Best Cash Back Credit Cards (2026)
Cash back is the simplest way to earn rewards from your credit card spending. Instead of navigating complex points systems, you get real dollars back on every purchase.
We ranked every cash back card in our database using our 67-Score methodology, which accounts for rewards rate, fees, welcome bonus, benefits, and how easy the card is to get.
The Ranking
#1
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi
3.2/5
Best flat-rate cash backEarn 2% on every purchase: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. No annual fee.
Fee: $0APR: 17.99%-27.99% variable
#2
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover
3.5/5
Best for rotating categories5% cash back in rotating quarterly categories, plus first-year cash back match.
Fee: $0APR: 17.24%-28.24% variable
#3
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo
3.4/5
Best with welcome bonusFlat 2% cash rewards on all purchases with a $200 cash rewards bonus.
Fee: $0APR: 0% intro for 12 months, then 18.74%–28.74% variable
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cash back card overall?▼
The Citi Double Cash and Wells Fargo Active Cash both offer a flat 2% rate, making them the strongest general-purpose cash back cards available.
Should I get a flat-rate or rotating category card?▼
Flat-rate cards are simpler and better if you do not want to track categories. Rotating cards can earn more if you activate and maximize each quarter.
How do I redeem cash back?▼
Most cards let you redeem as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check. Some also offer gift card options.
How we ranked these
Every card is scored 0-5 across 5 weighted criteria. Read our methodology.