When it comes to getting a credit card, you want to know that you have the best one for your personal needs and wants. One option are cards that offer a cash back perk for using your card.
Cash back cards actually pay you money for various things from making purchases and paying your bill on time. The biggest hurdle is just finding the perfect card for you and your budget.
With this being said, it actually pays to do a little bit of research before making a commitment to a card. There are so many variants in cash back cards such as some cards offering rewards for traveling, buying groceries, online shopping, car maintenance, and even more.
With all these options we can see where it would be really easy to get confused, especially when it comes to reading the terms and conditions that like to use strange phrasing and big words. That is why we have compared the best cash back cards, just to help you find the right one for you.
Here are The Smart Investor Select’s picks for the top cash back credit cards:
- Best for high cash back: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Best for credit unions: Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
- Best for rotating categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card
- Best for online shopping: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- Best for flat rate cashback: Citi® Double Cash Card
- Best for sign up bonus: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Best for store cash back: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- Best for less than perfect credit: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Reward Details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
On Chase Website, Terms Apply
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is one of the best shopping cards available, especially if you're a frequent buyer on Amazon. This card offers an outstanding 5% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% cash back on restaurant, gas, and drugstores, 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a suitable choice for commuters and a 0% fee on foreign transactions.
However, warehouse clubs and superstores are not included and you aren't eligible for 0% intro APR period. Overall, the Amazon card is suitable for individuals that buy or purchase their groceries at traditional supermarkets.
- Rewards Plan: 5% at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, 2% cash back on restaurant, gas, and drugstores, 1% cash back on all other purchases
- APR: 14.24% to 22.24% Variable
- Annual Fee: $0 ($119 Amazon Prime subscription required)
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Sign Up bonus: $150 Amazon gift card upon approval
- Sign-Up Bonus
- Cash Back at Supermarkets & Gas Stations
- No Annual Fee
- Extended Warranty on Purchases
- Amazon Prime subscription required
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Minimum Redemption Amounts
Does the card have a rewards limit?
The Amazon card doesn't have a rewards limit, so you can earn cash back on all of your purchases. It has a tiered structure, so even purchases that are not on Amazon can still earn you some cash back.
Does anyone can get the Amazon card?
you’ll need good to excellent credit for the Amazon Prime Rewards card. Although your income will be one of the factors assessed during your application, your credit score will be a more important consideration.
Can you get pre approved
There is no pre approval option for the Amazon Prime Rewards card. This means that you’ll need to complete a full application and this will trigger a hard pull on your credit.
What’s the initial credit limit I'll get?
The Amazon Prime Rewards card has a minimum initial credit limit of $500. The exact amount can be much higher but it mainly depends on your credit score.
How long does approval take?
If you don’t get an instant decision after you submit the online application form for the Amazon Prime Rewards card, you may be waiting two to four weeks.
What are the top reason not to get the Amazon card?
The top reason not to get the Amazon Prime Rewards card is that you don’t tend to spend a lot with Amazon or Whole Foods.
Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
On Chase Website, Terms Apply
If you have a high credit score and want a card to capture your spending habits with no extra cost. The Chase Freedom Flex℠ Card has a $0 annual fee, and you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases.
The sign up bonus includes $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Rewards Plan: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases on selected categories each quarter and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Also, you can earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), drugstore purchases , and 1% on all other purchases
- APR: 15.74% – 24.49% variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% (the greater)
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Sign Up bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Sign Up Bonus
- No Annual Fee
- 0% Intro APR
- Protection & Free Credit Score
- Higher cashback Bonuses has a Cap
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Is there a limit to cashback? There is a cap on the bonus categories whereby it will cover up to $1,500 of relevant purchases per quarter.
- Can I get car rental insurance with a Chase Freedom Flex card? Yes, when you rent the car and pay for all of it with this card and do not accept coverage from the rental company.
- What are Chase Freedom Flex card income requirements? No specific income requirements and it does not usually ask for proof of income requirements.
- Does card Chase Freedom Flex offer pre approval? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit of the Freedom Flex? The initial credit limit varies, but can often be between $300 and $1,000. The average limit for this card is $3,000.
- How do I redeem cashback? You go to the Ultimate Rewards section that Chase offers and you can choose between the options as to how you utilize the rewards.
- What purchases don't earn cashback? All purchases earn cashback with this card.
- Should You Move to Chase Freedom Flex card? This is a good fit for people who are looking for good cashback rates, as well as getting access to quarterly bonus categories for enhanced rates.
- How hard is it to get it? It is not very hard to get this type of card once you meet all of the straightforward requirements.
- How to maximize rewards on Chase Freedom Flex card? You go to the Ultimate Rewards section that Chase offers and you can choose between the options as to how you utilize the rewards. To maximize rewards, you should make sure that you take advantage of the bonus categories and leave the other types of purchases that are not covered by an enhanced rate to another card. This is because you will only get 1% cashback on non-covered purchases.
- Top Reasons NOT to get the Chase Freedom Flex card? If you make a lot of purchases not covered by the respective categories and will only get 1% cashback on them. You may also travel a lot and not want to pay the 3% foreign exchange transaction charge that comes with this card.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One Website, Terms Apply
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
On Capital One Website, Terms Apply
The Capital One Quicksilver card is a good choice for individuals that either don’t like to spend too much in just one budget category or individuals that prefer one reward rate than multiple rates. The Capital One Quicksilver offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases. This cashback rate is not the highest in the market, but card do not charge any annual fee, and it has a nice welcome bonus of $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
Lastly, the card offers a generous 0% intro APR. Some of the benefits individuals can derive from using this card include; no foreign transaction fees, travel accident insurance, secondary car rental insurance and 24-hour travel assistance services.
- Rewards Plan: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- APR: 14.99% - 24.99% variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Sign Up bonus: $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 15 months on balance transfers and purchases
- Sign-Up Bonus
- Flat Cashback Rewards Rate
- No Annual Fee or Foreign Transaction fee
- Intro APR on Purchases & Balance Transfers
- No Bonus Rewards Categories
- Cashback Rate Could Be Better
- Requires Good/Excellent Credit
- Can I get car rental insurance with Quicksilver Card? Yes, once you refuse the insurance offered by the rental company you will automatically get coverage if you fund the entire purchase through this card.
- What are Quicksilver Card income requirements? Capital One often required monthly income to be at least $800. Sometimes, you will need to show some proof of income.
- Can I get pre-approved? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit? You will normally get a credit limit of at least $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? For the Quicksilver cashback rewards, you are able to get a check, as statement credit, or redeem them with certain retailers.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All purchases are covered.
- Should You Move to Quicksilver Card? If you want consistency across all types of purchases or need to fill some gaps thrown up by other cards.
- How to Use Quicksilver card Benefits? Use it to fill the gap where your other credit cards fall short. If you want to have ultimate ease of use thanks to the consistency across all types of purchases.
- What are the top Reasons NOT to get the Quicksilver Card? If you are looking to get higher cashback rewards for certain categories.
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
On Capital One Website, Terms Apply
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Reward Details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
On Capital One Website, Terms Apply
The Capital One Savor credit card offers unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.. Rewards don’t expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem cash back for any amount.
In addition, there is a significant sign up bonus of $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, as well as no foreign transaction fee.
However, if you don’t spend enough on these types of activities then you won’t get ahead much on the rewards due to the $95 annual fee.
- Rewards Plan: unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, 3% at grocery stores and 1% on all other purchases.
- APR: 16.24% - 24.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Sign Up bonus: $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
- Sign Up Bonus
- High Cash Back
- No Rotating Categories
- $95 Annual Fee
- Approval Can Be Strict
- No 0% Intro APR
- Can I get car rental insurance with Capital One Savor? Yes, once you refuse the insurance offered by the rental company you will automatically get coverage if you fund the entire purchase through this card.
- Does it have a cash-back rewards limit? There is no limit.
- Does Capital One ask for proof of income? No out and out request for proof of income and no transparent income requirements.
- Does Capital One Savor Card offer pre approval? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit? The minimum credit limit is set at $5,000.
- How do I redeem cash back? You can get them sent to you in the form of a check, as a statement credit, or get them given to you through gift cards.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All types of purchases are eligible for cashback with this card.
- Should You Move to Capital One Savor Card? If you spend enough on the premium cashback categories to justify the annual fee.
- Why did Capital One Savor Card deny me? What to Do Next? You might not have met all of the requirements. You can enquire as to where your application fell short. If you cannot proceed, you can look at some of the other available options.
- How to maximize rewards on Capital One Savor Card? Make the most out of the signup offer and use this card for the premium cashback categories to get the best bang for your buck.
- Top reasons NOT to get the Capital One Savor Card? If you will not reap enough rewards to justify the $95 annual fee.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers an outstanding 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases , making it a suitable choice for commuters and a 2.70% fee on foreign transactions. Terms Apply.
However, warehouse clubs and superstores are not included. The American Blue Cash Preferred Card charges an annual fee of $95, but you can justify this if you reach the higher cashback threshold in U.S. supermarkets. This makes the card suitable for individuals that buy or purchase their groceries at traditional supermarkets. New cardmembers can earn up to $350 back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of Card Membership .
- Rewards Plan: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
- APR: 15.49%-25.49% Variable
- Annual Fee: $95
- Balance Transfer Fee: N/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.70%
- Welcome Bonus: $350 back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
- 0% APR Introductory Rate Months: 12 months on purchases
* Terms Apply
- Welcome Bonus
- Cash Back Rewards
- 0% APR Intro
- Redeeming Options
- Extended Warranty on Purchases
- $95 Annual Fee
- Short Introductory Rates
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Minimum Redemption Amounts
- Is there a limit to rewards/cash back? You can get the premium cashback rate on groceries until you have annual purchases in this area of $6,000. The rate then goes to 1%.
- Can I get car rental insurance? how? Yes, you will get this insurance if you refuse the car rental company’s insurance coverage and you pay for the entire cost of the rental with this card.
- Does it have a cash-back/point rewards limit? You can get the premium cashback rate on groceries until you have annual purchases in this area of $6,000. The rate then goes to 1%. Otherwise, there are no restrictions.
- Do you need a proof of income? No transparent income requirements or proof of income requests.
- Does the rewards points expire? They do not expire once you keep your account open and meet a few basic conditions.
- Can I get pre-approved? Yes, you can get pre-approval.
- What is the initial credit limit? It will be at least $1,000 and usually greater.
- How do I redeem cash back? The rewards will be credited to you in the form of a statement credit.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
On Citi Website, Terms Apply
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is an amazing choice for regular Costco shoppers who want to earn a highly competitive cashback rewards, and one of the best shopping cards available. Costco card does not charge any fee on foreign transactions and does not charge any annual fee. The card offers 4% cash back on gas purchases (both at Costco and other gas stations) up to $7,000 per year, then 1% back + 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases.
To enjoy all these benefits, all you need to do is pay your annual Costco membership fee to maintain your card account. Some of the limitations attached to this card usage include; limited cashback redemption option and a cap on gas rewards.
- Rewards Plan: 4% cash back on gas purchases (both at Costco and other gas stations) up to $7,000 per year, then 1% back + 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
- APR: 16.74% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0 ($60 Costco membership fee required)
- Balance Transfer Fee: 3% or 5$
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%
- Sign Up bonus: None
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: None
- Cashback on Costco, Gas, Restaurants and Travel and Other Spending
- No Annual Fee
- No Foreign Transaction Fee
- Extended Manufacturer Warranty, Travel Perks
- Redemption Restrictions
- No Sign-Up Bonus or 0% APR Introductory Rate
- There are Better Cashback Cards
- High APR
What’s the initial credit limit?
The initial credit limit for the Costco Anywhere visa is $500, but some cardholders have been offered an initial limit as high as $10,000.
What are the top reasons not to get the Costco card?
The top reason to not get the Costco Anywhere card is if you can get better rewards on a different tier card. There are some cards out there that offer 5% on one or two categories, which provides greater flexibility.
How’s the card customer service availability?
Citi has phone lines that are open 24/7, so you can access support at any time.
How much should I spend to cover the card fees?
There is no annual fee, However, you do need to have a Costco membership for the Costco Anywhere, but presumably, you’ll already have this covered.
Is it hard to get the Costco card?
To qualify for the Costco Anywhere card, you must have excellent credit and a low income-to-debt ratio.
Can I get pre approved?
Citi does not support Costco Anywhere card pre-approval. You'll need to fill out a full application, which will include a hard credit pull.
Citi® Double Cash Card
Reward details
Current Offer
Credit Rating
Annual Fee
0% Intro
APR
On Citi Website, Terms Apply
Looking for a credit card issuer that offers an unrivaled flat-rate cash back rewards on all your purchases with no annual fee and a straightforward reward structure, then look nowhere else;
With the Citi Double Cash card, you can get up to 1% cashback when you use the card plus an additional 1% whenever you make a payment. The flexible redemption options of this card make it a potentially lucrative option for its users. Some of the benefits you can get from using this card include an outstanding cashback on unlimited purchases and generous intro APR on balance transfers.
However, this card does not provide a sign up bonus .
- Rewards Plan: 2% cash back rewards rate – 1% every time you swipe and another 1% upon payment.
- APR: 15.49% - 25.49% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Sign Up bonus: None
- 0% APR Introductory Rate period: 18 months on balance transfers
- Simple and Generous Rewards System
- Competitive Balance-Transfer Policy
- Fee Waiver on First Late Payment
- No Annual Fee
- No Sign-Up Bonus
- No Intro 0% APR on Purchases
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- Is there a limit to cash back rewards? No limit in place
- Can I get car rental insurance with Citi Double Cash? Yes, it offers rental insurance for cars if you pay for the full cost with this credit card and you decline the rental company’s insurance.
- What are the income requirements? No out and out income requirements and normally you will not have to provide proof of income.
- Does cash back rewards expire? They don’t expire once you keep your account open.
- Does card Citi Double Cash Credit Card offer pre approval? Yes, pre-approval is a possibility.
- What is the initial credit limit? It will normally be at least $500.
- How do I redeem cash back? You will be able to redeem the cashback points through direct deposit, check, or as statement credit. You can also use them in other ways, such as spending on gift cards, Amazon.com, and on travel.
- What purchases don't earn cash back? All purchases earn cashback
- Should You Move to Citi Double Cash Card? If you like predictability and want an incentive to meet your payment commitments.
- How to maximize rewards on Citi Double Cash ? Make sure that you make your minimum due payments.
- Top Reasons NOT to get the Citi Double Cash? If you want a higher cashback rate or a signup offer.
