Best Credit Cards for Shopping Online and Earning Rewards
Online shopping has become a part of our daily lives. Whether it’s buying clothes, electronics, or even groceries, most of us rely on the internet to get what we need. But did you know that you can actually earn rewards while shopping online? The right credit card can help you save money, earn cashback, and even get special perks like extended warranties or purchase protections.
But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best credit card for online shopping? In this article, we’ll break down some of the best credit cards that offer the most value when you shop online.
Why Use a Credit Card for Online Shopping?
Before we get into the best options, let’s quickly go over why using a credit card for online shopping is a good idea.
- Security – Credit cards often come with fraud protection, so if someone steals your information, you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges.
- Rewards – Many credit cards offer cashback, points, or miles on purchases, allowing you to earn something back for every dollar spent.
- Purchase Protection – Some credit cards offer extended warranties, price protection, or insurance on purchases, giving you extra peace of mind.
- Convenience – With one-click checkout and stored payment info, shopping with a credit card online is fast and easy.
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping and Earning Rewards
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great all-around card for online shopping. It offers:
- 1.5% unlimited cashback on all purchases
- 3% cashback on dining and drugstore purchases
- 5% cashback on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- No annual fee
This card is great if you want a simple and easy cashback system without worrying about bonus categories.
2. Citi Double Cash® Card
If you want a straightforward cashback credit card, the Citi Double Cash is a solid choice. It gives:
- 2% cashback on all purchases (1% when you buy, and another 1% when you pay your bill)
- No categories to track, just simple earnings
- No annual fee
This card is great for online shopping because you get a high cashback rate on everything, not just certain categories.
3. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
If you shop on Amazon frequently, this card is a no-brainer. It offers:
- 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
- 2% cashback at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- No annual fee (but you need an Amazon Prime membership)
If you spend a lot on Amazon, this card can really add up in savings.
4. American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card
The Blue Cash Everyday card is excellent for earning cashback on everyday essentials. It offers:
- 3% cashback on U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 3% cashback on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
- 2% cashback at U.S. gas stations
- No annual fee
If you shop online regularly, this card provides solid cashback on your purchases without an annual cost.
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
This card is great for online shoppers who also love to travel. It offers:
- 2X miles on every purchase, no matter the category
- 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- A one-time bonus of 75,000 miles if you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
- $95 annual fee
If you like earning rewards towards travel, this card makes sure every dollar you spend online is working for you.
6. PayPal Cashback Mastercard
If you shop at multiple online retailers, the PayPal Cashback Mastercard is an excellent option. It offers:
- 3% cashback on all PayPal purchases
- 2% cashback on everything else
- No annual fee
Since PayPal is accepted at most online stores, this card ensures you get consistent rewards on nearly everything you buy.
7. Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it Cash Back card is great if you don’t mind keeping track of rotating bonus categories. It offers:
- 5% cashback on different categories each quarter (up to $1,500 in purchases, then 1%)
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Cashback match at the end of your first year (they’ll match all the cashback you earned!)
- No annual fee
This card is ideal for online shoppers who can take advantage of the quarterly bonus categories to maximize earnings.
How to Choose the Right Card for You?
The best credit card for you depends on your shopping habits. Here are a few things to consider:
- Do you shop at one store often? If you primarily shop at Amazon, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa is your best bet.
- Do you want simple rewards? If you don’t want to worry about categories, the Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited are great choices.
- Do you want the highest cashback possible? The Discover it Cash Back and PayPal Cashback Mastercard offer high returns but require more tracking.
- Do you travel often? If you love traveling, the Capital One Venture card helps you earn travel rewards fast.
Tips for Maximizing Rewards While Shopping Online
- Use Shopping Portals – Many credit card companies offer bonus rewards if you shop through their online portals.
- Stack Coupons and Cashback Offers – Use cashback apps like Rakuten or Honey along with your credit card rewards to double up on savings.
- Pay Off Your Balance – Rewards aren’t worth it if you’re paying high interest. Always try to pay your bill in full every month.
- Keep Track of Rotating Categories – If your card has rotating cashback categories, set reminders so you can use the right card for the best rewards.
- Use Digital Wallets – Some cards offer extra cashback when used with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal.
Final Thoughts
Shopping online is already convenient, but using the right credit card can make it even better by helping you earn cashback, points, or miles. Whether you prefer a simple, no-fuss rewards system or you like maximizing every purchase, there’s a credit card out there for you.
So, before you make your next online purchase, think about which credit card will give you the best rewards. Happy shopping and happy saving!
