Best credit cards for online shopping of April 2025
With online shopping becoming an integral part of our lives, it’s crucial to optimize your spending habits. The right credit card can significantly enhance your online shopping experience. The best credit cards for online shopping offer a suite of benefits designed to protect your purchases and reward your spending.
Imagine enjoying enhanced purchase protection, extended warranties on eligible items, and even price protection for items you’ve bought. These features can provide peace of mind and potential savings. Additionally, many cards offer travel insurance, making your online travel bookings more secure.
But the perks don’t stop there. By choosing a credit card that rewards online spending, you can earn valuable points or cash back on your purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for a variety of things, from travel and merchandise to statement credits.
By carefully selecting a credit card tailored to your online shopping needs, you can elevate your digital shopping experience.
OUR FEATURED CARD LIST
CardRatings’ top picks for the best credit cards for online shopping
Looking to maximize your online shopping rewards and protection? Our expert-curated list features the top credit cards designed for digital shoppers. The best credit cards for online shopping offer a range of benefits, from enhanced purchase protection to generous rewards. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper or an occasional buyer, this is the list for you!
Why we like it
There are certainly seasons when you probably do more online shopping than other times, which is why the ability to select "online shopping" as your top earning category one month, but then "travel" or "dining" the next month is so valuable. Furthermore, earning 3% cash back in your choice category means that anywhere you shop online will earn you that top cash back (note that this is for retail establishments and things like medical bills, education/tuition payments and some other non-retail payments do not qualify as "online shopping").
There are certainly seasons when you probably do more online shopping than other times, which is why the ability to select "online shopping" as your top earning category one month, but then "travel" or "dining" the next month is so valuable. Furthermore, earning 3% cash back in your choice category means that anywhere you shop online will earn you that top cash back (note that this is for retail establishments and things like medical bills, education/tuition payments and some other non-retail payments do not qualify as "online shopping").
- This card is a top card for online shopping because it gives you the option to select "online shopping" as your highest earning category, but there are other options too. And, as an online shopper, we know you appreciate options.
- We're always happy when there is no annual fee.
- The rewards categories are already lucrative, but Preferred Rewards clients stand to earn even more: If you're just a Gold tier member (that's the lowest tier), you could be earning 3.75% back on your online purchases (up to the cap).
- The combined spending limits each quarter on your chosen category, grocery, and wholesale club purchases could be disappointing for some cardholders. We'd prefer to see no spending caps at all, or at least a more generous spending limit.
- The Preferred Rewards client tiers are certainly nice, but the bar to become a Preferred Rewards client is fairly high – it starts with an average three months balance of $20,000 across all your eligible accounts.
Why we like it
This card effectively offers you 2% cash back on all your purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay your balance), so that means that every time you head online to shop or pay a bill or book a trip, you'll be racking up cash back. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
This card effectively offers you 2% cash back on all your purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay your balance), so that means that every time you head online to shop or pay a bill or book a trip, you'll be racking up cash back. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- This card incentivizes paying off your balance, which is a great reminder to pay your balance each month.
- Even cards that offer bonuses on online spending sometimes limit that to retail only or particular merchants; with this card, you'll earn top rewards whether you're paying a medical bill or buying a new pair of blue jeans.
- There's no annual fee and a lot of simplicity here to make this card valuable.
- Two percent total cash back is perfectly respectable, but it's also not the best out there. If you're willing to employ multiple cards and some strategy, you can earn substantially more on your online purchases using cards tailored to particular purchases.
- If your online shopping includes purchases from foreign merchants in foreign currencies, you'll be disappointed to find this card charges foreign transaction fees.
Why we like it
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly useful credit cards rewards currency, especially if you're dreaming of travel. Plus, an update to the rewards structure now allows you to earn extra points specifically on your online grocery purchases AND this card generally has a solid signup bonus. What's not to like?
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly useful credit cards rewards currency, especially if you're dreaming of travel. Plus, an update to the rewards structure now allows you to earn extra points specifically on your online grocery purchases AND this card generally has a solid signup bonus. What's not to like?
- This card regularly offers a solid welcome bonus, so if you're in the market for a new card and have big travel plans on the horizon, it's a good option to consider.
- Your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel℠. Since you're a regular online shopper, that portal should be right up your alley.
- This card is known for offering pretty stellar trip interruption/cancellation insurance at no additional cost. It's an unusual – and potentially money-saving – feature for a card with this low an annual fee.
- You have an annual fee to consider. It's reasonable for the value offered, but you still need to be sure you're getting enough value from the card to more than offset it.
Why we like it
This card offers a no-annual-fee option for excellent rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. That combination of high-earning categories means this card could be a solid fit for a lot of people. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
This card offers a no-annual-fee option for excellent rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and U.S. online retail purchases. That combination of high-earning categories means this card could be a solid fit for a lot of people. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
- If you're an avid online shopper, the 3% cash back rewards specifically for U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 spent annually in this category, then 1%) could be lucrative.
- As introductions go, this one's memorable. You'll enjoy an intro 0% APR period lasting intro_apr_duration on purchases and balance transfers (then,RegAPR).
- The bonus categories are everyday shopping categories that a lot of people will be able to earn rewards on.
- The rewards for U.S. supermarket purchases, U.S. gas station purchases and U.S. online retail purchases are capped annually at $6,000 per category, and then the rewards rate drops to 1%. If you think you'll spend far more, and the way prices are, you well may, you might want to find a rewards card without the caps.
- Thinking of traveling abroad? Keep the foreign transaction fee in mind: foreign_fee
Why we like it
This card offers excellent rewards on purchases with U.S. supermarkets, plus excellent purchase protection. There's also an extra year added to the manufacturer's warranty of five years or less (terms apply).
This card offers excellent rewards on purchases with U.S. supermarkets, plus excellent purchase protection. There's also an extra year added to the manufacturer's warranty of five years or less (terms apply).
- A shopper's dream: Amex will extend the original manufacturer's warranty up to one additional years on U.S. warranties of five years or less, provided, of course, that you've made the purchase with an eligible card. Terms apply.
- You'll also get purchase protection. If you anything you buy with your card is broken, stolen or damaged within the first 90 days, it'll be replaced, up to $10,000 per item and $50,000 per calendar year. Terms apply.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, which makes traveling internationally – or shopping with overseas merchants in a foreign currency – cheaper.
- The annual fee is a bit higher than average. Just make sure you'll more than offset the fee with the rewards you earn; it likely won't be difficult to do.
- Unlike typical credit cards, this card allows you to carry a balance for certain charges, but not all. That could be a good thing, though; if you use the card right, you won't pay interest. But it's helpful to know and possibly a bummer for anybody who wants to take a little more time than a month to pay the card back.
Why we like it
If you're shopping online, there's a pretty good chance you find yourself at Amazon.com sometimes. If you're there A LOT, well, a card that rewards that loyalty could be an excellent addition to your wallet. Sure, other cards sometimes offer top rewards for your Amazon and/or Whole Foods purchases, but this one offers those top rewards all the time as well as some additional perks for your loyalty.
If you're shopping online, there's a pretty good chance you find yourself at Amazon.com sometimes. If you're there A LOT, well, a card that rewards that loyalty could be an excellent addition to your wallet. Sure, other cards sometimes offer top rewards for your Amazon and/or Whole Foods purchases, but this one offers those top rewards all the time as well as some additional perks for your loyalty.
- There's no better card out there to always, every time earn unlimited 5% back on your Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases. There are other cards that offer that amount during certain quarterly bonuses, but if this is your primary online shopping destination, this card is tough to beat.
- You could even use this card when traveling internationally. There's no foreign transaction fee.
- Amazon often runs additional promotions and discounts for cardholders, such as extra percentages off your purchases on Prime Day.
- Technically, there's no annual fee, but you have to be an Amazon Prime member to apply for the card, and so that's essentially an annual fee ($139 annually; $69 for students). But if you're an Amazon devotee, you probably don't care.
- There's no introductory low or 0% APR period.
Why we like it
This no-annual-fee card means your business can earn up to 5% cash back on purchases of office supplies, including if you shop via your favorite office supply store's website.
This no-annual-fee card means your business can earn up to 5% cash back on purchases of office supplies, including if you shop via your favorite office supply store's website.
- It's a great card for buying office supplies online (or offline, or anything you buy for your business) and your cash back accumulates as Chase Ultimate Rewards points, a highly valued travel rewards currency.
- There's no annual fee to worry about offsetting.
- Buy something you need to take your business to the next level and enjoy an intro 0% APR for the first intro_apr_duration on purchases (then, RegAPR)).
- Foreign transaction fees make this card not a great choice if your business travel takes you abroad or if you frequently buy items online from merchants in a foreign currency.
- That $25,000 cap on combined spending to earn the top rewards is a bit low. If your business, for instance, needs to replace a number of computers or other electronics, you'll likely eat through that cap quickly.
Why we like it
Besides this card offering 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in quarterly rotating categories (quarterly activation required), it also offers you a non-traditional welcome bonus opportunity that is as lucrative as you're able to make it.
Besides this card offering 5% back on up to $1,500 spent in quarterly rotating categories (quarterly activation required), it also offers you a non-traditional welcome bonus opportunity that is as lucrative as you're able to make it.
- The possibility of a very lucrative welcome bonus opportunity really can't be stated enough. Discover will match the cash back you earn during your first year as a new cardholder.
- There's no annual fee to offset, so all the rewards you earn when you shop online, or offline, are yours to keep.
- Straight cash back is nice, but, keeping with the online shopping theme, know that you can redeem your rewards directly for purchases at Amazon.com.
- If you're not a fan of keeping track of categories and quarters, you may want another card. Remember, too, that you'll need to activate each quarter to earn the 5% on rotating categories up to the quarterly maximum. It's easy to do via your account online, but is another thing to remember.
- Discover, while regularly expanding its network, is not as widely accepted as Visa, Mastercard or even American Express. It's worth keeping in mind, particularly if you live or travel off the beaten path.
Why we like it
Earn bonus rewards effortlessly on your online shopping and other top spending categories. This card automatically rewards you with 5% cash back in your biggest spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent), making it easy to put money back in your pocket. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
Earn bonus rewards effortlessly on your online shopping and other top spending categories. This card automatically rewards you with 5% cash back in your biggest spending category each billing cycle (up to the first $500 spent), making it easy to put money back in your pocket. Information has been collected independently by CardRatings and was neither reviewed nor provided by the card issuer.
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent (1% cash back thereafter) - there are no category enrollments to worry about or no need to juggle reward tiers. On everything else you purchase, you'll get 1% cash back.
- Enjoy an introductory APR period with this card, giving you valuable time to pay off purchases interest-free before the standard APR kicks in.
- A welcome bonus adds even more value to this no-annual-fee card.
- If you're comfortable with rotating bonus categories or tiered rewards, other cards may offer higher earning potential.
- There’s a cap on the amount of bonus rewards you can earn each billing cycle.
Why we like it
Most of us use at least one streaming service. If you’re paying to stream, you might as well earn some bonus rewards on those purchases. This card does just that!
Most of us use at least one streaming service. If you’re paying to stream, you might as well earn some bonus rewards on those purchases. This card does just that!
- The earn rate on streaming purchases is quite generous.
- Cardholders can enjoy an $84 Disney Bundle credit. With your enrolled card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. (Valid only at Disney http://Plus.com , http://Hulu.com or http://Plus.espn.com in the U.S. Other terms may apply.)
- This card rewards generously in other popular everyday categories, so it’s good for more than just streaming purchases.
- Be aware that this card charges foreign transaction fees, so it's not ideal for international purchases.
- There’s a cap on the amount of bonus rewards you can earn, so you’ll want to be aware of this.
Why we like it
This card earns bonus miles on all purchases, so whether you’re shopping online for an upcoming trip or for back-to-school supplies, you’ll earn on it all. Then, you can easily apply those rewards towards the cost of your next vacation.
This card earns bonus miles on all purchases, so whether you’re shopping online for an upcoming trip or for back-to-school supplies, you’ll earn on it all. Then, you can easily apply those rewards towards the cost of your next vacation.
- Earn bonus miles on everything from flights to groceries with this card—a great choice for quickly accumulating rewards.
- From traditional travel bookings to more unique experiences, this card offers redemption options for a wide array of travel purchases, including flights, hotels, Airbnbs, car rentals, and even campsite reservations.
- You can also transfer miles to numerous leading airline and hotel loyalty programs, offering even more flexibility with how you redeem your rewards.
- This card has an annual fee, which may be difficult to offset if you're only a casual spender.
Compare the best credit cards for online shopping by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best online shopping credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
Select up to 23 cards to compare side-by-side:
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Compare the best credit cards for online shopping by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Ask CardRatings’ experts
Which credit card features are best for online shopping?
The best credit card features for online shopping include zero liability for fraud, rewards for spending and consumer protections like purchase protection against damage or theft or extended warranties. The virtual card numbers some cards offer can also enhance security when you shop online.
Ideally a credit card used for online shopping will have a robust array of protections like extended warranty coverage, purchase protection and maybe even return protection, which can offer coverage if the merchant won’t accept an item you want to return.
When I'm shopping from e-commerce sites, I only use a credit card that rewards me heavily for those purchases. Some give an astonishing 5% cash back. But it will also be extremely important to use a credit card that offers tokenization and encryption, so you don’t have to type in or store your card’s account information. The good news is that most do.
How can consumers maximize savings with an online shopping credit card?
You can maximize savings for online purchases by picking a card with the best rewards rate you can find based on where you shop the most. Also make sure to click through online shopping portals that let you earn more cash back or rewards on purchases with thousands of online retailers. Examples include Shop with Chase, Delta SkyMiles Shopping and the American Airlines AAdvantage eShopping portal.
I maximize my savings with my online shopping card by using a card that offers high rewards with the online retailer where I spend the most. I earn 5% back on every purchase which is like getting a 5% discount on every item I buy.
It is wildly easy to overspend when shopping online. With a click, you’re borrowing money. Therefore, its imperative to to track purchases and log off before the balance is too high to cover in full. No matter how great the rewards, the applied interest on revolved debt will negate the earnings. To guarantee a profit, charge as much as possible but only in the amount you can afford to pay off.
Why should consumers use a credit card for online purchases?
Using credit cards for online purchases is downright convenient, and it gives cardholders the chance to earn rewards for each dollar spent. Perhaps more importantly, credit cards come with $0 fraud liability protection that ensures consumers' are never on the hook for fraudulent purchases charged to their cards. The same cannot be said for most debit card purchases.
I strictly use credit cards for online shopping for two key reasons. First, the card typically offers various protections, including the ability to dispute a purchase. Second, I love to take advantage of reward opportunities, particularly the ability to earn multiple points per dollar spent.
Nearly all credit cards come with $0 liability protection, which means you won’t be held liable for any fraudulent charges. Other online payment methods, like debit cards or ACH payments, may offer this protection, but if the money is removed directly from your account, you’ll have to wait until the fraud charge is sorted out. With a credit card, the bank will usually reverse the unauthorized charge when you report it.
What are some ways consumers can save money by using a credit card to shop online?
I save on online shopping by using a credit card that earns rewards and by checking out different shopping portals that can help me earn more points or cash back. Programs like Amex Offers, Capital One Offers and Chase Offers also help me earn additional rewards for eligible purchases, and they're free and easy to use.
It's easy to save money online with a credit card. I find it's best to use a credit card that offers increased earning opportunities with online shopping. I also like to combine that with using deals offered by the credit card, such as receiving increased points or statement credits from a specific retailer.
Using a credit card that offers high rewards for online shopping means you'll earn a percentage back on your online spending. In my house, we order a ton online using a card that earns 5% back on those online purchases. This has saved us hundreds of dollars over the years. Some credit cards also have special offers (like Amex Offers and Chase Offers) that allow you to earn an extra percentage back if you "activate" the offer through your account.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions about online shopping credit cards
Is it safe to use a credit card for online purchases?
Yes, it is safe to use a credit card for online purchases as credit cards offer protections that shopping with cash, checks or debit cards cannot. Some of those protections are regulation-related, like rules around how a bank has to handle the fraud if your credit card is stolen, while others are strictly practical, as in there’s no replacing it if you lose or have a wallet full of cash stolen.
See our top tips for how to shop online safely.
How to choose a credit card for online shopping
Choosing the right credit card for online shopping is key. Consider your spending habits: Amazon shoppers might benefit from the Amazon credit card, for example, while frequent travelers might prefer cards that reward travel purchases. Evaluate your financial discipline and choose a card with a fee structure that suits you. Look for cards with purchase protection, extended warranties, and travel insurance.
Can you get instant approval for a credit card for online shopping?
Often, yes. While you might not be able to use it right away, many credit cards offer instant approval decisions. However, you’ll usually have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail before you can start making purchases.
Some exceptions include some American Express cards that provide instant card numbers and store-branded cards that can be used immediately for a purchase.
How can I maximize savings with an online shopping credit card?
To maximize savings with an online shopping credit card, start by choosing a rewards card that aligns with your spending habits. Look for cards offering bonus rewards on purchases you make regularly. Enhance your savings by using cash-back websites like Rakuten or RetailMeNot. Many banks also offer shopping portals with discounts and bonus rewards. Don’t forget to search for promo codes, use coupon websites, and track prices with free online tools. Consider having multiple rewards cards to maximize savings across different categories. And remember, always pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges. By combining these strategies, you can turn online shopping into a lucrative experience.
Do online shopping credit cards offer fraud protection?
Online shopping credit cards often come equipped with robust fraud protection features. These typically include zero liability policies, which absolve you of responsibility for unauthorized charges. Additionally, many cards offer proactive monitoring systems that alert you to suspicious activity. These systems can identify unusual spending patterns and flag potential fraud. If you do encounter fraudulent charges, the dispute process is often streamlined, making it easier to resolve the issue. However, while these protections are valuable, it’s essential to practice safe online shopping habits. Using strong, unique passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and regularly monitoring your account activity are crucial steps to further safeguard your financial information.
Meet the editorial team
Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
To see the rates and fees for the American Express cards featured in this post, please visit the following links: CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees); CardName (See Rates and Fees)
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
This content is not provided by any company mentioned in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed here are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any such company. CardRatings.com does not review every company or every offer available on the market.
