Quick Overview
- Earning 3% cash back means you'll receive 3 cents back for every $1 spent, so if you spend $100, you'd get $3 in cash back.
- To calculate 3% cash back, multiply the purchase amount by 0.03. For example, 3% cash back on a $1,000 purchase is $1,000 x 0.03, which equals $30.
Use our 3% cash back calculator to quickly find out how much cash back you'll earn on any dollar amount at a 3% rate.
What is 3% cash back?
"3% cash back" means you earn 3 cents for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. For instance, if you spend $100 on a qualifying purchase, you’ll receive $3 in cash back rewards.
This rate is often offered on premium credit cards for specific spending categories such as dining, travel, or groceries. Over time, these rewards can add up, providing a valuable way to save on everyday expenses.
How do you calculate 3% cash back?
To calculate 3% cash back, start by identifying the total amount of your eligible purchase. Multiply this amount by 0.03 (the decimal form of 3%) to determine the cash back you’ll earn.
For example, if you spend $200 on a purchase that qualifies for 3% cash back, you would calculate $200 x 0.03, resulting in $6 in cash back rewards. This method applies to each eligible transaction, so the more you spend, the more cash back you’ll accumulate.
3% cash back calculator
Use our 3% cash back calculator to calculate 3% cash back earnings based on any value entered.
Calculator: How much is 3% cash back?
| Total Cash Back: | $3.00 |
|---|
3% cash back amounts
The table below lists the amounts for 3% cash back for several denominations.
| Dollar amount | 3% cash back |
|---|---|
| $100 | $3.00 |
| $200 | $6.00 |
| $300 | $9.00 |
| $400 | $12.00 |
| $500 | $15.00 |
| $600 | $18.00 |
| $700 | $21.00 |
| $800 | $24.00 |
| $900 | $27.00 |
| $1,000 | $30.00 |
| $1,200 | $36.00 |
| $1,400 | $42.00 |
| $2,000 | $60.00 |
| $5,000 | $150.00 |
| $10,000 | $300.00 |
| $100,000 | $3,000.00 |
| $200,000 | $6,000.00 |
What's the best 3% cash back card?
There are a handful of credit cards that earn either 3% cash back or a 3% return on specific categories. Here are a few of those cards:
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express:
Earns 3% cash back on U.S. supermarket, U.S. online retail, and U.S. gas station purchases, on up to $6K in purchases per year for each category. No annual fee.
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card:
Earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores. No annual fee.
- Citi Strata Premier℠ Card:
Earns an unlimited 3X points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, hotels, air travel, and on electronic vehicle charging stations. Equal to a 3% return towards travel.
- Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa Card:
Earns 3% cash back on home, auto, and health purchases.
What's the best cash back credit card?
Which cash back credit card is best for you will depend on a large number of factors — how much you spend per month, the type of benefits you're looking for, preferred banks (if any), and more.
Use our cash back credit card calculator to find cards that will earn you the most cash back based on your spending habits and other criteria. You can then click on cards to learn more about them and to see if they fit what you're looking for.
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Results
Listed below are the results based on what you entered into the tool above. These estimates are to help guide you towards making the best decision when it comes to picking up a rewards credit card.
You can click on "Show Calculations" to see a breakdown of how the rewards were calculated, click on the card itself to learn more/apply through our partners (big thanks if you do!), or click on any of the other links to learn more about the card and it's rewards.
Do note that some of the calculations are rounded so it is possible that the estimated values may be off by a point or two when added up.
Remember that this particular tool uses our point/mile valuations, the intro bonuses we have in the database, and includes the maximum (calculable) bonuses for each card. If you want to have control over these options and much more, slide over to the Rewards Credit Card Directory & Calculator.
These calculations should be used for illustrative purposes only.
FAQs
What is 3% cash back?
3% cash back means you will receive 3 cents ($0.03) back for every $1 spent.
What is 3% back on $30?
3% back on $30 is $0.90.
What is 3% back on $200?
3% back on $200 is $6.
What is 3% back on $250?
3% back on $250 is $7.50.
What is 3% back on $1,000?
3% back on $1,000 is $30.
What is 3% back on $1,200?
3% back on $1,200 is $36.
What is 3% back on $1,400?
3% back on $1,400 is $42.
What is 3% back on $1,700?
3% back on $1,700 is $51.
What is 3% back on $1,800?
3% back on $1,800 is $54.
What is 3% back on $5,000?
3% back on $5,000 is $150.
What is 3% back on $200K?
3% back on $200,000 is $6,000.
