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Online shopping has evolved in recent years, with more and more consumers turning to the internet to purchase everything from clothing to groceries. With the right credit card, you can maximize your rewards and earn more cash back or earn points that can go towards other perks such as travel.
While online shopping offers convenience and a wide selection of products, it also presents some risks, particularly when it comes to credit card security. That's why you can’t be too careful with where you shop or what you use to make a purchase. Below we'll explore the best credit cards for online shopping and dive into the features that make them stand out.
The Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
| Card | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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2%-3%Cashback
Earn 3% cash back on PayPal purchases and 2% on all other purchases. |
$0 | Apply Now | |
|
|
1.5% - 5%Cashback
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases |
$0 |
1.5%Extra Cash Back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. |
Apply Now |
|
|
2%Cashback
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. |
$0 |
$200Cash Bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back. |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
|
2%Cashback
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases |
$0 |
$200Cash Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months |
Apply Now Rates & Fees |
|
|
1% - 5%Cashback
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases |
$0
$0 with Prime membership |
$200Gift Card
Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members |
Apply Now |
|
|
1% - 3%Cashback | $0 |
$200Cash Bonus
Earn $200 Back After you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit. bonus_miles_full |
Learn More Rates & Fees |
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Secure application on issuer’s website. Applications are subject to credit approval. You must be at least 18 years old and reside in the US or its territories to apply.
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.24% - 32.24% Variable APR (rates as of 9/1/2023)
- Annual Fee$0
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® is ideal for those who shop online a lot, especially at stores that accept PayPal. You'll get an unlimited 3% back on PayPal purchases and a flat 2% back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. It's an easy, hassle-free card with high rewards on most of your everyday shopping.
Overview
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® is a card that offers great value for people who shop online a lot, especially wherever PayPal is accepted. You earn unlimited 3% back wherever you can use PayPal at checkout, and a flat 2% back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. This makes the PayPal credit card a smart choice for shoppers who buy things both online and in stores. Considering it’s a card with no annual fee as well, there are many reasons we think this card is worth your consideration.
Pros
- High cash back rate even for non PayPal purchases
- Great for people who shop online a lot where you can checkout with PayPal
- No annual fee
- No rotating categories
Cons
- No sign-up bonus
- Some cash back cards have higher rates in some categories
Why we chose it:
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® is perfect for those who love shopping online, especially with merchants that accept PayPal. The card offers unlimited 3% cash back on PayPal purchases, unlimited 2% cash back on all other purchases and no categories to remember, making it great for those who value simplicity.1
Shopping benefits:
- Unlimited 3% cash back on PayPal purchases
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee.2
- Easy and flexible redemption options3
Drawbacks:
- Must have a PayPal account to apply
- No sign-up bonus
- No elevated reward rates for bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fee4
Best for: Frequent PayPal users who want to earn cash back on their purchases without complicated category tracking.
¹Purchases are subject to credit approval, and the PayPal Cashback Mastercard must be used for payment. See Rewards Program Terms for details and restrictions.
²The PayPal Cashback Mastercard features no annual fee. See Terms and Rates for New Accounts.
³Important information on redeeming Cash Rewards: You need to have a PayPal Balance account to use your redeemed rewards in your balance. If you do not have that account, you can only transfer your Cash Rewards to your bank account or debit card linked to your account with PayPal.
⁴See Terms and Rates.
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated. The Contactless Indicator mark, consisting of four graduating arcs, is a trademark owned by and used with permission of EMVCo, LLC.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
Bonus Offer
1.5%Extra Cash Back
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases.
We like that the card offers a high flat rewards rate but also provides accelerated rewards on some common everyday spending categories. You’ll also get access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards Travel portal, which allows you to use your cash-back earnings for travel rewards, gift cards and more. If you make this your primary card for most purchases you can quickly rack up a lot of rewards.
Overview
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is unique for a couple of reasons. First, it comes with purchase protection and extended warranty protection you don’t see with some other cash-back cards. Second, you earn cash back in the form of points (Chase Ultimate Rewards) and when paired with another annual-fee earning Chase product, you can get even more value if you love to travel by transferring to partners.
That’s because while the Freedom cards are marketed as cash-back credit cards, they actually offer points. You can use those points to book travel through Chase at a rate of 1 cent per point. But if you have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll get 25% and 50% more value on those travel redemptions, respectively. (Plus, the ability to transfer your points, too.)
Pros
- No category bonuses to remember; earn at least 1.5% back on everything
- No annual fee
- Generous travel and purchase protection benefits
Cons
- Can't transfer Chase points unless paired with another annual-fee Chase product
Why we chose it:
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a simple and practical cash back structure, making it a great choice for those who want consistent rewards without the hassle of tracking too many categories.
Shopping benefits:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no cap
- 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back on dining, including eligible delivery services
- 3% cash back on drugstore purchases
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, followed by a 20.49% - 29.24% (Variable) APR after based on your creditworthiness
Drawbacks: No bonus rewards for specific shopping categories.
Best for: Those who prefer a straightforward cash back program with no need to track categories.
Citi Double Cash Card®
- Our Rating 4.5/5 How our ratings work
- APR19.24% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
Sign-Up Bonus
$200Cash Bonus
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
The Citi Double Cash Card®, from our partner Citi, is among the top cards on the market for general spending. Forget the cards that offer 1% and 1.5% cash back. The Citi Double Cash Card offers you a whopping 2% cash back for all spending. Earn 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay your account balance.
Overview
The Citi Double Cash Card®, from our partner Citi, offers attractive and uncomplicated cash back for people who value a flexible credit card reward program. The Citi Double Cash Card gives you the chance to earn 2% cash back on your purchases. You can receive 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% cash back once you pay your bill.
Pros
- No category bonuses to remember, unlimited 2% cash back on everything
- Earns ThankYou Points, which gives the potential to unlock valuable travel rewards
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees are applied
- Limited perks
Why we chose it:
The Citi Double Cash Card®, from our partner Citi, rewards users for both making purchases and paying off their balance, making it a popular choice for responsible credit card users seeking to maximize their cash back rewards.
Shopping benefits:
- 2% cash back (1% cash back on all purchases and additional 1% cash back as you pay off your balance)
- Unlimited cash back with no cap
- No need to track categories
- No annual fee
Drawbacks:
- No intro APR for purchases
- No bonus rewards for specific shopping categories
Best for: Those who consistently pay off their balance and want a straightforward cash back program.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
- APR18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases
- Annual Fee$0
-
Bonus Offer
$200Cash Bonus
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is a solid choice for many people who want to maximize their everyday spending. The card is one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market because it provides flexibility with its top rewards bonus category. It’s especially worth considering if you’re a Preferred Rewards member with the card issuer.
Overview
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards card is a good cash back card for people who don’t spend a lot each month. It has flexibility with the 3% cash back on the category of your choice (choose between gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement and furnishing), and you can change which one you go with each month. Since it’s a Visa card you can also use it at Costco and get 2% back, which is the rate for wholesale clubs and grocery stores. However, once you’ve spent the quarterly limit of $2,500 in purchases combined between the 3% and 2% categories, you only get 1% back after that.
Pros
- Ample bonus spending categories
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
Cons
- bonus spending categories capped at $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases
Why we chose it:
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offers a robust 3% cash back in a category of your choice, including popular picks like online shopping. Plus, it offers 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, making this an easy everyday credit card for most of your online and in-store shopping needs.
Shopping benefits:
- 3% back in category of your choice, including:
- Gas and EV charging
- Online shopping, streaming, cable, internet, phone plans
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings
- 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, including Costco and Sam's Club
- No annual fee
- Up to 75% more cash back for Preferred Rewards members
- 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and on balance transfers made within 60 days of account opening (3% balance transfer fee applies). After the intro APR offer ends, a 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases Variable APR on purchases will apply.
Drawbacks:
- Can only earn 3% and 2% cash-back rates on $2,500 combined spending each quarter (1% thereafter)
- Those who spend more than $2,500 per quarter might find less value in the card
- Need to remember to pick the 3% category you want (default is gas)
Best for: Those who do a lot of online and wholesale club shopping, and Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can qualify for boosted cash-back rates.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- Our Rating 4.0/5 How our ratings work
- APRXX.XX%, XX.XX%, or XX.XX% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
Welcome Bonus
$200Cash Bonus
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
If you’re a fan of earning cash rewards for your everyday spending, you need a credit card that rewards you for purchases outside of popular bonus categories like travel, grocery stores and gas stations. With the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (Rates and Fees), you earn 2% back for every dollar spent without the fuss of tracking specific bonus categories.
Overview
While many rewards credit cards tempt you with bonus rewards for specific purchases, these cards invariably offer a mere 1% rewards rate on the vast majority of charges that don’t qualify for a bonus. And with many of these cards, the amount of purchases that are eligible for your bonus is capped, restricting the overall potential value.
But with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you simply receive a high level of cash rewards on purchases. There’s no need to register for anything, and there are no limits on the amount of cash rewards you can earn.
Pros
- Earn an unlimited 2% cash back on every single purchase
- No annual fee
- Automatic cellphone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card
Cons
- Points don't transfer to travel partners unlike other card currencies
- No bonus earning categories
Why we chose it:
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a competitive, flat cash back rate on all purchases, making it ideal for those seeking simplicity in their rewards program.
Shopping benefits:
- 2% cash back on all purchases, with no cap
- No annual fee
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers followed by a XX.XX%, XX.XX%, or XX.XX% (Variable) APR based on creditworthiness
Drawbacks:
- No bonus rewards for specific shopping categories
Best for: Those who prefer a simple, flat cash back rate without the need to track categories.
Prime Visa Credit Card
- Our Rating 3.5/5 How our ratings work
- APR20.49% - 29.24% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
$0 with Prime membership
-
Sign-Up Bonus
$200Gift Card
Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
This card is a good fit for consumers who do a lot of shopping at Amazon and Whole Foods because they can earn an unlimited 5% cash back on purchases there. Cardholders also earn some cash back on other purchases, with decent rates for restaurants and gas stations. If you already have or plan to get a Prime membership, using this card could quickly earn you sizable cash back.
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rates
- Sign-up bonus offer
- Can redeem rewards as soon as the next day
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Must have a Prime membership for highest rewards rates
- No intro APR offer
Why we chose it:
The Prime Visa Credit Card is a fantastic choice for frequent Amazon shoppers because of its exclusive rewards and benefits for Amazon purchases.
Shopping benefits:
- 5% cash back on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market purchases for Prime members
- 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
Drawbacks:
- Limited rewards value outside of Amazon and Whole Foods Market
- Requires an Amazon Prime membership for the best rewards
Best for: Amazon Prime members who do the bulk of their shopping on Amazon and at Whole Foods Market.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- Our Rating 4/5 How our ratings work
- APR18.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee$0
-
Welcome Bonus
$200Cash Bonus
Earn $200 Back After you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. You will receive the $200 back in the form of a statement credit. bonus_miles_full
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers good value among cash back rewards card competitors. Between its competitive grocery rewards rate and welcome offer, it’s easy to extract a lot of value from this card.
Overview
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers good value among cash back rewards card competitors with no annual fee. With a competitive grocery rewards rate and welcome offer, it’s easy to get a lot of value from this card. If you want to earn cash back on everyday purchases but can’t justify a more premium card with an annual fee, this card might be a good choice.
Pros
- Earn cash back on valuable everyday spending categories
- No annual fee to worry about
Cons
- Not ideal for high spenders as 3% cash back is capped at $6,000 per year
- Bonus categories are not for everyone
Why we chose it:
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is ideal for those who want to earn cash back on everyday expenses, including online shopping.
Shopping benefits:
- 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases, followed by a 18.99% - 29.99% (Variable) APR based on creditworthiness
- Complimentary ShopRunner membership, which offers free 2-day shipping at 100+ online stores. Enrollment required.
Drawbacks: Rewards rates may be lower than other cards for non-grocery purchases.
Best for: Those who spend a significant amount on online retail shopping and groceries that want rewards for everyday spending.
10 Best Features Online Shopping Credit Cards Should Have
Fraud protection and rewards come in at the top when comparing credit cards specifically for online shopping. But there are some additional features as well. Let’s look at them all individually.
1. Fraud Protection
Out of the gate, fraud protection should be a number one priority. With the rise of online shopping, cybercriminals have become more sophisticated, making it easier for them to steal credit card information and make unauthorized purchases.
A credit card with robust fraud protection measures can help protect you from these risks. Look for a credit card that offers features such as zero-liability protection, fraud monitoring, and alerts for suspicious activity.
2. Rewards Program
iStock
Shopping online (like shopping anywhere else) can be an opportunity to earn rewards points or cash back on your purchases. Many credit cards offer rewards programs that provide bonus points or cash back for spending in certain categories, including online shopping.
Look for a credit card with a rewards program that aligns with your spending habits and offers high rewards for online purchases.
Quick Tip
Check inside your credit card app for monthly incentives such as high cash back at certain online stores. For instance, Chase offers different cash back incentives for select vendors each month unique to their cardholders.
3. Low Interest Rates
If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, a low-interest rate is essential to avoid high fees and charges. Look for a credit card with a low APR, or annual percentage rate, to keep your costs low.
Keep in mind that interest rates can vary based on your credit score and other factors, so make sure to shop around and compare different credit cards before making a decision.
For even more purchasing power, look for a 0% APR introductory offer. Here you can have the option to carry a balance without the additional cost of interest. Just remember to pay off the balance before the intro period ends.
Pay No Interest for a Limited TimeHere Are the Best Balance Transfer Cards
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4. Flexible Payment Options
Some credit cards offer payment plans that allow you to pay off large purchases over time with low or no interest rates (also known as BNPL). This can be useful for larger online purchases, such as furniture or electronics.
Look for a credit card with flexible payment options that fit your budget and allow you to make large purchases without worrying about high-interest charges.
5. Virtual Credit Card Numbers
Virtual credit card numbers are unique, one-time-use numbers that can be used for online shopping. They can help protect your real credit card information from fraudsters and hackers, reducing the risk of unauthorized purchases.
Some credit cards offer virtual credit card numbers as a feature, so be sure to look for this option when choosing a credit card for online shopping.
6. Purchase Protection
Purchase protection is another important feature to consider when shopping online. Look for a credit card that offers coverage for damaged or stolen items purchased with the card.
Think of this like an additional safety net that can provide peace of mind. If an item you purchase is damaged or stolen, you may be able to file a claim with your credit card issuer and receive reimbursement for the cost of the item.
Quick Tip
In general, purchase protection covers items that are damaged or stolen within a certain timeframe after purchase, typically 90-120 days. Some credit cards may also have limits on the amount of coverage, so make sure to check your credit card’s policy.
7. Extended Warranty
Many credit cards offer extended warranty coverage for eligible purchases made with the card. This can be useful for expensive items such as electronics or jewelry, providing additional coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty.
Typically, an extended warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship beyond the original manufacturer's warranty period.
Extended warranty coverage does not cover shipping mishaps or accidental damage. If you purchase an item online and it is damaged during shipping, you may need to file a claim with the shipping company or the online retailer, depending on their policies.
8. No Foreign Transaction Fees
If you plan to shop online from international websites, a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can save you money on currency conversion charges. Be on the lookout for a credit card that doesn't charge fees for foreign transactions to help you save money on your purchases.
9. Easy Redemption Process
Rewards points and cash back earned through credit card rewards programs are only valuable if you can redeem them easily. Opt for a credit card with an easy and straightforward rewards redemption process. This can make it easier to use your rewards and get the most value from them.
10. Secure Online Account Management
The value of security and privacy cannot be overstated. Look for a credit card issuer with secure online account management features that allow you to monitor your account and track your spending online.
This can help you keep your credit card information secure and prevent fraud. Make sure to choose a credit card issuer that uses encryption to protect your information when you access your account online.
7 Tips for Safe Online Shopping
Amazon
Choosing the right credit card is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to safe online shopping. Here are some additional tips to help you protect yourself when shopping online:
- Shop only on secure websites: Follow best practices for safe online shopping, such as shopping on secure websites, using strong passwords, and monitoring your accounts regularly.
- Use strong passwords: Choose a strong, unique password for each website you shop on and avoid using the same password for multiple sites.
- Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security when logging in to a website. Consider using it when available.
- Keep your computer and software up-to-date: Regularly update your computer and software to ensure that you have the latest security features and protections.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on your credit card and bank accounts to spot any suspicious activity.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks when shopping online, as they may not be secure.
- Be cautious with emails and links: Don't click on links in emails from unfamiliar sources, as they may be phishing attempts to steal your personal information.
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FAQs
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Credit cards are generally better for online purchases than debit cards because they offer stronger fraud protection, purchase protection, and the opportunity to earn rewards.
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Benefits of using a credit card to shop online include earning rewards, better fraud protection, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and access to exclusive discounts and promotions.
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The best features for online shopping include the ability to earn rewards, flexible redemption options, strong fraud protection, and free shipping perks.
Ashlyn Brooks
Ashlyn Brooks is a financial writer and former civil engineer. She's on a mission to show others how to save and spend smarter through purposeful money habits. Her work has been featured on Investor.com, HerMoney.com, MoneyGeek and QuickBooks
