The best shopping credit cards in September 2024

We receive compensation from our partners for Featured Offer placements, which impacts how and where their offer is displayed.

Featured Offer

American Express? Gold Card

Welcome Bonus

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

60,000 points + earn up to $100 back

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee

$325

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

Apply Now

On American Express's Website

Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card

Best credit card for shopping

Key takeaways

2%

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Rates & Fees

5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best credit card for shopping

Apply Now

On Wells Fargo’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

$200 Cash Rewards

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good, Excellent

Why we picked it

No matter how or where you shop, the Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card (Rates & Fees) is a strong companion. The card earns unlimited 2% cash back rewards on purchases and offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers (then a 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR) if you need to spread out payments for major expenses. You’ll also want to pay your wireless bill with this card so you can qualify for its cell phone protection, which provides up to $600 to cover damage or theft on up to two claims per 12 months with a $25 deductible. You can even earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months, all for a $0 annual fee.

+ Pros

• Welcome bonus of $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months
• Offers cell phone protection
• 0% APR offer on new purchases and balance transfers for?12 months (then 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter)

– Cons

• Charges 3% foreign transaction fee
• No bonus rewards categories
• Limited perks

Highlights

• 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. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% 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.

Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express

Best for U.S. online retailers

Key takeaways

3%

Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases (then 1%)

1%

Earn 1% cash back on other eligible purchases

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

4.1/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for U.S. online retailers

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.

Earn $200

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24%-29.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent/Good

Why we picked it

Online shopping superstars may have found their match with the Blue Cash Everyday Card (terms apply, see rates and fees). Your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. online retailers earn a respectable 3% cash back each year. After that, you’ll still earn 1%. Plus, you can earn 3% on your first $6,000 in U.S. supermarket spending each year, then 1% (because that’s shopping, too). The card also comes with 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR, and does not charge an annual fee.

+ Pros

• $0 annual fee
• Get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening, then a 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR
• You can earn $200 when you spend $2,000 on purchases within six months of account opening

– Cons

• 3% cash back categories are capped at $6,000 spent per category each year (then 1%)
• Charges a foreign transaction fee
• Base rewards rate is 1%

Highlights

• 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, 19.24% to 29.99% 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.

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards? Visa Signature? Card

*

The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards? Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for high cash back at popular retailers

Key takeaways

6%

Earn 6% cash back each quarter on combined eligible purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit)

3%

Earn 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit)

1.5%

Earn 1.5% cash back on everything else

5.5%

Plus, earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center

3.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for high cash back at popular retailers

Welcome bonus

Get a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening

$250 bonus

Annual fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

19.74% – 29.74% (Variable)

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good, Excellent

Why we picked it

If your favorite retailers are on the partner list for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Card, you’re on your way to earning some serious cash back. Each quarter, you can choose two retailers from the list of more than 20 ?— which includes Amazon.com, Target and Walmart — and earn 6% cash back on purchases up to a combined $1,500 spent quarterly, then you’ll earn 1.5% back. While the retailer list is limited, it includes companies you may regularly shop with, such as Amazon, Walmart and Target. You can rotate retailers if you have a big upcoming purchase or simply stick with your favorite two year-round. Plus, you can select an everyday spending category to earn 3% back on up to $1,500 spent each quarter (then 1.5%), and the card’s base rewards rate is a strong 1.5%.

Highlights

• Earn a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
• Earn up to 6% cash back each quarter on combined eligible purchases from two retailers of choice ($1,500 limit); 3% cash back each quarter in one everyday category of choice ($1,500 limit) and 1.5% cash back on everything else.
• Plus, earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the Rewards Center
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95

Prime Visa

*

The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for Amazon and Whole Foods

Key takeaways

10%

10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership

5%

5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership

2%

2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)

1%

1% on all other purchases

4.7/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for Amazon and Whole Foods

Welcome bonus

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.24% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good/Excellent

Why we picked it

If you’re a super Amazon-brand fan, the Prime Visa could easily become your favorite online and in-person shopping partner. When Prime members use the credit card at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods, they’re rewarded with 5% cash back. You’ll also enjoy a $0 annual fee. Plus, you’ll get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members .

+ Pros

• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
• Flexible rewards redemption options

– Cons

• Low base cash back rate on non-bonus categories
• Must have an eligible Prime membership
• Other cash-back cards offer higher welcome bonuses

Highlights

• Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
• Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and 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

Chase Freedom Flex?

*

The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Key takeaways

5%

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled

5%

5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards?

3%

3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases

4.9/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Welcome bonus

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Plus, earn 5% cash back on combined gas station and grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year

$200 bonus + 5% on Gas and Grocery (excluding Target and Walmart)

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.24% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good

Why we picked it

If the rotating bonus categories fit your spending habits, the Freedom Flex could boost your shopping rewards year-round. New bonus categories come around every quarter offering 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined spending when you activate (then 1%). Plus, if you frequently shop at the drugstore, you can use this card to earn 3% back on that spending. Other perks include a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers (then a 20.49% – 29.24% Variable APR).

+ Pros

• Earn 5% back on eligible travel and purchases in rotating categories
• 15-month 0% intro APR (then 20.49% – 29.24% Variable APR)
  
• No annual fee

– Cons

• Quarterly cash back category capped at $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter
• Charges a foreign transaction fee
• Redemption options don’t include transferring to airline and hotel loyalty partners

Highlights

• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel?, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex? card
• Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

*

The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for choosing your own bonus

Key takeaways

$200

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

3%

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.

4.2/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for choosing your own bonus

Welcome bonus

$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening

$200

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.24% – 29.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Good, Excellent

Why we picked it

The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards lets you select a single category from a list to earn 3% rewards. Naturally, online shopping is one of those options — along with cable, internet, phone plans, and streaming, gas and EV charging stations, dining, travel, drug stores and pharmacies, and home improvement and furnishings. You’ll also earn 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, but 3% and 2% earnings are capped at $2,500 in combined spending each quarter. After that, you’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back.

+ Pros

• Decent welcome bonus and intro APR offer
• No annual fee
• Ability to earn up to 3% cash back in an eligible category you choose

– Cons

• Charges a foreign transaction fee
• 3% and 2% bonus categories are capped
• Must be a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member to maximize rewards

Highlights

• $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 19.24% – 29.24% 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.

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

Best for no foreign transaction fees

Reward rate

1.5%

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day

5%

Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

4.2/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for no foreign transaction fees

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus

Earn $200 after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

$200

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

19.99% – 29.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good

Why we picked it

Exchange rates are hard enough without having to worry about foreign transaction fees running up your bill. The next time you travel abroad, the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card can help keep your shopping spending in check. Card holders enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the US, whether it’s a crepe in Paris or a pair of handcrafted leather shoes in Italy. The card doesn’t offer bonus rewards on any shopping, but most purchases earn a solid 1.5% cash back (except hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, which earn 5% back).

+ Pros

• $0?annual fee
• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on other spending
• No foreign transaction fee

– Cons

• Few bonus rewards categories
• Rewards are not ideal if you prefer to redeem for travel
• Requires strong credit to qualify

Highlights

• 1.5% cash back on most purchases
• 5% back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One Travel
• $200 after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening
• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months, 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees

Discover it? Student Cash Back

*

The information for the Discover it? Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for students

Key takeaways

5%

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate

1%

Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases – automatically

4.1/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for students

Welcome bonus

Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match? – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.

Cashback Match?

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Fair/New to Credit

Why we picked it

You can shop for school and build credit at the same time with the Discover it? Student Cash Back * The information for the Discover it? Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . This student credit card doesn’t require a credit score to apply, and students enjoy 1% cash back in most spending categories. You can boost your cash back when you activate the card’s quarterly bonus categories, which offer 5% cash back on up to $1,500 spent (then 1%). The card also offers a sweet 0% intro APR on purchases for six months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies, which can make stocking up for the new semester more financially manageable.

+ Pros

• Matches all the cash back you earn during your first year
• High rewards rate on rotating spending categories
• Introductory 0% APR for six months promotion (then ongoing 18.24% – 27.24% Variable APR)

– Cons

• Low base rewards rate
• Ongoing APR can be high
• Bonus rewards are capped

Highlights

• 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! So you could turn $50 cash back into $100. Or turn $100 cash back into $200. There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
• 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—automatically.
• Redeem your rewards for cash at any time.
• No credit score required to apply.
• 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.
• No annual fee and build your credit with responsible use.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the standard variable purchase APR of 18.24% – 27.24% applies.
• Terms and conditions apply.

U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card

*

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for no/bad credit

Key takeaways

5%

5% cash back on on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories of choice

2%

2% cash back on eligible purchases in choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)

1%

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

3.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for no/bad credit

Welcome bonus

N/A

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.99% variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Bad/Poor

Why we picked it

Whether you’re just starting out or rebuilding your credit after a few bumps in the road, you can still get rewarded when you shop with the U.S. Bank Cash+ Secured Visa. Your security deposit sets your credit line (between $300 and $5,000), and from there, you’re on your way to earning cash back rewards. Each quarter, you’ll select two spending categories eligible for 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined quarterly spending (then 1%) and one everyday category eligible for 2% rewards. Options for 5% cash back include home utilities, furniture stores and movie theaters, while the 2% options are grocery stores and grocery delivery, restaurants, and gas stations and EV charging stations.

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• Up to 5% cash back
• Credit limit up to $5,000 with matching security deposit

– Cons

• Spending caps that limit rewards earning potential
• No online preapproval option
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Highlights

• Earn 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose
• Earn 2% cash back on eligible purchases in your choice of one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants)
• Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
• Choose payment due date
• $0 annual fee

Our picks at a glance

?	Annual fee	Welcome bonus	Best for	Top shopping perk
Wells Fargo Active Cash? Card?	$0	$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months	Shopping	Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express?	$0	$200 when you spend $2,000 on purchases within six months of account opening	U.S. online retailers	3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per calendar year, then 1%)
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards? Visa Signature? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards? Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ?	$0 first year, $95 thereafter	$250 cash bonus for spending $2,000 in your first 120 days with an account	High cash back at popular retailers	Up to 6% cash back at two retailers of your choice (on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1.5%)
Prime Visa * The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ?	$0	$100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members	Amazon and Whole Foods	Unlimited 5% cash back at Amazon, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods
Chase Freedom Flex? * The information for the Chase Freedom Flex? has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ?	$0	$200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening	Rotating bonus categories	5% cash back bonus in quarterly rotating categories when activated (on up to $1,500 in combined spending, then 1%)
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card * The information for the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ?	$0	$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening	Choosing your own bonus categories	3% cash back in the category of your choice (on up to $2,500 in combined spending each quarter in 3% and 2% cash back categories, then 1%)
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card?	$0	$200 after spending $500 on purchases within three months from account opening	No foreign transaction fees	Strong base rewards rate
Discover it? Student Cash Back * The information for the Discover it? Student Cash Back has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ?	$0	Unlimited Cashback Match? - Discover will automatically match all the cash back earned at the end of the first year. There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards	Students	5% cash back on quarterly rotating categories when activated (on up to $1,500 spent, then 1%)
U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+? Secured Visa? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. ?	$0	N/A	No/bad credit	5% cash back on two spending categories of your choice (on up to $2,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%)

See MoreSee Less

How to choose the right credit card for shopping

The key to choosing the right credit card for shopping is you — how you spend and the rewards you find most valuable. To begin, you might want to review your recent bank and credit card statements to help identify your top spending categories. Then, you can screen for rewards and perks.

What type of credit card rewards do you want?

If you spend at multiple stores, a cash-back or points-earning shopping credit card might be a good fit. Consider a cash-back credit card for straightforward redemption options. A points-earning rewards card can take more effort to optimize, but you may get more value from your rewards, especially if your card lets you transfer your points to airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Some consumers can benefit from co-branded credit cards. If you tend to do most of your shopping with one store — say Amazon or Costco — a store-specific credit card could be attractive. Finally, if your motto leans towards “anywhere but here,” you might prefer a card that earns miles with your favorite airline or points with your favorite hotel chain. These cards earn rewards that can translate to free flights and hotel rooms, among other perks.

What other credit card benefits will you use?

On top of rewards on spending, look for other shopping-related perks. For example, some cards cover lost or stolen items and repairs for damaged purchases with a perk called purchase protection, typically for a short time after you buy the item. Make sure you read the fine print to understand what is covered.

If you buy a product that comes with a warranty, you might be able to protect it for longer with an extended warranty from your credit card. Again, read the terms and conditions carefully, but you can expect to extend the life of the manufacturer’s warranty.

If you have a major shopping expense coming up, you can look for a card with a 0% introductory APR on purchases. With this benefit, you can pay off your balance over time without any interest charges. You will still need to make at least your minimum payment every month, and you should make a plan to pay off the whole balance before your regular APR kicks in.

Other credit card benefits may include cell phone protection and annual credits to help cover eligible spending.

Tips to optimize your shopping credit card rewards

To optimize your shopping credit card rewards, focus your spending and be diligent about your finances.

• Align rewards with your goals. When considering cards, look for rewards that fit your lifestyle.
• Track bonuses and spending categories. Make emails from your credit card appear as “important” in your inbox. This can help you sign up for bonus offers and activate rotating categories on time to avoid missing valuable rewards.
• Try to pay your balance in full each month. Carrying a balance means paying interest, which can outweigh any cash back or points you earn.
• Explore redemption options carefully. Not all redemption methods are created equal. Do the math and see which reward redemptions give you the most bang for your buck.

Methodology

Our money and data analytics teams evaluated over 30 credit cards. We then narrowed down our list of the best shopping cards by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:

Rewards value (25%)

Many credit cards for shopping earn rewards, but not all credit card points and miles are worth the same amount. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value.

Sign-up bonus value (25%)

Many rewards cards offer bonus cash back, points or miles to consumers who spend a certain amount in their first months with the card. We calculated how much those bonuses are worth using points valuations from The Points Guy, and boosted cards that offer more value.

Pricing and fees (25%)

Cards with no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and competitive variable APRs received a boost compared to cards with higher fees and rates.

Benefits (20%)

Cards that offer benefits such as cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty and a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers received a boost.

Annual credits and bonuses (5%)

Credit cards that come with credits and bonuses for spending in categories including groceries, dining, entertainment and gas received a boost.

What didn’t make the cut

When reviewing all of the possible cards for our list, we put each one up against the same exacting standards. The cards below may be a great choice for some, but there needs to be a close alignment between spending habits and card benefits for these cards to make sense.

• Other co-branded credit cards: Co-branded cards such as the Apple Card * The information for the Apple Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and Costco Anywhere Visa? Card by Citi * The information for the Costco Anywhere Visa? Card by Citi has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. can provide solid perks for customers who are loyal to the brand in question, but won’t provide outsized value for other consumers.
• Discover it? Chrome * The information for the Discover it? Chrome has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : Discover’s signature credit card has solid rotating 5% cash back categories, but 5% earning is capped and most spending earns 1% cash back. Plus, the card doesn’t come with purchase protection.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

To view rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday? Card from American Express, please visit this page.