Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping of December 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Shopping online has some distinct advantages over going the brick-and-mortar route. Most notably, it's just more convenient to browse and order something online and have it delivered than to drive around looking for it. Another advantage: credit card rewards that are in some cases higher simply for making a purchase online as opposed to in the "real world."
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NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Shopping online has some distinct advantages over going the brick-and-mortar route. Most notably, it's just more convenient to browse and order something online and have it delivered than to drive around looking for it. Another advantage: credit card rewards that are in some cases higher simply for making a purchase online as opposed to in the "real world."
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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Shopping online has some distinct advantages over going the brick-and-mortar route. Most notably, it's just more convenient to browse and order something online and have it delivered than to drive around looking for it. Another advantage: credit card rewards that are in some cases higher simply for making a purchase online as opposed to in the "real world."
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Shopping online has some distinct advantages over going the brick-and-mortar route. Most notably, it's just more convenient to browse and order something online and have it delivered than to drive around looking for it. Another advantage: credit card rewards that are in some cases higher simply for making a purchase online as opposed to in the "real world."
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping of December 2024
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for Everyday spending
Prime Visa: Best for Amazon Prime Members
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Flexibility and customization
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: Best for Maximum simplicity
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Big spending with major retailers
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for 0% APR period
Discover it® Cash Back: Best for Seasonal shopping + matching bonus
Chase Freedom Flex®: Best for Seasonal shopping + cash bonus
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Freedom Flex®Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website | Best for Seasonal shopping + cash bonus | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Chase's website on Chase's website |
 Wells Fargo Active Cash® CardApply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website | Best for Maximum simplicity | $0 | 2% | $200 | Apply Now on Wells Fargo's website on Wells Fargo's website |
 Discover it® Cash BackApply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 | Best for Seasonal shopping + matching bonus | $0 | 1%-5% | Cashback Match™ | Apply Now on Discover's website, on Discover's website, or call 800-347-0264 |
 Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Everyday spending | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit cardApply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website | Best for 0% APR period | $0 | 1%-3% | $200 | Apply Now on Bank of America's website on Bank of America's website |
 U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Flexibility and customization | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® CardApply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website | Best for Big spending with major retailers | $0 intro for the first year, then $95 | 1.5%-6% | $250 | Apply Now on U.S. Bank's website on U.S. Bank's website |
 Prime VisaApply Now on Amazon.com's website on Amazon.com's website | Best for Amazon Prime Members | $0 | 1%-5% | $200 | Apply Now on Amazon.com's website on Amazon.com's website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Seasonal shopping + cash bonus
The Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% cash back in rotating categories, which have included major online retailers and payment platforms.
Our Take
You earn 5% cash back in quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending). Online shoppers often benefit: At various points in 2022, for example, the categories included Amazon, Walmart (including online), eBay and PayPal, which is accepted by countless online retailers. The card also earns 5% on travel purchased through Chase, 3% at restaurants and drugstores, and 1% on other purchases. There's a good 0% intro APR period and a great bonus offer, too.
Activating and tracking bonus categories can be a hassle. The $1,500 quarterly cap might be too low, depending on your spending. And unlike with some other cards, you don't get a choice in your categories; they're set by the issuer.
The Chase Freedom Flex® earns 5% cash back in rotating categories, which have included major online retailers and payment platforms.
Maximum simplicity
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great for online shopping for the same reason it's great for offline shopping: It gives you 2% cash back on every purchase, no matter what, no matter where.
Product Details
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 2% cash back on every purchase, with no spending requirements, spending caps or rewards categories that you have to track. The sign-up bonus and 0% intro APR offer can also help you offset or finance shopping costs. Bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Redemption options beyond statement credits mostly favor Wells Fargo banking customers. They include cash withdrawals from Wells Fargo ATMs (in $20 increments), direct deposits into a Wells Fargo checking or savings account, a paper check sent through the mail, charitable donations, merchandise, gift cards or travel.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is great for online shopping for the same reason it's great for offline shopping: It gives you 2% cash back on every purchase, no matter what, no matter where.
Seasonal shopping + matching bonus
This card earns 5% cash back on quarterly categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in category spending) and 1% on other purchases. The categories for October through December 2024 are especially enticing for holiday shoppers: Amazon.com and Target.
The Discover it® Cash Back earns 5% cash back in quarterly categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending; other spending earns 1%). Those categories are often quite friendly to online shoppers.
Product Details
- INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
- Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
- Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 60 seconds. No annual fee.
- Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with our digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.74% to 27.74% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The 5% categories in recent years have included grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants, but they've been particularly lucrative for online shoppers. At various points in 2022, for example, they included Amazon and Target (including online), as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay, which can be used at countless online retailers. There's also a good intro APR offer and Discover's signature bonus for new cardholders.
Activating (and tracking) rotating bonus categories is a bit of a hassle. The $1,500 quarterly limit on spending eligible for bonus rewards may be limiting. And unlike with the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, you can’t choose your own categories; they're set by the issuer.
The Discover it® Cash Back earns 5% cash back in quarterly categories that you activate (on up to $1,500 per quarter in spending; other spending earns 1%). Those categories are often quite friendly to online shoppers.
Everyday spending
On top of its lucrative rewards in other everyday spending categories, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns a solid bonus rate of 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent per year on U.S. online retail purchases (terms apply).
Product Details
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 18.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, at U.S. supermarkets and at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 spent per year in each of those categories. Other purchases earn 1% cash back. There's a strong intro 0% APR period, as well as this offer for new cardholders: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Terms Apply.
The spending caps on each elevated rewards category may be difficult to track. If you’re looking to maximize rewards with a different credit card after meeting the spending limit, you’ll have to come up with a system to know when you’ve reached that threshold.
On top of its lucrative rewards in other everyday spending categories, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns a solid bonus rate of 3% cash back on up to $6,000 spent per year on U.S. online retail purchases (terms apply).
0% APR period
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card earns 3% cash back cash back in a category you choose, with one of those categories being online shopping. It also offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods in its class, if you've got a big purchase coming up.
Product Details
- $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Choose 3% cash back on gas and EV charging station, online shopping/cable/internet/phone plan/streaming, dining, travel, drug store/pharmacy or home improvement/furnishings purchases.
- If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
- No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74% - 28.74% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our Take
You get 3% cash back in your chosen category and 2% back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs on the first $2,500 spent per quarter in these categories combined. All other spending earns 1%. (You can change your choice category monthly. See our review of the card for the other categories.) The card also offers a great 0% intro APR period and a solid bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Because the spending cap on bonus rewards also applies to grocery stores and wholesale clubs, any spending you do in those categories can eat into your earning potential for online shopping.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card earns 3% cash back cash back in a category you choose, with one of those categories being online shopping. It also offers one of the longest 0% intro APR periods in its class, if you've got a big purchase coming up.
Flexibility and customization
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns up to 5% cash back in categories that you choose, including several with special online shopping appeal.
Product Details
- $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose.
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, or Grocery Stores (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.74% - 28.99%.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 5% cash back in two categories you choose, on up to $2,000 per quarter in combined purchases. Those categories have included such things as select clothing stores, electronics stores, department stores, sporting goods stores and furniture stores. You also get 2% cash back in an "everyday" category you choose (gas, groceries or restaurants) and 1% cash back elsewhere. There's a 0% intro APR period and a solid bonus offer, too.
It takes some effort: You have to remember to opt in to bonus categories every quarter and keep spending caps in mind to maximize your rewards. Also, note that superstores like Walmart and Target don't qualify in categories such as "department stores" or "electronics stores."
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card earns up to 5% cash back in categories that you choose, including several with special online shopping appeal.
Big spending with major retailers
If you're consistently spending a lot of money online with major retailers and big box outlets, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is definitely worth a look. It pays 6% cash back at two retailers you choose from a list of 24 options, on up to $1,500 in combined spending per quarter. The list includes heavy-hitters like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, major home improvement chains and more.
Product Details
- 6% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose.
- Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
- 3% Cash Back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category like gas stations & EV charging stations (excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs), bills and home utilities.
- 1.5% Cash Back on all other eligible purchases.
- 6% Cash Back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
In addition to 6% back on up to $1,500 a quarter in combined spending at your two chosen retailers, you earn 3% on up to $1,500 per quarter spent in an "everyday" category like gas, wholesale clubs or bills and utilities. All other purchases earn 1.5% — a major edge over other cards that pay only 1% on non-bonus-category spending.
The card charges an annual fee, although $31 a week in spending at your chosen retailers will return enough cash back to offset it. The rewards structure requires a bit of work, since it's on you to choose your 6% and 3% options each quarter.
If you're consistently spending a lot of money online with major retailers and big box outlets, the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is definitely worth a look. It pays 6% cash back at two retailers you choose from a list of 24 options, on up to $1,500 in combined spending per quarter. The list includes heavy-hitters like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, major home improvement chains and more.
Amazon Prime Members
If you're an Amazon Prime member who does the bulk of your shopping through the internet's signature mega-retailer, the Prime Visa is close to a must-have with its 5% rewards.
Product Details
- Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership.
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
- No annual credit card fee.
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day.
- Member FDIC.
Our Take
You earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, at Whole Foods Market (which is owned by Amazon) and on Chase Travel; 2% back at restaurants, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare); and 1% back on other purchases. Rewards come as points that you can redeem for Amazon purchases or as cash back. There's also this solid incentive for new cardholders: Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
The card itself has no annual fee, but to get it, you need a Prime membership, which costs $139 a year. Unlike some other cards on this list, its bonus rewards apply at only one online retailer (even if it is the biggest of them all).
If you're an Amazon Prime member who does the bulk of your shopping through the internet's signature mega-retailer, the Prime Visa is close to a must-have with its 5% rewards.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR ONLINE SHOPPING
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Everyday spending
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express pays elevated rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at U.S. gas stations and on U.S. online retail purchases. The rewards might not be as rich as on the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, but this card doesn't charge an annual fee either. New cardholders get a decent welcome offer and an introductory APR period. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Flexibility and customization
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
Prime Visa
Our pick for: Amazon Prime members
If you drop a lot of money at Amazon and/or Whole Foods Market, this is the card for you, with 5% back on such purchases, plus bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations, plus local transit and commuting (including rideshare). There's no annual fee, but you have to be a Prime member, and that does have a fee. Read our review.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Maximum simplicity
Among flat-rate cash-back cards, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. It earns an unlimited 2% back on all purchases, which is excellent. But in addition, the card offers a rich sign-up bonus and a decent intro APR period on both purchases and balance transfers. That's an impressive, hard-to-find combination of features on a card with a $0 annual fee. Read our review.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Big spending with major retailers
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card is tailor-made for consumers who spend a lot of money at retailers that don't fit into (or are specifically excluded from) the bonus categories offered by other credit cards. The card also offers a higher-than-usual rate on spending outside its bonus categories. The downside: There's an annual fee. Read our review.
Discover it® Cash Back
Our pick for: Seasonal shopping
The Discover it® Cash Back earns bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate. In past years, those categories have included common spending areas like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and specific major retailers. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending aligns with those categories (and for most households, it probably will), you can rake in serious rewards. You also get the issuer's signature "cash-back match" bonus in your first year. Read our review.
Chase Freedom Flex®
Our pick for: Seasonal shopping
The Chase Freedom Flex® offers bonus cash back in quarterly categories that you activate, as well as on travel booked through Chase, at restaurants and at drugstores. Category activation can be a hassle, but if your spending matches the categories — and for a lot of people, it will — you can rack up hundreds of dollars a year. There's a fantastic bonus offer for new cardholders and an intro APR offer, too. Read our review.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: 0% intro APR period
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives you a little more control over your credit card rewards by letting you choose which category earns the highest cash-back rate, from a list that includes gas stations, restaurants, travel, home improvement and more. You also get bonus rewards at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, plus a great new-cardholder bonus offer. Read our review.
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Our pick for: PayPal power users
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on purchases made with the card through PayPal and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. You'll need a PayPal account, but if you're the sort of person this card appeals to, you probably already have one. Read our review.
Target Circle™ Credit Card
Our pick for: Target fans
Target's branded credit card doesn't give you rewards that require you to come back in order to use them. Instead, it gives you a 5% discount on just about everything, both in-store and online, as well as free shipping and extra time for returns. Read our review.
• • •
Things to know about online shopping rewards
Not all online spending is 'online shopping'
Just because you spent money online doesn't mean your credit card will give you bonus rewards tied to "online shopping." Each card issuer defines for itself what exactly counts as "online shopping," but in general, it means buying something on the web or through an app from a merchant that the credit card issuer recognizes as a retailer. (How does it know? It uses merchant category codes.) Payments for services don't usually count, nor do things like doctor bills, tax payments, alimony or child support and utility bills. Examples:
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express says its online shopping rewards apply only to purchases from a "U.S. retail merchant that sells physical goods and/or merchandise directly to consumers. Purchases made at restaurants, supermarkets, gasoline stations, or automotive dealers, as well as purchases of travel, entertainment, or other services are NOT eligible for additional rewards."
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card says it "includes online and mobile app purchases in a wide variety of merchant categories." It provides several examples (though not a full list) of the types of merchants that would qualify as well as specific retailer brands. It also offers a full page of exceptions.
Streaming isn't necessarily shopping
"Online shopping" and "online streaming" are not necessarily synonymous when it comes to credit card bonus categories. If you're looking for a card that specifically rewards the latter, see NerdWallet's best credit cards for streaming services.
• • •
To view rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, see this page.
Last updated on November 18, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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