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 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Earn Cash Back: 3% at US supermarkets, up to $6,000 per year in purchases, 2% at US gas stations & select US dept stores, 1% on other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
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  • $100 cash back after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
  • 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers and Purchases for 12 months. After that, the APR will be 12.99%-22.99% variable based on your creditworthiness*
  • Earn 5% cash back from Citi at Home Depot, Home furnishing stores and home and garden stores between 4/1/13 and 6/30/13, with enrollment
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  • Earn 150 Reward Dollars after you make $1,000 in purchases in the first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Earn Cash Back: 6% US supermarkets up to $6,000 per year in purchases, 3% US gas stations & select US dept stores, 1% other purchases. Terms and limitations apply.
  • Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
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  • The new Discover it card is out to change the way people think about credit cards.
  • Fair...No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And we won't increase your APR for paying late.*
  • Generous...5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in purchases at Home Improvement Stores now through June with free and easy sign-up. And 1% cash back on all other purchases.*
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  • The new Discover it card is out to change the way people think about credit cards.
  • Fair...No annual fee. No overlimit fee. No foreign transaction fee & no pay-by-phone fee. No late fee on your first late payment. And we won't increase your APR for paying late.*
  • Generous...5% Cashback Bonus on up to $1,500 in purchases at Home Improvement Stores now through June with free and easy sign-up. And 1% cash back on all other purchases.*
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  • 5% cash back on gas purchases paid at the pump**
  • 0.25% cash back on all other purchases**
  • No caps, limits or tiers on rewards
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  • 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.
  • Earn 5,000 Bonus Points, equal to a $50 statement credit, after your first purchase or balance transfer
  • 0% Introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
  • No annual fee
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  • 5000 Reward Points bonus on first purchase
  • 2X Rewards for First 60 days
  • $1 purchase = 1 reward point
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  • 3% Cash back at US gas stations and on gasoline at Costco up to $4,000 per year in purchases, then 1%
  • 2% cash back at US restaurants; 2% cash back on eligible travel purchases, including at Costco; 1% cash back on other purchases, including at Costco
  • Terms and limitations apply; You will receive your cash back annually in the form of a reward coupon
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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.

This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

Discover is a paid advertiser of this site. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the Discover online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards.

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.