How much cash back will a credit card actually give you? Enter what you spend each month, by category, and the cash back rates for two cards. This cash back calculator shows the yearly cash back, subtracts the annual fee, and tells you which card earns more for your spending.
Cash back calculatorEnter what you spend each month and two cards’ cash back rates. See which card puts more money back in your pocket after the annual fee.
| Spending | Per month | Card A rate | Card B rate |
|---|---|---|---|
$ | % | % | |
$ | % | % | |
$ | % | % | |
$ | % | % | |
$ | % | % | |
$ | $ |
Starting rates are examples, not real cards. Enter the rates from your card’s website. If a card caps its bonus rate, use the rate you’d actually get.
Better card for you
Card A, per year
Card B, per year
Where the cash back comes from
| Category | Spent per year | Card A | Card B |
|---|
How to use it
- Enter your monthly spending in each category. A couple of recent statements give you a good average.
- Enter each card’s rates. Find them on the card’s official page. Many cards pay a higher rate on a few categories, like groceries or gas, and a base rate on everything else.
- Enter the annual fees. Use $0 for a no-fee card.
- Check the result. The calculator multiplies each category by its rate, adds it up for a year, and subtracts the fee.
Read the fine print on bonus rates. Many cards cap the higher rate (for example, only up to a set amount of spending each year) and pay the base rate after that. If you’d go over a cap, lower the rate you enter so it matches what you’d really earn.
A worked example
The calculator starts with $2,300 a month of spending ($27,600 a year) and two example cards:
| Card A | Card B | |
|---|---|---|
| Rates | 1% on everything | 4% groceries and gas, 2% restaurants and bills, 1% everything else |
| Annual fee | $0 | $120 |
| Cash back per year | $276 | $672 |
| You keep after the fee | $276 | $552 |
Card B earns $396 more in cash back, which is far more than its $120 fee. It comes out $276 a year ahead. If most of your spending were in “everything else”, the no-fee card could win instead.
Cash back or points?
Cash back is simple: 1% is worth 1 cent per dollar, every time. Points can be worth more or less depending on how you redeem them. To compare the two, see our guide to cash back vs. travel points, or check what your points are worth with the points value calculator.
For our top picks by category, see the best cards for gas and EV charging and for recurring bills.
Frequently asked questions
How is cash back calculated?
Multiply what you spend in each category by that category’s rate. $700 a month on groceries at 4% is $28 a month, or $336 a year.
Is a cash back card with an annual fee worth it?
Only if the extra cash back is more than the fee. The calculator shows this for your own spending.
Can I use this for a points card?
Yes, if you know what a point is worth. A card earning 2 points per dollar at 1 cent a point is the same as 2% cash back. Our points value calculator helps you find that number.
When do I get my cash back?
It depends on the card. Check your card’s terms for how and when cash back is paid out.
Does carrying a balance cancel out cash back?
Usually, yes. At around 20% interest, a balance costs far more than 1% to 4% cash back earns. Cash back cards work best when you pay in full each month.
Related reading
- Simplii credit card review: 4% on restaurants, no fee
- Cash back vs. travel points: which type of card fits you
- Annual fee calculator: does a fee card pay for itself?
- Points value calculator: what your points are worth
- All calculators
- Canadian Tire Money calculator: how much CT Money you earn
- PC Optimum points value and calculator: what your points are worth
- Best no-fee credit cards: our shortlist of 7 cards
How we checked: The calculator multiplies each category’s yearly spending by the rate you enter, adds the categories, and subtracts the annual fee. The starting rates and fees are made-up examples, not any real card, and we don’t promote a card through this tool. Always confirm rates, caps and fees on the card issuer’s website before you apply. Last checked October 2026.