The best credit cards for online shopping in 2024
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Shopping online has become an essential part of daily life, especially with the convenience of fast shipping and exclusive online deals.
However, choosing the right credit cards for online shopping can make a significant difference in maximizing rewards, earning cashback, and protecting your purchases.
Each card offers unique benefits, from cashback in specific categories to robust protection policies.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top options in 2024, detailing the advantages, fees, and ideal uses for each one, to help you decide on the best card for your online shopping needs.
Keep reading to discover which card could be perfect for your online shopping.
What’s the best credit cards for online shopping?
In the digital age, using the right credit cards for online shopping can help maximize rewards, protect purchases, and save on interest.
But with so many cards offering unique perks like cashback, travel rewards, and flexible redemption options, choosing the best card can feel complicated.
This guide details the top credit cards for online shopping, helping you find the one that best aligns with your spending habits and financial goals.
Blue Cash Everyday American Express
When is it indicated?
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card is perfect for those who frequently shop for groceries, fuel, and essentials online.
With its friendly cashback structure, it’s a solid choice for individuals and families looking for rewards without high annual fees.
Annual Fee
This card stands out for having no annual fee, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers who want rewards without extra costs.
Features and Benefits
The card offers 3% cashback on grocery store purchases (up to $6,000 per year), 2% on fuel, and 1% on all other purchases, including online shopping. The card’s balance transfer options and an introductory 0% APR period (up to 15 months) provide flexibility and potential savings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Cashback in common expense categories
- Competitive introductory APR period
Cons:
- Limited to 3% cashback on grocery store purchases up to $6,000 annually
- Lower reward rate (1%) for other types of online purchases
Amazon Prime Visa
When is it indicated?
The Amazon Prime Visa is designed for frequent Amazon shoppers who want to maximize rewards on the platform. It’s best for those who regularly use Amazon and Whole Foods for their shopping needs.
Annual Fee
Although the card has no annual fee, it requires an Amazon Prime membership (currently $139/year). This card is an excellent option if you’re already a Prime member.
Features and Benefits
Cardholders earn 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on other purchases. Additional benefits include extended warranty protection and travel accident insurance, making it valuable for both online shopping and everyday expenses.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High reward rate on Amazon and Whole Foods
- No foreign transaction fees, which is useful for international online purchases
- Extra purchase protection
Cons:
- Requires a Prime membership for 5% cashback
- Lower rewards for purchases outside Amazon
Chase Sapphire Preferred
When is it indicated?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for travelers who also shop online, thanks to its broad rewards program, offering significant rewards on travel, dining, and online purchases through the Chase portal.
Annual Fee
This card has a $95 annual fee, which may be worth it for cardholders benefiting from high reward rates and travel-related perks.
Features and Benefits
Earn 3X points on dining and online grocery shopping, and 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or converted into cashback, providing flexibility for different types of online purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Flexible reward redemption options
- High reward rate on dining and travel through the Chase portal
- Point transfer to popular travel partners
Cons:
- $95 annual fee
- Limited online cashback options outside the Chase portal
The Platinum Card American Express
When is it indicated?
The Platinum Card is a premium option best suited for frequent travelers who want extensive travel benefits and luxury perks. While not specifically for online shopping, it offers excellent purchase protection on online transactions.
Annual Fee
The Platinum Card has a $695 annual fee, one of the highest among consumer cards, justified by its travel benefits, elite association perks, and superior customer service.
Features and Benefits
Cardholders earn 5X points on flights and hotels booked directly through American Express Travel and access exclusive perks, such as lounge access, statement credits, and high-level purchase protections. Its purchase protection covers theft and accidental damage for up to 90 days from the purchase date, ideal for high-value online items.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits
- 5X rewards on flights and hotels
- Strong purchase protection policy
Cons:
- High annual fee
- Limited cashback or rewards on everyday online purchases
Discover it Cash Back
When is it indicated?
The Discover it Cash Back card is an excellent choice for those who value rotating categories and a strong cashback structure. It’s especially good for individuals looking for a cashback match in the first year.
Annual Fee
This card has no annual fee, making it accessible and affordable for a wide range of users.
Features and Benefits
Cardholders earn 5% cashback on rotating categories, such as online shopping, groceries, and dining, up to a quarterly maximum after activation, with 1% cashback on all other purchases. Discover also offers a cashback match for the first year, effectively doubling all rewards earned in that period.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 5% cashback on specific categories (including online shopping during designated quarters)
- First-year cashback match
Cons:
- Requires activation of rotating categories
- Limited rewards outside bonus categories
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
When is it indicated?
This card is ideal for shoppers who want personalized rewards, as it allows cardholders to choose a 3% cashback category, making it perfect for those whose spending needs may change over time.
Annual Fee
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card has no annual fee.
Features and Benefits
The card offers 3% cashback in a category of your choice (e.g., online shopping, gas, dining), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and 1% on all other purchases. Each quarter, cardholders can swap their 3% category, providing flexibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Customizable 3% cashback category
- No annual fee
- Flexible rewards system
Cons:
- 3% cashback limited to $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases
- Requires manual selection of the 3% cashback category each quarter
Wells Fargo Active Cash
When is it indicated?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card is an excellent choice for those who want straightforward, unlimited cashback on every purchase, including online transactions, without complex category restrictions.
Annual Fee
This card also has no annual fee.
Features and Benefits
The Active Cash Card offers unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases, making it an attractive option for online shoppers seeking consistent rewards on every transaction. The card also includes an introductory 0% APR offer for the first 15 months, which is helpful for larger purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase
- No category restrictions or spending limits
- Introductory 0% APR period
Cons:
- Limited travel and luxury benefits
- No additional bonus categories
The choice of the best credit cards for online shopping greatly depends on your spending habits and lifestyle needs.
Cards like the Amazon Prime Visa and Wells Fargo Active Cash offer straightforward rewards, while options like Chase Sapphire Preferred and American Express Platinum provide robust travel benefits that may appeal to frequent travelers.
Each of these credit cards for online shopping offers something unique, whether cashback, reward points, or special protections, making online shopping more rewarding and secure.
Explore your options carefully and find the card that best aligns with your shopping needs and lifestyle.
Looking for a suggestion? Also, check out our content explaining how credit cards points work!