Choosing the right cash-back credit card can help you maximize savings on everyday expenses, dining, travel, and more. With the variety of cash-back credit cards available, it’s essential to find one that best suits your spending habits. Here are the top 10 cash-back credit cards in the U.S. for maximum savings, including an overview of their features, rewards, and ideal usage scenarios.
1. Citi® Double Cash Card
- Cash-Back Rate: Earn up to 2% cash back (1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off).
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: The Citi Double Cash Card is ideal for those who prefer simplicity, offering a straightforward cash-back rate on all purchases without the hassle of rotating categories.
- Best For: People who want a high flat-rate cash-back card without category restrictions.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Cash-Back Rate: 1.5% on all purchases, plus 3% on dining and drugstores, and 5% on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: This card provides a competitive cash-back rate across different spending categories, especially for dining and travel, making it a versatile option.
- Best For: Those who want a mix of flat-rate cash back with additional perks in specific categories.
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Cash-Back Rate: 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 6% on select U.S. streaming services, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $95
- Why It’s Great: This card has one of the highest cash-back rates for U.S. supermarket spending, making it excellent for families and heavy grocery shoppers.
- Best For: Frequent grocery shoppers and those who spend on streaming services and gas.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
- Cash-Back Rate: 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500), 1% on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: Discover offers a unique cash-back match at the end of your first year, doubling all the cash back earned.
- Best For: Those who don’t mind tracking quarterly categories for increased rewards and appreciate the first-year cash-back match.
5. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Cash-Back Rate: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores, 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: This card provides strong cash-back rewards for dining and entertainment, making it ideal for social spenders who frequently dine out and attend events.
- Best For: Entertainment lovers and those who spend on dining and streaming services.
6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Cash-Back Rate: 2% cash back on all purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: With a simple flat 2% cash back on everything, this card is a direct competitor to Citi Double Cash, but with a possible welcome bonus.
- Best For: People looking for a high flat-rate cash-back card without category restrictions.
7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Cash-Back Rate: 3% in a chosen category (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: Flexibility to choose your 3% category makes this card adaptable to different spending habits. Plus, Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn even more cash back.
- Best For: People who want control over their highest cash-back category.
8. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Cash-Back Rate: 5% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods (with a Prime membership), 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0 (but requires an Amazon Prime membership)
- Why It’s Great: This card is ideal for Amazon shoppers and Whole Foods customers, offering an impressive 5% back.
- Best For: Amazon Prime members who frequently shop on Amazon and at Whole Foods.
9. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
- Cash-Back Rate: 5% on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter), 2% on one everyday category (grocery stores, gas stations, or restaurants), and 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: The flexibility to choose your top 5% and 2% categories makes this card highly customizable to fit different spending patterns.
- Best For: People who want tailored cash-back options to maximize savings based on their spending.
10. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Cash-Back Rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Why It’s Great: This card is simple and straightforward, providing a flat 1.5% cash back without worrying about categories or caps.
- Best For: Those who prefer a no-fuss, flat-rate cash-back card for all purchases.
How to Choose the Right Cash-Back Card
When choosing a cash-back credit card, consider the following:
- Spending Categories: Look for a card that rewards you in categories where you spend the most, like groceries, dining, or travel.
- Rewards Cap: Some cards cap the amount of cash back you can earn in a particular category, so consider if you spend above or below these limits.
- Flexibility: If you prefer a card without restrictions, a flat-rate cash-back card may be best. Otherwise, cards with rotating categories can offer greater rewards if you don’t mind tracking them.
- Additional Perks: Beyond cash back, look for cards that offer other perks like welcome bonuses, travel benefits, or no foreign transaction fees.
- Annual Fee: Weigh the annual fee against the potential cash back you could earn. Some cards have high reward rates in specific categories but come with a fee. Make sure your spending justifies this fee.
Final Thoughts
With the right cash-back credit card, you can save significantly on everyday purchases, dining, travel, and more. Whether you want high cash-back rates on specific categories or a simple, flat-rate option, there’s a cash-back card to suit every need.