Competition in the cash back credit card space is heating up with compelling cards entering the market while veteran cards are stepping up their benefits to win your business too. If your credit score falls in the good to excellent range (670 – 850*) and you have not applied for a credit card recently, then it is a fantastic time to apply for a new card and start increasing your cash back returns. We have rounded up the top options from our partners below so whether you prefer flat-rate cash back or higher cash back rates on specific categories, our critics have you covered.
Unlimited 2% Cash Back Rewards Plus a Bonus
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a flat-rate cash rewards card that also offers a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers then this card is a great option. You will pay no annual fee, can earn an intro bonus and protect your cell phone from damage or theft. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
- 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR; 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
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
This card from Wells Fargo is a top contender in the cash back category. You’ll earn an unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases which means there are no activation requirements for special categories or monthly caps to worry about. Earning 2% rewards on all of your purchases is tough to beat and makes this $0 annual fee card a stand out option for anyone looking for a low maintenance cash rewards card that will allow you to accumulate cash rewards really quickly. There is also a sign-up bonus worth $200 in cash rewards that can be earned by spending at least $1,000 in purchases in the first three months after you are approved.
Best For Balance Transfers and Cash Back
Discover it® Balance Transfer
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This card offers a rare combination of excellent cash back benefits and a very generous intro APR on balance transfers. Discover also matches all of the cash back you have earned at the end of your first year and charges no annual fee.Card Details From Issuer
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- No annual fee.
- Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
Discover it® Balance Transfer
The Discover it® Balance Transfer card is tailored to those who are looking to pay down debt with a balance transfer who also want to earn cash back rewards. New card members will benefit from a 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months followed by a 16.49% – 27.49% Variable APR. As for rewards, you will earn 5% back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter you activate, then you earn 1%) and 1% back on all of your other purchases. To top it off, all of the cash back you earn your first year is matched and you’ll pay no annual fee.
3% Back On Groceries, Dining & More
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This stellar card from Capital One is an excellent choice for those who spend regularly in the dining, entertainment, streaming services and grocery categories. There is a lucrative bonus opportunity, a generous intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers and a $0 annual fee. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% – 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
If you spend regularly on dining, entertainment, groceries and online streaming services, then the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card would be a great addition to your wallet as cardholders earn unlimited 3% cash back in those categories. You will also earn 1% back on all of your other purchases. There is no annual fee and new cardmembers can also benefit from a 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable). There is a 3% balance transfer fee but that fee is likely worth it if you are paying interest each month on another card. You can also kick off your cash back earnings with a $200 welcome bonus that can be earned by spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months. That is a much lower spending requirement than the other cards we have featured and it equates to 40% cash back on your first $500 in purchases.
Unlimited 3X Rewards on Restaurants, Travel, Gas & More
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This rewards card from Wells Fargo offers a seriously impressive lineup of benefits, especially for a card without an annual fee. You will earn 20,000 bonus points (a $200 cash redemption value) when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Your ongoing rewards can add up quickly as well since you earn 3X points at restaurants, gas stations and on travel, transit and streaming services. There are no category limits to worry about and you can earn 1X points on your other purchases. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value
- Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases
- $0 annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% variable APR thereafter
- Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
- Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
- Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
- Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
This $0 annual fee credit card is not technically a cash back credit card (it is classified as a rewards card), but since you can redeem your rewards for cash we think it’s worth including here. It offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans. There are no caps to worry about and no rewards calendars to keep track of. Plus you will also earn 1X on all of your other purchases. New card members can also earn a massive 20,000-point welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. This bonus has a $200 cash redemption value! In addition to the cash redemption option you can also redeem your rewards for travel, gift cards, and more. There is also a generous intro APR on purchases and many other premium benefits.
Quick and Simple Rewards
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This $0 annual fee cash back credit card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase making it an excellent, straightforward option for those looking for a flat rate credit card. You will also earn an elevated cash back rate on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. There is a generous online cash rewards bonus and a lengthy intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74%-29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card stacks up very well against other top-tier cash back cards as it offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on everyday purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. As a welcome offer, new card members can earn a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 within the first 3 months. This is a lower spending requirement than most cash back cards which means you can easily achieve this bonus with everyday purchases. You will also get 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership (through 11/14/24) and access to exclusive reservations and dining experiences through Capital One Dining. You will also benefit from a 0% intro on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.74% – 29.74% (Variable) APR will apply. There is a 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months but this fee is usually worth it if you’re currently carrying a balance on another card that charges interest. That’s an extensive list of benefits, especially for a card that does not charge an annual fee.
Choose Your Bonus Category
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Apply Now
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a top contender in the field of cash back cards without annual fees especially if you’re looking for a generous intro APR. With an easy to achieve intro bonus and fantastic ongoing cash back rewards, it checks all the important boxes. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- If you’re a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
- 0% Introductory APR for 18 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 17.49% – 27.49% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
You will be hard-pressed to find another card without an annual fee that offers better flexibility in the cash back department than the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card. You get to decide which category you’ll earn 3% back in each month while also earning 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. The bonus cash back earned in these combined categories (your choice, grocery and wholesale clubs) is capped at $2,500 in purchases each quarter. You’ll earn 1% after that cap is hit and on all of your other purchases. This cash back card also has a longer than average intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers. To sweeten the deal, you’ll also earn a $200 online cash back rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases on your card within the first 90 days of your account opening. That’s an additional 20% back on your first $1,000 spent!
Great For Everyday Spending – Especially Groceries
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Apply Now
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
If you are looking for a well-rounded card that makes it easy to rack up cash back while saving on interest look no further. With incredible cash back rates on groceries, streaming services, gas and transit expenses, it’s easy to see why the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics advertiser) is so popular. There is an impressive cash back welcome offer and though there is an annual fee it is waived the first year. If you spend at least $30.44 on groceries a week your cash back earned will surpass the cost of the annual fee. Read our in-depth Critical Analysis to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.74% to 29.74%
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
It is important to understand that when it comes to credit cards the only way to really take your earning potential to the next level is to choose a card with an annual fee. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express (a CardCritics advertiser) is an excellent example since the ongoing perks and rewards quickly justify the $95 annual fee which is waived your first year. You will earn a massive 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, and 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. All of your other eligible purchases will earn you 1% back. To sweeten the deal, you can earn a $250 welcome bonus after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
Bonus Categories Made Easy
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Advertiser Disclosure
At CardCritics, it is our goal to provide you with information to help you make educated choices about credit cards. We have not reviewed all available products and offers but are confident that we are providing the information you need to make a sound decision.
The products featured on our site are from our partners which is how we make money. The financial compensation we receive may impact where and how cards appear on our site, but it does not impact our critical analysis. All opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed on our site are those of the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
Critics' Overview
This extremely flexible cash back card from Citi, an advertising partner, makes it easy to rack up big-time rewards. You will earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent). The great thing is that you don’t have to choose your bonus category ahead of time because your earn adjusts automatically based on your spending. You will earn 1% on all other purchases, have a chance to earn a significant cash back intro bonus and save money with a generous intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers.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.
- 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
- No Annual Fee
- Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is an extremely flexible cash back card that makes it easy to rack up big-time rewards. You will earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent). The great thing is that you don’t have to choose your bonus category ahead of time because your earn adjusts automatically based on your spending. Eligible spending categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment. You will earn 1% on all other purchases, and can earn $200 in 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.
With incredible welcome offers and lucrative ongoing rewards, it is easy to see why now is a great time to apply for a new card. You can also save money by taking advantage of the 0% intro APRs on purchases and balance transfers that many of these cards offer. Simply click the ‘Show Card Details’ buttons above to view that information. If saving money on interest is your number one goal then you should check out our round-up of cards that will allow you to pay no interest until 2024.
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.
