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Cash back credit cards often reward certain forms of spending more than others. But if your spending habits don’t heavily favor a specific purchase type, a card with the same cash back rate for all purchases could be the better choice.
Here are five credit cards that provide consistent cash back no matter what you’re buying.
1. Citi Double Cash Card
Rewards: Earn 2% cash back:Â 1% cash back on purchases with an additional 1% cash back upon payment.
Sign-Up Bonus: None
Annual Fee: $0
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% APR for 18 months on balance transfers, 15.24% – 25.24% (Variable) APR on purchases.
Why We Picked It: For each paid purchase, you get 2% cash back.
For Every Purchase: All purchases automatically earn 1% cash back, and an additional 1% is awarded once you pay. In other words, you have the potential to earn double cash back on everything.
Drawbacks: If you don’t pay your minimum due each month, you won’t earn your full cash back.
2. Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Double Cash Back: Earn 3% cash back on all purchases in your first year up to $20,000 spent. After that earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR.
Why We Picked It: You get a solid cash back rate on every purchase.
For Every Purchase: You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back with every purchase you make. There’s also a $150 sign-up bonus with a low spending requirement.
Drawbacks:Â The balance transfer fee is 3% of the transfer amount with a minimum of $5, which many other cards can beat.
3. Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: $200 bonus cash back if you spend $1,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee:
APR: on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then for purchases and balance transfers.
Why We Picked It: This card offers cash back on all purchases and a big sign-up bonus.
For Every Purchase: All purchases earn 1.5% cash back. There is a 1.8% cash back incentive for mobile wallet purchases, but that rate reverts to 1.5% after one year. And if you can spend $1,000 in the first three months, you’ll get a nice $200 sign-up bonus.
Drawbacks:Â For some, the spending requirement for the sign-up bonus may be out of reach.
4. Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: None
Annual Fee: $39
APR: APR.
Why We Picked It: Good cash back rates aren’t limited to those with excellent credit.
For Every Purchase: Those with average credit can earn a competitive 1.5% cash back rate on every purchase.
Drawbacks: The starting APR is quite high, which is normal considering the lower credit requirements. There’s also a $39 annual fee.
5. Barclaycard CashForward World MasterCard
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: $200 bonus cash back if you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then variable 15.99%, 20.99%, or 25.99% APR based on your credit.
Why We Picked It: This card has a decent cash back rate and offers extra value as you redeem.
For Every Purchase: All purchases earn 1.5% cash back. When you redeem, 5% of the redemption amount is credited back into your account, giving your earnings a little boost every time you cash in your rewards.
Drawbacks: You must have at least $50 in cash back earnings before you can redeem.
How to Choose a Card with a Consistent Cash Back Value
If you’re choosing a credit card for its consistent cash back value, you’ll probably want the card that offers the best rewards rate on all purchases. Cards with 1.5% cash back for all purchases are commonplace, so don’t settle below that threshold. Some cards offer more, but they may require you to jump through extra hoops.
You should also review any available sign-up bonuses, as they can boost the initial value of the card. If you’re looking to avoid interest on purchases or balance transfers, look for 0% intro APR offers.
Remember that cash back cards should be paid off in full each month before interest is applied. Otherwise, interest can reduce the value of your rewards.
What Credit Is Required for a Card with Consistent Cash Back?
Cash back cards are available to consumers with a wide range of credit scores. While the best cards are usually reserved for those with excellent credit, those with bad credit aren’t necessarily locked out of rewards. No matter your credit standing, you should check your credit score before you apply. You can check your credit report for free at Credit.com.
At publishing time, the Citi Double Cash Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card, Wells Fargo Cash Wise Visa Card, Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Barclaycard CashForward World Mastercard are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees, and terms with credit card issuers, banks, or other financial institutions directly.
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