Cashback credit cards are a smart way to earn money on everyday purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your gas tank, or shopping online, cashback cards reward you for spending. In 2025, banks and financial institutions are offering some exciting cashback cards that come with competitive rates, flexible categories, and even welcome bonuses.
But how do you know which card is the best cashback credit card in the USA for 2025?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025 with simple language and live examples. We’ll also look at how much you can actually earn with these cards, based on real-life spending habits.
What is a Cashback Credit Card?
A cashback credit card gives you a small percentage of money back on each purchase you make. For example, if your card gives you 2% cashback and you spend $100, you get $2 back. Some of the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025 offer the same cashback rate on all purchases, while others give more for categories like groceries, gas, travel, or dining.
The cashback is usually credited to your account as a statement credit, bank deposit, or points that you can redeem later.
Top 5 Best Cashback Credit Cards in the USA for 2025
Let’s look at the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025. We’ll explain the benefits, drawbacks, and give you a real-world example for each.
1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
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Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
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Cashback:
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6% on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year)
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6% on select U.S. streaming services
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3% on U.S. transit (taxis, rideshares, parking)
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3% on U.S. gas stations
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1% on everything else
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👉 Apply for Blue Cash Preferred® Card here
Real-life example:
Emily is a mother of two living in Texas. She spends around $500/month on groceries. That’s $6,000/year. With this card, she earns 6% back on groceries, which means $360 cashback just from grocery shopping. Add her $20/month streaming services and $150/month gas, she earns another $90 (streaming) + $54 (gas) = $144. Total annual cashback = $504. After paying the $95 fee, her net gain is $409.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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Annual Fee: $0
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Cashback:
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5% on travel booked through Chase
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3% at restaurants and drugstores
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1.5% on all other purchases
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👉 Apply for Chase Freedom Unlimited® here
Real-life example:
Michael is a young professional who lives in New York City. He eats out frequently, spends on pharmacy items, and travels twice a year. Let’s say he spends:
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$3,000/year at restaurants = $90 cashback
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$1,200/year on drugstore items = $36 cashback
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$8,000/year on general purchases = $120 cashback
He also books $2,000/year in travel through Chase = $100 cashback. That’s a total of $346 in rewards with zero annual fee. It’s one of the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025 for diverse spenders.
3. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
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Annual Fee: $0
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Cashback: 2% flat rate on all purchases
👉 Apply for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card here
Real-life example:
Susan is a retired teacher in Florida who prefers simplicity. She spends around $25,000/year using her credit card across groceries, gas, bills, shopping, etc. With a flat 2% cashback, she earns $500 annually. No tracking categories, no rotating offers. Just simple cash rewards, which is why many consider it among the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025.
4. Citi Double Cash® Card
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Annual Fee: $0
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Cashback: 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay = 2% total
👉 Apply for Citi Double Cash® Card here (DoFollow)
Real-life example:
John runs a small online business and uses his credit card for inventory purchases. He charges about $30,000 per year. With Citi Double Cash, he gets back 2% total or $600 in cashback. It’s a great tool for business owners who make large payments regularly and want one of the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025.
5. Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Annual Fee: $0
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Cashback:
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3% on dining, entertainment, grocery stores, and streaming
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1% on other purchases
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👉 Apply for Capital One SavorOne Card here (DoFollow)
Real-life example:
Rachel is a college student in California who loves concerts, food delivery, and Netflix. She spends:
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$3,600/year on dining = $108 cashback
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$1,200/year on streaming = $36 cashback
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$2,000/year on groceries = $60 cashback
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$1,000 on other stuff = $10 cashback
Her total yearly cashback is $214, all with no annual fee. It’s a great choice among the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025 for students and young adults.
How to Choose the Best Cashback Card for You
Everyone has different spending habits. The best cashback credit card in the USA for 2025 for one person may not be right for someone else. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
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Do you spend a lot on groceries or gas?
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Do you travel frequently?
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Do you want a simple card with flat cashback?
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Are you okay with paying an annual fee if the rewards are higher?
If you want the highest grocery cashback, go with Blue Cash Preferred. If you like no fees and simplicity, Wells Fargo Active Cash or Citi Double Cash are great. For dining and fun, Capital One SavorOne is perfect.
Cashback Tips to Maximize Earnings
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Pay your balance in full: Always pay off your credit card monthly. Interest charges can cancel out your cashback rewards.
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Combine cards smartly: You can use two different cards—one for groceries and one for travel—to maximize earnings.
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Watch for welcome bonuses: Many cards offer $150-$300 for spending a certain amount in the first 3 months.
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Use cashback for savings: Redeem your rewards into a savings account or invest them to grow your money.
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Set alerts for offers: Some cards give seasonal cashback on select categories.
Final Thoughts
Cashback credit cards are a great way to earn money from your daily spending. In 2025, there are more options than ever, whether you want a premium card or a basic one with no annual fee. Use real examples like Emily, Michael, or Susan to understand what you might earn and choose the card that fits your lifestyle.
Don’t let your spending go unrewarded—get paid to do what you already do every day.
Still unsure which option among the best cashback credit cards in the USA for 2025 is right for you? Share your monthly expenses, and we’ll suggest the perfect cashback card just for you.
FAQs
Q1: Is cashback better than travel rewards?
A: If you travel a lot, travel rewards may offer more value. But for everyday spending, cashback is easier and more flexible.
Q2: Do cashback cards hurt your credit score?
A: No, as long as you use them responsibly and pay on time, they can actually improve your credit.
Q3: Can I get multiple cashback cards?
A: Yes. Many people use different cards for different spending categories.
Q4: Are there any hidden charges?
A: Some cards have annual fees or foreign transaction fees. Always read the terms.
Q5: How often is cashback paid?
A: Usually monthly or when you request redemption, depending on the card.
Q6: What credit score do I need to apply?
A: Most good cashback cards require a credit score of 670 or higher.
Q7: Can students get cashback cards?
A: Yes, there are student-friendly cashback cards with lower limits.
Q8: What happens to cashback if I return an item?
A: The cashback you earned on that purchase will be reversed.
Q9: Is the annual fee worth it?
A: If the cashback you earn is more than the fee, then yes.
Q10: Can I use cashback to pay my credit card bill?
A: Yes, most issuers let you apply it as a statement credit.
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