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Do you use your credit card frequently? If so, it makes sense to look into one that offers you cash back on your purchases. Cash-back credit cards generally reimburse you a certain percentage of what you buy, based on the category it falls into. For example, they might offer 1% cash back all purchases, but 5% cash back when you buy something in a specific category. Some cards provide bonuses for spending a certain amount within the first couple of months. A number of cash-back credit cards even offer a low or 0% introductory APR, which can make them especially attractive. Regardless of the particular card you choose, earning extra cash every time you buy something with your credit card is a wise financial move. Questions? See our credit card FAQ.
Cash Back Credit Card Reviews & Prices
Updated 05-17-2012
| Name & Card | Purchase APR | Cash Back | Annual Fee | Credit Needed:
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Our Rating & Bottom Line | |
| Capital One® Cash Rewards - $100 Cash Back Bonus |  | 0% until June 2013, then 12.9% - 20.9% (V) | $100 cash back after spending $500 in first 3 months, 1% cash back on all purchases plus 50% annual cash back bonus (effectively 1.5% cash back on all purchases) | None | Excellent/ Good | Our Rating: Effective 1.5% cash back on all purchases; 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers; $100 bonus opportunity |
| Blue Cash EverydaySM Card from American Express |  | 0% for 12 months, then 17.24-22.24% (Variable) | $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in first 3 months; 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% at gas stations and department stores and 1% on all other purchases | None | Good | Our Rating: Up to 3% cash back on everyday spending; $100 cash back bonus; unlimited cash back; 0% intro APR |
| Chase Freedom® Visa - $100 Bonus Cash Back + 0% Intro APR |  | 0% for the first 15 months, then 12.99%-22.99% | $100 cash back after spending $500 in first 3 months; 1% cash back on all purchases, 5% in rotating spending categories | None | Good | Our Rating: Excellent combination of cash back rewards and 0% intro APR; $100 bonus opportunity |
| Blue Cash PreferredSM Card from American Express |  | 0% for 12 months, then 17.24%-22.24% | $150 cash back after spending $1,000 in first 3 months; 6% cash back at supermarkets, 3% at gas stations and department stores and 1% on all other purchases | $75 | Good | Our Rating: Up to 6% cash back on everyday spending with unlimited cash back; $150 cash back bonus; 0% intro APR |
| Name & Card | Purchase APR | Cash Back | Annual Fee | Credit Needed:
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Our Rating & Bottom Line | |
| TrueEarnings® Card from Costco and American Express |  | 0% for first 6 months, then 15.24% (Variable) | 3% cash back for gas & restaurants; 2% for travel; 1% for everything else including Costco | None (with paid Costco membership) | Good | Our Rating: No annual fee and a generous cash back rewards program make this a great choice for Costco members & others; 0% intro APR |
| Citi® Dividend Platinum Select® Visa® - $100 Cash Back |  | 0% for 12 months, then 12.99% - 22.99% | 5% cash back per $1 spent in popular categories, 1% per $1 spent on all other purchases | None | Good | Our Rating: 12-month 0% APR intro and balance transfer APR period, $100 bonus after spending first $500, max of $300 cash back per year after $100 bonus |
| Discover® More Card |  | 0% for first 15 months, then 10.99-20.99% (Variable) | 5% cash back on purchases within select categories; 1% on all others after $3k annually | None | Good | Our Rating: 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers, up to 5% cash back. |
| JourneySM Student Rewards from Capital One® |  | 19.8% variable APR | 1% cash back on all purchases | None | Average | Our Rating: Great choice for students, designed to help build good credit, cash back bonus for paying bill on time |
| Name & Card | Purchase APR | Cash Back | Annual Fee | Credit Needed:
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Our Rating & Bottom Line | |
| Discover® Motiva Card |  | 0% for first 15 months, then 10.99-20.99% (Variable) | .25% to 1% cash back on all purchases; cash bonus when you pay your bill on time for six months in a row | None | Good | Our Rating: 15-month 0% intro and balance transfer APR period; cash back plus bonus for paying bill on time |
| Discover® Open Road Card |  | 0% for first 12 months, then 10.99-19.99% (Variable) | 2% cash back on first $250 in gas and restaurant monthly; 1% on all purchases after $3k annually | None | Good | Our Rating: Good gas rebate card; 0% intro APR for purchase & transfer; $150 Restaurant.com card after first purchase |
| Discover® Student Card |  | 12.99-18.99% (Variable) (0% for first 9 months) | Up to 5% cash back on qualifying purchases; 1% on all purchases after $3k annually | None | Good | Our Rating: Good cash back card if you make frequent purchases in specific categories: 0% intro APR |
| Discover® Student Open Road Card | | 12.99-18.99% (Variable) (0% for first 9 months) | 2% cash back on first $250 in gas or auto maintenance monthly; 1% on all purchases after $3k annually | None | Good | Our Rating: Good cash back rates, but low caps on earnings from gas and restaurant purchases; 0% intro APR |
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