The Best Credit Cards for Black Friday Shopping

What to look for in a credit card for Black Friday shopping

When choosing Black Friday credit cards and credit cards for holiday shopping in general, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

• Rewards: Choose a credit card that offers rewards that you can redeem for cash back, travel points, or merchandise. This way, you can earn rewards while you save money on your purchases.
• Intro 0% APR offer: If you need to carry a balance for a few months, an intro 0% APR offer can save you money on interest.
• No annual fee: Many credit cards charge an annual fee, so it’s important to choose one that doesn’t if you’re only going to use it for Black Friday shopping.
• Purchase protection: Some credit cards offer purchase protection benefits, such as extended warranties and return protection. This can be helpful if you’re buying expensive gifts.

The best cards for Black Friday Shopping

Finding the right credit card for your wallet can feel impossible, but the below are some of the best rewards credit cards for Black Friday to consider:

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Rewards rate: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases

Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months

Regular APR: 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99%

Signup bonus: $200 cash back bonus after you spend $500 in the first 3 months

Verdict: The Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card stands out for its simplicity and solid cash back offering. With a flat 2% cash back on all purchases and a generous $200 bonus after an initial spend, it’s an excellent choice for those who prefer straightforward rewards without the hassle of rotating categories. The 0% introductory APR for 15 months further sweetens the deal, making it a versatile and cost-effective option.

Apply now: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Learn more: Wells Fargo Active Cash® Review

Citi® Double Cash Card

Rewards rate:

• 1% cash back on all purchases
• Additional 1% cash back when you pay your balance in full each month

Introductory APR: 0% for 18 months

Regular APR: 19.24%-29.24%

Signup Bonus: N/A

Verdict: The Citi Double Cash Credit Card stands out for its unique dual-reward structure, providing 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% when you settle your balance each month. With a 0% introductory APR for 18 months and extra benefits such as $0 liability on unauthorized charges, it offers a balanced and rewarding credit experience, encouraging responsible financial habits.

Apply now: Citi® Double Cash Card

Learn more: Citi Double Cash Review

Chase Freedom Flex℠

Rewards rate:

• 5% on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% on dining including takeout and drugstores
• 1% on all other purchases

Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months

Regular APR: 20.49% – 29.24%

Signup bonus: $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Verdict: The Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card is a dynamic option with its rotating 5% cash back categories, ensuring substantial rewards on activated quarterly purchases. The card’s versatility extends to 5% cash back on travel, 3% on dining, and a $200 bonus after meeting initial spending requirements. It caters to those who appreciate flexibility and maximizing rewards across various spending areas.

Apply now: Chase Freedom Flex

Learn more: Chase Freedom Flex Review

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Rewards rate:

• 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 in purchases per year, then 1%)
• 6% cash back on U.S. streaming services (on up to $600 in purchases per year, then 1%)
• 3% cash back on transit and gas
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.99%

Signup bonus: $250 cash back bonus after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Verdict: The Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card from American Express targets individuals focused on cash back for everyday essentials. Boasting an impressive 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 6% on U.S. streaming services, and 3% on transit and gas, it’s a top choice for heavy spenders in these categories. The enticing $250 cash back bonus and a 0% introductory APR for 12 months contributes significant value.

Apply now: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Learn more: Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express Review

Discover it® Cash Back

Rewards rate:

• 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months

Regular APR: 17.24% to 28.24%

Signup bonus: An unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you earn at the end of your first year.

Verdict: The Discover it Credit Card stands out with its unique cash back structure, featuring 5% cash back on rotating categories and 1% on all other purchases. Its unparalleled offer of matching all cash back earned in the first year provides an exceptional boost to initial rewards. Coupled with a 0% introductory APR for 15 months and versatile redemption options, it’s an appealing choice for those seeking both flexibility and a potentially substantial first-year bonus.

Apply now: Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card

Learn more: Discover It Cash Back Review

How to choose a credit card for Black Friday shopping

Finding the right cash back credit cards for Black Friday is crucial to your shopping experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the perfect card for the upcoming extravaganza:

• Rewards and cash back: Seek cards with enhanced rewards or cash back on retail and shopping categories for maximum savings.
• Introductory APR offers: Opt for cards with a 0% APR introductory offer to spread payments without accruing interest.
• Sign-up bonuses: Consider cards offering enticing sign-up bonuses, boosting your savings right from the start.
• Purchase protection: Prioritize cards with robust purchase protection for added security on Black Friday deals.
• Flexible redemption options: Choose cards with versatile redemption options that align with your preferences.
• Annual fees: Evaluate annual fees in relation to potential rewards and benefits offered by the card.
• Credit limit and usage: Ensure your card’s credit limit accommodates your Black Friday shopping plans.
• Security features: Select cards with strong security features like fraud protection and real-time alerts.

Tips for using credit cards for Black Friday shopping

1. Set and adhere to a budget: Establish a clear budget for your Black Friday shopping and commit to staying within its limits.
2. Price comparison is key: Before making a purchase, diligently compare prices across different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
3. Opt for reward-earning credit cards: Utilize credit cards that offer rewards, maximizing your savings as you shop during the Black Friday sales.
4. Pay your bill in full monthly: Avoid unnecessary interest charges by making it a practice to pay off your credit card bill in full each month.
5. Stay alert for scams: Be vigilant for potential scams during the heightened shopping activity of Black Friday. Only make purchases from reputable sources.
6. Embrace negotiation: Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices or inquire about additional discounts, especially in-store. Retailers may offer more flexibility than you think.
7. Leverage return policies: Familiarize yourself with and take advantage of the return policies of the stores you shop at. This ensures hassle-free returns or exchanges if needed.

Learn more: Credit Card Hacks for Black Friday

Methodology

When creating this list of the best credit cards for Black Friday shopping, a variety of factors were considered. The most prominent of these factors taken into consideration is the APR rate (including whether there is an introductory APR), any fees associated with the card(s), introductory offers on the card, and various benefits.