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Best Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards of January 2026

Review Updated
Joel O'Leary
Author: Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Joel O'Leary
Full-Time Personal Finance Writer

Joel O’Leary is a full-time Personal Finance Writer at Motley Fool Money, covering credit cards, bank accounts, investing, mortgages, and other personal finance topics. Joel has been writing about personal finance since 2018, previously leading editorial content for the How To Money podcast and serving as a resident writer at Budgets Are Sexy. He bought his first rental property at age 18, funding the down payment with savings from his high school job at McDonald’s -- a testament to his lifelong passion for smart money decisions. His work aims to make personal finance accessible and actionable for everyday readers. When he’s not writing, Joel enjoys surfing and spending time with his family.

See Full Bio

Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures that our product ratings are not influenced by compensation. Citi is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money.

I don't know about you, but I get tired of juggling lots of credit cards pretty fast. 5% here, 3% there -- if only there were a way to simplify your card lineup and still rack up tons of rewards.

Luckily, there is: a top flat-rate credit card, which can earn you as much as 2% back on every purchase with minimal bonus categories to remember. It's my favorite financial hack that keeps things as simple as possible, while making sure you still rack up solid rewards.

Want to join me? Here are all our favorite flat-rate cash back cards available now.

Top overall pick: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (rates and fees)

  • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards with a $0 annual fee, and an intro APR offer

Top pick for travelers: Chase Freedom Unlimited® (rates and fees)

  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening, baseline 1.5% cash back and up to 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
  • Our team of experts reviewed over 260 credit cards
  • We evaluate all credit cards across the same 4 key criteria: value, welcome experience, fees, and perks
  • Our credit card ratings are never influenced by our advertising partners
  • If we wouldn't recommend an offer to a close family member, we won't recommend it to you

Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

The top flat-rate cash back credit cards

Our top overall pick: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Award Icon 2026 Award Winner

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
5.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

On Wells Fargo's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers

Purchases: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers

Regular APR

18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

2% cash rewards

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

$200 cash rewards

  • This card’s unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases is the highest we’ve seen for a flat-rate rewards card with no annual fee. It also has an incredibly easy-to-earn $200 welcome bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months. The intro APR is decent too -- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% Variable APR applies after). We simply haven’t come across this combination of top perks in one card before.

    Read Full Review
    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards
    • Long 0% intro APR offer
    • Generous cash rewards welcome bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Cellphone protections
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    • Balance transfer fee
    • Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
    • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
    • Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
    • 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 18.49%, 24.49%, or 28.49% variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
    • $0 annual fee.
    • No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
    • Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.


Why I like it: This is one of the rare cards that checks all the boxes: Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases, $0 annual fee, and an intro APR offer on both balance transfers and purchases.

It's an easy win whether you're earning rewards or looking to finance a big purchase. Plus, the solid welcome offer is just icing on the cake.

Our pick for travelers: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Award Icon 2026 Award Winner

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
4.80/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
4.80/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Chase Freedom Unlimited®

On Chase's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months

Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 15 months

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers, 15 months

Regular APR

18.24% - 27.74% Variable

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases

1.5% - 5% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening

Earn $200 cash back

  • The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the ideal all-in-one card, offering both big upfront value and long-term rewards. New cardholders can earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months. Plus, enjoy unlimited 3% back on dining and drugstores, 5% on travel booked through Chase Travel, and 1.5% on all other purchases. With the added benefit of 0% intro APR for 15 months, this card is perfect for a one-card wallet.

    Read Full Review
    • Innovative sign-up bonus
    • Purchase and travel protections
    • Robust rewards program
    • Great intro APR
    • No annual fee
    • Limited bonus opportunities on everyday spending
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
    • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
    • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
    • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
    • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
    • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
    • Member FDIC


Why I like it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is my favorite way to earn a great flat rate with a few nice bonus categories to keep on hand. You'll get 3% cash back on drugstores, restaurants, takeout, and eligible food delivery, and 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel.

This card is my personal go-to whenever I'm out at a restaurant (which is a lot). It's a great fit for almost anyone's wallet.

Our pick for long balance transfer offer: Citi Double Cash® Card

Award Icon 2026 Award Winner

Citi Double Cash® Card

Apply Now for Citi Double Cash® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Citi Double Cash® Card
4.90/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
4.90/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Citi Double Cash® Card

On Citi's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: 0%, 18 months on Balance Transfers

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. 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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.

2% cash back

Annual Fee Circle with letter I in it. N/A

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. 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.

$200

  • This card combines a top-notch balance transfer offer with best-in-class unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. There's no introductory APR for purchases, so you'll need to pay those off in full every month if you want to avoid interest charges.

    Read Full Review
    • High cash back
    • 0% intro APR balance transfer offer
    • No annual fee
    • Free credit score monitoring
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • No 0% intro APR on purchases
    • 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, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
    • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, 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).


Why I like it: This card pulls double duty. It starts out strong with a generous balance transfer offer. Then it keeps delivering year after year with unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

With a $0 annual fee and even a nice welcome bonus offer, the Citi Double Cash® Card is the kind of card that earns a permanent spot in your wallet.

Our pick for fair credit: Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Apply Now for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

On Capital One's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
3.90/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
3.90/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Fair (300-669)
Apply Now for Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

On Capital One's Secure Website.

Rates & Fees External Link Icon

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Fair (300-669)

Intro APR

Purchases: N/A

Balance Transfers: N/A

Regular APR

28.99% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

1.5%-5% cash back

Annual Fee

$39

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. N/A

N/A

  • Getting 1.5% back on every purchase couldn't be easier — and it makes this Capital One card a standout for those who want to improve their credit with responsible use and still earn rewards. Note that it comes with an annual fee of $39, though. Check out this card to simplify your life.

    • Solid cash back rate
    • No foreign transaction fee
    • Flexible credit score requirements
    • Annual fee
    • No sign-up bonus
    • No intro APR offer
    • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day
    • No rotating categories or limits to how much you can earn, and cash back doesn't expire for the life of the account. It's that simple
    • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
    • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
    • Help strengthen your credit for the future with responsible card use
    • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
    • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
    • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
    • Top rated mobile app


Why I like it: There are a few different cards in the Quicksilver lineup, but they all have one thing in common: a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

What makes the Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees) special is that folks with fair or limited credit can qualify. If you're still building or repairing your credit, this is a great way to start earning solid rewards while working your way up to top-tier cards.

Best for Bank of America customers: Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Apply Now for Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.70/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
4.70/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
 = Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Credit Score: Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.
Recommended Credit Score required for this offer is: Good/Excellent (670-850)
Apply Now for Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

On Bank of America's Secure Website.

Credit Score Circle with letter I in it. Falling within this credit range does not guarantee approval by the issuer. An application must be submitted to the issuer for a potential approval decision. There are different types of credit scores and creditors use a variety of credit scores to make lending decisions.

Good/Excellent (670-850)

Intro APR Circle with letter I in it. 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.

Purchases: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases

Balance Transfers: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days

Regular APR

17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)

Rewards Circle with letter I in it. Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn. Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.

1.5%-2% cash back

Annual Fee

$0

Welcome Offer Circle with letter I in it. $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

$200 cash back

  • This is a solid pick for one-card wallet seekers who want a straightforward, unlimited cash back card – plus a strong $200 bonus & Intro APR offer. It’s a particularly good fit for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members, who can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase, depending on your tier. (The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.)

    • Unlimited cash back
    • Sign-up bonus
    • No annual fee
    • Great intro APR offer
    • No bonus categories
    • Balance transfer fee
    • Foreign transaction fee
    • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
    • Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
    • Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
    • With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back with Preferred Rewards. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.
    • No annual fee.
    • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
    • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
    • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Bank of America content updated on 1/5/26.


Why I like it: This card gives you 2% cash back on all purchases for the first year from account opening, then reverts to 1.5% cash back on all purchases after the first year from account opening.

But here's the secret sauce: With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, your cash back could get a 25%-75% boost with Preferred Rewards after the first year. It also has a $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening and a $0 annual fee.

Our reward card ratings focus on how much real value you can earn — and keep — with everyday spending. We look closely at rewards rates, intro offers, and fees to surface the strongest options for people who want to maximize cash back.

Our highest-rated rewards cards have:

  • Competitive rewards on everyday spending or common categories like groceries or gas
  • Welcome offers that add meaningful value in the first year
  • Low or no annual fee
  • Broadly useful perks like purchase protection or introductory 0% APR offers

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best rewards card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring rewards credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

Our reward card ratings focus on how much real value you can earn — and keep — with everyday spending. We look closely at rewards rates, intro offers, and fees to surface the strongest options for people who want to maximize cash back.

Our highest-rated rewards cards have:

  • Competitive rewards on everyday spending or common categories like groceries or gas
  • Welcome offers that add meaningful value in the first year
  • Low or no annual fee
  • Broadly useful perks like purchase protection or introductory 0% APR offers

We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best rewards card recommendations. Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring rewards credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.

Ordering within lists is influenced by advertiser compensation, including featured placements at the top of a given list, but our product recommendations are NEVER influenced by advertisers. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.

What is a flat-rate cash back card?

You know how some credit cards come with overly complex reward systems, like point multipliers, rotating categories, spending caps, and confusing fine print?

Well, flat-rate cash back cards are the complete opposite.

They're designed for maximum simplicity. The goal is to give you the same rewards rate (like 1%-2%) on every purchase -- no matter what you buy or where you shop. Just swipe and earn.

They also make a perfect "everything else" card. If you already have a favorite travel card or heavy hitter in your wallet, a flat-rate card can complement it by filling in the gaps everywhere else the main card doesn't reward well for.

How to choose the best flat-rate card for you

In my opinion, if you can qualify for a 2% flat-rate card, this is the gold standard.

That being said, some of our top picks have great welcome bonuses, or a slightly higher rewards rate for certain types of spending (like travel). So it's important to think about your spending profile and choose a card that matches your regular budget.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of a long 0% intro APR. It's rare that balance transfer cards offer rewards -- so if you find a card that offers both it's a win/win.

How much cash back can you earn?

To give you an idea of how powerful these cards can be, here's an annual earnings example based on different spending and reward rates:

Monthly Spending 1% Cash Back 1.5% Cash Back 2% Cash Back
$2,000 $240 $360 $480
$3,000 $360 $540 $720
$4,000 $480 $720 $960
Data source: Author's calculations.

Personally, my wife and I spend about $3,500 a month on our credit cards for regular living expenses. Pairing a 2% flat-rate cash back card with a high end travel card, we easily earn over $1,000 a year in cash back.

Final thoughts

Flat-rate cash back cards are one of the easiest ways to earn rewards without thinking too hard about it.

Whether you're going for 2% across the board, or just want a simple backup card for non-bonus purchases, there's a great option on this list for you.

Looking for higher cash back rates in different categories? Compare all the top cash back cards here to find your perfect fit.

FAQs

  • Most of the top-tier options require good to excellent credit (we estimate that to be a 670 or higher FICO® Score). But some may approve applicants with fair credit.

  • Usually you can redeem cash rewards as a statement credit or bank deposit. Some issuers let you redeem for gift cards or travel, too.

  • None of the card picks in our list have annual fees. But some premium cash back cards do come with fees in exchange for higher rewards or added perks. If you're aiming for simplicity and want to maximize your earnings, a no-annual-fee card is usually the way to go.