Cash back credit card guide

Although similar in theory, cash back credit cards vary: percentage rates, overall benefits, participating merchants, and more. No two are the same, so selecting the right cash back credit card should be done with care—and an honest appraisal of the applicant's financial practices.

Most cash back cards offer 5% cash back on “everyday” purchases made at grocery stores, pharmacies and gas stations. Some offer tiered programs, where the value increases proportional to the amount charged. Sill others are seasonal, which means the benefits change throughout the year. Because they offer better rewards than other credit cards, cash-back cards tend to have higher APRs, so if the cardholder makes a big purchase and spreads the total across many payments, any potential profit will be negated in the accrued interest.

The method of redeeming cash rewards varies by issuer: some issuers automatically process the cash back, while others require the cardholder to initiate the process through a phone call. It's important for the cardholder to know how this step works—it’s not uncommon for the cash rewards to "expire" because the cardholder was unaware of how to redeem.

Once processed, the cash can also be delivered in several ways: The cardholder's account is credited, a check is mailed to the cardholder, a gift certificate or card is issued, or by direct deposit, usually only if the cardholder has a bank account with the issuer.

Below is our list of the best cash back credit cards available online. Compare the benefits of each card and apply for the card offer that best fits your needs.

Discover® More® Card

0% APR on Balance Transfers for a FULL 12 months 0% APR on Purchases for a FULL 6 months 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Discover® More Card - $50 Cashback Bonus®

0% APR on Balance Transfers for a full 12 months 0% APR on Purchases for a full 6 months Get $50 Cashback Bonus after your first $599 in purchases Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Discover® More® Card – Black Monogram

0% APR on Balance Transfers for a full 12 months 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Discover® More Card – Shamrock

0% APR on Purchases for a full 9 months 0% APR on Balance Transfers for a full 12 months 5% Cashback Bonus in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

Biodegradable Discover® More Card

0% APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for a full 6 months 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases automatically No Annual Fee

TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express

3% cash back for gasoline, for annual gasoline purchase of up to $3,000 (1% thereafter). 3% cash back for restaurants, 2% cash back for travel, and 1% cash back virtually everywhere else, including Costco. No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and a $25 statement credit with your first purchase made with the Card!

Discover® Open Road Card

Double Cashback Bonus at any gas station and any restaurant 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at top retailers through our online shopping mall Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus at top retailers through our online shopping mall Redeem for Partner gift cards, merchandise, Discover® gift cards, credit to your Discover card account or an electronic deposit to your bank account Turn your Cashback Bonus into bigger rewards by redeeming for gift cards or eCertificates from over 100 brand-name Partners

Discover® Motiva Card

Pay-On-Time Bonus equal to a full month's interest every time you make 6 on-time payments in a row Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus® on all other purchases 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® through our exclusive online shopping site

PartnersFirst Rewards Visa^® Card

Get a $50 statement credit, when you spend $100 on purchases within 60 days on the card.* Redeem points for airline travel, merchandise, unique experiences... and much more Earn 1% cash back on every purchase and customize your card with your favorite photo Save with an introductory 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Balance Transfers for 6 months and then the standard APR for purchases applies Total fraud protection and 24/7 customer service, and No Annual Fee *Terms of Offer: In order to qualify, you must be approved and make qualifying purchases totaling $100 within the first 60 days of account open date *Offer valid for new cardholders through this promotion only. Not valid for existing PartnersFirst Rewards cardholders *This promotion is offered and administered by PartnersFirst. Offer to apply expires March 5, 2010

Blue Sky from American Express

0% Intro APR for 6 months on purchases Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend Points good on any airline, hotel, car rental and more No blackout dates or travel restrictions Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds