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Cash back rewards credit cards: Which are the best?

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Cash back is Americans' favorite credit card reward, according to CreditCards.com.

The website says 49 percent of Americans have at least one cash back credit card.

"Cash back is really simple, it has universal appeal; who couldn't use a little more cash?" said Ted Rossman, an industry analyst with Creditcards.com.

So how do you choose the best cash back card?

Rossman recommends the Citi Double Cash card for people who want something simple. The card gives users 1 percent back when they buy an item and 1 percent back when you pay off an item.

And Rossman said it's important to pay your cash back card balance in full every month.

"The average interest rate is close to 18 percent, so the value gets wiped off in a hurry if you carry a balance," Rossman said.

If you're willing to put in some work, you can get a better return in certain categories.

"If you buy a lot of groceries, I would recommend the American Express Blue Cash Preferred Card, which gives you up to 6 percent back on groceries, up to $6,000 per year," Rossman said. However, that card does have a $95 annual fee.

"It's worth it if buy a lot of groceries," Rossman said.

The Discover It card gives you 5 percent back on rotating categories. The Capitol One Savor card offers 4 percent back on dining and entertainment.

Learn more and compare cards on CreditCards.com's website.