Cashback match credit cards are a great way for you and me to earn extra money on our everyday spending. These cards give us cash back on things like gas, dining, travel, and shopping. At the end of the first year, some cards even double the cash back we’ve earned, which means more savings for us.
Here are five top cashback match credit cards use the link to get most of these in 2025:
- Best Overall Cashback match: Discover it® Cash Back – 5% cash back in rotating categories (activation required), 1% on all other purchases.
- Best For Gas & Fuels: Discover it® Chrome – 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases.
- Best For Travel & Miles: Discover it® Miles – Unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent.
- Best For Dining & Restaurants: Discover it® Student Cash Back – 5% cash back in rotating categories (activation required), 1% on all other purchases.
- Best for Everyday Purchase: Discover it® Student Chrome – 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 per quarter), 1% on all other purchases.
Cashback match means that at the end of your first year, the card issuer matches all the cash back you’ve earned, effectively doubling your rewards. Currently, Discover is a major bank offering this feature.
In this article, we’ll explore these cashback match credit cards in detail, discuss their benefits, and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Top 5 Cashback Match Credit Cards in 2025
Here are five great cashback match credit cards to consider in 2025:
Best Overall Cashback Match Card: Discover it® Cash Back
- Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating categories each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum, when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Cashback Match: At the end of your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned, doubling your rewards.
Best for Gas & Fuel Purchases: Discover it® Chrome
- Rewards: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Cashback Match: Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Best for Travel & Miles: Discover it® Miles
- Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every dollar spent on all purchases.
- Miles Match: Discover will match all the miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year, effectively doubling your miles.
Best for Dining & Restaurants: Discover it® Student Cash Back
- Rewards: With Discover promotions, earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases in rotating categories each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum, when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Cashback Match: Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
Best for Everyday Purchases & Groceries: Discover it® Student Chrome
- Rewards: Earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- 5% Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back at grocery stores during specific quarters, up to the quarterly maximum, when you activate.
- Cashback Match: Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.
How Do I Earn a Cashback Match?
To earn a cashback match:
- Use Your Card: Make purchases with your Discover cashback match credit cards.
- Earn Cash Back: Accumulate cash back based on your card’s rewards structure.
- Automatic Match: At the end of your first year, Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned, doubling your rewards.
- Additionally, using the best rewards credit cards no annual fee helps you save money and build a good credit score while earning cashback, points, or travel rewards.
How to Redeem Your Cashback Rewards
Redeeming rewards from cashback match credit cards is easy and flexible. You can choose from multiple options based on your needs. Most credit card issuers allow you to redeem your cashback in the following ways:
- Cash: Redeem your Cashback Bonus®—any amount, any time.
- Pay with Cashback Bonus®: Use your rewards at Amazon.com checkout and with PayPal.
- Gift Cards: Get gift cards starting at only $5. Plus, get an added bonus on every card!
- Charity: Make a difference and donate to a charitable cause.
- 90,000 Membership Rewards points: Earn with an Amex Gold Card, using the referral link which can be used for travel, shopping, or other rewards.
Benefits of Cashback Match Credit Cards
There are several advantages of using cashback match credit cards some of them are as follows.
- No Annual Fee: Most cashback match cards, like Discover’s, do not charge an annual fee, helping you save money.
- Unlimited Cashback Match: At the end of your first year, all your earned cash back is matched, effectively doubling your rewards.
- Flexible Redemption Options: You can redeem rewards as cash, statement credits, gift cards, or even donations to charity.
- 0% Intro APR: Many cards offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers, helping you save on interest.
- No Expiration on Rewards: Cashback rewards never expire, allowing you to accumulate and redeem them anytime.
- Security Features: Fraud protection, account alerts, and card-freezing options ensure your account remains safe.
How to Choose the Best Cashback Match Credit Card
Selecting the right cashback match credit cards depends on your spending habits and financial goals. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Spending Categories
- If you frequently spend on groceries and gas, look for a card that offers higher cash back in those categories.
- If you prefer travel rewards, a miles-based cashback match card, like the Discover it® Miles, is a better option.
- If you want flat-rate rewards, choose a card that offers unlimited cash back on all purchases.
2. Cashback Match Feature
- Ensure the card offers a first-year cashback match, doubling your rewards without additional effort.
- Some cards may have limits on the match, so check the terms before applying.
3. Additional Perks
- 0% Intro APR: Helps if you plan to carry a balance for a few months.
- No Annual Fees: Avoid cards with fees unless the rewards outweigh the cost.
- Security & Convenience: Features like mobile app tracking, account alerts, and fraud protection add value.
How to Maximize Cashback Match Rewards
To get the most out of your cashback match credit cards, follow these tips:
1. Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases
- Pay for groceries, gas, dining, and online shopping with your cashback card to earn maximum rewards.
2. Activate Rotating Bonus Categories
- Some cards offer 5% cash back in specific categories that change every quarter. Be sure to activate these categories to earn higher rewards.
3. Pay Your Balance in Full
- Avoid interest charges by paying off your statement balance each month.
4. Combine Cashback with Other Discounts
- Use cashback cards along with store discounts, coupons, and cashback apps for extra savings.
5. Plan Large Purchases in Your First Year
- Since cashback is matched at the end of the first year, consider making big purchases during this period to maximize your rewards.
Conclusion
Cashback match credit cards are a smart way to earn extra rewards on your everyday purchases. The key benefits include double cashback in the first year, no annual fees, and flexible redemption options. By choosing the right card, activating bonus categories, and paying your balance in full, you can maximize your rewards and save more money.
If you’re looking for the best overall cashback match card, the Discover it® Cash Back is an excellent choice with 5% rotating cashback categories and unlimited cashback matching in the first year.
FAQs
How does cashback match work?
At the end of your first year, some credit card issuers, like Discover, will match all the cash back you’ve earned—doubling your rewards automatically.
Are cashback match cards worth it?
Yes! If you use your card for everyday spending and pay your balance in full, you can earn double rewards without any additional cost.
What is the best cashback match credit card for beginners?
The Discover it® Cash Back is a great option for beginners, as it has no annual fee, rotating 5% cashback categories, and an easy-to-use rewards system.
Can I get a cashback match card with bad credit?
Most cashback match cards require good to excellent credit. If you have bad credit, consider a secured credit card to build your score before applying.