Last updated Sept. 15, 2025 | By FinanceBuzz Editors


Today's Top Cash Back Credit Cards


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2025 award winner Best Overall Cash Back Credit Card

5.0
info

on Wells Fargo’s website

Welcome Bonus
$200 info
Cash rewards
Rewards Rate
2% info
Cash rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Flat-rate unlimited cash rewards on eligible purchases

  • Intro APR offers on purchases and qualifying balance transfers to help avoid interest

  • Redemption perks for eligible Wells Fargo accounts, including loan or mortgage credits or cash via an ATM

on Wells Fargo’s website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details
BENEFITS AT THE GAS STATION

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with this card, including on gas!

» Apply now for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Excellent for high flat-rate cash back rewards
5.0
info

on Citi’s website

Welcome Bonus
$200 info
Rewards Rate
2% - 5% info
Cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Why We Like It
  • Simple unlimited cash back rewards on every purchase with no annual fee

  • 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 website

Recommended Credit info
Good to Excellent (670 - 850)
Card Details
BENEFITS AT THE GAS STATION

Use this card to earn up to 2% on everything — including gas purchases!

» Apply now for the Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees)



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.