Annual fee: $0
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
Best for customization
If you want to be able to choose your highest cash back category, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards is the best option. Earn three percent back in the category of your choice and two percent back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on up to $2,500 in combined spending each quarter.
You could use this card to earn the most back on travel purchases or use a different card for travel expenses and this card for dining while on the road.
Annual fee: $0
Discover It Cash Back
Best for cash back matching
The Discover It Cash Back is similar to the Chase Freedom Flex, where you earn five percent back on everyday card purchases at different places each quarter, up to a maximum amount. For quarter one of 2024, January to March, the category is restaurants and drug stores on up to $1,500 in purchases. After that, earn one percent cash back on all other purchases. The other quarterly bonus categories are announced the month prior. So, the bonus category for April to June will be announced on March 1, and so on.
Where this card shines is the unlimited dollar-for-dollar cash back match at the end of your first year. Let’s say you only use your card for purchases in the five percent back category each quarter. If you max that out, you will earn $75 per quarter or $300 by the end of the year. Discover would then match that $300, giving you another $300, for a total of $600. More money in your pocket at the end of the year may give you extra incentive to book that dream trip—or splurge on a last-minute one.
Annual fee: $0
Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature
Best for big spenders
The Alliant Cash Back Visa Signature has a tiered earning system. Tier 1 gives you 2.5 percent back on up to $10,000 in purchases each billing cycle. You earn an unlimited 1.5 percent back on all other purchases if you go over that. To qualify for Tier 1, you must meet the Alliant High-Rate Checking Account requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements, you are in Tier 2, which gives you unlimited 1.5 percent back on all purchases. This is an excellent cash back card for travelers with large budgets, as there is no cap on how much cash back you can earn and no foreign transaction or annual fees.
Annual fee: $0
Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa
Best for fair credit
If you have fair credit, you’ll enjoy the perks of the Credit One Bank Platinum X5 Visa. You’ll earn five percent cash back on the first $5,000 of eligible gas, grocery, internet, cable, satellite TV, and mobile phone service purchases each year. All other purchases earn one percent cash back. Although there’s an annual fee of $95 and a high variable APR of 29.24%, it’s worthwhile for those who might not get approved for the other cards on this list. Most credit-building cards do not offer any rewards; if they do, the rates are meager. The opportunity to earn five percent cash back, even with a reasonably low spending limit, is enticing. There’s no welcome offer, but applicants can get pre-approved without impacting their credit score.
Annual fee: $95
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Best for flexibility
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is another great card for flexibility. Cardholders earn five percent cash back on prepaid travel booked through the Rewards Travel Center. You can also earn five percent back on your first $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter in two categories you choose out of 12 different categories. Then, earn two percent cash back on one everyday category—you can choose between grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations. Earn one percent cash back on all other purchases. To redeem your earnings, you can choose between a statement credit, rewards card, or direct deposit into your U.S. Bank checking or savings account.
Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card
Best for unlimited two percent back
Another ultra-popular cash back card is the Wells Fargo Active Cash. This is the perfect card for someone who is looking for a simple, no-fuss, and no-annual-fee card. Earn unlimited two percent cash back on all purchases, plus a bonus $200 back after spending just $500 on your card within three months of account opening. You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit, at an ATM, or for gift cards. Your rewards never expire, and you can take advantage of an introductory 0% APR period for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (after that, the variable APR is 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% based on credit worthiness). If you already bank with Wells Fargo, adding this card to your wallet could be a no-brainer.
Annual fee: $0
Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
See rates and fees for the American Express cards listed: Delta SkyMiles Platinum, Blue Cash Preferred
