Best 2% Cash Back Cards in 2024

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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

MoneyGeek rates credit cards by analyzing 32 data points across over 240 popular cards. We update data daily and assess each card quarterly. Key metrics include reward rates, annual fees, and APRs. Ratings consider the card's value against consumer spending models from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our methodology ensures unbiased, fact-based advice, helping users find the best card for their needs and lifestyle.

Overall Best: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ of 5

Rates & Fees

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On Issuer's Site

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card delivers with unlimited 2% cash back, a $200 welcome bonus after $500 spent in three months, and no annual fee. Designed for seamless everyday rewards, it also includes a 12-month 0% intro APR, though its 3% foreign transaction fee may deter international travelers.
PROS
- Unlimited 2% cash back
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% after
CONS
- Foreign transaction fees
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 within the first three months.
- Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% applies.
Rewards
- Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
- No categories to track and cash rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open.
APRs, Fees, and Penalties
- Balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and a 3% fee. After that, a balance transfer fee of up to 5% (minimum $5) applies.
- No annual fee.
Perks & Benefits
- 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.

Best for Pairing: Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.4/ of 5

Rates & Fees

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The Citi Double Cash is one of the best cards for straightforward cash back. It lets you earn 2% cash back on all purchases—1% when you buy and 1% when you pay—without an annual fee.
PROS
- 2% cash back on all purchases
- 0% intro APR on balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Accepts fair credit
CONS
- Penalty APR
- No intro APR on purchases
- Introductory Offers
  - Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. After this period, the APR will range from 18.49% to 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness.
  - Earn 20,000 ThankYou Points, equivalent to $200 cash back, after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you buy and an additional 1% when you pay off the purchase.
  - Earn 5% cash back on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal until December 31, 2025.
- APRs, Fees, and Penalties
  - Balance transfers do not earn cash back.
  - If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on purchases unless the entire balance, including transfers, is paid by the due date each month.
  - There is an introductory balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) for transfers made within the first four months. After that, the fee is 5% (minimum $5).

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

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ of 5

Rates & Fees

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On Issuer's Site

The BofA Customized Cash is designed for people who are looking for flexible cash back. It offers 3% cash back in a customizable category (options include gas, dining, travel and more) and 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. However, its spending cap and rewards structure may not suit everyone.
PROS
- 3% cash back in customizable categories
- No annual fee
- Welcome bonus
- Extra rewards for Preferred Rewards members
- Introductory 0% APR offer
CONS
- Complex rewards structure
- Spending cap on high cash back
- Requires good/excellent credit score
Introductory Offers
- Earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
Rewards
- Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice, 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter), and 1% on all other purchases.
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase.
APRS, Fees, and Penalties
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After that, a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74% applies.
- A 3% Intro balance transfer fee applies for the first 60 days; after that, the fee is 4%.
Perks & Benefits
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Use contactless cards for secure and convenient transactions.

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.

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About Doug Milnes, CFA

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.

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