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.
Earn Unlimited 2% Cash Back Plus A $200 Bonus
Citi Double 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 an easy to understand, flat rate, cash back credit card that pays an above-average rate of 2% (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay), then this card from Citi (an advertising partner) is a fantastic option for you. There is also a compelling balance transfer intro APR offer and a welcome bonus. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.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 17.99% – 27.99%, 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).
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card (an advertising partner) is a 2% cash back option that works a bit differently. You earn unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. You can also earn a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. There is also 0% intro APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers followed by a 17.99% – 27.99% (Variable) APR. If you have good to excellent credit then it is a well-rounded cash back option with a $0 annual fee.
Huge Earning Potential and No Annual Fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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 Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a generous and unlimited base rate of 1.5% cash back on all of your purchases while also providing an even higher rate on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, dining at restaurants and purchases at drugstores. You can earn a welcome bonus of $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. You can also save money on interest with a lengthy intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
- Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% – 28.24%.
- No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
We really like that the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card offers a straightforward way to earn cash back while also providing some enticing bonus categories and a generous welcome offer. You can earn a welcome bonus of $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. And you’ll also earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% at drugstores and on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and an unlimited 1.5% cash back on your other purchases. Aside from the incredible cash back, you’ll enjoy no annual fee and 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, then 18.74% – 28.24% Variable.
Amazing First Year Bonus
Discover it® Cash Back
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 is a cash back powerhouse with a unique opportunity to earn an unlimited cash back bonus at the end of year one. It offers a generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, impressive ongoing rewards and has no annual fee. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–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 you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- Apply now and you could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your virtual card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.99% to 26.99% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back card is a well-rounded option as it offers fantastic cash back rewards, a generous intro APR period, a unique bonus opportunity and does not charge an annual fee. You will earn 5% back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like 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. The unlimited cash back match bonus is what sets this card apart. All of the cash back you’ve earned in your first year is matched. There are no minimums or hoops to jump through to earn this bonus. It is easy and can be very lucrative if you use your card regularly and take advantage of the 5% categories.
Earn a $300 Bonus Plus Ongoing Cash Back
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, vacation rentals 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 Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
- $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 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; 18.99% – 28.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
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, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. For a limited time, earn $300 in welcome bonuses. Enjoy a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening 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 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 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) APR will apply. A balance transfer fee applies 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 Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.99% – 27.99% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
- 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. For the first year, you get to decide which category you’ll earn 6% back in each month while also earning 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. After the first year you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category. 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 generous 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 rewards while saving on interest look no further. With incredible cash back rates at U.S. supermarkets, select streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and for transit purchases, 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 $0 for the first year. If you spend at least $30.44 on groceries a week the cash back earned will justify the cost of the annual fee. Read our in-depth Review to learn more.Card Details From Issuer
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Low Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.99% – 28.99%.
- Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. Split purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee so you don’t have the pressure of paying all at once. Simply select the purchase in your online account or the American Express® App to see your plan options. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards on purchases the way you usually do.
- Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) purchases and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
- Get up to a $10 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card for a subscription purchase, including a bundle subscription purchase, at disneyplus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com U.S. websites. Subject to auto-renewal.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- 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 $0 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 offer after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months.
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 2027.
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.
