Best 2% Cash Back Cards in 2024

fact checked icon

Updated: August 27, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Shield Insurance

MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.

A 2% cash back card can be great for those who want straightforward rewards on all their purchases. These cards are ideal for people who value simplicity and don't want to worry about rotating categories or spending limits to earn rewards.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card gets you consistent rewards from all your spending without the hassle of an annual fee. 2% cash back cards are ideal for people who are:

  • Looking for a simple, fuss-free way to earn rewards
  • Trying to get more value from every dollar spent, whether they’re from rewards on big or specific purchases
  • Frequent travelers who aim to get some money back on all dining, hotel and airfare expenses

Why You Can Trust Our List

Overall Best: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
5/ of 5

  • The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a straightforward and valuable choice for anyone seeking hassle-free rewards. With no annual fee and a generous welcome bonus, it offers consistent cash rewards on all purchases. The initial zero-interest period is an excellent advantage for purchases and balance transfers. While it might lack specialized bonus categories, the card makes up for this with perks like exclusive hotel benefits and cell phone protection. It's a solid, all-around performer in the credit card landscape.

  • PROS
    • No annual fee
    • Welcome bonus
    • Unlimited cash rewards on all purchases
    • 0% intro APR offer
    • Rewards don't expire with an active account
    CONS
    • Potentially high APR
    • No bonus reward categories
    • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months.
    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
    • Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% applies.
    • Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and a fee of 3%. After that, a balance transfer fee of up to 5% (minimum $5) applies.
    • No annual fee
    • No categories to track and cash rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge.
    • Earn up to $600 in cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Best for Pairing: Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card
Credit Card logo for Citi Double Cash® Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.4/ of 5

  • The Citi Double Cash® offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for those who want a simple, hassle-free way to earn rewards without worrying about categories or limits.

  • PROS
    • Easy 2% cash back on all purchases
    • Lengthy 0% intro APR on balance transfers
    • No annual fee
    • Accepts fair credit
    CONS
    • No intro 0% APR for purchases
    • Penalty APR
    • Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases within the first six months of account opening. This bonus is awarded as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
    • 2% on every purchase, with 1% cash back when you buy and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
    • 5% total cash back on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel℠ portal until December 31, 2024.
    • Enjoy 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After that, a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.24% applies, based on your creditworthiness. Balance transfers do not earn cash back, and the intro APR does not apply to purchases. 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% (minimum $5) for each transfer completed within the first four months of account opening. After that, the fee is 5% (minimum $5) for each transfer.


    Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Best for High Cash Back: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.1/ of 5

  • The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card stands out for its flexibility and reward potential, especially appealing to consumers who value customized cash back options. It offers a significant new cardholder bonus and the ability to earn higher cash back in various everyday categories. Preferred members enjoy additional rewards, enhancing the card's value. The card's introductory 0% APR is another great perk for those who want to consolidate existing credit card debt. Overall, this card is ideal for savvy spenders who can maximize the card’s benefits.

  • PROS
    • No annual fee
    • Attractive new cardholder bonus
    • High cash back in customizable categories
    • Extra rewards for preferred members
    • Introductory 0% APR offer
    CONS
    • Requires high credit score
    • Complex rewards structure
    • Limits on high-yield cash back
    • Relatively high regular APR
    • Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
    • 3% cash back in the category of your choice, up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter.
    • 2% cash back automatically at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter.
    • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
    • Bank of America Preferred Rewards® members can earn 25%–75% extra cash back on every purchase, potentially earning 3.75%–5.25% back in the chosen category.
    • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
    • Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first 60 days. After that, a variable APR of 19.24%–29.24% applies. A fee of 3% for balance transfers within the first 60 days, then 4% thereafter.
    • Regular APR ranges from 19.24% to 29.24% (variable) for both purchases and balance transfers.
    • Use contactless cards for secure, convenient transactions with a simple tap.


    *Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

What Does 2% Cash Back Mean and How Does It Work?

2% cash back means you earn 2% of the amount spent on purchases as cash rewards. For example, if you spend $100 on groceries, you'll get $2 back. The best 2% cash back credit card is great for consistent spenders in the same categories, as it gives users steady rewards from the get-go.

Rebates on purchases with a 2% cash back card can be competitive and offer good long-term incentives. For example, if you spend $1,000 monthly, you could earn $240 annually. Cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Citi Double Cash® Card offer these benefits, making them excellent choices for maximizing rewards.

Calculate Your Cash Back Rewards

If you’re still on the fence about choosing the best cash back credit cards, understanding your spending habits can make a big difference in choosing the right card. Take a look at MoneyGeek’s cash back calculator to see which card aligns best with your expenses, helping you maximize your rewards and build a smart financial future.

FAQ: 2% Cash Back Credit Cards

Is 2% cash back good?

Yes, 2% cash back is considered good as it maximizes rewards on all purchases without category restrictions, offering consistent value in the long run.

Is there a downside to cash back credit cards?

While some cash back cards may have higher APRs annual fees and rewards, it can encourage overspending if not managed carefully.

Does American Express have a 2% cash back card?

Yes, American Express currently has two 2% cash back cards: the Bread Cashback™ American Express® Credit Card, and the Blue Business Cash™ Card for business.

Is there a credit card that gives you 5% cash back?

Yes, there are a handful of cash back cards that offer 5% in rotating or specific spending categories, such as the Chase Freedom Flex card and Discover it® Cash Back card.

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.