Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping

Comparing the best credit cards for shopping online

*These numbers were updated as of June 2023.

A closer look at the best credit cards for online shopping

Discover It® Cash Back

Online shopping benefits: 5% rotating spending category

Intro APR: 0% APR for 15 months

Regular APR: 16.74% – 27.74%

Signup bonus: Unlimited Cashback Match for 1st year

Our verdict: The Discover it® Cash Back card comes with a standard 1% back on all purchases, but it’s also got a rotating set of bonus categories you can select from every quarter that will boost your eligible purchases up to a generous 5% back, including many online stores. The best part of this 0% APR card, though, is Discovers versatile redemption options. Many card issuers will only offer cashback in the form of a statement credit, but Discover will let you select from having your rewards directly deposited into any bank account, donating it to charity, redeeming it via Amazon or Paypal, converting it to gift cards, or the traditional statement credit.

Pros:

• Previous 5% bonus categories have included numerous online merchants like Amazon and Target.
• Excellent intro APR

Cons:

• Keeping track of the rotating bonus categories can be difficult
• Can’t choose your own categories

Apply now: Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Online shopping benefits: At least 1x Membership Reward Points on all purchases

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.99% – 28.99%

Signup bonus: 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $6,000 in the 1st year

Our verdict: Because of its high annual fee, this card is not for the faint of heart, but its benefits, if used correctly, more than make up for the almost $700 hit. The Platinum Card® was originally designed to be a premium travel card, but the COVID-19 pandemic’s hit to the travel industry made Amex branch the Platinum’s benefits out. Now the card includes a $125 yearly credit for Walmart+ memberships, a $100 yearly Saks credit, and a $240 digital entertainment credit. The card that makes this one of the best credit cards for online shopping, though, is its automatic doubling of any warranty ensuring that whatever you buy online is protected for years to come.

Pros:

• Annual credit for Saks/saks.com
• $240 digital entertainment credit
• Return protection
• Doubles warranty of any purchase paid with Amex Platinum

Cons:

• $695 annual fee + $175 annual fee for up to three additional users
• Uber credits accrue monthly and expire
• Saks credit is divided into two separate credits, one credit every six months
• Airline reimbursement can be difficult to use

Apply now: The Platinum Card® by American Express

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Online shopping benefits: 5% back at Amazon

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 18.99%-26.99%

Signup bonus: $150 Amazon gift card

Our verdict: If your main stop online is Amazon then this card is worth serious consideration. Not only does it give an automatic 5% back for all purchases on Amazon but, thanks to its acquisition of Whole Foods, the 5% also gets added for any purchases made there, too. It also includes a 1% cash back for all other purchases for those (rare) times when you can’t find it on Amazon.

Pros:

• 5% cashback at Amazon and Whole Foods
• $0 Annual Fee

Cons:

• Low cashback for purchases outside of Amazon

Apply now: Amazon Prime Visa

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Online shopping benefits: at least 1.5% on all purchases

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months

Regular APR: 19.74%–28.49%

Signup bonus: 1.5% bonus on all purchases up to $20,000 for the first year

Our verdict: Like Discover, Chase Freedom Unlimited comes with revolving bonus categories you can choose from at the start of every quarter that include both online purchases and unique in-person purchases many cards never offer (like gas stations). The Freedom Unlimited card also has no minimum for cashback redemption, making it a standout against its 0% APR competitors.

Pros

• $0 Annual fee
• Standard 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• Rotating quarterly bonus categories that amplify cashback potential

Cons

• Remembering to update your quarterly categories can get tedious.
• Requires a good – excellent credit score.

Apply now: Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom FlexSM

Online shopping benefits: 5% back in bonus categories

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months

Regular APR: 19.74%–28.49%

Signup bonus: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months

Our verdict: The Chase Freedom Flex is the only Mastercard on our list, making it slightly different in its rewards from the Freedom Unlimited, but still different enough that it’s worth considering. Like the Freedom Unlimited, the Freedom Flex card also has rotating quarterly bonus categories, but it offers a generous 5% in these categories. In addition, since it’s a World Elite Mastercard it also gives you access to complimentary cell phone insurance plus exclusive discounts and perks for select retailers like Lyft, Boxed, Shoprunner, Fandango, and more.

Pros:

• 5% back in quarterly spending categories, many of which include online merchants
• $0 annual fee
• Generous intro APR

Cons:

• Keeping track of the rotating categories can be tedious
• Cant select your own bonus categories

Apply now: Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card

How to choose the right credit card for online shopping

When it comes to choosing the best credit card for online shopping, there are a few key factors to consider. First, look for a card with strong fraud protection measures in place, as this will help keep your personal and financial information safe while making purchases online.

Additionally, consider cards that offer rewards or cashback specifically for online purchases that you’d normally make, as this can help you save money over time.

Finally, be sure to read the fine print carefully and understand any fees or interest rates associated with the card before applying. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right credit card for your specific needs and enjoy worry-free online shopping experiences.

Can you get a credit card for online shopping with bad credit?

There are many credit cards designed for those looking to boost their credit scores and get back on track. If you’re worried that your score is too low for approval, consider getting a secured card first. These types of cards require a deposit equivalent to your credit line but are an excellent way to raise your credit score. Some even offer cashback rewards for certain spending categories which make them stack up to many unsecured alternatives.

Methodology

To find the best credit cards for dining out we factor in the fees, redemption offers, introductory offers, and odds of approval for median credit scores of 670. Based on that criteria, we select our top picks and single one credit card out for having the most versatile rewards offers for spending, both in a preferred category as well as overall rewards.

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.