Best Cash Back Credit Cards of 2021

If you’re looking for the best cash back credit cards you’re in the right place. Cash back is one of the best rewards because it is the most flexible of all credit card rewards. Instead of points that you have to figure out how to redeem — and that you might not be able to redeem for something you want — you get real dollars and cents you can use for anything.

Moreover, depending on the card and where you use it, you can earn 1% to 6% cash back on every purchase.

Below, you’ll find our selection for the best cash back credit cards. This makes it easier to find the one that best fits your profile and your needs.

Wells Fargo Active CashSM Card

Bottom line: This card stands out for its cash back with one of the highest unlimited rewards rates. Plus, it has a big welcome bonus and a versatile 0% intro APR offer.

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: 2% cash rewards

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0%, 15 months;
• Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months on qualifying balance transfers
• ONGOING APR: 14.99% – 24.99%, variable

Welcome Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1000 in purchases within the first three months

Great for: Unlimited cash back

Discover it® Cash Back

Bottom line: This card has unlimited benefits such as an amazing rewards program and an excellent welcome bonus. Plus, it doesn’t charge an annual fee and has a great intro APR.

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases automatically

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0%, 14 months
• Balance Transfers: 0%, 14 months
• ONGOING APR: 11.99% – 22.99% Variable APR

Welcome Bonus: Dollar-for-dollar match of all cash back earned the first year

Great for: Bonus category cash back

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Bottom line: This card is an excellent choice for those looking for on-card-wallet simplicity. That’s because unlimited cash back makes it easy to earn rewards and it offers a great welcome bonus, plus a long 0% intro APR.

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: 5% cash back on travel through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all else

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0%, 15 months
• Balance Transfers: N/A
• ONGOING APR: 14.99% – 23.74% Variable

Welcome Bonus: $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Great for: unlimited cash back

Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Bottom line: This is one of the best cash back credit cards that includes a big welcome bonus, excellent rewards program and long 0% intro APR. And all these benefits with no annual fee.

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent), 1% cash back on all else

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0%, 15 months
• Balance Transfers: 0%, 15 months
• ONGOING APR: 13.99% – 23.99%, variable

Welcome Bonus: earn $200 in cash back after you spend $750 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

Great for: customizing your cash back

Discover it® Secured Credit Card

Bottom line: If you want to build your credit history, this card is the solution. Besides offering an incredible cash back, it has no annual fee and Discover’s innovative sign-up bonus.

Credit Rating requirement: New/Rebuilding:

Rewards: 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases – automatically

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: N/A
• Balance Transfers: 10.99%, 6 months
• ONGOING APR: 22.99% Variable APR

Welcome Bonus: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.

Great for: bad credit

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Bottom line: This is the best low interest credit card with a 20 billing cycle intro APR offer for both balance transfers and purchases.

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every time.

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
• Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any BTs made in the first 60 days. A 3% fee (min. $10) applies.
• ONGOING APR: 13.99% – 23.99% 

Welcome Bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

Great for: unlimited cash back

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bottom line: This card is no-annual-fee and it has an incredible cash back, plus a welcome bonus and no foreign transaction fees. 

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0% intro on purchases for 15 months
• Balance Transfers: N/A
• ONGOING APR: 15.49% – 25.49% (Variable)

Welcome Bonus: One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

Great for: unlimited cash back

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Bottom line: Thanks to its generous rewards rate and flexible financing features, this card was made for business owners spending $50,000 or less in purchases each year.

Credit Rating requirement: Good/Excellent

Rewards: 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.

Annual fee: $0

Intro apr:

• Purchases: 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Balance Transfers: N/A
• ONGOING APR: 13.24% – 19.24% Variable

Welcome Bonus: $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months

Great for: unlimited cashback