Online retail credit cards can be a game-changer for frequent shoppers, offering rewards, discounts, and exclusive benefits that can add up to significant savings.
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card offers 3% cash back on Amazon purchases, a $150 Amazon gift card upon approval, and no foreign transaction fees.
If you're a frequent Amazon shopper, this card is a no-brainer, as the cash back rewards can easily offset the annual fee of $95.
Some online retailers also offer store credit cards with unique benefits, such as Kohl's Credit Card, which offers 5% off all purchases, free shipping, and exclusive sales.
If this caught your attention, see: Chase Sapphire Reserve National Rental Car
Online Retail Credit Cards
If you're an avid online shopper, you're in luck because there are credit cards designed specifically for online retail shopping.
The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature card is a great option for online shopping enthusiasts.
This card has no annual fees, which means you won't have to pay extra just for holding the card.
New cardholders receive a $50 Amazon credit upon approval, which is a nice bonus.
You can earn 3 percent back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, making it a great choice for frequent shoppers.
For other purchases, like dining at restaurants or filling up your gas tank, you can earn 2 percent back.
Everything else earns you 1 percent back, which is still a decent return.
Rewards can be redeemed online at Amazon.com in any amount, giving you flexibility with your rewards.
The card also offers extended warranty protection and purchase protection, which can give you peace of mind when shopping online.
Benefits and Features
Many credit cards offer benefits that make online shopping more secure and rewarding. Zero liability protection is a standard feature of all credit cards, so you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges if your card number is stolen.
Some credit cards also offer purchase protection, which can replace or repair an item that's damaged or stolen within a certain time frame, usually up to 90 days. This benefit is available on cards like the Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited, which offer a 120-day protection benefit.
- Capital One's Shopping browser extension automatically applies coupon codes at checkout, and alerts you when prices drop on items you've viewed or purchased.
- Capital One Offers allows you to browse offers and save at thousands of online retailers.
Extended warranty is another benefit that can add an additional year of warranty protection or longer on big-ticket items. This is available on many credit cards, including the Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, which also comes with cellphone protection, roadside dispatch, and travel and emergency assistance services.
Recommended read: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Credit Cards
Methodology
These top-rated cards offer a range of benefits that make them ideal for online shoppers. They can earn up to 5% cash back for online purchases, which is a significant perk for those who do most of their shopping online.
One of the key advantages of these cards is that they have no (or low) annual fees. This means you can keep your earnings without throwing away your rewards on fees.
Identity theft support is another attractive feature of these cards, giving you peace of mind when shopping online. Intro balance transfer or purchase APR can also be a valuable benefit for those who need to transfer balances or make large purchases.
You can redeem your rewards with web merchants or as cash, providing flexibility and convenience. This is especially useful for online shoppers who want to earn rewards that can be used in a way that makes sense to them.
See what others are reading: How to Record Credit Card Processing Fees in Quickbooks Online
Pros
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is a great option if you want a no-annual-fee product with generous benefits. It earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases and offers 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening.
Some of the benefits of this card include cellphone protection, roadside dispatch, travel and emergency assistance services, and Visa Signature benefits. You can also earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening.
If you're looking for a card with a higher return on online purchases, consider the Amex Blue Cash Everyday Card. It pays 3% cash back on all online purchases regardless of retailer, up to the first $6,000 spent each year.
The Citi Double Cash Card is another great option if you want a card with a high rewards earning rate. It earns up to 2% back on all purchases, with 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay.
Here are some of the key benefits of using a credit card for online shopping:
- Added security features, such as fraud alerts and card lock
- Purchase protection, including 120-day protection benefits
- Extended warranty and return protection
- Zero liability protection
- Ability to earn bonus rewards and cash back on online purchases
Some credit cards offer additional benefits, such as:
- Capital One Shopping: a free browser extension that automatically applies coupon codes at checkout
- Capital One Offers: sign in to your account to browse offers and save at thousands of online retailers
- Amazon.com: link your card and pay for purchases with your rewards
- PayPal: pay with rewards and apply your rewards each time you check out
Credit Card Options
If you're looking for a credit card that rewards online shopping, there are several options available. The Prime Visa Card offers 5% cash back on Amazon purchases, but requires an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 per year.
The Citi Double Cash Card is a great alternative, offering unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no rotating categories or spending limits. It also comes with a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 18 months. The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card also earns unlimited 2% cash back on purchases, with a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in the first three months.
Here are some key features of these cards:
Ultimately, the best credit card for online shopping will depend on your individual needs and spending habits.
Uber Visa
The Uber Visa is a great credit card option for online shopping, offering generous rewards in various categories. It earns 2 percent cash back on all online purchases, which is a great perk for anyone who shops frequently online.
You'll also earn 4 percent cash back on dining, 3 percent on airfare and hotels, and 1 percent on all other purchases. The card has no annual fee, making it a solid choice for those who want to earn cash back without paying extra.
Readers also liked: Percent Apr Credit Cards
One of the best features of the Uber Visa is its flexibility - you can redeem your cash back for Uber credits, gift cards, or statement credits. This means you can use your rewards in a variety of ways, depending on your needs.
The card also offers a $100 bonus after spending $500 in the first 90 days, which is a nice incentive to get started with the card. Overall, the Uber Visa is a great option for anyone who wants to earn cash back on their online purchases.
Amazon
Amazon has a few credit card options that are perfect for online shopping. The Prime Visa Card offers 5% cash back on Amazon purchases with a Prime Membership, which also comes with other benefits like free two-day shipping. You can earn up to 10% cash back during the first year if Amazon is featured in a quarterly rotating category.
The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature card has no annual fees and offers 3% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on everything else. You can redeem rewards online at Amazon.com in any amount toward all or part of your purchase.
The Prime Visa Card requires an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 per year, but it's a worthwhile investment if you shop at Amazon often. The card also offers extended warranty protection and purchase protection. You can earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
If you don't want to pay for a Prime membership, the Amazon Visa offers 3% cash back at Amazon.com, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases; 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations, and on local transit and commuting; and 1% cash back on all other purchases. You can only redeem your rewards at Amazon, but you don't need to be a Prime member to use this card.
Here's a comparison of the Amazon credit card options:
The Citi Double Cash Card is another great option for online shopping, earning 2% cash back on every purchase. This card has no annual fee, and you can earn unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Blue Preferred from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred from American Express is a top pick for those who prioritize cash back over travel rewards. You'll earn 6% back on up to $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year, then 1% after that.
This card is ideal for holiday shopping or buying gifts for foodie friends. You'll also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services.
One of the benefits of this card is the flexibility to redeem cash back as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. Cash back is earned in the form of Rewards Dollars.
The Blue Cash Preferred from American Express also offers 3% back on U.S. gas stations and transit, making it a great option for commuters.
Additional reading: Blue Cash Preferred Credit Score
Capital One Spark Plus
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a great option for businesses that frequently make online purchases. This card offers unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, every day, making it a simple and straightforward way to earn rewards.
With an annual fee of $150, you might be wondering if it's worth it. But consider this: you'll earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, including purchases made online. That's a significant perk for businesses that need to book travel regularly.
One of the best features of the Spark Cash Plus is the flexibility to redeem your cash back at any time. This means you can put the money right back into your company, helping you to stay on top of your finances.
Here are some key benefits of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus:
By choosing the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, you'll be able to earn rewards on your online purchases and stay on top of your finances. Plus, with free employee cards and flexible redemption options, you'll have even more reasons to make this card your go-to choice.
Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards can be a game-changer for frequent online shoppers. The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express has a $0 annual fee and earns 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year.
One of the key benefits of business credit cards is the opportunity to earn rewards on purchases. The Capital One Spark Cash Plus earns unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, every day.
If you're looking for a no-annual-fee option, the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a great choice. It earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase and offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months.
Some business credit cards offer additional shopping protections, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection. The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card provides these protections, which can be a big benefit when dealing with online merchants.
Here are some of the best business credit cards for online shopping:
Choosing the Right Card
To maximize your return, choose a credit card that offers a high cashback rate and combines it with the right online shopping portal, like I've done with the Discover it and Freedom cards.
The ability to earn bonuses for spending online is crucial. Look for a card that offers bonuses specifically for online purchases, and check for any spending caps they may have.
Some credit cards offer flexible rewards redemption options, allowing you to redeem points for travel purchases or hotel stays, but these might not be ideal if you're a homebody.
If you're a frequent online shopper, consider a card that offers perks like free shipping from hundreds of online stores, such as the Citi World Elite cards.
To ensure you're covered for large purchases, look for a card that offers extended warranties and purchase protection, such as the Citi World Elite cards.
Here are some key features to look for in an online retail credit card:
- High cashback rate
- Bonuses for online spending
- Flexible rewards redemption options
- Free shipping and returns
- Extended warranties and purchase protection
Reviews
Reviews of online retail credit cards can be mixed, with some users praising their rewards programs and others criticizing their high interest rates.
The Discover it Cash Back card, for example, offers 5% cash back on various categories throughout the year, which can be a great perk for frequent shoppers.
Some users have reported earning thousands of dollars in rewards with this card, which can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or other rewards.
However, the Citi Double Cash Card has been criticized for its high interest rate, which can range from 15.99% to 25.99% APR, depending on creditworthiness.
This can lead to debt accumulation if not managed carefully, making it essential for users to pay their balances in full each month.
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, on the other hand, offers 5% cash back on Amazon purchases, which can be a game-changer for frequent Amazon shoppers.
However, this card requires an Amazon Prime membership, which can add an extra cost to the user's expenses.
If this caught your attention, see: What High Interest Savings Account
Frequently Asked Questions
Online retail credit cards can be a convenient way to earn rewards and discounts on purchases, but it's essential to understand the terms and conditions.
Some online retail credit cards come with a sign-up bonus, such as a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.
You'll typically need to make a minimum payment each month to avoid late fees and interest charges.
The minimum payment is usually a percentage of the total balance, such as 2% of the outstanding balance.
Online retail credit cards often have rotating categories for earning rewards, such as 5% cash back on gas or groceries.
Some credit cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a limited time, which can help you save money on interest charges.
However, be aware that this introductory APR will eventually expire and revert to the standard APR, which can be as high as 25.99%.
To avoid overspending, set a budget and track your expenses to ensure you're staying within your means.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Why Are Interest Rates so High on Credit Cards
You can also consider setting up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a payment.
Online retail credit cards may have additional fees, such as foreign transaction fees or balance transfer fees.
These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to review the terms and conditions carefully before applying.
Some online retail credit cards offer purchase protection, which can refund or replace items that are lost, stolen, or damaged.
This can provide peace of mind when making online purchases.
Intriguing read: Accepts Fortiva Retail Credit Card
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest credit card to get instant approval?
The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card is a good option for instant approval, as it doesn't require a credit check. This makes it a great choice for those with limited or no credit history.
Can I get a Walmart credit card with a 520 credit score?
Unfortunately, a credit score of 520 is below the required minimum of 640 to qualify for a Walmart credit card. You may want to consider improving your credit score or exploring alternative payment options.
Sources
- https://www.rewardexpert.com/blog/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-2018/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/best-credit-card-for-online-shopping
- https://www.capitalone.com/learn-grow/money-management/credit-cards-for-online-shopping/
- https://www.moneycrashers.com/best-credit-cards-online-shopping/
- https://financebuzz.com/best-credit-card-for-online-shopping
Featured Images: pexels.com