The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Thursday, March 28, 2024

9 Best 3% Cash Back Credit Cards (April 2024)

Best 3 Percent Cash Back Credit Cards
Eric Bank

Written by: Eric Bank

Eric Bank
Eric Bank

Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.

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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.

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Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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Advertiser Disclosure

Three percent is the Baby Bear porridge of the credit card world: Not too hot, not too cold. It splits the difference between the typical top reward rate of 5% on select merchant categories and the meager 1% unlimited rate on everyday purchases. 

So why choose 3% as your highest reward rate when you could get 5% or more? Frequently, the answer is simplicity. Credit cards that top out at 3% cash back or 3X points do not burden you with quarterly rotating bonus categories for you to activate. Nor do they have a bewildering half-dozen reward tiers for you to remember.

For many consumers, credit cards with 3% rewards are just right. Keep reading — this article may convince you that you are one.

Best Cards With 3% Cash Back

These cards provide the most versatile of rewards — cash. You should judge their 3% cash back level in the context of their other perks and their target audiences’ credit ratings. 

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

  • $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.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is unusual because it allows you to choose your 3% cash back bonus category. The card caps the 3% earning rate to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases.

But this card’s secret sauce is the bank’s Preferred Rewards program that can plump up your reward rates by as much as 75%. This is the best cash back card in this review for Bank of America customers and anyone else who wants control over their reward categories. 

Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card Review

at Fortiva’ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★

4.3

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 3% Cash Back Rewards* on Gas, Groceries and Utility Bill Payments
  • Earn 1% Cash Back Rewards* on all other eligible purchases
  • Good anywhere Mastercard® is accepted
  • $0 fraud liability**
  • Free access to your VantageScore 4.0 credit score from TransUnion®†
    *See Program Terms for important information about the cash back rewards program.
    **Fraud liability subject to Mastercard® rules.
    † Your credit score will be available in your online account starting 60 days after your account is opened. (Registration required.) The free VantageScore 4.0 credit score provided by TransUnion® is for educational purposes only. This score may not be used by The Bank of Missouri (the issuer of this card) or other creditors to make credit decisions.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
29.99% or 36% Fixed
As low as $85
Fair

The Fortiva® Mastercard® Credit Card offers up to 3% cash back to consumers with fair credit. That’s a pretty sweet deal for folks with less-than-good credit. You will earn unlimited 3% cash back rewards on gas, grocery, and utility bill payments and 1% on all other eligible purchases.

The card charges annual and maintenance fees tied to your initial credit limit. You can avoid the hefty APR by paying your balance in full each month.

Apple Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★

4.7

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • Get unlimited 3% Daily Cash back on everything you buy from Apple and other select merchants when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay
  • Get unlimited 2% Daily Cash back when you use your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with Apple Card
  • Pay for your new Apple products over time, interest‑free with Apple Card Monthly Installments
  • With advanced security technologies like Face ID, Touch ID, and unique transaction codes, Apple Card with Apple Pay is designed to make sure you’re the only one who can use it
  • The only credit card made of titanium — a sustainable metal known for its beauty and durability
  • No annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, or late fees. No fees, period.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
15.49% – 26.49% (Variable)
$0
Good/Excellent

The Apple Card teams up with the Apple Pay mobile wallet to pay 3% cash back on purchases from Apple and other select merchants. You can also use your card with Apple Pay on your iPhone and Apple Watch for 2% cash back. Without Apple Pay, each eligible purchase earns 1%.

You earn your active cash back every day, so there’s no waiting to spend it. The card has no costs other than its APR. You can also pay for Apple purchases in interest-free monthly installments.

Blue Cash Everyday® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★

4.5

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • Earn $200 back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership
  • 3% cash back on groceries from U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 1% back on other purchases
  • Introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate applies
  • Find out if you Pre-Qualify for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card or other offers in as little as 30 seconds
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
18.49% – 29.49% Variable
$0
Good

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express lets you earn 3% cash back on purchases from several merchant types, including grocers, online retail stores, and US gas stations. All other eligible purchases earn the standard 1% cash back.

The card attracts new customers with a modest signup bonus and an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfer transactions. You need good credit to qualify for this card.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students Review

at Bank Of America’ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★

4.7

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.
  • 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%.
  • When handled responsibly, a credit card can help you build your credit history, which could be helpful when looking for an apartment, a car loan, and even a job. Access your FICO® Score for free within Online Banking or your Mobile Banking app.
  • 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.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card for Students offers undergraduates all the wholesome goodness of the non-student version, which we consider the best cash back card in this review. This includes 3% cash back on your selected merchant category (up to $2,500 spent per quarter), no annual fee, and an introductory period for 0% APR purchases and balance transfers.

After the intro period expires, you can still avoid interest by paying your entire balance each month. You don’t want to miss a payment due date because the card will slap on a late fee and a penalty APR that applies indefinitely.

Best Cards With 3X Points You Can Redeem For Cash Back

Cash back rewards are great, but so are points. These cards let you readily convert your points to cash. But you can also redeem points for items such as dining and travel. And all the cards feature that magic 3X bonus rate.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Review

at Chase’ssecure website

POINTS & GIFTS RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™; Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
22.49%-29.49% Variable
$550
Good/Excellent

Chase Sapphire Reserve® may be the best credit card for travel. True, it has a hefty annual fee, but it provides travelers with more than enough value to pay for itself. You earn 3X points on travel and dining expenses (or a higher rate when you book through Chase Travel) and 1X on all other purchases. This is a Visa Infinite card, one step higher than Visa Signature.

The Chase Ultimate Rewards points from this Sapphire card are worth 50% more when you redeem them at Chase Travel. You can also transfer them to other loyalty programs. This rewards card offers free airport lounge access, a generous signup bonus, and annual credits for travel expenses.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Review

at Chase’ssecure website

POINTS & GIFTS RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.49%-28.49% Variable
$95
Good/Excellent

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card costs much less than its Reserve sibling but still delivers plenty of benefits. It pays 3X points for dining purchases (or higher rates when you go through Chase Travel). You also earn annual hotel credits on your account anniversary.

This card’s Ultimate Rewards points are worth 25% more when you redeem them through Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel purchases. 

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Review

at Chase’ssecure website

POINTS & GIFTS RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 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.
  • Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more – your points don’t expire as long as your account is open
  • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.24%-26.24% Variable
$95
Good/Excellent

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card lets business owners earn 3X rewards points on travel and other categories. You can easily convert your points to cash or gift cards, but you may prefer to extract 25% more value through Chase Travel℠. 

This rewards card features a monster signup bonus, and you can obtain employee cards at no additional cost. You also get extended warranty protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, trip insurance, purchase and cellphone protection, and roadside dispatch.

Citi Premier® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

POINTS & GIFTS RATING

★★★★★

4.7

OVERALL RATING

  • Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
    Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
  • Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
  • Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
  • 60,000 ThankYou® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
  • No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
21.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
$95
Excellent, Good

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

The Citi Premier® Card lets you earn 3X ThankYou Points for air travel, hotel stays, and spending at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. The card has a moderate annual fee but doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

This card has a generous signup bonus you can redeem for a gift card or travel bookings. Enjoy an annual credit toward a single hotel stay of $500 or more, excluding taxes and fees, when you book through thankyou.com. 

What Is a 3% Cash Back Card?

This type of card offers a cash back rate of 3% on eligible purchases made with the card. The reward applies to one or more merchant categories and may accompany lower-tier rewards categories.

Issuers approve these cards based on the applicant’s credit score and creditworthiness. Typically, an applicant with a better credit history and a higher score will receive a lower APR, better terms, and a larger credit limit.

These cards (generally those for good credit) may provide various perks such as signup bonuses, 0% intro APR promotions, travel benefits, and consumer protections.

Travel reward cards typically offer points or miles instead of cash back. So if you like 3% rewards, you may want to supplement your cash back card with a 3X travel card. Of course, many other reward schemes are available, and cards for bad credit may not offer rewards at all.

How Do I Apply For a Cash Back Card?

To obtain a cash back credit card, you can apply online, over the phone, or through the mail to the card issuer. A card application generally requests standard personal information, such as your name and address, as well as data about your income, employment status, housing costs, and debt. 

The issuer will likely pull your credit from one or more credit bureaus to check your eligibility. This hard credit check may have a minor impact on your credit score.

Screenshot of the Bank of America application
You can easily apply online for a cash back card in a matter of seconds.

If the issuer approves your application, you can e-sign the card agreement (after carefully reading it). Depending on the issuer’s shipping policies, the card may arrive in three to 10 days.

Are There Any Cards For Bad Credit With 3% Cash Back?

We know of two subprime credit cards offering at least 3% cash back: A secured card from Bank of America and another from U.S. Bank.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card allows you to rebuild your credit and simultaneously earn handsome cash back rewards. You select the merchant bonus category for the 3% cash back rate and can change to a different one each calendar month, just like the versions of the card reviewed above. Only this one requires a security deposit. 

Bank of America sets this card’s maximum credit limit based on your income, security deposit, and ability to pay your bill. The bank may eventually convert you to the card’s unsecured version if you consistently pay on time. 

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Secured Visa® Card pays up to 5% back in two categories you choose, compared to the one at 3% from the Bank of America secured card. So it may actually be a better deal if you can afford the minimum security deposit of $300. 

What Should I Look For in a Cash Back Card?

You should consider not only the magnitude of a cash back card’s rewards but also the card’s reward rate scheme, limitations, credit requirements, and costs. You also want to look at the card’s benefits and new-member promotions 

The active cash reward scheme may be flat, tiered, or rotating:

  • Flat rate: These cards offer 1% to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. 
  • Tiered rates: These cash back cards offer different bonus rates for different merchant types (e.g., restaurants, gas stations, office stores, etc.) The card may cap the purchase amounts entitled to the bonus rates. All other eligible purchases receive the default rate, typically 1%.
  • Rotating categories: The card specifies a new quarterly merchant category for the top bonus cash rate. You must enroll each quarter to receive these rewards. These cards often include tiered and default rates.

When choosing a cash back card, you will want to consider these additional features:

  • Signup bonuses: You must spend a set amount on eligible purchases during the initial period (typically two to six months after account opening) to receive the reward.
  • 0% intro APR promotions: New cardmembers may receive a 0% APR on purchases and/or balance transfers for periods of six to 21 months after account opening.
  • Costs: Consider the card’s APR and fees. Many cards have different interest rates for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances. The issuer may impose a penalty APR (typically 29.9%) if you miss a payment. Check the annual, foreign transaction, cash advance, balance transfer, and late fees. If you have bad credit, be prepared for maintenance fees beginning in the second year of ownership.
  • Benefits: Better cash back cards may offer consumer benefits such as price protection, purchase protection, free FICO scores, and other helpful items. 
  • Credit limits: Your credit line for an unsecured card depends on your credit score, income, debt, and housing costs. Your cash deposit is the most critical factor for determining the credit limit on a secured credit card.

You may want to select cash back cards that offer the highest rewards for your favorite categories, such as groceries or gasoline. CardRates.com publishes dozens of articles with information to help you choose your next credit card.

Are Cash Back Rewards Better Than Points?

Your choice between cash back and points (or miles) depends on your needs and lifestyle. Cash back is best as an everyday card, whereas travelers may prefer points or miles. The best points cards make it easy to cash in your points at any time and in any amount. 

Of course, you can own both card types, and millions of consumers do. Holding multiple cards lets you optimize your rewards by using the card that offers the best rate on each purchase. 

Should I Own Multiple Cash Back Cards?

Owning multiple cash back cards may be a good idea to maximize your rewards for purchases at different merchant categories. But it may make even more sense to own a mix of cash back and travel cards to diversify your benefits across more types of spending.

How to maximize credit card rewards graphic

For example, few cash back cards offer significant travel benefits, such as trip insurance, free baggage check, and so forth. Travel cards may not provide important consumer benefits such as price and purchase protections, extended warranties, and expedited shipping.

3% Cash Back Cards Are Great For Everyday Purchases

We’ve examined the best 3% cash back credit cards to help you choose the perfect one for your needs. These cards appeal to folks who want a simple rewards scheme for everyday card spending without, in most cases, expensive annual fees.

Ultimately, many consumers may want to own a mix of cash back and travel cards to get the biggest rewards on the broadest array of purchases.

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.