Forget Rotating Categories: These 3 Cash Back Cards Reward Everything You Buy

Don't want to chase 5% cash back categories that change every quarter? Me either.

If you just want solid, simple rewards on every purchase -- and maybe a little extra on travel and dining -- these three cards keep it easy (and affordable, too).

1. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Best for: a dead-simple, no-annual-fee card with a high flat rate

Why it's great

• 2% cash rewards on all purchases -- no hoops to jump through and no caps.
• $0 annual fee, so it's an easy "use everywhere" card (or a perfect backup to pair with a travel card).
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers and 12 months from account opening on purchases (an ongoing 18.99%, 23.99%, or 28.99% Variable APR applies after).

What makes it stand out

Many cash rewards cards pay more than 2% on some categories -- but only 1% on everything else. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees) keeps it simple with a higher across-the-board rate. If you never want to think about which card to use, or how to redeem points, then this is the set-it-and-forget-it pick.

2. Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Best for: no annual fee, a solid base rate, and boosted rewards on travel and dining

Why it's great

• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 3% cash back on drugstores, restaurants, takeout, and eligible food delivery
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (a 18.74% - 28.24% Variable APR applies after).

What makes it stand out

If you want a great everyday spender with a side of travel rewards, then the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees) is your one-stop shop. You keep the simplicity of a flat-rate card but still get real upside on popular categories -- without any rotating calendars.

3. Citi Double Cash® Card

Best for: no annual fee, a high flat rate, and a long intro APR period

Why it's great

• 2% cash back on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases
• 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel
• 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.
• 0% intro APR for 18 months on Balance Transfers. An ongoing 17.99% - 27.99% (Variable) APR applies after.

What makes it stand out

The Citi Double Cash® Card is a lot like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, because you can earn 2% on everything without thinking about it; all you have to do is pay your bill. It offers a little something extra, though: bigger rewards for some Citi Travel bookings and a longer intro APR period for balance transfers.

Which one is best for you?

You can't really go wrong with any of these cards, because they 1) pay solid rewards for every purchase and 2) have no annual fee. But here's my personal take.

• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is the best choice for earning cash rewards on autopilot. It's the simplest of the bunch, and the welcome offer is easy to earn.
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® is best if you like to travel and/or dine out, but you don't want to use multiple cards (or pay an annual fee). Unlike the Citi Double Cash® Card, its 5% cash back category includes flights.
• Citi Double Cash® Card is best for balance transfers, and its high flat rate makes it worth keeping long after your balance is paid off.

And if these cards don't suit you, there are plenty of other great options. Maybe you want big grocery rewards or premium travel perks. Believe it or not, you can get those and more without putting in a lot of work or spending a fortune. Check out our list of the best rewards credit cards to learn more.