Key takeaways:
- Premium flat-rate cash back cards like the Alliant Visa Signature Card offer high rewards without an annual fee, perfect for maximizing benefits.
- Membership benefits from cards such as the Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card provide enhanced cash back rates for loyal customers, incentivizing ongoing relationships with the bank.
- Tailoring your choice to match spending habits is key; cards like the PayPal Cashback Mastercard offer elevated rewards for online purchases, ensuring rewards align with individual preferences.
In the market 2024 for a flat rate cash back credit card, you’ll find a lots of options available, but they vary in quality. To assist you in streamlining your choices, here are some of the top flat rate cash back cards currently available. These cards provide a consistent cash back rate on all purchases, making them a wise selection for numerous cardholders.
If you’re aiming for the highest cash back earnings, it’s worth noting that flat cash back cards typically offer lower percentages compared to cards with bonus category rates.
For instance, you might find cards offering up to 6% cash back on groceries or 8% on entertainment. In contrast, flat rate cards typically cap at 1% to 2% cash back on all purchases. This suggests that having multiple cards could maximize your cash back across different spending categories.
Here are some of the top flat rate cards available, including some of the best 2% cash back options:
Highest Earning Flat Rate Cash Back Credit Cards:
We, at MoneyQuince, rank each card based on its cash back rate, rewards, and annual fees.
No. 1
Alliant Visa Signature Card
Earns the title of the top premium flat-rate cash back card.
Why it stands out: With the highest cash back rate on this list, it’s perfect for consolidating all your credit card spending into one card. You can earn up to 2.5% cash back on your first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases, and thereafter, unlimited 1.5% cash back if you qualify for Tier One Rewards.
To qualify for the 1.5% flat rate cash back after your initial $10,000 in purchases, you need to have a checking account with Alliant, opt for e-Statements, make at least one deposit per month, and maintain an average daily balance of $1,000 or more.
As a Visa Signature card, it also offers excellent perks like roadside assistance, travel accident insurance, and personal identity theft protection.
Must read : How to Earn 2.5% Lucrative Cash Back?
Pros:
- Up to 2.5% cash back on the first $10,000 of qualifying eligible purchases, then 1.5% cash back
- Travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Requirements must be met to earn 1.5% cash back after the initial $10,000 in purchases
- Limited redemption options (statement credit or deposit into an Alliant checking or savings account)
Best for : This card is best for Alliant banking customers or those who prefer redeeming cash back as a statement credit, as rewards can only be redeemed as a direct deposit into an Alliant checking or savings account or as a statement credit.
You must be a member of Alliant Credit Union to be eligible, so if you’re not keen on joining, you’ll want to explore other options.
No. 2
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash credit card
Earns recognition as the top choice for Preferred Rewards members.
Why it’s our pick: Offering an unlimited 1.5% flat rate cash back on all purchases, this card also provides a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. What sets it apart is the opportunity for eligible Bank of America Preferred Rewards members to earn an additional 25% to 75% more cash back on every purchase. Depending on your Preferred Rewards tier, you could potentially earn up to 2.62% cash back on every purchase.
Pros:
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days
- Potential to earn up to 2.62% cash back for Preferred Rewards members
- No annual fee
- No limit on cash back earnings, and rewards don’t expire
- Flexible redemption options including statement credits, direct deposits to eligible Bank of America accounts, or credits to eligible Merrill accounts
Cons:
- May require membership in Bank of America Preferred Rewards program to maximize cash back earnings
Best For:
Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card is an excellent choice for individuals who are already Bank of America Preferred Rewards members or those looking to become one. With the potential to earn significantly higher cash back rates and flexible redemption options, it’s an appealing option for everyday spending.
If you’re not interested in joining the Bank of America Preferred Rewards program or if you prefer a card with different rewards structures, you may want to explore other options.
Learn about : Bank of America Student Credit Card
No. 3
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Earns recognition as the top choice for 2% cash rewards.
Why it’s our pick: This card is ideal for those seeking a straightforward cash back option without dealing with quarterly spending categories or complexities. With the Wells Fargo Active Cash, you earn a flat 2% flat rate cash back on purchases, and there’s no limit to how much you can earn. Your rewards also never expire. Plus, it offers extensive perks, including a $200 introductory bonus if you spend $500 within three months of opening the account.
Pros:
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers made in the first 120 days (then variable APR of 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%)
- Cell phone insurance
- Extended warranty protection
- Flexible redemption options (e.g., statement credit, deposit into a Wells Fargo account, cash back from a Wells Fargo ATM, gift cards, purchases, or travel through Wells Fargo Rewards)
Cons:
- Inability to transfer rewards to travel partners
Best For:
If you prefer earning cash back without the hassle of rotating categories, or if you’re a high spender, this card could be a great fit. A 2% flat rate cash back card like the Wells Fargo Active may yield more cash back annually for you than a bonus category card with spending caps.
If the majority of your spending is concentrated in specific categories each month, you might benefit more from a fixed bonus category card tailored to your spending habits.
Must read :Best Credit Cards in 2024
No. 4
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Takes the spotlight as the top choice for online shopping with PayPal.
Why it’s our pick: Offering a competitive 2% flat rate cash back on all purchases, with an elevated 3% cash back rate on purchases made through your PayPal account or when sending money to other PayPal users, this card is ideal for those who frequently shop online, especially through PayPal. Moreover, it comes with no annual fee.
Pros:
- 2%flat rate cash back on all purchases; 3% flat rate cash back on PayPal purchases and money transfers
- No annual fee
- Ideal for online shoppers, especially those using PayPal
- Rewards can be easily redeemed through your PayPal account
Cons:
- Requires a PayPal account for earning and redeeming rewards
- No welcome offer
Best For:
If you’re an avid online shopper, particularly through PayPal, this card is an excellent choice. With its attractive cash back rates and no annual fee, it’s a convenient option for maximizing rewards on your online purchases.
If you prefer a card with a welcome offer or if you don’t frequently shop online or use PayPal, you might find better options elsewhere.
No. 5
Citi Double Cash® Card
Stands out as the top choice for everyday flat-rate cash back.
Why it’s our pick: This card is ideal for those who clear their balances monthly because it provides 1% flat rate cash back on purchases and another 1% when you pay off those purchases. Moreover, there’s no limit to how much cash back you can earn.
Additionally, if you’re planning to manage existing balances, the card offers a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months (followed by a variable APR of 19.24% to 29.24%).
Pros:
- No restrictions on spending categories
- Cash back can be redeemed as checks, statement credits, gift cards, or deposited into checking or savings accounts
- Cash back is fulfilled as Thank You points
Cons:
- The 0% intro APR offer doesn’t apply to new purchases
Best For:
If you’re aiming to pay off debt while still earning rewards, the Citi Double Cash Card is an excellent fit. Its 18-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers gives you ample time to tackle balances without accruing interest.
If you prefer a card with a welcome bonus to quickly accumulate rewards or if you want to avoid interest on new purchases, you might want to explore other options.
Best Credit Builders Credit Card :
The Capital One QuicksilverOne
Why it’s a standout: This card is particularly beneficial for those looking to build or rebuild credit, thanks to its fee structure, which includes no penalty APR, returned payment fee, or foreign transaction fees. Additionally, it offers free access to your credit score and tools for monitoring it. After six months of making on-time payments, you may also qualify for a credit limit increase.
In terms of rewards, you’ll earn 1.5% flat rate cash back on all purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Pros:
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
- Consideration for a higher credit line after six consecutive months of on-time payments
- No penalty APR
Free access to credit score with CreditWise
Cons:
- High regular APR (30.74% variable APR)
- $39 annual fee
Who should apply: If you have fair credit and want to earn rewards, the Capital One QuicksilverOne is a top choice. It’s one of the highest-earning flat-rate cash back cards available for cardholders with fair credit scores.
Who should pass: If you typically carry a balance on your cards, the high regular APR might not be suitable for you. In that case, consider a low-interest card or one offering a 0% intro APR on purchases.
How to Select best flat rate cash back credit cards?
the right flat rate cash back credit card for you, consider these factors:
Cash back rate: Look for a card that offers the best rewards rate based on your spending habits. If your credit score is low, opt for a card with a lower rewards rate to avoid overspending.
Annual fee: Some cards with higher earning potential come with annual fees that could outweigh the benefits. Calculate if your spending will cover the fee. If not, choose a no-annual-fee card.
Additional benefits: Beyond cash back, explore a card’s perks like purchase protection or rental car insurance. If you’re torn between cards, these extras could sway your decision.
Comparison Table of Flat rate Cash back Credit card:
| Card Name | Cash Back Rate | Annual Fee | Best Category |
| Alliant Visa Signature Card | Up to 2.5% cash back on first $10,000, then 1.5% | $0 | Premium cash back |
| Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards card | 1.5% cash back on all purchases; up to 2.62% for members | $0 | Preferred Rewards members |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash Card | 2% cash rewards on all purchases | $0 | 2% cash rewards |
| PayPal Cashback Mastercard | 2% cash back on all purchases; 3% on PayPal purchases | $0 | Online shopping with PayPal |
| Citi Double Cash Card | 1% cash back on purchases + 1% cash back on payments | $0 | Everyday spending |
| Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Card | 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases | $39 | Credit building |
Bottom line:
why not earn cash back rewards on your everyday spending? It’s like earning money while doing what you’d do anyway. While some may juggle cards to maximize rewards in various categories, a flat rate cash back card simplifies things, ensuring you don’t miss out on rewards. Especially for busy individuals with limited free time, a flat rate rewards card offers convenience. Consider cards with welcome bonuses, intro APR offers, or boosted rewards for specific categories to maximize value. Take the time to find the card that fits your lifestyle best and start earning rewards on all your spending.