Research by banking industry experts at Mintel Comperemedia shows that more than half of new credit card offers use cash back rewards to sway prospective cardholders. As some lenders ramp up the size of their signup bonuses, other companies have added seasonal promotions that can boost your rewards.
 
When you make purchases using credit card issuers' online malls, some partner retailers will even maximize your rebates into the double digits. Our credit card tables can help you find a cash back rewards card that matches your spending habits to earn you even better rebates.
  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • Earn $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 6% cash back at supermarkets, 3% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $75 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • The annual fee pays for itself. With 6% cash back at supermarkets, if you spend just $25 weekly at your supermarket, you can receive over $75 cash back from these purchases alone.

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Good

Annual Fee

$75
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • 5% Cashback Bonus(R) in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
  • Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular retailers when you shop online through Discover.com
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • $0 Fraud Liability plus mobile and email fraud alert options
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • Earn $100 Bonus Cash Back after you make $500 in purchases in your first 3 months
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • 5% Cash Back on up to $1,500 spent at grocery stores and movie theaters from 4/1/12 - 6/30/12
  • You'll enjoy new 5% categories every 3 months like gas stations, restaurants and even airlines. It's free and easy to activate your bonus each quarter!
  • Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases
  • Up to an additional 10% Cash Back when you shop online at select merchants through Chase
  • No annual fee and rewards never expire

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • 5% Cashback Bonus(R) in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S. based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • $0 Fraud Liability plus automatic mobile and email fraud alerts
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%*
  • 2% automatically at gas stations and restaurants all year long*
  • Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • Earn Cashback Bonus for your good credit management
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable purchase APR of 10.99% - 20.99%*
  • Up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
  • Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
  • 24/7 access to a U.S. based Account Manager within 60 seconds
  • $0 Fraud Liability plus mobile and email fraud alert options
  • Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
  • *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • American Express(R) Card and Costco Membership Card in one -- with no annual fee for Costco members
  • Cash back on the things you buy: 3% for the first $3,000 in annual gasoline purchases (1% thereafter), 2% for restaurants, 2% for travel, and 1% everywhere else, including Costco
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars in overall satisfaction by current TrueEarnings(R) Cardmembers from Costco and American Express

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • Limited Membership
  • 24-hour concierge service
  • Exclusive rewards program; redeem points for 1% cash back or for airfare on any airline with no blackouts or restrictions
  • Luxury Gifts
  • Patent Pending Carbon Card
  • Excellent Credit Needed
  • $495 Annual Fee

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent

Annual Fee

$495
  • Earn 5% cash back on gas purchases paid at the pump**
  • Earn 0.25% cash back on all purchases**
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Cash rewards automatically awarded to your account every month
  • No caps, limits or tiers on rewards
  • Variable 9.99% introductory purchase rate capped through June 30, 2014. During this time the rate can only decrease if the Prime Rate decreases. After June 30, 2014 the cap will be removed and the APR will increase or decrease with the Prime Rate
  • 4.99% APR, a promotional rate on transfers made from April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012, for life of balance. After that the APR for any new balance transfers will be variable 9.99% APR and will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. There is no balance transfer fee on transfers made between April 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012. The fee for balance transfers made after June 30, 2012 will return to 3% (Min. $10 - Max. $250) per transaction. This transaction subject to credit approval.

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • Low variable rate of 9.25%, 12.25%, or 15.25% (Prime + 6.00%, Prime + 9.00%, or Prime + 12.00%) based on your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. (If there is an interest charge, the charge will be no less than $0.50).
  • Low Introductory APR on Balance Transfers of 1.99% for the first 6 billing cycles, this rate will not change during the introductory period. Applies to balance transfers processed within three months of your account open date. After that, your APR will be the same as your assigned purchase rate, based on your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate.

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

Excellent
None
  • No credit check or bank account required
  • No minimum balance
  • Access more than 18,000 participating MoneyPass ATMs with no withdrawal fees
  • Direct deposit your payroll or benefit check
  • Simple fee plan with no overdraft fees
  • Pay No Monthly Charge in any month that you have at least 30 purchases post to your Card or load $1,000

Card Rating

*****

Credit Needed

None

Annual Fee

$5.95 monthly

Disclaimer:*These quotes are from credit card issuers which have paid for a link to their website. Offers are subject to change without notice and may not be the same for all consumers.

Find the Cash Back Credit Card with the Most Cash Rewards

Finding the best cash back credit cards

Credit card issuers know that cash lures new customers, while building loyalty with existing customers. That's why you'll see some of the best overall credit card deals from lenders eager to add affluent consumers to their portfolios. The best cash back credit card for you might not necessarily be the one with the highest percentage rebate on daily purchases. Analyze your current bank and credit card statements to see where you spend the most money. For instance, if your commute forces you to fill your gas tank a few times per week, look for a card with extra gas rewards. Some cash rewards cards offer bonuses on restaurant and grocery purchases, while others multiply your earnings at bookstores and movie theaters.

Cashing in on signup bonuses

As Mintel's researchers discovered, a big signup bonus can help you make up your mind about applying for a new credit card. Before jumping in, take the time to stack up your potential cash rewards against the long term costs of your new card. If you normally pay off your balance at the close of each statement cycle, you'll maximize your savings. Otherwise, finance charges and annual fees could eat into your rebates.

Review terms and conditions of your rebate program closely for details about any caps or limitations on your potential new account. Some cash back credit cards advertise large discounts, but bury spending thresholds and rebate limits in the fine print. Earning your signup bonus may also require you to reach a spending threshold over time, usually within the first few months. Plan your purchases to hit your threshold quickly, so you can maximize your earnings all year long.

Earning extra cash back rewards online

While most consumers stop comparing top credit cards after reviewing bonuses and reward levels, frugal shoppers should check out a bank's network of online retail partners. Most lenders now offer bonus rebates and rewards when you follow a special link from their websites to popular shopping destinations. Even though it doesn't sound like a convenient way to start your next online shopping spree, starting at your bank's website could save you between 5 and 20 percent on top of your credit card's usual cash back rewards.

Making the most of seasonal cash back bonuses

Many banks have added special promotions to their marketing arsenals, tying even bigger bonuses to special events and featured purchasing categories. For instance, around the holiday season, some credit card companies may offer up to 5 percent cash back on purchases in department and clothing stores. Other cash back promotions tie in to sponsored sporting events, film festivals, or cultural activities.

In most cases, credit card issuers will require you to sign up for these special offers at the start of each quarter. If you forget to register your 2012 credit card, you won't earn your bonus rewards. Take some extra time to review details of the best credit cards available now, so you don't miss out on your chance to maximize your rebates.