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.

Find the Cash Back Credit Card with the Most Cash Rewards

Barclaycard CashForward™ World Mastercard®

Credit Needed: Excellent

• Get a $200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days after account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash rewards on every purchase
• Every time you redeem, get a 5% cash rewards redemption bonus to use toward your next redemption

Commerce Bank 1.5% Cash Back Rewards Card

Credit Needed: Excellent, Good

• Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on every purchase – no exclusions
• Cash Back redemption is applied as a statement credit
• $150 Cash Back Bonus2 after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Credit One Bank® Cash Back Rewards Credit Card

Credit Needed: Good

• Zero fraud liability protects you from unauthorized charges
• Manage your account on-the-go with the Credit One Bank mobile app
• All purchases automatically get you 1% cash back if you qualify, terms apply

Credit One Bank® Unsecured Visa® – No Deposit Required

Credit Needed: Fair

• This unsecured card requires no deposit and can help build your credit
• Receive opportunities for credit line increases, a fee may apply
• See if you Pre-Qualify in less than 60 seconds

Charity Charge World MasterCard®

Credit Needed: Excellent, Good

• Unlimited 1% cash back rewards in the form of an automatic donation to any nonprofit, K-12 school, university, or religious organization of your choice.
• No Annual Fee.
• Rewards are tax-deductible.

PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Credit Needed: Good

• 0% APR promo balance transfer rate for 12 months with 3% balance transfer fee, now through September 30, 2017. After that, the APR for the unpaid balance and any new balance transfers will be 9.74% to 17.99%. APR will vary with the market based on Prime Rate. Subject to credit approval. $100 bonus after spending $1,500 in purchase transactions within 3 months of account opening.
• Rate and offers current as of August 1, 2017 and are subject to change.
• 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases

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 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.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company.