The credit card has been around since the late 1800s, and it is still one of the most popular forms of payment. In fact, a recent study found that about half of all Americans carry at least two cards with them at any given time.
The highest cash back credit card is a credit card that offers the highest amount of cash back.
CNN —
CNN Underscored assesses the total worth of financial goods such as credit cards and bank accounts. If you apply for and are accepted for a card via the LendingTree affiliate network, we may earn a commission, but our reporting is always fair and unbiased. Benefits and offers from American Express are subject to terms. Select American Express perks and offers may require enrollment. To discover more, go to americanexpress.com.
During the epidemic, the ancient adage “cash is king” has never been more true than it has been. While many individuals still choose to use their credit cards to earn travel points or miles that may be used for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, cash-back credit cards have grown increasingly popular as demand for travel remains low and international borders stay closed.
So, if you’ve been using a rewards credit card for a trip that may not materialize for a while, why not switch to a card that gives you cash back practically instantly? If you have money in your pocket today, you may spend it on anything you want or save it for later.
Does this pique your interest? Then take a look at our list of the top cash back credit cards to see which one is right for you.
The Citi® Double Cash Card is the best overall cash back card. The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card is ideal for shopping in supermarkets in the United States. Chase Freedom Flex is ideal for eateries, including delivery and takeaway. Citi Custom CashSM Card is the best for 5% categories. Chase Freedom Unlimited is the most flexible option. Anywhere Costco Citi’s Visa® Card is ideal for petrol purchases. Small companies will benefit from the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card. It’s a fact® The best sign-up incentive is cash back. The best card for streaming is the U.S. Bank Cash+TM Visa Signature® Card.
CNN Underscored independently gathered information on the Discover it Cash Back and U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature cards. The card issuers have not approved or supplied the information on this page.
Why did we choose these cards as the best cash back credit cards for the year 2021? To discover which cards may possibly earn you the most money, CNN Underscored’s thorough credit card methodology analyzes every element of each cash back credit card to our “benchmark credit card.” So let’s look at the specifics of each card and see how they compare.
The best cash back credit card overall
In one phrase, here’s why it’s great: The Citi Double Cash Card is easy to use since you get 2% cash back on every transaction — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill — and there’s no annual fee.
This card is ideal for: Those who want a simple and uncomplicated method to earn cash back without worrying about category incentives.
Highlights:
- Earn 2% cash back on everything you buy – 1% when you buy something and another 1% when you pay it off.
- Balance transfers have an introductory APR of 0% for 18 months (13.99 percent to 23.99 percent variable afterward).
- When coupled with the Citi PremierSM Card or Citi Prestige® Card, expert users may convert the cash back to Citi ThankYou travel points at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- There is no yearly charge.
There is no sign-up incentive.
What we like about the Citi Double Cash: Compared to all other major no-annual-fee credit cards, the Citi Double Cash provides the greatest continuing flat-rate return on every transaction. Every purchase you make will earn you 2% cash back – 1% when you buy something and another 1% when you pay it off. There is no limit to how much cash back you may earn, and you don’t have to keep track of bonus categories.
The Citi Double Cash also has an 18-month introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, which is a fantastic method to pay off debt (though make sure you pay it off, because the APR jumps to a variable 13.99 percent to 23.99 percent after the introductory offer ends). You have up to four months from the time you open the account to make your first balance transfer and still be eligible for the promotional offer.
Read CNN Underscored’s list of the top debt transfer credit cards for more information.
Pair this card with one of the premium Citi ThankYou credit cards, such as the Citi Premier, for a winning combination. Because if you also have a premium ThankYou card, you can convert your Citi Double Cash cash back into Citi ThankYou points, which you can then transfer to one of Citi’s 16 airline partners.
One thing that might be better: Despite the fact that the Citi Double Cash card offers the highest cash back on regular transactions, it lacks bonus categories. If you make a lot of purchases in a specific category, this may be a disadvantage.
You’ll also notice that the Citi Double Cash doesn’t provide many benefits, such as travel or purchase insurance. This isn’t the card to use for international purchases since you’ll be charged a 3% foreign transaction fee, which will more than negate the points you’d earn.
The following are the reasons why it is our benchmark card: The Citi Double Cash is presently CNN Underscored’s “benchmark” credit card for comparing the characteristics of other credit cards and determining whether they’re better or worse overall due to its simplicity of use and simple top-of-market cash back earning rate.
In our credit card methodology guide, you can learn more about our benchmark credit card idea, or read our full evaluation of the Citi Double Cash.
Learn more about the Citi Double Cash Card and how to apply.
Best for supermarkets in the United States
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With the Blue Cash Preferred credit card, you may get extra cash back at US supermarkets.
In one phrase, here’s why it’s great: The American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 in purchases each year, thereafter 1%), making it one of the finest credit cards for grocery shopping year after year.
This card is ideal for: People who spend a lot of money at supermarkets in the United States but want to avoid paying high interest rates on their purchases for the first year they have the card.
Highlights:
- Earn 6% cash back on purchases up to $6,000 per year at U.S. supermarkets (then 1% ) and on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- Earn 3% cash back at petrol stations and on public transportation in the United States (including taxis/ride-shares, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more).
- On anything else, you’ll get 1% cash back.
- For the first 12 months, all purchases have a 0% APR, after which the APR ranges from 13.99 percent to 23.99 percent (see rates and fees).
- Purchase and return protection are also available.
- Loss and damage insurance for a rented car.
- For the first year, there is no yearly charge; after that, it is $95 each year (see rates and fees).
- Terms and conditions apply.
Earn a $150 statement credit after making $3,000 in purchases on your new card during the first six months of account creation, plus get 20% back on Amazon purchases for the first six months of card membership, up to $200 back.
What we appreciate about the Blue Cash Preferred: Grocery and gas station expenditures account for a substantial part of many Americans’ monthly household budgets. The Blue Cash Preferred card boosts the extra cash back on those two categories, making it a go-to card for these everyday transactions.
Not only will you save money in the grocery and petrol departments, but you’ll also save money on all of your streaming subscriptions in the United States. Over 20 different providers are included, including Disney+, HBO, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube TV, among others. And, as public transportation becomes more popular, you’ll get a good return on those purchases, with 3% cash back.
Related: These credit cards may help you earn extra points on your groceries.
A strong return protection policy is also included with the Blue Cash Preferred, which may be useful. If the merchant refuses to accept your return, you have 90 days from the date of purchase to return an eligible item. American Express will reimburse the entire purchase amount if you paid with your Blue Cash Preferred card (excluding shipping and handling). Claim amounts are limited to $300 per item and $1,000 per card account each calendar year.
One item that might be improved is the fact that several of the bonus categories on the Blue Cash Preferred are restricted to purchases made inside the United States. There’s also a 2.7 percent foreign transaction charge (see rates and fees), so it’s not the best option for overseas travel. After the first year, the card has a $95 annual fee, which is considerably more than many other cash-back cards.
If you’d rather have a card with no annual fee and a good return at U.S. supermarkets, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express may be a good option (see rates and fees). While the Blue Cash Everyday earns a lesser 3 percent in U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), it may be a better option if you spend less than $3,166 on groceries each year.
What’s the difference between the two Blue Cash credit cards from American Express?
Where it outperforms our benchmark card is in the following areas: Purchases are eligible for a welcome bonus, an introductory interest rate, return protection, and vehicle rental damage coverage.
Where our benchmark card outperforms the competition: When paired with the Citi Prestige Card or Citi Premier Card, the Citi Double Cash offers a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers, and its cash back may be converted to Citi ThankYou travel points.
Get more information about the Blue Cash Preferred Card.
Restaurants, takeaway, and delivery are the best options.
Chase
Fixed and rotating bonus categories are available on the Chase Freedom Flex.
In one phrase, here’s why it’s great: The Chase Freedom Flex credit card provides both fixed and rotating bonus categories, as well as mobile phone protection. Fixed bonus categories include one dedicated to eating.
This card is ideal for: Those searching for a no-fee card that offers extra cash back at restaurants, even if they just order delivery or takeout, as well as in a variety of other categories.
Highlights:
- When you book travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get 5% cash back.
- Restaurant eating, including takeout and qualifying delivery services, earns you 3% cash back.
- On pharmacy purchases, you’ll get 3% cash back.
- On quarterly bonus categories, get 5% cash back (up to $1,500 on total purchases).
- On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back.
- When used in conjunction with certain Chase Ultimate Rewards cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, cash back may be transferred to airline and hotel travel programs.
- Protection for your cell phone.
- There is no yearly charge.
Earn $200 in extra cash after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months after establishing the account, plus 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart purchases) on up to $12,000 in the first year.
What we like about the Chase Freedom Flex: While you may sign up for the Chase Freedom Flex for the sign-up bonus, due to its rotating 5% bonus categories and continuing 3% extra cash back at restaurants and drugstores, it’ll likely become one of your long-term go-to cards.
The Chase Freedom Flex gets 5% on travel booked via Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on pharmacy purchases, and 3% on restaurant purchases. And you’ll get that extra cash back whether you order takeout or qualified delivery, as well as when you dine at a restaurant.
However, in addition to those three permanent bonus categories, the card also has a set of five percent bonus categories that rotate every quarter. Grocery shops (excluding Target and Walmart) and certain streaming services are the categories for the current quarter, which runs from July to September. You may earn up to $75 in extra cash by shopping in the rotating categories, which are limited at $1,500 each quarter.
Aside from the extra categories, this card offers a number of unique features that set it apart from the majority of Chase cards. Cell phone security is one of our favorites. You’ll be protected against loss or damage to your phone up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per year if you use your Chase Freedom Flex to pay your monthly mobile phone bill, with a $50 deductible per claim and a limit of two claims per 12-month period. This is presently the only Chase credit card with no annual fee that provides this much desired feature.
Related: These credit cards may help you protect your phone from theft or damage.
One thing that might be better: While there is no limitation on how much cash back you may earn in the three set bonus categories, the rotating 5 percent cash back areas do have a $1,500 purchase limit – beyond that, you’ll only get 1 percent cash back for the remainder of the quarter. In order to receive extra cash back in the rotating categories, you’ll need to remember to activate them each quarter.
Sign-up bonus, bonus categories, and mobile phone protection are all areas where it outperforms our benchmark card.
Where our benchmark card outperforms the competition: On balance transfers, the Citi Double Cash offers an introductory rate.
Learn more about the Chase Freedom Flex and how to apply.
For 5% categories, the best is
Citi
With the Citi Custom Cash Card, you may earn 5% cash back in the qualifying area where you spend the most each month.
Why it’s excellent in a nutshell: With the Citi Custom Cash Card, you don’t have to worry about chasing bonus categories since it automatically earns 5% cash back in the one qualifying area where you spend the most each month, up to $500 in purchases.
This card is ideal for: People who spend a large amount of money on a regular basis in one or more of the qualifying categories and wish to receive extra cash back in that area.
Highlights:
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top qualifying spending category for the first $500 spent each billing cycle, then 1% cash back after that.
- On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back.
- Purchases have a 15-month introductory APR of 0%. (13.99 percent to 23.99 percent variable afterward).
- On balance transfers, there is a 15-month introductory APR of 0%. (13.99 percent to 23.99 percent variable afterward).
- When coupled with the Citi Premier Card or Citi Prestige, expert users may convert the cash back to Citi ThankYou travel points at a rate of 1 cent per point.
- There is no yearly charge.
Earn $200 in cash back after spending $750 on purchases within the first three months of establishing your account.
What we appreciate about the Citi Custom Cash Card: The Citi Custom Cash Card is a new credit card designed for those who don’t want to waste time concentrating on bonus categories. The card gives you 5% cash back in the one qualifying area where you spend the most money each month, up to $500 in purchases, and then 1% cash back beyond that.
The best part about this feature is that if your top spending category changes from month to month, the Citi Custom Cash will shift with it. With such a large list of 5 percent back categories, you should have no trouble earning 5 percent cash back on at least part of your monthly purchases. The following are the categories that are eligible:
- Stations that sell gasoline
- Restaurants
- supermarkets
- Choose your journey.
- Select a mode of transportation.
- Choose your streaming providers carefully.
- Drugstores
- Improvements to the house
- Clubs for fitness
- Live entertainment is available.
If you have a Citi Premier or Citi Prestige card, you may also utilize the cash back earned on the Citi Custom Cash Card as ThankYou points and transfer them to any of Citi’s airline partners, possibly earning even more value for your points than the Citi Double Cash.
Plus, for the first 15 months, new Citi Custom Cash Card users receive a 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers, which may be extremely beneficial if you need to carry some debt temporarily. Just make sure you pay it off in full before the end of the 15-month period, since after that, the rate jumps to a variable APR of 13.99 percent -23.99 percent.
One thing that might be improved is that the Citi Custom Cash Card’s 5% cash back incentive is limited to just the qualifying categories, so not everything you purchase will earn you extra cash. The card also has a 5% balance transfer charge, which is more than the usual 3% cost on many other cards, including our benchmark Citi Double Cash. However, since there is no charge for the 15-month introductory period on purchases, it may make sense to utilize that aspect of the card instead of the balance transfer portion.
Where it outperforms our benchmark card: A sign-up bonus, a 5% bonus category, and a 15-month introductory rate on purchases.
Where our benchmark card outperforms the competition: If you just want to receive flat-rate cash back on every transaction, the Citi Double Cash card will reward you more on your daily expenditures.
Learn more about the Citi Custom Cash Card and how to apply.
The most adaptable
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When coupled with a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards card, cash back earned with the Chase Freedom Unlimited may be redeemed as points for travel at a higher value.
If you want to earn extra points on all of your purchases but aren’t sure whether you want cash back or travel rewards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited, when coupled with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve card, enables you to do both.
This card is ideal for: Those looking for maximum freedom in a credit card with no annual fee.
Highlights:
- When you book travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards, you’ll get 5% cash back.
- Restaurant eating, including takeout and qualifying delivery services, earns you 3% cash back.
- On pharmacy purchases, you’ll get 3% cash back.
- All other purchases will earn you 1.5 percent cash back.
- When you combine the Freedom Unlimited with a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, you may turn the cash back into flexible travel points.
- Purchases have a 15-month introductory APR of 0%. (14.99 percent to 23.74 percent variable afterward).
- There is no yearly charge.
Earn $200 in extra cash after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months after establishing the account, plus 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart purchases) on up to $12,000 in the first year.
What we like about the Chase Freedom Unlimited: If you want cash back today but want to try something new in the future, the Chase Freedom Unlimited may provide you with the best of both worlds.
You may convert your cash back to travel points at a rate of 1 cent per point when you combine the Freedom Unlimited with a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Then, via the Chase travel site, you may redeem those points for travel at a higher value of 1.25 to 1.5 cents per point.
Even better, you may transfer your points to any of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel reward partners after you’ve converted your cash back to points. Because of this incredible versatility, The Points Guy, a frequent flyer website, rates Ultimate Rewards points at 2 cents each. At that rate, you might essentially wind up with a 3% return on your daily expenditures, thanks to the Freedom Unlimited’s 1.5 percent cash back in all non-bonus categories.
One item that might be better is the Citi Double Cash, which offers a greater cash back rate on daily transactions and can be converted to travel points when used in combination with a premium Citi card.
However, Citi’s travel partners aren’t as spectacular as Chase’s, and although the Double Cash has no bonus categories, the Freedom Unlimited has the same three as the Chase Freedom Flex (albeit the Chase Freedom Unlimited doesn’t have mobile phone protection).
It outperforms our benchmark card in the following areas: sign-up bonus, bonus categories, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and a 15-month introductory rate on purchases.
Where our benchmark card outperforms the competition: If you just want to receive flat-rate cash back on every transaction, the Citi Double Cash card will reward you more on your daily expenditures.
Learn more about the Chase Freedom Unlimited and how to apply.
The best option for gas
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Get extra cash back at Costco and other gas stations when you buy fuel.
In one phrase, here’s why it’s great: The Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Card offers significant rewards on a variety of everyday purchases, including 4% cash back on eligible gas purchases worldwide (capped at $7,000 in purchases per year, then 1% thereafter), 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases, and 2% cash back on all Costco and costco.com purchases.
This card is ideal for Costco members who want to get the most bang for their buck when they shop at Costco and fill up their petrol tank.
Highlights:
- Earn 4% cash back on qualifying petrol purchases made anywhere in the globe, including Costco gas (up to $7,000 in purchases per year, then 1% afterwards).
- At restaurants and on qualified travel purchases, you may get 3% cash back.
- All Costco and costco.com purchases earn you 2% cash back (other than Costco gas).
- On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back.
- There are no international transaction fees and purchase protection.
- There is no yearly charge.
There is no sign-up incentive.
What we like about the Costco Anywhere Visa: When compared to other high-earning credit cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa provides the highest cash back for individuals seeking to fill up their vehicle’s petrol tank.
Earning 4% cash back on all petrol purchases globally for the first $7,000 per year (1% after that) may rapidly build up and save you a lot of money over the course of a year. Apart from the gas rewards, you’ll get 3 percent cash back at restaurants and on qualifying travel expenditures, which is comparable to — and often greater than — what you’ll get with other cash back credit cards.
Purchase protection is also included with the Costco Anywhere Visa, which is a fantastic advantage for any transactions. If your item is damaged or stolen within 120 days after purchase, you’ll be protected (90 days for New York residents). The purchase protection is valid for up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per year, and it extends to goods purchased everywhere, not just at Costco.
One thing that might be improved: One of the major drawbacks of the Costco Anywhere Visa is that you must wait a full year to get your rewards, which are sent in the form of an annual certificate after your February billing statement closes each year. The certificate may be used to make Costco purchases or exchanged for cash at your local Costco, but it will expire if not used by December 31 of that calendar year.
You must also have a Costco membership, which begins at $60 per year, to be a card member, despite the fact that this card has no annual cost.
Purchase protection and no international transaction fees are two areas where it outperforms our benchmark card. The Costco card is also a Visa credit card, which is accepted in-store and online at Costco – Mastercards, such as the Citi Double Cash, are not accepted in-store.
Where our benchmark card shines: You get your cash back monthly rather than once a year with the Citi Double Cash, and you don’t have to walk into a shop to exchange your points for cash.
Read the full analysis of the Costco Anywhere Visa credit card. Learn more about the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Card and how to apply.
Small companies will benefit the most.
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When you get a new Ink Business Unlimited credit card, you may get a $750 extra cash back.
In one phrase, why it’s great: Small company owners can get 1.5 percent cash back on all transactions with the Ink Business Unlimited for no annual charge, and they can convert their cash back into travel rewards later if they pair it with a premium Chase card.
This card is ideal for: Businesses looking for a no-annual-fee credit card with adjustable cash back incentives.
Highlights:
- All purchases will earn you 1.5 percent cash back.
- When you combine the Ink Business Unlimited with an Ink Business Preferred Credit Card or a personal Sapphire card, you may turn the cash back into flexible travel points.
- Purchases are eligible for a 12-month introductory rate of 0%. (13.24 percent to 19.24 percent variable afterward).
- Insurance for a rented vehicle that is primary.
- Purchase protection as well as extended warranty coverage are available.
- There is no yearly charge.
Sign-up bonus: Get a $750 incentive after spending $7,500 on purchases during the first three months of establishing your account.
What we like about the Ink Company Unlimited: The Ink Business Unlimited is a fantastic, uncomplicated choice if your business is seeking for a basic, easy-to-understand cash back card. It generates 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases made by your company, 365 days a year.
If you prefer travel rewards to cash back later, you can combine the Ink Business Unlimited with the premium Ink Business Preferred (or, alternatively, the personal Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve) and convert your cash back to travel points, which you can then redeem for travel or transfer to any of Chase’s 14 airline and hotel loyalty partners.
Furthermore, this is an excellent moment to get Ink Business Unlimited. The reason for this is because the card now has the biggest sign-up bonus we’ve ever seen. After spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months after establishing the account, new cardholders may receive $750 in extra cash back. For a card with no annual charge, that’s an incredible sign-up incentive.
One thing that might be better: The Ink Business Unlimited levies a 3% international transaction fee on transactions made outside of the United States. And although the $750 sign-up bonus has a $7,500 minimum spending threshold, it should be doable for any small company with recurring expenditures that can be charged to a credit card.
It outperforms our benchmark card in the following areas: sign-up bonus, main rental vehicle insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and a 12-month introductory rate on purchases.
Where our benchmark card outperforms the competition: If you just want to earn flat-rate cash back on every transaction, the Citi Double Cash will provide you a higher return on your daily expenditures.
Learn more about the Ink Business Unlimited program and how to apply.
The best welcome bonus
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The Discover it Cash Back card doubles all cash back earned in the first year as a sign-up incentive.
In one phrase, here’s why it’s great: The Discover it Cash Back card’s rotating categories and cash back match bonus allow you to earn a lot of cash back in the first year.
This card is ideal for: Those searching for a card with a high sign-up bonus and who regularly spend money on popular rotating categories like grocery, petrol stations, restaurants, Amazon.com, and other similar items.
Highlights:
- Earn 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories that change every quarter, up to $1,500 each quarter (must enroll each quarter to earn 5 percent cash back).
- On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back.
- For the first 14 months, there is no interest on any purchases (11.99 percent to 22.99 percent variable afterward).
- Balance transfers have a 0% introductory APR for 14 months (after that, 11.99% to 22.99 percent variable APR) with a 3% intro debt transfer charge (up to 5% cost on subsequent balance transfers) (see terms).
- There are no costs for international transactions.
- There is no yearly charge.
Receive a match of all cash back earned at the conclusion of your first year as a sign-up incentive.
What we like about the Discover it Cash Back is that you may earn up to $1,500 in cash back on a quarterly basis, which means your money can really pile up. Restaurants and PayPal are the current quarterly categories on the Discover it Cash Back card, with Amazon.com, Walmart.com, and Target.com appearing later in the 2021 bonus calendar.
Furthermore, any cash back earned on the Discover it Cash Back as a new card user will be matched at the conclusion of the first year, making this a great card to have if you know you’ll be using your credit card a lot in the next year. This implies that in the first year, the rotating bonus categories are worth 10%, while all of your purchases outside of the bonus categories receive a respectable 2% return.
New cardholders may take advantage of a 0% introductory interest rate on all purchases and balance transfers for the first 14 months from the date of the initial transfer, but the rate rises to a variable 11.99 percent to 2.99 percent at the conclusion of the 14-month period. The first balance transfer charge is 3%, however it rises to 5% on subsequent balance transfers (see terms)
Concerned about your financial situation? On purchases, these credit cards carry 0% interest.
One thing that might be better is that your sign-up bonus will not be paid out until you’ve used the card for a year, while many other credit card welcome offers pay out as soon as you fulfill the minimum spending criteria. To earn extra cash back, you must also pay attention to the cash back calendar and manually activate the categories on the Discover it Cash Back each quarter, either online or by phone, before making purchases.
Where it outperforms our benchmark card: There are no foreign transaction fees or introductory interest on purchases, and the cash back match in the first year matches the Citi Double Cash earning rate for ordinary purchases while outperforming it substantially in bonus areas.
Where our benchmark card excels: After the cash back match offer expires after the first year, the Citi Double Cash generates a greater return on ordinary transactions.
The best option for streaming
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On the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa, choose “streaming” as one of your five percent bonus categories.
Why it’s excellent in a nutshell: Cardholders get 5% cash back on two categories they choose from a list — including streaming services — every quarter for the rest of the year, up to $2,000 in purchases.
This card is ideal for: Those looking for a no-fee credit card that allows them to earn cash back in the areas that work best for them depending on their spending patterns.
Highlights:
- Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined credit card purchases on two categories of your choice each quarter.
- Earn 2% cash back on a different category of your choosing.
- On all other purchases, you’ll get 1% cash back.
- On debt transfers, there is a 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles (13.99 percent to 23.99 percent variable APR after that).
- There is no yearly charge.
Sign-up bonus: Get a $200 rewards incentive when you apply online and make $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of your account being opened.
The following are some of our favorite features of the US Bank Cash+ Visa: When compared to the other 5% rotating category cards, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card is the only one that enables you to personalize your cash back categories, allowing you to choose two that best suit your quarterly spending patterns.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa offers 5 percent cash back in a variety of areas, including:
- Quick Service Restaurants
- Services for TV, Internet, and Streaming
- Providers of Mobile Phones
- Shops in Department Stores
- Stores that sell electronics
- Services for the Home
You may choose this as one of your two choices since streaming services are so popular these days. While the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card offers slightly higher cash back on U.S. streaming services, it comes with a $95 annual fee after the first year, whereas the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa does not.
You may also receive that 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in purchases in your two selected categories each quarter with the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa, while other comparable cards limit your cash back at $1,500 over the same time period. That means you may get up to $100 in extra cash back per quarter, or $400 a year.
In addition to the 5% cash back choices, you’ll be able to choose one category to receive 2% cash back each quarter, with no limit on how much you may earn. Popular options in these 2% categories usually include:
- Supermarkets
- Stations that sell gasoline
- Restaurants
One thing that might be better: On the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa, you must activate the cash back categories every quarter, and you will only receive the additional 2 percent or 5 percent cash back after activation – incentives cannot be applied retroactively. This means you’ll need to keep a close eye on your credit card and keep track of the categories you choose on a quarterly basis.
Some more popular items are also excluded from the 5% cash back choices. Instead, ordinary expenditures like grocery shopping and filling up your gas tank fall under the 2% cash back category.
Where it outperforms our benchmark card: A sign-up bonus, bonus categories that may be customized, and a balance transfer introductory offer.
Where our benchmark card outperforms the competition: For individuals who don’t want to bother about category incentives or a maximum limit, the Citi Double Cash offers a longer promotional offer on balance transfers and earns a higher 2 percent flat-rate cash back on all your daily expenditures.
Are you looking for a credit card with travel rewards? CNN Underscored has compiled a list of the top travel credit cards for 2021.
CNN Underscored Money has the most up-to-date personal financial offers, news, and advice.
The Blue Cash Preferred card’s rates and fees may be seen here. The Blue Cash Everyday card’s rates and fees may be seen here.
The citi double cash card is a cash back credit card that offers two percent cash back on purchases and another two percent for paying your bill.
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