Cash Back Credit Cards

BEST CARDS BALANCE TRANSFER 0% INTRO APR TRAVEL REWARDS NO ANNUAL FEE STUDENT

Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2025 (Updated March 2025)

Best for: High flat-rate cash back + long intro APR on balance transfers

Citi Double Cash® Card

APPLY NOW

on Citi’s secure website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.8/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200 cash back

Recommended credit score

630-850 (Fair – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

No Caps & No Category Restrictions

No need to enroll or categories to keep track of

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months

Regular APR

18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your Citi Double Cash® card account opening.
  • Unlimited cash back: 1% when you buy, 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • Special Travel Offer: Cash back on hotel, car rental & attractions when you booked on Citi Travel portal through 12/31/2025.
  • Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers.
Card details
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • Intro balance transfer fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Long Intro APR period on balance transfers
  • No annual fee ever
Cons
  • Intro APR offer doesn’t include purchases
  • There is a 3% foreign transaction fee, which becomes a hassle for some people when they use this card abroad.
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
  • The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card
  • The Capitol One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: High flate-rate cash back

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

APPLY NOW

on Wells Fargo’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.3/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

2%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200 cash rewards

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months

Regular APR

19.24% – 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with no categories to track or quarterly activations.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Intro APR for 12 months: On purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
  • Cell phone protection against damage or theft.
  • Cash redemption available in $20 increments when you use your Wells Fargo ATM or Debit Card.
Card details
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
  • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
  • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
  • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
  • 29.99% APR for Cash Advances and Overdraft Protection Advances.
  • For each foreign currency conversion/transaction 3% of service fee charged, converted to U.S. dollars.
  • You cannot transfer a balance from any account issued by Wells Fargo or any of its affiliates.
  • The total amount of your balance transfer request(s), including fees, cannot exceed your available credit.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Paying your cellphone bill each month with this card gets you cellphone protection against damage or theft (limit of two up to $600 claims per year, subject to a $25 deductible)
  • 2% cash rewards cards doesn’t weigh down your rewards with spending caps or minimum redemption requirements
  • No categories to track or quaterly activations
  • 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • Roadside Dispatch® available whenever you’re in need of a tow – for eligible Wells Fargo cardholders
Cons
  • Your reward redemption options are limited to cash rewards; you can’t transfer rewards to travel partners
  • It charges a 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee, which will be disappointing to people who enjoy traveling abroad
  • No bonus categories
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Citi® Double Cash Card
  • The Discover It® Cash Back Card

Best for: Entertainment and dining + intro on purchases & transfers

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Capitol One’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

5.0/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 8%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200 Cash back

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • No annual fee.
  • Cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
  • Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
  • Cash back on dining.
  • Cash back on entertainment.
  • Cash back on popular streaming services.
  • Cash back on select grocery stores.
  • Cash back on all other purchases.
Card details
  • No annual fee.
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms & conditions apply.
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®).
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards.
  • Cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
  • No foreign transaction fee.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers
  • Some of the best spending category coverage and unlimited rewards potential available on one card
  • Redeem your rewards with Paypal when you make purchases online
  • Use your rewards, pay for millions of items at Amazon.com
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Virtual Card Numbers from Eno
Cons
  • This card is missing a handful of rewards categories e.g gas, general travel & transit
  • Requires good to excellent credit to qualify
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card
  • The Citi Double Cash® Card
  • The Wells Fargo Attune℠ Card

Best for: Everyday use of households and families

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

APPLY NOW

on American Express’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.9/5

Annual fee

$0 intro for 1st year, then $95

Rewards rate

1% – 6%

Cashback

Intro offer

$250

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 12 months

Regular APR

18.24% – 29.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • Cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • Cash back at U.S. gas stations.
  • Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Earn back after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Card details
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
  • 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
  • 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
  • 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred® Card to spend $9.99 or more each month on a subscription to the Disney Bundle. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
  • Send & Split®: You can send money and split purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Terms apply.
  • Pay It®: Allows you to make a payment equal to the amount of a billed purchase less than $100 through the American Express® App.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. It lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into monthly installments with a fixed fee.
  • Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
  • Events with Amex™: Card Members enjoy special ticket access and presales to select can’t miss moments and events across sports, music, theatre, and more.
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the Rental Company counter, you can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory.
  • Global Assist® Hotline: It help with coordination and assistance services when you are traveling 100 or more miles from home.
  • Purchase Protection: It can help protect your Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged.
  • Extended Warranty: Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of 5 years or less.
  • With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
  • Earn More Cash Back: You can earn cash back every time an Additional Card Member makes an eligible purchase with their Card in the same way you do on your own purchase.
  • APR for cash advances is 29.49%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
  • Foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases
  • 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases
  • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including such things as taxis, parking, tolls, trains and buses)
  • Other purchases earn 1% cash back
  • Good to have a 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers
  • Solid bonus offer for new cardholders
  • Great benefits, including purchase protection, return protection and an extended warranty
Cons
  • $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 every year
  • Annual fee seems steep for cash back credit card, but you will make up for it with rewards by just spending $32 per week at U.S. supermarkets
  • Purchases at wholesale clubs, superstores (like Walmart), and specialty stores (bakeries, farmers markets, etc.) are excluded from the card’s U.S. supermarket
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
  • The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card

Best for: Best all-in-one cash rewards card

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Chase’s secure website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.9/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5% – 5% on purchases

Intro offer

Upto $200 bonus

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

19.49% – 28.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel.
  • Cash back on drugstore purchases.
  • Cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout.
  • Cash back on eligible delivery services.
  • Cash back on all other purchases.
Card details
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 19.49-28.24%.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49-28.24%.
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) – worth up to $300 cash back!
  • 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • Earn Unlimited Double Cash Back: Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned at the end of your first year. There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn. Every dollar you earn is a dollar Chase will match.
  • After your 1st year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Shop with points at Amazon: Link your Chase Freedom Unlimited card to your Amazon.com account and instantly redeem your Cash Back rewards to pay for all or part of your eligible Amazon.com orders at checkout.
  • Gift cards: Redeem for a variety of gift cards and certificates for shopping, dining and entertainment, and more..
  • Zero Liability Protection: You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card.
  • Purchase Protection: Covers your eligible new purchases for 120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $500 per item.
  • Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the time period of the manufacturer’s U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
  • Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: You can be reimbursed up to $1,500 per covered traveler and $6,000 per trip for your pre-paid, non-refundable passenger fares, if your trip is canceled or cut short.
  • Auto Rental Coverage: Decline the rental company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to your card. Coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles.
  • Travel and Emergency Assistance: If you run into a problem while traveling away from home, this benefit provides legal and medical referrals and access to other travel and emergency assistance services.
  • 5% Cash Back on Lyft Rides: arn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025.
  • 29.24% is cash advance APR. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate..
  • You can earn $50 cash back for each friend who gets any participating Chase Freedom® credit card.
  • Member FDIC
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back
  • High rewards rate
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers
  • It could offer much better long-term value than the typical no-annual fee rewards card, especially for frequent travelers
  • No annual fee ever
Cons
  • Most of the times requires excellent to good credit
  • A few other cards offer a higher flat cash back rate (2 percent on all purchases), so they could prove more beneficial if you don’t spend much on travel or dining
Full Review
Other choices
  • The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
  • The Citi Double Cash® Card
  • The Capitol One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Everyday use + no annual fee + intro APR period

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

APPLY NOW

on American Express’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.9/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 3%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% – 29.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Earn cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • Earn cash back on U.S. Online Retail Purchases, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • Earn cash back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
  • Earn cash back on other eligible purchases.
  • Earn back after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Card details
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.24% to 29.24% variable APR.
  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
  • $7 monthly statement credit after using your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card to spend $9.99 or more each month on a subscription to the Disney Bundle. Valid only at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
  • $15 in statement credits back per month after you use your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card to purchase a Home Chef subscription.
  • Send & Split®: You can send money and split purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Terms apply.
  • Pay It®: Allows you to make a payment equal to the amount of a billed purchase less than $100 through the American Express® App.
  • Plan It®: Buy now, pay later with Plan It. It lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into monthly installments with a fixed fee.
  • Events with Amex™: Card Members enjoy special ticket access and presales to select can’t miss moments and events across sports, music, theatre, and more.
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the Rental Company counter, you can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory.
  • Global Assist® Hotline: It help with coordination and assistance services when you are traveling 100 or more miles from home.
  • You can add an Additional Card for anyone who makes purchases for you, like your child (13+), spouse, or employee.
  • APR for cash advances is 29.49%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
  • Foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • Terms Apply.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • Earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases
  • Other purchases earn 1% cash back
  • Good to have a 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers
  • Solid bonus offer for new cardholders
Cons
  • A spending cap per calendar year on your highest earning categories may limit your cash back potential
  • If you spend at least $61 per week at the supermarket, you may be better off paying the annual fee on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express because of its higher rewards rate
  • This card also lacks the bonus streaming and transit rewards of the “Preferred” version
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
  • The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Credit Card

Best for: Everyday shopping + quarterly rotating bonus categories

Discover it® Cash Back

APPLY NOW

on Discover’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.4/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 5%

Cashback

Intro offer

Cashback Match

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Cash back = $1 to Redeem:Earn cash back you can spend with Discover. One dollar earned is worth one dollar you can spend.
  • Unlimited cash back: 1% when you buy, 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • Unlimited cash back: 1% when you buy, 1% as you pay for those purchases.
  • Cash back on everyday purchases when you shop each quarter–like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more–up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
  • Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Fraud Liability Guarantee: You’re never responsible for unauthorized purchases on your Discover Card.
Card details
  • No annual fee. Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
  • Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year!
  • Double Up on Cash Back: We’ll automatically double all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards limits. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time. Plus, your cash back will never expire.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • Cash rewards
  • Good Intro APR period
  • No annual fee ever
  • Discover matches the cash back you earn at the end of the first year
  • Very few fees, a chance at a low APR and a more forgiving late payment policy than most rivals
Cons
  • Lower acceptance when you travel overseas
  • Complicated rewards program to follow along
  • You must enroll to take advantage of the bonus categories each quarter
  • You’ll only earn a top rewards rate on your first $1,500 in spending each quarter, so it’s not ideal for large purchases or big spenders
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Chase Freedom Flex® Card
  • The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Best for: Everyday shopping + cash back in quarterly bonus categories

Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Chase’s secure website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.7/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200 bonus

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

19.49% – 28.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • Cash back on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1 %).
  • Cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • Cash back on dining, including takeout and delivery services.
  • Cash back on drugstore purchases.
  • Cash back on all other purchases..
  • Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Card details
  • No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card.
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more.
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 19.49%-28.24%.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.49%-28.24%.
  • Shopping at Amazon.com: Link your Chase Freedom Flex® card to your Amazon.com account and instantly redeem your Cash Back rewards to pay for all or part of your eligible Amazon.com orders at checkout.
  • $0 Liability Protection: You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card
  • Purchase Protection: Covers your eligible new purchases for 90-120 days from the date of purchase against damage or theft up to $500 per item.
  • Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the time period of the manufacturer’s U.S. warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
  • Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $800 per claim and $1,000 per 12-month period in cell phone protection against covered theft or damage.
  • Auto Rental Coverage: When you charge entire rental cost to your card, this coverage provides reimbursement for theft and collision damage for most rental vehicles.
  • Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
  • Foreign Transaction fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • Member FDIC.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • Offer flat-rate cash back
  • Offer rotating bonus categories
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Intro APR period on purchases & balance transfers
  • No annual fee ever
  • It gives excellent travel protections and partner benefits for a no-annual-fee card
Cons
  • You’ll need to pair it with a higher-tier Chase card to get top redemption value for travel purchases
  • You must enroll to take advantage of the bonus categories each quarter
  • You’ll only earn a top rewards rate on your first $1,500 in spending each quarter, so it’s not ideal for large purchases or big spenders
  • Quarterly categories may not be the best fit for you if you have consistent spending habits, making earning rewards more complicated
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
  • The Discover It® Cash Back Card

Best for: Simple cash back rewards + intro APR period offer

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Bank of America’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.6/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • No annual fee.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • Intro APR for 15 months for purchases made in the first 60 days.
  • Intro APR for 15 months for balance transfers made in the first 60 days.
  • Cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
Card details
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
  • Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87% to 2.62% cash back on every purchase.
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Redeem your cash rewards for any amount, anytime for statement credits to your credit card, deposits made directly into a Bank of America® checking or savings account, or to pay for purchases when you shop at Amazon.com or check out with PayPal.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases made in the first 60 days. After that, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply.
  • A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • 21.24% to 28.24% APR for Cash Advances based on your creditworthiness, when you open your account.
  • Foreign transaction fee is 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency. This fee will be in addition to any other applicable fee.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back back on all purchases
  • 0% Intro APR period on purchases & balance transfers
  • Redeem your cash rewards for any amount, anytime for direct deposit or purchases at Amazon.com or at checkout with PayPal
Cons
  • No bonus categories just flat-rate cash back
  • You’ll need to maintain relatively high balances across your Bank of America accounts to qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program (at least $20,000 minimum)
  • It charges a 3 percent foreign currency conversion fee, which will be disappointing to people who enjoy traveling abroad
  • Best rewards limited to certain customers
  • Requires good/excellent credit to qualify
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Citi Double Cash® Card
  • The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
  • The Capitol One Quicksilver® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Simple cash back rewards + intro APR period offer

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Capitol One’s secure website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.6/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5% – 5%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200 cash bonus

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Fair – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Annual fee plus no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States.
  • Cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options.
  • Cash back on every purchase, every day.
  • Cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Intro APR for 15 months on purchases.
  • Intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers.
Card details
  • $0 annual fee, and $0 foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees.
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capitol One Travel.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day.
  • No rotating categories to keep track of or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that; Balance transfer fee applies.
  • 29.24% is APR for cash advances. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
  • Your cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn.
  • Use your Capitol One rewards to make purchases at millions of online stores when you check out with PayPal.
  • Use your rewards at Amazon.com, to pay for millions of items at checkout.
  • Get cardholder-only access to a collection of VIP packages, events, on-site perks and more.
  • Use your rewards, your card or a combination of both to get tickets to thousands of events.
  • Enjoy booking made easy. Pick your event, choose your seats and buy tickets online, in just a few taps.
  • Extended Warranty: Get additional warranty protection at no charge on eligible items that are purchased with your credit card.
  • Travel Accident Insurance: Get automatic insurance for a covered loss at no extra charge when you use your credit card to purchase your fare.
  • Virtual Card Numbers from Eno: Pay for online purchases with virtual card numbers and keep your actual card safe.
  • $0 Fraud Liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Good option to take with you when travelling internationally, as it has No foreign transaction fees
  • Medium to high rewards rate
  • $0 intro APR period on both purchases & balance transfers
  • No rotating categories to keep track of or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards
  • Rewards are unlimited, also allows you to redeem your rewards in any amount, at any time
Cons
  • No bonus categories
  • Flat cash back rate is lower than the flat rates issuers offer on other rewards cards
  • Better suited for hotel, rental car reservations, & online shopping not good choice for dining, gas & groceries
  • Requires good to excellent credit to qualify
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Citi Double Cash® Card
  • The Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card
  • The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for: Cash back in quarterly bonus categories + intro APR period

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Bank of America’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.1/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 3%

Cashback

Intro offer

$200

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Balance transfer intro APR

0% intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% – 28.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • No annual fee.
  • Online cash rewards bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.
  • Cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
  • Cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases).
  • Cash back on all other purchases.
  • Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases.
  • Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for balance transfers.
Card details
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, for the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter (1% back after reaching that threshold).
  • Choose 3% Cash back in the category of your choice (a list of six): (1) Gas and EV charging stations; (2) online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; (3) dining; (4) travel; (5) drug stores and pharmacies; or (6) home improvement and furnishings.
  • All other purchases earn 1% cash back.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases. After the Intro ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% – 28.24% will apply.
  • A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • 21.24% to 28.24% is APR for Cash Advances, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Foreign Transaction fee is 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction made in a foreign currency.
  • Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • The card offers reward categories that are both useful and broad
  • Rotating bonus categories
  • No annual fee ever
  • Relationship rewards for customers
  • Intro APR period for purchases & balance transfers
Cons
  • Complicated rewards
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards not a good choice for big spenders
  • You have to choose and change category each month otherwise will remain same
  • Best rewards limited to certain customers
  • Requires good to excellent credit to qualify
  • Foreign transaction fee is 3% for each transaction amount converted to U.S. dollar
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Discover it® Cash Back
  • The Chase Freedom Flex® Credit Card

Best for: Students

Discover it® Student Cash Back

APPLY NOW

on Discover’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.9/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 5%

Intro offer

Unlimited cashback Match

Recommended credit score

No credit score required to apply

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months

Balance transfer intro APR

10.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 6 months

Regular APR

17.24% – 26.24% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • No annual fee.
  • Earn 5% cash back each quarter at grocery stores up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
  • Earn 5% cash back each quarter at restaurants up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
  • Earn 5% cash back each quarter at gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.
  • Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
  • Intro APR for 6 months on purchases. Designed just for students.
Card details
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 17.24% – 26.24% applies.
  • Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Rewards never expire. Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. Activate by mobile app for free.
  • Discover reports your credit history to the three major credit bureaus so it can help build your credit if used responsibly.
  • $0 Fraud Liability: An “unauthorized purchase” is a purchase where you have not given access to your card information to another person or a merchant for one-time or repeated charges.
  • Purchases must be made with merchants in the U.S. To qualify for 5%, the purchase transaction date must be before or on the last day of the offer or promotion.
  • 10.99% intro APR for 6 months on balance transfers from date of first transfer, for transfers under this offer that post to your account by May 10, 2025.
  • 29.24% APR for cash advances, it will vary with market based on Prime Rate.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No annual fee ever
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • No penalty APR and even waive your first late payment
  • Intro APR offer is a rare but potentially helpful perk for newly independent cardholders
  • No credit score is required to apply
  • One of the most lucrative rewards credit cards available to students
Cons
  • Rotating bonus rewards program might be too high-maintenance for credit card newbies
  • Lower acceptance when you travel overseas
  • You must enroll to take advantage of the bonus categories each quarter
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Capital One SavorOne® Student Cash Rewards card
  • The Capital One Quicksilver Student® Cash Rewards Card
  • The Discover it Student Chrome® Card

Best for: Business cash back & financing + Intro APR

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

APPLY NOW

on American Express’s website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.5/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1% – 2%

Cashback

Intro offer

$250

Recommended credit score

690-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

17.49% – 27.49% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • Annual fee.
  • Cash Back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per year, (then 1%).
  • Cash back on other purchases. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
  • Statement Credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Card details
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Know if you’re approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you’re approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
  • Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • As business needs evolve, your spending power should too. Expanded Buying Power gives you the freedom to spend above your credit limit and get the business done.
  • The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: As a Card Member, you can be covered for Damage to or Theft of a Rental Vehicle in a Covered Territory when you use your Eligible Card to reserve and pay for the Entire Rental and decline the collision damage waiver(CDW) at the Rental Company counter.
  • Global Assist® Hotline: Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist® Hotline‡ is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance.
  • Extended Warranty: Extended Warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of 5 years or less.
  • Purchase Protection: You may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
  • Add Employee Blue Business Cash™ Cards and you can earn cash back on employee purchases in the same way you do on your own Card.
  • Foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
  • Terms Apply.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • Intro APR period on purchases
  • High cash-back rewards rate
  • New member bonus offer
  • Expanded Buying Power feature gives business owners more flexibility if they need to go over their credit limit for an unexpected expense
Cons
  • $50,000 spending cap per year for 2% category limits your reward earning potential
  • Besides the Expanded Buying Power feature, there are limited cardholder perks
  • 2.7% foreign transaction fee can add up and cut into your rewards earnings if you conduct business overseas
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • The Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

Best for: Business card for ease-of-use

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

APPLY NOW

on Chase’s secure website

Rates & Fees

Smartfinancialways rating

4.2/5

Annual fee

$0

Rewards rate

1.5%

Cashback

Intro offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back

Recommended credit score

670-850 (Good – Excellent)

Get your free credit score

Purchase intro APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months

Balance transfer intro APR

N/A

Regular APR

17.49% – 23.49% Variable APR

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Card rewards breakdown
  • No annual fee.
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.
  • Introductory APR for 12 months on purchases.
  • Earn a total of 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 with your Chase Ink Unlimited card.
Card details
  • No Annual Fee.
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.
  • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
  • With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases.
  • Balance transfer APR is 17.49% to 23.49%. Note: This account may not be eligible for balance transfers.
  • Cash Advance APR is 29.24%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.
  • Foreign transaction fee is 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
  • 29.24% APR for cash advances, it will vary with market based on Prime Rate.
View Rates & Fees
Smartfinancialways insight
Pros
  • No annual fee ever
  • It offers a solid flat cash back rate for a business card
  • Use intro APR to free up cash flow or finance large business purchases while minimizing interest charges
Cons
  • The card’s welcome offer carries a high spending requirement of $6000
  • Not suitable for small scale business owners
  • 3% foreign transaction fee can become a hassle for conducting business abroad
Full Review
Other smart choices
  • The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
  • The Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card