Best Cash Back Credit Card
Cash back credit cards are the most flexible type of rewards credit cards because they allow you to earn rewards on all of your purchases and, most importantly, redeem these rewards for cash which can be used to purchase anything. In compiling the list of the best cash back credit cards, our editors tried to find products that met as many, if not all of the following criteria: 1% cash back on all purchases, higher earning rates for certain purchase categories and an initial cash back bonus. Read more about our Editor's Picks for the Best Cash Back Credit Card.
More Options? Compare All Cash Back Credit Cards
Up-to-date as of: Feb 3, 2012
- Best Overall
- Best Credit Card Deals
- Best Credit Card Rates
- Best Balance Transfer
- Best Cash Back
- Best Rewards
- Best for Bad Credit
- Best for Business
Excellent Credit
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: $100
- Base Earn: 1.5%
- Max Earn: 1.5%
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- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: $200
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 5%
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- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
- Initial Bonus: $100
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 3%
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Good Credit
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: $100
- Base Earn: 1.5%
- Max Earn: 1.5%
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- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: $100
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 5%
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Fair Credit
- Annual Fee: $39
- Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
- Initial Bonus: None
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 2%
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- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: None
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 2%
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Limited History
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: None
- Base Earn: 1.25%
- Max Earn: 1.25%
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- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
- Initial Bonus: None
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 5%
- Learn More
- Annual Fee: None
- Rewards: Cash Back
- Initial Bonus: None
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 2%
- Learn More
- Annual Fee: $39
- Rewards: Cash Back - Extra on Gas
- Initial Bonus: None
- Base Earn: 1%
- Max Earn: 2%
- Learn More
Bad Credit
Unfortunately, there are no cash back credit cards for people with bad credit. Below is the best secured credit card for people with bad credit.
Orchard Bank® Secured MasterCard
- Min Deposit: $200
- Annual Fee: None 1st yr, $35 after
- Monthly Fee: None
- One-time Setup Fees: None
- Regular Rate: 7.99% (V)
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Why get the best cash back credit card and not the best travel rewards credit card?
In a word, flexibility. Though certain travel rewards credit cards might be more lucrative, the best cash back rewards credit cards simplify redemption and broaden rather than limit the possible uses of your earnings. In addition, cash back credit cards represent a lower risk because credit card companies cannot devalue what you have already earned, as they can with rewards miles or points. Whether you don't travel enough to warrant getting a travel rewards credit card or you merely value the simplicity of cash rewards, you can't go wrong with the best cash back card.
How often do the best cash back credit cards change?
The best cash back credit cards page changes whenever new deals that warrant inclusion are introduced. There is no specific timetable for this as credit card companies alter offers at their own discretion based on various economic trends. As a result, the best cash back credit cards for 2011 will likely differ from those for 2010.
Do the best cash back credit cards make rewards redemption easier?
Rewards redemption is very simple with all cash back credit cards. You earn rewards in terms of cash, which you receive in the form of checks or statement credits. There are no blackout dates, no risk of devaluation, no loopholes, no point benchmarks to reach, just a clear cash earning rate. The best cash back cards simply heighten the benefits provided by your typical cash back credit card.
About the Editors' Picks — Best Cash Back Credit Card
Our editors' recommendations for the Best Cash Back Credit Card are a reflection of their own subjective opinions, and they should not be relied upon as the sole basis for choosing your credit card. We work hard to present you with the most accurate credit card information, however, the credit card terms and conditions do not originate from us and thus we do not guarantee the accuracy of the information. Before applying for a credit card we recommend that you verify the credit card terms and conditions on the credit card company's web site. Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.
