Best Cash Back Cards for Car Rentals
Cash back cards ranked by effective return rate on car rentals purchases.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at car-rentals.com. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card
Elan Financial
- +2% cash back on everything
- +No annual fee
Citi Double Cash Card
Citi
- +2% cash back on everything
- +$200 cash back bonus (~$200 value)
- +No annual fee
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Wells Fargo
- +2% cash back on everything
- +My Wells Fargo Deals
- +$100 cash back bonus (~$100 value)
Compare the Top Picks
Quick Comparison
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Applicable Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Est. Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature CardElan Financial | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | $25 | visa |
| Citi Double Cash CardCiti | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash CardWells Fargo | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| SoFi Unlimited 2%SoFi | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®Synchrony | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | mastercard |
| TD Double Up Credit CardTD Bank | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| U.S. Bank Smartly Visa Signature CardU.S. Bank | 2% cash back All Other | 2.0¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Chase Freedom Rise® Credit CardChase | 1.5% cash back All Other | 1.5¢/$ | $0 | $20 | visa |
| Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards SecuredBank of America | 1.5% cash back All Other | 1.5¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
| Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit CardBank of America | 1.5% cash back All Other | 1.5¢/$ | $0 | — | visa |
More Options
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Open in full search with filters →Guides for this category
- Cash BackFlat-rate cash back versus category bonuses: a household spending comparisonA 3%/1% card beats a flat 2% card only when half your spending lands in its categories. Three households, the break-even formula, and how caps change it.
- Cash BackHow to choose a cash back card from your actual spendingA 3% card can earn less than a 2% card. Compare annual cash back on your real spending, apply caps and merchant rules, then subtract fees.
- Cash BackGrocery card rewards: supermarkets, superstores, and warehouse exclusionsGrocery bonuses follow the merchant, not the food. How supermarket, superstore, warehouse, and online grocery rules change what your card actually earns.