Finding the right cash back credit card can help you maximize rewards and savings on your everyday purchases. With so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to determine which card is the best fit for your spending habits and financial goals.
In this comprehensive guide, we will compare the top cash back cards for frequent spending categories like gas, groceries, dining, online shopping, and bills. We’ll break down the rewards rates, welcome bonuses, annual fees, and other perks to identify the ideal cards for earning cash back on essentials and your favorite splurges.
Whether you want a simple, straightforward cash back card or one optimized for specific bonus categories, our detailed analysis will help you select the optimal card for your wallet. Read on for our top picks to maximize rewards and savings in 2023!
Outline of the Best Cash Back Credit Cards for Different Spending
Introductory Offers and Sign-Up Bonuses
- Overview of sign-up bonus values
- How to earn sign-up bonuses
- Tips for maximizing introductory offers
Best Cards for Gas Stations
- Top pick overall
- Runner-up options
- Honorable mentions
- Pros and cons comparison table
Best Cards for Groceries
- Top pick for groceries
- Runner-up grocery cards
- Pros and cons comparison table
Best Cards for Dining Out
- Top dining card pick
- Other excellent dining cards
- Pros and cons comparison table
Best Cards for Online Shopping
- Top card for online purchases
- Other noteworthy online shopping cards
- Pros and cons comparison table
Best Cards for Utilities and Bills
- Our favorite card for bills
- Other useful options for bills
- Pros and cons comparison table
Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards
- Top overall flat-rate card
- Other excellent flat-rate options
- Pros and cons comparison table
Best Cards for Families and Students
- Top family card pick
- Best student card
- Pros and cons comparison table
Other Perks and Features to Consider
- Purchase protection
- Return protection
- Extended warranties
- Travel benefits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Rental car insurance
Our Top Picks for the Best Cash Back Credit Cards
- Overall winner
- Runner up choice
- Honorable mentions
- Summary comparison chart
Introductory Bonuses and Special Offers
One of the best ways to maximize rewards from a new credit card is to take advantage of a lucrative sign-up bonus. Most cash back cards offer new cardholders bonuses for meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
Here are some of the most valuable introductory bonuses available right now:
- Chase Freedom Unlimited – Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. That’s equivalent to earning 40% back on your first $500 spent!
- Citi Custom Cash Card – Get $200 cash back after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months. You’ll also earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to $500 per month.
- U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card – Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 120 days. You’ll also get 5% cash back in two categories you choose each quarter.
- Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards – $200 online cash rewards bonus after making $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. Plus 3% cash back in one category of choice.
To qualify for these bonuses, be sure to reach the minimum spending requirements within the time limits. We recommend using the new card for your regular household expenses to quickly earn the bonus. Just make sure to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
Activating bonus category spending offers is another great way to maximize rewards on a new credit card. Many cards offer temporary 3x-5x bonus point multipliers on categories like grocery stores, gas stations, dining, and more.
Take advantage of these time-limited promotions as soon as you open the card to supercharge your earnings. Just be sure to mark your calendar for when the bonus categories expire to avoid missing out.
Best Credit Cards for Gas Stations
Fueling up your vehicle is a major expense. The average American household spends around $2,394 annually on gas. With gas prices fluctuating, it pays to use a credit card that offers strong cash back rewards at gas stations.
Our Top Pick: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
The Costco Anywhere Visa Card is our top choice for maximizing rewards on gas purchases. Here’s a quick overview:
- Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases at Costco and most gas stations, up to $7,000 per year. All other purchases earn 2% back.
- Welcome offer: Earn a $60 Costco Shop Card after your first year as a cardholder if you spend $3,000 within 3 months.
- $0 annual fee if you have a paid Costco membership (a requirement for the card). Non-members pay $60 per year.
- Additional perks include damage and theft protection on new purchases, travel benefits, and discounts on Costco services.
With no fee to pay if you already have a Costco membership, this card offers superb gas rewards for loyal Costco shoppers. The 4% back on up to $7,000 in annual gas spending is equivalent to saving $280 per year.
Runner-Up Options
- PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa – Earn 5 points per $1 on gas purchases (equivalent to 5% back). $100 annual fee.
- U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa – Choose two 5% cash back categories each quarter, including gas stations. $0 annual fee.
- Sam’s Club Mastercard – Earn 5% cash back on the first $6,000 per year in gas purchases made at Sam’s Club and most stations. $0 annual fee for Sam’s Club members.
Pros and Cons of the Top Gas Cards
| Card | Pros | Cons |
|-|-|-|
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card | No fee for Costco members, 4% back on gas, 2% other purchases | Must have paid Costco membership to avoid fee |
| PenFed Platinum Rewards | High 5% back gas rewards | $100 annual fee |
| U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa | No annual fee, choose 5% gas category | Rotating bonus categories |
| Sam’s Club Mastercard | Strong gas rewards for Sam’s Club members | Must have paid Sam’s Club membership |
For most drivers, the Costco Anywhere Visa Card is the best all-around gas credit card thanks to its unlimited 4% back on gas purchases and lack of an annual fee for Costco members. But the other cards are great alternatives depending on your shopping preferences and bonus category needs.
Best Credit Cards for Groceries
Grocery spending is one of the largest regular expenses for households, averaging around $4,000 per year. A credit card that offers bonus rewards at supermarkets can help you earn a ton of cash back each year.
Our Top Pick: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred Card is our top choice for grocery rewards thanks to its high 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). Here are the key benefits:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- 6% back on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% back on U.S. gas stations and transit
- 1% back on all other eligible purchases
- $300 statement credit welcome bonus after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
- $95 annual fee
With no limit on total cash back you can earn, this is an easy choice for avid grocery shoppers who can offset the annual fee. Factor in the sign-up bonus, intro 0% APR offer, and solid rewards on gas and streaming, and it’s a complete package.
Other Notable Grocery Cards
- Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card – 3x points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1x), $0 annual fee
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards – 3% cash back at grocery stores, no annual fee
- Chase Freedom Flex – 5% back on up to $12,000 in grocery purchases the first year, no annual fee
Grocery Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Rewards Rates | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|-|
| Blue Cash Preferred | 6% groceries, 3% gas | $300 back | $95 |
| Amex EveryDay Preferred | 3x groceries | $0 | $0 |
| Capital One SavorOne | 3% groceries | $200 back | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Flex | 5% groceries year 1 | $200 back | $0 |
The Blue Cash Preferred leads the pack thanks to its high 6% back at grocery stores. The annual fee is reasonable for big supermarket spenders. Amex EveryDay Preferred is great for earning points with no fee.
Best Credit Cards for Dining Out
Dining out is common for many households, averaging around $3,000 per year at restaurants. A credit card that rewards restaurant spending can help maximize your meals out.
Our Top Pick: Capital One Savor Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Savor Rewards card is our choice for dining rewards thanks to unlimited 4% cash back on restaurant and entertainment purchases. Here’s a closer look at its benefits:
- Earn 4% cash back on dining and entertainment
- 2% back at grocery stores
- 1% back on all other eligible purchases
- $300 cash bonus after spending $3,000 on purchases within 3 months of account opening
- No foreign transaction fees
- $95 annual fee
With no caps on the 4% cash back you can earn on dining and entertainment each month, this card dishes up easy rewards for foodies. The $300 welcome offer is generous too.
Other Excellent Dining Credit Cards
- American Express Gold Card – 4x points at restaurants worldwide, up to $25,000 annually (then 1x), $250 annual fee
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa – 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels and car rentals, 4 points per $1 on dining, no annual fee
- Citi Custom Cash Card – 5% cash back on up to $500 spent each billing cycle in your top spending category (potentially dining), $0 annual fee
How the Top Dining Credit Cards Compare
| Card | Rewards Rates | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|-|
| Capital One Savor | 4% dining & entertainment, 2% groceries, 1% other | $300 cash back | $95 |
| Amex Gold Card | 4x dining worldwide, 3x flights | 60,000 Membership Rewards points | $250 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Connect | 5x prepaid hotels & cars, 4x dining | $200 cash back | $0 |
| Citi Custom Cash | 5% top category each billing cycle (potentially dining) | $200 cash back | $0 |
The Capital One Savor card stands out for unlimited 4% cash back on all dining purchases. But the Amex Gold and no-fee Citi Custom Cash are great alternatives depending on your spending profile.
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
Online shopping accounts for over $500 billion in U.S. sales annually. Using a credit card that rewards online retail purchases can really add up over time.
Our Top Pick: Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card
The Bank of America Cash Rewards credit card is our choice for online shopping thanks to 3% cash back on all online retail purchases with no category restrictions. Key perks include:
- 3% cash back on all online shopping
- 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- 1% back on other purchases
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
With no caps or rotating categories to keep track of, you can earn an easy 3% back on every online purchase. The $200 welcome offer is easy to earn too.
Other Excellent Online Shopping Credit Cards
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® – 1.5% cash back on every purchase, 3% back on up to $20,000 spent the first year
- Citi Double Cash – 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay it off)
- Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® – 2% cash back deposited into eligible Fidelity accounts on all purchases, no annual fee
Online Shopping Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Rewards Rates | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|-|
| Bank of America Cash Rewards | 3% online shopping, 2% groceries, 1% other purchases | $200 cash rewards | $0 |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% all purchases, 3% on up to $20,000 spent in first year | $200 cash back | $0 |
| Citi Double Cash | 2% all purchases (1% when buy & 1% when pay) | None | $0 |
| Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature® | 2% back into Fidelity accounts | None | $0 |
The Bank of America Cash Rewards card stands out with its unrestricted 3% cash back for all online shopping purchases and $0 annual fee. But the Citi Double Cash and Fidelity Visa are great options as well.
Best Credit Cards for Bills and Utilities
Utilities, cell phone bills, and other regular expenses add up. Maximizing rewards for these payments with the right card can mean easy cash back.
Our Top Pick: Citi Custom Cash Card
The Citi Custom Cash Card is our choice for earning rewards on bills thanks to its ability to earn an unlimited 5% cash back each billing cycle in your top eligible spend category up to $500 in purchases. Pay your highest phone, cable, or utility bill with this card to maximize rewards. Other key benefits include:
- 5% cash back in top spend category each billing cycle (up to $500; then 1%)
- $200 cash bonus after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers
- No annual fee
With no limit on the 5% cash back you can earn on a top category of your choice, this is the perfect card for maximizing rewards on essential bills.
Other Useful Bills & Utilities Cards
- U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® – Choose two 5% cash back categories each quarter including utilities, TV, internet, and cell phone providers
- Capital One SavorOne – 3% cash back on entertainment including streaming services and cell phone providers
How the Top Bills & Utilities Credit Cards Compare:
| Card | Rewards Rates | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|-|
| Citi Custom Cash | 5% cash back in top category each billing cycle (up to $500) | $200 cash bonus | $0 |
| U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa | 5% cash back in two categories each quarter (options include cell phone, utilities) | $200 cash bonus | $0 |
| Capital One SavorOne | 3% cash back on select streaming & cell phone providers | $200 cash bonus | $0 |
The Citi Custom Cash card has unmatched earning potential on essential bills thanks to the unlimited 5% cash back you can earn each billing cycle.
Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Credit Cards
For simplicity, you may want a card with the same cash back rate on every purchase instead of having to track bonus categories. Here are the top options:
Our Top Pick: Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi Double Cash card earns an easy 2% cash back on all purchases with no caps or category restrictions. Here’s a review of its benefits:
- Unlimited 2% cash back – 1% when you make a purchase, and another 1% when you pay it off
- 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers
- No annual fee
With its straightforward earning structure and lack of an annual fee, the Citi Double Cash card is a perfect everyday card for earning unlimited 2% cash back on your total spending.
Other Excellent Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® – 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® – 2% cash rewards on all purchases, $200 cash rewards bonus
- Capital One Quicksilver – 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee
How the Top Flat-Rate Cards Compare:
| Card | Rewards Rates | Welcome Bonus | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|-|
| Citi Double Cash | 2% on all purchases (1% when buy & 1% when pay) | None | $0
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% on all purchases, 5% back on Chase travel | $200 cash back | $0
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | 2% on all purchases | $200 cash rewards bonus | $0
| Capital One Quicksilver | 1.5% on all purchases | None | $0
For unlimited 2% cash back across all purchases with no bonus categories to track, the Citi Double Cash card can’t be beat. But the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash and Capital One Quicksilver are great alternatives.
Best Credit Cards for Families
When shopping for a family, rewards and perks tailored to the needs of households can maximize value. Here are our top picks:
Our Top Pick: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday Card is packed with family benefits:
- 3% cashback at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 annually, then 1%)
- 2% back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores
- 1% back on other purchases
- $200 statement credit after $2,000 in purchases within first 6 months
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months
- No annual fee
With strong rewards for groceries, gas and department stores plus a $0 annual fee, this is a great card for family budgets.
Other Top Family Credit Cards
- Target REDcardTM – 5% off all Target purchases, free shipping at Target.com, no annual fee
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa – 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores, no annual fee for Prime members
- Disney Premier Visa – Earn Disney dollars, photo pass discounts, no foreign transaction fees, $49 annual fee
Family Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Rewards & Perks | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|
| Blue Cash Everyday | 3% groceries, 2% gas & department stores, $200 bonus | $0 |
| Target REDcard | 5% off Target & Target.com purchases, free shipping | $0 |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa | 5% Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% restaurants & gas | $0 for Prime members |
| Disney Premier Visa | Earn Disney rewards, photo pass discounts, no foreign transaction fees | $49 |
With strong grocery, gas and department store rewards and no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday is our top family card pick. But the Target REDcard and Amazon Prime Rewards Visa are great specialized options depending on your shopping.
Best Student Credit Cards
College students new to credit need access to starter cards with student-friendly terms. Here are excellent options:
Our Top Pick: Discover it® Student Cash Back
The Discover it Student Cash Back card is our top student card, with benefits like:
- 5% cashback in bonus categories each quarter like gas stations, dining, Amazon.com
- 1% back on other purchases
- Cashback matched after first year
- $50 bonus for maintaining a 3.0 GPA
- No annual fee
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned after 12 months. So you’re essentially getting 10% back on bonus categories the first year. Very student friendly!
Other Top Student Cards
- Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card for Students – Prequalify with a checking or savings account; earn 3% cash back category of your choice
- Deserve® EDU Mastercard for Students – Earn 1% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee
How the Top Student Cards Compare:
| Card | Rewards Rates | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|
| Discover it Student Cash Back | 5% categories, 1% other purchases, cashback match first year | $0 |
| Bank of America Cash Rewards for Students | 3% category of choice | $0 |
| Deserve EDU Mastercard | 1% all purchases | $0 |
Discover it Student Cash Back is our top pick for helping students maximize rewards. But the Bank of America and Deserve cards are great starters too.
Other Valuable Credit Card Perks and Features
Beyond cash back rates, cards can offer additional perks that add value. Here are some to look for:
Purchase Protection
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred provide purchase protection against damage or theft for new purchases. This can reimburse you up to $500 to $1,000 per claim in case of issues.
Return Protection
Credit cards with return protection allow you to return an eligible item for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if the retailer won’t take it back. You’ll be reimbursed for the cost of the item.
Extended Warranties
Many cards extend the manufacturer’s warranty up to 1 year on eligible purchases. This doubles the warranty length for added peace of mind.
Travel Benefits
Premium travel rewards cards offer perks like airport lounge access, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credits, and travel insurance protections.
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No Foreign Transaction Fees
For international purchases, cards without foreign transaction fees prevent you from incurring a typical 3% fee on the transaction amount.
Rental Car Insurance
Some cards provide collision damage waiver coverage for rental cars when you decline the rental company’s insurance. This can save you money on both the rental company’s coverage and your own insurance policy.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Based on this comprehensive analysis, here are our recommendations for the overall best cash back credit cards across spending categories:
Overall Winner: Chase Freedom Unlimited
With 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases for the first year, and a $200 sign-up bonus, the no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Unlimited is a superb all-around card earning up to 6.5% back the first year.
Runner-Up: Citi Double Cash
For unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no bonus categories to track, the Citi Double Cash is valuable. Combine it with the Citi Custom Cash to maximize 5% back in a top spend category each billing cycle.
Honorable Mentions:
- Amex Blue Cash Preferred – 6% back at U.S. supermarkets and select streaming services makes this card a top pick for grocery shoppers who can justify the $95 annual fee. The welcome bonus and intro 0% APR offer provide further value.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® – With 2% cash rewards on every purchase, sign-up bonus, and no annual fee, this is one of the best flat-rate cash back cards.
Best Cash Back Credit Cards – Quick Comparison
| Card | Rewards Rates | Annual Fee |
|-|-|-|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% back all purchases, 3% dining & drugstores year 1 | $0 |
| Citi Double Cash | 2% back on all purchases (1% when buy & 1% when pay) | $0 |
| Amex Blue Cash Preferred | 6% groceries, 3% gas, 1% other | $95 |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | 2% back on all purchases | $0 |
This covers our picks for the best cash back credit cards! We hope this detailed guide helps you select the ideal card for maximizing rewards on your top spending categories. Let the savings begin!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Back Credit Cards
What is the best cash back credit card today?
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the top overall cash back cards thanks to its lucrative welcome bonus, unlimited 1.5% back on every purchase, and boosted 3% back on dining and drugstores for the first year. It earns up to 6.5% back with no annual fee.
Are cash back credit cards worth it?
Yes, cash back credit cards are very worthwhile if you use them strategically for your regular spending and pay off your balance each month. The rewards you earn can offset costs and provide cash savings over time. Choose cards with the highest rates in your top spend categories to maximize value.
What credit score do I need for the best cash back cards?
You generally need good to excellent credit for approval on the top rewards cards. Credit scores of 700 and above are considered good, and have the strongest approval odds. But there are some decent cash back cards for average credit scores between 670 and 699 too.
Should I opt for an annual fee card?
Annual fee cards can provide outsized rewards that justify the cost for heavy spenders. Consider the bonus rates, welcome offers, and total yearly spending amounts. But no fee cards can also earn robust cash back through flat-rate rewards. Evaluate spending habits and preferences.
How are cash back rewards earned?
Earning structures vary, but most cards provide a percentage rate of cash back on eligible purchases. This cash back is accumulated and you can redeem it for statement credits, bank deposits, gift cards, travel, and more. Redemption minimums and frequency will depend on the card.
The Bottom Line
The right cash back credit card can help you maximize everyday rewards and work towards meaningful savings goals. Consider your regular spending habits and financial priorities to select the optimal card for earning cash back. Take advantage of generous welcome bonuses, category bonuses, and cardholder perks. Use your new rewards diligently to offset costs while practicing healthy credit habits, and a cash back card can provide tremendous long-term value.
