Lisa Cahill, Credit Cards Moderator
@lisacahill
The best 2.5% cash back credit card is the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union Always Cash Visa Signature® Rewards Credit Card. It has a $0 annual fee and rewards you with 1.25 - 2.5% cash back on purchases, provided you have the excellent credit required to get approved.
You also need to be a member of Hawaii State Federal Credit Union to qualify. You can join the credit union if you live in Hawaii and work for select business partners or donate to an eligible charity.
Currently, there are no other credit cards for personal use offering exactly 2.5% cash back on purchases. Fortunately, some cards offer even higher reward rates, as well as less restrictive eligibility requirements.
Best 2.5%+ Cash Back Credit Cards
- Rates & Fees Terms Apply
- Rates & Fees
- Details, Rates & Fees
If you don’t want to keep track of specific categories and are looking for a flat cash back rate, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is another good option. This card gives 2% cash rewards on purchases and has an annual fee of $0. Wells Fargo Active Cash also offers an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.
You can also take a look at our editors’ latest picks for the best cash back credit cards on the market to weigh your options.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Popular Cash Back Credit Cards from Our Partners
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Everyday Cash Back
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Bonus Rewards
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No Annual Fee
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Fair Credit
Abigail Mitchell, Member
@abby_mitch
The Alliant Visa Signature is the undisputed king of flat-rate cash back with its 2.5% on everything (up to $10K/month). Yeah, you need to park $1K in their checking account - but if you're spending over $8K/year, the extra 0.5% over a 2% card makes up for the lost HYSA interest. If you're not hitting that spend, stick with a basic 2% card and stop pretending you’re a high roller.
Jonathan Reed, Member
@jon_reed_code
If you’re cool with opening a bank account too, I agree Alliant is pretty much the only option. But you could get 2% back from a few different cards, and use other cards that give 3-5% back in specific categories. It really depends on how involved you want your setup to be.
David Patel, Member
@dpatel_tech
The Alliant Visa Signature is hands-down the best 2.5% cash back card if you can meet the requirements.
People also ask
What are the best 3% cash back credit cards?
The best 3% cash back credit card is the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express card because it offers 3% cash back at eligible U.S. gas stations and 3% back on transit, plus cash back rewards on other purchases. Several credit cards give at least 3% back in certain categories but rarely on all purchases.
Best 3% Cash Back Credit Cards
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: 3% cash back on eligible transit and at U.S. gas stations (cash back is...
Does Capital One have a 3% cash back card?
Yes, Capital One does have 3% cash back cards. The best Capital One credit card with 3% cash back is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (see details, rates & fees) because it gives 3% back at grocery stores. It also offers $300 in welcome bonuses: a $100 credit to use towards flights, stays and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel during your first cardholder year (limited-time offer), plus a $200 cash bonus for spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. Several...
read full answer by Milvionne Chery Copeland, WriterIs 2% rewards good?
Yes, 2% rewards is good for a credit card, especially if you're earning at least 2% back on all purchases, as the average rewards card offers just 1% back. Several credit cards offer either 2% cash back on all purchases or points/miles worth 2% back, while many more cards offer 2% back only on certain types of purchases.
Credit Cards with 2% Back on Purchases
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
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They recently added qualifications for the 2.5% that include opening and using a checking account with them, and also maintaining a minimum balance. They evaluate on a quarterly basis too. Very complicated! Otherwise, you only get 1.5%. Kills the card unless you're willing to bank with them...