The Best Cash Back Credit Cards of October 2026

Every swipe could put money back in your pocket. With the right cash back credit card, you can earn rewards on the things you already buy—whether that's groceries, gas, travel, or takeout. Here are the top cash back cards from our partners to help you get the most out of every dollar.
Last updated Oct. 8, 2026 | By FinanceBuzz Editors
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Limited-Time Offer
Excellent for elevated cash back
4.7
info

on Chase's secure website

Welcome Bonus
$250 info
Bonus
Rewards Rate
1% - 5% info
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • 5% Earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 total spent) and travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3% Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstores.
  • 1% 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Other Perks: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable), purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Plus, for a limited time you can earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening (limited-time offer).

on Chase's secure website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details

Excellent for earning cash back with a low intro APR
4.7
info

on Issuer's secure website

Welcome Bonus
Unlimited Cashback Match™ info
Rewards Rate
1% - 5% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • 5%   Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
  • 1%   Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Other Perks:  Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year. Plus, pay 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then APR is 17.74% - 26.74% (Variable); Balance transfer fee applies).

on Issuer's secure website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details
Excellent for high flat-rate cash back rewards
5.0
info

on Citi's secure website

Welcome Bonus
$200 info
Rewards Rate
2% - 5% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • 5%   Earn 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
  • up to 2%   Earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • Other Perks:  Lengthy intro APR offer on balance transfers, great for tackling high-interest debt + includes access to Citi Entertainment, which offers exclusive presales to thousands of events.

on Citi's secure website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details
Excellent for customized rewards rates
4.5
info

on Bank of America's secure website

Welcome Bonus
$200 info
Rewards Rate
1% - 6% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • 6%   Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (then 3% cash back after the first year from account opening in your choice category) — categories include gas and EV charging stations, online shopping, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing.
  • 2%   Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter).
  • 1%   1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Other Perks: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 17.74% - 27.74% Variable APR).

on Bank of America's secure website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details

Excellent for cash back at U.S. supermarkets
5.0
info

on American Express's secure website

See rates and fees | Terms Apply
Welcome Bonus
As high as $300 info
Cash back
Rewards Rate
1% - 6% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter
Why We Like It
  • 6%   Earn 6% cash back U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, after that 1%) and on select U.S. streaming services.
  • 3%   Earn 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1%   Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

on American Express's secure website

Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Card Details
Excellent for cash back on traveling and dining
4.7
info

on Chase's secure website

Welcome Bonus
$200 info
Bonus
Rewards Rate
1.5% - 5% info
Cash Back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • 5%   Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3%   Earn 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service.
  • 1.5%  Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Other Perks: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, enjoy a 0% Intro APR for 15 months on both purchases and balance transfers (then 18.24% - 27.74% Variable APR) — a strong window to pay down debt or finance a large purchase interest-free.

on Chase's secure website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details


Recommended Credit Score info
Good
670-739
Excellent
740-850


Click here to apply for Chase Freedom Flex® now.

Seriously Powerful Cashback Card

  • $0 annual fee
  • Flexible rewards redemption
  • Some travel perks and purchase protection
  • Can earn a $250 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening (limited-time offer)
  • Apply Now
  • Limited Time Offer! Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • New Benefit! Earn rewards worldwide with no foreign transaction fees
  • 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 unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Chase Freedom Flex®
4.7
info

on Chase's secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Limited Time Offer! Earn a $250 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

+

Why we like it



Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about cash back credit cards? We've answered the most common ones below to help you choose the right card for you.

How do cash back credit cards work?

When you use a cash back credit card, the issuer gives you back rewards as a percentage of what you spend on qualifying purchases. You can usually redeem these rewards for statement credits, and sometimes for other things, like gift cards.

What types of cash back rewards can I receive?

There are different types of cash back credit cards. For example, if you have a flat-rate cash back card that offers 1.5% back on all purchases and you buy a $10 birthday cake, the card issuer will give you 15 cents back.

Certain cash back cards also offer rotating bonus categories, which typically vary from quarter to quarter. One quarter, bonus cashback categories might include eligible online shopping purchases on sites like Amazon, Target, or Walmart. The next quarter, you might earn bonus cash at a wholesale club or home improvement store, or on a streaming subscription. As an added bonus, some issuers will even match the cash back you earn at the end of your first year, up to a certain amount.

The exact rewards structure will vary from card to card, though redemption options may be similar across credit cards. Some typical cashback redemption options include statement credits, direct deposits to your checking account, mailed checks, or credits you can use to purchase gift cards.

Which categories are eligible for cash back?

There are many categories of cash back cards. Some offer general flat-rate cash back, while others offer rotating categories. In general, here are some of the most common cash back categories:

  • U.S. Supermarkets
  • Gas Stations
  • Restaurants
  • Travel
  • Rotating categories
Is it better to get cash back or rewards?

Whether cash back or points/miles are better depends on what you value most. Big travel spenders might appreciate rewards that can be traded in for airline tickets, statement credits, and hotel stays. These points may be worth more than cash back depending on how you earn and redeem them.

However, some credit cards offer cashback rewards that can save customers a lot of money annually, which may be more important for you. In the end, it’s up to you to decide which is better for your lifestyle.

If you'd prefer more flexibility, certain cashback rewards cards allow you to use your cash back to book travel. This can give you the best of both worlds if you're on the fence about which type of card to choose.



How we chose these cards

FinanceBuzz evaluated a selection of cards from our partners, looking at various criteria including the annual fee, travel benefits, and bonus offers. We did not review all cards in the category and compensation was considered when evaluating and ordering the cards.