Updated: Nov 21, 2024

Everyone loves getting something extra for their money, and cashback credit cards make it easy to do just that. Discover how to make the most of your everyday spending by choosing a card that rewards you with cashback on groceries, gas, and other routine purchases.

Cashback credit cards provide an excellent way to earn money back on things you buy all the time, like groceries, gas, and dining out. Instead of just spending, these cards allow you to get a percentage of your purchases back as cash rewards. Whether you want to reduce your monthly expenses or save for something special, a cashback card can be a great tool to help you achieve that. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cashback credit cards for everyday purchases, focusing on those that offer rewards on essential spending categories like groceries and gas.

1. Best Overall Cashback Card: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

When it comes to earning money back on everyday purchases, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express stands out as one of the top options. This card offers incredible cashback rates on common spending categories that most people use daily, including groceries, streaming services, and gas.

Key Benefits:

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
• 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis, rideshares, parking, and tolls).
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.

While there is a $95 annual fee, the rewards for grocery and gas purchases can easily offset this cost for families or individuals who spend heavily in these categories. If your monthly grocery bill and gas costs are significant, this card could help you earn substantial cashback quickly.

2. Best No Annual Fee Option: Citi® Double Cash Card

If you’re looking for a simple cashback card with no annual fee, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an excellent choice. It offers 2% cash back on every purchase—1% when you make a purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off. This straightforward rewards structure makes it one of the easiest cards to use for earning consistent rewards on all purchases, including groceries and gas.

Key Benefits:

• 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay).
• No annual fee, so all the rewards go directly to you.
• Easy to redeem cash back as statement credits, checks, or direct deposits.

The simplicity of the Citi® Double Cash Card makes it a great option for those who want to earn cash back on all their purchases without having to track categories or juggle multiple cards. It’s perfect for anyone who values a no-nonsense approach to earning rewards.

3. Best for Groceries: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

If your grocery bill is one of your biggest monthly expenses, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers excellent rewards specifically for grocery shopping. This card has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back on groceries, making it a great option for families or anyone who spends a lot on food.

Key Benefits:

• 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
• 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases.
• 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Without the annual fee, this card is perfect for those who want to earn solid rewards on groceries and gas without any added cost. It’s especially helpful for people who prefer to shop at traditional grocery stores rather than wholesale clubs.

4. Best for Gas Purchases: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

For those who spend a lot of time on the road, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is an excellent choice for earning cash back on gas. This card offers 3% cash back on gas, along with several other useful categories, making it one of the most well-rounded cards for everyday spending.

Key Benefits:

• 3% cash back on gas, transit, and dining.
• 3% cash back on travel, streaming services, and phone plans.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee.

With no annual fee and 3% cash back on gas, this card is great for drivers or commuters who spend a lot on fuel. It’s also versatile, offering rewards on several other key spending categories like dining and streaming services, allowing you to earn across a wide range of purchases.

5. Best for Online Shopping: Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card is perfect for those who prefer to do their shopping online or want a reliable, flat-rate cashback option. This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, including groceries, gas, and online shopping.

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, every day.
• No annual fee.
• Easy to redeem cash back at any time, with no minimums.

This card is ideal for people who don’t want to think about rotating categories or spending limits. Whether you’re buying groceries in-store or shopping for household items online, you’ll earn the same rate of 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

6. Best for Everyday Purchases with Rotating Categories: Chase Freedom Flex℠

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories each quarter, making it a great card for those who like to maximize rewards on different types of everyday spending. In addition to the rotating categories, the card also offers solid rewards for dining, drugstores, and travel.

Key Benefits:

• 5% cash back on rotating categories each quarter (up to $1,500 per quarter).
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee.

If you enjoy the challenge of keeping up with rotating categories and maximizing your rewards, the Chase Freedom Flex℠ card offers an excellent opportunity to earn significant cashback throughout the year. The key is staying informed about the quarterly categories to ensure you’re making the most of the 5% cashback option.

7. Best for Unlimited Cashback: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

For those who prefer a simple, flat-rate rewards card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. It’s perfect for individuals who want to earn consistent rewards without worrying about tracking spending categories or quarterly bonuses.

Key Benefits:

• Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
• No annual fee.
• 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.

This card is great for anyone who wants a straightforward, no-hassle approach to earning cash back. With 2% on everything, from groceries to gas, it’s one of the easiest ways to maximize your rewards without needing to strategize your spending.

8. Best for Families: U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card

For families that spend heavily on groceries and dining out, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card offers solid rewards on everyday expenses like food and gas. It’s also a great option for those who enjoy streaming services and want to earn cash back on their monthly subscriptions.

Key Benefits:

• 4% cash back on dining, takeout, and delivery.
• 2% cash back at grocery stores, gas stations, and on streaming services.
• No annual fee.

This card is a fantastic fit for families or individuals who prioritize food spending, whether at home or dining out. The 4% cash back on dining makes it especially rewarding for those who regularly eat out or order takeout.

Conclusion

Cashback credit cards can help you earn money back on your everyday purchases, from groceries and gas to dining and online shopping. Whether you prefer a flat-rate rewards card, one with rotating categories, or a card that targets specific spending areas, there’s a cashback card for everyone. By using a card that aligns with your spending habits, you can make your money work harder for you and reduce the cost of everyday essentials without paying any extra fees.