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.

Chase Freedom^SM Visa - $50 Bonus Cash Back

Earn $50 Bonus Cash Back after first purchase 0% Intro APR and No Annual Fee 5% cash back in quarterly bonus categories like gas, home improvement and department stores, subject to quarterly maximum. Signing up is free and easy Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases with no spending tiers Up to an additional 20% cash back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase

Discover® More Card - $75 Cashback Bonus®

0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 12 full months, then the Regular APR 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 full months, then the Regular APR Earn $75 Cashback Bonus when you make $500 in purchases in your first three months 5% Cashback Bonus in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants, home improvement stores and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases No Annual Fee

Discover® More® Card

0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 full months, then the Regular APR 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 full months, then the Regular APR 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like travel, gas, groceries, restaurants, home improvement stores and more Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases No Annual Fee

Discover® Open Road Card

2% Cashback Bonus automatically at any gas station and any restaurant 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus at top retailers through our online shopping site Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 12 full months, then the Regular APR 0% intro APR on Purchases for 6 full months, then the Regular APR

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® More Card – Black

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

Discover® Motiva Card

Cash rewards for your good credit management Each time you make 6 on-time payments in a row, you'll get a Pay-On-Time Bonus equal to a full month's interest 5% to 20% Cashback Bonus® at over 150 top retailers through our exclusive online shopping site Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on all other purchases 3.99% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 full months, then the Regular APR 3.99% intro APR on Purchases for 12 full months, then the Regular APR

Blue Sky from American Express

0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months and no annual fee Flexibility to pay over time Turn purchases into free travel: Enjoy travel rewards with no travel restrictions or blackout dates-get points for flights on any airline, stays at any hotel, and car rentals