The Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Last updated on April 3rd, 2024

Cash back credit cards are the most popular kind of rewards card and it’s easy to see why. Cash is versatile, practical, and straightforward to use, requiring far less fuss than what other types of rewards cards might warrant. Ranging from flat-rate rewards to bonuses for specific shopping categories, there are a lot of cash back cards to choose from— and this is where BestCards.com comes in. We have separated the best cash back credit cards from the rest of the pack to give you our top recommendations:

This post may contain links from partner offers, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to these offers. Please see our advertiser and editorial disclosures above for more information. Citi is an advertising partner.

At a Glance

Why Choose a Cash Back Credit Card?

Nowadays, credit cards come with all sorts of bells and whistles to convince you that they are worth applying for. There are cards that earn free hotel stays, free airfare, rewards with your favorite store, and even cards for discounts on gas. No matter how you tend to spend your money, cash offers the kind of reward that every kind of shopper can make use of. 

Cash back is one of the best credit card rewards thanks to its versatility. Often, cardholders with a cash back card can opt for several redemption options for their rewards, including statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or even as a deposit into an eligible deposit account. 

Thus, the versatility of cash back is tough to beat. Travel cards earn points or miles in loyalty programs, with these programs only providing select redemption options. Morever, points can only transfer to select partners – and if your points expire, they are gone forever. With cash back, rewards seldom expire. 

What are the Best Cash Back Credit Cards?

Take a look at our top credit card selections for earning cash back this year:

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$0 Annual Fee

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards on the market today, thanks to impressive, flat-rate cash back, lucrative introductory 0% APR offers, and more. Cardholders earn 2% back on every eligible purchase: 1% back at the time of sale and an additional 1% back when they pay their statement balance. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or converted as ThankYou® points.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 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.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, 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).
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You prefer earning cash back at a flat rate rather than in rotating categories
  • You’re looking to either consolidate existing balances or pay down a large purchase with no interest charges for an extended period of time
  • You like to have the flexibility of converting cash back into lucrative rewards points
  • You’re considering a credit card without an annual fee
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer

Terms & Conditions

The Citi® Double Cash Card does not offer special rewards categories like the Citi Custom Cash Card. Instead, this product provides an unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. The card earns a flat-rate 1% cash back on all eligible purchases – and another 1% back when the account holder pays off that balance.

The lack of an annual fee, the prospect of 2% back, and the 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months make the Citi Double Cash Card the perfect everyday credit card for anyone who prefers not having to adjust their spending habits to get the most value.

Like the Custom Cash, the Double Cash from Citi earns rewards as ThankYou Points. Cardmembers can opt for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or other award options or use their points to book travel through Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

Another award option is to transfer ThankYou points to any of Citi’s 19 airline and hotel partners. Here is a quick breakdown of all of Citi’s transfer partners:

Wyndham Rewards Aeromexico ALL – Accor Live Limitless Flying Blue JetBlue TrueBlue Qantas Frequent Flyer
Avianca LifeMiles Cathay Pacific Choice Privileges Qatar Privilege Club Shop Your Way Singapore Airlines
Emirates Skywards Etihad Guest EVA Air Thai Royal Orchid Plus Turkish Airlines Miles&Miles Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
$0 Annual Fee

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
  • 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months on Purchases Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Citi Custom Cash? Card is a generous cash back credit card that offers up to 5% back on eligible purchases. The card, from Citi, does not charge an annual fee and rewards 5% back on the top spending category each month, with options including transit, travel, gas, groceries, dining, and more.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • 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 18.99% – 28.99%, 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.
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months on Purchases
  • Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on Balance Transfers
  • Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You want to earn 5% back but do’t want quarterly categories
  • You plan on spending $1,500 within the first 90 days
  • You have a large purchase in mind that you want to pay down over time
  • You plan on transferring an existing balance within the first four months
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee

The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is an exceptional cash back credit card thanks to the fact that it earns up to 5% back. This is broken down as earning 5% on eligible purchases in the top spending category each month; options include transit, travel, gas, groceries, dining, and more. Here is the full slate of 5% back categories with the Custom Cash:

Dining Fitness clubs Grocery stores
Drugstores Gas stations Home improvement stores
Travel & transit (select) Live entertainment Streaming service (select)

Important to note is that the 5% back categories are limited to the first $500 spent on eligible purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, with 1% back on all purchases thereafter. That spending cap is on par with other 5% cash back credit cards, namely the Discover It card, which cuts 5% rewards after the first $1,500 in spending per quarter.

Other noteworthy features of the Custom Cash credit card from Citi include:

  • Earn a $200 bonus in cash back after spending $750 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. This bonus also has a value of 20,000 ThankYou Points, the official currency of Citi proprietary rewards cards.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • Citi Entertainment and Merchant Offers access
  • No annual fee

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
Visa Processing Network
None Annual Fee

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

  • 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months from account opening Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The U.S. Bank Cash + Visa Signature Card is an excellent cash back credit card that gives holders the power to decide how they earn their cash back. The card earns 5% back on two select categories you choose, 2% back on one “everyday” category a user selects, and 1% back on all other purchases.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • New! $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
  • 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
  • 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
  • 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
  • No Annual Fee
  • Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan
  • Terms and conditions apply
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 2% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
  • You want the ability to choose your enhanced cash back categories
  • You like the freedom of switching categories each quarter
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Terms & Conditions

The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card is an excellent cash back credit card for those who want the power to decide where they earn their rewards. The card is similar to the Citi Custom Cash in that it offers cardholders up to 5% back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases in the following categories:

TV, internet, and streaming services Cell phone providers Electronics stores
Fast food Home utilities Furniture stores
Department stores Clothing stores Movie theaters
Ground transportation Fitness centers Sporting goods stores

As mentioned, that 5% back is limited to the first $2,000 in spending each quarter, which is very generous. Cardholders also have the same option with their 2% “everyday” category, selecting one of the following three categories each quarter:

  • Grocery stores
  • Gas stations
  • Restaurants

The ability to customize your cash back options – and change them each quarter – is an excellent feature that helps to maximize the cash back potential of this card.

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Excellent
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent
Mastercard Processing Network
$95 Annual Fee

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR

At a Glance

Make memories while funding future adventures with the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card. This exclusive entertainment credit card boasts an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment is a great card for couples, families, and social butterflies.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
  • Earn 3% at grocery stores
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on tickets through Vivid Seats
  • Receive $9.99 statement credit after paying for Postmates Unlimited membership
  • Enjoy comprehensive, personalized assistance in dining, entertainment and travel— 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Annual Fee: $95
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You want to earn an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment, 3% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases
  • You see yourself spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening the card to earn that one-time $300 cash bonus
  • You live for unique dining, entertainment, and sports experiences
  • You want complimentary food delivery membership through Postmates
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Terms & Conditions

Capital One has done a superb job of creating a credit card for entertainment; in other words, fun things. This is a rewards category left largely neglected by the industry. With the Savor® Rewards Card, cardholders will earn an unlimited 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, as well as a less exciting – but still practical – 2% at grocery stores.

The broadly defined “entertainment” category includes most memory-making outings, such as sporting events, movie theaters, and live concerts. This expansive category makes this card equally useful for families or young cardholders who frequently look for activities to take part in with their friends.

The Savor Card does carry a $95 annual fee, but the person who spends about $200 a month on outings or dining (or a total spend of $2,475 a year) will quickly recoup the card’s cost. Aside from the card’s generous bonus categories, Capital One’s cash back redemption portal is second-to-none and one of the most user-friendly rewards programs in the industry.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
American Express Processing Network
$0 for the first year. Then $95 Annual Fee

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

  • 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 12 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

Through the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can earn sizable cash back rewards on purchases in common categories, including 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on all other purchases. You can also earn $300 back in the form of a statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases using your new card in the first six months of the account being open.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn a $300 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% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
  • 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.
  • Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit
  • Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an Equinox+ membership at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
  • Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
  • Terms Apply.
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Annual Fee: $0 for the first year. Then $95
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You budget for family spending and want a credit card that earns significant cash back
  • You’ll spend a lot of money on groceries to take advantage 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1% after that)
  • You’re excited at the prospect of earning 6% cash back with select streaming services
  • You want to capitalize on your commute with 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (and select U.S. department stores)
  • You’ll take advantage of 3% cash back on transit (taxis/rideshare, parking and tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% on all other purchases
  • You’re likely to make $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of the account opening to qualify for a one-time $300 statement credit
  • You cook at home often and commute to work and school regularly, or make use of public transit regularly
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Rates & Fees

There is no shortage of credit cards that offer rewards for everyday necessities like gas and groceries. Still, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred® Card remains one of the best cards for this task. Earning an unprecedented 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services, plus 3% back on U.S. gas station purchases and 1% back on all other purchases.

Keep in mind that the 6% back on groceries is capped at $6,000 per year in purchases, with all groceries earning 1% back after that threshold is met. The Blue Cash Preferred carries a $95 annual fee that is easily justifiable for the person who spends at least $132 in groceries per month (or $1,584 a year). Cardholders will also earn a competitive 3% cash back on other everyday necessities such as gas, transit (including rideshares), parking, tolls, and public transit.

Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex
Excellent-Good
BestCards refers to a variation of FICO Score 9, which is one of many different types of credit scores. A financial institution may use a different score when deciding whether to approve you for a credit card. Please note that the range shown here is our own estimation and not a guarantee of credit needed to be approved for any given card. Recommended Credit: Excellent / Good
Mastercard Processing Network
None Annual Fee

Chase Freedom Flex

  • 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
  • 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
  • 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
  • 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR

At a Glance

The Chase Freedom Flex is a hybrid cash back credit card that offers something for everyone. The card earns 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, plus up to 5% back on rotating categories each quarter after activation – all for no annual fee.

  • Best Benefits
  • Rates & Fees
  • Why Should You Apply?
  • Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 5% on up to $1,500 on combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
  • Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • Earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
  • Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24%-27.99%
  • No annual fee – You wo’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
  • Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
  • Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
  • Cash Advance APR: 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
  • Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
  • Penalty APR: Up to 29.99%
  • Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
  • Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
  • You want a versatile cash back credit card that earns rewards across various categories
  • You don’t mind the lower cash back rates for dining and drugstore purchases over previous Chase cards
  • You prefer to book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • You don’t want to pay an annual fee for premium Mastercard features

The Chase Freedom Flex World Elite Mastercard earns 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter after activation, 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 5% cash back on eligible gas station purchases on up to $6,000 spent in the first year. The card’s rotating categories are always popular, with 2023 already providing some versatility for card members.

Here is Chase’s Cash Back Calendar for 2023:

Date 5% Cash Back Category
Q1 January – March 2024 Grocery stores (excluding Walmart), self-care and spa services, plus fitness and gym memberships
Q2 April – June 2024 Restaurants, hotels, and Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
Q3 July – September 2024 Gas, EV charging, select live entertainment, and movie theatres
Q4 October – December 2024 PayPal, McDonald’s, pet shops and veterinary services, plus select charities

For those unsure if the Flex and its rotating categories are right for them, the Freedom Unlimited (or even the previously mentioned Citi Double Cash) might be a better bet.

FAQs About a Cash Back Rewards Credit Card

Here are answers from some of the most asked questions about cashback credit cards:

  • Cash back credit cards are like any other rewards card. You make a purchase, and you get rewards in the form of points. Unlike other rewards cards, however, these credit cards offer the best redemption options as cash awards. These awards take the form of deposits into bank accounts, statement credits, or gift cards.
  • Some card issuers, like Discover, offer a cashback match after the first year. A cash back match is when the bank automatically doubles your cash back after a set period. If you earn $100 in cash rewards, for example, the bank will double that to $200 – automatically.
  • Points and cash back are mostly the same. All rewards cards earn points. Some cards, however, offer better redemption value for different options. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Cards are much better at earning travel rewards than the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, for example.
  • The time for points or cash back to show up in your account varies based on the transaction and the card issuer. Most transactions appear in your account within a few days after the purchase clears, but sometimes cash back might not show up for a week or so. If you still do not see your cash back rewards after several weeks, contact your card issuer to get clarification.
  • Some card issuers have limits on the minimum amount of rewards before cardholders can cash out. Others, however, have no minimum requirements. Deciding when to cash out is a personal decision. Many experts believe that redeeming cash back every month is an excellent habit to get into, as it can help reduce monthly payments and boost the amount of cash you have for everyday spending.

Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.

About: Cory Santos
Cory Santos

Cory is the senior credit card editor at BestCards, specializing in everything credit card-related. He’s worked extensively with credit cards and other personal finance topics, including nearly five years at BestCards. Cory’s extensive knowledge is an essential part of the BestCards experience, helping readers to live their best financial lives with up-to-date insights and comprehensive coverage of all facets of the credit card space, including market trends, rewards guides, credit advice, and comprehensive credit card reviews.

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