SAME SPENDING. MORE POSSIBILITY.
Compare cash-back cards using the way you actually spend.
TRY AN EXAMPLE
Estimated annual cash back
+$120 vs. a 1.5% cash-back card
5 cards tied at this estimate
Illustrative Everyday mix. Slider scales this spending mix. Assumes balances paid in full; bonuses and interest excluded. How we compare.
Fixed example shown. Enable JavaScript to try other amounts.
01 / YOUR EVERYDAY, OPTIMIZED
Start with an example. Make it yours.
Monthly estimates are all you need.
Illustrative profiles, not household averages.
These numbers never leave your browser.
8 cards compared · 1.5% baseline
Example: Everyday mix · change the amounts to make it yours.
Ongoing rewards on $24,000 in annual purchases. Assumes full payment with no interest. Bonuses, portal bookings, and extra benefits excluded. Fidelity’s 2% requires a deposit into an eligible funded Fidelity account. See assumptions.
5 cards share the highest estimate. Their display order is alphabetical.
$120 more than your 1.5% baseline
A useful flat-rate comparison when much of your spending falls outside bonus categories.
Source checked · Rates & details$120 more than your 1.5% baseline
Statement-credit redemption starts at one cent and does not require a separate PNC deposit account. It does not replace your minimum payment.
Source checked · Rates & details$120 more than your 1.5% baseline
The full 2% estimate assumes you pay the purchase balance with money, not rewards statement credits.
Source checked · Rates & details| Category | Annual spend | Calculation | Cash back |
|---|---|---|---|
| Groceries | $7,200.00 | $7,200.00 × 2% | $144.00 |
| Dining & takeout | $3,600.00 | $3,600.00 × 2% | $72.00 |
| Gas | $1,800.00 | $1,800.00 × 2% | $36.00 |
| Online retail | $2,400.00 | $2,400.00 × 2% | $48.00 |
| Drugstores | $600.00 | $600.00 × 2% | $12.00 |
| Entertainment & streaming | $1,200.00 | $1,200.00 × 2% | $24.00 |
| Everything else | $7,200.00 | $7,200.00 × 2% | $144.00 |
| After $0 annual fee | $480.00 | ||
Repeats this month over a full calendar year with unused caps. Amounts rounded by category to cents. Issuer rounding and posting dates may differ.
| Card | Annual return | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo Active Cash | $480.00 | 2% |
| PNC Cash Unlimited Visa Signature | $480.00 | 2% |
| Citi Double Cash | $480.00 | 2% |
| Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature | $480.00 | 2% |
| Capital One Savor Rewards | $480.00 | 2% |
| American Express Blue Cash Everyday | $444.00 | 1.85% |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | $423.00 | 1.76% |
| Capital One Quicksilver Rewards | $360.00 | 1.5% |
Identical dollar estimates are ties. Names are sorted alphabetically within ties; that order is not a preference.
Highest estimated cash back among our selected cards—not an assessment of credit eligibility or your complete financial situation. See coverage and source dates.
OUR APPROACH
Actual rates. Visible caps. No mystery score. Every estimate comes with the arithmetic behind it and links to the issuer’s terms.
Meet the methodology02 / A LITTLE KNOW-HOW
GOOD QUESTIONS
The few things worth knowing.
The calculator does not access your credit report or submit an application. Applying for a card on an issuer’s website is a separate action and may affect your credit.
No. The calculator compares 8 no-annual-fee U.S. cards. Our 18-profile catalog also includes additional cash-back, travel and retail rewards profiles outside these rankings. Neither covers every card, benefit or personalized offer.
No. This version has no affiliate commissions, sponsored placements, or advertising. Ranking follows the estimated annual cash-back amount.
This calculator excludes interest and assumes you pay in full. If you carry a balance, it is not a suitable way to compare borrowing costs. Look at the card’s actual APR and repayment costs before rewards.