The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

7+ Best “2% Cash Back” Credit Cards (March 2024)

2 Percent Cash Back Credit Cards
Brittney Mayer

Written by: Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer

Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.

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Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

See full bio »
Advertiser Disclosure

As early as the 18th century, merchants were rewarding customers with free products in exchange for brand loyalty. One of the first programs required customers to send in proofs of purchase from a specific product or line in exchange for a premium promotional item. The success of these programs caused a wide range of businesses to adopt them. When the credit card industry saw rapid growth in the latter half of the 20th century, major card issuers experimented with their own loyalty programs.

Among the most popular credit card loyalty programs have been cash back rewards. At their peak, some companies offered flat 5% rates on every purchase. That’s not common today, but a wide variety of great cash back credit cards still exist, including some offering up to 2% unlimited cash back on everything and 5% back in rotating quarterly categories.

Our experts have compiled a list of cards with some of the best cash back offers out there today, including 5% cash back in rotating categories, 2% cash back credit cards on everything, and cards with a $100-$500 cash bonus.

5% in Rotating Categories | 2% on Everything | $100 – $500 Cash Bonus

Cards with 5% Cash Back in Rotating Categories

In addition to having no annual fee, these cards offer higher cash back rewards in specific categories — up to a limit — with categories rotating every quarter and requiring activation. For those whose spending fits into these categories, a card based on the category system may be more profitable than one that offers only flat-rate rewards.

For Consumers

Does your spending change depending on the season, increasing around the holidays, or centering around home improvement in the spring? A card with rotating categories is often a great way to increase rewards for those whose purchasing aligns with the set categories.

Discover it® Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good
Citi Custom Cash® Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash® Card account per person.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% 15 months Purchases and Balance Transfers
0% 15 months Purchases and Balance Transfers
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good, Fair

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
4.7/5.0
  • Earn a $200 rewards bonus after you apply online and spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
  • Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
  • Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations and EV charging stations, grocery stores or restaurants; 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR applies.
  • Get your cash back as a statement credit, a rewards card or directly deposited into your U.S. Bank checking or savings account. Enjoy flexible options designed to fit your needs.
  • $0 Annual feehttps://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/cash-plus-visa-signature-credit-card.html?sid=
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 billing cycles
0% for 15 billing cycles
19.74% - 29.74%
$0
Good/Excellent

Each card will also come with its own issuer perks and bonuses, so be sure to compare the different offers for what fits your spending habits. Additionally, no annual fee does not mean no fees at all. Make sure to read your cardholder agreement carefully to determine additional card and service fees.

For Businesses

The categories for these business credit cards won’t actually rotate each quarter, but they will provide steady cash back rewards of up to 5% in useful business-centered categories, including office supplies, as well as other everyday necessities.

BUSINESS CARD RATING
★★★★★
4.6
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
  • Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • No Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months
N/A
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has huge earnings potential, offering bonus cash back rewards on up to $25,000 in qualifying purchases each year per bonus reward tier. Plus, enjoy unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Amazon Business Prime Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

BUSINESS CARD RATING
★★★★★
4.6
OVERALL RATING
4.7/5.0
  • Welcome Offer: Receive a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval
  • 5% Back or 90 Days Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
  • 2% Back on U.S. purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers
  • 1% Back on all other eligible purchases
  • Expense management tools to help you track and organize expenses
  • $0 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
18.74% - 26.74% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

Cardholders of the Amazon Business Prime Card earn 5% cash back on everything bought at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods, plus tiered rewards on other purchases. Signing up is quick and easy, requiring a simple online application. The process takes just minutes for the majority of qualified applicants.

For Students

Being a college student often comes with many new experiences, like being away from home for the first time or doing your own laundry. It’s also a great time to start building credit. This card was designed with students — and their undeveloped credit histories — in mind.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

No matter which type of cash back program you choose, make sure to pay your bill in full and on time every month. Not only will you avoid late fees, but you’ll start building a good credit history.

Cards with 2% Cash Back on Everything, Everywhere

While 2% may not sound like a lot, that little bit can add up fast. In fact, if you’re looking for a flat-rate, unlimited cash back rewards program, 2% is the cream of the crop — and it can only be found with a handful of issuers for consumer and business credit cards.

For Consumers

The Citi Double Cash® Card not only totals at 2% unlimited cash back but also encourages good credit card habits by rewarding bill paying.

CITI® RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% Intro APR Period 18 months on Balance Transfers
19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good, Fair

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Depending on when you make your payments, it may take two or more statement cycles to see the full 2% reward, so factor that in when comparing cash back cards.

Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card Review

at the issuer'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★
4.5

OVERALL RATING

4.4/5.0
  • Unlimited 2% cash back. Every eligible net $1 spent equals 2 Reward Points. No limits on total Reward Points and no restrictive categories.
  • Deposit your rewards into one eligible Fidelity account or divide them among several. You can even use your rewards to fund a loved one's account. Choose from up to 5 eligible accounts.
  • Enjoy hotel and transportation discounts, a best available rate guarantee, beverage credits, and special offers at premium retailers.
  • Access 24-hour complimentary assistance with everything from booking travel to getting concert tickets for your favorite musician.
  • $0 Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
18.49% (Variable)
$0
Good/Excellent

This rewards card is a great fit for anyone who already has an eligible Fidelity account (or would like to open one). The flat-rate 2% bonus applies to any rewards redeemed into a Fidelity account.

Users will get the most out of their Fidelity Rewards card if they have a Fidelity account, but you don’t need an account to apply. In most cases, the process can be completed in just minutes online by filling out an application on Fidelity’s site.

Cards with $100 – $500 Cash Bonuses

Regardless of where you do the bulk of your purchasing, a one-time spending bonus of $100 or more can turn just about any card into a money-maker. Match a great initial bonus with solid cash back and no annual fee and you’ve got yourself a winner.

For Consumers

With many popular perks becoming standard across the field, a strong initial bonus can be a point of differentiation for a particular card. Start the comparison shop with our top choices.

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
  • Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
  • After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent
Discover it® Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% to 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • No annual fee.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good
CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good
CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Enjoy up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus, cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

EXPERT'S RATING
★★★★★
4.9
OVERALL RATING
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishing purchases.
  • If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

Be aware of the spending requirement for each initial bonus. Don’t spend more than you can pay off simply to get an initial bonus, as you may end up paying more in interest than the bonus is worth.

For Businesses

The top dog of initial bonuses also has one of the best flat-rate cash back rewards percentages: that’s right, the Capital One Spark Cash credit card not only offers 2% unlimited cash back but a giant one-time $500 bonus when you hit the spending requirement.

Need a more attainable spending requirement or to ditch the annual fee? Try the Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit instead.

CASH BACK RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
  • Earn a $750 bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
  • No annual fee
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
  • Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
18.49% - 24.49% (Variable)
$0
Excellent

As always, pay your bill in full and on time every month to avoid costly late fees and interest charges that eat into your profits.

For Students

Although it’s easier than ever to find a good student credit card — most major issuers offer at least one card specifically designed for students — limiting your search to ones with a signup bonus certainly narrows down the field.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

STUDENT RATING
★★★★★
4.8
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases—automatically.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit
Discover it® Student Chrome Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

STUDENT RATING
★★★★★
4.7
OVERALL RATING
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
  • No credit score required to apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
  • No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% - 27.24% applies.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 6 months
10.99% Intro APR for 6 months
18.24% - 27.24% Variable APR
$0
Fair/New to Credit

Make the Most of Your Cash Back

For more than 200 years, merchants have used loyalty and rewards programs to draw in — and keep — customers. Today, just about every business seems to offer some type of rewards program, with credit card issuers leading the pack. Of course, when it comes to credit card rewards, there is no one-size-fits-all program.

Choosing the best card for your personal spending habits, be it category-based or flat-rate, will ensure you can maximize your earning potential. Also check for any redemption bonuses, such as an extra percentage for redeeming into a branded bank account, to really make the most of your cash back.

Advertiser Disclosure

CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.