Filter by:
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Showing 16 results
Best for flat-rate rewards
Bankrate score
4.3
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Wells Fargo
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
$200 cash rewards
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR
Best for dining
Bankrate score
5.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Capital One
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
$200
Rewards rate
8% Cash Back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, 5% Cash Back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply), 3% Cash Back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
1% - 8%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It offers boosted rewards at restaurants and grocery stores, making it a great choice for foodies at home and on the go.
Best for balance transfers
Bankrate score
4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Citi
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$200 cash back
Rewards rate
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its flat cash back rate makes it easy to maximize rewards on nearly any purchase.
Best for groceries
Bankrate score
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
American Express
's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Intro offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $250
Rewards rate
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 on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% Cash Back on other purchases
1% - 6%
Annual fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: It boasts one of the best cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets, making it more valuable than many no-annual-fee cards.
Best for online shopping
Bankrate score
4.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
American Express
's secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Intro offer
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earn $200
Rewards rate
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%. 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
1% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
APR
19.24% - 29.99% Variable
Why you'll like this: Its cash back rates in everyday spending categories are among the best available on a no-annual-fee card.
Best for category variety
Bankrate score
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Discover
's secure site
Intro offer
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.
Cashback Match
Rewards rate
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 - automatically.
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
Why you'll like this: You can earn a massive sum of cash back on various purchases with Discover’s rotating categories and Cashback Match.
Best for flexibility
Bankrate score
4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Bank of America
's secure site
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
Rewards rate
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases). Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
1% - 3%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Why you'll like this: Earn a high rewards rate in one category of your choice without sacrificing rewards on everyday spending.
Best for drugstores and dining
Bankrate score
4.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Chase
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
Up to $300 cash back
Rewards rate
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. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
Why you'll like this: You’ll earn valuable, flexible points in everyday categories.
Best for stacking
Bankrate score
4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Citi
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$200
Rewards rate
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Special Travel Offer: Earn an additional 4% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on Citi Travel℠ portal through 6/30/2025. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: Its top-rate customizable bonus category makes it a uniquely versatile option.
Best for simplicity
Bankrate score
3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Capital One
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
$200
Rewards rate
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, Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
1.5% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: It’s a great starter card thanks to its streamlined rewards and easy-to-earn welcome bonus.
Best for low APR
Bankrate score
3.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
USAA
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn a $200 reward bonus when you spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening.
Earn a $200 reward bonus
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, no category restrictions, no caps on cash back.
1.5% cash back
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.15% to 29.15% variable
Why you'll like this: Simple and easy card for USAA members to earn rewards on everyday spending while minimizing interest.
Best for Bank of America customers
Bankrate score
3.8
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Bank of America
's secure site
Intro offer
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
$200
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
1.5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Why you'll like this: This card can offer perhaps the highest flat cash back rate on the market through the issuer’s loyalty banking program.
Only Available in 15 East Coast States and D.C.
Best for quarterly customizable categories
Bankrate score
4.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See Terms
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
TD Bank
's secure site
Intro offer
Earn $150 Cash Back when you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
$150 Cash Back
Rewards rate
5% cash back on gas station purchases for six months or up to $6,000 in spend, whichever comes first. Earn 3% and 2% Cash Back on your choice of spend categories. Earn 1% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases.
Earn 1% Cash Back - Earn 5% Cash Back
Annual fee
None
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable APR based on your creditworthiness.
Why you'll like this: It’s more flexible than the average cash back card since it lets you pick the two everyday bonus categories that fit you best.
Only Available in 15 East Coast States and D.C.
Best for TD Bank customers
Bankrate score
4.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
See Terms
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
TD Bank
's secure site
Intro offer
Bonus Cash Back: Earn $150 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days after account opening
$150 Cash Back
Rewards rate
Earn unlimited 2% Cash Back on all eligible purchases
2% Cash Back
Annual fee
None
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable APR based on your creditworthiness.
Why you'll like this: You’ll unlock both a solid flat rewards rate and a chance to chip away at debt with an intro APR.
Best for personal loan alternative
Bankrate score
4.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(670 - 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
on
Upgrade
's secure site
Intro offer
$200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
$200
Rewards rate
Earn 2.2% unlimited cash back on card purchases every time you make a payment
2.2%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
14.99% - 29.99%
Why you'll like this: It carries a relatively low APR and can help you save on everyday spending with its better-than-average flat rewards rate.
Best retail card
Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®
*The information about the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Bankrate score
4.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Recommended credit score:(580 - 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Intro offer
Introductory offer: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in Walmart® stores for the first 12 months when you use your card with Walmart Pay
5%
Rewards rate
Earn 5% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, including pickup and delivery, Earn 2% cash back on purchases in Walmart® stores, Murphy USA and Walmart® fuel stations, 2% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, 1% cash back on all other purchases everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted
1% - 5%
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
19.48% or 29.99% (Variable)
Why you'll like this: If you do most of your household shopping via Walmart — especially online — it’ll get you one of the best everyday cash back rates out there.
Add up to 3 cards to compare
Remove a card to add another to compare
Remove a card to add another to compare
Compare Bankrate's top cash back credit cards
| Card name | Best for | Cash back highlights | Welcome offer | Annual fee | Bankrate review score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Flat-rate rewards | 2% cash rewards on purchases | Intro Offer: $200 cash rewards Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR | 4.3 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Wells Fargo's secure site | |
 | Dining | 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming service and grocery store purchases (excluding Walmart® and Target®) | Intro Offer: $200 Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | 5.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Capital One's secure site | |
 | Balance transfers | Up to 2% cash back on purchases (1% when you purchase and 1% when you pay) | Intro Offer: $200 cash back Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 4.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Citi's secure site | |
 | Groceries | 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, 1% after) 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis, rideshares, parking and more) | Intro Offer: Earn $250 Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable | 4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply | |
 | Online shopping | 3 percent cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per calendar year in each category) | Intro Offer: Earn $200 Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.99% Variable | 4.6 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply | |
 | Rotating categories | 5% cash back on rotating categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, then 1% back, activation required) | Intro Offer: Cashback Match 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. Regular APR: 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR | 4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Discover's secure site | |
 | Flexibility | 3% cash back in one of six choice categories 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined 2% and 3% purchases each quarter, then 1%) 25% to 75% rewards rate boost for Preferred Rewards members | Intro Offer: $200 $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 4.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Bank of America's secure site | |
 | Everyday spending | 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) and travel booked through Chase Travel 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases 1.5% cash back on all other purchases | Intro Offer: Up to $300 cash back Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. Regular APR: 20.49% - 29.24% Variable | 4.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Chase's secure site | |
 | Stacking | 5% cash back on your top eligible category purchases each billing cycle (up to $500, then 1% cash back) | Intro Offer: $200 Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% (Variable) | 4.4 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Citi's secure site | |
 | Simplicity | 1.5% cash back on purchases | Intro Offer: $200 Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening Regular APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable) | 3.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Capital One's secure site | |
 | Low APR | 1.5% cash back on purchases | Intro Offer: Earn a $200 reward bonus Earn a $200 reward bonus when you spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases within 90 days of account opening. Regular APR: 17.15% to 29.15% variable | 3.1 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on USAA's secure site | |
 | Bank of America customers | 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases 1.87% to 2.62% cash back for Preferred Rewards members | Intro Offer: $200 $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Regular APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers | 3.8 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Bank of America's secure site | |
 | Quarterly customizable categories | Unlimited 3% and 2% cash back in two categories: dining, entertainment, gas, grocery stores and travel 1% cash back on all other purchases | Intro Offer: $150 Cash Back Earn $150 Cash Back when you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable APR based on your creditworthiness. | 4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on TD Bank's secure site | |
 | TD Bank customers | 2% cash back on all eligible purchases | Intro Offer: $150 Cash Back Bonus Cash Back: Earn $150 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days after account opening Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24% or 30.24% variable APR based on your creditworthiness. | 4.0 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on TD Bank's secure site | |
 | Personal loan alternative | 2.2% cash back on purchases upon card payment | Intro Offer: $200 $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions* Regular APR: 14.99% - 29.99% | 4.2 / 5 Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. on Upgrade's secure site | |
 | Retail | 5 percent cash back at Walmart.com, including pickup & delivery 2 percent cash back in Walmart stores & fuel stations, at restaurants and on travel 1 percent cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted | Intro Offer: 5% Introductory offer: Earn 5% cash back on purchases in Walmart® stores for the first 12 months when you use your card with Walmart Pay Regular APR: 19.48% or 29.99% (Variable) |
Here’s how a Bankrate editor crafted his cash back strategy
Here’s Bankrate editor Nouri Zarrughon how he chose his cash back cards to create a cash rewards strategy:
I’ve been writing about cash back and credit card rewards for several years now, so I understand the benefit of carrying multiple cards and using them strategically to maximize my earnings. But I also know that sometimes juggling so many cards to earn a little more cash back can be more trouble than it’s worth.
When I first got into rewards strategy, I went a little overboard, carrying a card for every spending category I could think of, constantly switching based on where I was shopping or which bonus category was available in a given quarter. I even had a spreadsheet I used to track my purchases and cash back earnings. It eventually became a headache, though. Now I take a more streamlined approach, focusing on a few key spending categories as I try to strike a balance between high earnings and low maintenance.
Here’s what I focus on with my current credit card stack:
- Groceries: The Citi Custom Cash Card. This card automatically rewards your top spending category each billing cycle, and I only use it for groceries, making that my top category by default.
- Gas and online shopping: The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express. Since I use the Custom Cash for groceries, it made sense for me to use the no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday to get a solid rewards rate on gas. As an added bonus, this card comes with an online shopping category missing from the Blue Cash Preferred’s categories. Online shopping is another key category for me, so this card is quite versatile.
- Dining: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. This card offers one of the best rates you can get at restaurants without paying an annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
- Everything else: The Citi Double Cash. I use this card for all purchases that fall outside of groceries, gas, dining, travel and online shopping. A flat rate of up to 2 percent back (1 percent when you buy, 1 percent when you pay off purchases) is hard to beat.
Is my stack perfect? Definitely not. I still have a co-branded airline card, a rotating category card and a specific online retailer card sitting around, and using them could help me squeeze a little more earnings out of my purchases. But for now, five cards is plenty to juggle."
— Nouri Zarrugh, Bankrate Editor
Dig deeper:How to maximize your cash back strategy
Ask the experts: How do you maximize flat-rate and rotating category cash back cards?
Erica Sandberg
Contributor, Credit Cards
Flat-rate cards do not require any pre-planning, which is great. You buy what you buy and earn cash back at the same rate for everything. To make the most of cash back cards that have rotating categories, however, you have to pay a bit more attention. Quite a few cards offer 5 percent back when you make purchases at places like grocery stores, gas stations, big box retailers, and more, but you’ll need to plan out where and when to shop to take full advantage. For example, if a card offers 5 percent cash back at Amazon in Q4, you may consider doing most of your holiday shopping through that site.
What people are saying about cash back credit cards
Staying on top of what has people talking in the credit card space is important, and it’s sometimes helpful to explore public forums to get a better grasp on the cards that are working out well for other people. It’s often the case that people have similar spending habits, so you might find a handful of posts on Reddit, myFICO or elsewhere that closely match your financial situation.
However, the credit conversation usually shifts to major card changes or new launches. The recently launched Robinhood Gold Card has taken over much of the cash back card discussion this month, and it's easy to see why. The investment platform’s first credit card promises a flat 3 percent back on all purchases, a full 1 percent higher than the up to 2 percent rewards rate found on top flat-rate cash rewards cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash (2 percent cash rewards on purchases) and Citi Double Cash (which earns 1 percent when you buy, 1 percent when you pay off purchases). The card also promises 5 percent back on travel booked through Robinhood’s travel portal.
People are wary of whether the card will deliver on its promises with no strings attached. Some users already point to the Robinhood Gold membership requirement as a way for the issuer to recoup any losses the platform incurs by offering such a high cash back rate.
One Reddit user is cautiously optimistic the rate may stick around for a while:
“They’ll have to play a balance game. If every merchant decided to charge [a] 5% fee for credit cards or 5% discount for cash/debit, rewards become useless. The banks would have to up rewards even higher to encourage credit card use.
I fully agree that Robinhood will increase their fee if they keep the 3% though as that has never been a profitable rate for any card.”
— Reddit user
Others on the social network have a less sunny outlook:
“Reminds me of what happened with the Uber Visa card — fantastic starter card back when I was in college, earned 4% cash back on dining, 3% on travel, 2% on Uber.Within 2 [years] they nerfed the whole card and then it got rebranded as the Barclays View card … now it's the most useless piece of plastic in my entire house.”
— Reddit user
Bankrate’s own credit card expert, Nouri Zarrugh, is optimistic about the Robinhood Gold card, at least for now. Read more of his thoughts and insight to decide whether you might want to keep an eye on this new product.
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate. Please see the issuer’s website for updated terms and conditions.
*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.
Expert take:Should you have a 2% cash back card?
Our data: Are cash back cards easier to qualify for than other rewards cards?
A 2024 Bankrate survey found that credit card applicants are still experiencing stiff approval odds since issuers tightened approvals in 2023.Unfortunately, credit approvals may not loosen since the Fed is still uncertain when it will decrease rates.
However, a new credit card can help fight inflation if used appropriately. To help you make a more informed decision, we analyzed data on Bankrate’s best rewards card offers to see which types of cards Bankrate users were approved for more often: cash back cards or other rewards cards that earn points or miles.
According to our data, cash back cards had a higher average approval rate throughout 2023 than other rewards cards. Our data even indicates that cash back cards have a higher approval rate than other rewards cards from the same issuer. Granted, cash back cards don’t have a massive advantage — their overall approval rate is only about 5 percentage points higher than the approval rate on other rewards cards.
It’s also worth noting that our data shows an increase in approval rates over most of 2023. However, this could be partly due to seasonal factors. More users applied for cards in the earlier months of 2023, and some of these users may have applied for a card to help them recover financially from holiday spending even if their credit scores were below the recommended range.
Gauge your chances of approval with
Bankrate’s Approval Odds feature
Frequently asked questions about cash back credit cards
Up next:
How we assess the best cash back credit cards
150+
cards rated
50+
rewards programs valued
1800
data points analyzed
25
spending categories analyzed
When evaluating the best cash back cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from earning rewards in popular categories to scoring a large sign-up bonus or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points.
We analyzed over 150 of the most popular cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup of the best cash back cards.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key factors in our cash back card scoring methodology and details we considered when putting together our list of the best cash back cards.
5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
Value65%
Flexibility15%
Perks15%
Customer experience5%
Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an email, find us on Facebook, or Tweet us @Bankrate.
*The information about the Chase Freedom Flex and the Aspire Mastercard has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
Steve DashiellEditor, Credit cards
Steven Dashiell is an editor for Bankrate and CreditCards.com with expertise in rewards credit cards, financial literacy, and helping consumers build and maintain their credit.
Nouri ZarrughSenior Editor, Credit Cards
Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate, focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards…
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
