Did you know the average American household gets over $900 in cash back rewards yearly? Earning cash back on everyday purchases is a smart move. It can help you get hundreds or even thousands of dollars in rewards each year. The best cashback credit cards give you more rewards in popular spending areas like groceries, gas, dining, and online shopping.
Whether you want a simple card or one with special categories, there are many great options for 2024. This guide will show you the top cash back credit cards for different spending habits. It will help you find the perfect card for your spending.
Key Takeaways
- The best cash back credit cards can earn you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in rewards each year.
- Look for cards that offer elevated rewards rates in your top spending categories, such as groceries, gas, dining, and online shopping.
- Consider flat-rate cash back cards for simplicity or bonus category cards for higher rewards in specific areas.
- Maximize your cash back by taking advantage of sign-up bonuses, rotating categories, and customizable rewards.
- Carefully evaluate annual fees and APRs to ensure the card aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
Flat-Rate Cash Back Credit Cards
For those looking for a simple cash back rewards program, flat-rate credit cards are perfect. They give a steady cash back on all buys, without the need to track special categories or rotate rewards.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a top choice for flat-rate cash back. It offers 2% cash back on all purchases. This makes it great for those wanting to earn more cash rewards easily.
It also has a $200 sign-up bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months. The card has no annual fee and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months. This makes it a versatile and rewarding card for everyday spending.
| Card | Cash Back Rate | Sign-up Bonus | Annual Fee | Intro APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | 2% on all purchases | $200 after $500 spend in first 3 months | $0 | 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers |
| Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card | 1.5% on all purchases | $200 after $500 spend in first 3 months | $0 | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers |
| Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card | 1.5% on all purchases (up to 2.62% for Preferred Rewards members) | $200 online cash rewards bonus after $1,000 spend in first 90 days | $0 | 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers |
Cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card make earning cash back easy. They offer consistent rewards on all purchases. This means you don’t have to keep up with special categories or complicated rules.
Cards with Bonus Rewards Categories
Looking to boost your cash back? Think about a credit card with bonus rewards in certain spending areas. These cards give you more cash back on things like travel, dining, and drugstores. This way, you earn more rewards on what you spend the most.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a top choice for cash back. It offers extra rewards on travel booked through Chase, dining, and drugstores. You can earn 1.5% – 5% cash back, depending on what you buy. Plus, new cardholders get a 0% intro APR and a big sign-up bonus. It’s perfect for those who want to earn more rewards on various everyday expenses.
“The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a simple and straightforward way to earn bonus cash back on common purchases, making it a great addition to any wallet.”
The Best Credit Cards for Cash Back
Finding the top cash back credit cards isn’t easy. The best cash back cards vary based on how you spend and what you like. Look at the rewards rate, bonus categories, sign-up bonuses, annual fees, and any extra perks. This way, you can pick the cash back credit cards comparison that suits your spending the most.
Here are some top cash back credit cards to think about:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card – Gives you unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases and a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. It also has a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Citi Double Cash® Card – Earns you 2% cash back on every buy, with a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months. It offers a 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Gives 4.5% cash back on drugstore and dining buys, 6.5% on travel through Chase Travel℠, and 3% on all other buys for the first year or up to $20,000 spent. After that, it’s 5% cash back on travel. It has a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
- Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – Offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every buy, plus 6 months of free Uber One membership through 11/14/2024.
- Discover it® Student Cash Back – Students can earn 5% cash back on everyday buys at different places each quarter when activated, and 1% on all else. Discover matches all cash back earned for new cardmembers at the end of the first year.
The best cash back cards for you will vary based on your spending and financial goals. By looking at your options, you can find the top cash back credit cards that give you the most rewards and value.
Cash Back Credit Cards for Families
Families spending a lot on groceries, gas, and streaming can look at the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. It gives a top 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 a year) and on 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Plus, it offers 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. But, it has a $95 annual fee, which might be a drawback for some.
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for families wanting more cash back on dining and entertainment. It gives 3% cash back on dining, eligible streaming services, grocery stores, and entertainment. Plus, it has no annual fee, making it easy for families to get into.
The Citi Double Cash® Card is good for families wanting a simple cash back plan. It offers 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, making it easy to earn rewards. And, it has no annual fee, which is a big plus.
When picking a cash back credit card, think about your family’s spending and what you buy most. Choosing a card that matches your spending can help you earn more cash back and save money on your usual purchases.
Customizable Cash Back Credit Cards
For those looking to control their cash back, customizable credit cards are a great choice. Cards like the Citi Custom Cash® Card and the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card let you pick your bonus categories. You can earn 5% cash back in your chosen areas and 3% or 2% back elsewhere.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your top category each month. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you 3% back in your chosen category, 2% back on groceries, and 1% on all else.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card gives 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you pick. The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card offers 6% cash back on the first $1,500 in purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose.
The Venmo Credit Card gives 3% cash back in your top spending category and 2% in the second. This lets you earn rewards that match your spending habits closely.
Customizable cash back credit cards let you choose where you earn rewards. You can get 5% cash back or 3% cash back on what you spend the most on.
Cash Back Credit Cards for Online Shopping
For those who love online shopping, the right cash back credit card can be a game-changer. The Amazon Prime Visa and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card are top picks. They offer great rewards and savings.
Amazon Prime Visa
The Amazon Prime Visa is perfect for Amazon Prime members who shop online a lot. It gives 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. Plus, you get bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations.
This card has no annual fee. It’s a great choice for anyone big into Amazon. Plus, you can earn more cash back on certain items and categories on Amazon.com. And, you get 5% back on Chase Travel purchases.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a simple 2% cash rewards rate on all buys. It’s great for those who want easy rewards without complex rules. You also get a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
This card has no annual fee and a good APR range. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a dependable cash back card for both online and in-person shopping.
| Card | Cash Back Rates | Annual Fee | Sign-up Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Visa | 5% on Amazon and Whole Foods, bonus rewards at restaurants and gas | $0 | $100 Amazon Gift Card |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | 2% on all purchases | $0 | $200 cash rewards |
Whether you’re an Amazon fan or prefer a versatile cash back option, these two cards are great for online shopping. They offer attractive rewards, sign-up bonuses, and no annual fees. These cards can help you earn more cash back on all your online buys.
Cash Back Credit Cards for Dining and Entertainment
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for those who enjoy dining out and entertainment. It gives you 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 3% on groceries, and 1% on other purchases. Plus, there’s no annual fee, making it easy to earn rewards on your daily spending.
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is another great choice. It offers 4 points per dollar on dining, including takeout and delivery. The Citi Custom Cash® Card also provides up to 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle, which can include restaurants.
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is perfect for a broad range of dining and entertainment. It gives you 3X rewards on dining and more rewards in categories like gas stations, transit, travel, and streaming. The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers 3% dining rewards and bonus rewards at grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and a special new-cardholder bonus.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card lets you pick your own bonus categories, including dining, for higher cash back rewards. The American Express® Gold Card is another top choice with generous rewards at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. It also offers dining and travel credits.
Whether you love dining and entertainment, there’s a cash back credit card for you. By looking at each card’s unique features and benefits, you can find the best fit for your lifestyle and financial goals.
Quarterly Bonus Categories Cash Back Cards
For those who enjoy activating bonus categories, the Chase Freedom Flex® and Discover it® Cash Back are great choices. They offer 5% cash back in rotating categories you pick, like groceries, gas, dining, and online buys. Plus, you get 1% back on all other spending. The Chase Freedom Flex® gives a $200 sign-up bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months. The Discover it® Cash Back offers a cash back match at year’s end, effectively doubling your earnings.
Chase Freedom Flex®
The Chase Freedom Flex® card lets you earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter in bonus categories like groceries, fitness clubs, gas stations, and restaurants. You also get 1% cash back on all other purchases. It comes with a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Plus, there’s a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card gives 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending per quarter in categories you pick, such as grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. The card’s best feature is the Unlimited Cashback Match for new cardmembers, which doubles your cash back in the first year.
Cash Back Credit Cards for Balance Transfers
Managing your finances can be tough. A cash back credit card with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers can help. The Citi Double Cash® Card is a top choice, offering a simple cash back program and a long introductory APR period.
The Citi Double Cash® Card gives you 2% cash back on all purchases. You get 1% when you buy something and another 1% when you pay it off. This makes earning rewards easy, no matter what you buy. Plus, its 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months is perfect for paying off debt while earning cash back.
This card has no annual fee and a regular APR between 19.24% to 29.24% Variable after the intro period. It’s great for those wanting to balance credit card rewards with debt management. If you’re looking for a cash back credit cards for balance transfers, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a solid choice.
| Card | Intro APR on Balance Transfers | Regular APR | Cash Back Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citi Double Cash® Card | 0% for 18 months | 19.24% – 29.24% Variable | 2% cash back on all purchases | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | 0% for 21 months | 18.24% – 29.99% Variable | No rewards | $0 |
| Discover it® Cash Back – 18 Month Intro Balance Transfer Offer | 0% for 18 months | 18.24% – 28.24% Variable | 5% cash back in rotating categories | $0 |
“The Citi Double Cash® Card is a great option for those looking to earn cash back while also taking advantage of a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.”
Cash Back Credit Cards for Gas and Groceries
For those who spend a lot on gas and groceries, there are credit cards that offer more rewards in these areas. These cards can help you save money by giving you 3-6% cash back on your daily buys at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top choice. It gives you 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases per year) and 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. You also get 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. The card has a $95 annual fee, but the rewards can make up for it if you spend a lot in these areas.
The Citi Custom Cash® Card is another excellent option. It automatically gives you 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 in purchases). This can include U.S. supermarkets and gas stations, making it flexible for varying spending.
- The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories, which often include grocery stores and gas stations.
- The Amazon Prime Visa Signature Card gives you 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, as well as 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
When picking a cash back credit card for gas and groceries, find one that matches your spending and offers the best rewards in your main spending areas. Choosing the right card can help you earn more cash back and save on your everyday purchases.
| Card | Gas Rewards | Grocery Rewards | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 3% Cash Back | 6% Cash Back (on up to $6,000 per year) | $95 |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | Up to 5% Cash Back | Up to 5% Cash Back | $0 |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% Cash Back (in rotating quarterly categories) | 5% Cash Back (in rotating quarterly categories) | $0 |
| Amazon Prime Visa Signature Card | 2% Cash Back | 5% Cash Back (at Amazon and Whole Foods) | $0 (with Amazon Prime membership) |
“The right cash back credit card can help you save hundreds of dollars per year on your gas and grocery expenses.”
Conclusion
Finding the best cash back credit card means looking at what you spend and what you like. You need to check out different cards and their rewards to find the best fit for you. This way, you can earn more cash back on what you buy most.
There are many great options for 2024, whether you want a simple card or one with special rewards. For example, the Capital One Quicksilver offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Or, the Citi Custom Cash Card gives you 5% back on one category you pick.
It’s important to think about what you need, like bonus rewards, sign-up deals, and fees. By researching and considering your own needs, you can pick the best card. This ensures you save more and enjoy your purchases more.
FAQ
What are the best credit cards for cash back rewards?
The top cash back credit cards give you more rewards on things like groceries, gas, dining, and online shopping. Look into the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Citi Custom Cash® Card, and Amazon Prime Visa.
What are the benefits of flat-rate cash back credit cards?
Flat-rate cards, such as the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, make earning cash back easy. They give you 2% cash back on all purchases. This is perfect for those who want to earn rewards without the hassle of bonus categories.
What are the best cash back credit cards for bonus rewards categories?
Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® give you more rewards in categories like travel, dining, and drugstores. You can earn 1.5% – 5% cash back. These cards let you earn more on your everyday spending.
What are the top cash back credit cards for families?
Families should consider the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. It offers 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services, 3% at gas stations, and 3% on transit. It’s great for big grocery and gas bills.
What are the best customizable cash back credit cards?
The Citi Custom Cash® Card, Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, and U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card let you pick your own bonus categories. This means you can earn more on what you spend the most on.
What is the best cash back credit card for online shopping?
The Amazon Prime Visa is perfect for Amazon Prime members who shop online a lot. It gives you 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
What is the best cash back credit card for dining and entertainment?
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for dining and entertainment. It offers 3% cash back on these purchases, 3% at grocery stores, and 1% on everything else.
What are the best quarterly bonus categories cash back credit cards?
The Chase Freedom Flex® and Discover it® Cash Back cards give you 5% cash back in certain categories you pick each quarter. You also get 1% back on all other spending.
What is the best cash back credit card for balance transfers?
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers 2% cash back – 1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay off. It also has a 0% introductory APR for balance transfers. This is great for paying off debt while earning rewards.
What are the best cash back credit cards for gas and groceries?
Cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card give you 3-6% cash back on groceries and gas. They’re great for those who spend a lot in these areas.
