How we choose, rate and update the cards, cash back sites and apps on Cash Back Specialist.
Cash back credit cards
We score each card out of 5 on the factors below, weighted for a typical household that pays its balance in full each month.
| Factor | Weight | What we look at |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards rate on everyday spending | 40% | Rate on all purchases and in common categories (groceries, gas, dining, online), and any caps |
| Fees | 20% | Annual fee, foreign transaction fee, balance transfer fee |
| Ease of earning and redeeming | 15% | Activation, category tracking, redemption minimums, whether rewards expire |
| Welcome offer and intro APR | 15% | Size of the bonus versus the spending required; length of any 0% intro period |
| Extra benefits | 10% | Purchase protection, merchant offer programs, other perks |
Ratings will be published on review pages once each card has been scored by two editors. Until then, our pages compare verified terms side by side.
Cash back sites and apps
We compare rates on a fixed basket of popular stores, payout methods and minimums, how fast cash back confirms, referral terms, and how easy it is to get help with missing cash back.
How we verify facts
- An editor reads the issuer’s or company’s own page and records each rate, fee, bonus and APR with the date checked.
- Figures we can’t confirm on an official page are marked as not verified, never estimated.
- Card pages are re-checked at least monthly, and month-dated titles are only used after a re-check.
- We correct errors quickly. Spot one? Tell us.
Editorial independence
Partners never see or approve our content before publication, and compensation never affects scores. See how we make money.
All pages currently on the site were checked on Oct 29, 2026.