Getting cash back on your everyday credit card purchases is an easy way to save money. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying utilities, getting gas or dining out, a cash back credit card can help you earn rewards on expenses you’re already making.
But with so many cash back cards available, how do you know which one is right for you?
I’ve analyzed today’s top cash back credit cards to find the best options for earning rewards on everyday spending. Based on bonus categories, earning rates, annual fees and other perks, these are my picks for the top cash back cards for daily use in 2023.
How I Chose the Best Cash Back Cards for Everyday Use
When picking the top cash back cards for everyday purchases, I looked at several factors:
Bonus Categories
The top cards offer bonus cash back of 3% to 6% in categories like groceries, gas, dining and more. I favored cards with bonus earnings on universal categories rather than niche rewards.
Base Earning Rate
You want a card with a good base rate for non-bonus purchases. The best cash back cards offer 1% to 2% back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
While some cards have annual fees, there are excellent no annual fee cash back cards too. I included top options with and without a fee.
New Cardholder Bonus
Most cards offer a sign-up bonus of $100 to $300 if you spend a certain amount in the first 3 months. I noted high bonuses where applicable.
Additional Perks
The best cash back cards also offer useful perks like cell phone protection, rental car insurance and more. These can add even more value.
Keep reading for my picks for the 10 best cash back credit cards for everyday spending!
1. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card – 2% Cash Back on All Purchases
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a powerhouse card for everyday spending. There’s no limit on the amount of cash back you can earn, and no categories to track.
You’ll earn a $200 cash bonus if you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. There’s no annual fee for this card.
With its straight 2% back earning rate, the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is my number one recommendation for an all-purpose, everyday cash back credit card.
Key Features:
- 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $1,000 in 3 months
- No annual fee
- Cell phone protection
2. Citi Custom Cash Card – 5% Back on Top Category
The Citi Custom Cash Card allows you to pick one category to earn 5% cash back each billing cycle, up to $500 in purchases. All other purchases earn 1% back.
Grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, drugstores and home improvement stores are common 5% categories. You can change the 5% category each month as needed.
New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $750 on purchases in the first 3 months. There is no annual fee.
With the flexibility to customize your top 5% cash back category and easy-to-redeem rewards, this is one of the best cash back cards available.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on one category each billing cycle
- 1% back on all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $750 in 3 months
- No annual fee
- No cash back limit
3. Chase Freedom Flex – 5% Back on Rotating Categories
The Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending each quarter in rotating bonus categories. Common 5% categories include gas stations, grocery stores, dining, drugstores and more. All other purchases earn 1% back.
New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. There is no annual fee.
With its flexible 5% earning on quarterly categories, the Chase Freedom Flex is one of the best cash back credit cards for maximizing your rewards.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in rotating quarterly categories
- 1% back on all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in 3 months
- No annual fee
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases
4. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express – 6% Back on Groceries
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases. You’ll also earn 6% back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back on transit and at U.S. gas stations, and 1% back on other purchases.
New cardholders can earn a $350 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. There is a $95 annual fee.
With one of the highest earning rates for grocery store purchases, this is one of the best cash back credit cards for food shopping.
Key Features:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets
- 3% back at U.S. gas stations
- 1% back on other purchases
- $350 statement credit for spending $3,000 in 6 months
- $95 annual fee
5. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card – 3% Back on Dining & Entertainment
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card earns an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. You’ll earn 1% back on all other purchases.
New SavorOne cardholders can earn a $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months. There is no annual fee for this card.
With bonus categories that match common everyday spending, the SavorOne card is one of the best for earning rewards on things like dining out, grocery shopping and streaming services.
Key Features:
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services and at grocery stores
- 1% back on all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 within 3 months
- No annual fee
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases
6. Chase Freedom Unlimited – 1.5% Back on All Purchases
The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on every dollar you spend, with no limit on how much you can earn. This makes it a great everyday card with solid rewards on all purchases.
New cardholders can earn $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. There is no annual fee.
With its unlimited 1.5% cash back earning rate and valuable new cardholder bonus, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best overall cash back cards for daily use.
Key Features:
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in 3 months
- 0% APR for 15 months on purchases
- No annual fee
7. Discover it Cash Back – 5% Back on Rotating Categories
The Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined quarterly category purchases. Rotating 5% categories include grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, Amazon.com and more. All other purchases earn 1% back.
Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. There is no annual fee for this card.
With its rotating 5% categories and cash back match, the Discover it Cash Back card is a great option for earning bonus rewards in top spending categories.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly category purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cash back match at the end of first year
- $0 annual fee
8. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Card – 3% Back on Category of Choice
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card allows you to earn 3% cash back in the spending category of your choice, including gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. You’ll earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on other purchases.
New cardholders can earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. There is no annual fee.
By letting you customize your 3% bonus category each month, this card makes it easy to maximize rewards on your biggest spending.
Key Features:
- 3% cash back in a category you choose each month
- 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- $200 bonus for spending $1,000 in 90 days
- No annual fee
9. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card – 5% Back on Choose 2 Categories
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card lets you earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 spent in two categories you choose each quarter. Options include fast food, furniture stores, electronics stores, grocery stores, gas stations and more. You’ll earn 2% back on one everyday category like grocery stores, gas or restaurants. All other purchases get 1% back.
New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 120 days. There is no annual fee.
With the choice to pick your top two 5% cash back categories each quarter, this card makes it easy to maximize rewards.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back in two categories you choose
- 2% cash back in one everyday category
- $200 bonus for spending $1,000 in 4 months
- No annual fee
10. Citi Double Cash Card – 2% Cash Back on Everything
The Citi Double Cash Card earns an easy 2% cash back on all purchases – 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your statement balance. This card doesn’t limit how much cash back you can earn.
There’s currently a $200 cash back bonus after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months. Balance transfers also qualify for the bonus. There is no annual fee for this card.
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With its straight 2% back on all purchases, the Citi Double Cash Card is a strong everyday cash back rewards card.
Key Features:
- 2% cash back on all purchases – 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay
- $200 bonus for spending $1,500 in 6 months
- 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers
- No annual fee
How To Choose the Best Cash Back Card for Your Needs
While this list highlights the top-rated cash back cards for everyday spending, you’ll want to consider your individual needs and spending patterns when choosing a card.
Here are some tips for picking the best cash back credit card for your situation:
- Focus on your biggest spending categories – Choose a card that aligns with your top expenses like gas, groceries or dining out.
- Consider your monthly budget – Cash back cards with annual fees provide big rewards, but might not fit your budget. There are great no annual fee options too.
- Look at where you shop – Choose a card with bonus categories relevant to your lifestyle and the stores you frequent.
- Understand the card’s rules – Know the earning rate, caps on bonus rewards and cash back redemption terms.
- Sign-up bonus – Aim for a card with a high new cardholder bonus you can earn when meeting minimum spend.
- Additional perks – Cards with perks like cell phone protection, rental car insurance or extended warranties provide extra value.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Back Credit Cards
How do cash back credit cards work?
Cash back credit cards allow you to earn a percentage or flat rate of cash back on your credit card purchases. For example, you might earn 2% back on all purchases or 5% back on groceries. You can redeem this cash back for statement credits, gift cards, deposits to your bank account and more.
What is the best cash back credit card today?
Based on high earning rates, valuable perks and new cardholder bonuses, some of the best cash back cards for 2023 are:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
- Citi Custom Cash Card
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
- Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card
Be sure to compare category bonuses and fees to find the best one for your spending habits.
Are cash back credit cards worth it?
Yes, cash back credit cards are worth it for the rewards on your spending. By choosing a card matched to your biggest purchases, you can earn hundreds of dollars per year in cash back rewards. Just be sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
What credit score do you need for the best cash back cards?
You’ll typically need a good to excellent credit score in the range of 690 and above for approval on the best cash back reward credit cards. Cards with lucrative perks and bonuses often require scores of 700+ for approval.
Should I get a cash back card with an annual fee?
Cash back cards with annual fees often offer higher reward rates and bonuses. Whether one makes sense depends on your spending and how much rewards you’d earn to offset the fee cost. Calculate the value you’d get vs. the fee. But there are also excellent no annual fee cash back cards too.
Get Cash Back on Your Everyday Purchases
The best cash back credit cards make it easy to earn money back on your everyday spending. By using a card matched to your top purchases, you can maximize the rewards you earn from buying gas and groceries to dining out and entertainment.
I hope this guide to the top cash back cards for everyday use has helped you find your perfect match! Be sure to consider the key benefits like bonus categories, annual fees and signup bonuses as you compare your options. With the right card, you can put cash back rewards in your pocket on purchases you’re already making.
