Cashback credit cards are one of the most popular financial tools in the United States, allowing cardholders to earn rewards on everyday spending.
But not all cashback cards are created equal, and the options available to you often depend on your credit score.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best cashback cards for each credit score range, what you can expect, and how to choose wisely.
Understanding Credit Score Ranges
Credit scores are typically grouped into ranges that lenders use to decide eligibility:
| Range | Score | What Lenders See |
|---|---|---|
| Poor / Very Low | 300–579 | High risk; limited credit options |
| Fair / Low-Average | 580–669 | Moderate risk; more unsecured options |
| Good | 670–739 | Reliable borrower; many mainstream cards |
| Very Good / Excellent | 740–799 | Strong candidate; access to premium cards |
| Exceptional / Super Prime | 800–850 | Lowest risk; top perks and approvals |
Key Features to Look For in a Cashback Card
Regardless of your credit score, always check:
- Annual fee vs. rewards earned
- Cashback rate (flat-rate vs. tiered or rotating categories)
- Welcome bonus offers
- Perks and protections (insurance, no foreign transaction fees, extended warranties)
- APR (especially if you occasionally carry a balance)
- Redemption options (statement credit, bank deposit, gift cards, etc.)
Best Cashback Cards by Credit Score Range
1. Poor / Very Low Credit (300–579)
What to Expect:
Most options will be secured credit cards or entry-level unsecured cards with higher fees. Cashback rewards may be limited, but these cards are designed to help you build credit.
Best Features to Look For:
- Low or no annual fee
- Simple cashback program (1% or more)
- Path to upgrade after responsible use
Typical Options:
Secured cards with a refundable deposit, or starter cards offering small cashback on gas and groceries.
2. Fair / Low-Average Credit (580–669)
What to Expect:
You’ll start seeing more unsecured cards, some with modest cashback programs. While you may not qualify for the very best offers yet, you can still earn meaningful rewards.
Best Features to Look For:
- Flat cashback rates around 1.5%
- No annual fee if possible
- Easy redemption and clear upgrade paths
Typical Options:
Unsecured cards offering 1.5% back on all purchases, or cards with bonus categories like dining or streaming.
3. Good Credit (670–739)
What to Expect:
This is the “sweet spot” where most mainstream cashback cards become available. Expect higher cashback rates, welcome bonuses, and extra perks.
Best Features to Look For:
- Rotating or tiered categories (3%–6% back in select areas)
- Strong welcome bonuses
- Options with or without annual fees
Typical Options:
Popular cards that give 2% back on everything, or cards that give higher cashback on groceries, gas, or dining.
4. Very Good / Excellent Credit (740–799)
What to Expect:
Most cards on the market are available to you. Approval odds are higher, credit limits are better, and you’ll unlock more premium perks.
Best Features to Look For:
- High-category rewards that match your lifestyle
- Bigger welcome bonuses
- Additional travel or shopping protections
Typical Options:
Flat-rate cashback cards offering unlimited 2% back, or premium cards with annual fees but strong category bonuses.
5. Exceptional / Super Prime Credit (800–850)
What to Expect:
With top-tier credit, you’ll qualify for the best cashback cards on the market. Many premium cards will offer both high cashback rewards and luxury perks.
Best Features to Look For:
- Generous signup bonuses
- Strong rewards in travel, dining, or groceries
- Additional benefits like concierge services, premium insurance, and exclusive offers
Typical Options:
Premium cashback cards that may charge an annual fee but deliver unmatched value if you spend heavily in bonus categories.
Trade-Offs to Consider
- Interest rates are generally higher if your credit score is lower.
- Annual fees may not be worth it if you don’t spend much in bonus categories.
- Credit limits will often be smaller for lower-score cards, limiting rewards.
- Signup bonuses are usually less generous in the poor to fair ranges.
Tips to Improve Your Credit and Access Better Cards
- Pay bills on time—payment history is the biggest credit factor.
- Keep credit utilization under 30% of your available limit.
- Avoid too many new applications at once.
- Start with a secured card if necessary and graduate to unsecured cards.
- Use prequalification tools to check eligibility without affecting your score.
The best cashback card for you depends heavily on your current credit score. If you’re rebuilding, focus on low-fee secured or starter cards. If you’re in the good-to-excellent range, you’ll have access to powerful cashback tools that can save you hundreds each year. And if you’ve reached exceptional credit, you can take advantage of premium perks alongside top cashback rewards.
Choose the card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals, and remember: responsible use will not only maximize rewards but also open the door to even better options in the future.
FAQ
1. What is a cashback credit card?
A cashback credit card gives you a percentage of your spending back as rewards, usually in the form of statement credits, deposits, or gift cards.
2. Do I need excellent credit to get a cashback card?
No. There are cashback cards for nearly every credit score range, including secured cards for people with poor credit.
3. What credit score is needed for the best cashback cards?
Typically, a score of 670 or higher (good credit) unlocks strong cashback options, while 740+ gives access to premium choices.
4. Can I get approved for a cashback card with poor credit?
Yes, but most will be secured cards requiring a refundable deposit, or cards with higher fees and limited perks.
5. How do secured cashback cards work?
You put down a cash deposit (e.g., $200). That becomes your credit limit, and you still earn cashback on purchases while building credit.
6. What’s the difference between flat-rate and tiered cashback cards?
Flat-rate cards give the same cashback percentage on everything (e.g., 2%). Tiered cards give higher rewards on certain categories like gas, groceries, or dining.
7. Which credit score range qualifies for rotating-category cashback cards?
Usually good to excellent credit (670+). These cards offer quarterly bonus categories you must activate.
8. What should I look for in a cashback card if I have fair credit?
Low or no annual fee, simple reward structure (like 1.5% flat back), and an issuer that allows upgrades when your score improves.
9. Are there annual-fee cashback cards worth it?
Yes—if you spend heavily in categories like groceries or gas, cards with annual fees may give more net rewards than no-fee cards.
10. Does applying for a cashback card hurt my credit score?
Applications usually result in a hard inquiry, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily.
11. Can I upgrade my cashback card once my credit improves?
Many issuers allow product changes to better cards after 6–12 months of responsible use.
12. Do cashback rewards expire?
It depends on the card. Some never expire as long as the account is open, while others may require redemption within a set timeframe.
13. How much cashback can I realistically earn per year?
It depends on your spending and categories, but many households earn $300–$600 annually without paying an annual fee.
14. What are the best cashback categories for maximizing rewards?
Groceries, gas, dining, online shopping, and travel are the most common high-earning categories.
15. Are cashback cards better than travel rewards cards?
If you prefer simplicity and don’t travel often, cashback is usually the better choice. Frequent travelers may benefit more from travel rewards cards.
16. Can I redeem cashback for cash directly?
Yes—many issuers allow redemption as direct deposits, checks, or statement credits.
17. What’s the main risk with cashback cards?
High interest rates. If you carry a balance, the interest will outweigh any cashback earned.
18. Are there cashback cards for students or people with no credit history?
Yes—many student cards offer 1%–1.5% cashback and help build credit responsibly.
19. Do business owners have separate cashback card options?
Yes, business cashback cards exist with higher limits and tailored categories like office supplies or advertising.
20. How can I increase my approval odds for a cashback card?
Check your credit score first, apply for cards that match your range, use prequalification tools, and pay down existing debt before applying.
