A flat-rate cashback card is the simplest way to earn on every purchase you make — online, in-store, or on subscriptions. No categories to activate, no caps, and no store lock-in. Set it as your default and forget it.
Pick a card with a flat rate of 1.5% or 2% on all purchases (Citi Double Cash, Wells Fargo Active Cash, Fidelity Rewards Visa, SoFi Unlimited 2%).
Use it as your default card everywhere a card is accepted.
Redeem earned cashback as a statement credit, direct deposit, or brokerage deposit depending on the issuer.
Shoppers who split spending across many retailers and don't want to think about categories, activations, or portal click-throughs.
Flat 2% loses to a well-matched category card (5–6% grocery, dining, or online shopping cards). Use it as your everywhere-else card, not necessarily your only card.