Quick Overview

  • Earning 2% cash back means you'll receive 2 cents back for every $1 spent, so if you spend $100, you'd get $2 in cash back.
  • To calculate 2% cash back, multiply the purchase amount by 0.02. For example, 2% cash back on a $200 purchase is $200 x 0.02, which equals $4.

Use our 2% cash back calculator to quickly find out how much cash back you'll earn on any dollar amount at a 2% rate.

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What is 2% cash back?

"2% cash back" means you earn 2 cents for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. For example, if you spend $100, you’ll receive $2 in cash back rewards.

This rate is commonly offered as a bonus for spending in specific categories on credit cards. Some credit cards even offer this rate on all purchases which is fantastic.

How do you calculate 2% cash back?

To calculate 2% cash back, take the total amount of your eligible purchase and multiply it by 0.02 (the decimal equivalent of 2%). For example, if you spend $500, the calculation would be $500 × 0.02, resulting in $10 in cash back rewards.

This calculation applies to each qualifying transaction, so you can easily track how much you’re earning over time. Some credit cards offer 2% cash back on all purchases, while others may limit it to specific categories like groceries, gas, or online shopping.

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2% cash back calculator

Use this simple tool to estimate your rewards at a 2% cash back rate to help you see what 2% back means for your spending habits.

Calculator: How much is 2% cash back?

Enter the total cost of the purchase to calculate 2% cash back.
$ Cost
Total Cash Back: $2.00

2% cash back amounts

The table below lists the amounts for 2% cash back for several denominations.

2% cash back amounts
Dollar amount 2% cash back
$100 $2.00
$200 $4.00
$300 $6.00
$400 $8.00
$500 $10.00
$600 $12.00
$700 $14.00
$800 $16.00
$900 $18.00
$1,000 $20.00
$2,000 $40.00
$5,000 $100.00
$10,000 $200.00
$20,000 $400.00

Best 2% back cards

There is a small handful of credit cards that offer 2% back on your purchases. This includes cash back cards as well as travel rewards cards.

If you're looking for simple cash back and don't want to have to worry about spending in specific categories or categories that change every quarter, a flat-rate 2% cash back or travel rewards card is an excellent choice.

Here are a few of the best 2% back credit cards in the market:

  • Citi Double Cash Card:

    Earns 1% cash back on purchases and 1% back when you pay off those purchases for a total of 2% back. No annual fee.

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:

    Earn an unlimited 2X miles on all purchases that can be put towards any kind of travel including airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more—all at a low annual fee. Minimum 2% return, but can be worth much more.

  • Wells Fargo Active Cash Card:

    Earn 2% cash back on all purchases. No annual fee.

Our Top Partner Credit Card Picks

We've run the calculations and checked them twice — here are the credit cards that consistently provide outstanding value to our users: