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8 Excellent Cash Back Credit Cards of 2021
A cash back credit card earns you cash rewards – usually around 1% to 2% but sometimes more – on every purchase. Compare these deals, from our partners, to find the one for you.
A cash back credit card earns you cash rewards – usually around 1% to 2% but sometimes more – on every purchase. Compare these deals, from our partners, to find the one for you.
Excellent for
Flat Rate Cash Back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months
Recommended Credit Score
- 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.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
on Citibank's application
- 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.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% - 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi's discretion.
on Citibank's application
Pros
- High rewards rate
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Balance Transfers
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% APR for purchases
- $25 minimum redemption
Excellent for
Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred®
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
14.99% - 23.74% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
Pros
- High rewards rate and no minimum redemption
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has foreign transaction fee
- Requires good/excellent credit
Excellent for
Everyday Spending
on American Express's website
on American Express's website
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95.
- 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates and Fees
on American Express's website
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95.
- 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 and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Plan It® gives the option to select purchases of $100 or more to split up into monthly payments with a fixed fee.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates and Fees
on American Express's website
Pros
- Leading cash-back rewards at U.S. supermarkets
- Rich bonus offer for new cardholders
- Intro APR period on Purchases
Cons
- Has annual fee — but if you spend more than $31 per week at U.S. supermarkets, the rewards offset the fee
- American Express isn’t accepted at as many merchants as Visa or Mastercard
- $25 minimum redemption
Excellent for
Bonus offer, 0% period, cell phone protection
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
14.49% - 24.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $150 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.49% to 24.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee
- 1.8% cash rewards on digital wallet purchases including Google Pay™ or Apple Pay® during the first 12 months from account opening
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card
- No category restrictions or sign ups and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates and Fees
on Wells Fargo's website
- Earn a $150 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 14.49% to 24.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee
- 1.8% cash rewards on digital wallet purchases including Google Pay™ or Apple Pay® during the first 12 months from account opening
- $0 Annual Fee
- Get up to $600 protection on your cell phone (subject to $25 deductible) against covered damage or theft when you pay your monthly cellular telephone bill with your Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa® card
- No category restrictions or sign ups and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open
- Select "Apply Now" to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates and Fees
on Wells Fargo's website
Pros
- High rewards rate
- Sign-up bonus
- Intro APR period on Purchases and qualifying Balance Transfers
- Offers cell phone protection when bill is paid with card
Cons
- Requires good/excellent credit
Excellent for
Bonus Categories and First Year Cashback Match
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended Credit Score
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
- Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
- #1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily.
- No annual fee.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- View Rates and Fees
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
- Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Redeem cash back in any amount, any time. Rewards never expire.
- Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout.
- #1 Most Trusted Credit Card according to Investor’s Business Daily.
- No annual fee.
- Discover is accepted nationwide by 99% of the places that take credit cards.
- View Rates and Fees
on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264
Pros
- Cash back match at the end of your first year
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases and Balance Transfers
Cons
- Slightly less merchant acceptance for Discover in US - acceptance outside of US can be an issue
- If you value simplicity, a flat rate cash back card may be better
Excellent for
Customizable rewards
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening
Recommended Credit Score
- No annual fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
- 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No expiration on rewards
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
on Bank of America's website
- No annual fee
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases
- 0% Introductory APR for 12 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee (min $10) applies to all balance transfers
- No expiration on rewards
- If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25% - 75% more cash back on every purchase
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap
on Bank of America's website
Pros
- No annual fee
- Cash bonus offer
- Cash rewards
Cons
- If you're a big spender with excellent credit and willing to pay an annual fee, there are cards with higher rewards
Excellent for
Bonus offer + 0% period for purchases
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Score
- One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- 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 for 15 months; 15.49%-25.49% variable APR after that
- Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
on Capital One's website
- One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- 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 for 15 months; 15.49%-25.49% variable APR after that
- Pay no annual fee or foreign transaction fees
on Capital One's website
Pros
- High rewards rate and no minimum redemption
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
- Intro APR period on Purchases
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- Other cards have longer 0% periods
- No bonus rewards categories
- Requires good/excellent credit
Excellent for
Low Intro APR and No Annual Fee
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
14.99% - 23.74% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months
Recommended Credit Score
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
- Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
on Chase's website
Pros
- No annual fee
- 5% rewards on rotating categories
- Access to Chase’s Ultimate Rewards® site to earn more cash back
Cons
- If you value simplicity, a flat-rate cash-back card may be better
- A foreign transaction fee
| Credit Card | NerdWallet Rating | Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Excellent for Flat Rate Cash Back | 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months | 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR | $0 | on Citibank's application | |
Excellent for Cash-Back Pairing with Chase Sapphire Preferred® | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 14.99% - 23.74% Variable APR | $0 | on Chase's website | |
Excellent for Everyday Spending | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months | 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | on American Express's website | |
Excellent for Bonus offer, 0% period, cell phone protection | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers | 14.49% - 24.99% Variable APR | $0 | on Wells Fargo's website | |
Excellent for Bonus Categories and First Year Cashback Match | 0% intro APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers | 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR | $0 | on Discover's website, or call (800) 347-0264 | |
Excellent for Customizable rewards | 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening | 13.99% - 23.99% Variable APR | $0 | on Bank of America's website | |
Excellent for Bonus offer + 0% period for purchases | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 15.49% - 25.49% Variable APR | $0 | on Capital One's website | |
Excellent for Low Intro APR and No Annual Fee | 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months | 14.99% - 23.74% Variable APR | $0 | on Chase's website |
