Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Compare cash back cards based on rewards, fees, and everyday spending categories.

Editorial review

Cash back cards convert your spending directly into money — no points programs to decode, no airline transfer partners to understand. We consider reward structures, annual fees, spending caps, and ongoing value when highlighting cash back cards for different types of spending.

Top 4 Cards Compared

  • Cash Back Rewards Card

    American Express

    Blue Cash Preferred

    Best for: Households with significant grocery and streaming spend who want elevated cash back with no rotating categories.

    • Annual Fee$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (subject to issuer terms)
    • Rewards6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year, then 1%) and on eligible U.S. streaming; 3% on eligible U.S. gas stations and transit; 1% on other purchases
    • Welcome BonusSee current issuer offer

    Apply if you:

    • Families with high grocery spend
    • Streaming subscribers

    Skip if you:

    • Light grocery shoppers

    A strong option for households with significant grocery spending. The elevated grocery rate can help offset the annual fee for this spending profile.

    View Current OfferRead Full Review

    Terms apply. Offers subject to change.

  • No-Fee Cash Back Card

    Discover

    Discover it Cash Back

    Best for: First-time cardholders and budget-conscious users who want cash back with no annual cost and are willing to activate quarterly categories.

    • Annual FeeNo annual fee
    • Rewards5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (when activated, up to quarterly maximum); 1% on all other purchases
    • Welcome BonusCashback Match — Discover matches all cash back earned in first year (see issuer terms)

    Apply if you:

    • First-time cardholders
    • Students and young adults

    Skip if you:

    • International travelers (lower acceptance outside US)

    The first-year cashback match is a compelling new-cardholder promotion, effectively doubling rewards in the first year.

    View Current OfferRead Full Review

    Terms apply. Offers subject to change.

  • Chase

    Chase Freedom Unlimited

    Best for: Chase ecosystem users who want a strong everyday card to pair with a Sapphire card, and anyone seeking a simple no-fee backup card.

    • Annual FeeNo annual fee
    • Rewards5% cash back on Chase Travel; 3% on dining and drugstores; 1.5% on all other purchases
    • Welcome BonusSee current issuer offer

    Apply if you:

    • Existing Chase Sapphire cardholders
    • Anyone wanting a no-fee card for non-category spending

    Skip if you:

    • International travelers (foreign transaction fee may apply)

    When paired with a qualifying Chase Sapphire card, eligible rewards may potentially be combined with a Chase Ultimate Rewards account, subject to current Chase program rules. Refer to Chase's current program terms for details.

    View Current OfferRead Full Review

    Terms apply. Offers subject to change.

  • Citi

    Citi Double Cash Card

    Best for: Cardholders who want flat-rate cash back with zero complexity and no categories to manage.

    • Annual FeeNo annual fee
    • Rewards1% on purchases, plus 1% when paid back (2% total); 5% on eligible hotels, car rentals and attractions via Citi Travel
    • Welcome BonusSee current issuer offer

    Apply if you:

    • Anyone who prefers simplicity over category optimization
    • Those with stronger credit profiles

    Skip if you:

    • Frequent international travelers (foreign transaction fee may apply)

    A straightforward flat-rate card. For anyone who finds category optimization tedious, this is a solid default recommendation. The pay-to-earn structure is a subtle nudge toward responsible use.

    View Current OfferRead Full Review

    Terms apply. Offers subject to change.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of Best Cash Back Credit Cards
CardAnnual FeeRewardsReviewApply
Blue Cash Preferred
American Express
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 (subject to issuer terms)6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year, then 1%) and on eligible U.S. streaming; 3% on eligible U.S. gas stations and transit; 1% on other purchasesEditorial reviewView Terms
Discover it Cash Back
Discover
No annual fee5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (when activated, up to quarterly maximum); 1% on all other purchasesEditorial reviewView Terms
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase
No annual fee5% cash back on Chase Travel; 3% on dining and drugstores; 1.5% on all other purchasesEditorial reviewView Terms
Citi Double Cash Card
Citi
No annual fee1% on purchases, plus 1% when paid back (2% total); 5% on eligible hotels, car rentals and attractions via Citi TravelEditorial reviewView Terms

How We Chose These Cards

Our editorial assessment considers potential rewards value, annual fees, spending caps, bonus categories, and how each card may fit different spending patterns.

Editorial assessments are determined independently of commercial relationships. Full methodology.

Credit Card FAQ

Common questions about credit cards and financial products.

There is no universal minimum credit score for credit card approval. Issuers consider multiple factors beyond the score itself, including income, existing debt, and recent credit activity. Secured cards and credit-builder cards are generally more accessible for those with limited or damaged credit. Approval depends on the issuer's underwriting criteria and individual credit profile. Check whether a pre-qualification tool is available before applying to avoid unnecessary hard inquiries.

There's no single right answer. Some consumers use one card for simplicity; others use multiple cards to align with different spending categories. More cards means more complexity — only add a new card if it clearly fits your needs, you can manage the additional account responsibly, and it improves your rewards or benefits on spending you're already doing. There is no universally recommended number of credit cards.

An annual fee is a yearly charge for card membership. It may be worth paying if the card's rewards, credits, and benefits exceed the fee. For example, a $95-annual-fee card that earns 6% cash back on $500/month in groceries would earn $30/month, or $360/year. After subtracting the $95 fee, that is $265 in net grocery rewards. A no-fee card earning 2% on the same $500/month would earn $10/month, or $120/year. In this example, the $95-fee card nets $145 more per year from grocery spending alone. Whether the fee is worth it depends on whether you use the card's other benefits enough to justify the cost.

Yes, briefly. A credit card application may result in a hard inquiry, which can affect your credit score. The impact varies depending on the scoring model and the individual's credit profile. The impact typically fades within 6–12 months. Space applications at least 6 months apart to minimize the effect, and don't apply for multiple cards at once.

The Credit Insider

Editorial credit card insights and financial education — free, when we launch.

Coming soon — signups are not yet open. Privacy Policy.