The best credit cards for cashback: Which one gives the most return?

In today’s world, cashback credit cards have become a popular choice for consumers looking to maximize their spending and earn valuable rewards.

Whether you use your card for everyday purchases or large expenses, the best cashback cards offer a significant return on investment with each purchase.

But with so many options available in 2025, it can be overwhelming to choose the one that gives you the most cashback.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cashback credit cards and help you determine which one offers the highest return.

What is a Cashback Credit Card?

A cashback credit card rewards you with a percentage of your purchases in the form of cash or statement credits.

For example, if a card offers 1.5% cashback and you spend $100, you’ll earn $1.50 in rewards.

The amount of cashback you can earn depends on factors like:

• The cashback rate for specific spending categories (e.g., groceries, dining, gas).
• Bonus categories that may rotate each quarter or annually.
• The annual fee of the card (though many cards offer no annual fee).
• Additional perks, such as sign-up bonuses or introductory offers.

Let’s now explore some of the best cashback credit cards in 2025.

1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card continues to be a leading contender in the cashback space due to its generous rewards program.

Here’s what it offers:

• 1.5% cashback on every purchase
• 5% cashback on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cashback on dining and drugstore purchases
• 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 months

This card is ideal for people who want a simple and effective cashback structure without having to worry about rotating categories.

The sign-up bonus is also attractive, allowing new cardholders to earn $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.

2. Citi® Double Cash Card

If you prefer a straightforward approach to earning cashback without any complex categories, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent choice.

The card offers:

• 2% cashback on every purchase (1% when you buy, and 1% when you pay)
• No annual fee
• No categories to track or sign-ups required

This card is perfect for individuals who want to earn high cashback rates on all purchases, with no limits or restrictions.

The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the top cashback credit cards available in 2025, especially for those looking for simplicity.

3. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

For those who spend a lot on groceries and gas, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers some of the highest cashback rates in these categories:

• 6% cashback on U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
• 3% cashback on U.S. gas stations and transit
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• $95 annual fee

This card is perfect for families and individuals who frequently shop at supermarkets and fill up their tanks at gas stations.

The 6% cashback on groceries is particularly attractive, making it one of the best cashback cards for frequent grocery shoppers.

4. Discover it® Cash Back

The Discover it® Cash Back card is one of the most versatile cashback cards available. Its rotating categories allow you to earn:

• 5% cashback on rotating categories (on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter, then 1%)
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• Free access to your FICO® score

What sets the Discover it® Cash Back card apart is its Cashback Match program.

At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cashback you’ve earned, making it a great option for those who want to maximize their rewards.

It’s especially useful if you can plan your purchases around the rotating categories, which could include grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

5. Capital One QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card

For individuals with average credit scores, the Capital One QuicksilverOne® Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for earning cashback without worrying about rotating categories or complicated rules:

• 1.5% cashback on every purchase
• No annual fee
• Access to a higher credit limit after making your first five monthly payments on time
• No foreign transaction fees

The Capital One QuicksilverOne® card is a good choice for individuals looking for a solid cashback rate without paying an annual fee.

Its simplicity and reliability make it an excellent option for everyday spending.

6. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

If you’re after unlimited cashback with no restrictions, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card might be the right choice for you:

• 2% cashback on all purchases
• 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for the first 15 months
• No annual fee

With 2% cashback on every purchase and no bonus categories to track, this card is great for simple cashback on all spending.

Additionally, the introductory APR offer makes it a good option for those who want to make large purchases or balance transfers without paying interest for a period of time.

7. Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

For individuals who want to earn cashback in specific categories, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option:

• 3% cashback on a category of your choice (gas, online shopping, dining, or travel)
• 2% cashback at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter)
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• No annual fee

This card is ideal for people who want to customize their cashback rewards to fit their spending habits.

The ability to choose your own category for the highest cashback rate makes it a flexible option for many consumers.

8. U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Similar to the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Cardallows you to earn higher cashback in specific categories. It offers:

• 5% cashback on the first $2,000 in combined purchases in two categories you choose (e.g., home utilities, cell phone providers, or furniture stores)
• 2% cashback on one everyday category of your choice (e.g., gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants)
• 1% cashback on all other purchases
• No annual fee

This card is highly flexible, allowing you to customize your cashback categories based on your spending habits.

It’s a great choice for individuals who want to maximize rewards in their most frequent spending categories.

Conclusion

In 2025, there are plenty of excellent cashback credit cards that offer generous rewards for different types of spending.

If you’re looking for the highest return, consider Citi® Double Cash Card for a flat 2% cashback on all purchases or Chase Freedom Unlimited® for a combination of high rewards and introductory offers.

For those with specific spending habits, cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card or the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card provide exceptional cashback in categories like groceries and gas.

Ultimately, the best cashback credit card for you depends on your spending patterns, whether you prefer straightforward rewards or are willing to track rotating categories.

Consider your priorities—whether it’s maximizing rewards, avoiding fees, or earning sign-up bonuses—and choose a card that gives you the best return based on your needs.