This review summarizes the roles of five major transcription factor families—WRKY, ERF, MYB, bHLH, and bZIP—in plant responses to cadmium (Cd) stress. Cd is a toxic heavy metal that poses serious threats to crop production and human health. Plants respond to Cd stress through mechanisms such as chelation, compartmentalization, and plant-nutrient interactions. Transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating plant resistance to Cd stress by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities, redox systems, and signaling pathways. WRKY transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by modulating the redox system and influencing antioxidant enzyme activities. ERF transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by modulating ROS, nitrate, and ethylene synthesis and activity. MYB transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by influencing antioxidant enzymes and compartmentalization. bHLH transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by increasing the accumulation of nicotinamide, which promotes iron transport. bZIP transcription factors influence the long-distance transport of Cd by modulating compartmentalization and the redox system. Other transcription factors also regulate Cd tolerance in plants through various pathways. The mechanisms underlying TF regulation of Arabidopsis responses to Cd stress involve several signaling pathways, including the regulation of Cd accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and iron transport. Similarly, the mechanisms underlying TF regulation of rice and wheat responses to Cd stress involve the regulation of Cd uptake, transport, and tolerance. In conclusion, the five major transcription factor families—WRKY, ERF, MYB, bHLH, and bZIP—are crucial in regulating plant tolerance to Cd stress. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd tolerance in plants is essential for developing strategies to mitigate Cd pollution and enhance plant resistance to Cd stress. Further research is needed to explore the specific roles of transcription factors in Cd tolerance in plants, particularly in model plants and food crops.This review summarizes the roles of five major transcription factor families—WRKY, ERF, MYB, bHLH, and bZIP—in plant responses to cadmium (Cd) stress. Cd is a toxic heavy metal that poses serious threats to crop production and human health. Plants respond to Cd stress through mechanisms such as chelation, compartmentalization, and plant-nutrient interactions. Transcription factors play a crucial role in regulating plant resistance to Cd stress by modulating antioxidant enzyme activities, redox systems, and signaling pathways. WRKY transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by modulating the redox system and influencing antioxidant enzyme activities. ERF transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by modulating ROS, nitrate, and ethylene synthesis and activity. MYB transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by influencing antioxidant enzymes and compartmentalization. bHLH transcription factors regulate Cd tolerance by increasing the accumulation of nicotinamide, which promotes iron transport. bZIP transcription factors influence the long-distance transport of Cd by modulating compartmentalization and the redox system. Other transcription factors also regulate Cd tolerance in plants through various pathways. The mechanisms underlying TF regulation of Arabidopsis responses to Cd stress involve several signaling pathways, including the regulation of Cd accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and iron transport. Similarly, the mechanisms underlying TF regulation of rice and wheat responses to Cd stress involve the regulation of Cd uptake, transport, and tolerance. In conclusion, the five major transcription factor families—WRKY, ERF, MYB, bHLH, and bZIP—are crucial in regulating plant tolerance to Cd stress. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying Cd tolerance in plants is essential for developing strategies to mitigate Cd pollution and enhance plant resistance to Cd stress. Further research is needed to explore the specific roles of transcription factors in Cd tolerance in plants, particularly in model plants and food crops.