5 Credit Cards to Earn More Cash Back in 2024

I'm so deep in the credit card world that it always kind of surprises me when I meet folks who aren't leveraging every purchase to maximize their rewards. But it only takes a few minutes of thinking about how much work I put into my points and credits, and the avoidance makes perfect sense.

You don't need to invest so much time into your own cards to maximize your purchase rewards, though. A good cash back rewards card strategy can help you earn more while also keeping redemptions easy. Here are a few cards that can help make that happen.

1. Amex Blue Cash Preferred

If your family is anything like mine, the grocery bills are a big part of the budget. This is the cash back rewards cards for groceries in my opinion, giving you up to 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and select U.S. streaming subscriptions (terms apply, see rates and fees). And as I'm sure you all know, streaming services just keep getting more expensive. And then there's the 3% cash back on gas and transit, which is no small change no matter how you travel.

2. Chase Freedom Flex

This is a great cash back card most of the year, though you might have some misses. This card has new 5% bonus rewards categories each quarter. When you activate, you'll earn 5% cash back on the first $1,500 in eligible category purchases every quarter.

You usually have multiple categories every time, so there's usually at least one place you can max out your 5% cash back. Plus, cardholders get 3% cash back on dining and at drugstores (that last one is a fairly rare category, too!).

3. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Every cash rewards strategy needs an anchor, and this is a good one. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. And there are no categories to activate or track. Most other rewards cards earn just 1% on non-bonus purchases -- occasionally 1.5% -- so this card is a definite improvement. Essentially, if an expense doesn't go on one of your bonus rewards cards, this is the next best place for it.

4. Chase Ink Business Cash

Every business owner needs a good small business credit card, and this is one of my favorites. No matter what kind of business you have, this card has something to offer. I love the 5% cash back on internet, cable, and cellphone services. You may also get some good use out of the 5% cash back at office supply stores. (It's capped at $25,000 in combined category purchases per year.)

Oh, and FYI, you don't need a huge C-corp to qualify for a business card. Sole proprietors, like freelancers and contractors, are also eligible -- and encouraged -- to apply.

5. U.S. Bank Cash+

Another cash back card I have in my own wallet, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has something for just about everyone. You get to choose two (yes, two) 5% cash back categories from this list:

• Cellphone Providers
• Department Stores
• Electronics Stores
• Fast Food
• Furniture Stores
• Ground Transportation
• Gyms/Fitness Centers
• Home Utilities
• Movie Theaters
• Select Clothing Stores
• Sporting Goods Stores
• TV, Internet & Streaming Services

So every quarter, you choose and activate your two categories, then you earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined category purchases per quarter. Oh, and you also get to choose a 2% cash back category each time from a selection of gas, groceries, and dining.

Don't forget the welcome bonuses

We've talked a lot about how all these cash back rewards cards can help you boost your purchase rewards all year long. But there's an extra way a new card can help you earn more cash back: welcome bonuses.

Most rewards credit cards come with a welcome bonus for new cardholders. All you need to do to earn it is meet the spending requirement. For example, you may need to spend $1,000 on your new card in the first three months to earn a $200 welcome bonus.

Also, make sure you're actually redeeming your cash back as you earn it. Cash back that sits in your account isn't doing you any good!