Cash Back Credit Cards
Earn a percentage of every purchase back as statement credit, direct deposit, or check.
Cash back credit cards: transparent rewards you can spend anywhere.
Who these cards fit
Everyday spenders who prefer simple, flexible rewards over travel points.
Overview
Cash back credit cards return a percentage of your spending as a straightforward cash-equivalent reward. Some cards offer a flat rate on every purchase, while others rotate bonus categories each quarter or offer elevated rates in fixed categories such as groceries, gas, or dining. Cash back is popular because the value is transparent — a dollar earned is a dollar spent — and there is no need to navigate transfer partners, blackout dates, or dynamic pricing. To get the most value, pair a flat-rate card with a category card so every purchase earns at the highest available rate, and always pay the balance in full so interest charges do not erase your rewards.
How to choose
- Look at your last three months of spending and identify your top two or three categories.
- Compare flat-rate cards (simple, one rate everywhere) with category cards (higher rates in specific areas).
- Check whether rewards expire, cap out, or require enrollment each quarter.
- Confirm whether the redemption value stays the same across statement credit, deposit, and gift cards.
Cards in this Category
Discover it Cash Back
Everyday spenders who want rotating quarterly bonus categories and no annual fee.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Cardholders who want a flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee and no category tracking.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Citi Double Cash
Cardholders who want a simple, high flat-rate cash back card with no annual fee.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Wells Fargo Active Cash
Cardholders who want a straightforward flat-rate cash back card with a strong 0% intro APR window.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Discover it Secured
Applicants building or rebuilding credit who also want to earn cash back.
No credit or limited/damaged credit
American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card
Households that spend heavily on U.S. supermarkets, streaming, and gas.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card
Everyday spenders who want category cash back with no annual fee.
Good to excellent credit (typically 670+)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cash back credit cards worth it?
Cash back cards are worth it for cardholders who pay their balance in full each month, because interest charges typically exceed any rewards earned. If you carry a balance, a low-APR or 0% intro APR card usually saves more money than any cash back rate would earn.
What credit score is needed for a cash back credit card?
Most cash back cards target applicants with good to excellent credit (a FICO score of 670 or higher). A few starter cash back cards accept fair credit, and secured versions exist for those building or rebuilding credit.
Does redeeming cash back affect my credit score?
No. Redeeming rewards has no impact on your credit score. Only the account activity — balance, utilization, and payment history — influences scoring.
Is cash back taxable?
In the United States, cash back earned on personal purchases is generally treated as a rebate on spending rather than taxable income. Business rewards may have different tax treatment; consult a tax professional for your situation.