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- Cash-back credit cards offer different rewards based on spending categories.
- The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is best for groceries with 6% cash back.
- The Citi® Double Cash Card offers a flat-rate 2% cash back on all purchases.
- The Chase Freedom Flex gives 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter.
- The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card provides 2% cash back on all purchases without an annual fee.
- Choose a card based on your spending habits to maximize rewards.
Cash-back credit cards have become an essential part of the modern financial toolkit. With so many options available, choosing the right card can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to maximize your rewards.
The good news is that various credit cards offer competitive cash-back rates across different categories, allowing you to tailor your choice based on your spending habits. But if you’re wondering, “What credit card gives the most cash back?”—this blog post will guide you through the top contenders and how to determine which is best for you.
Ever heard of Ibotta or Rakuten?
Earning cashback on your purchases has never been easier with Rakuten and Ibotta. Rakuten allows you to shop at over 3,500 stores, earning a percentage back on each purchase simply by clicking through their app or website. It’s perfect for online shoppers who want to save while buying from their favorite retailers. Ibotta, on the other hand, offers both online and in-store cashback opportunities. By scanning receipts or linking your store loyalty accounts, you can get rebates on everyday purchases like groceries, clothing, and more. Both apps are free, making them a smart choice for savvy shoppers looking to stretch their dollars.
What Credit Card Gives the Most Cash Back?
In today’s competitive financial market, credit card companies are offering more incentives than ever to attract customers. Among the most popular incentives is cash-back rewards, which allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back as cash.
This reward can be redeemed in various ways, from statement credits to gift cards or direct deposits into your bank account. The amount of cash back you earn depends on the card you choose, and some cards offer higher rates in specific spending categories like groceries, gas, or dining.
With so many options, it’s important to assess your spending habits to identify which card will provide the most value for your lifestyle. So, if you’re asking, “What credit card gives the most cash back?”—we’ll break down the best options by category, spending habits, and overall benefits in this guide.
Cash-Back Basics: Understanding How It Works
Before exploring specific credit card options, it’s crucial to understand how cash-back rewards work. Most cash-back credit cards operate on a percentage-based system. For example, a card might offer 1% cash back on all purchases but 5% cash back in certain categories, like grocery stores or online shopping.
Some cards even rotate their bonus categories, offering increased rewards in different areas every quarter.
Cash-back cards generally fall into three categories:
- Flat-rate cash-back cards: These offer a consistent percentage of cash back on all purchases. For example, the Citi® Double Cash Card gives 2% back on every purchase—1% when you make the purchase and another 1% when you pay it off.
- Tiered cash-back cards: These provide higher cash back in specific spending categories. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, for example, offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in annual purchases), 3% on transit, and 1% on all other purchases.
- Rotating category cash-back cards: These cards, such as the Chase Freedom Flex, offer 5% cash back on rotating categories that change every quarter (e.g., gas stations, grocery stores, or Amazon purchases), with a cap on the spending that earns this bonus rate.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how cash-back cards work, let’s explore some of the best options to consider based on what credit card gives the most cash back in different scenarios.
1. Best for Groceries: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
If you spend a significant portion of your budget on groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a top contender. It offers a whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in yearly purchases (then 1% after reaching that limit). This high rate is unmatched in the grocery category, making it a perfect choice for families or anyone who spends heavily on food.
In addition to groceries, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% on transit (including taxis, rideshares, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more), and 3% at U.S. gas stations. These tiered rewards make the card ideal for everyday purchases and essential services.
While there is a $95 annual fee (waived for the first year), the high cash-back rates, especially on groceries, can easily offset this cost for frequent shoppers. In fact, for individuals or families spending around $500 per month on groceries, this card can quickly become the answer to the question, “What credit card gives the most cash back?”
2. Best Flat-Rate Card: Citi® Double Cash Card
The Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent option if you prefer simplicity and don’t want to worry about tracking bonus categories. This card offers 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. The simplicity of this structure makes it easy to use and is ideal for someone who wants to maximize cash back without the hassle of remembering rotating categories or limits.
There are no limits to the amount of cash back you can earn, and there’s no annual fee, making it a great option for people who want straightforward rewards on every purchase they make. If you’re a disciplined spender and always pay off your balance in full, the Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the most rewarding flat-rate cash-back cards on the market.
When you’re asking, “what credit card gives the most cash back?”—especially in terms of consistency across all purchases—the Citi® Double Cash Card stands out due to its balanced and easy-to-use approach.
3. Best for Rotating Categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠
The Chase Freedom Flex is an excellent option if you enjoy optimizing your cash-back rewards by targeting specific categories. This card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories that change each quarter. Past categories have included popular spending areas like groceries, gas stations, and online retailers like Amazon.
The card also offers 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services), and 1% on all other purchases. There is no annual fee, making it a highly attractive option for those looking to maximize rewards in specific areas without additional costs.
The Chase Freedom Flex can deliver significant cash-back rewards for savvy spenders who plan their purchases according to the rotating bonus categories. If your goal is to figure out “what credit card gives the most cash back” in different categories throughout the year, this card may be the best fit.
4. Best for No Annual Fee: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
For those who want solid rewards without an annual fee, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a top contender. Offering an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, this card provides simple, generous rewards without the cost of an annual fee.
It’s an excellent alternative to the Citi® Double Cash Card, especially if you’re looking for a straightforward card with no complex bonus categories or spending limits to worry about.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card also offers a sign-up bonus, often including a $200 cash reward after spending a certain amount within the first three months of account opening. This card is a strong choice for anyone looking for a hassle-free cash-back experience.
If you’re wondering “what credit card gives the most cash back” without paying an annual fee, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card delivers with its consistent and simple rewards structure.
Frequent Asked Questions
Here are some of the related questions people also ask:
What is the best credit card for cash back on groceries?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is the best for groceries, offering 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases annually.
Which cash-back card offers the highest flat-rate rewards?
The Citi® Double Cash Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card both offer a high flat-rate of 2% cash back on all purchases.
Are there any cash-back cards with no annual fee?
Yes, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Flex both offer great cash-back rewards without an annual fee.
What is a rotating category cash-back card?
A rotating category cash-back card, like the Chase Freedom Flex, offers 5% cash back on categories that change each quarter, such as groceries or gas stations.
What is the benefit of a flat-rate cash-back card?
Flat-rate cash-back cards offer a consistent cash-back percentage on all purchases, making them easy to use without needing to track bonus categories.
Can you earn cash back on travel purchases?
Yes, some cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offer 5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
What credit card gives the most cash back on gas?
Some cards, like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, offer 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, making them a good choice for gas purchases.
How do rotating cash-back categories work?
Rotating categories on cards like Chase Freedom Flex℠ change every quarter, offering bonus cash back (5%) on specific types of purchases such as dining or online shopping.
Are there any cash-back credit cards with high rewards for dining?
Yes, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers 3% cash back on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the best cash-back credit card depends on your individual spending habits and financial goals. Whether you’re a frequent grocery shopper, prefer a flat-rate structure for simplicity, or want to maximize rewards in rotating categories, there’s a card that fits your needs.
If you’re still asking “What credit card gives the most cash back?”—consider the following:
- For groceries and everyday essentials: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers exceptional rewards, especially for those who spend heavily on groceries.
- For simplicity and flat-rate rewards: The Citi® Double Cash Card and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offer easy-to-understand rewards with no limits or rotating categories to track.
- For rotating categories: The Chase Freedom Flex℠ provides excellent cash-back opportunities in various categories throughout the year, making it perfect for strategic spenders.
At the end of the day, the best card for you is the one that aligns with how and where you spend your money. By understanding your financial habits and considering the strengths of each card, you can ensure that you’re getting the most cash back possible, no matter which option you choose.