Sean Jackson
For our review of the best shopping cards, we may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.
Are you eyeing a new credit card for holiday shopping this year? Whether you’re a dedicated bargain-hunter or avoid the local mall like the plague, you’re probably going to get sucked into some heady holiday shopping. With the help of a new study by WalletHub on the six best cards for shopping, we’ve got you covered. We’ve whittled their list down to our top three picks, saving you time.
Quick List
In a hurry? Here's a few of the very best cards on our list, along with quick links that let you jump down the page to read more information on each card we feature.
BEST OVERALL
Apply for: Wells Fargo Active Cash®
We agree with WalletHub that this card is the best overall; it is a no-fuss way of reaping 2% cash on every purchase, with no annual fee. Plus, new cardholders earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months. The card offers a 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months. Read more below>
BEST FOR ONLINE SHOPPING
The card comes with a new $150 intro offer you receive as soon as you are approved; no waiting for weeks like most cards. You can use the Amazon gift card for holiday shopping or to treat yourself. As the name suggests, to open the card you’ll need to have an Amazon Prime subscription. An Amazon Prime membership costs $139 per year or $14.99 per month plus tax. Besides the required Prime subscription, the card has no annual fee. Read more below>
BEST FOR TRAVEL PERKS
This no-fee workhorse will help you rack up Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which are valuable for their flexible redemption options across multiple partner airlines and hotels. You can also redeem points for cash back. Earn 6.5% cash back on eligible travel through Chase on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. Read more below>
Wells Fargo Active Cash: Best Overall
- Interest rate: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then 19.49% to 29.49% variable APR.
- Annual fee: None.
- Top rewards rate: 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- Sign-up bonus: $200 back if you spend $500 in the first three months.
- Redemption: Statement credit, cash at the ATM with a Wells Fargo debit or ATM card (in $20 increments), gift cards ($25 increments), or a credit to a qualifying Wells Fargo credit card, checking account or mortgage.
- Other benefits: Up to $600 per claim of protection for your cell phone against damage or theft if you pay your monthly wireless bill with the card.
Amazon Prime Card: Best for Online Shopping
- Rewards rates: Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. And receive unlimited 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
- Welcome offer: The Prime Visa offers cardholders a $150 gift card for immediate use once the account is activated.
- APR: 19.74% to 28.49% variable for purchases.
- Redemption: Points are unlimited and never expire, as long as your account is open. You can use your points to redeem for any available reward options, including eligible purchases at Amazon.com, cash and gift cards and more. To get the 5% back on travel purchases, book your reservations using the Prime Visa card through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel portal. You may combine these points with those earned on other Chase travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
Chase Freedom Unlimited: Best for Travel Perks
- Interest rate: Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.74% to 28.49%.
- Annual fee: None.
- Foreign transaction fee: A hefty 3%, so for trips abroad, look to our other recommended travel rewards cards that charge no such fee.
- Rewards: Six and a half points per dollar spent on travel purchases through Chase, four and a half points on dining and drugstore purchases, and three points per dollar on other spending up to the first $20,000 charged; earn 5% total cash back on qualifying Lyft rides through March 2025.
- Redemption: Redeem points at a rate of a penny each for cash back, gift cards or travel; points do not expire. You may also redeem points through the Chase Pay Yourself Back program.
- Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 back if you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Member FDIC
Check Your Wallet
Sometimes the credit card you already own is the best bet for shopping. If you haven’t been on the deals or rewards portion of your credit card’s website or app, take a moment to see if there’s an offer you find attractive.
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