Cash Back Credit Cards

With a cash-back preference in mind, we decided to compare the cash-back cards offered by the 10 largest credit card issuers, according to the Electronic Card Industry Directory. One of those 10 banks, Washington Mutual, does not offer rewards cards to non-customers, so we excluded it from our survey. We were left with nine issuers’ cards to compare. Cards that pay you cash back at the highest rates may have caps and restrictions that would result in a lower annual rebate than, say, a straight 1 percent cash back. “Invariably, if you see a 5 percent card, there will be restrictions or other strings attached,” Arnold says.

The overall winner is the American Express Platinum Money back card, which pays new cardholders a massive 5% cash back, which is 5p per pound spent, on up to £4,000 spending during the first three months. Once this intro offer expires, its rates are tiered paying a maximum 1.5% cash back.

City CashReturnsSM Card

Earn a full 1% cash back on every purchase, Get a 20% bonus on the cash back earned on all purchases for the first 12 months, 0% APR* on balance transfers for up to 12 months, Checks will be sent automatically every time you earn $50 , Balance transfer fee applies with this offer, No annual fee.
HSBC Weekend Card

Earn a full 2% cash back on every new net retail purchase made on Saturdays and Sundays, Receive 1% cash back on new net retail purchases made Monday through Friday, Simple and straightforward: no earnings caps, spending requirements, tiers or point expiration, Platinum benefits include unlimited purchase protection, extended warranties and rental car insurance, 0% Introductory APR on card purchases and balance transfers for 12 months with no annual fee, for qualified applicants.

Simply Cash Business Card from American Express

The Am Ex Simply Cash Credit Card pays 5% back on all purchases at the pump. Here in Southern California, there is no problem finding large gas stations that accept American Express, like Chevron, Texaco, Shell Gas, and Mobil-Exxon. Earn 5% cash back on gas, office supplies, and wireless services, and 1% cash back on virtually all other purchases

Reward yourself. Reward yourself on everyday purchases of groceries, gas or at your favorite restaurant. You can earn points toward airline miles or free hotel stays at your favorite travel destination, discounts at your favorite retailer or cash back with a reward credit card from PlasticRewards.com.

Capital One 1% Cash Back Platinum Master Card

1% cash back on all purchases, No maximum rebate, Purchase Protection - 90 days insurance in case of theft or damage, Extended Warranty - doubles warranty up to 1 yr. Car Rental Insurance, Notes: Instead of redeeming your rebate once a year, you can redeem anytime your rewards account is above $15.

Citi Dividend Platinum Select Card - Cash Back Offer: Earn a full 5% cash back on purchases at gas stations, supermarkets, drug stores, convenience stores and on utility bills (including cable TV) for six months, then 2% cash back on these purchases; also earn a full 1% cash back everywhere else.