NerdWallet's Best Cash Back Credit Cards of May 2021
The best 5% credit cards are the Chase Freedom Flex℠, Discover it® Cash Back, and the Capital One® Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®. These 5% cards stand out because of their $0 annual fees and other great rewards that support their 5% bonus categories, which may require activation.
There are no credit cards with 3% cash back on everything, at least not forever. The closest you can get is with the Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card. ... The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has an annual fee of $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after.
If you travel often, you're likely to get more value out of a rewards card that offers points instead of cash back. But if traveling isn't your thing, or you value simplicity and low annual fees, a cash back credit card may be a better choice for you.
Best cash-back cards with no annual fee
| Category | Credit Card | Estimated rewards earned after five years |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card | $2709 |
| Runner-Up | Citi® Double Cash Card | $2213 |
| Best for Rotating Bonus Categories | Chase Freedom Flex℠ | $2647 |
| Best for Online Shopping | PayPal Cashback Mastercard® | $2213 |
The Best Credit Cards of 2021
If you are looking to maximize rewards, a 5% cash-back card can be a great asset. Oftentimes, they have standard interest rates and no annual fee. However, these rotating category cards aren't for everyone. Trying to optimize your usage can be a lot of work, and many people don't want the hassle.
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
It pays out a flat 2% back on every purchase, and has a $0 annual fee.
Stores That Give the Most Cash Back at the Register:
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