At a Glance

Pets can be expensive, especially when it comes to routine or emergency vet care, food, medications, toys, grooming, boarding, and other supplies and services. Over a pet’s lifetime, which can be 10 or more years, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on pet-related expenses. So, why not earn rewards, such as cash back or points, on that spending?

We’ve put together a list of the top credit cards for pet care to help you start comparing.

In this article, you’ll learn:

86.9 million

Or 66% of U.S. households own a pet in 2023.

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FinFact

Comparing the best credit cards for pet owners

Credit Card Rewards Rate Signup Bonus
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

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Unlimited 2% back on all eligible purchases $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in the first three months
Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

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3% cash back on groceries, U.S. online retail purchases, and gas; 1% back on other purchases $200 back after you spend $2,000 in the first six months
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card

Apply now

3% cash back in the category of your choice; 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% back on all other purchases $200 online cash rewards bonus offer after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

Apply now

6% cash back with two retailers you choose; 3% cash back in one everyday category; 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 within the first 120 days
Discover it Cash Back

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5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter; 1% cash back on all other purchases Unlimited cash back match at the end of your first year
Tractor Supply Co. Visa Card

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5% rewards on Tractor Supply purchases; 3% on gas stations, grocery stores, and veterinary service purchases; 1% on all other purchases Up to $50 after spending $400 or more
Chase Freedom Unlimited

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5% on travel purchased through Chase; 3% on dining and drug store purchases; 1.5% on all other purchases $200 bonus after you spend $500 in the first three months
Credit One Bank Best Friends Credit Card

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5% cash back on eligible purchases; 1% thereafter N/A

A closer look at the best credit cards for pet expenses

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

Rewards rate: Unlimited 2% cash back rewards on purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months

Regular APR: 20.24% – 29.99% variable

Signup bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 in purchases in the first three months

Our verdict: The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is an excellent cash rewards card for people looking for a simple, no-frills card with a generous welcome bonus intro APR, and no annual fee. The flat cash back rate makes it easy to earn and redeem rewards, though the value of the rewards may be limited compared to competing cards if you’re a modest spender or have certain spending categories where you tend to spend more. Whether you need to pay vet bills or purchase supplies, this flexible rewards card can be a good option.

Pros:

  • Unlimited 2% cash back with no categories to track or quarterly activations, no minimums, and no expiration date.
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
  • $0 annual fee.
  • Additional card features include cell phone protection, $0 liability protection, free credit score tracking tools, and more.
  • Redeem cash rewards for purchases, a credit to a qualifying bank account, at an ATM, or for gift cards.
  • Complimentary concierge services and a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world’s most prestigious properties.

Cons:

  • No bonus categories to earn higher rewards.
  • No travel rewards or benefits.

Apply now: Wells Fargo Active Cash Visa® Card

Learn more: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card Review

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Rewards rate:

  • 3% cash back on groceries (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back on gas (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.99%

Signup bonus: $200 back after you spend $2,000 in the first six months (received in the form of a statement credit)

Our verdict: If you’re looking for a card to earn on pet-related purchases at supermarkets or online, the Blue Cash Everyday Card can allow you to earn 3% (up to $6,000 per category per year). This card also offers a decent welcome bonus and a $0 fee, plus tons of additional features and benefits through American Express. Plus, the 0% intro APR is a good option if you need to finance a large pet-related purchase.

For even higher rewards, you can consider the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express that earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets and rewards in other categories, though it does have a $95 annual fee.

Pros:

  • Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases.
  • $0 Buy Now, Pay Later intro Plan It fees (through the first 15 months); after, fixed monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each purchase amount.
  • Additional featured benefits include a $84 Disney Bundle credit, $180 Home Chef credit, car rental loss, and damage insurance, free two-day shipping with ShopRunner, exclusive ticket access through American Express Experiences, purchase protection, and more.
  • Earn more with Amex Offers (added to your card).

Cons:

  • Cash back is earned in the form of Blue Cash Reward Dollars, which you can only redeem for statement credits.
  • $6,000 limit per spending category per year.

Apply now: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards

Rewards rate:

  • 3% cash back in the category of your choice (gas and EV charging stations, online shopping (including cable/internet/phone plans/streaming), dining, travel, drug stores and pharmacies, or home improvement/furnishings
  • 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
  • Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles for purchases, and any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of your account opening

Regular APR: 18.24% – 28.24%

Signup bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus offer after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days

Our verdict: If most of your pet-related purchases are made online, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card can help you earn even more rewards. Choose “online shopping” as your 3% category and earn at places like Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and Chewy.com. And, if there are months you aren’t spending as much on your pets, you can change your category to something that better aligns with your spending. The $0 annual fee and intro APR for purchases and balance transfers can be beneficial if you have an initial large expense or purchase.

Pros:

  • Preferred Rewards members can earn 25% – 75% more cash back on every purchase.
  • You can change your 3% cash back category once per month to align with current spending.
  • No annual fee.
  • 0% intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Cash rewards don’t expire.

Cons:

  • Only earn 3% and 2% on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter (then unlimited 1% thereafter).
  • You can only redeem cash rewards for statement credits, deposits made directly into a Bank of America checking or savings account, or credit to an eligible account with Merrill.

Apply now: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card

US Bank Shopper Cash Reward Credit Card

Rewards rate:

  • 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose (Ace Hardware, Apple, Amazon.com Anthropologie, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Best Buy, Chewy.com, Crate and Barrel, Disney, Home Depot, Ikea, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Lululemon, Macy’s, Menards, Nordstrom, Pottery Barn, QVC, Restoration Hardware, Target, Walmart, Wayfair.com, Williams Sonoma)
  • 5.5% cash back on prepaid hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
  • 3% cash back on the first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category (wholesale clubs, gas, and EV charging stations, bills, and utilities)
  • 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Annual fee: $0 the first year, $95/year thereafter

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 19.74% – 29.74%

Signup bonus: $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

Our verdict: If you shop online at retailers like Amazon.com or Chewy.com for your pet supplies, you can earn 6% back (up to $1,500), which is one of the highest rewards rates out there. Plus, you can earn 3% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, so you can earn a solid rate if you buy for your pet in bulk. For purchases that don’t fall into those categories, you still earn 1.5% back, which is better than the standard 1% base rate offered by most cards. The downside is the annual fee after the first year ($95) and the fact that not only do you have to choose your 6% and 3% categories each quarter, you’ll have to monitor your spending caps because you may quickly max out rewards.

Pros:

  • Earn even more cash back when making purchases at more than 1,100 online stores through the Rewards Center Shopping Deals.
  • Divide eligible purchases into equal monthly payments with no interest (U.S. Bank ExtendPay Plan).
  • Get rewards such as statement credit, rewards cards, merchant gift cards, or direct deposit.

Cons:

  • $1,500 combined purchases quarterly limit for high rewards rate.
  • The 6% cash back retail list is subject to change.
  • No intro APR.
  • You must enroll in two retailers and one purchase category each quarter, or all purchases will earn no more than 1.5% cash back.

Apply now: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card

Discover it Cash Back Credit Card

Discover it® Cash back Credit Card

Rewards rate:

  • 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, etc. (up to the quarterly maximum of $1,500)
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR: 17.24% – 28.24%

Signup bonus: Unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically

Our verdict: This card is best for category variety, as you can earn 5% back in a variety of bonus categories that rotate throughout the year (upon activation). Categories typically include grocery stores, online retailers, and more. Plus with the Cashback Match, Discover will match all cash back you earn in the first year. Bonus categories are announced months in advance so you can plan out your pet purchases to maximize your cash back. If you don’t mind putting a little planning and thought into your purchases, this card may be a good one for you.

Discover also has a Secured Credit Card and Student Cash Back card for those with poor or little credit.

Pros:

  • Rewards never expire.
  • Redeem rewards as direct deposit, statement credit, or pay with a Cashback Bonus.
  • Unlimited dollar-for-dollar match after the first year.
  • No annual fee, foreign transaction fees, penalty APR, or fee on your first late payment.

Cons:

  • Must enroll in bonus categories quarterly.
  • Only earn bonus rewards on purchases up to $1,500.
  • Quarterly bonus categories may not always be a good fit for your spending.

Apply now: Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

Tractor Supply Co. Visa Card

Tractor Supply Co. Visa Card

Rewards rate:

  • 5% rewards on Tractor Supply purchases
  • 3% rewards on gas stations, grocery stores, and veterinary service purchases
  • 1% reward on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 31.24%

Signup bonus: $50 in rewards with purchase of $200+; $20 in rewards with purchase of $20+

Our verdict: If you’re a rural pet owner, the Tractor Supply credit card can help you earn major rewards on pet care products, grooming services, vet prescriptions, and vet services purchased across the Tractor Supply Co. and PetSense. You can also earn 5% back on food, toys, supplies, and other pet products, making this card a good option for pet owners across the board. If you prefer to visit your regular vet, you can still earn 3% back in rewards on those appointments. The downside is rewards on purchases can only be redeemed through Tractor Supply Co., PetSense, and Tractor Supply Rx, so this card isn’t a good fit for those who don’t regularly shop here or have an accessible location nearby.

Pros:

  • Other benefits include free same-day delivery, full-day trailer rentals, and standard shipping ($29 minimum spend).
  • Major purchase plans financing on purchases of $1,599 or more (3.99% APR for 36 months).
  • Earn 5% back on a range of benefits for pet owners including grooming, vet care and prescriptions, toys, supplies, food, and more.

Cons:

  • Rewards can only be redeemed as dollars off your Tractor Supply purchase (for every 1,000 points earned, a Reward valued at $10 will be automatically issued to your account).
  • Rewards expire 60 days from the issuance date.
  • A maximum of 20 Rewards can be applied to a single order.
  • High regular APR.

Apply now: Tractor Supply Co. Visa Card

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card

Rewards rate:

  • 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
  • 3% on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24%

Signup bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months

Our verdict: The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is best for pet owners who want a simple rewards experience for everyday use. Earn 5% on travel purchases made through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstore purchases, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on everything else, which is more than most other cards that only earn 1% back on everyday spending. This 1.5% rate can be applied to vet bills, boarding, brooming, pet supplies, and more. If you get any pet prescriptions filled or from a popular drugstore, the 3% rewards category will apply.

Pros:

  • Cash back rewards do not expire, and there’s no minimum to redeem.
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, Shop with Points at Amazon, gift cards, or travel.
  • Other benefits include complimentary three months of DashPass from DoorDash, 5% cash back on Lyft rides, and three months of Instacart+.
  • My Chase Plan allows you to pay off eligible purchases over time in equal monthly payments (no interest, just a fixed monthly fee).
  • Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Cons:

  • Doesn’t offer more than 1.5% cash back at grocery stores, pet stores, or other major retailers that carry pet supplies.
  • May not be able to take advantage of 3% drugstore cash back depending on your pet’s prescriptions.

Apply now: Chase Freedom Unlimited

Credit One Bank Best Friends Credit Card

Credit One Best Friends Card

Rewards rate:

  • 5% cash back on eligible purchases at pet shops, pet foods, and supply stores for the first $5,000 per calendar year
  • 1% cash back thereafter

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 28.99%

Signup bonus: N/A

Our verdict: This card from Credit One Bank was designed for pet owners, allowing you to earn up to 5% cash back on eligible pet-related purchases at pet shops, pet foods, and supply stores (up to $5,000). Although some cards reward stores and online retailers that carry pet supplies, this card’s unique rewards rate on specialized pet purchases is hard to beat. Plus, you can earn extra pet-related discounts by using your card and each purchase automatically generates a donation to Best Friends Animal Society. While the card has a high regular APR, it doesn’t have an annual fee and you may qualify even with average credit.

Pros:

  • Get up to 10% more cash back rewards from some of the nation’s top retailers automatically.
  • No offers to activate or points to redeem.
  • Best Friends Animal Society receives a donation in an amount equal to 1% of eligible purchases made with this card.
  • Good for average to excellent credit.
  • Other benefits include a $25 credit for new Rover customers, 20% off your online order with Pawz, 10% off online purchases with Rescue Dog Wines, 5% off all Kanab, Utah-based Best Friends lodging, and 10% off on Best Friends branded merchandise.

Cons:

  • Only earn rewards on pet-related purchases.
  • No signup bonus or intro APR.
  • High regular APR.

Apply now: Credit One Bank Best Friends Credit Card

How to choose a credit card for pet expenses

The best credit card for pet owners depends on your individual needs and expenses. Some factors to consider include:

  1. Where you buy pet supplies. Some cards offer higher rewards for certain online retailers while others are designed to reward purchases at certain pet-specific retailers. Think about those larger expenses, such as food, and where you can earn the most cash back on that purchase (such as at a grocery store vs. online).
    Also, think about where you live and whether particular retailers are even available to you.
  2. Your largest pet-related expenses. Each pet has its own particular needs, and the card that’s right for those needs can depend. For example, if your pet has a lot of medications you may want a card that rewards drugstore purchases. Or, if your pet needs are standard, your expenses may just be food and toys.
  3. Your non-pet-related spending. Choosing a card that rewards your pet purchases is important, but you should also select one that gives you the best rewards for your other spending, whether that’s at grocery stores, traveling, dining, entertainment, gas, or others. Consider the bonus categories cards offer and make sure they are valuable for whatever your budget looks like.
  4. If you have to finance a large purchase. If you have a large purchase or expense coming up, like adopting a pet or a large vet bill, compare cards that have a good 0% intro APR to give you some time to pay off those purchases without accruing interest.
  5. Your credit and credit history. If you have poor credit or limited credit history, you may only qualify for a secured credit card or one designed for borrowers with poor credit. Avoid applying for a card you won’t qualify for because the hard credit inquiry can decrease your credit score by a few points.

Methodology

The methodology for choosing the best credit cards for pet owners involves evaluating factors such as security features, ease of use, rewards programs, customer reviews, and fees. Financial experts and analysts assess these aspects to provide rankings and recommendations. The goal is to identify credit cards for pet owners that offer strong security measures, user-friendly interfaces, attractive rewards programs, positive customer feedback, and reasonable fees. By considering these factors, users can make informed decisions and select credit cards that align with their needs and preferences.

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.

FAQs

Yes, you can pay vet bills with a credit card. Depending on your card, you may be able to earn some rewards on the charge.

You cannot open a credit card in your dog’s name, but you can open a credit card and use it for routine vet appointments, grooming services, emergency care or treatments, pet supply purchases, boarding, and more. Choose a card that allows you to earn rewards on those purchases.