Best Cash Back Credit Cards

Bottom Line: A popular cash back credit card for consumers with good credit scores. Cash rewards can add up quickly and are available as long as accounts are open.

Pros: Offers $150 cash back after spending $500 in the first 3 months of opening an account, then 1.5% cash back unlimited. Cash rewards don't expire. No annual or foreign transaction fees. Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers​​​​​​​

Cons: Can be difficult for applicants with less than perfect credit to be approved, or may receive small credit limits. Mixed opinions on the attentiveness of customer service. 

Bottom Line: If you plan to use your new credit card frequently within the first year, the initial cash back rewards on the Freedom Unlimited make it worth considering.

Pros: Introduction period allows card holders to earn $150 cash back after spending $500 during first 3 months. 1.5% unlimited cash back. Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. No annual membership fee.

Cons: Foreign transaction fees (3%) apply. Very good to excellent credit is needed for approval. 

Bottom Line: Although this card has a high annual fee, it also offers numerous ways to wrack up cash back bonuses.

Pros: Earns $250 statement credit after spending $1,000 within 3 months of opening an account. Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers. 6% cash back up to $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 6% on some U.S. streaming services, and 3% back on select transit.

Cons: Excellent credit is a must to be approved. Annual membership fee is $95. 2.7% foreign transaction fee. 

Bottom Line: Cash back can add up quickly with Chase's Freedom card, especially for consumers who enjoy shopping in a variety of categories.

Pros: In addition to $150 cash back with initial $500+ spending in the first three months, this card offers 5% cash back in special quarterly categories and 1% unlimited otherwise. Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers No annual fee; rewards don't expire.

Cons: 3% foreign transaction fee. The downside of the special categories is that not all of them will appeal to every consumer, and there is limited time to take advantage of them. Excellent/good credit required.

Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.