More about our top cash back credit card picks
Great for flat-rate cash back: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Why we picked it: If you're looking for flat rate cash rewards, this card is a great pick. There are no bonus spending categories so you won't earn more if you spend at certain places.
Apply for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Great for a no annual fee cash back card: Discover it® Cash Back
Why we picked it: We can't think of many cards with a cash back program like this one. Get 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories when activated (up to the quarterly maximum spend), plus unlimited cash back match at the end of your first year. The mobile app is also easier to use and much more modern looking than competitor apps. Keep track of your cash back bonus balance via Discover's Spend Analyzer. Best of all, you can redeem your rewards right from your phone or tablet.
Apply for Discover it® Cash Back
Great for cash back at U.S. supermarkets: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Why we picked it: Do you ever find yourself spending hundreds of dollars at the grocery store in hopes to satisfy your family's hungry appetite? If so, this cash back card may be the right pick. This is one of the highest cash back rates we've seen for groceries and streaming.
Apply for Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Get Up to 2% cash back with: Citi Double Cash® Card
Why we picked it: Rewards look different for this card, as it will show up on your account as "ThankYou points" instead of traditional dollar amounts. This means you'll earn 1 ThankYou point for every $1 spent on purchases. You'll also get an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your balance. All that to say, you'll still get 2% cash back on purchases.
Apply for Citi Double Cash® Card
Great for cash back of your choice: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Why we picked it: Earning 3% in a category you choose is a standout perk, especially since the category options are areas where many people spend a large amount. Also, if you keep enough money with Bank of America to get into its Preferred Rewards program, one of the many benefits is a credit card rewards bonus, effectively boosting your card's cash back rate.
Apply for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Great for rotating bonus categories: Chase Freedom Flex®
Why we picked it: This Chase card is loaded with bonus categories. It has rotating quarterly bonus categories and fixed bonus categories. Cash back cards normally give you one or the other, but not both.
Apply for Chase Freedom Flex®
Great for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Why we picked it: It normally takes good or excellent credit to get approved for a card with a high cash back rate. This Capital One card is a notable exception. It's possible to qualify with a 580 credit score -- many cards that earn similar rates require a credit score of 640 to 670.
Apply for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Great cash back option for students: Discover it® Student Cash Back
Why we picked it: When you're in college, you probably wouldn't mind saving money where you can, and this student credit card from Discover definitely helps. A 5% cash back rate in quarterly bonus categories (up to the quarterly limit, when you activate) is among the highest we've seen for a student credit. Discover's Cashback Match is also a highly valuable perk only found with Discover credit cards.
Apply for Discover it® Student Cash Back
Great for cash back flexibility: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Why we picked it: This U.S. Bank card puts you in control. It offers the highest cash back rate we've found for categories that you choose, and it offers some unique bonus categories that aren't seen often. If your spending habits change, you can make sure your credit card's rewards change, too.