Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards of January 2026
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Written by
Jasmin Baron, CCC™
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Edited by
Emily Gadd, CCC™
When you’re in the market for a cash-back credit card, you’ve got plenty of options — including cards with rotating or choose-your-own bonus categories, cards that earn a bonus in static categories, and cards that earn a flat rate of return everywhere.
If you prefer simplicity but want to maximize rewards on all of your spending, it’s hard to go wrong with a flat-rate 2% cash back credit card. You won’t have to remember where to use it or take up mental bandwidth keeping track of changing categories. Even better, some of these cards also offer benefits such as an intro APR and purchase protection.
Which card is right for you? We’ve rounded up the best 2% cash back credit cards to help you find the one for your wallet.
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Quick Overview: Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards
| Our Choice For | Credit Range | Annual Fee | Highlights | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Back |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
|
$0 |
Earn 2% Cash Rewards plus a $200 bonus Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Apply Now
More Details
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| 2% Cash Back |
Excellent/Good
670 – 850*
|
$0 |
Extra long intro APR on balance transfers, generous welcome bonus, and 2% cash back Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
Apply Now
More Details
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| Flexible cash back |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Flexible cash back rewards plus a bonus
Apply Now
More Details
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U.S. Bank Customers |
Good – Excellent
670 – 850*
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$0 |
Unlimited 2% cash back
Full Review
More Details
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Flat-rate cash back |
Good/Excellent
670 – 850*
|
$0 |
Unlimited 2% Cash Back on Every Purchase
Full Review
More Details
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Detailed Overview: Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards
Top Feature
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Top Feature
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% – 27.49% (Variable). A 17.49% – 27.49% (Variable) APR will apply for purchases.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Back
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Top Feature
Earn $200 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days after account opening
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles on balance transfers made within the first 90 days of account opening. After that a 18.74%, 23.74% or 28.74% variable APR based on your creditworthiness. A 18.74%, 23.74% or 28.74% variable APR based on your creditworthiness applies to purchases.
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Rewards
Card Details From Issuer
- Bonus Cash Back: Earn $200 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days after account opening
- Earn unlimited 2% Cash Back on all eligible purchases
- No reward categories, no caps, no worries.
- Get Visa benefits like cell phone protection when you pay your monthly mobile bill with your card
- No annual fee
- Contactless Payments/Digital Wallet
- Instant credit card replacement
- Must be a resident of CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA or VT.
Top Feature
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
Earn up to an additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account plus qualifying balances in U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account(s).
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.74% – 27.99%
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Rewards
Earn up to an additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account plus qualifying balances in U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account(s).
Card Details From Issuer
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
- Up to an additional 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible Net Purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account plus qualifying balances in U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking and/or Safe Debit account(s).
- $0 annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies, currently 17.74% – 27.99%
Top Feature
2% cash back* on every purchase
Purchase & Balance Transfer APR
18.24% – 33.99% Variable APR as of January 1, 2025
CardCritics™ Opinion
Recommended Credit Score
Annual Fee
Cash Back
Card Details From Issuer
- 2% cash back* on every purchase–no categories, tiers, or limits–no kidding.
- No annual fee^
- Zero Liability Protection
- Secure online and mobile app account access
- Get more out of every day purchases — earn 2% cash back with the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard. No complicated math or rewards categories to remember.
- Plus, you’ll also gain access to additional key benefits like identity theft protection, money-saving discounts, and concierge travel planning support.
- *CASH BACK REWARDS: Subject to credit approval. Valid on net purchases (less credits, returns and adjustments) of goods and services made with a Synchrony Premier World Mastercard. Cash back earned will be applied as a statement credit within 2 billing periods after an eligible purchase is made. Cash advances, fees and interest charges do not qualify to earn cash back. Account must be open and in good standing at the time the purchase is made and the statement credit is applied. See Rewards Program Terms for details.
- ^NO ANNUAL FEE: New Accounts as of January 1, 2025: Variable Purchase APR 18.24%, 27.24%, or 33.99%. Variable Balance Transfer APR 18.24%, 27.24% or 33.99% and 4% Fee ($10 min). Variable Cash APR 21.24%, 30.24% or 36.99% and 5% Fee ($10 min). Variable Penalty APR 28.24%, 37.24% or 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Foreign Transaction Fee is 3%.
How To Choose a 2% Cash Back Credit Card
Choosing the best credit card for your lifestyle is straightforward if you’ve already decided on a flat-rate cash-back card. The best 2% cash back credit card for you won’t depend on your spending habits (since it’ll earn the same rate wherever you use it). However, you’ll want to consider other factors, such as welcome bonuses, introductory annual percentage rates (APRs), fees, ancillary benefits and redemption options.
Here’s what to review before you make a decision.
Welcome Bonuses
Earning a credit card welcome bonus is a great way to jumpstart your rewards stash. Not all 2% cash-back credit cards offer a welcome bonus, but those that do tend to have similar offers. For example:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Citi Double Cash Card: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
- TD Double Up Credit Card: Earn $200 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days after account opening
It’s also important to consider the minimum spend required to unlock the bonus. Be sure you can comfortably meet it without overspending within the allotted time frame.
Introductory 0% APRs
Several 2% cash back credit cards offer new cardholders an introductory APR on purchases, balance transfers or both. If you have large expenses coming up that you want to pay off over time, or if you have high-interest balances on other cards you’d like to pay down faster, a card with an intro APR could save you a significant amount of money.
For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and on qualifying balance transfers, then a 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR. And the Citi Double Cash Card offers an 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable). A 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable) APR will apply for purchases.
Fees and Costs
None of the cards on our list charges an annual fee, which is typical of 2% cash back credit cards. However, you’ll want to carefully review other fees and costs with the card, including:
- Regular APR
- Late fees, returned payment fees, cash advance fees and balance transfer fees
- Foreign transaction fees
Keep in mind that most 2% cash back credit cards charge foreign transaction fees of up to 3%, so if you travel abroad, you’ll want to consider packing a different card. Here are our roundups of the best credit cards with no foreign transaction fees and the best credit cards for international travel, with all the top options.
Card Benefits
While many no-annual-fee credit cards are super light on perks, you may be surprised at the benefits offered by some 2% cash back credit cards. From purchase protections to travel insurance, these extras can help save you money and give you peace of mind.
For example, TD Double Up Credit Card benefits include cell phone protection worth up to $500 per claim (with a $50 deductible) when you use the card to pay your monthly wireless bill. It also comes with a handful of travel protections, including lost luggage reimbursement and access to travel and emergency assistance services.
Similarly, Wells Fargo Active Cash Card benefits include cell phone coverage of up to $600 per claim (with a $25 deductible), secondary car rental insurance, and travel and emergency assistance services.
Redemption Options
Most 2% cash back credit cards offer multiple redemption options, though a few are more restrictive in how you can use your rewards. Depending on the card, you may be able to redeem for:
- Cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit or check
- Travel booked through the issuer’s portal
- Gift cards and merchandise
- Award travel by transferring points to airline and hotel partners
The Citi Double Cash Card is among the most flexible of the bunch. Even though it’s marketed as a cash-back card, it earns rewards as Citi ThankYou® points. Here’s how you can use your points:
- Transfers to Citi’s airline and hotel partners
- Travel (hotels, flights, car rentals and attractions) booked through Citi Travel
- Cash back as a statement credit, direct deposit or check
- Gift cards purchased through Citi
- Shop with points at select merchants
- Donations to eligible charities
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Synchrony Premier Card offers only one redemption method — cash back is automatically credited to your statement each month.
Pros and Cons of 2% Cash Back Credit Cards
Pros
- Easy to use; no need to keep track of various bonus categories or spending caps
- Ideal for purchases that don’t typically earn bonus rewards with other cards (such as medical/dental bills, car repairs or insurance payments)
- Usually don’t charge an annual fee
- Often offer an introductory APR on purchases and/or balance transfers
Cons
- Typically requires at least a good credit score to be considered
- May have a high regular APR
- No opportunity to earn bonus rewards in certain categories
- Usually charges a foreign transaction fee
Other 2% Cash Back Cards To Consider
We’ve rounded up the most valuable and accessible 2% cash back credit cards in our guide, but a few more on the market might suit certain consumers and situations as well. Here’s a quick look at other options to consider:
- PNC Cash Unlimited®: If you bank with PNC, this card could make a lot of sense, offering unlimited 2% cash back on purchases with no annual or foreign transaction fees. It offers new cardholders a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months following account opening when the balance is transferred within the first 90 days following account opening. After that, your APR will be 18.74% to 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. 18.74% to 28.74% based on your creditworthiness applies to purchases.
- Apple Card: iPhone users will appreciate this no-annual-fee card, which earns 2% cash back when you use the card with Apple Pay (and 3% back at select merchants, such as Exxon Mobil, Walgreens, Uber and Nike). While there’s no welcome bonus and few notable benefits, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for international travel.
- Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card: This card is a standout pick if you’re a Fidelity customer, earning 2% cash back when you deposit rewards into an eligible Fidelity account. It’s especially good for travelers, since it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and offers up to $100 in credit toward the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee (a rarity on no-annual-fee cards).
Alternatives to Flat Rate 2% Cash Back Credit Cards
If a 2% cash back credit card doesn’t feel right for you but you don’t want to miss out on earning cash back, you’ve got a few options:
- Rewards credit cards: Cards that earn points you can redeem for cash back, travel and other options are a good choice for those who prefer flexibility. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns at least 1.5% back on purchases in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which offer multiple redemption options.
- Fixed bonus category cards: Cash-back cards that earn higher rewards for certain purchases can be very lucrative if you spend a lot in certain categories. For example, you’ll find cards that earn bonus rewards on gas, groceries, dining and travel. Here’s our guide to the best credit cards for each bonus category.
- Rotating category cards: If you don’t mind activating new categories each quarter, a card with rotating bonus categories could put a lot of cash back in your pocket. These include popular options like the Chase Freedom Flex® and Discover it® Cash Back.
- Choose-your-own bonus category cards: A handful of cards, such as the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card and U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, allow you to choose your highest-earning eligible categories from a list. These cards require a more hands-on approach, but the payoff can be substantial.
The information related to the U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card, Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®, PNC Cash Unlimited®, Apple Card, Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card and U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card was collected by CardCritics™ and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardCritics™ does not receive a commission for this product.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2% Cash Back Credit Cards
Which 2% cash back credit card is best?
There’s no single best 2% cash back credit card. The right card for you will depend on the additional benefits you want (such as a welcome bonus, intro APR or protections) as well as your rewards preferences. If you’re already invested in Citi ThankYou points or Wells Fargo Rewards, for example, you might naturally gravitate toward the Citi Double Cash Card or Wells Fargo Active Cash Card.
Is a 2% cash back card worth it?
Yes, a 2% cash-back credit card is worth it for consumers who want a simple way to maximize rewards. It’s also good for those who don’t spend a ton in any one category; lots of folks use a 2% cash back card for general expenses or as a complement to other cards in their wallet.
Is there a 2.5% cash back credit card?
No mainstream cards offer 2.5% cash back on all purchases, though you may be able to find that rate with smaller banks or credit unions. For example, the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Always Cash Visa Signature® Rewards Credit Card earns 2.5% back on up to $5,000 in purchases each billing cycle (then 1.25%).
What credit score do I need for a 2% cash back credit card?
To be eligible to apply for most 2% cash back credit cards, you’ll need a good-to-excellent credit score (a FICO score of 670 or higher). Keep in mind that a good credit score alone doesn’t guarantee approval; issuers look at other factors, including your overall financial picture, while evaluating your application.
How Do Our Critics Evaluate the Cards?
All of the credit cards featured on CardCritics™ are assessed using the same criteria. Our critics evaluate fees, interest rates, balance transfer options, introductory bonuses, rewards, additional benefits and the average credit score required for approval.
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
*CardCritics™ references a FICO® 8 score, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when evaluating your application.