December 17, 2024

The 7 Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2025

Most spending is a one-way journey — but it doesn't have to be. Cash back credit cards turn your everyday purchases into round-trip adventures, making your money work harder for you.

Cash back credit cards offer a simple but valuable reward: They return a percentage of your purchases as money you can spend however you want, which is why they’re getting more and more popular. Whether it's 1% on every purchase or higher rates in specific categories like groceries or gas, these cards let you earn while you spend.

Here’s a guide to the best cash back credit cards with high rewards and useful features.

The 7 best cash back credit cards in 2025

Ready to earn? Here are a few of the top rated cash back credit cards on the market today:

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited cash back credit card rewards you for spending at some of your favorite places. This cash rewards credit card comes with a solid 1.5% cash back on every purchase, then kicks things up a notch with bonus rewards: 5% back on Chase travel bookings and 3% on dining and drugstores. First-time users pick up a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.

This card sweetens the deal with a 0% intro annual percentage rate (APR) for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR of 19.99% to 28.74%. Plus, there's no annual fee to worry about, keeping more of your cash rewards in your pocket.

2. Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card

Looking for a cash back credit card that keeps it simple? The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card turns every purchase into an earning opportunity with a generous 2% unlimited cash rewards on everything you buy. Cardholders snag a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.

The perks don't stop there. You'll get a 0% intro APR for 12 months on both purchases and balance transfers, and there's no annual fee to eat into your rewards. After that, you have a variable APR of either 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74%.

3. Capital One Savor Rewards Cash Back Credit Card

If you love cooking, eating out, or watching the latest movies, the Capital One Savor Cash Back Credit Card rewards your good times, offering 3% cash rewards on dining, entertainment, and grocery purchases. It’s one of the highest cash back credit cards on this list, with a whopping 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel.

New Capital One Savor Cash Back cardholders grab a $250 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first three months. You also get a 0% intro APR for 15 months, after which you’ll have a variable APR between 19.74% and 29.74%. Bonus — there's no annual fee.

4. Citi Double Cash Credit Card

The Citi Double Cash Card puts a unique spin on cash back. You receive 1% cash back when you make a purchase, plus another 1% when you pay your bill, for a grand total of 2% on everything you buy. New Citi Double Cash cardholders pick up a $200 bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months, plus score 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals through Citi Travel.

If you need time to tackle some debt, the Double Cash card gives you a lengthy 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers without an annual fee. After that, your variable APR ranges from 18.74% to 28.74%.

5. Discover it Cash Back Credit Card

For the consumer who likes to keep it interesting, the Discover it cash back credit card offers 5% cash back in rotating categories, up to the generous quarterly maximum of $1,500. If that's not enough, you also get 1% cash rewards on everything else.

There's also a bonus twist: Discover matches all the cash rewards you earn in your first year, doubling your cash back. That means your 5% category bonus cash back effectively becomes 10%.

Your cash back journey starts with a 0% intro APR for 15 months, without an annual fee. Once the intro period expires, you get a variable APR of 18.74% to 27.74%.

6. American Express Blue Cash Preferred

Love watching the latest streaming hits while snacking on treats from the grocery store? Then American Express Blue Cash Preferred is the cash back card for you. You get an impressive 6% cash back at supermarkets (up to $6,000 yearly, then 1%) and on select streaming services. This account also gives you 3% cash rewards on transit and at gas stations, making it one of the best cash back credit cards for gas.

First-time users get a $300 welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in six months, plus $84 in Disney Bundle credits. There's a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR between 18.74% and 29.74%. There’s a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, and $95 per year after that.

7. Citi Custom Cash Back Credit Card

If you need a card that adapts to your spending habits, the Citi Custom Cash Credit Card might be the next one to add to your wallet. This cash rewards credit card automatically gives you 5% cash back in your top categories every billing cycle (up to $500) — and there's a huge range. Whether it's restaurants, travel, or live entertainment, this cash rewards card's got your back.

Everything not included in your spend categories earns unlimited 1% cash back, plus you'll score an extra 4% on hotels and car rentals through Citi Travel. That makes it one of the best business cash back credit cards if your work often takes you out of town.

Cardholders get a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,500 in the first six months. This card comes with a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR at 18.74% to 28.74%. And there's no annual fee.

What are cash back credit cards?

We’ve covered the top choices, but what is a cash back credit card, exactly? Cash back credit cards put money back in your pocket while you spend. For example, if your card offers 2% back and you spend $500 in a month, you earn $10 in rewards. It's like getting a little rebate on everything you buy, from your morning coffee to international flights.

You can usually redeem cash rewards in a few different ways: a statement credit that reduces your balance, a direct deposit to your bank account, or sometimes even a paper check. It depends on the bank, the account, and your preferences.

Most cash back cards come with other features too, like variable APRs and affordable or even zero-interest balance transfers. You might have to pay an annual fee, though many cash back cards don't have one.

Types of cash back credit cards

Not all cash back credit cards work the same way. Let's explore the three main types of rewards cards to help you find the best fit for your spending style:

Flat-rate cash back cards

The simplest option is a flat-rate cash back credit card like the Citi Double Cash Card, which offers the same reward rate on everything you buy. While you might not get the highest possible cash rewards in any one category, you never have to think about where to use your card.

Tiered cash back cards

Want to earn more in specific categories? Tiered cash back cards have different cash reward rates for different types of spending. If you spend a lot in a category like eating out or travel, this could be your ideal option.

But there’s a drawback: While these cash back cards may have bigger rewards, some categories have spending caps or other restrictions, so you need to keep track of which one to use where.

Rotating category cards

If you don't mind being strategic with your spending, rotating category cash back cards give you high cash rewards that change throughout the year. These bonus categories switch up every quarter between things like groceries, gas stations, and specific retailers. Just remember to activate your bonus categories or you'll miss out on those higher cash rewards.

4 tips for maximizing cash back rewards

Here are some expert ways to maximize your cash:

1. Be realistic about your lifestyle. If you spend a lot on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred Cash Back Card with 6% cash rewards might be your best bet. If you spend a lot on travel, you might prefer the Chase Freedom Unlimited card with its bonus rewards for Chase travel bookings. No matter what, choose a card that aligns with your lifestyle.

2. Time your big purchases around welcome bonuses. Many cash rewards credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses when you satisfy minimum spending requirements in the first few months, so take advantage by timing your application if you’re looking to make a major purchase.

3. Use multiple cards strategically. Consider pairing a high-rate category card with a flat-rate option like the Citi Double Cash Card for out-of-category purchases that don't earn bonus reward cash.

4. Pay your balance in full each month. Make sure your cash rewards don't get eaten up by interest fees by paying off your credit card every month.

Can’t wait for cash back rewards? Access your earnings faster

Cash back can be a strategic move — but why wait for your rewards to accumulate when you can access your hard-earned cash sooner?

EarnIn’s Cash Out tool lets you get paid as you earn it, giving you extra control over your finances. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between paydays while taking advantage of your cash back rewards.

Download the EarnIn app today and experience money at the speed of you.

Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.

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