6 Best Cash Back Cards

Cash-back cards can make great starter cards if you're unsure of the miles and points world, and just want to begin your credit card journey. For travel, you'll find the most benefit out of a credit card that earns rewards points with a particular bank, airline, or hotel; however, a handful of these cash-back cards can actually turn their cash-back rewards into valuable points if paired with another card. You can find those specific details for each card by clicking on it to read more about its unique features.

Personal Cards

🏆 Best for $0 Annual Fee and Intro APR

Annual Fee: $0

$200 Cash BackBonus Points
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
🏆 Best for Dining and Entertainment
Earn $250 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
🏆 Best for Families
As high as $200Bonus Points
As High As $200 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as $200 cash back after spending $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.
🏆 Best for Groceries and Streaming

Annual Fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Rates & Fees|Terms Apply
As high as $300Bonus Points
As High As $300 Cash Back. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as $300 cash back after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in the first 6 months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Cash back is received as Reward Dollars, redeemable for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Terms Apply.

Business Cards

🏆 Best For Office Supply Purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Earn 1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening
🏆 Best Business Card with $0 Annual Fee

Annual Fee: $0

Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.

Which Card is Right for You?

Choosing the ideal cash-back card depends on your spending habits and cash-back preferences. Are you looking for higher cash-back on specific categories, or do you prefer a flat-rate return on all your purchases? We’ll help you find the card that maximizes those rewards.

Other Ways to Earn

Thank goodness you don't have to settle for just cash-back on purchases. Explore additional earning opportunities such as rotating categories, bonus promotions, and partnerships that can amplify your cash-back rewards and enhance your overall savings. The best part? Some of these cards allow you to turn your cash-back into sweet, sweet miles and points.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Earn cash back on your everyday purchases, which means real savings you can use immediately or redeem as cash

Cash-back cards often have straightforward rewards structures with easy-to-understand earning rates and redemption options

Cons

While many cash-back cards have no annual fee, be aware of other fees like foreign transaction fees that can eat into your cash back earnings

Cash back cards generally offer fewer travel perks and premium benefits compared to rewards cards with annual fees

FAQs

How does a cash back card work?

A cash-back card earns you a percentage of your spending back as cash. This can be a flat rate on all purchases or higher rates in specific categories like groceries or dining. And, many cards will allow you to turn that cash-back into points if you hold another card from that bank.

Are there any restrictions on cash back earnings?

Some cash-back cards have limits on how much you can earn in certain categories or during promotional periods. Always check the terms to understand any caps or restrictions.

Can I redeem cash back for anything?

Cash back can typically be redeemed as a statement credit, deposited into a bank account, or sometimes used for giftcards (or miles and points). Check your card issuer’s redemption options to see what’s available.

Can I earn cash back on all my purchases?

Most cash back cards allow you to earn cash back on all purchases, though the rate may vary by category or spending type. Review the card’s terms to see how rewards are structured.

Why Trust Daily Drop?

At Daily Drop, our editorial team is made up of seasoned travel and credit card experts who have spent years mastering travel rewards and testing the best strategies firsthand. Founder Nate Buchanan, of Kara and Nate, has personally earned and redeemed millions of points and miles over the past 10+ years, saving tens of thousands of dollars on travel. Our team shares similar hands-on experience, ensuring our recommendations are practical, tested, and built on real-world knowledge. After all, we wouldn’t be Daily Drop if we weren’t practicing what we preach.

Our independent reviews break down rewards, perks, fees, and overall value to help you make informed decisions. We also analyze audience data, considering reader engagement and trends, so our recommendations reflect what actually matters to you.

While we may earn a commission if you apply for a card through our site, our opinions are our own — based solely on expert analysis and firsthand experience, not influenced by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Our goal is simple: helping you maximize your rewards and travel smarter.

Read our full methodology for more information.

Authors

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

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