Cash back credit cards remain one of the best tools for smart spending in 2025. Whether you’re buying groceries, fueling your car, or paying bills, cash back credit cards let you earn money on everyday purchases. With so many options on the market, choosing the best card can be tricky. This guide highlights the best cash back credit cards in the USA for 2025, covering top picks based on reward rates, bonus categories, annual fees, and extra perks.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for: Unlimited flat-rate cash back with no annual fee
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card is a fan-favorite for a reason. It offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases, along with bonus categories that earn even more. New cardholders can earn a $200 welcome bonus after meeting minimum spending.
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Cash Back Rate: 1.5% on everything
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Bonus Categories: 3% on dining & drugstores, 5% on travel via Chase
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
Best for: Simple 2% cash back on every purchase
Citi Double Cash is perfect for people who don’t want to track categories. You earn 1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay — a total of 2% cash back on all purchases. There’s no annual fee and it offers a long 0% intro APR on balance transfers.
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Cash Back Rate: Up to 2% (1% purchase + 1% payment)
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Bonus Categories: None – flat rate
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro APR: 0% for 18 months (balance transfers)
3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for: Grocery shoppers and streaming services
The Blue Cash Preferred® is great for families and homebodies. It gives a whopping 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year) and 6% on select streaming services. It also offers 3% on gas and transit.
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Cash Back Rate: 6% groceries, 6% streaming, 3% gas/transit, 1% others
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Annual Fee: $95 (often waived for the first year)
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Welcome Offer: $250 after spending $3,000 in 6 months
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Intro APR: 0% for 12 months
4. Discover it® Cash Back
Best for: Rotating 5% cash back categories
The Discover it® Cash Back card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (like Amazon, grocery stores, gas stations, etc.) up to a spending cap, and 1% on all other purchases. Plus, Discover matches all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year — no limit.
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Cash Back Rate: 5% on rotating categories, 1% others
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Annual Fee: $0
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Intro Offer: Cashback Match – double your cash back in the first year
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months
5. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Best for: Unlimited 2% cash back with no annual fee
Wells Fargo’s Active Cash® Card offers 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases, which is rare with no annual fee. It also includes cell phone protection, travel benefits, and a strong sign-up bonus.
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Cash Back Rate: 2% on everything
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Annual Fee: $0
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Welcome Bonus: $200 after $500 spent in 3 months
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months
6. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards
Best for: Foodies and entertainment lovers
The Capital One SavorOne card is perfect if you spend a lot on food and fun. It offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart). All other purchases earn 1%.
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Cash Back Rate: 3% on food/entertainment, 1% others
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Annual Fee: $0
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Welcome Bonus: $200 after $500 spent in 3 months
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Intro APR: 0% for 15 months
How to Choose the Right Cash Back Card
Before applying, consider the following:
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Spending Habits: Choose a card that rewards your most common purchases
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Annual Fees: Higher rewards cards may charge a fee — make sure it’s worth it
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Intro APRs: If you plan to carry a balance, look for a 0% APR period
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Redemption Options: Some cards let you use rewards as statement credits, deposits, or gift cards
Conclusion
Cash back credit cards can be powerful tools for maximizing your everyday spending. Whether you prefer flat-rate rewards like the Citi® Double Cash or bonus categories like the Discover it® or Blue Cash Preferred®, 2025 offers plenty of great choices. Just be sure to pay your balance in full to avoid interest and make the most of your rewards.