The Ultimate Guide to the Top 10 Cash Back Credit Cards for 2024

Top 10 Cash Back Credit Cards for 2024: Best Picks for Maximizing Rewards and Savings

Cash-back credit cards are one of the most popular types of rewards cards because they offer straightforward value—get a percentage of your spending back in cash. Whether you’re using a card for everyday purchases, groceries, or travel, the right cash-back card can help you maximize your spending power. If you’re looking for the best options available in 2024, here’s a rundown of the top 10 cash-back credit cards, offering high rewards rates, solid benefits, and great flexibility.

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best For: Flat-rate cash back on all purchases.

• Cash Back: 1.5% on every purchase; 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3% on dining and drugstores.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 19.24% - 27.99% Variable APR

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a top choice for those who want a solid flat-rate cash-back card. With 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this card is incredibly versatile. If you're a foodie or enjoy taking trips, you can earn 3% on dining and 5% on travel booked through Chase. Its sign-up bonus and no annual fee make it an excellent option for most consumers.

2. Citi® Double Cash Card

Best For: Earning high cash back on all purchases.

• Cash Back: 2% on every purchase (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay).
• Sign-Up Bonus: None.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable APR

The Citi® Double Cash Card is a fan favorite for its simple but effective rewards structure. You earn a total of 2% cash back on everything—1% when you make the purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. While it doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus, the high, consistent earning rate, and no annual fee make this card a great pick for everyday spenders.

3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Best For: Grocery shopping and family expenses.

• Cash Back: 6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%); 3% on U.S. gas stations and transit; 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $350 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $95
• APR: 18.24% - 29.99% Variable APR

If you spend a lot on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is hard to beat, offering 6% back at U.S. supermarkets on the first $6,000 in annual purchases. It also earns 3% at gas stations and on transit, including rideshares, trains, and buses. With a strong sign-up bonus and a manageable annual fee, it’s an excellent choice for families and shoppers.

4. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best For: Earning unlimited 2% cash back.

• Cash Back: 2% on every purchase.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable APR

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a simple, straightforward card that gives you 2% back on all purchases. There are no categories to keep track of, making it a great option for those who want simplicity. With no annual fee and a solid sign-up bonus, this card is perfect for everyday expenses.

5. Discover it® Cash Back

Best For: Rotating bonus categories and first-year cash back match.

• Cash Back: 5% on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%); 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 16.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

Discover it® Cash Back offers a rotating 5% cash back on categories that change each quarter (e.g., groceries, restaurants, or Amazon). While the categories change, the card's first-year cash-back match is a standout feature. If you’re willing to plan your spending around these rotating categories, you can earn significant rewards. Plus, it has no annual fee and offers a great introductory bonus.

6. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best For: A flat 1.5% cash back with a lower credit score.

• Cash Back: 1.5% on every purchase.
• Sign-Up Bonus: None.
• Annual Fee: $39
• APR: 29.99% Variable APR

If you're rebuilding your credit and want a simple cash-back card, the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice. It offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has a relatively low annual fee of $39. While the APR can be high, this card is a good option for people who want to earn cash back with a decent rewards rate but don’t have perfect credit.

7. Chase Freedom Flex℠

Best For: A combination of rotating categories and travel rewards.

• Cash Back: 5% on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%); 3% on dining and drugstores; 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 19.24% - 27.99% Variable APR

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers a combination of rotating 5% cash back categories and enhanced rewards in specific spending areas like dining and drugstores. Like its sibling, the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, the Freedom Flex also allows you to earn 5% back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards. This card provides flexibility, and the sign-up bonus adds extra value.

8. U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature Card

Best For: Customizable 5% categories.

• Cash Back: 5% on your first $2,000 in combined purchases in two categories you choose each quarter (like gas stations, restaurants, or department stores); 2% on grocery store and wholesale club purchases; 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% Variable APR

The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature Card is unique because it allows you to choose two categories each quarter to earn 5% cash back. This makes it an excellent choice for people with specific spending habits who can strategically take advantage of the customizable categories. Additionally, the card offers a solid sign-up bonus and no annual fee.

9. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Best For: Amazon shoppers.

• Cash Back: 5% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods; 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores; 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $150 after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
• Annual Fee: $0 (with Amazon Prime membership, $119/year)
• APR: 19.24% - 27.24% Variable APR

For frequent Amazon shoppers, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is hard to beat, offering 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. It also provides 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. The card has no annual fee for Amazon Prime members, making it an excellent way to save on your everyday purchases.

10. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best For: Customized bonus categories.

• Cash Back: 3% on one category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores, or home improvement); 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% on all other purchases.
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 17.99% - 25.99% Variable APR

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card allows you to select your 3% category, which means you can tailor the rewards to match your spending habits. With no annual fee and a decent sign-up bonus, it’s a great option for those who want flexibility with their rewards.

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Conclusion

The best cash-back credit card for you in 2024 will depend on your spending habits, whether you prefer flat-rate rewards, rotating categories, or bonus categories for specific types of spending. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Citi® Double Cash Card offer simplicity and great rewards on every purchase, while options like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card or Discover it® Cash Back provide more specialized rewards for specific spending categories. Consider your spending patterns and preferences when choosing the right card to maximize your cash-back earnings.

No matter which one you choose, these cards will help you put more money back in your pocket!