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The 19 Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping & Purchases [2021]

Couple Shopping Online
BY 
Christine Krzyszton
- UPDATED:
  1. Credit Cards

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While it’s important to support the businesses in our local community as much as we can, the relative convenience and safety of shopping online are undeniably pushing the volume of online sales to new levels.

In fact, according to market research and analysis company Statista, nearly 256 million people (most of the U.S. population) have shopped online. If we dig deeper, we find that over 200 million people actually visit online retail giant Amazon’s website to shop each month.

Shopping frequently online, like shopping at your local retailer, is a major rewards-earning opportunity that shouldn’t be missed.

But which card offers the most rewards for your online purchases and should this be the only criteria for selecting a rewards-earning credit card?

We’ll answer those questions plus provide our take on some of the best cards to use for your online shopping purchases.

Let’s get started.

Best Personal Credit Cards for Purchases With Specific Online Retailers

Herschel Supply Co. Delta Novel Camo Duffel Bag
Many cards come with online shopping statement credits for purchases with specific merchants. Image Credit: Saks Fifth Avenue

While we’re all familiar with bonus-category earning on credit cards that earn rewards, statement credits for specific purchases have become a trending incentive to facilitate those purchases with specific retailers.

Here are some prime examples of cards that offer big incentives for frequenting select online retailers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The card is best for shopping at online retailers. The card also comes with free ShopRunner membership that provides complimentary 2-day shipping at select retail partners.

  • Saks Fifth Avenue — The card provides up to $100 in statement credits — $50 for the period of January through June and $50 for July through December — for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Learn more about how to maximize your Saks statement credit in our article filled with lots of ideas for this fun credit.
  • Walmart+ — The card provides a $12.95 monthly statement credit towards a Walmart+ membership, which includes free shipping, among other benefits.

Hot Tip: For additional earnings and/or statement credits when making specific online shopping purchases, be sure to access your Amex Offers. Log in to your online Amex card account, scroll down the home page, and select from up to 100 current offers. Add the offer to your card then complete the purchase to receive the elevated earnings or statement credits worth hundreds of dollars.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

  • Peloton — Use the Chase Sapphire Reserve card for Peloton Digital or All Access membership purchases and receive up to $120 in statement credits through December 2021. You’ll also earn 10x Ultimate Rewards points for eligible Peloton purchases through December 2022.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

  • Peloton — Receive up to $60 in statement credits for qualifying Peloton memberships through December 2021 and 10x Ultimate Rewards on eligible Peloton purchases through December 2022.

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card

Credit CardBenefits & Info

Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card

Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card
Learn More
(at Chase's secure site)

  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year.
  • Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • Earn 5% on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1% on all other purchases.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases, then a variable APR of 14.99 - 23.74%.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open.
  • Good to Excellent Credit Recommendation (670-850)
  • Annual Fee: $0

With quarterly bonus earning categories that can include online merchants, this card could be your online shopping go-to card.

It’s not unusual to find online retailers listed as bonus categories that earn 5% cash-back on up to $1,500 in purchases each quarter.

Another benefit of the Freedom Flex card is that eligible purchases of products purchased online (or brick and mortar merchants) could qualify for the card’s introductory 0% APR benefit with no interest charged for up to 15 months from card approval.

In addition to quarterly bonus categories that include retailers, you may be able to purchase retail gift cards to use for online shopping at other quarterly bonus category merchants selling gift cards such as supermarkets, drugstores, home improvement stores, office supply stores, and more.

Hot Tip: Check your Chase Offers for additional savings and cash-back when purchasing from specific retailers. Chase Offers can be found by logging in to your Chase card account online and viewing the offers on your home page. Add the offer to your card, make the specific purchase, and the credit will be applied to your account. 

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Amazon Prime members earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods Market purchases with the Amazon Prime Signature card.

Bottom Line: Offers for specific online shopping purchases may be temporary and subject to change. Always check your card’s benefits section in your online card account and watch for card issuer emails for shopping offers you can maximize for greater earnings or statement credits. 

Best Credit Cards for Shopping Online With Department Stores

There are few cards, except specific store-branded cards, that offer bonus earnings for online department store purchases. Here are a couple of options if you have a large department store purchase you can make online.

  • U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card — Earning big means selecting your own personal bonus categories. You’ll earn 5% cash-back on online (and in-store) purchases with retailers such as department stores, sporting goods or clothing stores, electronic stores, and even furniture stores. Select 2 categories each quarter and you’ll be earning well on your online purchases made in those categories, up to $2,000 in purchases each quarter.
  • Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express — While the card earns 3% cash-back at supermarkets (up to $6,000 spent each year), the card earns 2% cash-back at department stores, including online purchases.

Keep in mind that normally stores such as Walmart.com, Target.com, and warehouse club websites do not count as online department store purchases.

To learn more about department store-branded cards, we’ve done the homework for you in our articles on over 200 cards, including our take on some of the best cards issued by Comenity Bank and Synchrony Bank.

Best Credit Cards for Online Food Ordering

Uber Eats delivery
Ordering food online can be very rewarding. Image Credit: Uber

Online food delivery apps make it easy to have your order delivered or schedule a pickup. Either way, it’s great to earn rewards or statement credits for your online food purchase.

Here’s a sampling of cards that earn well on food delivery or pickup when purchasing online.

American Express® Gold Card

We like the monthly dining credit on the Amex Gold card because it includes online food delivery company GrubHub. You’ll receive $10 in monthly statement credits for your online purchase whether you have your food delivered or schedule a pickup. Plus, restaurant purchases earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent.

We also like that the card receives $10 in Uber Cash added to your Uber account each month, up to $120 annually. Be sure to add your card to your Uber account and select the card to pay for your order to receive this benefit. Uber Cash can only be used for U.S. Uber Rides and Uber Eats.

In addition, if you enroll by December 31, 2021, you’ll enjoy the benefits of a 12-month complimentary Uber Eats Pass. After 12 months, current monthly auto-billing rates will apply.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is a good choice for ordering food online as it comes with these food delivery service benefits:

  • DoorDash DashPass — Enjoy your free subscription that comes with free delivery on orders of $12 or more and discounted service fees on eligible restaurant purchases. Membership is valid for a minimum of 1 year after activation (and up to 24 months maximum).
  • DoorDash Statement Credits — Use your card to make your online purchase at an eligible DoorDash restaurant and receive up to $60 in statement credits for purchases through December 2021.
  • Free Grubhub+ and Seamless+ Membership — Enroll in this benefit through the Lyft Pink perk and enjoy unlimited free delivery plus exclusive discounts. The Lyft Pink membership is complimentary for 1 year from enrollment.

Additional Credit Cards for Online Food Ordering

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card — This card also offers the same free DoorDash DashPass subscription as the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
  • Amex Platinum Card — You’ll want to add your card to your Uber account as it comes with the benefits of $15 in Uber Cash deposited to your Uber account monthly January through November and $35 in December, up to $200 in Uber Cash annually, and the Uber Eats Pass as described above. Uber Cash can only be used for U.S. Uber rides and Uber Eats.

Bottom Line: Several Amex and Chase issued cards offer savings and statement credits for online food delivery/restaurant purchases. To learn more about the best credit cards for online food delivery or for restaurants and dining purchases, you’ll want to read our articles with all the information you need for selecting the right rewards-earning card for your purchase. 

Best Personal Credit Cards for Any Online Shopping Purchase

Woman shopping with credit card online on a laptop
It’s possible to earn rewards on any shopping purchase you make. Image Credit: chantalao007 via Reshot

No need to purchase from a specific retailer to earn rewards on these cards as every purchase you make, including online purchases, earns points, miles, or cash-back.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card

You’ll earn 1.5% cash-back on every purchase you make online, or anywhere. You’ll also earn 3% cash-back at drugstores that may sell online merchant gift cards and on dining which can include food delivery.

Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card

Earning rewards on the CapOne Venture card is easy as you automatically earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase.

Citi® Double Cash Card

Receive a total of 2% cash-back on every purchase, including online purchases. You’ll receive 1% cash-back when you make the purchase and an additional 1% when you pay it off.

» Related: Capital One Venture Card vs. Citi Double Cash Card [Detailed Comparison]

Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card

Earn a generous 3% cash-back on your choice of bonus categories which includes online purchases. The card also comes with an introductory 0% APR period for purchases made within the first 60 days after card approval. The 0% APR period is for up to 15 billing cycles.

Best Business Credit Cards for Online Shopping

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Amex Business Platinum card is the card of choice for shopping online with Dell with up to $400 in Dell statement credits annually. Receive a $200 statement credit for purchases January through June and another $200 statement credit for purchases July through December.

You must activate the offer prior to your purchase by logging in to your online card account and finding the offer in the Benefits section. Be sure to check your Amex Offers for potential additional savings offers on Dell purchases.

The card is also a great choice if you need to make a large purchases since you’ll earn 1.5x on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year).

American Express® Business Gold Card

If you’re purchasing computer hardware, software, cloud solutions, or online advertising via U.S. merchants online, these categories fall into the 4x earnings categories on the Amex Business Gold card. There is a limit of $150,000 in total 4x earnings purchases per calendar year.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

If you’re purchasing online at office supply stores, you’ll be earning 5% cash-back on every purchase, up to $25,000 in purchases each card anniversary year. You’ll also have access to an introductory 0% APR period of up to 12 months on purchases, as well as extended warranty and purchase protection coverage.

Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping When You Value Product Protection

Electronics
Eligible items purchased online may qualify to receive product protection. Image Credit: Maxx-Studio via Shutterstock

Earning rewards is great, but you may value product benefits and protections more. If so, you’ll want to consider these cards that excel in offering perks such as purchase protection, extended warranty, and more.

American Express Cards

You’ll find this trifecta of coverage for eligible items purchased with your card on several American Express cards. A sampling of Amex cards that offer this combination is the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, and The Plum Card® from American Express.

  • Return Protection — If a merchant will not accept a return of an eligible item purchased with your card within 90 days, you could receive up to $300 per item, $1,000 per account per year.
  • Purchase Protection — Should an eligible item be damaged or stolen, you could receive up to $1,000 per covered item, up to $50,000 per eligible card.
  • Extended Warranty — Eligible items purchased with your card that have a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less will receive an additional year of coverage. Coverage limits are up to $10,000 per covered purchase, up to $50,000 per eligible card.

Chase Cards

Chase also offers a nice selection of benefits and protections for online purchases. You’ll find that the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, the United Club℠ Infinite Card, and the United Club℠ Business Card all offer this trio of benefits.

  • Return Protection — If the eligible item, purchased with your card, is not accepted for return by the merchant within 90 days after the purchase date, you could be eligible for up to $500 per item, $1,000 per year.
  • Purchase Protection — Receive repair or replacement protection for eligible items for 120 days from the purchase date for damage, theft, or “involuntary and accidental parting”. Coverage is limited to $500 per item, $50,000 per account.
  • Extended Warranty — For eligible items with a manufacturer’s warranty of 3 years or less, 1 additional year is added. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim, $50,000 per account.

Bottom Line: Most Amex- and Chase-issued cards come with purchase protection and extended warranty benefits that may protect your eligible online shopping purchases. Fewer cards are issued with additional return protection benefits. 

Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping for Those With Bad Credit or No Credit

It’s difficult to find a rewards-earning credit card when you have no credit history or poor credit. However, don’t give up, as we have put together a list of cards that can help you get started building or rebuilding your credit. Take a look at our recommendations for some of the best credit cards for no credit or poor credit.

Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping — Summary

There are certainly a lot of ways to earn rewards for online shopping purchases. Let’s recap our featured cards, the cards’ earning opportunities, and benefits and protections that may apply to items you purchase online.

CardBenefits for Online Shopping
Amex Platinum card
  • $100 annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit
  • Up to $200 annually in Uber Cash ($15 each month January to November, $35 in December)
  • 12-month Uber Eats Pass
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection
Chase Sapphire Reserve card
  • $120 annual credit for Peloton memberships
  • 10x earnings on select Peloton purchases
  • Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • $60 in DoorDash statement credits through December 2021
  • GrubHub+ and Seamless+ membership via Lyft Pink
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection
Chase Sapphire Preferred card
  • $60 annual Peloton credits for memberships
  • 10x earnings on select Peloton purchases
  • Complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
Freedom Flex card
  • 5% cash-back on quarterly bonus category merchants
  • 0% APR on purchases, including eligible online purchases, for 15 months from card approval
  • 3% cash-back on dining, including eligible online food delivery purchases
  • 3% cash-back at drugstores that may sell online retailer gift cards
  • 3-month DoorDash DashPass subscription plus 9 additional months at a 50% discount
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
Amazon Prime Signature card
  • 5% back on Amazon purchases and Whole Foods
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card
  • 5% cash-back in your choice of 11 categories (which can include online merchants)
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
Amex Blue Cash Everyday card
  • 2% cash-back at department stores
  • Purchase protection
United Club Infinite card

United Club Business card

  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection
Amex Gold card
  • 4x earnings on eligible online food delivery/restaurant purchases
  • $10 monthly dining statement credit (valid at GrubHub)
  • Up to $120 annually in Uber Cash ($10 monthly)
  • 12-month Uber Eats Pass
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
Amex Blue Cash Preferred card

Amex Plum card

  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection
Freedom Unlimited card
  • 1.5% cash-back on every purchase
  • 3% cash-back on dining, including eligible online food delivery purchases
  • 3% cash-back at drugstores that may sell online merchant gift cards
  • 0% APR on purchases, including eligible online purchases, for 15 months from card approval
  • 3-month DoorDash DashPass subscription plus 9 additional months at a 50% discount
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
CapOne Venture Rewards card
  • 2x miles per dollar spent on every purchase
Bank of America Cash Rewards card
  • 3% cash-back on your choice of bonus categories which can include online shopping
  • Introductory 0% APR period for purchases for up to 15 billing cycles
  • Extended warranty
Citi Double Cash card
  • 2% cash-back on every purchase
Amex Business Platinum card
  • Up to $400 annual Dell Technologies credit
  • 1.5x earnings on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else. Cap applies.
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty, return protection
Amex Business Gold card
  • 4x earnings on computer hardware, software, cloud solutions, or online advertising via U.S. merchants online
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty
Ink Business Cash card
  • 5% cash-back for online purchases with office supply stores
  • Purchase protection, extended warranty

Don’t forget that online travel purchases can also earn big rewards. That’s a topic we’re passionate about and one at which we work endlessly to provide informative resources. Check out our recommendations for the best credit cards to earn rewards on every travel purchase.

Final Thoughts

If you make online purchases frequently and in volume, securing a card that delivers big rewards on those purchases could be an economically sound decision. If you’re the average online shopper, you may benefit from investigating the offers on cards you already hold.

Another benefit of online shopping statement credits and elevated rewards is an economic value that can serve to offset a portion, or all, of the annual fee you’re paying on your card.

Whether it’s securing a new card to reward online shopping purchases or reviewing existing cards for offers, you’ll benefit by taking advantage of elevated earnings, savings, or receiving statement credits for your online shopping purchases.

The information regarding the Chase Freedom Flex℠ Credit Card, U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card, Capital One® Venture® Rewards Card, Bank of America® Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Citi® Double Cash Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best credit card for shopping online?

The best card for shopping online will depend on the website or specific merchant from which you’re purchasing and the amount of your purchases. If you purchase a lot online you’ll want to select a card that rewards those specific types of purchases.

If you’re an average online shopper, it may not make sense to select a card solely for online shopping rewards but to review cards you currently have that may best reward those purchases.

Does Walmart or Target count as a department store?

Walmart and Target, as well as wholesale clubs, do not normally count as department stores for bonus category rewards.

These retailers, however, do show up frequently as specific quarterly bonus-category merchants on cards such as the Freedom Flex card.

What counts as online shopping?

Any purchase of goods that you make using a web browser or mobile app is considered an online purchase.

What is the safest way to pay online?

According to the financial comparison service Bankrate, using a credit card is “by far the most secure and safe payment method for shopping online.”

Christine Krzyszton

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine, who lives in Northern Michigan, travels about 300,000 miles a year despite her remote location. Her expertise is traveling the world on a weekend with no pre-determined destination in mind, letting the cost of the airfare determine where she will go. She has over four million flown miles and elite status on all three major domestic carriers.
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