Glossary

Cash back

Cash back is a credit card reward paid as a percentage of what you spend, flat (such as 2% on everything) or tiered by category, redeemed as a statement credit, deposit or check.

It only pays if you avoid interest: a 2% reward disappears quickly against a 20%+ APR on a carried balance.

Work it out

Credit Card Payoff Calculator

Where you’ll see it on RateHerald

Cash back credit cards148cardsMost cash back on everything else first. First today: Wells Fargo Cash Back Credit Card, 2% on everything else.

Related terms

Sign-up bonusA reward, in points, miles or cash back, that a credit card pays new cardholders who spend a set amount within the first few months.
Annual feeA yearly charge some credit cards bill for having the card, from under $100 to over $600 on premium travel cards; many cards have none.

Sources: CFPB: Credit card key terms