Discover the best cashback credit cards in the USA to earn rewards on every purchase. Find top cards with high cashback rates, no annual fees, and more!
Introduction
If you’re someone who loves the idea of earning rewards while spending, cashback credit cards can be a game-changer. These cards offer cash back on your purchases, whether you’re grocery shopping, dining out, or filling up your gas tank. However, with so many options out there, choosing the best cashback credit card in the USA can feel overwhelming.
To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top cashback credit cards for 2023. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a daily spender, or someone who’s simply looking for great rewards, there’s a card that fits your needs. Let’s dive into the best options for earning cash back on every purchase.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Flat-Rate Cashback
Best For: Those who want a simple, no-fuss cashback card with no rotating categories.
Key Features:
- Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase—no rotating categories to track or activate.
- 5% cash back on travel purchases made through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program.
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then 19.49% – 27.24% variable).
- Sign-up Bonus: Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
Why We Love It:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is perfect for those who prefer simplicity without the need to worry about rotating categories or limited-time offers. Whether you’re spending on groceries, entertainment, or travel, you’ll earn cashback at a steady rate. Plus, the $200 sign-up bonus is a great perk.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card: Best for High Cash Back on Everything
Best For: People who want a high cashback rate on all purchases with no category restrictions.
Key Features:
- Earn 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months (then 18.24% – 28.24% variable).
- No categories or activation required—simply earn 2% on every purchase.
- No limit on cash back you can earn.
Why We Love It:
The Citi® Double Cash Card is perfect for those who want to earn a high cashback rate without the complexity of rotating categories or spending restrictions. With a simple, straightforward cashback structure, you’ll earn 2% on everything. Plus, there’s no annual fee, making it a great option for long-term value.
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Best for Groceries
Best For: Families or individuals who spend a lot on groceries and want high rewards in that category.
Key Features:
- 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%).
- 3% cash back on transit, including taxis, rideshares, parking, and public transportation.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $95 (but the high grocery cashback can easily offset this).
Why We Love It:
If you spend a lot on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a must-have. With 6% cash back on supermarket purchases (up to $6,000 annually), you’ll quickly rack up rewards. The annual fee is reasonable considering the high cash-back potential in grocery shopping.
4. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Flat-Rate Rewards
Best For: Those who want a simple and straightforward cashback card with no annual fee.
Key Features:
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase—no rotating categories.
- One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (then 19.24% – 29.24% variable).
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Why We Love It:
For those who want the simplicity of earning cashback on every purchase with no annual fee, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option. It’s an easy-to-use card with no bonus categories to worry about, making it perfect for everyday purchases.
5. Discover it® Cash Back: Best for Rotating Categories
Best For: People who are willing to keep track of rotating categories to earn higher cashback rates.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to the quarterly maximum, then 1%).
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- First-year Cashback Match®: Discover will match all the cashback you earn in your first year—essentially doubling your rewards.
- No annual fee.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 14 months (then 16.24% – 27.24% variable).
Why We Love It:
If you’re willing to keep track of rotating categories, the Discover it® Cash Back card can be a rewarding choice. The 5% cashback in rotating categories like groceries, restaurants, and gas stations offers a great opportunity to earn higher rewards. Plus, the Cashback Match® doubles your rewards in the first year, which is a great bonus.
6. Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for Customizable Categories
Best For: Those who want to choose their own bonus categories.
Key Features:
- 3% cash back on your choice of category (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement) and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined purchases in the 3% and 2% categories per quarter, then 1%).
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- $200 online cash rewards after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
- No annual fee.
Why We Love It:
The Bank of America® Cash Rewards card gives you the flexibility to earn more in categories that matter most to you. Whether you want to rack up cash back on gas, online shopping, or dining out, you have the power to customize your cashback categories each quarter. The $200 bonus and no annual fee add extra value.
7. The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Premium Benefits
Best For: Travelers who want premium perks along with cashback.
Key Features:
- 5% cash back on flights booked directly with airlines or on American Express Travel (on the first $500,000 spent on these purchases each year).
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Welcome Offer: 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (redeemable for travel, cashback, or statement credits).
- $695 annual fee (but packed with premium benefits).
Why We Love It:
The Platinum Card® offers premium travel benefits, including access to airport lounges, 5x Membership Rewards® points on flights, and exclusive concierge services. While the annual fee is steep, the perks (like airport lounge access and travel insurance) may justify the cost for frequent travelers.
8. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Simple and High Cash Back
Best For: Those who want to earn a flat-rate cashback with no categories or annual fee.
Key Features:
- 2% cash back on every purchase—no categories or rotating categories.
- $200 cash rewards after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 18.24% – 28.24% variable).
- No annual fee.
Why We Love It:
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is an excellent choice for individuals who prefer simplicity with a solid cashback rate. With 2% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee, it provides a straightforward option for maximizing rewards.
Conclusion
When it comes to cashback credit cards in the USA, there’s a card for every type of spender, from those who want simplicity and consistency to those willing to track rotating categories for higher rewards. By choosing a card that matches your spending habits and goals, you can earn cashback on everything from groceries to travel.
The best part? Many of these cards offer generous welcome bonuses, no annual fees, and the ability to earn significant rewards year after year. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your spending patterns and lifestyle to choose the card that works best for you!