Some card offers on this site come from companies that are advertising partners of Lone Travellers. Advertising commissions may influence the placement and order of these offers but do not impact editorial content, including the cards we review and how we evaluate them. Not all card companies or offers available in the market are included. Terms apply.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.5 |
5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, redeemable for cash back, travel, gift cards, and more.
3% cash back on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery) and drugstore purchases.
1.5% cashback on all other purchases.
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
$0
19.74% – 28.49% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a versatile card that earns cash back on every purchase. Its value increases significantly when paired with a card that earns transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, allowing you to unlock even greater redemption options like travel transfers and premium rewards.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4 |
Enjoy 5% cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal, available until December 31, 2025.
Get 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Enjoy $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
$0
18.24% – 28.24% Variable
580-850 (Fair/Good/Excellent)
The Citi Double Cash Card is perfect for those just starting to build good credit habits. You’ll earn 2% cash back, 1% when you make a purchase and another 1% when you pay it off. It’s a great choice for anyone who values simplicity and wants straightforward cash back rewards.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4 |
Enjoy 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
Enjoy 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
Get 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more.
Get 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
Enjoy 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
You could qualify for a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of opening your account. Apply confidently, and if approved, you’ll see your welcome offer before choosing to accept the card. Keep in mind, you might not qualify for the full welcome bonus amount.
$0 for 1st year & then $95
18.24%-29.24% Variable
670-850 (Good/Excellent)
This Amex credit card is one of the best cash-back rewards credit cards on the market. You’ll get a amazing return across a wide range of bonus categories, a solid welcome bonus and a low annual fee.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 4.4 |
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
$0
17.24% – 26.24% Variable
580-750 (Good/Excellent)
This card is a strong choice for students who want to get cash back on everyday spending.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 3.8 |
Enjoy unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Enjoy $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months
$0
19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable
670-850 (Excellent/Good)
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card is perfect for those who prefer simplicity when managing their finances. With unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, you won’t need to track spending categories or worry about missing out on rewards.
Lone Travellers’ Rating | 3.5 |
Enjoy unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Enjoy unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
Get $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 month and earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500k spent during the first year.
$150
740-850 (Excellent)
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is an excellent option for businesses with significant expenses. It offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, making it simple to earn rewards without worrying about spending categories. Additionally, if your business spends at least $150,000 in a year, Capital One will refund the card’s annual fee—an added benefit for companies with high spending needs.
We chose the best cash-back credit cards by looking at a few important things. These include how easy it is to earn rewards, the option to use your rewards as statement credits or transfer them to your bank account, and whether the card has an annual fee.
We also thought about how some cards could work well with other popular cards you might already use, helping you earn and redeem your cash back faster.
Choosing the right cash-back credit card depends largely on whether you’re open to paying an annual fee and where your biggest expenses lie. Start by reviewing your spending habits to identify the categories where you spend the most, and then pick a card that aligns with those needs.
Here are a few key points to think about when selecting a cash-back credit card:
1. Sign-Up Bonus:
Cash-back cards may not always have the largest sign-up bonuses, but many still let you earn a few hundred dollars as a welcome offer. Some even go beyond that, so you can choose a card that matches your financial goals and spending habits.
2. Annual Fee:
Most cash-back cards don’t charge an annual fee, which makes them an affordable option. For cards that do have a fee, it’s usually under $200—perfect for those who don’t mind paying a little extra for additional benefits.
3. Bonus Categories:
The best cash-back card for you depends on how it rewards your spending. If you often spend on groceries, dining out, or streaming services, look for a card that offers higher cash-back rates in those categories to maximize your rewards.
There’s no single credit card that offers the highest cash back on everything. Some cards provide up to 6% cash back in specific categories, either fixed or rotating, while others offer a flat rate of around 2% on all purchases. The best card for you will depend on how you typically spend your money and the other cards you already use.
With hundreds of credit cards from various issuers, each comes with its own pros and cons. For example, some cards offer great balance transfer deals but lack rewards, while top travel cards often have annual fees. Instead of searching for the “best” credit card company, focus on your unique needs and eligibility based on your credit profile. Once you understand these, you can choose the card that fits your goals perfectly.
Cash back rewards usually don’t expire as long as your credit card account stays active and in good standing. However, it’s a good idea to review your card’s terms and conditions to understand if there are any situations where your rewards might expire or be forfeited. If you plan to close your account, make sure to use or cash out any rewards you’ve earned beforehand.
Credit cards provide excellent benefits and strong fraud protection, making them a top payment choice. However, they’re not ideal for everyone. If you tend to overspend, it’s wiser to use a debit card until you’re confident in managing credit responsibly.
Getting a credit card generally takes anywhere from 5 to 14 days after approval. Some issuers offer instant approval right after completing online applications, and many provide virtual card numbers so you can start using the card right away while waiting for the physical card to arrive.
Copyright © 2025 Elite Edge Advertising, LLC. All rights reserved.
At Lone Travellers, we believe credit cards can open up incredible opportunities for travelers, turning everyday expenses into cash back or unforgettable trips. That’s why we share helpful guides and honest comparisons to help you pick the right card for your adventures.
When you apply for a credit card through our links, we may earn a commission, which can influence how products are displayed. However, our reviews are always independent and based on thorough analysis—never controlled by banks or card issuers.
Copyright © 2025 Elite Edge Advertising, LLC. All rights reserved.