Want to earn money just by making everyday purchases? Cash back rewards credit cards are a smart way to make your spending work for you. Whether you’re filling up your tank, stocking up on groceries, or grabbing dinner, a cash back credit card lets you earn a percentage back on everything you buy. In this guide, we’ll explore the top cash back credit cards for 2025 and how you can maximize your savings by choosing the right card for your spending habits.
Best Cash Back Rewards Credit Cards:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Citi Double Cash® Card
- Discover it® Cash Back
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
What to Look for in a Cash Back Rewards Credit Card
When choosing a cash back credit card, it’s essential to find one that aligns with your spending habits. Here are some key features to look for:
Rewards Structure
Cash back credit cards typically offer two types of rewards structures:
- Flat-Rate Cash Back: These cards offer the same percentage of cash back on every purchase, making them ideal for people who don’t spend heavily in specific categories. For example, you might earn 1.5% or 2% back on all purchases.
- Tiered Cash Back: These cards offer higher cash back rates for specific spending categories, like groceries, dining, or gas. For instance, you could earn 3% on groceries, 2% on dining, and 1% on all other purchases. If you spend a lot in one of these categories, a tiered card could offer you more value.
Redemption Flexibility
Some cards make it easy to redeem your cash back in multiple ways:
- Statement Credits: Apply your cash back directly to your balance.
- Bank Deposits: Transfer cash back to your bank account.
- Gift Cards: Some cards allow you to redeem your rewards as gift cards for popular retailers. Choose a card that offers a redemption method that fits your financial preferences.
Sign-Up Bonuses
Many cash back credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that provide a cash boost if you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. These bonuses can range from $150 to $300 or more, giving you a great start on earning rewards.
Ongoing Rewards Rates
After the sign-up bonus period, focus on the card’s ongoing rewards rates. For everyday spending, a card with solid, consistent cash back rates will help you earn more over time.
Annual Fees and APR
Some cards come with annual fees, while others don’t. Consider how much you expect to earn in cash back to determine if the fee is worth it. Also, check the card’s APR, especially if you plan to carry a balance, as high-interest rates can offset your cash back earnings.
Comparing Cash Back Credit Cards
Let’s take a look at some of the top cash back credit cards for 2025 and how they stack up. Whether you prefer flat-rate rewards or higher earnings in specific categories, there’s an option for everyone.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Whether you’re grabbing takeout, booking a trip, or just stocking up on essentials, Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers cash back on almost everything. Plus, it gives you a solid intro APR with no annual fee, perfect for managing balances while still earning rewards.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Supercharged Rewards: Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- Generous Intro APR: Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49% – 28.24%.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- High Regular APR: Once the intro period ends, the APR can climb, so aim to pay off your balance during the intro period. (See Rates & Fees)
- Shorter Intro Period: If you have a large balance, you might need more time to pay it down.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a card that offers rewards across a variety of categories while giving you time to manage your debt, Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a smart choice.
2. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for No Foreign Transaction Fees
With straightforward rewards and opportunities to build credit, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for individuals with fair or average credit scores.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Unlimited Cash Back: 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase, every day, with no limits or categories.
- Credit Building: Get access to higher credit lines after six months of on-time payments.
- Fast Decisions: Approval times are quick, often ideal for fair credit applicants.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Annual Fee: $39 annual fee applies.
- High APR: The variable APR is 19.24% – 29.24%, so carrying a balance can get expensive.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’re working to improve your credit score while earning rewards, this card offers a simple solution with room for growth.
Explore the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Do you have a growing family that goes through groceries like nobody’s business? The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is made for households that spend heavily on supermarkets, gas, and streaming services. Plus, it offers a generous 0% intro APR (18.24% – 29.24% after intro period) on balance transfers for 12 months (terms apply).
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- High Cash Back Rates: Earn 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations. 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more). 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Statement Credit: Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- Intro Balance Transfer Offer: Get a 0% intro APR for 12 months to help manage debt.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. (See Rates & Fees)
- Limited Rewards at Big-Box Stores: Walmart and Target purchases won’t qualify for the highest cash back rates.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’ve got a big family and love streaming TV shows or movies, this card can turn your everyday spending into serious cash back.
4. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
If you’re looking for a card that can pull double duty—offering both stellar cash-back rewards and a 0% intro APR—the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express may be the card for you. Whether you’re buying groceries or shopping online, this card helps you earn rewards while giving you breathing room on your balance, all without an annual fee.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Everyday Cash Back: 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Terms apply.
- Plan It® Feature: Manage large purchases by breaking them into fixed monthly payments with Amex’s Plan It®.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Shorter Intro Period: The 0% on balance transfers and purchases lasts 15 months (18.24 to 29.24 after intro), which might not be ideal if you need more time to pay off your balance. (See Rates & Fees)
- High Regular APR: Once the intro period ends, the APR can climb, so be sure to pay off your balance within the introductory period.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’re frequently hitting the grocery store or filling up on gas, this card can help you rack up rewards while managing your balance interest-free for 15 months.
Enrollment is required for some benefits. Terms apply. For rates and fees on the Blue Cash Everyday® Card, please see here.
5. Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card makes it easy to earn cash back twice: once when you buy and again when you pay. With cash back of 1% when you buy plus 1% as you pay, this card is perfect for people who want to maximize their rewards across the board.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Double the Cash Back: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Long 0% APR Period: Enjoy 0% APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers (18.24% – 28.24% variable APR after that), giving you plenty of time to manage your debt.
- No Annual Fee: Earn rewards without worrying about an annual fee. (See rates & fees)
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Balance Transfer Fee: There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5). Factor that in when transferring larger balances.
- No Sign-Up Bonus: Unlike many other cards, there’s no introductory bonus, so it’s all about long-term rewards.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’re looking for a card that rewards you consistently across all purchases and want extra time to pay off balances, the Citi Double Cash® Card is a great way to double up on rewards without an annual fee.
Explore the Citi Double Cash® Card
6. Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card is a favorite for its rotating 5% cash back categories, which can help you earn big on everyday purchases. Combine that with a 0% intro APR for 15 months, and this card offers a rewarding way to manage your finances.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- High Cash Back in Rotating Categories: Earn 5% cash back on rotating categories like groceries, restaurants, gas stations, and more (up to the quarterly maximum) when you activate.
- Unlimited Cash Back: Even if your purchases don’t fall into the 5% category, you’ll still earn unlimited 1% cash back on everything else.
- 0% Intro APR: Take advantage of 15 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers (18.24%-28.24% variable APR after the intro period).
- No Annual Fee: All the perks without an annual fee.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Rotating Categories: While the 5% cash back is a great offer, the categories rotate quarterly, so you’ll need to track which categories are active.
- Quarterly Limits: The 5% cash back is capped each quarter, so keep that in mind if you tend to spend a lot in those categories.
Real-Life Scenario: If you like to optimize your cash back by focusing on specific categories each quarter, the Discover it® Cash Back card gives you plenty of opportunities to earn big rewards.
Explore the Discover it® Cash Back Card
7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to choose your top cash back category, making it a great option for those looking for flexibility in how they earn rewards. With no annual fee, it’s a versatile card that adapts to your changing spending patterns.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Customizable Cash Back: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, such as gas, online shopping, or dining, with automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined purchases).
- No Annual Fee: Keep all your rewards without paying a yearly fee. (See Rates & Fees)
- Intro APR Offer: Enjoy 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (19.24% – 29.24% variable after that).
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Quarterly Cap: The 3% and 2% cash back rates are capped at $2,500 in combined choice category, grocery store, and wholesale club purchases per quarter. After that, you’ll earn 1%.
- Balance Transfer Fee: There’s a 3% intro balance transfer fee for transfers made within the first 60 days.
Real-Life Scenario: If you want a card that lets you tailor your rewards to fit your spending, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card gives you the flexibility to choose your top earning category.
Explore the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Each of these cash back credit cards offers a unique set of perks, designed to fit different spending habits. Whether you’re all about groceries and gas or you’re more focused on entertainment and travel, there’s a card here to help you maximize your cash back rewards and save more on everyday purchases. Take a closer look and see which one best matches your lifestyle!
Each of these cards offers something different depending on how you spend. For those who don’t want to pay an annual fee, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® saves you that yearly cost. If you spend more in specific categories, like groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express might offer the highest returns, despite its annual fee.
Additional Perks of Using Cash Back Credit Cards
Beyond the cash back rewards, many of these cards come with extra perks that can add even more value:
Purchase Protection
Some cash back credit cards offer purchase protection, which covers purchases against damage or theft for a certain period after purchase. This can give you peace of mind when buying expensive items.
Introductory 0% APR
Many cash back cards offer a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for a limited time, usually 12-18 months. This is especially helpful if you plan to make a large purchase and want to pay it off over time without accruing interest.
Special Rewards Programs
Some cards provide additional rewards through special programs. For example, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers rotating categories like groceries, gas stations, and restaurants, where you can earn 5% cash back each quarter.
Travel and Shopping Perks
While most cash back cards don’t come with extensive travel perks, some cards—like the Blue Cash Preferred®—offer benefits like car rental insurance or access to exclusive discounts through the card’s shopping portal.
These perks can elevate your experience beyond just earning cash back, making the card even more useful for everyday spending and large purchases.
How to Choose the Right Cash Back Credit Card for Your Spending Habits
Finding the right cash back credit card depends on how you spend your money. Here are some factors to consider:
Where You Spend the Most
If you spend a lot on groceries, gas, or dining, look for a card that offers high cash back rates in those categories. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year), which can make a big difference for families with large grocery bills. If your spending is spread out across many categories, a flat-rate card like the Capital One Quicksilver® might make more sense.
Flat-Rate vs. Tiered Rewards
Flat-rate cards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, are simple and straightforward. You’ll earn the same rate on all purchases, which is great for consistent rewards. Tiered rewards cards, like the Discover it® Cash Back, offer higher rewards in specific categories but require more attention to maximize the value.
Sign-Up Bonuses vs. Ongoing Rewards
If you’re looking for a quick return on your spending, a card with a generous sign-up bonus may be the way to go. However, if you want a card that offers lasting value, focus on the ongoing rewards rate. Consider how much you typically spend in bonus categories to calculate your long-term earnings.
Annual Fees
Some cards, like the Blue Cash Preferred®, come with an annual fee, but the higher rewards can often make up for the cost. If you don’t want to worry about fees, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One Quicksilver® offer great rewards without any fees.
By evaluating your spending habits and choosing a card that aligns with how you shop, you can maximize your cash back and earn more with every swipe.
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