The Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards for September 2025
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Written by
Angela Mae
When Sears, Roebuck & Company launched the first cash-back rewards credit card (the Discover card) in 1986, consumers could expect to get up to 1% in rewards — often less. At the time, the rewards systems was tiered based on spend amount and you’d only receive cash back once a year.
Cash back credit cards have improved tremendously since then. Now, many issuers offer at least 1% cash back, and it’s not uncommon to find 2% cash back credit cards (regardless of spend amount).
If you’re going to get a credit card, you might as well get one with cash back rewards or other perks. That way, you can earn more for everyday spending.
But with so many credit cards with 2% cash back out there, it can be hard to choose the “right” one. While you should always do some cross-comparisons, here are some options to get you started.
Cards That Offer 2% Cash Back
Check out our picks for some of the best 2% cash back credit cards of September 2025.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a popular cash back card with a very straightforward rewards system. It earns unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. You also earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.
This card comes with no annual fee and a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR, depending on creditworthiness.
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card (an advertising partner) offers unlimited 2% cash back — 1% when you make a purchase, 1% when you make a payment. There are no limits or category restrictions. You can also earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
This credit card also comes with a few other perks. For example, you can earn $200 cash when you spend $1,500 on purchases within six months of account opening. You could also qualify for 0% intro APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 18.24% - 28.24% (Variable). There’s no annual fee, but there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®
The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® earns 2% cash back on every purchases with no annual fee. It also comes with a few other perks, such as ID theft protection and Mastercard Travel and Lifestyle Services.
It doesn’t come with an introductory APR offer like some of the other options and has a 18.24% - 33.99% Variable APR as of January 1, 2025.
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
The TD Double Up℠ Credit Card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases and gives new cardholders the opportunity to earn an intro bonus of $200 Cash Back after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.
This card also comes with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles after account opening. After that a 19.24%, 24.24% or 29.24% variable APR based on your creditworthiness. A 19.24%, 24.24% or 29.24% variable APR based on your creditworthiness applies to purchases. Additionally, there is no annual fee, but it is important to note that this card is only available to consumers in specific states.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card does not offer standard cash back, but earns rewards in the form of miles. At a minimum you will earn 2X miles on every purchase, but you can earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
You can use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase or redeem them by booking a trip through Capital One Travel. You also have the option to transfer miles to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel. This bonus makes this a more premium card. It’s easy to recoup the cost of the annual fee with other perks this card comes with like a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® and a $50 experience credit plus other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a great 2% cash back option for small business owners since you will earn 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 per year (then 1% cash back). The cash back you earn is automatically credited to your statement so you don’t have to worry about redeeming your rewards.
As a new cardholder you can earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months and you will enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable rate, 17.99% - 25.99%.
How to Choose a 2% Cash Back Credit Card
The best 2% cash back credit card is going to be one that suits your lifestyle and needs, but you may also want to look for things like welcome bonuses, redemption options, and other perks.
Here are a few tips for choosing a 2% cash back credit card:
- Annual percentage rate (APR) and other fees: Each card issuer will have its own APRs and fees. This may include an annual fee, foreign transaction fee or other charges. Be aware of these and look for a card with low fees. Also, try to pay off your balance in full each month to maximize cash back rewards while avoiding interest.
- Requirements: Most 2% cash back cards require good or excellent credit (670*+ FICO score).
- Welcome bonus: See if the card comes with a welcome offer. This is usually a one-time cash bonus you get after spending a certain amount on the card within a set number of months. Bonuses vary but are often between $150 and $500.
- Spending limits and categories: The best 2% cash credit back cards offer unlimited cash back on everyday spending categories. Some will have higher cash back rewards, but only up to a certain amount or on specific categories. Be aware of the rewards system and any limitations.
- Other perks: Look for things like a 0% introductory APR and other benefits like identity theft protection, purchase protection, cell phone insurance, travel insurance and so on. These can really add up when you find the right credit card for you.
- Rewards redemption options: Some cash back cards will let you redeem rewards as a statement credit, gift card or direct deposit. Others can be redeemed for online shopping, travel or other purchases.
Pros and Cons of 2% Cash Back Credit Cards
Pros
- Flat-rate 2% cash back credit cards are easy to use
- Cards with unlimited cash back make it easy to rack up points
- Can be used for everyday purchases like groceries, entertainment, travel, or gas
- Generally have no annual fee
- May have other perks like 0% intro APR
Cons
- APRs can still be high
- Higher rewards rates are available on category cash back cards (though only on specific categories)
Takeaway
2% cash back credit cards can be a great way to rack up rewards for everyday purchases. Many of these cards also come with other perks, like no annual fee, 0% intro APR and a welcome bonus.
But it’s always a good idea to compare several offers before choosing one. Look out for fees, eligibility criteria, restrictions and other benefits to make sure you pick the best cash back card for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about 2% cash back credit cards, whether they’re worth it, and how to earn even more from everyday spending.
Which cards have 2% cash back?
Credit cards with 2% cash back include the Active Cash Card and the Double Cash Card. There are also other credit cards offering between 1% and 6% cash back on select purchases.
Is a 2% cash back card worth it?
A 2% cash back credit card can be worth it if you already use a credit card for everyday purchases and want to rack up the rewards. If you choose a card with unlimited cash back, you won’t have to worry about keeping up with specific or rotating categories either. Just remember that you’ll still need to pay off your balance (plus any applicable interest charges).
Is there a 2% credit card?
Some credit cards offer 2% cash back on select (or all) categories. Restrictions and spending limits may apply. Cards that offer 1% or 1.5% unlimited cash back are also common.
How do you get 5% cash back on everything?
To earn 5% cash back, you may need to choose a credit card with rotating categories and it likely will not be unlimited. Categories typically change every quarter and are for very specific types of purchases (e.g., travel or groceries). They may also have spending limits.
