It is more apparent at current times that consumers are looking to get the most out of their credit cards.  With this in mind, cash back rewards programs have greatly increased in popularity.  A recent survey conducted by Bankrate.com offered some interesting information on cash back credit cards as well as provide resources and tools that help consumers decide on a credit card.   

The survey found that one percent of cash back continues to be the fundamental start from which comparisons should be made.  Approximately forty-four percent of the surveyed credit cards have a one percent payout, which begins with the first spending dollar.  The survey also concluded the frequency of introductory bonus offers.  Nearly forty-one percent of credit cards have these bonus offers while the numbers are expected to rise.  Categorized payouts are also a fairly common offering.  Approximately twenty-eight percent of the cards surveyed included higher rewards for particular categories such as travel, groceries, and gasoline.  It is typical for most cards to have no expiration date for their rewards.  Only about half the cards have an expiration date, which was usually around five years.   

Greg McBride, Bankrate's Senior Financial Analyst said, "Cash-back credit cards represent a way for disciplined consumers to get paid for purchases they’d make anyway, and the introductory bonuses make them particularly compelling.”  He added, "The cardinal rules, however, are to always pay the balance in full and resist the urge to overspend.” 

The study was conducted surveying thirty-two cash-back credit card offers by large issuers in the United States as well as several investment cards that offered similar rewards.