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.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- 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.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- 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.
|
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
|
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- 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.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- No annual fee.
- Click through to Discover’s website to see terms and conditions.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
0% Intro APR for 6 months
|
0% Intro APR for 18 months
|
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
3. Chase Freedom Flex℠
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
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 up to 5% in useful business-centered categories, including office supplies, as well as other everyday necessities.
- Earn $900 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 12 months
|
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.
5. SunTrust Business Credit Card
If the clerks at the local office supply store know you or your office manager by name, the SunTrust Business Credit Card may be for you. Cardholders earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 they spend on office supplies and fuel for the first year, then 3% for those categories.
- 5% cash back on office supply and fuel purchases in first 12 months
- 1% unlimited cash back on all qualifying purchases
- No annual fee
- Introductory 0% APR for first 12 months
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.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- 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.
|
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.
- 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.
- 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.
8. Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
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.
- Unlimited 2% cash back when redeemed into Fidelity account
- Rewards have no cap and never expire
- No annual fee
- Access the Visa Signature® Concierge
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.
For Businesses
For some business owners, the various business expenses are easy to categorize — but for others, it isn’t quite as easy. The Capital One Spark Cash credit card is a great option if your business expenses don’t fit into typical categories and you’d rather have a solid flat-rate rewards program.
9. Capital One Spark Cash for Business
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: Information for this card not reviewed by or provided by Capital One.
Make sure to note the annual fee, which is waived the first year but kicks in afterward.
For Students
Unfortunately, there aren’t any cash back cards for students that offer unlimited 2% cash back on everything. However, there are still a lot of great cash back student cards available, some with even more cash-earning potential for those who refer their friends.
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.
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®, 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 Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 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
|
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
- 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.
- Every $1 you earn in cash back is $1 you can redeem.
- 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.
|
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
|
12. Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: Information for this card not reviewed by or provided by Capital One.
- 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
|
- $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 - now with expanded categories, 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.
- Newly expanded categories based on Bank of America customer feedback! 3% cash back on Gas (to now include Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations) and Online Shopping (to now include Cable, Streaming, Internet and Phone Services).
- If you're a 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 no expiration on rewards.
- 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
- 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
|
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
|
$0
|
Excellent/Good
|
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
15. Chase Freedom Flex℠
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ credit card has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
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.
16. Capital One Spark Cash for Business
This card is currently not available.
|
Intro (Purchases)
|
Intro (Transfers)
|
Regular APR
|
Annual Fee
|
Credit Needed
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Additional Disclosure: Information for this card not reviewed by or provided by Capital One.
- Earn a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 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
|
18.24% - 24.24% (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.
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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 each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- 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.
|
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
|
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match – 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 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. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically.
- 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.
|
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
|
20. Citi Rewards+℠ Card for College Students
The Citi Rewards+℠ Card for College Students is a solid everyday card thanks to its 2X points per dollar on supermarket and gas station purchases, broad categories that include a wide variety of merchants. Plus, the rewards you earn on each new purchase will be rounded up to the nearest 10X points, automatically.
- Earn 2X ThankYou® points per $1 spent on supermarket and gas station purchases
- Round up each transaction to nearest 10X points
- Pay no annual fee
For most, applying takes just minutes through Citi’s website. Simply fill out the online application to see if you’re approved.
(The information related to Citi Rewards+℠ Card for College Students has been collected by CardRates.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.)
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.
Final Notes on “8 Best “2% Cash Back” Credit Cards (Sep. 2023)“
We hope this guide “8 Best “2% Cash Back” Credit Cards (Sep. 2023)” has been a helpful resource for you in learning more about your financial options. In this guide, we’ve covered:
- Cards with 5% Cash Back in Rotating Categories
- Cards with 2% Cash Back on Everything, Everywhere
- Cards with $100 – $500 Cash Bonuses
- Make the Most of Your Cash Back
To learn more about options not mentioned here, be sure to check out other popular reviews from our team of experts:
- Air miles credit cards
- Balance transfer credit cards
- Cash back credit cards
- Prepaid debit cards
- Secured credit cards
We also encourage you to check back at this URL regularly, as we update the offers listed in “8 Best “2% Cash Back” Credit Cards (Sep. 2023)” and other guides on a daily basis.
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.
Editorial Note: Our site content is not provided or commissioned by any credit card issuer(s). Opinions expressed on CardRates.com are the author's alone, not those of any credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by credit card issuers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information; however, all credit card offer details, including information about rewards, signup bonuses, introductory offers, and other terms and conditions, is presented without warranty. Clicking on any offer on CardRates.com will direct you to the issuer's website, where you can review the current terms and conditions of the offer.
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