Best 2% Cash Back Credit Cards for October 2024 [CNET]

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  The best flat-rate credit card

  Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

  4.4/5

  Rating Breakdown 4.4

  Welcome Bonus 4.0

  Rewards Program 5.0

  Value for Money 5.0

  Benefits 3.0

  Fees and APR 3.5

  Rewards / Travel

  We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

  Annual Fee $0

  Rewards Rate

  2% Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

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  Best for rewards flexibility

  Citi Double Cash® Card

  4.0/5

  Rating Breakdown 4.0

  Welcome Bonus 3.0

  Rewards Program 5.0

  Value for Money 5.0

  Benefits 2.0

  Fees and APR 3.5

  Rewards / Travel

  We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

  Annual Fee $0

  Rewards Rate

  1% – 5% Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.; Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.

  Intro offer available Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.

  Apply Now with Citi

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  Best for Apple users

  Apple Card

  2.7/5

  Rating Breakdown 2.7

  Welcome Bonus 1.0

  Rewards Program 4.0

  Value for Money 3.5

  Benefits 2.0

  Fees and APR 3.0

  Rewards / Travel

  We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

  Annual Fee $0

  Rewards Rate

  1% – 3% 3% cash back with Apple and select merchants when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay.; 2% cash back when you use Apple Pay.; 1% cash back when you use the titanium card or ⁠your virtual card number wherever ⁠⁠Mastercard is accepted.

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  Best for small businesses

  Capital One Spark Cash Plus

  2.8/5

  Rating Breakdown 2.8

  Welcome Bonus 2.0

  Rewards Program 3.0

  Value for Money 2.5

  Benefits 3.5

  Fees and APR 3.5

  Business

  We rate credit cards using our business methodology for cards tailored to business owners. We rank business cards based on earning power, the value you get weighed against the cost, the card benefits and their rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

  Annual Fee $150

  Rewards Rate

  2% – 5% Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of “Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You’ll Love.”