By Choosing the right credit card can make a big difference in how you earn rewards and cashback. With so many options available, it’s important to find a card that fits your spending habits and offers the best benefits. Here are the top five credit cards that stand out for their rewards and cashback features.
Key Takeaways
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a flat 2% cashback on all purchases, making it simple to earn rewards.
- Citi Double Cash® Card gives 2% cashback—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay it off, perfect for straightforward rewards.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is great for families, offering high rewards on groceries and streaming services.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides cashback on all purchases, plus bonus rewards on travel and dining.
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards you for both dining and entertainment, plus it has no annual fee.+
Table of Contents
1. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a great choice for those who want straightforward cash back. With this card, you can earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. This means every time you buy something, you get rewarded!
Key Features:
- Introductory Offer: Get a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.
- Annual Fee: $0, which means you keep all your rewards.
- Regular APR: Ranges from 14.99% to 29.99%, depending on your credit score.
Why Choose This Card?
- Flat-rate rewards make it easy to earn cash back without worrying about categories.
- The low spending requirement for the bonus is appealing for new cardholders.
- It’s perfect for everyday spending, helping you save money on things you buy regularly.
Summary of Benefits:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Back Rate | 2% on all purchases |
| Intro Offer | $200 after $500 spent |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 14.99% – 29.99% |
This card is ideal for anyone looking to earn cash back without the hassle of tracking categories. It’s simple and effective!
2. Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card is a fantastic choice for those who want to earn cash back without the hassle of rotating categories. This card offers a straightforward rewards system that gives you 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay it off. This makes it one of the best options for cash-back rewards.
Key Features
- Annual Fee: $0
- Intro APR: 0% for the first 18 months on balance transfers
- Regular APR: 18.74% – 28.74% variable
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% for transfers within the first 4 months; 5% after that
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Credit Needed: Fair to Excellent
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases
- Simple cash-back program with no activation needed
- Long intro period for balance transfers
Cons:
- 3% fee for purchases made outside the U.S.
Estimated Rewards
| Time Period | Estimated Rewards Earned |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $443 |
| 5 Years | $2,213 |
The Citi Double Cash® Card is ideal for anyone looking to maximize their cash back without worrying about changing categories. Its 2% rewards rate is tough to beat!
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card From American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a fantastic choice for those who love to earn cash back on everyday purchases. This card offers a generous 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 spent each year, making it one of the best options for grocery shopping. After reaching that limit, you still earn 1% back on all supermarket purchases.
Key Features:
- Welcome Bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months.
- Annual Fee: $0 intro fee for the first year, then $95.
- Cash Back Rates:
- 6% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year, then 1%)
- 6% on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% at U.S. gas stations and on transit
- 1% on all other purchases
Why Choose This Card?
- High Cash Back: Ideal for families or individuals who frequently shop for groceries and use streaming services.
- Versatile Rewards: The card also provides cash back on gas and transit, making it suitable for daily commuting.
- Protection Benefits: Includes return protection and secondary car rental loss coverage.
This card is perfect for anyone who wants to maximize their cash back on everyday spending, especially on groceries and streaming services.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $250 after $3,000 in 6 months |
| Annual Fee | $0 intro for 1st year, then $95 |
| Cash Back at Supermarkets | 6% (up to $6,000/year, then 1%) |
| Cash Back on Streaming | 6% |
| Cash Back on Gas | 3% |
| Cash Back on Other Purchases | 1% |
4. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a fantastic choice for those who want to earn cash back on their everyday purchases. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Rewards
- 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining, including takeout.
- 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠.
- 3% cash back on all other purchases for the first year, up to $20,000 spent.
- After the first year, earn 5% cash back on travel through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on everything else.
Welcome Bonus
- Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases (up to $20,000 spent in the first year), which can be worth up to $300 cash back!
Fees and Rates
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for the first 15 months |
| Regular APR | 19.99% – 28.74% variable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of each transaction |
This card is perfect for anyone looking to maximize cash back on everyday spending.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee.
- Generous welcome bonus.
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Cons:
- 3% fee on foreign transactions.
In summary, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a great option for those who want to earn cash back without the hassle of an annual fee. It’s simple and effective for everyday spending!
5. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic choice for those who love to enjoy dining out and entertainment. This card offers great cash back rewards in several categories, making it a top pick for many.
Rewards
- 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 3% cash back on dining and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores).
- 3% cash back on popular streaming services.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome Bonus
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
Annual Fee
- $0 annual fee, making it easy to keep this card in your wallet.
Introductory Offer
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, which is great for new cardholders.
Regular APR
- After the intro period, the regular APR ranges from 19.99% to 29.99% variable.
Additional Benefits
- No foreign transaction fees, so you can use it while traveling without extra costs.
- Access to exclusive events and experiences through Capital One Entertainment.
This card is perfect for anyone who enjoys going out and wants to earn cash back while doing it. With its generous rewards and no annual fee, it’s a smart choice for many consumers.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cash Back on Dining | 3% |
| Cash Back on Entertainment | 3% |
| Cash Back on Streaming | 3% |
| Cash Back on Hotels | 5% |
| Welcome Bonus | $200 after $500 in 3 months |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Intro APR | 0% for 15 months |
| Regular APR | 19.99% – 29.99% variable |
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Rewards Credit Card
In conclusion, picking the right rewards credit card can really boost your savings and benefits. Each card has its own perks, whether you like cash back or travel points. Think about how you spend money and what rewards matter most to you. The cards we discussed offer great options for different needs, from dining out to shopping online. Remember to read the details and choose a card that fits your lifestyle. With the right card, you can earn rewards while spending wisely!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for cash back rewards?
The best cash back card depends on your spending habits. Some cards offer higher rewards in specific categories like groceries or dining, while others provide a flat rate on all purchases.
Do cash back credit cards really give you cash?
Yes, cash back cards typically give you money back based on your spending. You can redeem this cash as a statement credit or sometimes as a check.
How do I choose the right rewards credit card?
Think about how you spend money. If you eat out a lot, a card that gives rewards for dining might be best. If you prefer simplicity, look for a card that offers a flat cash back rate.
Are there any fees with rewards credit cards?
Some rewards cards have annual fees, while others do not. It’s important to check the fees before applying to see if they are worth the rewards you’ll earn.
Can I earn rewards on everyday purchases?
Yes, many rewards credit cards allow you to earn cash back or points on everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and dining.
How often do rewards change on credit cards?
Some cards have rotating categories that change every few months, while others have fixed categories or a flat rate for all purchases.
