Best Credit CardsOnline Shopping
Selected from 1,500+ credit cards for September 2024
Updated Aug 9, 2024Fact checked
By:John Kiernan, Credit Card Editor
|Aug 9, 2024
Reviewed by:Alina Comoreanu, Senior Researcher
Fact checked
The best credit cards for online shopping can save cardholders hundreds of dollars per year, thanks to big initial bonuses, rewards of up to 6% back on purchases, annual fees as low as $0, and low-interest promotions. The very best credit cards for online shopping also require good or excellent credit for approval.... show more
WalletHub tracks 1,500+ credit cards (other sites only consider a much smaller number of cards, so they naturally miss a lot of great cards)
WalletHub picks the best credit cards overall (other sites pick the best cards from their advertising partners)
WalletHub uses a sophisticated card rating system to objectively find the best cards (other sites’ picks are influenced by their own biases)
WalletHub has 100% editorial independence (other sites just provide a billboard for advertisers)
WalletHub does not have a conflict of interest (other sites are biased due to promoting their own lending and banking offers)
WalletHub has 15+ years of credit card experience (other sites simply don’t have the same expertise)
WalletHub's best credit card picks and ratings are completely independent and not provided, commissioned, or endorsed by any issuer. In addition, our editors follow a strict editorial policy. Some offers may come from WalletHub's advertising partners. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Overall
Best Credit Card for Online Shopping
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
4.4WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.4
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.2
Market Comparison
4.4
fees: 3.8
rewards: 4.7
cost: 4.7
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Purchase intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening
Transfer intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Transfer Fee: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$200 Cash Rewards
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Purchase intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening
Transfer intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Transfer Fee: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$200 Cash Rewards
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
The best credit card for online shopping is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it offers a $0 annual fee and 2% cash rewards on purchases. Plus, cardholders can earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an introductory APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on new purchases, too.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Shopping on Amazon
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
4.1WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards (Store Cards)"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.2
Market Comparison
4.1
fees: 5.0
rewards: 4.0
cost: 4.1
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 5% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$100 Amazon gift card
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 5% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$100 Amazon gift card
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: The Prime Visa gives 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 5% back on Chase Travel purchases, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), as well as 1% back on all other purchases.It also comes with a $0 annual fee, and new cardholders will get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
You need an Amazon Prime membership to get this deal. If you don’t have Prime, the Amazon Credit Card is a good alternative.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
ONLINE SHOPPING AT ANY STORE
Best for No Annual Fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
4.1WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.6
Market Comparison
4.0
fees: 3.8
rewards: 3.4
cost: 4.7
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 months
Transfer intro APR
0% for 15 months
Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days (5%, min $5 after)
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5 - 5% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Purchase intro APR
0% for 15 months
Transfer intro APR
0% for 15 months
Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater in the first 60 days (5%, min $5 after)
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1.5 - 5% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers 1.5 - 5% cash back in rewards on purchases. More specifically, Chase Freedom Unlimited rewards cardholders with 5% cash back on travel through Chase, 3% back at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% back on all other purchases (plus an additional 1.5% cash back on everything, up to $20,000 spent the first year). The card comes with a $0 annual fee, too.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited card also offers introductory APRs of 0% for 15 months for new purchases and balance transfers.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best Overall
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
4.4WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.4
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.2
Market Comparison
4.4
fees: 3.8
rewards: 4.7
cost: 4.7
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Purchase intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening
Transfer intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Transfer Fee: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$200 Cash Rewards
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Purchase intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening
Transfer intro APR
0% for 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
Transfer Fee: 3% intro for 120 days, then up to 5% (min $5)
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$200 Cash Rewards
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
The best credit card for online shopping is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it offers a $0 annual fee and 2% cash rewards on purchases. Plus, cardholders can earn an initial bonus of $200 cash rewards after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
Wells Fargo Active Cash offers an introductory APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on new purchases, too.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Big-Spenders
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
4.0WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.0
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.7
User Reviews
3.9
Market Comparison
3.9
fees: 2.1
rewards: 4.3
cost: 4.6
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Terms Apply|
Purchase intro APR
0% for 12 months
Transfer intro APR
0% for 12 months
Transfer Fee: 3% (min $5)
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$0 intro 1st yr, $95 after
Rewards Rate
1 - 6% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$250
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Purchase intro APR
0% for 12 months
Transfer intro APR
0% for 12 months
Transfer Fee: 3% (min $5)
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$0 intro 1st yr, $95 after
Rewards Rate
1 - 6% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$250
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Cardholders also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, along with 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit, earned as statement credits. All other eligible purchases yield 1% cash back, whichis received in the form of reward dollars and can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
The Blue Cash Preferred charges a $0 intro annual fee the first year and $95 per year after that.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Bonus Rewards With Retailers You Choose
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
3.6WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.6
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Market Comparison
3.6
fees: 1.7
rewards: 3.9
cost: 4.3
Other Features: 0.0
Learn More
Regular APR
19.74% - 29.74% (V)
Annual Fee
$0 intro 1st yr, $95 after
Rewards Rate
1.5 - 6% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$250
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Regular APR
19.74% - 29.74% (V)
Annual Fee
$0 intro 1st yr, $95 after
Rewards Rate
1.5 - 6% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$250
Accepted Credit
Excellent
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping:The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Cardgives 6% cash back on up to $1,500 spent per quarter with two retailers that you select. Plus, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card comes with an initial bonus of $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 within 120 days.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
ONLINE SHOPPING AT SPECIFIC STORES
Best for Shopping on Amazon
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
4.1WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.1
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards (Store Cards)"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.2
Market Comparison
4.1
fees: 5.0
rewards: 4.0
cost: 4.1
Other Features: 0.0
Apply Now
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 5% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$100 Amazon gift card
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good
Regular APR
20.49% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 5% Cash Rewards
Bonus Offer
$100 Amazon gift card
Excellent, Good
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: The Prime Visa gives 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 5% back on Chase Travel purchases, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), as well as 1% back on all other purchases.It also comes with a $0 annual fee, and new cardholders will get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
You need an Amazon Prime membership to get this deal. If you don’t have Prime, the Amazon Credit Card is a good alternative.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Department Stores
Target Credit Card
Target Credit Card
3.7WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.7
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Earn Rewards (Store Cards)"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.7
Market Comparison
3.5
fees: 5.0
rewards: 3.4
cost: 3.3
Other Features: 0.0
Learn More
Regular APR
29.95% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
5% discount
Bonus Offer
$50
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good, Fair
Regular APR
29.95% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
5% discount
Bonus Offer
$50
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good, Fair
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: The Target Credit Card rewards shoppers with a 5% discount at Target and Target.com every day, plus free shipping.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
BELOW-AVERAGE CREDIT
Best for Students
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card
5.0WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
5.0
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Build Credit by Paying in Full Each Month (Students)"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
4.7
Market Comparison
5.0
fees: 5.0
rewards: 5.0
cost: 5.0
Other Features: 5.0
Apply Now
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 8% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$50
Accepted Credit
Fair, Limited History
Regular APR
19.99% - 29.99% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 8% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$50
Accepted Credit
Fair, Limited History
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Cardis one of the best credit cards for students who like to shop online. For starters, it has a $0 annual fee and comes with an initial bonus of $50 for spending $100 in the first 3 months. Plus, cardholders can earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), along with 1% back on all other purchases (except for 8% back on Capital One Entertainment purchases and 10% back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats through 11/14/2024).
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Fair Credit
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
4.9WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.9
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.4
Market Comparison
5.0
fees: 5.0
rewards: 5.0
cost: 5.0
Other Features: 5.0
Apply Now
Transfer intro APR
0% for 18 months
Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$200
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good, Fair
Transfer intro APR
0% for 18 months
Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer
Regular APR
19.24% - 29.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
2% Cash Back
Bonus Offer
$200
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good, Fair
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: The Citi Double Cash® Card is the best credit card available to people with fair credit. The Citi Double Cash Card gives 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay for those purchases), plus 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24, and it has a $0 annual fee.New cardholders can also take advantage of a great initial bonus offer: $200 for spending $1,500 in the first 6 months
Plus, you can get an introductory APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers. However, the card has a regular APR of 19.24% - 29.24% (V) and a transfer fee of 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Bad Credit
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
Discover it® Secured Credit Card
4.5WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.5
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Rebuild Damaged Credit by Paying in Full Each Month"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.7
Market Comparison
4.4
fees: 5.0
rewards: 5.0
cost: 4.6
Other Features: 3.0
Apply Now
Transfer intro APR
10.99% for 6 months
Transfer Fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 2% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Limited History, Bad
Transfer intro APR
10.99% for 6 months
Transfer Fee: 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*
Regular APR
28.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 2% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Limited History, Bad
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping:People with bad credit might want to consider the Discover it® Secured Credit Card. The Discover it Secured Credit Card gives 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 spent each quarter combined), and 1% back on all other purchases. Discover also doubles the rewards you earn during the first year as a new cardmembers. The card comes with a $0 annual fee, too.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
Best for Limited Credit
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
4.8WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.8
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated the card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need most relevant to this page ("Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month"). The rating for this card may vary on other pages where a different need is used. A rating of 5 is the best a card can receive.
Editor’s Rating
5.0
User Reviews
3.1
Market Comparison
5.0
fees: 5.0
rewards: 5.0
cost: 4.9
Other Features: 5.0
Learn More
Regular APR
18.24% - 32.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 1.5% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good, Fair, Limited History
Regular APR
18.24% - 32.24% (V)
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
1 - 1.5% Cash Back
Accepted Credit
Excellent, Good, Fair, Limited History
Editors’ Thoughts
Why it’s one of the best credit cards for online shopping: Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card is the best rewards credit card for people with limited credit because it gives 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, up to 1.25% back after 6 months of on-time payments, and 1.5% cash back after 12 consecutive months of paying on time. The card also has a $0 annual fee.
Pros, Cons & More Details
Pros, Cons & Details
WalletHub's Research
- Best credit cards for online shopping compared
- Online shopping credit card tips
- Methodology
- Sources
- About the author
- User questions & answers
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping Compared
Card Name | Best For | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Overall | 2% cash rewards | $0 |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Big-Spenders | 1 - 6% cash back | $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | No Annual Fee | 1.5 - 5% cash back | $0 |
Prime Visa | Shopping on Amazon | 1 - 5% cash rewards | $0 |
Target Credit Card | Department Store | 5% discount | $0 |
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card | No Credit | 1 - 1.5% cash back | $0 |
Online Shopping Credit Card Tips
Check your credit score before comparing cards
The very best credit cards for online shopping require good or excellent credit for approval, which means a credit score of 700 or higher. There are still great options for people with lower scores, too. But to find a good deal with high approval odds, you need to know your credit score. You cancheck your latest credit score for free on WalletHub.
Have clear intentions for what you’ll use the card for
Knowing exactly how you’ll use your new credit card will help you focus on comparing the card features that will impact you the most. For example, if you’re going to use the card on one particular retailer’s website or for a certain category of purchases, you can concentrate on the cards that will give the most rewards on those purchases. Or, if you mainly want to take advantage of a card’s initial bonus, you don’t have to pay as much attention to its ongoing features.
Consider retailer-affiliated credit cards
Store credit cards and co-branded credit cards affiliated with major retailers are some of the best credit cards for online shopping because they give great rewards and usually have $0 annual fees. You can find cards affiliated with most of your favorite brands, too, and they often require just fair credit for approval.
Be careful not to overspend
It’s easy to get carried away when shopping online, but spending beyond your means is a costly mistake. Unless your card has a low-interest promotion, you’re likely to rack up expensive interest charges that eat into your rewards.
Methodology for Selecting the Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
To identify the best credit cards for online shopping, WalletHub’s editors regularly compare more than 1,500 credit card offers based on their initial bonuses, ongoing rewards, APR promotions, annual fees, approval requirements and other WalletHub Rating components. This enables us to determine which cards are best suited to maximize cardholder savings over a span of two years, for different types of online shoppers.
How Two-Year Cost Is Calculated
Two-year cost is used to approximate the monetary value of cards for better comparison and is calculated by combining annual and monthly membership fees over two years, adding any one-time fees or other fees (like balance transfer fees), adding any interest costs, and subtracting rewards. Negative amounts indicate savings. When fees or other terms are presented as a range, we use the midpoint for scoring purposes.
Rewards bonuses and credits have been taken into account for two-year cost calculations. However, bonuses applicable to only a very small portion of cardholders are not considered. For example, credits and bonuses awarded for spending or redeeming rewards through a company portal with non-co-branded cards have not been taken into account. Similarly, bonuses and credits related to spending with specific merchants using a non-co-branded card have not been taken into account (for example, if Card A offers credits with DoorDash, this feature would not be factored into calculations because it is hard to assess how many cardholders would use the benefit or exactly how much value they'd get from it).
Cardholder Spending Profiles
Given that different credit card users have different goals and are likely to use their cards differently, we identified spending profiles that are representative of people’s varied financial priorities and behaviors. For each cardholder type, we have assumed a specific amount of monthly spending by purchase type (e.g., groceries, gas, etc.), as well as an average balance, balance transfer amount, amount spent on large purchases and average monthly payment. Spending assumptions are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
If more of your shopping is done in person than online, you can also check out our best credit cards for shopping overall for a more diverse selection.
Sources
WalletHub actively maintains a database of 1,500+ credit card offers, from which we select the best credit cards for online shopping for different applicants as well as derive market-wide takeaways and trends. The underlying data is compiled from credit card company websites or provided directly by the credit card issuers. We also leverage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to develop cardholder profiles, used to estimate cards’ potential savings.
About the Author
John S Kiernan
John Kiernan has covered the credit card industry for more than 15 years as a writer and editor for WalletHub. His work has been featured by major media outlets such as The Washington Post, Fox News and The New York Times and has been cited by industry regulators such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Twitter Email Full Bio
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping FAQ
Finding the best credit card can be tough. But you’ve got the knowledgeable WalletHub community on your side. We encourage everyone to share their knowledge while respecting our content guidelines. Please keep in mind that editorial and user-generated content on this page is not reviewed or otherwise endorsed by any financial institution. In addition, it is not the financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
7
Upvotes
Does Capital One refund annual fees?
Reply
7
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
Capital One does not refund annual fees after charging them in most cases. You can try calling Capital One customer service at the number on the back of your card to request an annual fee waiver, though this is not guaranteed to work.
Capital One cardholders who want to upgrade to a card with an annual fee should keep in mind that the fee won't be charged until 65 days after the upgrade. If you would like to revert to your original no-annual-fee card after you have upgraded, you should notify Capital One customer service before the 65-day mark.
4
Upvotes
What is included in the Bank of America online shopping category?
Reply
4
Adam McCann, Financial Writer
@adam_mcan
The Bank of America online shopping category includes bookstores, clothing stores, and department stores, among others. This category gives you rewards for purchases made online or with a mobile app from merchants such as Amazon, Apple, Best Buy, Macy's, and Target.
Keep in mind that the online shopping category list is not exhaustive. Different types of purchases may be eligible as well.
Bank of America Online Shopping Category List
- Bookstores
- Clothing and...
show more
3
2
Upvotes
Is Chase Freedom Flex good for online shopping?
Reply
2
Cameron DiGiovanni, Writer
@cdigiovanni20
Yes, Chase Freedom Flex is good for online shopping because it offers lots of rewards for making online purchases. More specifically, this card offers 1 - 5% cash back on purchases. On top of that, the Chase Freedom Flex card comes with Mastercard World Elite benefits that help you save money while shopping online.
How to Use Chase Freedom Flex for Online Shopping
1. Keep Track of the Rotating Bonus Categories
Chase Freedom Flex gives 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent in...
show more
1
16
Upvotes
What is the Bank of America Cash Rewards online shopping benefit?
Reply
16
6
Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card online shopping benefit is part of the 3% cash back categories. Online and mobile transactions with certain merchant category codes qualify for this bonus cash back. Eligible merchant categories include bookstores, clothing and apparel, department stores, and more.
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card Online Shopping Category Details
- Bookstores
- Clothing and Apparel
- Department Stores
- Discount Stores
- Electronics
- Specialty Retail Stores
- Sporting Goods
Online shopping is one of...
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Is Chase Freedom good for online shopping?
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Jamie Thompson, WalletHub Analyst
@ExTaxMan
Yes, Chase Freedom is good for online shopping because it can be used at any merchant that accepts Visa and it offers plenty of rewards on online purchases.
Here's why the Chase Freedom is good for online shopping:
- Ongoing rewards: With this card you get 5% cash back on grocery store purchases for the first year (up to $12,000 spent), 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent per quarter in bonus categories (which change every quarter and require activation), and 1% back on all other purchases.
- Bonus categories that change every quarter: Sometimes the bonus categories on Chase Freedom aren't as useful for online shopping. But there are times when they will include categories...
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What are the best cash back credit cards for online shopping?
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Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The best cash back credit card for online shopping is the Blue Cash Preferred card because it gives at least 1% cash back on all purchases (cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout) and offers new users $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Blue Cash Preferred also comes with return protection coverage and has an intro APR of 0% for 12 months. Once this period expires, any remaining balance on the Blue Cash Preferred Card...
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Is a credit card safe to use online?
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John Miller, Credit Cards Moderator
@john_miller
Yes, a credit card is generally safe to use online, provided that you take certain precautions. Even though credit cards come with a $0 fraud liability guarantee, you should still make sure that you shop with trusted merchants, and that you don't share your personal information with anyone.
Tips for Safe Online Credit Card Use
- Shop From Trusted Websites: Only make purchases from reputable and well-known online retailers. Check for reviews and ratings to ensure...
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What credit cards can I get for online shopping and cash advances with good credit?
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Benny Joseph, WalletHub Analyst
@Benjy_1
One of the best credit cards for online shopping and cash advances you can get with good credit is the First Tech Choice Rewards World Mastercard®. This card comes with an initial bonus of 20,000 points for spending $3,000 in the first 60 days. The card also offers 1 - 2 points per $1 spent on purchases, including online shopping. Plus, the First Tech Choice Rewards card comes with a $0 cash advance fee and a $0 annual fee.
Keep in mind that, typically, a credit card cash advance is a very expensive transaction. For starters, a cash advance fee...
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What credit card gives 5% cash back on Walmart purchases?
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Chip Lupo, Credit Card Writer
@CLoop
The credit cards that give 5% cash back at Walmart are the Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® and the Walmart® Store Card. Both cards offer 5% back at Walmart stores for the first 12 months when you use your card with Walmart Pay, and you can always get 5% back online and using the mobile app.
The Mastercard gives 5% cash back on Walmart.com and Walmart mobile app purchases, including pickup and delivery, while the store card gives 5 points / $1 spent...
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