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Can You Get Cash Back With a Credit Card?

3 min read

Last Updated: March 18, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

Many credit cards offer cash back rewards on eligible purchases you make with their card.
Cash back cards provide rewards based on percentages of purchases and/or certain spending categories.
Some cash back rewards cards offer a welcome bonus in the form of additional rewards.

The saying goes, “There’s no such thing as free money.” But what if there was a way to get extra cash? With a cash back rewards card, you can get money back from your credit card issuer just for using your card on the things you already buy.

If you want cash back on a credit card purchase, you’ll need a card with cash back rewards. These days, many credit cards offer rewards programs, but the amount you can get back typically depends on the credit card company and the types of rewards cards offered.

Choose a cash back rewards card

What’s the best credit card for you? Start by choosing a credit card that offers cash back rewards instead of miles or points. The Discover it^® Cash Back Credit Card, for example, lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

When you’re thinking about credit card cash back, compare any additional credit card incentives too, because these may come with the potential to earn additional bonus cash.

With Discover Cashback Match, we’ll automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned on your credit card at the end of your first year. There is no limit to how much we’ll match.²

See If You’re Pre-Approved

Charge purchases that earn cash back rewards to your credit card

Some credit cards offer the same flat-rate cash back percentage, such as 1%, on all qualifying purchases. Other cash back credit cards offer a higher percentage of cash back on popular spending categories. As an example, you might earn a higher percentage of cash back when you buy gas or eat out at a restaurant, and a lower percentage of cash back on all your other purchases.

Then there are cash back cards that allow cardholders to earn even greater rewards in bonus categories. For example, the Discover it^® Cash Back Card lets you earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

Can you get cash back from a credit card through categories that don’t match your day-to-day spending habits? Of course. But if you want to earn as much extra cash as possible, try to pick a rewards credit card that offers its highest level of rewards for your everyday spending.

Note that most credit card companies won’t include cash advance or balance transfer transactions in their cash back rewards programs. Check your terms and conditions before applying for a card to see details of how the rewards program works.

Redeem your cash back rewards

How do you redeem cash back rewards? Many credit card issuers allow you to redeem rewards for statement credits, gift cards to eligible retailers, online purchases, and more. When you’re ready to redeem cash back from your credit card, simply log into your online account or credit card app and follow the instructions to redeem your cash back rewards.

Did you know?

Discover offers several ways to redeem cash back rewards, including redeeming for cash, a statement credit, a gift card to participating merchants, or even a charitable donation. Plus, your Discover cash back rewards never expire—and you can redeem any amount, any time.³

Can you get cash back with a credit card? You bet. Choosing the right cash back rewards program for you can help maximize the potential of your rewards credit card. Understanding the terms of the cash rewards card and your own spending habits can help you make the best decision for using your new credit card rewards.

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