Credit Cards Ranked Worst To Best For Cash Back

Why use a standard credit card when you can shop with one that pays you back for using it? There are plenty of such cards on the market. However, who has the time to research all those cash back cards, analyze them, and then rank them? Relax. We've done all the work for you.

Our rankings give primary attention to a card's cash back program, but are also influenced by a card's interest or annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and restrictions. We'll list the cards from worst to best, but you'll have to decide which of our top-ranked cards more closely aligns with your needs. You might choose a card that provides extra savings in a specific category where you need help. For example, using a card that offers more than the usual cash back rewards on food is one of the best grocery shopping strategies that save you money.

Regardless of the cash back offer, make sure the interest or annual percentage rate (APR) and fees are small enough to fit comfortably in your budget. It's common for cards to give you an introductory period of 0% APR along with reduced fees. You can take full advantage of the arrangement by selecting a card with an introductory period that's long enough for you to make a sizeable dent in your balance before the standard APR and fees take effect. The rewards, incentives, and terms of any card are subject to change. Always verify a card's current rules and requirements.

If your credit rating takes a severe hit, you might find yourself shopping for a card like the Credit One Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit. It's true that such cards can help you raise your credit score if you manage them correctly. However, their rates and fees could place you further in debt if you're not careful. For example, the Credit One Platinum Visa for Rebuilding Credit has a first-year fee of $75. After that, the annual fee becomes $99. That means that to recoup your cost of the annual fee for the first year, you would have to spend $7,500 in 12 months on purchases eligible for a 1% reward. 

The card's interest rates are also an issue. As you would expect, the APR on a card for those with damaged credit is higher than that found on cards intended for those with stellar credit. The Credit One Bank Platinum Rewards Visa has a 29.74% APR. 

For maximum savings, consider rewards cards without an annual fee like the Community Bank Maximum Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card. It's an everyday shopping card that's suitable for miscellaneous purchases. There are no category restrictions on your rewards. You're eligible for 1.5% cash back for a variety of items, eliminating the need to have multiple cards that each limit their rewards programs to a narrow range of items. 

The card's cash back offer isn't the highest in the industry, but beats the standard 1% many cards offer. You can transfer balances to the Community Bank Maximum Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card without being charged a transfer fee for the first six months. Afterward, you have to pay 5% per transfer. Unfortunately, Community Bank ranks low in part because it offers an extremely short time of only six months to enjoy 0% interest on purchases. After that, you'll face a rather high APR of 18.99% to 28.99%.

​The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express allows you to claim up to $120 in credit each year on streaming services if you select a bundle that includes Disney+ and Hulu or Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. A streaming service is one of things you should always pay for with a credit card. Another entertainment perk the card offers involves live events. You can snag hot tickets for concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment through Amex Presale Tickets and Amex Reserved Tickets.

Your first year doesn't have a fee, but the card's steep annual fee of $95, kicks in during year two. You can save 6% at the grocery store on your first $6,000 each year. For the remainder of the year, the reward is 1%. The reward for gasoline and transit costs, such as rideshare programs and parking, is 3%, which may be of special interest to you if you live in one of the states with the absolute highest gas prices. The card's bonus incentive won't be too tempting to most people. You have to spend at least $3,000 in total purchases during your first three months to become eligible for a $300 cash back bonus.

Unlike its sister card, the Preferred, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express doesn't have an annual fee. It also offers a better bonus with purchases totaling $2,000 during your first six months qualifying you for a $200 bonus. You can receive 3% cash back rewards for the first $6,000 you spend in certain categories each year. For instance, the 3% is available for the initial $6,000 in groceries, allowing you to buy in bulk, making the same big money move at the grocery store for extra savings that frugal people make. 

After you've passed the $6,000 limit in each category, your rewards become 1% for the remainder of the year. All other purchases are also eligible for 1%. There's also a 0% introductory APR for your first 15 months of purchases and balance transfers before becoming an APR of 19.49% to 28.49%. After the introductory phase, the balance transfers come with a fee of $5 or 3%, whichever is higher.

American Express benefits include a credit of up to $84 when you purchase a Disney streaming package. If live entertainment is more your preference, you may find it easier to get tickets to certain events if you use your card to make purchases through Amex Presale Tickets or Amex Reserved Tickets.​

​Do you have a specific shopping category where you spend most of your money? If so, you can earn a little extra each month by designating that category the one you want to make eligible for 5% cash back. The 5% reward affects the first $500 you spend in that category each month. However, you'll still receive cash back once your spending surpasses $500 because the remainder of your purchases will qualify for unlimited 1% cash back rewards. The card may also help you save when planning your travels. When you use your card and Citi Travel to reserve your rooms, cars, and tickets for tourist attractions, you become eligible for an additional 4% cash back.

The Citi Custom Cash Card has no annual fee and generously offers an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for your first 18 months, the longest period on this list. Note, however, that unlike many other cards, the Citi Custom Cash Card doesn't provide an introductory 0% APR on purchases, which is why it doesn't rank higher. The interest on purchases varies from 17.49% to 27.49%, according to your credit rating. You can earn a $200 bonus if you spend $1,500 within six months of opening your new account.

​The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for people who travel frequently. If you use your credit card to book your hotels and rental cars through Capital One, you can receive an unlimited 5% cash back reward. When your travels take you to distant lands, you won't have to worry about special fees on purchases. Capital One doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, preventing you from making one of the major money mistakes people make while traveling.

Using your Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card for your travel fare will get you free travel accident insurance and a free rental car upgrade at Hertz. Your travel assistance also includes a free replacement card and a cash advance should you lose your card. 

​Only your first 12 months come with an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers, which is shorter than the period given by most elite cards. After the first year, expect to have an APR between 18.49% and 28.49%. If you spend $500 during the first three months of membership, you could receive a bonus of $200. There's a 3% reward for groceries, streaming, entertainment, and eating out, while there's a 1% reward for all other purchases.

​A low introductory APR is appealing, but the length of the introductory offer is important. A card may offer a deal for the first six months, which is great, but a six-month deadline may not agree with your family budget. You may need more than six months to pay off your purchases so you can avoid the additional interest that will accumulate after the introductory period. Fortunately, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Back Rewards Credit Card extends its 0%-introductory-APR period to 15 months. During that same period, Capital One also gives you free balance transfers. There's a $200 cash bonus available if you spend $500 within the first three months. 

The cash back program makes all the typical daily purchases eligible for 1.5% rewards regardless of the shopping category. If your credit is excellent, you may qualify for a low APR after the initial introductory 0% period expires. The card's standard APR ranges from 18.49% to 28.49%.​

In addition to unlimited 1.5% rewards, ​the Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card offers greater rewards in specific categories. For example, you can receive 3% when shopping at the drugstore. You're also eligible for 3% when you dine out, choose takeout, or order delivery. The highest rewards category is travel. The Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card will give you 5% cash back if you make your purchases through the company's Chase Travel service. Conveniently, none of your earned rewards have an expiration date.

There's no annual fee to worry about with this card. If you spend $500 in your first three months, you become eligible for a bonus reward of $250, which is the most attainable bonus offer on this list. Chase also gives you 0% APR on your purchases and balance transfers for your first 15 months. After the introductory period, your APR will be 18.24% to 27.74% based on your credit worthiness. Your balance transfer fee is set at either $5 or 3%, whichever is greater, for your initial 60 days. After 50 days, the balance fee will be either $5 or 5%, whichever is greater.

​The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is an excellent choice if you're looking for a daily workhorse card for routine purchases. The card's 2% cash back reward is unlimited and comes without the hassle of having to select a shopping category. There's a $200 bonus available during your first three months if you purchase a total of at least $500. You can begin saving money immediately, because there's no annual fee. The card also has an introductory APR of 0% for your first year for both purchases and balance transfers. Beginning with the second year, Wells Fargo will assign you an APR of either 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49%, depending on your credit standing. The balance transfer fee in the account's first 120 days is $5 or 3%, whichever is higher. Afterward, the fee maintains a minimum of $5 but can scale up to 5%.

If you use your Wells Fargo Active Cash Card to pay your cellphone bill, you can possibly make your phone eligible for up to $600 of supplemental insurance against theft and damage. It's one of the little-known credit card perks you should be taking advantage of. You can apply the benefits of the coverage after any primary insurance policy you have on your phone has reached its limit.

​The TD Cash Credit Card is a solid choice for an everyday purchase card if you have a solid but not outstanding credit rating. First of all, it has no annual fee. It also comes with a $0 introductory APR for the first 15 months of purchases and balance transfers. Then, your account will carry an APR of either 18.49%, 23.49%, or 28.49%, depending on your credit history. During the introductory period, the fee on your balance transfers is $5 or 3%, whichever is greater. Afterward, the minimum fee remains $5, but the maximum can be 5%.

​Most purchases trigger a 1% cash back reward, but other purchases are eligible for 2% or 3% rewards. The TD Cash Credit Card asks you to select the shopping category you want for the 2% rewards and the one you want for the 3%. Your choices are good for three months. If your needs change, you can make changes to your categories each quarter. There's no limit to your rewards, and they don't expire. If you spend $1,000 during your first 90 days, you become eligible for a $200 cash back bonus.

​If you need an incentive to manage your spending, consider the Citi Double Cash Card. It may help you stay on budget by rewarding you for paying your credit card bill on time. First, you'll receive 1% cash back when you purchase an item. Then, you'll receive an additional 1% when you make payments on those purchases. There are no shopping categories you have to confine yourself to in order to receive rewards. Plus, there's no limit imposed on your spending. If you spend $1,500 in your first six months, you can earn a $200 bonus.

You may also like the card if you're a traveler. If you use the company's Citi Travel portal, you can earn an additional 3% cash back on your accommodations, rental transportation, and entertainment venues. The Citi Double Cash Card does not charge you an annual fee. It also gives you a generous 18 months after receiving your card before adding interest to your purchases or balance transfers. After the introductory 18 months, your credit rating will qualify you for an APR somewhere from 17.49% to 27.49%. Citi offers one of the lowest possible interest rates on this list. Balance transfer fees are a minimum of $5. For the first four months, the fees are capped at 3%. After the initial period, the fees can be up to 5%.

Are you looking for a new online bank in addition to wanting a new credit card? If you have a U.S. Bank account, you can qualify for additional features of the U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature Card. For example, all members are eligible for unlimited 2% rewards on purchases. However, it's possible to unlock an additional 2% on the first $10,000 spent each month. To claim the extra rewards, you'll need at least two accounts with U.S. Bank. You must have qualifying balances in either a checking account or Safe Debit account.

You can receive 2.5% if your bank balance falls between $10,000 and $49,000. Your rewards become 3% once your balance is between $50,000 and $99,000. To unlock the full 4% reward, your balance needs to be at least $100,000. The card doesn't charge an annual fee, but offers only a basic 12 months of 0% APR. Starting with your second year, the APR can be as low as 17.74% for those with excellent credit or up to 27.99% for those with lower credit ratings.

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card makes your first year special with 6% rewards in whichever category you choose. You receive 3% rewards in that category, plus a first-year bonus of another 3% on your initial purchase of $2,500 each quarter, or potentially $10,000 for the year. That makes the card an excellent addition to your wallet if you're planning on major purchases. For example, the eligible categories include home improvement and household furnishings. Scheduling a year of travel? You can also designate travel as your preferred category for 6% rewards in your first year. 

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offers you 2% rewards on groceries and wholesale club purchases. After the first year, your designated category and groceries will earn 3% and 2% respectively until you reach your quarterly limit. All other purchases are eligible for 1% cash back rewards.

Whatever purchases you make and balances you transfer to the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card within the first two months of your account, will have an introductory APR of 0% for the initial 15 months. However, balance transfers are still subject to a 3% fee during the first 60 days before growing to 5%. After your introductory period, your APR will be 17.49% to 27.49%, depending upon your credit rating.​

​No card is perfect, but the Discover it Cash Back Credit Card combines a lot of the positive features of its competitors. For instance, it allows you to claim 5% cash rewards for normal, routine purchases. The eligible categories alternate each quarter. For example, January through March is the time to get 5% rewards from grocery shopping, wholesale clubs, and designated streaming services. There's a year-round 1% cash back reward for all other purchases.

​Discover also has a practical first-year incentive for using its card. Discover will match the unlimited cash back rewards you earned during the year. In other words, if you earn $100 in rewards, you become eligible for an additional $100. 

The Discover it Cash Back Credit Card also comes with 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for your first 15 months. From year two forward, the APR ranges from 17.49% to 26.49%, according to your credit status. The card has no annual fee.