What Are The Best Cash Back Credit Cards?

Table of Contents

Cash back credit cards give you a portion of your spending back in cash. This turns your purchases into an opportunity to make money. There are different kinds of these cards, from those that give a set cash back rate on everything, to others that offer more in specific categories. The top cash back credit cards have high rewards, great bonuses when signing up, and extra benefits like no interest for a while or no yearly fees.

It’s important to pick a card that’s right for you by looking at what you usually spend on. Analyzing your spending habits can show you the best card for maximizing your rewards. Doing this can greatly benefit your wallet.

Key Takeaways

Cash back credit cards provide a straightforward way to earn money on your everyday purchases.
Different types of cash back cards include flat-rate, tiered, and customizable rewards structures to cater to various spending habits.
The best cash back credit cards offer competitive rewards rates, generous sign-up bonuses, and additional perks.
Analyzing your spending patterns is crucial to selecting the cash back credit card that maximizes your rewards.
Understanding the features and benefits of cash back credit cards can help you choose the right one for your financial needs.

Understanding Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back credit cards give you a part of your money back on what you buy. You can get this money right in your card account or use it for different rewards. They work by giving you a set amount of your spending back as cash. This way, you can easily see and use the rewards you get.

What are Cash Back Credit Cards?

These cards are a kind of reward credit card. They return a part of what you spend. You can get this money as cash in your account or other rewards. Using them means you’ll always get something back, which is pretty cool. It’s like a small bonus for using the card.

Types of Cash Back Credit Cards

There are three main kinds of cash back cards. One type gives you the same amount back on everything you buy, usually around 1.5% or 2%. Then, some cards offer more on specific things like food or gas, but less on the rest. Finally, you can also find cards where you pick the type of spending that earns the most cash back. This gives you more choices.

Flat Rate Cash Back Cards

Flat-rate cards give the same cash back on all items, which is usually around 1.5% or 2%. They are simple to manage. Well-known flat-rate options are the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, giving 2% back on all buys, and the Citi Double Cash® Card, that earns 2% back (1% when buying and 1% when paying).

Tiered Cash Back Cards

Tiered cards offer extra cash back on certain items like food or gas, and a bit less on everything else. This means you earn more on the items you frequently purchase. For instance, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express gives 6% at U.S. supermarkets and 3% at U.S. gas stations. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns you 3% back on dining and drugstore buys.

Top Cash Back Credit Cards for Everyday Spending

Looking to get more cash back on things you buy every day? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card ,Citi Double Cash® Card, and Apple Card are your top picks. They offer great rewards that help you save money while you spend.

Want a credit card that always gives you cash back? The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card does just that. You get 2% back on everything you buy. It also gives a nice bonus when you sign up and 0% interest for a while. Plus, there’s no fee to use it.

Then, there’s the Citi Double Cash® Card. It gives you 2% back, 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill, on all your purchases. Even though it doesn’t have extra perks, its focus on high cash back rates is worth it.

For Apple fans, the Apple Card is a hit. You get 2% back for using Apple Pay and 3% back on Apple purchases. For anything else, you still get 1% back. The best part? You can use the cash back right away for more Apple buys.

Cash Back Credit Cards With Bonus Rewards Categories

Credit cards with bonus rewards categories are great for those wanting to up their cash back game. They give extra cash back in certain spending areas. This means you can earn more rewards on what you buy the most.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is all about bonuses. It gets you 5% cash back on travel booked with Chase and 3% back on eating out and at drugstores. Everything else brings in 1.5% cash back. This mix lets you earn more where you spend a lot, making it good for all-around use.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card is perfect for families that spend big in certain places. It gives 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 each year, then 1%) and 6% on select U.S. streaming. You also get 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit costs. It’s a big help for those with major costs in these categories.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is for those wanting cash back without a yearly fee. It gets you 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 2% on gas and select U.S. online stores, and 1% on everything else. This is a good choice for getting more cash back on daily spending without the extra cost.

Prime Visa

Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers will love the Prime Visa. It gives 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods buys, 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming, and 1% on other purchases. This card is ideal for Amazon Prime members aiming to boost their cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.

Cash Back Credit Cards

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who love dining and fun. It gives you 3% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on everything else. This setup helps people who often eat out and enjoy various entertainment events. It’s a great way to get more cash back in these categories.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is different because it lets you earn big bonuses in different types of stores each quarter. These can include grocery stores, gas stations, and favorite shops. It also gives you 5% back on travel booked with Chase, 3% at eateries and drugstores, and 1% on the rest. This mix of changing bonus categories and regular rewards makes it a great choice for earning more cash back.

The Discover it® Cash Back card is focused on giving you cash back on what you buy the most. You get 5% cash back in different stores each quarter by signing up, and 1% on the rest. Categories have included places like grocery stores, restaurants, and online shops. Plus, Discover doubles all the cash back you earn in your first year. This deal makes the Discover it® Cash Back a top pick for rewards.

Cash Back Credit Cards With Customizable Rewards

Cash back credit cards have changed, giving people more say in their rewards. The Citi Custom Cash® Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card show this well.

Citi Custom Cash® Card

The Citi Custom Cash® Card is special. It gives 5% cash back on certain types of spending, each month, up to $500 (then 1%). These categories include places like restaurants, grocery stores, and select travel. Citi custom cash card users don’t need to turn on categories every month. This helps them earn more cash back easily by spending on the right things.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

The bank of america customized cash rewards credit card works in its own way. It lets people pick a 3% cash back category from several options. You can choose from gas stations, online shopping, dining, and more. It also gives back 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. This makes it good for many different spending styles. Choosing what matters most to you helps increase your cash back.

The Citi Custom Cash® Card and Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards offer new ways to get cash back. Both let users steer their rewards based on what they like to spend on. Whether you like the automatic tracking of the Citi card or picking your 3% back category with the Bank of America card, they both bring a level of control. This control helps users make the most of their

cash back credit cards with customizable rewards

Benefits of Cash Back Credit Cards

Cash back credit cards offer a simple way to earn back money. Unlike cards that give points or miles, with these, you get cash back. This cash can be used in various ways, like taking it off your statement, getting gift cards, or putting into your bank. This straightforward system helps people get the most from their rewards.

Earn Money on Everyday Purchases

With cash back credit cards, you earn on things you buy every day, such as groceries or gas. By using your card for these items, the earned cash builds up. You are basically getting a discount on your daily buys. This is great for anyone who wants a simple way to save, without lots of rules to follow.

No Complicated Redemption Process

Getting your cash back reward is easy. You can often just choose a statement credit or to have the cash sent to your bank. It’s much simpler than dealing with other rewards, which might have lots of rules or options. This ease makes it simple to enjoy and use your cash back.

How to Choose the Best Cash Back Credit Card

When picking the best cash back credit card, know your spending habits. This includes your usual expenses like groceries, gas, or eating out. Know where you spend the most to pick the right card. This way, you’ll earn more cash back where you shop most.

Analyze Your Spending Habits

Many cash back cards give extra rewards for specific items like groceries or gas. Think about what you buy the most. Decide if you prefer a flat cash back rate or a card that gives more back in certain areas. This choice affects how much you save.

Compare Rewards Categories

Looking at just the cash back rate isn’t enough. Also, check for extra benefits like a sign-up bonus or a 0% intro APR. Be wary of cards with yearly fees. They should pay off if the rewards and perks are better.

Consider Additional Perks and Fees

To find the perfect cash back card, really review your spending, the rewards, and other benefits. This way, you can choose a card that meets your financial goals and earns on the things you buy often.

Maximizing Cash Back Rewards

For cash back credit cards with tiered or customizable rewards, it’s key to use the category bonuses well to maximize your cash back rewards. Find out where you spend the most. Then, focus your spending there to get the most cash back. Switching between different bonus categories lets you fully benefit from your card’s rewards plan.

Use Category Bonuses Strategically

Using category bonuses wisely is important to maximize cash back rewards. Keep an eye on the card’s bonus categories. Spend more in those areas to earn a higher cash back rate. This might mean rotating your purchases to boost your earnings.

Take Advantage of Sign-Up Bonuses

Many cash back credit cards give great sign-up bonuses for new users who spend a certain amount in the first few months. These bonuses can significantly increase your cash back earnings if they match your usual spending. Always check the bonus terms to make sure you qualify.

Combine Multiple Cash Back Cards

If you can handle several credit cards, using multiple cards with different cash back rewards can boost your cash back. Consider having a flat-rate card for daily buys and a tiered card for special categories. This way, you make the best use of each card’s perks and earn more cash back.

Cash Back Credit Cards vs. Travel Rewards Cards

When picking between cash back credit cards and travel rewards cards, look at how you spend money and what you prefer. Cash back cards let you earn money on your purchases. This is great if you like having cash to use on anything.

Travel rewards cards give more when you buy things linked to traveling. But getting and using those rewards can be more complicated. They’re best for those who travel often or love luxury trips because they offer more benefits for these activities.

The right card for you depends on what you want and need. Think about how you spend, what you like to do for fun, and how you’d like to use your rewards. This way, you can choose the most fitting card for your lifestyle.

Cash Back Credit Cards	Travel Rewards Cards
Simple, straightforward rewards structure	Typically offer higher rewards rates for travel-related purchases
Flexible redemption options, often for everyday expenses	Redemption process may be more complex
Valuable for those who prioritize flexibility and simplicity	Ideal for frequent travelers who value luxury experiences and perks

Knowing the differences between cash back credit cards and travel rewards cards helps you choose wisely. It lets you pick a card that matches your financial goals and spending style.

Cash Back Credit Cards for Specific Needs

Certain credit cards are perfect for getting the most cash back. They are designed to fit the unique spending habits of various groups. Families with big expenses often find cash back cards a big help. The best ones give extra cash back for things like groceries, gas, and streaming services.

Also read: What Are The Best No Interest Credit Cards?

Cash Back Cards for Families

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top pick for families. It gives an amazing 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1%). It also offers the same 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. With these bonus categories, it’s ideal for families buying lots of food and enjoying streaming services.

Cash Back Cards for Groceries

If you spend a lot on groceries, there are cards just for that. One option is the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. It gives 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1%). Using this card along with a flat-rate cash back card for other spending is smart. It helps families get more for their grocery budget.

FAQs

What are cash back credit cards?

Cash back credit cards give you money back on your purchases. You earn a part of what you spend. This makes them a simple way to get something back when buying things.

What are the different types of cash back credit cards?

There are flat-rate, tiered, and customizable cash back cards. Flat-rate cards offer the same cash back on everything. Tiered cards give more on certain types of purchases. Customizable cards let you pick where you earn more rewards.

What are the top flat-rate cash back credit cards?

Great flat-rate cash back cards are the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Citi Double Cash® Card. They give back 2% on purchases. The Citi Double Cash® Card gives 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.

What are the top tiered cash back credit cards?

Tiered cards include the Blue Cash Preferred® Card that gives 6% at U.S. supermarkets and 3% at gas stations. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 3% at dining places and drugstores.

What are the top cash back credit cards for everyday spending?

For everyday spending, people like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Citi Double Cash® Card. The Apple Card also gives 2% back on Apple Pay buys.

What are the top cash back credit cards with bonus rewards categories?

Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and the Blue Cash Preferred® Card have extra rewards in certain areas. They reward you more for things like groceries and gas.

What are the top cash back credit cards with customizable rewards?

Cards such as the Citi Custom Cash® Card let you pick your bonus categories. This means you can earn more on what matters most to you.

What are the benefits of using a cash back credit card?

Cash back cards offer an easy way to earn on your spending. They’re great because you can get money back on what you already buy every day. Their reward system is also simple to understand.

How do I choose the best cash back credit card for me?

To pick the best cash back card, look at what you usually spend on. Compare the rewards each card offers. Also, consider any extra benefits or fees to find what works for you.

How can I maximize my cash back rewards?

You can earn more cash back by using bonuses smartly and signing up to get extra rewards at first. Think about using more than one cash back card to increase your rewards.

How do cash back credit cards compare to travel rewards cards?

Choosing between cash back and travel rewards depends on your preferences and spending habits. Cash back is simpler and more flexible, while travel cards offer more for trips.