Credit Cards That Earn 2% Cash Back on All Purchases
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
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Cash back credit cards have come a long way since the days when a 1% rewards rate was something to shout about. For a few years now, the minimum standard for a "good" cash back card has been one that averages at least 1.5% on purchases. And more and more cards are pushing that to 2% and even beyond.
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Cash back credit cards have come a long way since the days when a 1% rewards rate was something to shout about. For a few years now, the minimum standard for a "good" cash back card has been one that averages at least 1.5% on purchases. And more and more cards are pushing that to 2% and even beyond.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Cash back credit cards have come a long way since the days when a 1% rewards rate was something to shout about. For a few years now, the minimum standard for a "good" cash back card has been one that averages at least 1.5% on purchases. And more and more cards are pushing that to 2% and even beyond.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Cash back credit cards have come a long way since the days when a 1% rewards rate was something to shout about. For a few years now, the minimum standard for a "good" cash back card has been one that averages at least 1.5% on purchases. And more and more cards are pushing that to 2% and even beyond.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Credit Cards That Earn 2% Cash Back on All Purchases
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Bonus offer
Citi Double Cash® Card: Best for A strong incentive
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for Small business operators
U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card: Best for U.S. Bank loyalists
Apple Card: Best for Apple Pay users
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®: Best for Hassle-free redemption
Show SummaryHide Summary
Credit Cards That Earn 2% Cash Back on All Purchases From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Bonus offer | $0 | 2% | $200 | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 Citi Double Cash® CardApply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application | Best for A strong incentive | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Citibank's application on Citibank's application |
 The American Express Blue Business Cash™ CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Small business operators | $0 | 1%-2% | $250 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®Apply Now on Synchrony Bank's website on Synchrony Bank's website | Best for Hassle-free redemption | $0 | 2% | None | Apply Now on Synchrony Bank's website on Synchrony Bank's website |
 Apple CardApply Now on Apple's website on Apple's website | Best for Apple Pay users | No Fees* | 1%-3% | N/A | Apply Now on Apple's website on Apple's website |
 U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for U.S. Bank loyalists | $0 | 2%-4% | N/A | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Bonus offer
Not only does the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card pay 2% cash back on every purchase, it also comes with a new cardholder bonus and an introductory APR offer.
Our Take
Earn 2% cash back on every purchase. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Get a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR. Annual fee: $0.
It charges a foreign transaction fee, so it's not a great choice for traveling abroad.
Not only does the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card pay 2% cash back on every purchase, it also comes with a new cardholder bonus and an introductory APR offer.
A strong incentive
The Citi Double Cash® Card was the first card from a major issuer to pay the equivalent of 2% cash back on every purchase. While the market is catching up, it's still a favorite among legions of cash back fans.
Product Details
- Earn $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.
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card earns 2% cash back in two stages — 1% on every dollar you spend, and 1% on every dollar you pay off. That gives you a strong incentive to pay your balance in full every month, which is recommended for all rewards cards to avoid interest. The annual fee is $0.
This card doesn't usually offer a sign-up bonus or a 0% introductory APR period. It also charges a foreign transaction fee.
The Citi Double Cash® Card was the first card from a major issuer to pay the equivalent of 2% cash back on every purchase. While the market is catching up, it's still a favorite among legions of cash back fans.
Small business operators
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card pays 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in spending each year (terms apply), a cap high enough to count as "everything" for a lot of users.
Product Details
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card stands out from other business credit cards for multiple reasons. It earns a flat 2% cash back with an annual fee of $0. It offers a 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 17.74%-25.74% Variable APR. And cash back is automatically credited to your statement balance. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Terms apply.
Once you hit the annual $50,000 cap, you earn only 1% cash back for the rest of the year. There's a foreign transaction fee, too.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card pays 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in spending each year (terms apply), a cap high enough to count as "everything" for a lot of users.
Hassle-free redemption
The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® pays a flat 2% cash back on all purchases, and those rewards are automatically applied to your balance as a statement credit.
Product Details
- 2% cash back* on every purchase--no categories, tiers, or limits--no kidding.
- No annual fee^
- Zero Liability Protection
- Secure online and mobile app account access
- Get more out of every day purchases -- earn 2% cash back with your Synchrony Premier Card. No complicated math or rewards categories to remember.
- Plus, you'll also gain access to additional key benefits like identity theft protection, money-saving discounts, and concierge travel planning support.
- *2% cash back is valid on net purchases (less credits, returns and adjustments) of goods and services made with a Synchrony Premier World Mastercard. Cash back earned will be applied as a statement credit within 2 billing periods after an eligible purchase is made, if the account is open and in good standing. See Rewards Terms for details. We reserve the right to modify features of the Cashback Program at any time.
- ^NO ANNUAL FEE: New Accounts as of October 1, 2024: Variable Purchase APR 18.74%, 27.74%, or 34.49%. Variable Bal Trans APR 18.74%, 27.74%, or 34.49% and 4% Fee ($10 min). Variable Cash APR 21.74%, 30.74% or 37.49% and 5% Fee ($10 min). Variable Penalty APR 28.74%, 37.74% or 39.99%. Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Foreign transaction fee: 3%.
Our Take
This is a good card for someone who wants to earn a lot of cash back without having to put in a lot of work. There are no bonus categories to keep track of, just straight 2% cash back on all purchases. Your cash back redeems automatically as a statement credit (within two billing cycles). And the annual fee is $0.
This card doesn't have a sign-up bonus or a 0% intro APR period. Because the rewards redeem automatically, you can't save them up for something special, as some folks like to do.
The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® pays a flat 2% cash back on all purchases, and those rewards are automatically applied to your balance as a statement credit.
Apple Pay users
If the bulk of your purchases are going through Apple Pay, it makes sense to put them on the Apple Card. It earns 2% cash back on all Apple Pay purchases, rising to 3% at Apple and other select merchants.
Product Details
- *Variable APRs for Apple Card range from 18.74% to 28.99% based on creditworthiness. Rates as of October 1, 2024. Existing customers can view their variable APR in the Wallet app or card.apple.com.
- Approval Odds are statements and determinations by NerdWallet and not those of Goldman Sachs Bank USA.
- See if you’re approved for Apple Card with no impact to your credit score.¹
- Created by Apple and built for iPhone. Designed to be private and secure.
- No fees.² No annual fees, foreign transaction fees, late fees, or any other fees.³
- Unlimited Daily Cash back on every purchase, every day. It’s real cash⁴ that never expires or loses value.
- Now, you can automatically grow your Daily Cash when you open a high-yield Savings account.⁵ Savings provided by Goldman Sachs Bank USA. Member FDIC.
- Apple Card Family allows you to share the benefits with anyone you call family.⁶
- Apple-designed, laser-etched titanium card that is accepted all over the world with the Mastercard payment network.
- 3% back on anything you buy from Apple, and at select merchants like Uber, Nike, Walgreens and more when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay.⁷
- 2% back when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay. Apple Pay is accepted at over 85% of retail locations in the U.S.
- Apply in minutes and use it right away.⁸
- ¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸Select “View Rates and Fees” to see offer, benefit terms, and important disclosures.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card earns 2% cash back on Apple Pay purchases and 3% when using Apple Pay at a list of merchants. (As of December 2023, they include Apple, Nike, Panera, Walgreeens, Exxon and Ace Hardware, among others.) Your rewards, which the issuer refers to as Daily Cash, are credited to your account daily and can be redeemed right away; by contrast, some cards make you wait as long as two statement cycles. There's also no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and no late fees.
The value of this card depends largely on your ability to use Apple Pay. If that isn't an option with a specific merchant, you can still use a physical Apple Card or a virtual card number online, but you earn only 1% on such purchases. The list of 3% merchants is fairly short and hasn't been added to since 2020.
If the bulk of your purchases are going through Apple Pay, it makes sense to put them on the Apple Card. It earns 2% cash back on all Apple Pay purchases, rising to 3% at Apple and other select merchants.
U.S. Bank loyalists
The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card features a baseline rewards rate of 2% cash back on all purchases, and it's possible to boost that rate up to 4% back if you meet eligibility requirements.
Product Details
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card – Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases – and that’s just the beginning! Plus, if you have a U.S. Bank Smartly® Savings account and average daily combined qualifying balances in U.S. Bank deposit, trust or investment accounts, you can earn one more:
- Earn a total of 2.5% cash back. Get a 25% Smartly Earning Bonus with a qualifying balance between $5,000 - $49,999.
- Earn a total of 3% cash back. Get a 50% Smartly Earning Bonus with a qualifying balance between $50,000 - $99,999.
- Earn a total of 4% cash back. Get a 100% Smartly Earning Bonus with a qualifying balance of $100,000 or more.
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR, currently 18.74%-28.99%.
- No limit on total rewards earned.
- Rewards do not expire unless there is no reward, purchase, or balance activity for 12 statement cycles.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The potential to earn 4% back on everything you buy is unbeatable among flat-rate cash-back cards. And even if you can't meet the criteria for that top rate, you'll still earn 2% back, which already puts the card among the top options in its class.
There's no sign-up bonus, and to earn the card's top cash-back rate, you'll need to be willing and able to keep large sums of money with U.S. Bank. Otherwise, you may be better off choosing a different 2%-back card.
The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card features a baseline rewards rate of 2% cash back on all purchases, and it's possible to boost that rate up to 4% back if you meet eligibility requirements.
FULL LIST: CREDIT CARDS THAT EARN 2% CASH BACK ON ALL PURCHASES
By Gregory Karp, NerdWallet
Confirm details on issuer's website before applying.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Bonus offer
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases and has an annual fee of $0. But a factor that sets it apart from other 2% cash-back cards is that it also comes with a sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. Adding to its winning profile are cell phone protection and a competitive APR offer: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR. Unlike with most other 2% cash-back cards, there are no tricks with applying for the card or redeeming rewards. You can get a statement credit or even withdraw from a Wells Fargo ATM using the bank’s debit or ATM card. Maybe its biggest drawback is a relatively minor one: a 3% foreign transaction fee, which many of its direct competitors have, too. So it’s a poor choice to use for purchases abroad. But otherwise? It’s hard to ask for more from a flat-rate cash-back card. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: U.S. Bank loyalists
The $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card offers an eye-popping cash-back rate of up to 4% on all purchases — if you meet eligibility requirements. To get that top rate, you'll need a significant sum of money in a qualifying U.S. Bank account. But there are no special requirements to earn the card's baseline rate of 2% back, which is still quite good. Read our review.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Our pick for: A strong incentive
No hassles to apply and no hassles to get your unlimited reward cash. That describes the Citi Double Cash® Card. Its main quirk is how the card doles out 2% cash back: You get 1% cash back when you make a purchase, then another 1% cash back when you pay it off. But if you pay your balance in full every month — recommended for all rewards cards — it’s essentially 2% back. It has an annual fee of $0, making it free to carry. Redeem for cash via statement credit, direct deposit into a bank account, gift card or check in the mail. The main knocks on the card are that it doesn't usually offer a sign-up bonus, and it charges a foreign transaction fee. Read our review.
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Our pick for: Sky-high cash back
This sweet deal requires some work — you have to join a credit union — and cash back is capped for super-high spenders. You'll also have to open an Alliant High-Rate Checking account, opt in to electronic statements, make one monthly deposit into the account and maintain an average daily balance of $1,000 or more. That's a lot of work to get a higher rate. But the payback with this card is eye-popping. The Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card offers 2.5% cash back on spending up to $10,000 in qualifying purchases per billing cycle (1.5% cash back after that.) Most spenders will seldom come anywhere near that cap. Plus, its annual fee is $0. Anyone can join the credit union for free when applying for the card by agreeing to become a member of an eligible charity. Read our review.
Bread Cashback American Express Credit Card
Our pick for: An AmEx option
The Bread Cashback American Express Credit Card — issued by Comenity Capital Bank, a Bread Financial company — earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, with an annual fee of $0. That's typical for these cards. But this one runs on the American Express payment network and gives you access to merchant discounts via AmEx Offers. It also has no foreign transaction fees. Terms apply. Redeem cash-back rewards for a statement credit or direct deposit into a checking or savings account. However, you won't find a welcome bonus or 0% intro APR promotion for new purchases or balance transfers. You don’t need to be a Bread Financial customer to qualify. Read our review.
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®
Our pick for: Hassle-free redemption
It doesn’t get much easier than earning 2% cash back on your spending and receiving rewards automatically as a credit to your account. That’s the deal with the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®, which applies rewards as a statement credit to your account within two billing periods after the purchase is made. It has no sign-up bonus, but the annual fee is $0. Read our review.
Apple Card
Our pick for: Apple Pay users
The Apple Card actually offers triple cash back on Apple purchases and certain retailers, but it makes this list of 2% flat-rate cards for a specific reason: It earns 2% cash back on all other purchases made via Apple Pay mobile payment on iPhone. (However, the physical Apple Card offers a lackluster 1% back.) The card has a No Fees* annual fee. So if you’re an iPhone user and able to spend a lot at merchants that accept Apple Pay, it’s an enticing choice. Read our review.
SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card
Our pick for: SoFi customers
The SoFi Unlimited 2% Credit Card is a straightforward credit card that could earn 2% cash back, and it doesn't have an annual fee. You can redeem rewards as a statement credit or deposit into SoFi checking, savings or investment accounts. You can also use rewards to pay down eligible loans with SoFi. Read our review.
OPTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Our pick for: No annual fee
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card pays 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in spending each year, a cap high enough to count as "everything" for a lot of users. Once you hit the cap, you earn 1% cash back for the rest of the year. Rare among business cards, it offers an introductory APR promotion: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 17.74%-25.74% Variable APR. Read our review.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Our pick for: Unlimited 2% cash back for business
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. It has a fairly high annual fee of $150, but if you're moving a lot of inventory through the account, your cash back can pile up quickly. Another reason you might choose this over another 2% card is that it comes with one of those generous business-card sign-up bonuses: Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months and an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. (See rates and fees.) Note that this is a charge card rather than a credit card, meaning the balance is due in full each month. Read our review.
OPTIONS THAT PAY 2% ONLY FOR CERTAIN REDEMPTIONS
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Fidelity investors
If you don’t mind immediately turning spending rewards into savings, consider the Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card. It pays out a flat 2% back on every purchase, and has a $0 annual fee. Rewards are deposited automatically into a Fidelity Investments regular brokerage account, individual retirement account or 529 college savings plan. Other redemption options drop the value below 2% back. Read our review.
Fisher-Price College Savings Mastercard
Our pick for: Eligible 529 plans
The $0-annual-fee Fisher-Price College Savings Mastercard can, as its name suggests, help you supplement your college savings. It offers 2% back on purchases, but only if you deposit your earnings into a qualifying 529 plan. Otherwise, you'll earn only 1% back on purchases. Read our review.
Rocket Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: New Rocket mortgage customers
The Rocket Visa Signature® Card positions itself as a way to help you pay for a mortgage. It's indeed possible to earn the equivalent of 2% back in value, or even higher — but your mileage will vary depending on how you redeem and whether you're a new or existing Rocket mortgage customer. Read our review.
OPTIONS FROM SMALLER ISSUERS
Smaller banks and credit unions typically like to see some loyalty when they give 2% cash back. Here is a sampling of more options — best for existing customers of these financial institutions or people who prefer smaller ones. None of these cards has an annual fee.
PNC Bank
The PNC Cash Unlimited Visa Signature Credit Card earns an uncapped 2% cash back on all purchases. However, you must have an existing banking relationship with PNC to get one of its cards. The bank has locations in nearly 30 states and Washington, D.C. Read more about PNC Bank here.
FNBO
First National Bank of Omaha offers 2% cash back on every purchase with the Evergreen® by FNBO Credit Card. It is open to applications nationwide. You don’t need an FNBO bank account, giving this one wider appeal than those that require you to have one with the issuer. Read more about FNBO here.
TD Bank
The TD Double Up℠ Credit Card allows you to earn 2% cash back. However, the card isn't open to consumers in all U.S. states. Read more about TD Bank here.
KeyBank
The Key Cashback credit card comes with hurdles to get 2% cash back. You must have a KeyBank checking account with at least $1,000 in deposits each month, as well as a KeyBank savings or investment account with a minimum daily balance of $1,000. If you don’t, you'll earn 1.5% cash back on purchases instead. It’s open to applications from some U.S. states only.
Also related to KeyBank is the Laurel Road Student Loan Cashback Card. It is from Laurel Road, a digital lending platform and brand of KeyBank. It offers 2% cash back toward private or federal student loans with eligible servicers, or 1% cash back in the form of a statement credit. It also comes with a sign-up bonus and a 0% intro APR promotional offer. It has no foreign transaction fees.
PenFed Credit Union
The PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card earns either 1.5% or 2% cash back on all purchases and comes with a sign up bonus. To get 2% back, you not only have to be a member, you also must be in its Honors Advantage program. That requires you to maintain a PenFed Access America Checking Account or meet the military service criteria — active duty, reserve, honorably discharged or retired.
Navy Federal Credit Union
The Navy Federal Credit Union cashRewards Plus Credit Card earns 2% cash back on all purchases, but there are some caveats. First, you'll need to join the credit union to apply, and membership rules are pretty strict. Also, applicants will actually be considered for two cards: both the 2%-earning "Plus" version as well as the original, non-"Plus" version, known as the Navy Federal Credit Union® cashRewards Credit Card. And that version of the card earns only 1.5% back on purchases.
Honorable mentions
These cards don’t give you quite 2% cash back all the time, but they’re notably close.
Citizens Bank Cash Back Plus® World Mastercard®. Flat 1.8% cash back.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card. If you keep big money in Bank of America® or eligible Merrill accounts, your “everything else” cash back on this card goes from 1.5% to 1.875% or 2.25% or 2.625%, depending on your balances.
If you don’t necessarily need cash back — and points or other rewards are OK — see additional choices: How to earn 2% in credit card rewards on every purchase.
Perfect pairings
Flat-rate 2%-or-more cards are ideal for pairing with a card that features bonus categories — areas of spending that offer more than 2% cash back. Examples are spending at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations and travel or entertainment vendors.
The idea is you would use the cards in tandem: Use the bonus-category card for its categories and the 2%-or-more card for everything else. Examples of cards that play well with a flat-rate 2% cash-back card:
The Chase Freedom Flex® and the Discover it® Cash Back earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending in quarterly rotating bonus categories that you activate, like gas stations or grocery stores (1% back on everything else). In addition, the Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase and 3% at restaurants and drugstores.
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% cash back* at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in spending per year (then 1%); 6% back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions; 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit; and 1% cash back on everything else. Terms apply (see rates and fees).
• • •
*Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
Last updated on November 18, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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