Article
Top 10 Best Debit Cards with Rewards & Cash Back in 2026
Discover the best debit cards of 2026 offering cash back, rewards points, and premium benefits. Compare top cards with no fees, ATM access, and competitive perks.
Debit cards have evolved beyond simple account access to offer rewards, cashback, and benefits that rival credit cards—without the risk of debt. Whether you want cash back on everyday purchases, high interest on your balance, or premium perks, the best debit cards of 2026 deliver value while helping you spend within your means.
Our team evaluated dozens of debit cards from traditional banks, online banks, and fintech companies to find options offering the best combination of rewards, low fees, and convenient features. Here are the 10 best debit cards for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Best For | Cashback | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. PayPal Debit Card | Best Overall Cash Back | 5% on categories | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Discover Cashback Debit | Best for Consistent Rewards | 1% on all purchases | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. FutureCard Visa Debit Card | Best for Groceries & EV Charging | 5-10% on categories | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. American Express Rewards Checking Debit | Best for Amex Enthusiasts | 1 point per $2 spent | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. LendingClub LevelUp Checking | Best for Everyday Categories | 1% on gas, groceries, pharmacies | ★4.6/5 |
| 6. Axos Bank CashBack Checking | Best for High Balances | Up to 1% on purchases | ★4.5/5 |
| 7. Bluevine Business Debit Card | Best for Small Business | Up to 4% on categories | ★4.5/5 |
| 8. Regions Now Card | Best Regional Option | 1% cashback on purchases | ★4.4/5 |
| 9. NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card | Best for No Credit Check | 5% savings on balances | ★4.3/5 |
| 10. Chime Credit Builder Visa | Best for Building Credit | No cashback | ★4.2/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
PayPal Debit Card
The PayPal Debit Card leads the pack with an impressive 5% cash back in your choice category each month—restaurants, apparel, groceries, fuel, or rideshares. With no fees and a $50 monthly earning potential, it rivals premium credit cards.
Pros
- ✓5% cash back on monthly choice category
- ✓No monthly maintenance fees
- ✓No minimum balance requirements
- ✓Works with existing PayPal account
- ✓Free ATM access at MoneyPass locations
Cons
- ✗5% limited to $1,000 monthly spending
- ✗Must select category each month
- ✗Requires PayPal account
Discover Cashback Debit
Discover's Cashback Debit offers straightforward 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in qualifying purchases monthly, earning you up to $30. With zero fees, extensive ATM access, and free credit monitoring, it's a reliable all-around choice.
Pros
- ✓1% cash back on all debit purchases
- ✓No monthly fees or minimums
- ✓60,000+ fee-free ATMs nationwide
- ✓Free FICO credit score access
- ✓24/7 U.S.-based customer service
Cons
- ✗Rewards capped at $3,000 monthly
- ✗No interest on checking balance
- ✗Lower rate than category-based cards
FutureCard Visa Debit Card
FutureCard targets environmentally conscious consumers with exceptional rewards: 10% back at EV charging stations and 5% on groceries for FuturePass members. The unlimited 1% base rate makes it competitive even without the premium tier.
Pros
- ✓Up to 10% back on EV charging with FuturePass
- ✓5% back on groceries with FuturePass
- ✓Unlimited 1% on everything else
- ✓Sustainability-focused rewards
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- ✗FuturePass costs $8.95/month for top rates
- ✗Limited merchant acceptance vs. major banks
- ✗Newer card with smaller network
American Express Rewards Checking Debit
American Express Rewards Checking extends the Membership Rewards program to debit purchases, earning 1 point per $2 spent with no cap. Combined with 1.00% APY and the ability to transfer points to airline partners, it's ideal for Amex loyalists.
Pros
- ✓Earn Amex Membership Rewards points
- ✓1.00% APY on checking balance
- ✓No cap on rewards earning
- ✓No monthly fees or minimums
- ✓Points transferable to partners
Cons
- ✗Earn rate is 1 point per $2 (0.5 per dollar)
- ✗Smaller ATM network
- ✗Best for existing Amex ecosystem users
LendingClub LevelUp Checking
LendingClub LevelUp targets everyday spending with unlimited 1% cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. The unlimited ATM fee reimbursements and 1% APY option add extra value beyond the rewards.
Pros
- ✓Unlimited 1% at gas, groceries, pharmacies
- ✓1% APY on balances over $2,500
- ✓No monthly fees or overdraft charges
- ✓Unlimited ATM fee reimbursements
- ✓No cap on cashback earnings
Cons
- ✗Lower rewards rate than top competitors
- ✗Smaller ATM network
- ✗Interest requires $2,500+ balance
Axos Bank CashBack Checking
Axos CashBack Checking rewards customers who maintain higher balances with up to 1% cash back on purchases and up to 3.30% APY. The unlimited ATM reimbursements nationwide make it convenient for those who frequently need cash.
Pros
- ✓Up to 1% cashback on signature purchases
- ✓Up to 3.30% APY on checking balance
- ✓Unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements
- ✓No monthly maintenance fees
- ✓No cap on cashback
Cons
- ✗Need $1,500 average daily balance for full 1%
- ✗Lower cashback without high balance
- ✗Online-only bank
Bluevine Business Debit Card
Bluevine's Business Debit Card offers exceptional rewards for small business owners, with up to 4% cash back on common business expenses like fuel and dining, plus up to 20% on select business services like advertising and shipping.
Pros
- ✓Up to 4% back on fuel, hotels, dining
- ✓Up to 20% back on select business services
- ✓Up to 3% APY on checking balance
- ✓No monthly fees or minimums
- ✓Built for small business needs
Cons
- ✗Business account only
- ✗Highest rewards require paid plan
- ✗Category limits apply
Regions Now Card
The Regions Now Card earns unlimited 1% cash back on purchases and waives its $5 monthly fee with just seven transactions per month. Best for those in Regions' Southeastern service area who want simple, consistent rewards.
Pros
- ✓Unlimited 1% cashback on purchases
- ✓Fee waived with 7+ monthly transactions
- ✓No minimum load requirement
- ✓Free card-to-card transfers
- ✓Mobile check deposit available
Cons
- ✗$5 monthly fee without waiver
- ✗Limited to Regions footprint
- ✗$3 foreign transaction fee
NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card
NetSpend Visa Prepaid offers accessible banking with no credit check and the option to earn 5% APY on savings balances up to $1,000. While not offering traditional cashback, the high savings rate and fee waiver with direct deposit provide value.
Pros
- ✓5% APY on savings up to $1,000
- ✓No credit check required
- ✓Fee waived with direct deposit
- ✓130,000+ reload locations
- ✓Flexible overdraft options
Cons
- ✗Not true cashback—savings interest only
- ✗$9.95 monthly fee without direct deposit
- ✗Limited premium features
Chime Credit Builder Visa
While Chime's Credit Builder doesn't offer cashback, it uniquely helps build credit using debit-like transactions secured by your checking account. Perfect for those prioritizing credit improvement over rewards, with no fees or interest charges.
Pros
- ✓Helps build credit with debit purchases
- ✓No annual fees or interest
- ✓No credit check to join
- ✓60,000+ fee-free ATMs
- ✓Early direct deposit available
Cons
- ✗No cashback rewards
- ✗Must have Chime checking account
- ✗Credit building requires Credit Builder card
How We Evaluate Debit Cards
Our expert team uses comprehensive criteria to identify the best debit cards. Here’s our evaluation methodology:
Rewards and Cashback
We analyze earning potential:
- Cashback rates: Percentage back on purchases
- Category bonuses: Higher rates on specific spending
- Reward caps: Maximum monthly or annual earnings
- Point valuations: Real value of rewards programs
- Redemption flexibility: How easily you can use rewards
Fee Structure
We calculate total costs:
- Monthly maintenance fees and waiver conditions
- ATM fees and reimbursement policies
- Overdraft and NSF charges
- Foreign transaction fees
- Replacement card costs
Account Features
We evaluate banking conveniences:
- Interest rates on checking balances
- Mobile app quality and features
- Bill pay and money management tools
- Early direct deposit availability
- Purchase protections and fraud coverage
ATM Access and Convenience
We assess accessibility:
- Size of fee-free ATM network
- ATM fee reimbursement programs
- Cash deposit availability
- Branch access if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Can debit cards really compete with credit card rewards?
The best debit cards now offer rewards comparable to mid-tier credit cards, with rates of 1-5% cashback. While top-tier credit cards may offer better rewards, debit cards eliminate the risk of debt and interest charges.
Are debit card rewards taxable?
Generally, no. Debit card cashback is typically considered a rebate or discount on purchases rather than income, so it’s not taxable. This differs from bank account bonuses, which are taxable.
Do debit cards have purchase protection?
Many premium debit cards offer purchase protection, extended warranties, and fraud protection similar to credit cards. However, debit cards provide less legal protection for fraudulent charges than credit cards under federal law.
What’s the difference between debit card cashback and rewards points?
Cashback is straightforward—you earn a percentage back in dollars. Rewards points require redemption through the bank’s program and may offer different values depending on how you redeem them, similar to credit card points.
Will using a rewards debit card affect my credit score?
No, debit card activity doesn’t appear on credit reports and won’t affect your credit score. The exception is Chime’s Credit Builder card, which specifically reports to credit bureaus to help build credit.
How do banks afford to give debit card rewards?
Banks earn interchange fees from merchants every time you use your debit card (typically 1-2% of the transaction). They share a portion of this revenue with you as cashback or rewards.
Should I use debit or credit cards for rewards?
It depends on your financial habits. Credit cards typically offer better rewards and protections, but debit cards help you avoid debt and overspending. Many people use both strategically—credit for large purchases and better protection, debit for budgeting control.
Can I have multiple rewards debit cards?
Yes, you can open multiple checking accounts with different rewards debit cards. This strategy lets you maximize rewards across categories—using one card for groceries, another for gas, etc.