Best Cash Back Credit Cards 2026
Our Top Picks
Citi Double Cash® Card
Best Flat-Rate Cash BackWhy we recommend it: Earn 2% cash back on every purchase — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay. No categories to track, no caps. The simplest and most consistent cash back card available. Best for people who want maximum rewards without any effort.
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Best for Everyday SpendingWhy we recommend it: 1.5% on all purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on travel through Chase. $200 sign-up bonus. Pairs powerfully with Chase Sapphire cards to convert cash back to travel points. Best for Chase ecosystem users.
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Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Best for GroceriesWhy we recommend it: 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year, then 1%) and 6% on select streaming services. If you spend $300+/month on groceries, the rewards easily outpace the $95 annual fee. Best for families with high grocery spending.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cash back credit card in 2026?
The Citi Double Cash® Card is the best flat-rate cash back card — 2% on everything with no annual fee. For category bonuses, the Blue Cash Preferred® (6% at supermarkets) and Chase Freedom Unlimited® (5% on travel, 3% dining) offer higher rewards for specific spending patterns.
Is 2% cash back good?
Yes. 2% cash back is excellent for a no-annual-fee card. The Citi Double Cash is one of the best flat-rate cards available. For comparison, most basic cash back cards offer 1%–1.5%. If you spend $2,000/month, 2% cash back earns $480/year.
Should I get a flat-rate or category cash back card?
Flat-rate cards (Citi Double Cash at 2%) are better if you want simplicity and don't want to track categories. Category cards (Discover it, Chase Freedom) offer higher rewards (5%) on specific spending but require you to activate and track categories. If your spending is concentrated in specific areas (groceries, dining), a category card may earn more.
Do cash back credit cards have annual fees?
Many excellent cash back cards have no annual fee (Citi Double Cash, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Discover it). Cards with annual fees (Blue Cash Preferred at $95, Citi Custom Cash at $0) typically offer higher rewards that justify the fee for high spenders. Calculate your expected rewards before paying an annual fee.