Choosing the right credit card in the United States can make a major difference in how much value you get back from your everyday spending. Cashback and rewards cards are extremely popular because they give cardholders real financial benefits—whether in the form of cash, travel points, or statement credits.
This detailed guide covers the best credit card offers currently available in the USA, how cashback programs work, how to qualify, and how to choose the right card based on your lifestyle.

1. What Makes a Credit Card “Best” for Cashback and Rewards?

A high-quality cashback or rewards credit card should include the following:

1.1 High cashback percentage

Look for 2%–5% cashback categories or unlimited cashback on all purchases.

1.2 Generous welcome bonus

Many US cards offer $200–$750 sign-up bonuses when you meet the spending requirement.

1.3 No or low annual fee

Some cards give excellent rewards with no annual fee, while premium cards provide better benefits but charge higher fees.

1.4 Flexible redemption options

Cashback, travel points, gift cards, statement credits, and partner rewards.

1.5 Additional benefits

Purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, rental car coverage, and zero liability protection.

2. Best Cashback Credit Cards in the USA

Below are the top credit cards offering great cashback rewards.

2.1 Chase Freedom Unlimited

Best for: Beginners and everyday use
Annual Fee: $0

Key Features

• 1.5% unlimited cashback on all purchases

• 3% cashback on dining and drugstores

• 5% cashback on travel booked through Chase

• Intro APR on purchases for new users

• No rotating categories to activate

Why It’s Great

This card is extremely flexible and offers high rewards without annual fees. It’s excellent for daily spending and beginners trying to build credit.

2.2 Citi Double Cash Card

Best for: Simple and consistent cashback
Annual Fee: $0

Key Features

• Earn 1% cashback when you buy

• Earn another 1% when you pay your bill

• Total: 2% unlimited cashback on all spending

Why It’s Great

This card is perfect for people who don’t want categories or complicated reward programs. You get a flat 2% cashback everywhere.

2.3 Discover It Cash Back

Best for: Rotating high cashback categories
Annual Fee: $0

Key Features

• 5% cashback on rotating categories every quarter (up to the limit)

• 1% cashback on all other purchases

• Discover matches all cashback earned in the first year

Why It’s Great

The first-year cashback match is one of the best welcome offers in the market. You can double your rewards.

2.4 Blue Cash Everyday Card (American Express)

Best for: Grocery and gas rewards
Annual Fee: $0

Key Features

• 3% cashback at US supermarkets

• 3% cashback at gas stations

• 3% cashback on online retail purchases

• 1% on everything else

Why It’s Great

Families or individuals who spend heavily on groceries and gas benefit the most.

2.5 Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Best for: Unlimited 2% cashback
Annual Fee: $0

Key Features

• 2% unlimited cashback on all purchases

• $200 bonus with minimum purchase requirement

• Cell phone protection (when bill is paid with this card)

Why It’s Great

It combines simple cashback with valuable insurance benefits.

3. Best Rewards Credit Cards in the USA (Travel & Points)

Travel rewards cards are ideal for those who travel frequently or want premium benefits.

3.1 Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for: Travel rewards and flexible redemption
Annual Fee: Around $95

Key Features

• 5x points on travel through Chase

• 3x points on dining

• Excellent travel insurance

• Big welcome bonus

• Points transferable to major airlines and hotels

Why It’s Great

One of the most valuable travel cards in the USA with strong redemption options.

3.2 Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Best for: Simple travel rewards
Annual Fee: Around $95

Key Features

• 2 miles per dollar spent

• Large welcome bonus

• Travel accident insurance

• TSA PreCheck / Global Entry credit

Why It’s Great

Perfect for travelers who want easy earning and redemption.

3.3 American Express Gold Card

Best for: Food lovers and frequent travelers
Annual Fee: Higher (but benefits outweigh cost)

Key Features

• 4x points at restaurants

• 4x points at US supermarkets

• 3x points on flights

• Dining credits and Uber credits

Why It’s Great

Exceptional earning power for food and grocery expenses.

4. How to Choose the Right Credit Card for Cashback & Rewards

Choosing a credit card depends on your lifestyle, spending habits, and financial goals.

4.1 If you want simple cashback

Choose:

• Citi Double Cash

• Wells Fargo Active Cash

4.2 If you spend more on groceries

Choose:

• Blue Cash Everyday (Amex)

4.3 If you want rotating categories

Choose:

• Discover It Cash Back

• Chase Freedom Flex

4.4 If you travel often

Choose:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Amex Gold

• Capital One Venture

4.5 If you want premium travel perks

Choose:

• American Express Platinum (airport lounges, credits, etc.)

5. How Cashback Works in the USA

Most US credit cards offer cashback in these ways:

5.1 Fixed-rate cashback

Example: 2% unlimited cashback on everything.

5.2 Category-based cashback

Example:

• 5% on dining

• 3% on gas

• 1% on general spending

5.3 Rotating categories

Categories change every 3 months and activation is required.

5.4 Cashback match

Discover offers 100% cashback match for new users.

6. How to Qualify for a Cashback or Rewards Card in the USA

To get approved for a good credit card, you generally need:

6.1 Credit Score

• Basic cards: 600+

• Good cashback cards: 670+

• Premium cards: 700+

6.2 Income

Higher income improves chances but is not the only factor.

6.3 Credit History

Lenders check:

• On-time payments

• Credit utilization

• Existing loans

• Existing credit limits

6.4 Employment Status

Stable income source helps approval.

7. Tips to Maximize Credit Card Rewards

7.1 Use the card for daily expenses

Groceries, gas, dining, bills, subscriptions.

7.2 Pay the full balance every month

Avoid interest charges, which cancel out your rewards.

7.3 Track rotating categories

Activate rewards on Discover or Chase Freedom.

7.4 Use shopping portals

Earn extra cashback through online shopping portals.

7.5 Combine cards smartly

Many US users carry 2–3 cards to maximize benefits.

8. Are Cashback Credit Cards Safe?

Yes, major US credit card companies offer strong protection:

• Zero liability on fraud

• Purchase protection

• Extended warranty

• Secure online transactions

• Strong customer support

9. Conclusion

The United States offers some of the best cashback and rewards credit cards in the world. Whether you want simple cashback, high travel points, or category-based rewards, there is a perfect card for every type of user. When choosing a card, focus on your spending habits, annual fees, welcome bonuses, and reward categories.