What credit card gives 5 back?

Unlock a 5% Cash Back Bonanza: Choosing the Right Card for You

Want to supercharge your rewards and earn serious cash back on your everyday spending? Look no further than credit cards offering a tantalizing 5% cash back. While not every card boasts a flat 5% on everything, several offer clever and strategic ways to achieve this lucrative rate on specific categories, making them a must-have for savvy spenders.

But navigating the landscape of 5% cash back cards can be tricky. Let’s dive into two top contenders that offer distinct advantages, helping you determine which one best aligns with your spending habits and financial goals: the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Citi Custom Cash® Card.

Chase Freedom Flex®: The Rotating Rewards Master

The Chase Freedom Flex® is a perennial favorite for a reason: its rotating bonus categories. Every quarter, Chase announces a new set of categories where you can earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending. These categories can range from gas stations and grocery stores to restaurants, streaming services, and even Amazon purchases.

Why it’s great:

• High potential rewards: Earn a substantial 5% on popular spending categories each quarter.
• Variety: The rotating categories keep things interesting and allow you to maximize rewards in different areas throughout the year.
• Other perks: The card also offers 1% back on all other purchases, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and 3% on dining and drugstores.

Things to consider:

• Activation required: You must manually activate the bonus categories each quarter to earn the 5% rate.
• Spending cap: The 5% rate is limited to the first $1,500 in combined spending per quarter.
• Category management: Requires you to track the bonus categories and adjust your spending habits accordingly.

Citi Custom Cash® Card: The Customizable Spending Champion

If you prefer a more predictable and personalized rewards structure, the Citi Custom Cash® Card is a compelling alternative. This card automatically rewards you with 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle, up to $500 spent.

Why it’s great:

• Simplicity: No need to activate categories or track quarterly rotations.
• Automatic rewards: Earn 5% on the category where you naturally spend the most.
• Flexibility: The top spending category can change from month to month, adapting to your evolving needs.

Things to consider:

• Spending cap: The 5% rate is limited to the first $500 spent in the top category per billing cycle.
• Category limitations: Eligible categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment, and travel.
• Not ideal for diverse spending: If your spending is spread evenly across multiple categories, you might not maximize the benefits of this card.

The Verdict: Which Card is Right for You?

The best 5% cash back card depends entirely on your individual spending patterns.

• Choose the Chase Freedom Flex® if: You enjoy strategizing your spending to take advantage of rotating bonus categories and are comfortable activating those categories each quarter. This card is ideal for those with varied spending habits and who are willing to put in a little effort to maximize rewards.

• Choose the Citi Custom Cash® Card if: You prefer a more hands-off approach and consistently spend a significant amount in one of the eligible categories each month. This card is perfect for those who want a simple and automatic way to earn 5% cash back without the hassle of tracking rotating categories.

Ultimately, both the Chase Freedom Flex® and the Citi Custom Cash® Card offer powerful ways to boost your cash back rewards. By carefully considering your spending habits and preferences, you can choose the card that best helps you unlock a 5% cash back bonanza and reap the financial benefits. Don’t hesitate to analyze your past spending to identify your dominant categories and make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals. Happy earning!