Introduction
A 2% catch-all credit card is a card that provides an across-the-board 2% cashback (or similar reward points) on all purchases regardless of what you’re purchasing. In contrast to cards with enhanced rewards in targeted categories (i.e., grocery, dining, gas), a 2% catch-all card is best suited for those wanting a hassle-free means of gaining steady rewards for every purchase.
Credit cards are no longer merely a method of payment, they are an effective way of earning rewards, saving money, and organizing your spending better in today’s economic environment.
For example, whether you’re purchasing groceries, booking travel, or dining out, these cards give you predictable rewards without asking you to monitor spending categories or turn on rotating offers.
The most important characteristic of such cards is simplicity. You don’t have to keep rotating categories in mind, monitor your expenses, or opt-in for bonus rewards. Regardless of whether you shop online, dine out, or buy a subscription, you get the same 2% back.
This approach is attractive due to identical returns everywhere making 2% catch-all cards a great deal for those preferring ease of use without compromising rewards.
Why Go for a 2% Catch-All Credit Card?
The following are the reasons to choose 2% catch-all credit cards:
Ease and Flexibility
The greatest benefit of a 2% catch-all credit card is ease. You don’t need to worry about comprehending convoluted reward schemes or tracking certain categories with these cards. It’s easy, no-frills earning rewards.
Stable Rewards
Most cards pay bonus cash back on certain categories, like groceries, travel, or dining. But these are usually things that you have to remember and switch on and off. With a 2% card, each purchase is rewarded equally.
Best for Day-to-Day Spending
If you’re a big spender across various categories, a 2% catch-all card is ideal. Whether you’re buying coffee, gas, or even utility bills, you’ll get steady cashback on all of them.
No Need to Track Categories
For people who don’t care to take the time to monitor rotating categories or special deals, a 2% credit card is perfect. It’s simple and doesn’t make you have to bother with maximizing your spending.
Best 2% Catch-All Credit Cards in 2025
Below are some of the best 2% catch-all cash-back credit cards you should look out for in 2025. The cards offer flat-rate 2% cashback on every purchase and are accompanied by other features to meet various needs.
1. Citi® Double Cash Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback Offer | 2% on every purchase (1% when you buy + 1% when you pay). |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 19.74% – 29.74% variable |
Pros & Cons Citi® Double Cash
Pros:
- 2% cash back with no limits on all purchases.
- No rotating categories to keep track of.
- One of the simplest cashback cards out there.
Cons:
- High interest rate if you carry a balance.
- No sign-up bonus or introductory APR promotion.
2. PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback Offer | 2% on all purchases. |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 27.24% variable |
Pros & Cons PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Pros:
- Earns 2% cashback on all purchases.
- Direct deposit into your PayPal account.
- Simple integration with PayPal.
Cons:
- High APR if you carry a balance.
- Few additional perks.
3. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback Offer | 2% on purchases. |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 19.99% – 28.99% variable |
Pros & Cons Wells Fargo Active Cash®
Pros:
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
- $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months.
Cons:
- High APR for carrying a balance.
4. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback Offer | 2% on eligible purchases (U.S. supermarkets and select U.S. department stores). |
| Annual Fee | $95 |
| APR | 19.24% – 27.24% variable |
Pros & Cons Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Pros:
- 2% cash back on as much as $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets.
- 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- Sign-up bonus is offered.
Cons:
- Higher APR on balances.
5. Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cashback Offer | 2% back on all purchases. |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 18.24% – 25.24% variable |
Pros & Cons Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature®
Pros:
- 2% cash back on all purchases.
- Rewards are credited directly to a Fidelity investment account.
Cons:
- Rewards can only be credited to a Fidelity account.
- Higher APR for balance carries.
The Pros and Cons of 2% Catch-All Credit Cards
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to Use: No need to remember rotating categories or track purchases. | High APR: Some cards come with high interest rates, so carrying a balance can diminish rewards. |
| Flat-Rate Rewards: Get a consistent 2% back on every purchase. | Limited Sign-Up Bonuses: Compared to other cards, many 2% cards offer fewer bonuses or introductory offers. |
| Ideal for Everyday Spenders: Great for individuals who make purchases across multiple categories. | Not for Big Category-Specific Spenders: If you spend a lot in categories like groceries or dining, some specialized cards may offer better rewards. |
How to Get a 2% Catch-All Credit Card
Getting a 2% catch-all credit card is easy:
Good to excellent credit (usually 690 or better) is usually needed for most 2% catch-all cards.
Compare cards, considering their benefits, fees, and rewards.
Fill Out the Application: Apply online through the card issuer’s website, using personal and financial information.
Once approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail and can begin using it immediately.
How to Choose the Best 2% Catch-All Credit Card for Your Lifestyle
Not all 2% catch-all credit cards are created equal. While they may offer similar cashback percentages, other factors should influence your decision when choosing the right one.
Here’s how to pick the best card for your needs:
Consider the Annual Fee
While most 2% cards have no fee, others assess an annual fee in return for extra perks such as bonus rewards cash back or premium features. Compare the value of the fee to the amount of rewards you anticipate earning.
Interest Rates (APR)
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) comes into play if you expect to carry a balance on your card. If the APR is high, it can wipe out the benefit of your rewards, so if you tend to carry a balance now and again, shop around for a low-interest card.
Foreign Transaction Fees
Some cards have fees for transactions abroad. If you travel abroad frequently, a no-foreign transaction fee card would be the best pick.
Introductory Offers
Most cards provide 0% APR for some introductory period or a cashback reward for new clients. The promotions provide additional value during the initial few months of membership.
Customer Support and Other Features
Seek credit cards with good customer service, solid mobile apps, and extra perks such as fraud protection, travel insurance, or longer warranties.
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Beyond the 2% cash back on all purchases, certain cards include additional benefits such as travel protections, purchase protections, and extended warranties. These will carry considerable value if you travel frequently or are in the habit of making big-ticket purchases.
Select a Card That Has a Reward Redemption Option That Is Right for You
If you like to redeem your rewards for travel or goods, a points card could be more your style. But if you like simple cashback that you can use however you want, a 2% cashback card could be your best option.
How 2% Catch-All Cards are Better Against Category-Specific Credit Cards
Although 2% catch-all cards are enticing due to their ease, they are not the sole means of earning rewards. Category-specific credit cards provide better rewards on select purchases, like dining, gas, or groceries.
Advantages of Category-Specific Cards
- More Rewards in Certain Categories: Cards such as the Chase Freedom Flex® or American Express® Gold Card provide up to 5% cash back in certain categories such as groceries, dining, or travel.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Most category-specific cards provide big sign-up bonuses, which can be a wonderful means of acquiring additional rewards immediately.
Disadvantages of Category-Specific Cards
- Limited Earning Potential: Your reward rate is linked to certain categories, which can’t always match all of your spending.
- Tracking Required: Certain cards need you to turn categories on each quarter, which is in your way. Although 2% catch-all cards won’t provide the same top rewards in certain categories, they are much more versatile and convenient.
How 2% Catch-All Cards Affect Your Credit Score
Responsible use of a 2% catch-all card can help establish your credit score. Credit cards play a significant role in your credit history, and good use of a 2% card can assist:
- Max out your credit utilization ratio (by keeping it low) and raise your credit score.
- Establish your payment history (by making timely payments), which is one of the most significant factors in calculating your credit score.
- Assist with the age of your credit history, which also has a positive effect on your score.
- It is important to remember that carrying a balance on your card can lead to high-interest charges and affect your credit utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score.
Are 2% Catch-All Cards Worth It for Travelers?
- While 2% catch-all cards are great for everyday spending, they may not be ideal for travelers. For frequent travelers, travel cards tend to offer extra points or miles on travel charges, such as flights, hotels, and rental cars.
- But some of the top 2% cashback cards, can still be valuable to travelers by providing rewards that can be redeemed for travel (as statement credits or transferred to travel partners).
- Some 2% cards also provide travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and lost baggage reimbursement, which might be valuable to frequent flyers.
The Future of Catch-all Credit Card Rewards: Trends to Watch
Credit card rewards change continuously, and it’s always best to remain informed on current trends.
Some of the future trends include:
Credit card issuers are heading in the direction of more flexible redemption options, such as being able to transfer points to airline and hotel partners.
As digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay gain traction, look for increasing rewards integration within these platforms.
With the growth of eco-friendly consumers, certain credit cards are starting to provide rewards for green purchases, or even plant trees for each purchase.
Best Uses of Your 2% Rewards in Everyday Life
Lastly, here are some pointers to maximize your 2% cashback credit card:
- Use it on Ongoing Expenses: Whether it’s on groceries, online purchases, or restaurants, apply your card to all of them.
- Auto-pay Bills: Auto-pay bills on regular expenses such as utility bills, subscriptions, or gym memberships to earn cash back without even remembering.
- Keep Your Balance Low: Don’t overspend to keep your credit utilization ratio low and your rewards from being negated by interest charges.
- Combine with Other Rewards: If you have another rewards card, use it for categories that have greater than 2% (such as dining or groceries).
Key Tips to Maximize Your Rewards with a 2% Catch- all Card
Although earning 2% on every purchase is already a decent bargain, there are a few strategies to enhance the value of your cashback rewards.
| Pay Your Balance in Full Every Month | Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses | Use Your Card for Large Purchases |
|---|---|---|
| In order to make sure you retain 100% of your rewards, do not carry a balance. The interest charges can negate the benefit of your 2% cashback, so always pay off your balance in full each month. | Several 2% cards have sign-up bonuses for new cardholders. If you’re eligible, this may be an added value in the first several months when you use the card. For instance, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first 3 months. | To earn the most rewards, use your 2% card for larger purchases where possible. Whether it’s home improvements, travel, or electronics, you’ll get 2% back on every dollar spent. |
Conclusion
A 2% catch-all credit card is an excellent choice for those seeking simplicity and consistent rewards. With predictable cash back on every purchase, it eliminates the hassle of tracking categories or rotating rewards. However, it may not suit those who spend heavily on specific categories. By choosing the right card and paying off balances monthly, users can maximize rewards and enjoy financial flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 2% catch-all credit card?
A 2% catch-all credit card offers a flat 2% cashback on all purchases, eliminating the need to track spending categories or rotating rewards.
Are 2% catch-all cards better than category-specific cards?
It depends on your spending habits. If you prefer simplicity, 2% cards are ideal. If you spend heavily in specific categories, targeted rewards cards may offer higher returns.
Do 2% catch-all cards have annual fees?
Most 2% catch-all cards have no annual fee, but some may offer premium perks with a fee.
Can a 2% catch-all card improve my credit score?
Yes, responsible use, such as paying balances in full and on time can positively impact your credit score.
Are 2% catch-all cards good for travelers?
While they provide consistent rewards, travel-specific cards may offer better perks like travel insurance and higher rewards on travel expenses.