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Start Earning Perks Like Unlimited 2% Cash Back With One of These Nerd-Reviewed Cards

Cash-back credit cards range from straightforward to complex, but each can be rewarding. Learn more about how these cards work, how to maximize your rewards, and how to choose the right one for you. Then, browse our Nerd-approved picks and apply today!

One Of Our Favorite Picks

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Apply Now

on Wells Fargo's website

Rates & Fees

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

5.0

NerdWallet rating 
Apply Now

on Wells Fargo's website

Rates & Fees
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

2%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • No bonus categories
  • 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
  • View Rates and Fees
Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

2%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended Credit Score

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period

Cons

  • No bonus categories
  • 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
  • View Rates and Fees

How Do Cash-Back Credit Cards Work?

Every time you use a cash-back credit card to make a qualifying purchase in store or online, it earns a percentage of the amount paid. That means if you spend $500 on a card that earns 1.5% cash back, you'll earn $7.50 back in rewards. Cash back cards are so popular because they’re easy to understand, and the main benefit comes in the most useful rewards currency: dollars. Using a cash-back card is like getting paid to spend money that you were going to spend anyway. Or put differently, you get a discount on whatever you buy with the card, in the form of redemption options such as a deposit into an eligible bank account, a check, statement credit, or a gift card. Big spenders can easily earn hundreds of dollars per year in cash back.

What Types of Cash Back Can You Earn?

Flat rate on all purchases

A flat-rate cash-back credit card can offer up to 2% in cash back on all purchases. It's typically the simplest way to earn cash back, but it may not be as straightforward on some cards.

Skip to flat-rate cards >

Elevated rewards in everyday categories

Other cash-back credit cards may offer higher rewards in certain categories and a base rewards rate. Some cards may also set a spending limit on the maximum amount you can earn in the highest-earning cash-back category.

Skip to elevated rewards cards >

Cash back in customized categories

Some cash-back credit cards earn rewards in a few high-spending categories from a list of several popular options that are likely to match your spending.

Skip to customized cash cards >

Bonus cash in rotating categories

A cash-back rate as high as 5% in common spending categories is possible to earn with a bit of maintenance. Your memory will have to be sharp with these options or you'll have to set reminders to stay on top of categories as they change.

Skip to rotating category cards >

How to Choose the Right Card For You

First, decide what type of cash back you want to earn:
  • Flat-rate: Lowest hassle, lower cash-back rate (but on everything you buy).
  • Fixed bonus categories: Medium hassle, higher cash-back rate on some purchases.
  • Changing bonus categories: High hassle, highest cash-back rate on some purchases.

    Then, narrow your list by considering how important the following factors are for you:
  • Does the card offer attractive rewards rates in your highest spending categories?
  • Does the card offer a sign-up bonus to boost your short-term earnings?
  • Does the card charge an annual fee? If so, is the rewards rate so good that it makes back that fee every year?
  • How complex are the earning criteria, compared to how much effort you're willing to put in?

    Ready to start racking up rewards? Compare our favorite picks below!

    • Flat-Rate Cash Back

    Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
    Apply Now

    on Wells Fargo's website

    Rates & Fees

    Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

    5.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Apply Now

    on Wells Fargo's website

    Rates & Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    2%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    $200

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • High rewards rate
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period

    Cons

    • No bonus categories
    • 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
    • View Rates and Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    2%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    $200

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • High rewards rate
    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period

    Cons

    • No bonus categories
    • 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 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.
    • View Rates and Fees
    Not many cash-back credit cards earn 2% back on all purchases, so when a card joins the club, it’s a cause for celebration. The $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which became available in summer 2021, has much to offer: unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, a sign-up bonus, and a no-interest promotion on new purchases and balance transfers.

    Taken together, that’s a value proposition that’s difficult — if not impossible — to find on other cards in its class. It makes the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card an ideal match for those who prefer the ease of using one card whenever they shop.

    Elevated Rewards In Everyday Categories

    Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
    Apply Now

    on Chase's website

    Rates & Fees

    Chase Freedom Unlimited®

    5.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Apply Now

    on Chase's website

    Rates & Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    1.5%-5%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    Up to $300

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • High rewards rate
    • No minimum redemption amount

    Cons

    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
    • Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
    • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
    • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    1.5%-5%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    Up to $300

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • High rewards rate
    • No minimum redemption amount

    Cons

    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
    • Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
    • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
    • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC
    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a compelling combination of valuable rewards, flexible redemption options, a lengthy 0% introductory APR period and a sign-up bonus that’s worth more than most cash-back cards offer — all for an annual fee of $0.

    The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 3% cash back on restaurants and drugstore purchases, 5% back on travel booked through Chase and 1.5% back on other purchases. Put that together and you have a card that can really pile up the cash back. And if you carry other credit cards that also earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, it packs even more value.

    Capital One® SavorOneSM Cash Rewards Credit Card
    Apply Now

    on Capital One's website

    Rates & Fees

    Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

    5.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Apply Now

    on Capital One's website

    Rates & Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    1%-10%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    $200

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Bonus categories
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Cons

    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
    • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
    • 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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • No annual fee
    • View Rates and Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    1%-10%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    $200

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Bonus categories
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Cons

    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
    • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
    • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
    • 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; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • No annual fee
    • View Rates and Fees
    The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of our favorite cards offering elevated rewards in everyday spending categories. It pays an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases. If you're a frequent restaurant diner or grocery shopper, it'll be hard to find a better cash-back card for an annual fee of $0.

    The potential to earn such a rich rate on both eating out and eating in helps separate this card from much of its competitors, which tend to focus on only one of those categories or the other. Plus, unlike some other cards, it doesn't limit how much spending is eligible for its higher rewards rates, and it doesn't have a minimum amount for redeeming your rewards. It's possible to find similar or higher rates with other options, but rarely both with the same card unless you're willing to cough up an annual fee.

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
    Apply Now

    on American Express' website

    Rates & Fees

    Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

    5.0

    NerdWallet rating 
    Apply Now

    on American Express' website

    Rates & Fees
    Annual fee

    $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

    Rewards rate

    1%-6%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    $250

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • High rewards rate
    • Bonus categories
    • Intro APR period
    • Cash rewards

    Cons

    • Has annual fee
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • Spending caps on bonus rewards
    • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
    • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
    • 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 at U.S. gas stations.
    • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
    • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
    • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
    • $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
    • Terms Apply.
    • View Rates and Fees
    Annual fee

    $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

    Rewards rate

    1%-6%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    $250

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • High rewards rate
    • Bonus categories
    • Intro APR period
    • Cash rewards

    Cons

    • Has annual fee
    • Requires good/excellent credit
    • Spending caps on bonus rewards
    • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
    • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
    • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
    • Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
    • 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 at U.S. gas stations.
    • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
    • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
    • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
    • $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
    • Terms Apply.
    • View Rates and Fees
    Families can rack up serious cash back with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express. The $95 annual fee is a whopper and pricey for a cash-back credit card, but if you spend at least $31 a week at the supermarket, you'll cover it.

    It offers an eye-popping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year, 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and a generous 3% back on transit including U.S. gas stations, plus 1% cash back on everything else. Terms apply. Cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Gift cards and merchandise are also available.

    Cash Back In Customized Categories

    Bonus Cash In Rotating Categories

    Discover it® Cash Back
    Apply Now

    on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

    Rates & Fees

    Discover it® Cash Back

    4.9

    NerdWallet rating 
    Apply Now

    on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264

    Rates & Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    1%-5%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    Cashback Match™

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Bonus categories
    • Cash rewards

    Cons

    • Complicated rewards
    • Spending caps on bonus rewards
    • Lower acceptance abroad
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • No annual fee.
    • Terms and conditions apply.
    • View Rates and Fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Rewards rate

    1%-5%

    Cashback

    Intro offer

    Cashback Match™

    Recommended Credit Score

    Pros

    • No annual fee
    • Intro APR period
    • Bonus categories
    • Cash rewards

    Cons

    • Complicated rewards
    • Spending caps on bonus rewards
    • Lower acceptance abroad
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
    • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
    • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
    • No annual fee.
    • Terms and conditions apply.
    • View Rates and Fees
    The Discover it® Cash Back on the other hand offers a high rewards rate in rotating categories, a good 0% APR offer and an unusual bonus that could become a windfall. If you don't mind keeping track of bonus categories that change every three months, this card is a winner either as an everyday card or as part of a multicard rewards-maximizing strategy.

    You would be hard-pressed to find a card with no annual fee that earns more than 5% cash back in bonus categories, which for the Discover it® Cash Back have recently included things like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and more. If you max out the 5% rotating quarterly category rewards each year on this card — that is, if you activated and spent up to $1,500 in those categories each quarter all year — you would earn $300 in bonus cash back, plus 1% back on every other purchase.