Grab big cash back with the top credit cards, earning rewards on food and gas every day. These winners save you money fast.
The best cash back credit card is one you will use regularly. Some cards pay a single rate on every purchase, with no work required on your part. Others pay higher rewards in specific categories (up to 6% in some cases) and a lower rate elsewhere. Choose one card for everything, or carry several to maximize your cash back.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: 4.5 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Intro Offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards Breakdown:
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Card Details:
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% – 29.74% variable APR after that
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within 3 months
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Pros:
You can find a hassle-free 1.5% cash back on every single purchase without worrying about categories or limits, making it super easy to earn rewards on all your daily spending. And with no foreign transaction fees, this card’s a solid pick for your next trip abroad, plus you’ll snag a $200 bonus just by spending $500 in the first three months.
Cons:
You can find higher cash-back rates with cards that offer bonus categories, though you’d need to juggle tracking those to beat this flat 1.5%. And if you’re hoping to maximize travel rewards, the value drops unless you book through Capital One Travel for that 5% boost on hotels and rental cars.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: 4.5 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1% – 3% cash back
Intro Offer: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Rewards Breakdown:
3% cash back in the category of your choice (from a list including gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement/furnishings)
2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
1% cash back on all other purchases (3% and 2% apply to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%)
Card Details:
0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within 90 days
$200 online cash rewards bonus after $1,000 in purchases in first 90 days
No annual fee with flexible category selection each month
Pros:
You can find a handy 3% cash back in a category you pick—like gas or online shopping—letting you tailor rewards to your life, and it’s even better if you’re a Preferred Rewards member boosting that rate higher. And with no annual fee, you’ll pocket a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in 90 days, making it a sweet deal for everyday use.
Cons:
You can find more rewards potential with cards that don’t cap bonus earnings, since this one limits 3% and 2% categories to $2,500 per quarter. And with a 3% foreign transaction fee, it’s not the best companion for international adventures or big spenders looking to stretch their cash back.
Citi Custom Cash® Card
Rating: 4.5 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1% – 5% cash back
Intro Offer: Earn $200 in cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening (fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, redeemable for $200 cash back)
Rewards Breakdown:
5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent, then 1%)
1% cash back on all other purchases
Card Details:
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in first 6 months
No annual fee with automatic category adjustment
Pros:
You can find a nifty 5% cash back that automatically kicks in on whatever you spend the most on each month—like groceries or gas—up to $500, perfect for keeping things simple. And with no annual fee, you’ll enjoy a $200 bonus after hitting $1,500 in six months, plus a long 15-month 0% intro APR to tackle big buys.
Cons:
You can find higher rewards with cards that don’t cap 5% at just $500 a month, especially if you spend a lot in multiple areas. And that 3% foreign transaction fee means it’s not the greatest for jetting off overseas, limiting its appeal for globetrotters.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
Rating: 4.0 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1% – 4% cash back
Intro Offer: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening (worth $200 in cash back)
Rewards Breakdown:
4% cash back on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery
2% cash back at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and EV charging stations
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Card Details:
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles
Earn 20,000 bonus points (worth $200) after $1,000 in 90 days
No annual fee with no foreign transaction fees
Pros:
You can find a tasty 4% cash back on dining and takeout that’s perfect for foodies, plus 2% on groceries and gas keeps your everyday spending rewarding. And with no foreign transaction fees, it’s a great buddy for travel, topped off with a $200 bonus after just $1,000 in 90 days.
Cons:
You can find longer intro APR offers elsewhere, since this one’s only 12 months compared to 15 on other cards. And if you’re big on online shopping or travel rewards, the lack of bonus categories there might leave you wanting more.
Discover it®
Rating: 4.5 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1% – 2% cash back
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards Breakdown:
2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter
1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases — automatically
Card Details:
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Unlimited Cashback Match at the end of your first year
No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
Pros:
You can find a handy 2% cash back on gas and restaurants that’s great for road trips or dining out, up to $1,000 a quarter, and the Cashback Match doubles your first-year haul. And with no foreign transaction fees, it’s a stress-free pick for travel, paired with a 15-month 0% intro APR.
Cons:
You can find higher rewards rates if you’re willing to chase bigger bonus categories beyond the $1,000 quarterly cap here. And if you spend a lot on groceries or online, the lack of extra perks there might feel like a missed opportunity.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rating: 4.5 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1% – 5% cash back
Intro Offer: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards Breakdown:
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores)
1% cash back on all other purchases
Card Details:
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Pros:
You can find a delicious 3% cash back on dining, groceries, and streaming that fits your daily life, plus 5% on Capital One Travel bookings for your getaways. And with no foreign transaction fees or annual fee, it’s a wallet-friendly choice, sweetened by a $200 bonus for just $500 spent.
Cons:
You can find flat-rate cards with higher base rewards, since this one drops to 1% outside bonus categories. And if you shop at superstores like Walmart, the 3% grocery perk won’t apply there, which might cramp your style.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Rating: 4.0 NerdWallet rating Annual Fee: $0 Rewards Rate: 1% – 5% cash back
Intro Offer: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Rewards Breakdown:
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose
2% cash back on your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations or grocery stores)
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
Card Details:
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in first 120 days
No annual fee with customizable category selection
Pros:
You can find a flexible 5% cash back on two categories you pick each quarter—like utilities or shopping—up to $2,000, tailoring it to your needs. And with no annual fee, you’ll enjoy a $200 bonus after $1,000 spent, plus a 15-month 0% intro APR for breathing room.
Cons:
You can find uncapped rewards elsewhere, since the 5% here stops at $2,000 per quarter and needs activation. And with a 3% foreign transaction fee, it’s not the best for overseas trips, which might disappoint travelers.
