Online shopping has become an integral part of modern life. Using the Best Credit Card For Online Shopping can significantly enhance your experience by earning valuable rewards, from cash back to travel points, on every purchase you make from the comfort of your home. But with a plethora of credit card options available, identifying the right one can be overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the landscape of credit cards and pinpoint the ideal choices for maximizing your online shopping rewards.
Capitalize on Welcome Bonus Offers
One of the most effective strategies to maximize rewards from your online spending is by leveraging credit cards that offer substantial welcome bonuses for new card members. The rewards earned through these bonuses often surpass the regular spending category rewards, providing a significant boost to your points, miles, or cash back earnings right from the start.
If you are not currently pursuing a welcome bonus, now is an opportune time to explore some of the most attractive signup offers available.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year. This bonus equates to $1,000 in travel value.
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- 5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
- 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card
Welcome Bonus: LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER – 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Excellent/Good
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases
- Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee: $95
Credit Score: Excellent, Good
- 5X points on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
- 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
- 3X points on eligible streaming services
- 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
- 2X points on all other travel
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Top Cash-Back Credit Cards for Online Purchases
For many online shoppers, cash back rewards offer straightforward value and flexibility. These cards directly reward your spending with cash that can be used for statement credits, direct deposits, or even more online shopping. Here are some of the leading cash-back credit cards to consider for your online transactions:
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year)
Welcome Bonus: Get a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Earning Rates:
- 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose from a list of 24 options, including popular online stores like Apple and Amazon.com.
- 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category.
- 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card is tailored for shoppers, offering an impressive 6% cash back in rotating categories at retailers you select. This makes it a strong contender for those looking to maximize rewards at their preferred online stores.
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members
Earning Rates:
- Unlimited 5% cash back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
- Unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
If Amazon is your go-to online retailer, the Prime Visa is an essential card. It offers an unmatched 5% cash back on all Amazon.com purchases, along with other everyday spending categories, making it a valuable tool for frequent Amazon shoppers.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Earning Rates:
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of your choice. Categories relevant for online shopping include department stores, electronics stores, and select clothing stores.
- 2% cash back on one everyday category.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card stands out with its customizable rewards structure. You can select categories that align with your online shopping habits to earn 5% cash back, providing significant rewards for strategic spending.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
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Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earning Rates:
- 3% cash back in a category of your choice, with “online shopping” as a selectable option, along with gas, dining, travel, and more.
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Note: The 3% and 2% cash back rates apply to the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter.
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers flexibility by allowing you to choose “online shopping” as your 3% cash-back category. This makes it a solid choice if your online spending varies across different retailers throughout the year.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Apply Now Rates & Fees(Terms apply)
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Offer: Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Earning Rates:
- 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
- 3% cash back with U.S. online retailers (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
- 1% back on other purchases.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a strong all-around cash-back card, particularly rewarding for online retail purchases. With 3% cash back on online shopping, it’s a valuable option for those who frequently shop online.
Best Flexible Rewards Credit Cards for Online Shopping
If you prefer travel rewards and flexible redemption options, flexible rewards credit cards are an excellent choice. These cards earn points that can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or transferred to partner loyalty programs, offering greater versatility in how you use your rewards earned from online shopping.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Offer: 75,000 Miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, plus receive a one-time $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year.
Earning Rates:
- 5X miles per dollar on purchases through Capital One Entertainment (through 12/31/2025)
- 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2X miles per dollar on all other purchases
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card provides a solid 2X miles per dollar on all purchases, including online shopping. This straightforward earning structure, coupled with the flexibility of Capital One miles, makes it a great option for accumulating travel rewards.
American Express® Gold Card
American Express® Gold Card
Apply Now Rates & Fees(Terms apply)
Annual Fee: $325
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months
Earning Rates:
- 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X).
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X).
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels and other eligible travel booked on amextravel.com.
- 1X on other eligible purchases.
While the American Express® Gold Card only offers 1X point per dollar on general online shopping, its valuable perks like purchase protection can enhance your online shopping experience. The purchase protection feature provides coverage against theft, loss, or damage for eligible items purchased online, adding an extra layer of security and value.
Top Cards for Everyday Spending
If you prefer a simpler rewards structure without category bonuses to manage, consider these everyday spending credit cards. They offer a flat rate of rewards on all purchases, including online shopping, making them straightforward and convenient options.
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card
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Annual Fee: $95
Welcome Bonus: Receive 60,000 online bonus points – a $600 value – after you make at least $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Earning Rates:
- 2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases.
- 1.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Preferred Rewards members can earn a 25%-75% rewards bonus on every purchase.
The Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card offers a flat 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, which can be boosted to up to 2.625% cash back for Bank of America Preferred Rewards members. This makes it a compelling choice for those who bank with Bank of America and seek to maximize everyday rewards.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
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Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Earning Rates:
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is known for its simplicity, offering a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. This is an excellent option for users who value ease of use and consistent rewards without needing to track categories.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That’s 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases in the first year.
Earning Rates:
- Earn 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- Earn 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstore purchases.
- Earn 1.5% on all other purchases.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides a solid 1.5% cash back on all purchases as a base rate, with even higher rewards in specific categories. Its current welcome offer significantly boosts the first-year earnings, making it a highly rewarding card for the initial period.
Citi Double Cash® Card
Citi Double Cash® Card
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.
Earning Rates:
- Earn 2% cash back on every purchase – 1% when you buy + 1% when you pay.
The Citi Double Cash® Card offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, making it a strong contender for everyday online shopping. Its simple earning structure and no annual fee make it a popular choice for users seeking consistent cash back rewards.
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
TD Double Up℠ Credit Card
Annual Fee: $0
Welcome Bonus: Bonus Cash Back: Earn $200 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,500 within the first 90 days after account opening
Earning Rates:
- Unlimited 2% Cash Back on every eligible purchase.
The TD Double Up℠ Credit Card mirrors the simplicity of other 2% cash-back cards, offering a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. It’s a solid option for those within TD Bank’s service area looking for uncomplicated cash rewards.
Enhance Rewards with Shopping Portals
To further amplify your rewards from online shopping, consider using shopping portals. These platforms offer additional rewards on top of what you earn from your credit card. By starting your online shopping journey through a shopping portal, you can earn extra cash back, bonus points, or even airline miles.
Simply navigate to your chosen shopping portal, search for the retailer you plan to shop with, and click through the portal’s link to the retailer’s website. You’ll then earn the portal’s advertised rewards in addition to your credit card rewards.
Person holding a credit card and using a laptop, representing online shopping and credit card rewards
Credit: Sora Shimazaki/Pexels
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best credit card for online shopping depends on your spending habits and reward preferences. Whether you prioritize cash back, travel points, or simple flat-rate rewards, numerous credit card options are tailored to enhance your online purchasing power. By strategically choosing and utilizing the right credit card, you can maximize the value you receive from your online shopping expenditures.
What credit card do you prefer for online shopping? Share your favorite in the comments below!
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees)
