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Getting something back for your everyday purchases is probably one of the best reasons to use a credit card. While most cards on the market offer a variety of rewards and perks, the best cash back credit cards will reward you in an easy, tangible way: by giving you a fixed percentage of what you spend, delivered right to your account or, in some cases, your door in the form of a check.
Read our guide to find out which cards offer the highest cash back rates and choose the right one for you.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2026
All rates and data are current as of Feb. 24, 2026.
Best Cash Back Credit Cards Reviews
Why we chose it: Discover it Cash Back features 5% cash back that rotates quarterly (eligible categories include grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and big box stores, among others) and 1% on all other purchases.
The card also offers new customers a 15-month introductory 0% APR period. After that, the card’s APRs range from 17.49% to 26.49%. The Discover it Cash Back does not have an annual fee or a foreign transaction fee.
Discover it Cash Back also features a $1-to-$1 match from the day a new account is approved through the first 12 consecutive billing cycles or 365 days — whichever is longer.
Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.
Why we chose it: The Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a 0% introductory APR — including on new purchases and balance transfers — for the first 15 billing cycles after an account is opened.
After the promotional period ends, balance transfers incur a fee of 5%. The card offers a sign-up bonus of $200 after customers spend $1,000 in the first 90 days of the account opening. Additionally, the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card provides 2% cash back for the first year, which falls to 1.5% thereafter. Following the 0% intro APR period, cardholders are subject to variable APRs ranging from 17.49% to 27.49%.
Customers are provided with an auto rental collision damage waiver. There is no annual fee, but there is a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.
Why we chose it: The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express offers 6% cash back on all groceries (up to $6,000 per year in U.S. grocery supermarkets), 6% on select streaming services, 3% on transit and gas at U.S. stations and 1% on all other purchases.
The card also offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that period, variable APRs range from 19.49% to 28.49%. The annual fee of $95 is waived for the first year. There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% and a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% (whichever is greater).
The Blue Cash Preferred Card’s perks include car rental coverage, emergency travel assistance and an annual $120 credit for Disney streaming services, including a bundle subscription, on DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Stream.ESPN.com U.S. websites.
Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.
Why we chose it: The Freedom Unlimited from Chase allows users to earn a $200 bonus after spending just $500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
The card also doesn’t charge an annual fee and features 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3% on dining and drugstores as well as 1.5% on all other purchases. There is a 3% foreign transaction fee and a balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% (whichever is greater). Cardholders can enjoy a 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. After the intro period, variable APRs range from 18.24% to 27.74%.
The Freedom Unlimited also provides customers with trip interruption/cancellation coverage, car rental coverage, as well as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.
Why we chose it: SavorOne Rewards from Capital One provides customers with unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, groceries (excluding Walmart and Target) and popular streaming services.
In addition to 1% cash back on all other purchases, the card’s annual fee is just $39, and it offers a 0% introductory APR for 12 months after account opening. After that period, the APR is variable (currently 28.99%). SavorOne Rewards’ sign-up bonus provides $300 after cardholders spend $3,000 within the first three months that the account is opened.
There is no foreign transaction fee, but the card charges a 4% balance transfer fee. Perks include $0 fraud liability, unlimited access to credit scores and tools to help monitor your credit profile with CreditWise from Capital One.
Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.
Cash Back Credit Cards FAQs
How do cash back credit cards work?
Cash back credit cards return a percentage of what you spend on your credit card on a periodic basis. This percentage can be redeemed to buy certain products or services through the bank’s online portal or as a check in the mail. It can also be redeemed as a statement credit to pay back part of your credit card bill.
What is the best cash back credit card?
According to Money, the best cash back credit card overall is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because of the high rate of cash back offered in certain categories, bonuses and promo offers. The best cash back card also depends on your spending habits and needs.
Cash back is not taxable since it’s considered a rebate or discount. However, depending on the amount of cash back a sign-up bonus offers, this could, in fact, be taxable. If you earned many of these throughout the year, especially from business credit cards that offer higher amounts, keep in mind that you’ll most likely have to pay taxes on them.
When does my cash back expire?
In the majority of cases, cash back does not expire unless the account is closed.
How We Chose the Best Cash Back Credit Cards
The best cash back credit cards offer high-value rewards for everyday spending, competitive sign-up bonuses and low or no fees. This methodology evaluates these cards focusing on cash back rates, fee structure and additional benefits.
| Cash Back Rewards | Sign-Up Bonus | Fees | Other Perks |
| 40% | 35% | 20% | 5% |
- Cash Back Rewards: Consistent and straightforward cashback or rewards rate for all purchases rather than categories. Enhanced rewards for everyday spending categories (e.g., groceries, gas).
- Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can often earn hefty bonuses with the best cash back credit cards.
- Fees: No-fee cards might include other fees, which can lower its rating.
- Other Perks: Any other perks and benefits the card includes, whether travel, low-interest or building credit.
Read our full methodology here.
Summary of Money’s Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2026
To see rates and fees for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, visit this link. Terms apply.
* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:
Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.
Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
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