The Best 5% Cashback Cards In 2024: List and Comparison

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Key Takeaways

• Cashback debit cards allow cardholders to earn a percentage of their spending back as rewards.
• The top 5% cashback cards in 2025 are Future, Chase Freedom Flex, Chase Freedom Unlimited, Discover It Cashback, Citi Custom Cash Card, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature.
• The most popular categories for getting cashback rewards are public transit, second-hand clothing, EV charging, grocery stores, gas stations, travel, restaurants, online retailers, seasonal and rotating categories, and shows and entertainment.
• Get 5% cashback with FutureCard now.

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How cashback works

Given their increasing popularity, cashback debit cards have become a key element for banks and financial institutions. In this context, cashback works as an incentive for certain purchases, as users get rewarded with a percentage based on the purchase amount. Cardholders generally earn 1-2% cashback on every purchase they make. 

Nonetheless, others offer bigger percentages, up to 5-6% cashback rewards for making purchases with specific partnering brands. Therefore, the card users select will greatly impact the cashback rewards they eventually get.

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Benefits of 5% cashback cards

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Extra income

One of the best characteristics of 5% cashback cards is that they allow users to have a small yet impactful source of extra income, which is undeniably useful in today’s economy. 

Another way to save money is to make cashback purchases on recurring expenses, which can add up to significant savings over time. For example, recent data from NerdWallet reveals that the average U.S. household spends $438 per month on groceries and $180 on dining. By earning 5% cashback on these purchases, users would save about $31 a month in these categories alone, which amounts to $372 annually​.

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Supporting responsible companies and initiatives

However, receiving 5% cashback isn’t the only important characteristic of cashback debit cards. Although these cards do not typically align with sustainable companies, some 5% cashback debit cards serve as tools to promote responsible initiatives and eco-conscious purchases. 

An example of this approach is the FutureCard Visa® Debit Card, which offers up to 6% cashback on select purchases from sustainable partners. This unique structure is designed to reward users who prioritize eco-friendly products, making embracing a more sustainable lifestyle easier. In addition to the 6% cashback on partner brands, cardholders can earn 5% on purchases at green businesses, such as plant-based food retailers, electric rideshares, and EV charging stations, while still benefiting from 1% cashback on non-green purchases.

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Additional rewards

Apart from giving 5% cashback on eligible purchases, some other benefits are available, given that some cards offer that percentage of cashback in combination with points, welcome bonuses, and significant discounts. 

For instance, in the case of Future, users are not given cashback directly, but instead, they collect points and FutureCoins, which they can later choose to redeem as cashback and use to purchase products. FutureMissions allows users to earn points when making green purchases from sustainable brands. If users save four metric tons of carbon by switching to an electric vehicle, they’ll earn FutureCoins, which they can redeem at an initial starting value of $90 per coin.

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Popular cashback categories

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• Public Transit: Transportation like buses, trains, and bike-sharing services with a focus on rewarding those who reduce car use.
• Second-hand Stores: To support a circular economy, users receive cashback for buying from thrift stores, consignment shops, or vintage stores. 
• EV Charging: Future’s green debit card rewards users who use cleaner transportation with 5% cashback every time they charge their vehicles.
• Grocery Stores: Many cashback cards offer rewards at grocery stores and supermarkets because they are a recurrent and high-spend category, yet Future offers 5% cashback on sustainable grocery stores and 1% in other non-sustainable shops.
• Gas Stations: Some cards offer 2-5% cashback at gas stations, which helps reduce fuel costs and adds an incentive for regular expenses like commuting and travel.
• Restaurants & Dining: Although most cards offer cashback on dining, Future provides 5% cashback on dining in plant-based restaurants and diners. It is the only card that offers this kind of reward, helping users save on dining while supporting local restaurants.
• Online Retailers: Online shopping has never been so profitable and easy. In this sense, Future gives 5% cashback for buying from sustainable online brands and 1% cashback for other partners.
• Seasonal and rotating categories: Some cashback cards offer the highest rewards on relevant rotating categories each quarter, allowing users to earn more profit during certain times of the year.
• Shows and Entertainment: This category refers to events like concerts, movies, sports events, and others. Giving cashback on these can help support the arts and other culturally relevant leisure activities.

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Top 5% cashback cards of 2024

FutureCard Visa® Debit Card

Chase Freedom Flex & Unlimited

Discover It Cashback

Discover It Student Cashback

Citi Custom Cash Card

Citi Double Cash Card

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card 

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Target Circle Credit Card

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FutureCard Visa® Debit Card

It’s a must-have for anyone focused on saving money and maximizing rewards in everyday shopping (plus eco-friendly purchases). Here’s why it’s perfect for money-conscious individuals:

Top-notch security and reliability: FutureCard Visa® Debit Card offers top-tier security with Visa chip technology, biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and encryption, ensuring your information is protected. Fully compliant with PCI DSS standards, it also features advanced fraud detection tools and the ability to freeze or reissue your card via the app. Backed by the trusted Visa network, FutureCard provides peace of mind for every transaction.

Earn generous cashback on everyday purchases:

• 6% cashback when shopping with FuturePartners—sustainable brands that help you save while supporting eco-friendly businesses.
• 5% cashback on all eco-friendly purchases at over 50,000 stores.
• 1% cashback on other purchases, including non-green transactions, ensuring you earn on everything.

‍No limits on rewards: Forget about monthly earning caps. Future offers unlimited cashback, which means the more you spend, the more you earn.

Flexible redemption: Earn cashback as points, with one of the highest 1:1 point-to-cashback conversion rates available. You can choose to redeem your points for cashback or other rewards directly in the Future app.

Zero hidden fees: With no transaction fees, FutureCard helps you save more by eliminating the fees common with other debit cards.

Whether you’re focused on reducing your everyday expenses or earning rewards on public transit, the FutureCard Visa® Debit Card offers a smart, money-saving way to spend while making a positive impact.

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Chase Freedom Flex

The Chase Freedom Flex credit card offers a dynamic reward system offering cashback on rotating categories as well as additional bonus categories. 

• Interest rates: Variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%, depending on creditworthiness. 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
• Welcome bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
• Cashback percentage: 5% cashback on activated bonus category purchases each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%).
• Main partners: Big retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Paypal, etc.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited

Unlike the previous card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card provides unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases and an added bonus for select categories like dining and travel.

• Interest rates: Variable APR of 19.99% - 28.74%, depending on creditworthiness. 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers.
• Welcome bonus: New members receive a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account. 
• Cashback percentage: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Then, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases (unlimited).
• Main partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards and some dining and drugstore partners.

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Discover It Cashback

The Discover It Cashback card is a credit card that requires no annual fee. It offers 5% cashback on rotating categories and a generous first-year bonus.

• Interest rates: This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months. After that period, the APR ranges between 18.74% to 27.74%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Welcome bonus: Exclusive Cashback Match offer for new cardholders. At the end of the first year, the bank matches all the cashback earned with no cap, doubling a year’s rewards.
• Cashback percentage: 1% on all purchases and 5% cashback on up to $1,500 spent in activated rotating bonus categories each quarter.
• Main partners: Mostly rotating categories including major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart.

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Discover It Student Cashback

Unlike the previous one, the Discover It Student Cashback card is designed to help students build credit while earning rewards. As such, it is specifically destined for students and includes student-centric perks that can be especially useful for them.

• Interest rates: For larger purchases, Discover offers a 0% intro APR for the first six months. After that period, the rate shifts to 18.24% - 27.24% variable.
• Welcome bonus: As a unique feature, Discover automatically matches all the cashback earned by the cardholder at the end of their first year to double the first-year rewards.
• Cashback percentage: 5% on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter in rotating categories (activation required) and 1% on all other purchases.
• Main partners: Diverse restaurants, drugstores, gas stations, home improvement stores, public transit, and more.

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Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card is a credit card that provides tailored cashback for consumers with varied spending patterns. It is great for receiving flexible reward options.

• Interest rates: Like many others, this card offers a 0% introductory APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a variable APR between 18.74% and 28.74%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Welcome bonus:  New members can earn $200 cashback after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
• Cashback percentage: 5% on up to $500 each billing cycle, then 1%.
• Main partners: Special offer of 4% cashback on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal.

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Citi Double Cash Card

The Citi Double Cash Card is a more straightforward credit card mainly designed for users who value consistent cashback rewards.

• Interest rates: There’s an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months (a 3% fee applies for transfers within the initial four months, then 5%). Then, it has a variable APR ranging from 19.24% to 29.24%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Welcome bonus: $200 cashback bonus after spending $1,500 within the first six months.
• Cashback percentage: Flat 2% on all purchases. Still, for a limited period, it also provides 5% cashback on eligible bookings (hotels, car rentals, and attractions) through Citi’s travel portal.
• Main partners: Mainly travel and retail partners like Amazon.

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U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card is a versatile cashback credit card that offers customizable rewards, so it is ideal for users who want to maximize their earnings in specific categories. 

• Interest rates: There is a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 19.49% to 29.74%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Welcome bonus: New members can earn a $250 bonus by spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.
• Cashback percentage: 5% on the first $2,000 spent each quarter across two selected categories, 2% in an everyday spending category, and 1% on all other purchases​.
• Main partners: As a Visa Signature card, it partners with Visa’s network and offers benefits through the Luxury Hotel Collection.

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U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card provides customizable rewards for frequent shoppers, allowing them to maximize cashback rewards at major retailers. 

• Interest rates:  0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.99%, depending on creditworthiness.
• Welcome bonus: New members can earn a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
• Cashback percentage: 5% on the first $2,000 spent each quarter across two selected categories, 2% in an everyday spending category, and 1% on all other purchases​.
• Main partners:  Big retailers such as Amazon, Target, Apple, Home Depot, etc.

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Ink Business Cash Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash Credit Card is ideal for small businesses who wish to maximize rewards on specific expenses related to their businesses while avoiding paying an annual fee.

• Interest rates: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months. After that period, there’s a variable APR ranging from 17.99% to 23.99% depending on creditworthiness​.
• Welcome bonus: New cardholders can get $750 cashback after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first three months​.
• Cashback percentage: 5% on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. 2% on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants. 5% on Lyft rides through March 2025 and 1% cashback on all other purchases.
• Main partners: Although this card partners with other businesses, Lyft is the main one.

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Target Circle Credit Card

The Target Circle Credit Card is a store card designed for Target shoppers, given that it provides discounts on nearly all purchases at Target stores and Target.com.

• Interest rates: Regular APR of 29.95%.
• Welcome bonus: Although they change frequently, a common example is saving $50 on a purchase.
• Cashback percentage: 2% on dining and gas purchases (Mastercard) and 1% on all other purchases outside of Target (Mastercard).
• Main partners: Even though the card is primarily associated with Target, additional rewards for dining and gas apply only to the Mastercard version.

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Choosing the right 5% cashback card

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What makes these cashback cards different?

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Get a card that matches your spending habits

As shown above, there are various cards on the market. However, to choose the one that best suits you, it is essential to analyze your spending habits. Given that different cards offer different benefits, choosing the card that matches your purchase patterns is key to getting more cashback rewards. Otherwise, you won’t get rewarded for the purchases you make daily. 

Future's debit card offers a great option for individuals looking to earn up to 6% cashback on their sustainable purchases from partners. Users can earn 5% cashback on purchases like their power and gas bills, public transportation, and electric vehicle services, with 1% cashback on all other purchases. With no earning limits, Future provides flexibility and value for regular spending. Plus, the app's reward system allows cardholders to redeem their points for cashback or other options, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking to maximize rewards without restrictions.

On the other hand, the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card is a strong option for someone who prioritizes broader spending categories like dining and travel. It offers 5% cashback on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

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Why wouldn’t you choose a cashback card?

High interests

There are times when high interest rates surpass the rewards, meaning that the interest can easily become an issue. For example, a card offering 2% cashback may not be beneficial if the interest is 24%. That’s why it is best to choose cards without APR or interest rates, such as Future’s debit card.

Annual fees vs. benefits 

Another reason why many wouldn’t choose cashback cards is annual fees, which can diminish the rewards’ value. In fact, some cards charge annual fees of about $95, but if you only make $100 in cashback, your net benefit would be minimal.

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Maximize cashback rewards

Combine several benefits

Some cashback cards provide several benefits combined apart from the cashback rewards, so it is a great idea to choose the ones that do this. For instance, Future features a points system called FutureMissions, which allows users to redeem points on everyday categories like EV charging.

Leverage signup bonuses

Many cards offer generous welcome offers or bonuses, so users can consider that information when choosing the right cashback card. 

Get 5% cashback and many other benefits with the FutureCard!

For anyone focused on maximizing savings, the FutureCard offers a unique and safe alternative to traditional credit cards. With up to 5% cashback on everyday purchases—like power and gas bills, public transportation, and electric vehicle services—and 1% on other expenses, Future’s debit card gives you the chance to earn rewards without worrying about high interest rates or accumulating debt. 

Unlike credit cards, Future allows you to avoid fees and earning caps, making it a smart choice for money-conscious individuals. The added security of a debit card, combined with a flexible rewards system, makes FutureCard the ideal way to make your spending work for you while keeping your finances safe and under control.

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Start using FutureCard now!