The key here is flexibility. With these cards, you can earn cash back or have the flexibility of travel rewards down the line. This means you don’t have to choose cash back vs. travel. You are able to do BOTH!
Cards with the Option for Travel or Cash
Many cards earn points that are easily redeemed for cash where one point equals one cent. Chase points and the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offer the highest cash back option (100%) compared to any other program.
The cards listed below offer points that are more valuable when used towards travel, but also offer great cash back options as well. In order to understand how valuable each of the below offers is, convert the number of points to cash back, in your head by following this pattern (drop the last two zeros and add a dollar sign):
- 25,000 points = $250
- 50,000 points = $500
- 60,000 points = $600
- 80,000 points = $800
- 100,000 points = $1,000
If you prefer to learn more about the travel options, check out our Chase Ultimate Rewards Guide at our sister site, Travel Freely, for a full understanding.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Read our Complete Guide on the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
🔥 Best Offer This Year! Our #1 personal card that we recommend most often. Hands down the single best "starter card" for beginners and MVP card for overall value and flexibility. For those looking for cash back, 100,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points can redeemed for $1,000 cash back.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Last Chance! Offer ends 5/1/25 at 9am EST. With this card, you typically earn 3x on dining (including takeout and select delivery services); 3x on drugstores; 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; and 1.5x on everything else.
Chase Freedom Flex℠
A very strong card that is super flexible for cash back or free travel. Lots of good spending categories and the ability to move points to a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards® card makes this a great card to have.
How to Get Cash Back on the Chase Travel℠ Portal
Best Pure Cash Back Cards
Here’s a list of our “Best Cash Back Credit Card Offers” to guide you through choosing the best cash back cards with bonuses, rewards from spending, and cash back shopping.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Pros
- Can earn ThankYou points
- Great for carrying a balance
- Known to be an easy approval
- No annual fee
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Last Chance! Offer ends 5/1/25 at 9am EST. With this card, you typically earn 3x on dining (including takeout and select delivery services); 3x on drugstores; 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; and 1.5x on everything else.
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
In addition to the welcome offer you receive after meeting the minimum spend requirement, you'll also receive 10% back as a statement credit on purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of card membership (up to $150 back). Definitely worth considering if you're looking for a cash-back card, as you'll earn 3% cash back on several categories. Cash back is received in the form of reward dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. Terms apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Best Pure Cash Back Business Cards
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Chase Ink Business Cash
This card is a top pick for cash back lovers and travelers. We have a complete guide for you to learn more about this card.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited
A no-brainer, great business card with a great bonus, and great for carrying a balance. Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
American Express Blue Business Cash Card
Best Balance Transfer Cards
Maximize Rewards in Shopping Portals
Read our full article on maximizing rewards and cash back in shopping portals. Here’s a quick summary on maximizing rewards with online shopping: Check out CashbackMonitor.com; Join Rakuten and get an easy $10; Join your favorite airline’s shopping portal; and, Maximize your spending by getting a new credit card with a big sign-up bonus.
Final Thoughts
Getting into the habit of earning flexible rewards can be a great way to save money and earn points for when you’re ready to travel. Make sure you check out each of these offers, earn the points you need, and get ready to execute a very good points strategy. You can be traveling to your dream destination soon!
