For savvy shoppers, a cashback credit card isn’t just a payment tool—it’s a way to earn real rewards on everyday spending. Whether you’re stocking up on groceries, paying for gas, or splurging on a long-awaited tech upgrade, the right cashback card can turn your purchases into valuable savings over time.
But not all cashback cards are created equal. Some offer higher rates on specific categories, while others give flat-rate cash back on everything. Choosing the right one depends on how (and where) you spend the most. Here’s a guide to the top cashback credit cards for smart shoppers in 2024, plus tips for picking the best one for your lifestyle.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for: Everyday flat-rate cash back with bonus categories
Key features:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- No annual fee
- Introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months
Why smart shoppers love it:
You get solid rewards without having to think about rotating categories or spending limits, plus strong bonus rates on popular spending areas.
2. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for: Grocery shoppers and families
Key features:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
- 1% on other purchases
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95
Why smart shoppers love it:
The high grocery and streaming rewards make it a standout for households that spend heavily in these areas.
Tip:
Even with the annual fee, frequent grocery shoppers often come out ahead thanks to the 6% cash back.
3. Citi® Double Cash Card
Best for: Straightforward cash rewards
Key features:
- Earn 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy, 1% when you pay
- No category restrictions
- No annual fee
- Simple cash back redemption as a statement credit, check, or bank deposit
Why smart shoppers love it:
If you want maximum cash back without juggling bonus categories, this card delivers consistent value on everything you buy.
4. Discover it® Cash Back
Best for: Rotating bonus categories
Key features:
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter, activation required)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cashback Match™ for the first year—Discover matches all cash back you’ve earned
- No annual fee
Why smart shoppers love it:
If you don’t mind keeping track of quarterly categories, the 5% rewards can add up fast—especially with the first-year Cashback Match.
Sample 5% categories:
Grocery stores, Amazon.com, gas stations, restaurants, and more (categories change each quarter).
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Best for: Unlimited cash rewards with no fuss
Key features:
- 2% unlimited cash rewards on purchases
- No annual fee
- Introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
- Cell phone protection (when you pay your bill with the card)
Why smart shoppers love it:
You get a simple, high cash back rate on everything, making it easy to maximize rewards without extra effort.
6. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
Best for: Tailored category cash back
Key features:
- 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings)
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases for 3% and 2% categories)
- 1% on all other purchases
- No annual fee
Why smart shoppers love it:
Flexibility to choose your 3% bonus category allows you to adapt the card to your biggest spending area.
Bonus:
Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% more cash back, depending on account balances.
7. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best for: Foodies and entertainment lovers
Key features:
- 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Access to exclusive culinary, music, and sports experiences
Why smart shoppers love it:
If you spend heavily on dining out, concerts, streaming subscriptions, and groceries, this card can deliver excellent everyday rewards.
Tips for Choosing the Right Cashback Card
- Match your card to your habits.
Choose a card that rewards your most common spending categories—whether that’s groceries, travel, dining, or everything. - Consider annual fees carefully.
A card with an annual fee may be worth it if the higher rewards outweigh the cost. - Look for signup bonuses.
Many cards offer cash bonuses if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. - Think about redemption options.
Some cards offer greater flexibility with how you redeem your cash back (statement credits, direct deposit, gift cards, etc.). - Watch the fine print.
Know the rules around bonus categories, spending caps, and expiration policies on your cash back rewards.
A good cashback credit card turns your regular spending into real savings. Whether you prefer straightforward flat-rate cash back, generous category bonuses, or flexible rewards, there’s a card out there designed for your shopping style. By choosing the right card—and using it wisely—you can make every swipe, click, and tap work a little harder for your wallet.
Shop smart, earn smarter, and watch your rewards grow with every purchase.
