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August 1, 2025

Best Cash Back Cards of 2025

Jessica Martel
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Key takeaways

  • Cash back cards give you cash back and other rewards on your purchases.
  • A flat-rate cash-back card allows you to earn on every purchase.
  • Category-based cash back cards let you earn on specific categories like groceries, gas, or streaming.
  • Pay your balance in full each month so your interest charges don’t outweigh the rewards you earn.

APR rates and other account details are for informational purposes only and are accurate as of June 18, 2025. Check the latest account details and agreements before signing up for any cashback or rewards product. The use of any third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only. Chime has no sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with any of the financial institutions referenced.

What is a cash back card and how does it work?

Cash back cards allow you to earn cash on your everyday purchases. Different cash back cards offer different rewards and redemption structures. Many cash back cards offer benefits, such as a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) and welcome bonuses.

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  • No credit check to apply
  • No annual fees
  • No interest~
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How to choose the best cash back card for you

With so many cash back cards on the market, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? You can start by comparing some of the key features:

FeatureWhat to consider
Rewards structureCategory: Earn a higher rate of cash back in certain areas (groceries, gas).

Flat rate: Earn a certain percentage of cash back on all purchases.
Annual feeAnnual fee: Cards with a fee might earn higher rewards or perks.

No annual fee: These cards don’t cost money, but might not have the highest rate of cash back compared to competitors.
Signup bonusWith a signup bonus you can earn more after spending a certain amount – for example, earn $200 if you spend $1,500 in six months.
Intro APR offerSome cards offer a 0% intro APR for a certain amount of time on purchases and/or balance transfers.

When choosing a cash back card, you can ask yourself the following questions to help guide your decision.

  • Where do you spend most of your money? If you spend a lot in a particular area, such as dining out, consider a category-based cash back card. If you prefer a consistent cash back rate on all purchases, a flat-rate cash card might make more sense.
  • Are you willing to pay a yearly fee? Cards with an annual fee may offer higher rewards or perks but only if you spend enough to offset the fee.
  • Can you meet the minimum spending requirement? While a signup bonus can boost the amount of cashback you earn, it’s only useful if you can meet the minimum spend requirement and afford to pay your credit card off in full. Carrying a balance can negate any signup bonus you earn.
  • Are you planning to make a big purchase? A cash back card with a 0% intro APR can give you time to pay off a big purchase gradually, without having to pay interest.

Best cash back cards of 2025

Here are our top picks for the best cash back cards of 2025. Whether you want to earn cash back on groceries, gas, or a simple flat rate on everyday purchases, there’s a cash back card that’s right for you.

Cash back card for gas & groceries

Chime® Visa® Debit Card

  • If a large portion of your money goes towards everyday purchases like food and gas, start putting money back in your pocket with Chime Deals®.1 Use Chime’s app to browse different cash back deals.
  • Rewards rate: Rates vary based on Chime Deals.
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Standout features: Fee-free feature for Chime members; personalized cash back deals. No extra card needed, simply tap or swipe any physical Chime card. All cash back is automatically deposited into your Chime Checking Account within 10 business days.
  • Best for: Groceries and gas.

Flat rate cash back card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

  • With no spending categories or caps on spending, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card makes it incredibly simple to earn cash back on all purchases.
  • Rewards rate: 2% flat rate on all purchases.2
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Standout features: Bonus offer of $200 when you spend $500 in purchases in the first three months; 12-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers; up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your bill with your credit card (subject to a $25 deductible).2
  • Best for: Spenders who want to keep it simple.

Rotating category cash back card

Discover it® Cash Back

  • If you like to shake things up with rotating earn categories, Discover it® Cash Back is worth your consideration. As a new cardholder, you can double your cash back earnings in the first year.
  • Rewards rate: 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to the quarterly maximum), 1% on all other purchases.3
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Standout features: Discover will match cash back earned at the end of your first year; 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.3
  • Best for: Spenders who can maximize rotating categories.

No annual fee cash back card

Citi Double Cash® Card

  • With no annual fee and a simple rewards model of 2% cash back on all purchases, it’s easy to earn with a Citi Double Cash® Card.
  • Rewards rate: 2% on all purchases (1% cash back on every purchase, plus 1% as you pay off the purchases).3
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Standout features: $200 cash back welcome bonus when you spend $1,500 in the first six months; 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers.4
  • Best for: Simple cash back rewards with no annual fee.

Cash back card for restaurants

Citi Custom Cash® Card

  • If you love to dine out, then the Citi Customer Cash® Card can help you save. With a high rewards rate and no annual fee, you can earn cash back each time you try a new restaurant.
  • Rewards rate: 5% on top spending category (up to $500 per month), 1% on all other purchases.5
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Standout features: Welcome offer of $200 cash back after spending $1,500 within the first six months; 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.5
  • Best for: Foodies who like to dine out.

Cash back card for students

Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

  • With no annual fee and an opportunity to earn a competitive cash back rate when you eat and stream, Capital One SavorOne is a great option for students.
  • Rewards rate: Unlimited 3% cashback on groceries, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.6
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Standout features: As a new cardholder, you can earn a $100 cash bonus when you spend $300 on purchases within three months; designed exclusively for students; 50% off handcrafted beverages at Capital One Cafe nationwide.6
  • Best for: Students completing higher education.

APR rates and other account details are for informational purposes only and are accurate as of June 18, 2025. Check the latest account details and agreements before signing up for any cashback or rewards product. The use of any third-party trademarks is for informational purposes only. Chime has no sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with any of the financial institutions referenced.

Choose the right cash card with confidence

When it comes to cash back cards, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. With so many cards on the market, it can feel overwhelming to narrow down your options. Luckily, we’re here to help.

Use our list of the best cash back cards to start your search. When making your decision, consider where you spend most of your money and what key factors are most important to you.

To learn about credit cards, check out the top types of credit cards and their benefits.

Best cash back cards of 2025 FAQs

Do cash back cards hurt your credit?

If used responsibly (you pay off your balance in full each month and keep your credit utilization low) a cash back card won’t hurt your credit score.

How can I maximize my rewards?

To maximize cash back rewards, choose a card that rewards you for what you already spend money on.

For instance, if you spend a large portion of your money on groceries or gas, choose a card with a high earn rate in those categories.

You can also look for cards that offer a generous welcome bonus. Lastly, aim to pay your balance in full each month so your interest charges don’t wipe out the rewards you earn.

What’s the catch with cash back cards?

While cash back cards can be a great way to earn on everyday purchases, it’s important to practice responsible credit use. Avoid spending more on your credit card because you feel the need to earn more cash back. Instead, treat your credit card like a debit card and only spend what you can afford.