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Cash back credit cards are often favorites because of their simplicity. Unlike with many points and miles rewards programs, you can use cash for just about anything you want. Cash back cards also tend to be inexpensive, with very few charging annual fees.
But like other types of rewards cards, they're not all created equally. If you're in the market for a new card and you're considering one that provides cash back on your purchases, here are some excellent choices to help you get started on your search.
3 Partner Offers
| Our Top Picks for Best Cash Back Cards | |
|---|---|
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | 2% cash rewards on every purchase |
 Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases; 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel NULL cash back on dining and entertainment NULL cash back on popular streaming services NULL cash back on groceries excluding superstores like Walmart and Target 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases |
 Credit One Bank American Express® Card for Rebuilding Credit | 1% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases as well as mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply |
Best Overall: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is one of the best cash back credit cards around. You earn a competitive 2% cash rewards on every purchase. This card is simple to use since you earn the same amount of rewards on every purchase.
Plus you can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. While this card has no annual fee, there are foreign currency conversion fees—so this isn't a good choice for traveling abroad.
This card comes with cellphone protection that provides up to $600 in the event your cellphone is damaged or stolen (a $25 deductible applies). To qualify, you need to pay your monthly cellphone bill with your card. Terms apply.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
on Wells Fargo's website
Recommended FICO® Score*
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
APR
19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR
Intro APR
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Card Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% 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.
Best for Restaurants and Dining Out: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you regularly dine out, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card can help you maximize cash back at restaurants. This card offers NULL cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and groceries excluding superstores like Walmart and Target. You earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
New cardholders earn a one-time $250 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
Also there is no annual fee and no foreign transaction fee, making it a solid choice to bring with you on a trip abroad—many cash back cards charge up to 3% on each international transaction.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
on Capital One's website
Recommended FICO® Score*
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
APR
19.74% - 29.74% (Variable)
Intro APR
Rewards
3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
5% Cash Back on Hotels and Rental Cars Booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
3% Cash Back on Grocery Stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), Dining, Entertainment & Popular Streaming Services
1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases
Intro Bonus
$250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee
$0
Card Details
- For a limited time, earn a $250 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; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Best for Bad or Fair Credit: Credit One Bank American Express® Card for Rebuilding Credit
If you have poor or fair credit, consider the Credit One Bank American Express® Card for Rebuilding Credit. This card is geared toward consumers with less-than-stellar credit and allows you to earn rewards while you work toward rebuilding your credit score.
You earn 1% cash back on eligible gas and grocery purchases as well as mobile phone, internet, cable and satellite TV services. Terms apply.
There is a high 29.49% Variable APR, so only use this card on purchases that you can afford to pay in full every month. You'll pay a $75 annual fee your first year, then it increases to $99 which is billed monthly at $8.25.
Credit One Bank American Express® Card for Rebuilding Credit
on Credit One Bank's website
Terms Apply
Recommended FICO® Score*
Credit One Bank American Express® Card for Rebuilding Credit
APR
29.49% Variable
Intro APR
Rewards
Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply
Annual Fee
$75 First year. $99 thereafter, billed monthly at $8.25
Card Details
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas, grocery purchases and mobile phone service, internet, cable and satellite TV services, terms apply
- With $0 Fraud Liability, you won't be responsibe for unauthorized charges
- Retail Protection covers you if an eligible item is accidentally damaged or stolen, terms apply
- Get deals on shopping, dining travel, and entertainment through Amex Offers
- Enjoy exclusive access to pre-sale tickets for some of the hottest nationwide concerts and events
- Know you're covered when the unexpected happens while traveling with Travel Accident Insurance, terms apply
- If you are a Covered Borrower under the Military Lending Act, you may get a different offer
How to Decide Which Card Is Right for You
There are several things to keep in mind as you shop around for a credit card. The first is that there is no single best credit card out there for everyone. While many have some strong rewards and perks, these cards differ just enough that the right one for you comes down to your own preferences.
For example, would you prefer the simplicity of a flat rewards rate, or do you want to maximize your rewards through rotating bonus cash back? Also, do you want an upfront cash bonus, or do you care more about long-term value?
It's also important to think about your spending habits. Even if you prefer simplicity, if you opt for a card that offers higher rewards on purchases in one of your top spending categories, you'll be able to maximize your rewards more quickly.
Finally, your credit score is an important factor in determining whether you'll be approved for a credit card in the first place. Most top cash back credit cards require good or excellent credit, but some solid options are also available for fair- and poor-credit consumers.
Take your time to consider your situation, credit score and goals to determine which cash back credit card belongs in your wallet.
How Do Cash Back Credit Cards Work?
Cash back credit cards offer straight cash every time you make an eligible purchase. Depending on the card, the rewards can be flat-rate, tiered or rotating.
When it's time to redeem your rewards, you may have a lot of options or just a few—again, terms can vary quite a bit with different credit cards. However, here are some redemption options you should watch for as you shop around:
- Direct deposit
- Statement credit
- Paper check
- Gift cards
- Travel
- Charitable donations
- Merchandise
Depending on your preferences, pick the card that best aligns with how you want to spend your rewards.
How to Maximize Cash Back Rewards
Maximizing your cash back rewards can be easy with the right approach. Here are some tips to help you get started with your strategy:
- Meet the minimum spend requirement to earn the card's sign-up bonus.
- Use your card for everything that doesn't charge extra to use credit—as long as you can pay off your purchases each month.
- Open multiple credit card accounts that complement each other's rewards rates, so you can earn more on your top spending categories.
- Pay your bills on time and in full every month to avoid credit score damage and interest charges.
- Avoid redemption options that give you less value than others—merchandise, for instance, usually doesn't offer much.
Prepare Your Credit for Your Next Credit Card
Even if you've determined a certain card is the best for you based on your spending habits and preferences, it's not worth applying if your credit isn't good enough to get approved.
Check your credit score to get an idea of where you stand. Again, most of the top cash back credit cards are designed for people with good credit or better—that starts at a FICO® Score☉ of 670 or higher.
If you're not where you need to be, or you're worried about being barely over the line, review your credit report to determine whether you can address any issues directly. While it can take time to build credit, certain actions can improve your credit faster than others.
Finally, consider using a tool like Experian CreditMatch™ to get prequalified for cash back cards based on your credit profile. While it doesn't guarantee approval, it can give you a general idea if you might qualify for a particular card. Also, it uses just a soft credit check, which doesn't hurt your credit score.