick things off.
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- 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 15 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- Top rated mobile app
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
For me, the Amex Blue Cash Everyday card hits all the right spots. I get 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping—things I spend on regularly. And with no annual fee, I don’t feel like I’m losing out just by holding the card. It’s great for covering my day-to-day essentials while still earning some nice rewards.
- Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 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 $2,000 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.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.49%-28.49%.
- Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 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 $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® 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.
- See Rates and Fees.
Kurt’s key takeaway
By selecting the right cash-back card, you can make the most out of your everyday spending. Whether you prefer a fixed rate or like the thrill of rotating categories, there’s a card out there to match your needs. Let us help you find the one that puts money back in your pocket!
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