Cash back credit cards let you save cash faster than kids running to a broken piñata. It does this by giving you a certain percentage of money back (often between 1%-6%) on your purchases.What you do with those cash back rewards will depend on the card and spending category. Some redemption options include statement credits, bank deposits, or shopping at select stores. Turns out, you can have your cake and eat it too!

One thing to keep in mind -- we aren't paid to list the cards below. Many of these cash back cards are used by our very own team and that's why we are confident in recommending them to you.

Simplify your search for the best cash back credit cards with some of our expert picks

Unsure which cash back card you should get? We highlighted a few below to give you a quick overview before deep diving into all our reviews. Each of these target different needs:

• Want flexibility in your cash back categories? Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: This card is great if you spend frequently in certain categories, like at the gas pump (or EV charging stations), online shopping, dining, and more. You can change categories once a month, giving you ultimate flexibility on where you get cash back - without getting locked into categories that you don't spend much in.
• Want a cash back credit card with no annual fee? Discover it® Cash Back (see ): Not only do users get a whopping 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories when activated (up to the quarterly maximum spend), but you'll also get 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases. It also has an unlimited cash back match at the end of your first year.
• Want a simple flat rate cash back credit card? Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see ): A crowd favorite. It's simple to use and works as a stand-alone card that gets you unlimited 2% cash back every time you spend.

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Cardholder ratings: not provided on the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card page.When Wells Fargo says this card gives you cash rewards on everything you purchase -- it means it. Expect to get 2% cash rewards on every $1 spent with no spending cap. New cardholders even earn Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months..Want to secure tickets to must-see live shows? What about impressing a date by snagging reservations at the top restaurants? On top of cellphone protection and advanced security features, this card comes with Visa Signature Concierge to help you with booking and travel. I wouldn't recommend getting the card just for the concierge service, but it's nice to have.

Cash rewards in a nutshell:

• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Some ways you can redeem your cash rewards:

• Statement credits
• Directly to any of your Wells Fargo accounts (this even includes checking and mortgage accounts)
• Through a Wells Fargo ATM at $20 increments
• Gift cards at $25 increments

Why we picked Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card:

There are no bonus spending categories so you won't earn more if you spend at certain places. If you're looking for flat rate cash rewards, this card is a great pick.

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Discover it® Cash Back

: 4.7 from 33,435 reviews as of 8/2/2023We can't think of many cards with a cash back program like this one. Take advantage of quarterly spending categories that, once activated, give you 5% cash back (up to the quarterly maximum). Watch out though, as these categories change every quarter. For all other purchases, you'll get 1% cash back which is pretty standard.At the end of your first year, expect to get a nice perk with an unlimited Cashback Match for every dollar you spent -- automatically! And if you're tired of the same old credit card look, Discover has over 100 designs to choose from, including flowers, braille, pets, and more.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 5% cash back on quarterly spending categories
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• Unlimited Cashback Match

With an unlimited Cashback Match, you can redeem the following ways:

• Deposit in your bank account
• Apply as statement credit
• At checkout with Amazon or PayPal
• Gift cards starting at $5
• Charitable donations

Why we picked Discover it® Cash Back:

The mobile app is easier to use and much more modern looking than competitor apps. Keep track of your cash back bonus balance via Discover's Spend Analyzer. Best of all, you can redeem your rewards right from your phone or tablet.

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Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

: 4.6 from 10,162 reviews as of 8/3/2023It normally takes good or excellent credit to get approved for a card with a high cash back rate. This Capital One card is a notable exception. It earns 1.5% back on purchases, which is close to what many of the top credit cards earn. And unlike those credit cards, you can potentially qualify for this one even if you have a limited credit history or some negative marks on your credit file.The most notable downside is the $39 annual fee. (See .) But if you spend more than $2,600 per year (about $217 per month), the cash back will outweigh the annual fee.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 1.5% cash back

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Personal check
• Gift cards

Why we picked Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card:

It earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back without having strict approval requirements. It's possible to qualify with a 580 credit score -- many cards that earn similar rates require a credit score of 640 to 670.

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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Cardholder ratings: not provided on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express page.Do you ever find yourself spending hundreds of dollars at the grocery store in hopes to satisfy your family's hungry appetite? If so, this cash back card may be the right pick. Although the grocery benefits won't extend to Amazon, Costco, or Walmart, you can still get an unbelievable 6% cash back on other U.S. supermarkets up to $6,000 per year. Terms apply, (see ).If you like to spend Friday nights (or every night, really) jumping from show to show on a variety of streaming services, this card will give you 6% back on many U.S. streaming subscriptions. If screen time isn't your thing, then hop on your favorite ridesharing app to get 3% cash back on transit. Terms apply.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 6% on groceries up to yearly maximum
• 6% cash back on select streaming
• 3% cash back on transit (plane tickets not included)
• 3% cash back on gas
• 1% on other purchases
• Terms apply

How to redeem your cash back:

• Log into your American Express account and click "Use Reward Dollars."
• Although it won't apply to the minimum payment due, these reward dollars can be used as a credit on your next statement, gift cards with a $25 minimum, or when shopping on the AmEx portal.

Why we picked Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express:

This is one of the highest cash back rates we've seen for groceries and streaming.

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Chase Freedom Flex℠

Cardholder ratings: not provided on the Chase Freedom Flex℠ page.This Chase card is loaded with bonus categories. Travel bookings made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal earn 5%, with restaurant and drugstore purchases earning 3%. To top it off, this card also has rotating quarterly bonus categories, and by activating those, you get 5% back.It'd be nice if Chase did away with this card's 3% foreign transaction fee, which limits its usefulness outside the United States. There's little point in getting 1% to 5% back if you're going to lose 3% to fees. But for your U.S. spending, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ gives you ample opportunity to earn more cash back.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 5% cash back on quarterly purchases in bonus categories you activate ($1,500 spending cap)
• 5% cash back on travel that you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% cash back at restaurants, takeout and delivery included
• 3% cash back at drugstores
• 1% cash back on other purchases

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your bank account
• Gift cards
• Travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Chase Dining

Why we picked Chase Freedom Flex℠:

It has rotating quarterly bonus categories and fixed bonus categories. Cash back cards normally give you one or the other, but not both.

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Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Cardholder ratings: not provided on the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card page.Spending habits don't always stay exactly the same. Maybe you spend quite a bit on gas during summer road trips, and more for online shopping during the holidays. If that's the case, this cash back card from Bank of America could be an excellent fit. It lets you choose a 3% cash back category from six popular spending categories, including gas, online shopping, and travel.Plus, you get 2% cash back in two other popular categories, grocery stores and wholesale clubs. With this card's cash back program and a big welcome offer, it provides ample opportunities to save on everyday expenses, no matter what category they fall under.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 3% cash back in a category of your choice
• 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• 2% and 3% rates are for up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter across those categories
• 1% cash back on other purchases

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your Bank of America bank account
• Personal check

Why we picked Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card:

Earning 3% in a category you choose is a standout perk, especially since the category options are areas where many people spend a large amount. Also, if you keep enough money with Bank of America to get into its Preferred Rewards program, one of the many benefits is a credit card rewards bonus, effectively boosting your card's cash back rate.

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Citi Double Cash® Card

: 4.5 from 219 reviews as of 8/2/2023This is another one of the top flat-rate cash back cards we've seen. As mentioned above, you'll get 1% cash back when you buy and 1% when you pay for those purchases. Best of all, you won't have to deal with spending caps, special categories, or paying an annual fee which truly makes this card hassle-free.Reddit users have complained about its customer service and foreign transaction fees, but if that's not a major consideration for you, we still think this card is one of the top cash back cards in the market.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 2% cash back

How to redeem your ThankYou points:

• Statement credit
• Direct deposit
• Gift cards
• Shopping with your points on Amazon
• Transfer points to select partner loyalty program

Why we picked Citi Double Cash® Card:

Rewards look different for this card, as it will show up on your account as "ThankYou points" instead of traditional dollar amounts. This means you'll earn 1 ThankYou point for every $1 spent on purchases. You'll also get an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your balance. All that to say, you'll still get 2% cash back on purchases.

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Discover it® Student Cash Back

: 4.8 out of 1,809 reviews as of 8/3/2023When you're in college, you usually have plenty of expenses. Tuition, books, food, and room and board all add up, along with any other bills you have. You probably wouldn't mind saving money where you can, and this student credit card from Discover definitely helps.Every quarter, you'll be able to earn 5% back when you activate rotating everyday spending categories, such as grocery stores, restaurants, and Amazon.com, up to the quarterly maximum spend. It's almost like getting a 5% discount, just because of your credit card. Enrollment is required. And after your first year as a cardholder, Discover matches all the cash back you've earned during that time, dollar for dollar.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 5% cash back on everyday purchases at rotating quarterly bonus categories ($1,500 quarterly spending cap)
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• Unlimited Cashback Match

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your bank account
• Pay with rewards at Amazon.com and through PayPal
• Gift cards
• Charitable donations

Why we picked Discover it® Student Cash Back:

A 5% cash back rate in quarterly bonus categories is among the highest we've seen for a student credit. Discover's Cashback Match is also a highly valuable perk only found with Discover credit cards.

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Discover it® Secured Credit Card

: 4.6 from 2,541 reviews as of 8/3/2023If you have a low credit score, or no credit history at all, you've probably noticed that most credit card options don't offer a whole lot of benefits. That's why the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is one of our favorites for building and rebuilding credit. There's no minimum credit score to get it, yet it still offers a solid cash back program.You'll earn bonus cash back every time you grab a bite at a restaurant and fill up at the pump, on up to $1,000 in spending per quarter. Here's the best part -- at the end of your first year using this card, Discover matches your cash back, dollar for dollar. If you earned $150, Discover rewards you with another $150.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants ($1,000 quarterly spending cap)
• 1% cash back on other purchases

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your bank account
• Pay with rewards at Amazon.com and through PayPal
• Gift cards
• Charitable donations

Why we picked Discover it® Secured Credit Card:

Discover packs in some rewarding benefits that we usually don't see from secured credit cards, including cash back rewards and a sign-up bonus. It also makes redeeming cash back quick and easy, with multiple redemption options and no minimums.

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Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

: 4.2 out of 1,345 reviews as of 8/3/2023You have to spend money to make money, but it will be much easier with this Chase business card. It earns spectacular cash back rates, including 5% across multiple business-friendly categories. You can also earn a whopping $900 sign-up bonus for spending $6,000 in the first 3 months.If you're just getting your business off the ground, you can use this card to earn money back on the startup costs. And if your business is already up and running, you can start earning lots of cash back on your regular expenses, as well as any new ones that come up.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services ($25,000 annual spending cap)
• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants ($25,000 annual spending cap)
• 1% cash back on other purchases

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your bank account
• Gift cards
• Travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Chase Dining

Why we picked Ink Business Cash® Credit Card:

The sign-up bonus of $750 is the largest we've found from a no annual fee credit card. That, and the generous cash back rates, give this card some serious rewards potential.

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Prime Visa

: 4.2 from 100,568 global ratings as of 8/3/2023Store credit cards usually don't make our top picks because they're only useful at the store in question. The Prime Visa is a notable exception, considering that Amazon sells just about everything. For frequent Amazon shoppers with a Prime membership, this card is probably worth having in your wallet.You'll earn 5% back on all your Amazon purchases. If you like getting your groceries delivered and live in an area with AmazonFresh, you'll get the same rate on those purchases. And if you shop at Whole Foods, you'll earn 5% there, too. Since this card has other bonus categories, you could use it as your everyday cash back card. Or, it works well as just your Amazon credit card.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 5% cash back at Amazon, AmazonFresh, and Whole Foods
• 5% cash back on Chase Travel purchases
• 2% cash back at gas stations, drugstores, local transit, and commuting (including rideshare)
• 1% cash back on other purchases

How to redeem your cash back:

• Eligible purchases at Amazon
• Cash back
• Gift cards
• Travel bookings through Chase Ultimate Rewards

Why we picked Prime Visa:

It's the ultimate Amazon credit card. The cash back rates at Amazon, AmazonFresh, and Whole Foods are as good as it gets among the card offers we've seen.

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U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

: 4.4 from 9,806 reviews as of 8/3/2023With most credit cards, you earn bonus rewards wherever the card issuer decides. This U.S. Bank card puts you in control. You choose two categories from a list of 12 to earn 5% back up to the quarterly spending maximum. U.S. Bank also lets you choose an everyday category, such as grocery stores and grocery deliveries, to earn 2% back.Want to earn 5% cash back on your gym membership? You can. Planning to do some serious shopping in the near future? Make department stores one of those 5% back categories. Best of all, you can pick bonus categories every quarter. If your spending habits change, you can make sure your credit card's rewards change, too.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 5% cash back on two categories you choose each quarter ($2,000 quarterly spending cap)
• 2% cash back on one everyday spending category you choose
• 1% cash back on other purchases

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your U.S. Bank Savings, Checking or Money Market Account
• U.S. Bank Rewards Card ($25 minimum redemption on cash back

Why we picked U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card:

It offers the highest cash back rate we've found for categories that you choose, and it offers some unique bonus categories that aren't seen often.

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Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card

Cardholder ratings: not provided on the Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card page.You can't go wrong with a 2% back card. This card gets you that, plus some additional benefits through American Express. These extras include discounts through American Express travel partners and dining benefits at participating restaurants (terms apply, enrollment may be required).Another nice thing about this cash back card is that it doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. You may still want another card to take with you when you travel outside the country -- American Express isn't nearly as widely accepted worldwide as Visa and Mastercard. Still, it's a common fee that you won't have to pay with this card.

Cash back in a nutshell:

• 2% cash back

How to redeem your cash back:

• Statement credit
• Deposit made to your bank account

Why we picked Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card:

It earns an unlimited 2% back on purchases and doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. The cards we've found that match its cash back rate charge a 3% foreign transaction fee, so they're not as useful abroad.

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What's the highest cash back credit card?

The cards on this list earn between 1% to 6% cash back, but getting the highest cash back card depends on your spending habits. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has one of the highest cash rewards rates we've seen when spending at U.S. supermarkets. (Terms apply.) But if you have your own business, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is ideal when shopping at office supply stores. Want more freedom to pick your cash back category of choice? The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card can give you the flexibility you're looking for. As you can see, even though it would be great to get high cash rewards every time you spend, that isn't always the case.

Will you be shopping at grocery stores, dining at your local restaurant, or traveling around the country? The rewards you earn are variable and depend on where you shop or what you purchase.

How to compare the best cash back credit cards

As you shop for reward credit cards, there will probably be multiple cards that you like. Before you pick the best credit card with cash back, compare these three important features.

• Cash back rate: This is the most important feature. Higher cash back rates save you more money, especially if you have a high flat rate on purchases or choose bonus categories that match your spending habits.
• Annual fee: Cash back cards with annual fees tend to have higher cash back rates. These higher rates can make up for the annual fee if you spend enough, but you'll need to do the math on the rewards you'll earn to make sure.
• Bonus rewards: Many include an introductory bonus reward, making it an easy way to collect cash back. You could also look for credit cards that give cash back with 0% intro APR offers, free credit score monitoring, or many other perks.

If you're looking for a feature-by-feature comparison our credit card comparison tool can help.

Should I get a cash back credit card?

A cash back rewards card could save you money. If you have good or excellent credit and can qualify for the best cash back cards, then they're definitely worth checking out. But this type of credit card has its perks and its drawbacks.

The great thing about cash back cards is how simple and affordable they are. Anyone can benefit from cash back, and there's no learning curve involved like there can be with travel credit cards. You can find plenty of the best cash back credit cards with no annual fee. Even the ones with annual fees usually cost less than $100 per year.

There is a tradeoff to those benefits. Cash back cards are affordable, but they also generally have smaller bonuses and fewer features than you could get from a higher-priced travel rewards card. And while cash back means rewards redemptions are a breeze, there's no way to get more value out of cash back. With rewards credit cards that earn points, it's sometimes possible to extract more value from those points if you know how to use them.

How to maximize your cash back rewards

Using the best money back credit cards is a great way to save more every month. Here are the best tips to help you maximize cash back rewards:

Always pay with your cash back credit card. Since you're earning cash back on purchases, take full advantage. Put as much of your spending as you can on your cash back card. There's no reason to pay with cash or a debit card and leave cash back on the table.

Don't carry a balance. The key to saving money with a cash back card is to pay your credit card bill in full by the due date. If not, the card issuer can charge you credit card interest. That will likely cost you as much or more as the cash back you earned.

Get multiple cash back cards to earn more bonus rewards. Instead of using a single cash back card, open a few different cards that earn bonus cash back in separate categories. That way, you could have your gas and groceries card, your restaurant card, your Amazon card, and a card with a high flat rate for all those other expenses.

Complete the welcome bonus requirements. Welcome bonuses are some of the biggest cash back offers you can find, so it's important not to miss out. Whenever you get a new card with a welcome bonus, check how much you need to spend and how long you have.

Check your credit card's online shopping portal for special offers. Many credit card companies have online shopping portals where you can earn up to 10% back with some retailers. Make sure to check if your card issuer offers one and, if so, what type of bonuses are available.

Are cash back credit cards taxable?

In most cases, cash back credit cards aren't taxable. If you earn the cash back by using your card for purchases, then it's not taxable, because the IRS considers it a rebate on those purchases and not income.

That means any type of cash back credit card that requires spending money is treated as a rebate and isn't taxable. For example, if your card earns 4% on dining or an unlimited 2% cash back on purchases, you wouldn't need to pay taxes on that. This also includes welcome bonuses you need to spend money to earn, such as a bonus of $200 if you spend $500 in the first three months.

While cash back usually isn't taxable, it could be treated as income if it doesn't require any spending on your part. Common examples include welcome bonuses that don't have a spending requirement and referral bonuses.

Different types of cash back credit cards

There are three basic types of cash back credit cards: Flat-rate cash back cards, bonus category cash back cards, and rotating bonus category cash back cards. By understanding how each type works, you'll be able to figure out how to maximize some of the best cash rewards credit cards.

Flat-rate cash back cards

Flat-rate cash back cards earn the same rate on purchases, typically 1.5% or 2%. This type of cash rewards credit card is ideal if your spending is fairly balanced and you don't have any particular big spending categories among your everyday purchases.

Consumers who do the math often find that they'll earn the most with a flat-rate cash back card. If you're interested in getting one, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is hard to beat. It can get you 2% cash rewards on purchases.

Bonus category cash back cards

A bonus category cash back card offers a higher cash back rate in one or more categories, such as groceries, dining, or gas.

Those who spend a lot in certain categories could collect more cash back with the right bonus category card. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns an industry-leading 6% back at U.S. supermarkets for up to $6,000 per calendar year. Terms apply. That's an extremely valuable offer, even with the card's annual fee (see ). There are bonus category cards to fit just about everyone, whether you need the best credit cards for gas, dining, or a different category.

On eligible purchases outside of bonus categories, these cards have traditionally earned 1% back. But not all bonus category cards are like this anymore.

Rotating bonus category cash back cards

A rotating bonus category cash back card offers a higher cash back rate in a changing mix of categories. You typically get new bonus categories every quarter with this type of card. In most cases, cardholders must activate their bonus categories before or during the quarter to earn the bonus rate.The advantages with these cash back credit cards are a very high cash back rate in bonus categories and the fact that you get new bonus categories regularly. But the latter can also be a downside, because you may occasionally get stuck with bonus categories that you won't spend much money in.

Two of the most popular rotating bonus category cards are the Discover it® Cash Back and the Chase Freedom Flex℠. Each offers 5% back on your first $1,500 spent in rotating bonus categories you activate every quarter. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is unique in that it also offers several fixed bonus categories.

Highest cash back credit cards

Bonus categories are a popular feature with cash back credit cards. To provide more info on them, we're going to explain how some of the most common bonus categories work and the highest cash back credit card rates you'll find in each one.

Groceries: These cash back cards earn higher rates in merchants classified as grocery stores or supermarkets. This is a good time to clarify that bonus categories are based on the retailer, not the exact product you're buying. If you go to the grocery store and buy shampoo, paper towels, or any non-food items, it still counts as a grocery store purchase.

The best credit card for groceries offer cash back rates of up to 6% on supermarket purchases. Since this is one of the biggest spending categories for many consumers, a grocery cash back card can be a great choice.

Gas: These cash back cards earn higher rates at gas stations. They usually only offer bonus cash back at traditional gas stations, not gas stations tied to supermarkets or warehouse clubs.

Gas credit cards offer up to 4% on gas station purchases. Although they can be a good fit if you have a lengthy commute or a driving job, the typical consumer spends more in other areas, like groceries.

Dining: These credit cards earn higher rates at any type of restaurant, including fast food, sit-down dining establishments, and everything in between. That also covers deliveries and carryout orders with restaurants. Food delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Grubhub, may or may not qualify, so you'll need to check each card's terms to see.

Dining credit cards offer up to 4% on restaurant purchases. They work well if you're the type who prefers going out to eat and placing delivery orders over cooking at home.

Travel: These credit cards offer bonus cash back on either certain types of travel purchases or travel as a whole. If it's certain types of purchases, the card issuer will specify what qualifies, such as hotels or air travel. If it's travel as a whole, then anything the card issuer considers a travel category will qualify for bonus cash back.

The best credit cards that earn bonus rewards on travel spending are travel credit cards, not cash back cards. Among those travel cards, rewards rates can be as high as 10% on certain types of travel purchases. Some of the best cash back credit cards offer bonus rates as high as 5% on certain types of travel purchases.

Alternatives to consider

Cash back cards are great, but they aren't right for everyone. You may find that one of the following alternatives works better for you.

Travel rewards credit cards: Frequent travelers usually benefit the most from travel rewards credit cards. If you go on trips multiple times per year, the travel perks and rewards that these cards offer can be big moneysavers. They also almost always have no foreign transaction fee, a benefit many cash back cards lack. And some travel cards have no annual fees.

Balance transfer credit cards: You can stop paying interest on credit card debt with balance transfer credit cards. This type of card offers a 0% intro APR on balance transfers. There's almost always a balance transfer fee, but that's well worth it to pay down your debt at zero interest.

Student credit cards: If you're attending college, then a student credit card is a good way to get started on building your credit. While some of the best student credit cards offer cash back or other rewards, they're aimed at adults who don't have much credit history yet. You won't need good or excellent credit to get them like you would with many popular cash back cards.