Simple Cash Back: Best Catch All Credit Cards for a 2x Flat Rate (or More)
When it comes to earning rewards from your everyday spending, catch-all credit cards make it simple. These cards offer a flat rewards rate on every purchase, eliminating the need to track spending categories or quarterly bonuses. Whether you prefer cash back or points, a catch-all card is a hassle-free way to maximize your rewards without overthinking which card to swipe.
We’re exploring some of the best flat-rate credit cards, divided into two main categories: those with no annual fee and premium options with an annual fee. Each card offers a rewards rate of 1.5% or more, ensuring you earn more than the standard 1% on all purchases.
Maximizing Cash Back on All Purchases
How to Choose the Best Catch All Credit Card for Rewards
Estimate Your Spending Habits
Some flat-rate reward cards have spending caps on how much you can earn at the boosted rate each month, quarter, or year, while others let you earn without limits. Knowing your spending habits and what you might be putting on a catch all card will help you figure out if those limits are a problem for you. For example, if you’re using a flat rate card along with another one that gives you a higher earning rate on specific categories, you might not go over the limits on your flat rate card.
Factor in Loyalty Programs
Look for cards that enhance rewards if you bank or invest with certain credit card issuers, like Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program. These loyalty programs can significantly boost your earnings if you have existing accounts or investments with the bank, offering higher cash back rates or additional perks.
Check for Annual Fees
No annual fee cards are great for casual spenders who want a truly no frills card with an elevated earning rate on all categories. The best credit cards come with an annual fee and can deliver more value if you maximize perks. These cards often provide partner credits, purchase protections and/or travel protections that justify their annual fees. Make sure the card’s benefits outweigh the cost for you.
Consider Welcome Bonus Offers
Many cards, even no annual fee cards, offer welcome bonuses. You can easily find offers like $200 cash back or points for meeting spending requirements. Annual fee cards normally offer even higher sign-up bonuses, which provide a great start to earning rewards and can offset the initial cost. Take note of the spending requirement and timeline, ensure it aligns with your budget, and make a spending plan so you know exactly how you’ll achieve the bonus.
Think About Redemption Options
Cash back is simple and versatile, while points may offer higher value when redeemed for travel. Aside from redeeming cash back for statement credits, some programs offer flexible points that can be transferred to airlines or hotels, providing even greater value. Consider your redemption goals and how easy it is to use the rewards for your lifestyle and spending habits.
No Annual Fee Cash-Back Credit Cards
No annual fee cards are perfect for budget-conscious individuals who want to maximize rewards without a yearly expense or any extra benefits to use or keep track of. They’re a great starting point for rewards seekers and offer long-term value because of the boosted earning rates.
Citi® Double Cash Card
Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay). Sign-up Bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $1,500 within 6 months. Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Ideal for anyone looking for an uncomplicated way to earn high cash back. Simple and straightforward; no categories to track, ensuring you earn better than average rewards on all your purchases. |
U.S. Bank Smartly™ Card
Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, up to 4% with U.S. Bank Smart Rewards®. Sign-up Bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $1,000 within 120 days. 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles. Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Perfect for those looking to try out a flat-rate card and build a banking relationship. Pair with U.S Bank Smart Rewards® to earn 2.5% with combined balances of $5,000+, earn 3% with combined balances of $50,000+, and earn a best-in-class 4% with combined balances of $100,000+. |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. Sign-up Bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $500 within 3 months. 0% intro APR for 12 months. Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Great for those who value the simplicity of having no categories to track, and competitive perks which include cell phone protection and basic travel insurance. |
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Alliant Credit Union Credit Card
2.5% cash back on purchases (on up to $10,000 per billing cycle) with an Alliant High-Rate Checking account. Sign-up Bonus: None Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Ideal for individuals who spend heavily and want higher-than-average cash back rates. Exceptional rewards rate with minimal requirements – simply maintain an average of $1,000 in an Alliant High-Yield Checking account. |
American Express® Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card
2x Membership Rewards points on all purchases (on up to $50,000 per year). Sign-up Bonus: 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 within 3 months. 0% intro APR for 12 months. Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Small business owners who value flexible travel rewards. With Membership Rewards points, you can transfer to most partners at a 1:1 ratio for airfare and hotels. |
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
1.5% cash back on purchases, and 3% on dining and drugstores. Sign-up Bonus: $250 bonus after you spend $500 within 3 months. 0% intro APR for 15 months. Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Best for individuals who want a carefree rewards structure and whose spending habits include dining out. Pair with a premium Chase Sapphire card to unlock transfers of Ultimate Rewards to travel partners for outsized value. |
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards Card
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, up to 2.62% for Preferred Rewards members. Sign-up Bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $1,000 within 90 days. 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles. Annual Fee: $0 Why it’s great: Excellent for Bank of America customers because of the enhanced cash back rates for Preferred Rewards. Gold Tier earns 1.87%, Platinum Tier earns 2.25%, and Platinum Honors Tier earns 2.62%. |
Cash-Back Credit Cards with Annual Fees
Cards with annual fees often come with extra benefits like tiered cash back rates, partner credits, purchase protections, travel protections, and more. These can be well worth the cost if you gain enough annually from the boosted rate and value the extra benefits.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Unlimited 2x miles on all purchases. Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 miles bonus when you spend $4,000 within 3 months. Annual Fee: $95 Why it’s great: A straightforward way for travelers to earn flexible miles, which can be transferred to travel partners for optimal value. No foreign transaction fees, TSA pre-check / Global Entry fee credit, plus purchase and travel protections. |
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Credit Card
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases and 2% back on Travel and Dining, up to 3.5% for Preferred Rewards members. Sign-up Bonus: 60,000 point bonus after you spend $4,000 within 90 days. Annual Fee: $95 Why it’s great: Best for frequent travelers who bank with Bank of America. No foreign transaction fees, TSA pre-check / Global Entry fee credit, and a $100 annual airline incidental credit. Enhanced cash back rates for Preferred Rewards – Gold Tier earns 1.87-2.50%, Platinum Tier earns 2.25-3.00%, and Platinum Honors Tier earns 2.62-3.50%. |
Robinhood Gold Card
Unlimited 3% cash back on all purchases. Sign-up Bonus: None Annual Fee: $5 per month (membership fee for Robinhood Gold) Why it’s great: Ideal for Robinhood Gold users who want to integrate their rewards into their investment account. Best-in-class flat-rate cashback rewards. No foreign transaction fees, plus travel and purchase protections. |
Wrap-Up: Cash Back Credit Cards for Everyday
Catch-all credit cards provide an easy and effective way to earn boosted rewards on all your purchases. Whether you choose a no-annual-fee option or an annual fee card with added perks, the key is to pick one that aligns with your spending habits and lifestyle.
Start with a no-annual-fee card if you’re just entering the rewards game or just want simplicity in your wallet. Opt for an annual fee card if you want to unlock extra benefits along with elevated reward rates. Either way, the cards we explored ensure you’re earning more every time you swipe.
These are our recommendations but it isn’t financial advice. We may receive a commission if you click through any of the links in this article.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cash back credit card?
A cash back credit card is a type of credit card that rewards you with a percentage of your spending back in cash. This means that for every purchase you make, you earn a certain amount of cash back, which can be redeemed as a statement credit or used for other purchases, like gift cards, or even at retailers like Amazon.com. It’s a straightforward way to earn rewards without having to track complicated point systems.
What does a flat rate of 2% cash back mean?
A flat rate of 2% cash back means that for every dollar you spend with your cash back credit card, you’ll earn 2 cents back, regardless of the category of the purchase. This is great because it simplifies your rewards earning; you know you’ll get the same rate on all your purchases, unlike some cards that offer tiered rewards where you have to keep track of what earns more.
Are there any fees associated with cash back credit cards?
Most cash back credit cards come without an annual fee, but there are options available with an annual fee. It’s important to review the card benefits because sometimes a card with an annual fee might offer better rewards that can outweigh the cost. Just make sure to choose one that aligns with your spending habits to maximize your cash back rewards.
What are the best cash back credit cards offering 2% or more?
Some of the best credit cards for cash back on every purchase include the Wells Fargo Active Cash and the Citi Double Cash card, both of which offer a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. Find the right card for you, whether that’s extending a relationship with an existing bank or something that fits your lifestyle. Either way, there are plenty of options that offer a flat boosted cash back on everything you typically buy.
How can I maximize my cash back rewards?
To maximize your cash back rewards, consider using your catch all cash back credit card for all your regular purchases, especially those that don’t earn extra points on other cards. Also, keep an eye out for bonus cash back promotions that some cards offer for specific categories. Just make sure to pay off your balance each month to avoid interest fees that could negatively affect your credit history and negate your rewards.
