Best Cash Back Credit Cards of

June 2025

Compare top cash back credit cards with high reward rates, bonus categories, and sign-up offers. Find the best card to maximize your earnings on everyday spending.

Best For Dining
image-23e0180df8ea5d34eb9ec198f27baae5e38c3c09-500x315-jpg
4.9

MoneyAtlas

Rating

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

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on BankRate.com's secure site

Earn $200

Ongoing Annual Fee

$0

Ongoing Purchases APR

19.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Score Needed

Rate MeterRate Pointer
Good, Excellent
Best For Groceries
image-21421c6b5058516eb5ac249717abaeb8a2032f8f-333x211-jpgRates & Fees; Terms Apply
4.5

MoneyAtlas

Rating

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

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on BankRate.com's secure site

Earn $250

Ongoing Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Ongoing Purchases APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Score Needed

Rate MeterRate Pointer
Excellent,Good

Best Cash-Back Credit Cards 2025

Cash-back cards are the simplest reward engine in personal finance: every swipe turns into real dollars you can spend, save, or invest—no point charts or blackout dates to decode. Issuers adjust earn rates, caps, and welcome offers throughout the year, but the core mechanics below stay steady. Use this evergreen playbook to size up the options in the MoneyAtlas table, then double-check each card’s latest terms before you apply.

How Cash-Back Cards Work

You earn a stated percentage of every purchase—typically as statement credit, direct-deposit cash, or a gift-card balance. Pay your statement in full and those rewards are essentially free money; carry a balance and interest quickly wipes them out.

Pros

  • Straightforward value—$1 of cash back is always $1.
  • Fast redemption—many cards let you cash out any amount, any time.
  • Broad approval range—solid options exist from “starter” credit to excellent.

Cons

  • Caps and quarterly activations on some high-earn categories.
  • Foreign-transaction fees on several cash-back cards—check before you travel.
  • FOMO risk—travel cards may look flashier, but only if you redeem points wisely.

Types of Cash-Back Credit Cards

Card TypeIdeal UserInsights
Flat-Rate Mixed spending across many categories 1.5%–2% back everywhere; no tracking calendars or caps.
Tiered Heavy spend in 1-2 areas (e.g., groceries, gas) 3%–6% on select categories, 1% elsewhere; watch annual caps.
Rotating-Category Maximizers willing to activate quarterly 5% on changing categories (up to ~$1,500/quarter) after activation; 1% base rate.
Card-Linked Offers Deal hunters Some issuers add stackable merchant rebates—activate in-app for extra 5%–20% back.
Store / Co-Branded Loyal shoppers of a single retailer 5%–10% back at the brand, but modest 1 % baseline everywhere else.
Secured / Starter Building or rebuilding credit Typically earn 1%-1.5% back while your refundable deposit secures the line; many “graduate” to unsecured in 6–12 months.

Key Features to Compare

  • Earn Rate & Caps – A true 2 % flat card wins if you exceed a tiered card’s annual cap.
  • Redemption Flexibility – Does the card require minimum thresholds or force statement credits only?
  • Intro Bonus – Even no-fee cards can pay $150–$300 after a modest spend.
  • Foreign-Transaction Fee – Frequent travelers should seek 0 %; others may not care.
  • Annual Fee vs. Boosted Rate – A $95 fee can be worth it if the higher multiplier on groceries or gas beats a 2 % flat card for your spend mix.

Five-Step Selection Framework

  1. Audit Your Budget List monthly spend by category; match cards to the top three lines.
  2. Check Your Credit Score Most 2 % cards need good credit (≈ 670 +); secured versions fill the gap below.
  3. Run the Math on Caps & Fees Project a full year of rewards—then subtract any annual fee.
  4. Plan Your Welcome-Bonus Spend Charge only expenses already in your budget.
  5. Automate to Win Set autopay for the statement balance and calendar reminders for quarterly activations.

Smart Usage Tips

  • Pair Strategically – A 2 % flat-rate card + a 5 % rotating card often yields a blended 3 %-plus earn rate.
  • Activate Early – Opt in to 5 % categories on day one each quarter so every purchase counts.
  • Leverage Card-Linked Offers – Turn on issuer deals or shopping-portal bonuses for incremental cash back.
  • Keep Utilization Low – Rewards mean nothing if high balances drag down your credit score.
  • Re-Evaluate Annually – As spending shifts (new commute, bigger grocery bill), adjust your card lineup.

FAQs