Filter Options
×-
-
Unselect all
-
Unselect all
-
Unselect all
Showing 288 Cards
Sort By Column Name:
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 20.49% to 29.24% Variable Regular Purchase APR
- 20.49% to 29.24% Variable Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% Variable Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 15 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card is a reliable option for customers looking to pair an attractive cash back rewards program with generous introductory interest rates. Cardholders can redeem for cash, travel, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
- No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
- No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
- Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.49% to 29.24% Variable
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.49% to 29.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% Variable
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- You are looking for a low-rate credit card to perform a balance transfer
- You prefer straightforward rewards earnings rather than quarterly categories requiring activation
- You'll make at least $500 in purchases in the first 90 days
- You do't want to pay an annual fee
GM Extended Family Card
GM Extended Family Card
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for the first 9 months Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
Earn 1% in rewards points on all purchases towards the purchase of a new Chevrolet, GMB, Buick, and Cadillac or redeem for cash back in $50 increments. Earnings from the GM Extended Family Card can be combined with GM Employee or Supplier discounts.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Get $100 in Earnings to redeem at GM when you spend $1,000 in your first 3 months
- 1% Earnings on all purchases
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for first 9 months
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for the first 9 months
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You're an employee or supplier of General Motors
- You have family members whose spending could help expedite earning accumulation
- You regularly upgrade to newer vehicles or plan to purchase one in seven years
- You want a credit card with no annual fees
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
- 28.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 28.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card provides businesses with a credit lifeline for no annual fee. The card, which requires a $1,000 minimum security deposit, earns unlimited 1.5% cash back, with even more rewards through Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards while establishing your business credit
- Flexible redemption options
- Seamless transition from secured credit to unsecured with financial responsibility
- Regular Purchase APR: 28.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 28.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transactio
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $49
- Minimum Deposit Required: $1,000
- You own a business but don’t want to impact your personal credit score
- You want a versatile cash back rewards card
- You have an existing BoA relationship and Preferred Rewards account
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Valley Visa Signature® College Real Rewards Card
Valley Visa Signature® College Real Rewards Card
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 6 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Visa Signature College Real Rewards Card from Valley National Bank makes building good credit while in school look easy. Coming from a full line of uncomplicated cards, this option allows students to get started on their credit while earning a steady 1.5x points on purchases, with modest bonuses and introductory APRs in between.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 6 months
- 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 6 months
- 3% cash back at gas stations
- 2% cash back at supermarkets
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- 2,500 bonus points on your very first purchase with no spending requirement
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 6 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You're getting ready to start college and can utilize the introductory APR on dorm room supplies and textbooks
- You have little to no credit history established
- You want to build credit without missing out on rewards
Discover it® Chrome for Students
Discover it® Chrome for Students
- 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 6 months from date of account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Discover it Chrome for Students is a student credit card and cash back rewards card that allows college students to earn 2% cash back on gas and restaurants, plus 1% cash back on everything else. In addition to not having to worry about an annual fee, students who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher will receive a $20 statement credit each school year.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Get $20 statement credit each school year your GPA is 3.0 or higher for up to next five years
- Earn 2% cash back at gas and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, automatically
- Cash back rewards do not expired and can be redeemed at any time
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months
- No annual fee, no late fee on first late payment. No APR change for paying late
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months from date of account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 10.99% for 6 months from date of first transfer
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.24% to 27.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer posted at the promotional rate. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You're planning on commuting to college
- You plan to eat out rather than in the cafeteria
- You want a card that rewards a good school year, as your GPA can get you extra savings
- You want to take advantage of Cashback Match – only from Discover
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 19.99% - 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.99% - 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for the first 15 months from date of account opening Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
A younger sibling to the Savor® Rewards version, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card also highlights cash back on dining and entertainment while also extending an appealing 0% introductory APR offer.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
- Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
- No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
- Cash back wo't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
- You're covered by $0 Fraud Liability if your card is ever lost or stole
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for the first 15 months from date of account opening
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% - 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for the first 15 months from date of account opening
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% - 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer posted during the first 15 months from account opening. None for transfers that post thereafter
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $3
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You frequently dine out or make purchases in the entertainment category
- You want a cash back credit card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- You plan to pay for your groceries with a credit card over cash or debit
- You're looking for exclusive cardmember perks that give access to unique experiences not available to the public
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
- 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.99% to 29.99% Balance Transfer APR
At a Glance
The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® offers no fees, low rates, cash back, and credit lines up to $25,000 in one unique package. The card provides the flexibility and predictability consumers need to pay down balances and get debt-free quickly.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- Unlimited cash back on payments: 3% on Home, Auto, and Health categories and 1% on everything else after you make payments on your purchases
- No annual fee
- Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
- No touch payments with contactless technology built in
- See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
- Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud liability
- *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking account and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking account within 60 days of the date the Upgrade Card account is opened. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade VISA® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. If you have previously opened a Rewards Checking account or do not open one as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after the 3rd qualifying card purchase.
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 29.99%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
- You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
- You want to earn up to 3% cash back on purchases
- You can reliably pay off your statement balances to earn cash back for your purchases
- You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
Notre Dame PRO Credit Card
Notre Dame PRO Credit Card
- 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Notre Dame PRO Mastercard is a co-branded cash back credit card from Deserve and Celtic Bank. The card offers up to 3% cash back on select purchases, plus the opportunity for Priority Pass Select after meeting minimum spending requirements.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 3% cash back on travel purchases and 2% back on dining
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $37
- You want a card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
- You're a proud University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish alumnus
- You want a basic cash back credit card
- You want fringe benefits, including cell phone protectio
First Digital Mastercard®
First Digital Mastercard®
- 35.99%* Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99%* Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The First Digital Mastercard® is a sleek and simple card designed for rebuilding credit. With its chrome-like appearance and full Mastercard features, you’d never guess it was available for anything less than perfect credit. Yet that’s exactly what Synovus Bank (the credit card issuer) offers with this card: a speedy approval process for a $300 credit limit, to help you take your credit to the next level.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 1% cash back rewards on payments made to your First Digital Credit Card • Checking Account Required • $300 credit limit (subject to available credit) • Build up your credit history with a card that reports to all three major credit bureaus every month. • Perfect credit not required for approval; we may approve you when others won’t. • *See Rates, Fees, Costs & Limitations for complete offer details • See Cash Back Rewards Programs Terms & Conditions for details
- Regular Purchase APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%*
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10, or 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $75 1st year, $48 after*
- Foreign Transaction Fee: See Terms*
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41*
- You have struggled to qualify for other lines of credit
- You need a credit-building card with quick and easy approval
- You don’t need to transfer or otherwise carry a balance
- You want the full benefits of a Mastercard
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 12 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
Through the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can earn sizable cash back rewards on purchases in common categories, including 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on all other purchases. You can also earn $300 back in the form of a statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases using your new card in the first six months of the account being open.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an Equinox+ membership at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That's $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year. Then $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You budget for family spending and want a credit card that earns significant cash back
- You'll spend a lot of money on groceries to take advantage 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1% after that)
- You're excited at the prospect of earning 6% cash back with select streaming services
- You want to capitalize on your commute with 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (and select U.S. department stores)
- You'll take advantage of 3% cash back on transit (taxis/rideshare, parking and tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% on all other purchases
- You're likely to make $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of the account opening to qualify for a one-time $300 statement credit
- You cook at home often and commute to work and school regularly, or make use of public transit regularly
You've viewed 5 of 288 credit cards
What Is a Cash Back Credit Card?
A cash back credit card is a type of credit card that offers cardholders rewards in the form of money rather than miles or points. Cash back cards operate on a simple principle: you earn a percentage of the money you spend as cash back.
This reward is usually in the form of a statement credit or a direct deposit into your bank account, but other issuers allow cardholders to redeem cash back for gift cards and merchandise, deposits into eligible investment accounts, or by booking travel through loyalty travel portals.
The percentage of cash back you can earn varies depending on your credit card and purchase type. For example, you may earn 1% cash back on everyday purchases and 2% cash back on groceries or gas. Some credit cards even offer higher cash back rates for specific categories that rotate quarterly, like the Discover it® Cash Back or the Chase Freedom Unlimited.
How to Earn Cash Back
To earn cash back, use your cashback credit card for purchases. Every time you swipe your card or make an online transaction, you accumulate cash-back rewards. These rewards can quickly add up, especially if you use your credit card for all your regular expenses.
It’s important to note that not all transactions qualify for cash back rewards. To understand what qualifies for rewards, always read the fine print in your credit or debit card’s terms and conditions. Typically, the following transactions are ineligible for cash back:
- Balance transfers
- Card account checks
- Unauthorized or fraudulent transactions
- Cash advances
- Returns for credit
- Traveler’s cheques or foreign currency purchases
- Lottery tickets
- Money orders or wire transfers
- Reloading of prepaid debit or gift cards
- Card fees, late fees, or finance charges
Common Cash Back Categories
Here are some of the most commonly offered types of cash back rewards:
Which Type of Cash Back Credit Card is Best?
When it comes to cash back credit cards, the important question to ask is not which one is best overall, but which one is best for your specific situation. The easiest way to decide this is by determining which cash back rewards structure you’d like to work with: flat, rotating, or tiered.
Flat Rewards
Flat rewards are the easiest to manage as they offer a set amount (also known as a flat amount) for all purchases you make on your card. It’s common to see cards with a flat reward return rate of 1% to 2%. While that may not sound impressive, the tradeoff comes in how easy it is to determine how much you’ll get back from your purchases.
Rotating Rewards
Rotating rewards feature different bonus categories each quarter that you have to sign up for in order for your purchases to qualify. They generally yield a higher return than flat rewards cards, but you have to plan your purchases in advance to maximize your cash back earning potential. For example, one quarter may offer 3% cash back on travel expenses, but that category may be replaced in the following three months with rebates on gas or warehouse club purchases.
Tiered Rewards
Tiered rewards offer a comparably high return on purchases in a select category, but only up to a specific amount. After that, it’s common to see the cash back rate drop as low as 1%. For instance, a startup with a cash back credit card that rewards 5% on office supplies up to $2,000 a year may reach that limit in a single billing cycle. This limits how much they can earn going forward, but they also receive a big cash back bonus upfront that can be used for other supplies.
Secured Credit Cards
If you don’t yet have the necessary credit to qualify for an unsecured credit card, secured credit cards can be a good option. While the APR and benefits offered by some unsecured cards may be more appealing, they often have stricter application processes that evaluate personal income, assets, and other factors. In time, you’ll get there too
Benefits of Cash Back Credit Cards
Using a cash back credit card offers numerous benefits that can help you save money and manage your finances more effectively. One of the best advantages of these cards is the ability to earn money back on your everyday purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your car with gas, or making online purchases, you can earn cash back on these expenses.
Another benefit of cash back cards is the chance to take advantage of additional perks and features. Many cash back credit cards offer introductory bonuses, allowing you to earn a substantial amount of cash back when you meet certain spending requirements. Some cards also provide benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranties. These additional perks can add value and peace of mind when using your credit card for various transactions.
Lastly, cash back credit cards can also help you build and improve your credit score. Using your credit card responsibly and making timely payments demonstrates to lenders that you are a reliable borrower. This can open doors to better interest rates on future loans and credit cards. However, it’s crucial to remember that responsible credit card usage is key. It’s important to pay your bills on time and avoid a high balance to ensure your credit score remains positive.
How to Get a Cash Back Card
Ready to start earning cash back on your purchases? Getting a cash back rewards card is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Research available options: Take the time to research the various cash back cards available in the market. Consider factors such as cash back rates, annual fees, and additional benefits to find the card that best suits your needs. Also, pay attention to promotional financing, such as 0% APR on purchases. These benefits can help you finance larger purchases while earning rewards.
- Check your credit score: Before applying for a credit card, it’s essential to check your credit score. Most rewards credit cards require a good to excellent credit score for approval. If your score is lower, consider improving it before applying.
- Gather required documents: Once you’ve chosen a cash back credit card, gather all the necessary documents to complete the application process. This typically includes proof of identity, income verification, and other personal information.
- Fill out the application: To access the application form, visit the credit card issuer’s website or call customer service. Fill out the form accurately and provide all the required information. After submitting your application, the card issuer will review it and make a decision. This process can take a few days to a few weeks. If approved, you will receive your card in the mail along with the terms and conditions.
What to Look for in a Cash Back Credit Card
Cash back credit cards are regularly compared to one another based on their rewards structure, categories, and other factors. Take the features below into account when shopping around for a new card.
Another thing to consider is the accumulated charges you may incur. All of the money that you could potentially earn back with even the best cash back credit card in your wallet would be meaningless if you’re stuck paying fees for using the card- and not necessarily irresponsibly either! Look out for high foreign transaction fees and balance transfer fees, as well as late payment fees if you already occasionally find yourself short at the end of statement periods.
The Most Important Things to Look for: | ||
Rewards categories | Just as you wouldn’t wear clothing in a size that’s not your own, you want to find the cash back rewards categories that fit you best. If you have an extended commute around the city that includes going to work, running errands, and picking the kids up from practice, a card that grants cash back on gas will likely earn you lots of cash back. | |
Redemption options | Statement credits are a popular option, as are gift cards to big chain retailers and supermarkets, or a direct deposit into your bank account. Some cards give you the option of having a physical check mailed back to you if you want a paper trail of your rewards payouts, whereas others may give you the option to pay the funds forward to the charity of your choice. | |
APR | The introductory interest rates offered by some cards are often a big selling point to new applicants. Once that period is over, though, the card’s regular APR may be too high to handle if you regularly carry over balances between billing cycles. You can offset this by paying off your balance in full each month or signing up for a credit card that has an APR that your budget can afford. | |
Annual fee | It’s fairly common to find a cash back credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee, but it may be tougher to find one with benefits as good as one that does. If you don’t want to pay too high of an annual fee or miss out on benefits that serve you best, the trick is to find a card with perks that outweigh the cost. Always check the annual fee and don’t get saddled with a card that won’t offer you enough value. |
Tips for Maximizing Your Rewards
Once you have chosen the right cash back credit card, it’s time to focus on maximizing your rewards. Here are some strategies to help you make the most of your cash back:
- Use your card for everyday purchases: Make it a habit to use your cash back credit card for all your regular expenses, such as groceries, gas, and bills. By doing so, you’ll earn cash back on these everyday purchases and accumulate rewards faster.
- Take advantage of introductory bonuses: Many cash back credit cards offer generous introductory bonuses when you meet certain spending requirements within a specified timeframe.
- Optimize your spending: Some cash back credit cards offer higher cash back rates for specific categories or merchants. Take the time to understand these categories and plan your spending accordingly. For example, if your card offers 5% cash back on dining, consider dining out or ordering groceries from delivery apps like Uber Eats more often to earn more rewards in that category.
- Check for special promotions: Keep an eye out for special promotions and limited-time offers from your credit card issuer. These promotions may include increased cash back rates for specific merchants, statement credits, or seasonal promotions that can help you earn even more rewards.
FAQs
Here are answers from some of the most asked questions about cash back credit cards:
- Cash back credit cards are like any other rewards card. You make a purchase, and you get rewards in the form of points. Unlike other rewards cards, however, these credit cards offer the best redemption options as cash awards. These awards take the form of deposits into bank accounts, statement credits, or gift cards.
- Some card issuers, like Discover, offer a cashback match after the first year. A cash back match is when the bank automatically doubles your cash back after a set period. If you earn $100 in cash rewards, for example, the bank will double that to $200 – no questions asked.
- Points and cash back are mostly the same. All rewards cards earn points. Some cards, however, offer better redemption value for different options. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Cards are much better at travel than something like the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express for example.
- The time for points or cash back to show up in your account varies based on the transaction and the card issuer. Most transactions appear in your account within a few days, but sometimes cash back might not show up for a week or so. If you still do not see your cash back rewards after several weeks, contact your card issuer to get clarification.
- Some card issuers have limits on the minimum amount of rewards before cardholders can cash out. Others, however, have no minimum requirements. Deciding when to cash out is a personal decision. Many experts believe that redeeming cash back every month is an excellent habit to get into, as it can help reduce monthly payments and boost the amount of cash you have for everyday spending.
- The average credit card cash back is between 1% and 2%.
- To get the most out of a cash back credit card, you should carefully spend on bonus categories to maximize rewards.
- Not all credit cards offer rewards, like points, cash back, or discounts. Always read the card’s fine print before applying to ensure you don’t end up with a product you don’t want.
- In some cases, yes, though this is difficult. One easy way to get the most value from purchases is to stack offers or coupons. BestCards membership is a great way to boost your savings while using your desired credit card. And, it is free to join.
Conclusion
Cash back credit cards can be powerful tools for maximizing your savings and earning money back on your everyday purchases. By understanding how these cards work, the benefits they offer, and the various types available, you can make an informed decision and choose the right cash back credit card for your needs. Remember to use your card responsibly, pay your bills on time, and avoid carrying a high balance to fully enjoy the benefits of cash back rewards. With the right strategy and discipline, you can make the most of your cash back credit card and watch your savings grow
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.