Consumers may get a percentage of their purchases back via best cash back credit cards, which generally come with additional bonuses and safeguards. One of the most popular types of credit cards is one that gives you cash back. This is because the benefits are often big and easy to use. Below are the top cash-back credit cards for 2022.
Best Cash back credit cards reward you for your purchases by giving you statement credits that you can use to pay down your debt or take as cash. Some cards give a flat rate on all eligible purchases, while others offer higher rates on certain spending categories such as petrol stations, grocery shops, and travel.
12 Best Cash Back Credit Cards and Reviews in 2022
Here are a few of our favorites. Cashback is king for many people. With the correct credit card, you may get the best cash back on your most frequent purchases, such as groceries, takeout, and petrol. Our partners have compiled a list of the best cash-back credit cards that you can use to get the most out of your regular expenditures. As always, monthly deals may be found on our best credit cards overall page.
1. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is one of the highest-earning flat-rate cashback cards. You’ll get an infinite amount of 2% best cash back credit cards on purchases. Due to its high sign-up bonus, the card beats out a similar card in this category (the Citi Double Cash Card – 18-month BT offer). You may also save money by transferring your balance to it. You’ll get a 0% intro APR on eligible balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, and a 0% initial APR on purchases for 15 months after account opening, followed by an APR of 15.74 percent, 20.74 percent, or 25.74 percent variable APR.
Pros
- Among flat-rate cash back credit cards, this card has one of the highest rewards rates.
- There is no yearly charge.
- The introductory 0% balance transfer offer might save you money.
2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers one of the best cashback credit card deals for grocery shopping at US supermarkets, with 6% back on up to $6,000 in purchases per year (then 1%). If you spend $500 per month on groceries each year to maximize your benefits, you might earn $360 in the best cash back credit cards in this area alone.
Pros
- 6 percent best cash back credit cards on up to $6,000 in US supermarket purchases per year (then 1%), 6 percent Cash Back on certain US streaming subscriptions
- 3% Cash Back at US gas stations and public transportation (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more), and 1% Cash Back on all other transactions.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- A generous welcome offer is made.
- Purchases have a 0% APR for the first 12 months, followed by a variable APR ranging from 14.74 percent to 24.74 percent.
3. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is an excellent 1.5 percent best cash back credit cards with no annual fee due to its generous sign-up bonus and rewards rate. You’ll get 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem points for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services; and 1.5 percent cash back on all other purchases.
Pros
- With a 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 months (15.24 percent–23.99 percent Variable APR thereafter), you can save money on new purchases.
- Get a flat rate of 1.5 percent on best cash back credit cards on most transactions, plus additional rewards for specific purchases, with no annual fee.
- Purchase protection against damage or theft and longer warranties are two of the best perks of having a credit card.
4. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Because of its significant sign-up bonus, high rewards rate, and business features, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a top business best cash back credit cards. This Capital One cash back card allows you to earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, as well as 5% cash back on hotels and rental vehicles booked via Capital One Travel.
You won’t have to worry about bonus categories or earning limitations because this is a large rewards rate. Employee cards are also given out for free, and every time one of your workers makes a business transaction, you can get cashback. When it comes to redemption possibilities, you have the freedom to cash in your points at any time and for any sum.
Pros
- Cardholders can get help on the road, pay no fees for international transactions, get purchase insurance against damage or theft, and get longer warranties.
- Earn a flat 2% cash back on all purchases, plus a whopping 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, with no spending limit.
- You may use your rewards at any time and in any amount.
5. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a great way to earn rewards on gas purchases because you’ll get 3% best cash back credit cards in the category of your choice, an automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and an unlimited 1% on everything else.
Pros
- 3 percent cash back in your preferred category, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly chosen category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases), and an unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Each month, you can change your 3% category online or via the mobile app.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for 15 billing cycles and 0% Intro APR on any balance transfers made in the first 60 days for balance transfers, followed by a variable APR of 14.74 percent to 24.74 percent; balance transfers must be initiated within 60 days of account opening to qualify for the introductory rate.
- There is no yearly charge.
- Members of the Bank of America Preferred Points program can earn an additional 25% to 75% in rewards when they use their card.
6. Petal® 2 Cash Back, No Fees Visa® Credit Card
The Petal® 2 Cash Back has no fees. The Visa® Credit Card is designed for those with fair credit, yet it’s free of the fees that other credit cards in this category impose. With this card, you’ll also earn flat-rate rewards that rise as you make on-time payments.
Pros
- Right now, you can get 1% cash back on qualifying purchases, with up to 10% cash back at select retailers.
- There are no yearly fees, late fines, or hidden costs.
- Apply for a line of credit ranging from $500 to $10,000.
- With fair credit, low credit, or no credit history, you can qualify.
7. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a unique card that offers a strong cash rewards program to people with limited/bad/poor credit. Each quarter, you’ll get 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in total purchases. On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back automatically. For new cardmembers, Discover will even double any benefits earned after the first year.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a secured credit card, which means you must safeguard your line of credit with a refundable cash deposit. Deposits begin at $200 and are matched to your initial line of credit.
Pros
- Easy approvals, even if your credit is limited, bad, or poor.
- On your monthly statement, you’ll get a free FICO® credit score.
8. Discover it® Cash Back
Customers who want to earn additional rewards in areas that change over time appreciate the Discover it® Cash Back program. When you activate this card, you could get 5% cash back on your daily purchases at different sites like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, and when you pay with PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum. Plus, you’ll automatically get an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The Discover bonus categories for 2022 are as follows:
- January-March: Grocery Stores and Fitness Clubs & Gyms
- Memberships
- Gas stations and Target, April-June
- Restaurants and PayPal, July-September
- From October to December, Amazon.com and Digital Wallets will
While this card does not come with a standard bonus, Discover’s Cashback Match program will double any points earned in the first year. For the first year, this makes the card one of the most rewarding best cash back credit cards.
Pros
- Up to the quarterly limit when you activate, you’ll get 5% cash back on daily purchases at different sites each quarter, such as Amazon.com, grocery shops, restaurants, petrol stations, and when you pay with PayPal.
- Plus, receive an unlimited 1% cash back on any other purchases with Discover’s exclusive Unlimited Cashback Match.
- At the conclusion of your first year, Discover will automatically match all of your cash back!
- There are no restrictions on how much you can spend or how much you can earn.
- You may exchange $150 in cash for $300.
9. Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
The Citi Custom CashSM Card is our favorite for earning the highest rewards in the 5% cashback category all year. The card allows you to earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top qualified spending category each billing cycle, up to $500, and 1% cash back after that. You will also receive an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
The card has a few benefits over other cards in the same category:
- Every month, the same categories, such as groceries, restaurants, and petrol, are available.
- Each month, it enrolls you in your biggest spending category, ensuring that you earn the most where you spend the most.
Your 5% bonus is capped at $500 in purchases every billing cycle, much like similar cards. Other bonuses are restricted, as the card only receives 1% back in other categories. The Citi Custom CashSM Card, on the other hand, is a terrific option if you’re searching for a card whose only aim is to earn the best cash back credit cards in a specific category (especially grocery).
Pros
- Each month, you get 5% cash back on your highest-earning category.
- There’s no need to sign up for the category; you’ll be registered immediately.
- There is no yearly charge.
10. Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Due to its high earning rate, the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card is difficult to beat if you spend a lot of money on dining each month. Earn up to 4% cash back on restaurants, entertainment, and popular streaming services, as well as 3% at grocery stores and 1% on everything else. In addition, the benefits you may earn with this card are limitless.
You’ll have to pay a $95 annual fee, but you won’t have to worry about making purchases outside of the United States because there is a 0% international transaction charge. You may also use your points to earn the best cash back credit cards in any amount or use them to make purchases on Amazon.com.
Pros
- Earn a limitless number of points, including 4% back on meals and entertainment.
- Bonuses are generously offered.
- If you qualify, you can get things like longer warranties, travel accident insurance, free concierge service, and more.
- A 0% foreign transaction fee is charged.
11. Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom FlexSM offers a 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases, followed by a variable APR ranging from 15.24 percent to 23.99 percent. If you want to make a major purchase and pay it off over time, this may save you a lot of money in interest. This is another cash back card that gives you 5% back in areas that change every quarter.
Each quarter you activate, you’ll get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in total bonus category purchases. Every quarter, there are new 5% categories to enjoy! In addition, you’ll receive 5% cash back on trips bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and pharmacy purchases, and 1% on all other transactions.
Pros
- Each quarter you activate, you may earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in total bonus category purchases.
- Every quarter, there are new 5% categories to enjoy!
- In addition, you’ll receive 5% cash back on trips bought through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and pharmacy purchases, and 1% on all other transactions.
- Purchases will have a 0% intro APR for 15 months (followed by a variable APR ranging from 15.24 percent to 23.99 percent).
- With no yearly cost, you may earn prizes.
- If you qualify, you can get purchase insurance against damage or theft, extended warranties, zero liability protection, and other benefits.
12. Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it Student Cash Back card is designed for students with fair or limited credit histories and offers the same fantastic cashback rewards program as the standard card. You can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and when you pay with PayPal each quarter, up to the quarterly limit you set when you activate. Plus, you’ll automatically get an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Also, if you sign up for the card at the end of the year, Discover will double your cash back, which means your benefits will double, just like with the card for people who aren’t students. There are no annual fees with this card, and your monthly statement will include a free FICO score.
Pros
- Up to the quarterly limit when you activate, you’ll get 5% cash back on daily purchases at different sites each quarter, such as Amazon.com, grocery shops, restaurants, petrol stations, and when you pay with PayPal.
- Plus, you’ll automatically get an unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- For new cardmembers, Discover will double all benefits earned in the first year.
- It can be easier to be approved for this card than for other unsecured credit cards.
What to Look for in a Cash Back Card
If you want to find the best cash-back card for you, look for one that caters to your specific spending patterns and interests.
Follow these steps to get started:
1. Think about your spending patterns.
Choose a cash back card that earns the highest points in the categories where you spend the most. If you buy groceries and petrol on a weekly basis, for example, you’ll want to search for a card that gives you more cash back in those categories. If your spending is more diversified, a flat-rate cash-back card could be a better option.
2. Check your credit report
Make sure to verify your credit score before applying for any credit card. Because applying for a credit card involves a hard pull on your credit report, you should only apply for credit cards that you are qualified for based on your credit score.
3. Decide on the type of cash back card you want
With a flat-rate cash-back card, you get the same percentage of rewards no matter what you buy. If you have a credit card with a flat-rate rewards program that gives you 2% back on all purchases, for example, you’ll get $2 back for every $100 you spend. When picking a cash back card, there are a few things to keep in mind. The best rewards credit card for you will depend on how you spend money and what you want to get out of it.
When selecting a cash back card, you should think about the following factors:
1. Classifications of earnings
Make sure the card you pick pays you generously in the areas where you spend the most. If you spend a lot of money on groceries or petrol, for example, you might want to look for a credit card with bonus categories for these transactions. On the other hand, signing up for a flat-rate rewards card that gives a greater earning rate on everything you spend may make sense. You won’t have to worry about bonus categories or earning limitations if you use this technique.
The following are some of the most popular income categories:
- Dining: This covers going out to dine at any restaurant as well as getting food delivered.
- You’ll earn points on your full bill, including the tip, in this area.
- Gas stations: This category usually refers to fueling up at large gas stations such as Mobil, BP, and Shell.
- Most of the time, purchases at the convenience store next door count toward your points, but check your card to be sure.
- Supermarkets: This category includes grocery stores, which are frequently referred to simply as “groceries.”
- You may earn points in this category by making any sort of grocery purchase.
- However, double-check the specifics of your card because superstores like Costco, Walmart, and Target are usually excluded.
2. Sign-up incentive
Look for a rewards credit card with a big sign-up bonus and a low minimum spending requirement, if possible. For example, if you can get a welcome bonus if you spend $3,000 in three months on purchases, make sure you can spend $1,000 a month on your card through regular spending and bills.
3. Payment of an annual charge
Although many cashback cards don’t have an annual fee, those that do usually have a greater reward rate. If you’re going to pay an annual fee for a credit card, make sure the rewards or other perks are worth it to you. Try the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card if you’re seeking the best cash-back credit card with no annual fee. This allows you to earn an infinite amount of 2% cash back on purchases.
4.Options for redemption
Make sure the card you choose allows you to redeem points for anything you want, whether it’s statement credits, gift cards, cash in the mail, or a variety of other possibilities.
5. APR of 5.0 percent is available for a limited time
Several cash-back cards are currently offering zero percent APR on new purchases and debt transfers for a limited time. If you’re interested in a card with this feature, be sure to verify how long you’ll have 0% APR and whether your offer is for purchases, debt transfers, or both.
6. Additional advantages
Also, check for cards that provide the benefits you want, such as extended warranties, purchase protection, travel insurance, and other bonuses.
Credit Card Cash Back Advice
Cash back cards allow you to receive rewards as a proportion of your expenditure, so the more you use your card, the more cash back you’ll earn. The majority of cash back cards allow you to earn cash back as a statement credit, as well as redeem your points for gift cards and other items. These cards are quite useful since they allow you to withdraw cash from a credit card. Credit cards that offer cash back vs. those that offer points and miles
The advantage of cash back cards is that, as a customer, you always know how much your rewards are worth and how to redeem them—it’s a plain and relatively easy method. On the other hand, credit cards that give you points and miles are a little more complicated, but they often have more ways to redeem your rewards, which could help you get the most out of them. Cash back cards are the way to go if you don’t want to deal with the complexity of points and miles and would rather receive cash back on all of your purchases.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Cash Back Credit Card
You should use a cash back credit card for all of your routine shopping and expenses to get the most out of it. Also, you should always pay off your bill in full and never, ever use a rewards credit card to carry long-term debt. Cash back credit card APRs are frequently high, starting at around 11.99 percent. Using a credit card to get 1% to 3% cash back will not make up for the amount you must pay in interest.
- Choose a card that rewards you for your most frequent purchases. This means picking a card that gives you a lot of cash back in areas where you spend a lot of money.
- Gas, groceries, and eating out are just a few examples.
- Consider a flat-rate cash-back card if your spending patterns are more variable.
- Make the most of your additional categories.
- Keep track of which categories get you additional points and make sure you utilise your card for all of them.
- If you choose a card with rotating categories, make sure you enrol each quarter to receive cash back.
- Use your cash back card for all of your everyday purchases.
- Using your cash back card as much as possible is the best way to get the most out of it.
- Make your cash back credit card your primary card to get rewards every time you swipe.
- Avoid using your credit card to pay off debt.
- Cash back cards can have high-interest rates, which can add up quickly if you don’t pay off your balance in full.
Take advantage of the extra benefits that come with your card
Many cash back credit cards come with extra perks like travel and purchase insurance, low introductory APR deals, and more.
- The benefits and drawbacks of utilizing a cash back credit card
- Cash back credit cards provide unquestionable value in the form of real, hard cash.
- Whether you choose to redeem your rewards as a statement credit, gift card, or even a real check in the mail, you’ll know exactly what you’ll get and may use them whenever and on anything you like.
- The cash-back incentive system is straightforward.
- You won’t have to worry about trying to get the most out of your points and miles or waiting until the ideal time to redeem them.
- To maximize your rewards, go for a $200 cash back credit card.
- Annual fees on cash back cards are usually either non-existent or minimal.
- It’s easy to get a lot of value out of this sort of card without spending a lot of money to obtain it.
Cons
- There’s not much you can do with cash back credit cards to increase the value of your rewards.
- On the other hand, points and miles cards let you plan how to use your rewards to make them last longer than a cash back card would.
- Cash-back credit cards usually don’t have big sign-up bonuses, which can range from $0 to about $200.
- Points and miles cards, on the other hand, sometimes include sign-up bonuses of more than double that amount.
- There are fewer advantages.
- Cash back cards don’t usually come with the same incentives as points or miles cards, such as complimentary checked luggage or travel insurance.