The best cash back credit cards of 2025 offer increasingly attractive rewards structures, with many cards now providing 2% or higher on everyday purchases and enhanced rates in popular spending categories. Based on current offerings, these cards stand out for their exceptional cash back value:
Best for flat-rate cash back:
- Wells Fargo Active Cash: 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, plus a $200 welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months and 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Citi Double Cash: Effectively 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay) with no annual fee and flexible redemption options including direct deposit, statement credit, or conversion to ThankYou points
- SoFi Credit Card: 2% unlimited cash back when redeemed toward SoFi products (investments, loan payments, savings) with no annual fee and cell phone protection up to $1,000
Best for category cash back:
- Chase Freedom Flex: 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 quarterly), 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% on everything else, plus a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months
- Discover it Cash Back: 5% on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 quarterly) and 1% on all other purchases, with first-year cash back match effectively doubling your rewards
- Capital One SavorOne: 3% on dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and streaming services, plus 1% on everything else with no annual fee
Best for customizable cash back:
- Bank of America Customized Cash: 3% cash back in the category of your choice (gas, dining, travel, online shopping, drugstores, or home improvement) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 quarterly in combined 3% and 2% categories)
- U.S. Bank Cash+: 5% cash back in two categories you choose quarterly (up to $2,000 in combined purchases), 2% in one everyday category (gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants), and 1% on everything else
Best for high-rate grocery and gas rewards:
- Blue Cash Preferred by American Express: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year) and on select U.S. streaming services, 3% on transit and U.S. gas stations, and 1% on other purchases with a $95 annual fee
- Costco Anywhere Visa by Citi: 4% on gas (up to $7,000 per year), 3% on restaurants and travel, 2% on all Costco purchases, and 1% everywhere else with no annual fee (with Costco membership)
When choosing the best cash back card for your situation, consider your typical spending patterns, whether you prefer simplicity (flat rate) or maximizing specific categories, and whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee for premium rewards. Also factor in welcome bonuses, which can add significant first-year value to your chosen card.