
If you're a frequent online shopper, you're in luck - many credit cards offer rewards and protections specifically for online purchases. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers 2X points on online purchases, making it a great choice for those who shop frequently online.
Some credit cards also offer rewards for in-store purchases, such as cashback or points per dollar spent. The Citi Double Cash card, for instance, offers 2% cashback on all purchases, including those made in-store.
If you're looking for a credit card that offers rewards for both online and in-store purchases, consider the Discover it Cash Back card, which offers 5% cashback on various categories throughout the year, including those related to shopping.
Best Credit Cards for Shopping
If you're looking for a credit card that rewards you for shopping online, consider the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express. This card earns 3% cash back on online retail merchant purchases on up to $6,000 per year.
The Prime Visa is a great option for existing Amazon Prime members who want to earn rewards on Amazon purchases. You'll earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market.
Some other cards worth considering include the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card, which offers up to 5% cash back on the first $2,000 spent in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of your choice. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is also a solid choice, earning unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases.
Best 10 for Shopping
The best credit cards for shopping are designed to reward you for your online and in-store purchases. Here are the top 10 credit cards for shopping, each with its own unique benefits.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% cash back on online retail merchant purchases on up to $6,000 per year, making it a great choice for frequent online shoppers.
If you're a frequent Amazon shopper, the Prime Visa card is a great option, earning 5% cash back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market.
The Chase Freedom Flex card earns up to 5% cash back on rotating bonus spending categories, up to $1,500 per quarter, making it a great choice for those who like to switch up their shopping habits.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card earns 2X miles on all purchases, making it a great choice for those who want to earn rewards on all their shopping.
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% cash back in one category of your choice, including online shopping, making it a great choice for those who want to earn rewards on their online purchases.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card earns up to 5% cash back on combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of your choice, including online shopping.
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card earns 6% cash back with specific online merchants on up to $1,500 per quarter.
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card earns 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, making it a great choice for business owners who travel frequently.
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card also offers a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
The Prime Visa card earns a $100 Amazon gift card upon approval of your card application, making it a great choice for Amazon shoppers.
Here are the top 10 credit cards for shopping, summarized in a table:
What Constitutes Shopping
Online shopping purchases are defined by credit card issuers as the purchase of retail goods through an online store or app. This can include buying products from websites or mobile apps, but excludes services like travel or tax payments.
The merchant category code (MCC) at the time of purchase can affect what counts as online shopping. You can contact your card issuer to find out their specific definition of online shopping purchases.
Before choosing a credit card, consider contacting the card issuer to find out its specific definition of online shopping purchases. This will help you understand what types of purchases will earn rewards or benefits.
Credit Card Benefits
Credit cards for shopping offer numerous benefits that can enhance your online shopping experience. One of the main advantages is added security, which is provided by many credit card issuers, including Capital One, that help protect you from online threats.
Some credit cards also offer rewards programs that can earn you cash back or points on your purchases. For example, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% cash back in one category of your choice, including online shopping, and 2% cash back at wholesale clubs and grocery stores.
You can also take advantage of exclusive shopping benefits, such as the Capital One Shopping browser extension, which automatically applies coupon codes at checkout and alerts you when prices drop on items you've viewed or purchased. Additionally, some credit cards offer perks like cell phone insurance, which can provide peace of mind when shopping online.
Bank of America Benefits
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want to earn cash back on their purchases. You can earn 3% cash back in one category of your choice, which includes online shopping and various other options.
One of the benefits of this card is the flexibility to choose your 3% cash back category from a list of options, including gas, online shopping, dining, and more. You can also earn 2% cash back at wholesale clubs and grocery stores.
The card offers a $0 annual fee, making it a great value for those who want to earn cash back on their purchases. However, it's worth noting that the 3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
Here are the benefits of the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card:
- Ability to choose the 3% cashback category of your choice from the following options: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; home improvement and furnishings
- 2% cash back at wholesale clubs and grocery stores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards members earn 25% to 75% more cash back on every purchase.
Additionally, if you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn up to 5.25% cash back on every purchase. This is a significant increase in rewards earnings, making the card even more valuable for those who qualify.
Benefits of Using Credit Cards for Shopping
Using a credit card for shopping can be a smart move, especially when it comes to online purchases. One benefit is added security, with features like fraud alerts and card lock to protect you from potential threats.
Capital One offers a range of tools to help you get the most out of online shopping, including their Shopping browser extension, which automatically applies coupon codes at checkout. This can save you money and make your online shopping experience more convenient.
You can also earn rewards by shopping through Capital One's Offers platform, which allows you to browse offers and save at thousands of online retailers. This is a great way to maximize your rewards and get the most out of your shopping experience.
If you shop frequently on Amazon, you can link your credit card to earn rewards. With Shop with Points, you can pay for purchases using your rewards, and if you don't have enough, you can use your credit card for the rest.
Alternatively, you can shop through PayPal, where you can apply your rewards to your purchase. This is a great way to earn rewards on your online shopping purchases and get the most out of your credit card.
Here are some key benefits to consider:
Overall, using a credit card for shopping can be a smart move, especially when it comes to online purchases. With the right tools and features, you can earn rewards, save money, and get the most out of your shopping experience.
Pros & Cons
The pros and cons of credit cards can be a real mixed bag. Some cards offer incredible rewards, while others come with hefty annual fees. Let's break it down.
Some cards offer high cash back rewards on specific purchases, like groceries, online retail, and gas stations. For example, one card offers 3% cash back on groceries, online retail, and gas stations, up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
Others offer more general rewards, like 1% cash back on all other purchases. And some cards even throw in extra perks, like car rental loss and damage insurance.
But be aware that some cards come with annual fees, which can range from $95 to $0. And some cards require you to have a specific membership, like an Amazon Prime membership.
Here are some key pros and cons to consider:
It's worth noting that some cards offer introductory APRs for purchases and balance transfers, which can be a big plus. And some cards even throw in cell phone insurance, which can be a nice bonus.
Overall, the key is to find a card that fits your needs and budget. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare different cards to find the one that's right for you.
Rewards
Rewards are a crucial aspect of credit cards for shopping, and there are some amazing options out there.
The Chase credit card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate, which is a great way to earn rewards on your regular expenses.
You can also earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, making it a great option for frequent travelers.
In addition, the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% cash back on U.S online retail merchants on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, which is a great way to earn rewards on your online shopping.
The Blue Cash card also comes with up to $264 worth of statement credit perks, as well as 3% bonus cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets and gas stations.
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card gives you maximum freedom when shopping online, but it's not mentioned in the rewards section.
Here's a summary of the rewards offered by some of the credit cards mentioned:
With rewards like these, it's no wonder that credit cards are a great way to earn cash back and rewards on your shopping.
Credit Card Features
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card offers a 6% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in combined purchases each quarter with two retailers of your choice.
You can choose from a wide array of merchants, including Ace Hardware, Lowe's, and Amazon.com. These categories are capped at $1,500 each per quarter.
Some credit cards offer a 3% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in your choice of one everyday category, such as wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is one of these options.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card also offers 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Here are some key features of the credit cards mentioned:
Capital One Venture X
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium credit card that offers a wide range of benefits and a lower annual fee than other high-end cards with similar features.
You can add up to four authorized users to your account with no fee, and they'll each receive their own Priority Pass airport lounge membership (enrollment required).
The card has a variable APR of 19.99% - 29.24%, and you can earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
This bonus is equal to $750 in travel, which is a significant perk for frequent travelers.
The card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network.
You can earn 10,000 bonus miles every year, starting on your first anniversary, which is equal to $100 towards travel.
Here are the benefits of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Blue Business Plus
The Blue Business Plus credit card is a great option for small business owners who want to earn a competitive return on their online shopping purchases. With a $0 annual fee, you can leverage this card to earn 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases, up to $50,000 per calendar year.
This means you can earn double points on all your spending, not just in specific bonus categories offered by other cards. The earning potential is capped at $50,000 per year, which translates to up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points, worth at least $1,000.
To qualify for the sign-up bonus, you need to spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership. Keep in mind that there's a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%, so you'll want to factor that into your decision.
Here's a summary of the key benefits of the Blue Business Plus card:
- 2X points on all purchases, up to $50,000 per calendar year (1X points thereafter)
- $0 annual fee (see rates and fees)
- Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points, worth at least $1,000, with an annual spending cap of $50,000
- Sign-up bonus: spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership
- Foreign transaction fee of 2.7%
Everyday Spending
You can collect reward points by using a cashback credit card or a card that offers credit card reward points for each purchase. This can help you save on your purchases or buy more over time.
Signing up for a card like this can extend the rewards you receive, making it a great way to consistently enjoy rewards from your everyday spending.
It's realistic to earn around 5% cashback on all your purchases with a card that offers this benefit, available with no annual fee.
Big Purchases
Big Purchases can be a great opportunity to earn significant rewards with the right credit card. The Chase Ink Business Preferred card earns 3X points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases across certain categories, including travel and shipping purchases.
You can earn up to 350,000 Ultimate Rewards points per year with the Ink Business Preferred card, assuming you hit the spending cap. This can translate to a substantial amount of cash back or travel rewards. The card also offers a robust selection of travel protections, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance.
To maximize your rewards, consider the time of your big purchase for higher rewards. The Chase Freedom Flex card provides a 5% cashback reward on rotating categories for up to $1,500 every quarter (after activation), with 1% on all other purchases.
Here are some key benefits to keep in mind when making big purchases with a credit card:
- 3X points on travel and shipping purchases with the Ink Business Preferred card
- 5% cashback on rotating categories with the Chase Freedom Flex card
- 1% cashback on all other purchases with the Chase Freedom Flex card
The Ink Business Preferred card also has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel or purchases.
Highlights
Credit cards can offer a wide range of benefits, from cash back rewards to travel perks. Some cards have annual fees, while others don't. The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has a lower annual fee compared to other high-end cards.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express has a $0 annual fee, making it a great option for those looking to earn rewards without paying an extra fee. This card earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail merchants on up to $6,000 per year in purchases.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express both offer high cash back rewards on specific categories, such as entertainment and online shopping. The Capital One Savor Card earns 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, while the Blue Cash Everyday Card earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail merchants.
Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses, like the Capital One Savor Card, which offers a $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 3 months. Others offer travel rewards, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, which earns unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Here are some key features of popular credit cards:
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also offers unlimited complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and the Partner Lounge Network. This can be a great perk for frequent travelers.
Fees and Terms
Cashback earnings are capped at $6,000 per year, so if you plan on using a store credit card for big purchases, be aware of this limit.
Some store credit cards come with a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%, which can add up quickly if you travel abroad.
Retail credit cards often have higher interest rates than standard credit cards, typically above 20% compared to the average 15% for American credit cards.
Foreign Transaction Fee
The foreign transaction fee is 2.7%. This fee is charged for transactions made outside of your home country.
If you're a frequent traveler, you'll want to factor this fee into your spending plans.
Intro Period
The intro period is a crucial part of any financial agreement, and it's essential to understand what it entails. The intro period is typically 6-12 months, during which time you can enjoy 0% interest on your purchases.
You're essentially getting a free ride on interest payments, which can be a huge relief. This period is designed to give you time to pay off your balance before interest kicks in.
Some credit cards offer a longer intro period, up to 18 months, while others may have a shorter period of just 3-6 months. It's essential to read the fine print and understand the terms of your credit card agreement.
If you're not paying off your balance in full each month, the intro period will come to an end, and interest will start to accrue on your outstanding balance. This can lead to a significant increase in your debt, making it harder to pay off your credit card balance.
Cons
Some store credit cards come with drawbacks. For example, cashback earnings are capped at $6,000 per year. This means you won't be able to earn more than that amount, even if you make a lot of purchases.
You'll also have to pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.7% on purchases made outside of the country. This can add up quickly if you're traveling abroad.
Some store credit cards require an Amazon Prime membership, which can be a significant expense in itself. This may not be worth it for everyone, especially if you're not already a Prime member.
Additionally, if you choose a promotional APR, you won't earn rewards on those purchases. This can be a trade-off to consider before signing up for a store credit card.
Choosing the Right Card
Choosing the right credit card for shopping can be overwhelming, but it's essential to consider your spending habits and needs. If you're a frequent online shopper, a card with no annual fee and high cash-back earnings on online purchases might be the best fit.
The Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers 3% cash back on online retail merchant purchases on up to $6,000 per year, making it a great option for those who shop online frequently. Additionally, the Prime Visa card has no annual fee and is designed for frequent Amazon shoppers.
Some cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex, offer rotating bonus spending categories, earning up to 5% cash back on purchases. However, these categories change quarterly, so it's essential to keep track of the current offers. Other cards, like the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, offer unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services.
Here are some cards to consider based on your shopping habits:
Remember, it's crucial to read the terms and conditions of each card to ensure it aligns with your spending habits and financial situation.
How to Choose the Best Capital One
Choosing the right credit card can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. There are store-specific cards that offer unlimited perks for loyal shoppers, such as the Target RedCard Credit Card and Capital One Walmart Rewards Card, which provide cashback rewards on transactions made with their store cards.
To choose the best Capital One card, consider your spending habits and needs. If you're an online shopper, you may want to look into Capital One's rewards credit cards that offer rewards on online purchases. For example, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases, up to $50,000 per calendar year.
If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option. It also offers a simple and competitive earnings structure for online shopping. However, keep in mind that it has a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%.
Ultimately, the best Capital One card for you will depend on your individual circumstances and spending habits. Consider your needs and preferences, and do some research to find the card that aligns best with your lifestyle.
Ink Business Preferred
The Ink Business Preferred card is a solid option for small business owners looking for lucrative rewards. It's a great choice for online business shopping purchases.
The card earns 3X points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases across four categories: shipping purchases, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines, internet, cable and phone services, and travel. This can add up to a competitive return.
Assuming you hit the spending cap, you can earn up to 350,000 Ultimate Rewards points per year. This is a significant amount of points that can be redeemed for travel or transferred to one of Chase's 14 airline or hotel partners.
Redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠ gets you 1.25 cents apiece, which is a great value. You'll also enjoy a robust selection of travel protections.
The Ink Business Preferred card has an annual fee of $95, but the benefits and rewards make it a worthwhile investment. Here are the key benefits:
- 3X points on shipping purchases, advertising purchases, internet, cable and phone services, and travel
- 1X points on all other purchases
- 5X points on Lyft rides through March, 2025
- Points are worth 1.25 cents apiece when redeemed for travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- Cell phone protection
Note that the 3X points category is capped at $150,000 in spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it good to use a credit card for shopping?
Yes, using a credit card for shopping can be a good option, offering security, rewards, and credit building opportunities when used responsibly. However, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions to make the most of this financial tool.
Sources
- https://10xtravel.com/best-credit-cards-online-shopping/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/open-store-credit-card-one-time-discount
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/credit-cards-for-online-shopping/
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-credit-cards-for-holiday-shopping/
- https://www.uthrive.club/strategies-to-maximize-your-credit-card-shopping-rewards
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