Introduction
Online shopping continues to grow, making the right credit card more important than ever. The ideal card can save money, earn rewards, and protect transactions from fraud. This guide breaks down the 10 best credit cards for online shopping in 2025, highlighting features, benefits, and who should use each card. Detailed comparison tables simplify decision-making.
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Highlights
- 5% cash back on online shopping via select portals
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- No minimum redemption requirements
Best for: Shoppers who want consistent rewards without tracking categories.
Benefits
- Flexible rewards for everyday purchases
- Extra earnings through partner portals
- Simple redemption options
2. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Highlights
- 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases
- 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, drugstores
- 1% back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee with active Prime membership
Best for: Prime members who frequently shop on Amazon and Whole Foods.
Benefits
- High rewards for Amazon purchases
- Travel-friendly with no foreign fees
- Great for grocery and online shoppers
3. Citi Double Cash® Card
Highlights
- 2% total cash back (1% purchase + 1% payment)
- No reward caps or expiration
- Flexible redemption options
Best for: Consumers seeking reliable, no-frills cashback.
Benefits
- Simple flat-rate rewards
- Ideal for beginners
- Consistent online shopping returns
4. American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card
Highlights
- 6% cash back on select online grocery delivery and streaming
- 3% cash back on U.S. gas stations and transit
- Welcome bonus offers
Best for: Families and digital households focusing on groceries and streaming.
Benefits
- High rewards on essential purchases
- Extra cash back for commuting
- Good for subscription-heavy households
5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Highlights
- 2 miles per $1 on all purchases
- Redeem miles for travel or statement credits
- No blackout dates
- Transfer miles to partner airlines
Best for: Online shoppers who want travel rewards.
Benefits
- Uniform rewards on every purchase
- Flexible travel redemption
- Easy to earn and use miles
6. Walmart Rewards® Card
Highlights
- 5% back on Walmart.com
- 2% back in-store and at restaurants
- 1% back on other purchases
- No annual fee
- Integrated with Walmart Pay
Best for: Frequent Walmart shoppers for groceries, home goods, or electronics.
Benefits
- High online rewards for Walmart purchases
- Convenient phone integration
- No annual fee
7. Discover it® Cash Back
Highlights
- 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories
- Cashback match first year
- No annual fee
Best for: Shoppers who track categories to maximize cashback.
Benefits
- Rotating categories include top online retailers
- First-year reward boost
- No annual cost
8. Apple Card
Highlights
- 3% cash back on Apple purchases and select partners
- 2% back with Apple Pay
- 1% back on physical card transactions
- No fees
Best for: Apple ecosystem users and contactless payment enthusiasts.
Benefits
- Strong security features (Face ID, dynamic codes)
- Extra cashback on Apple products
- Seamless Apple Pay integration
9. Target REDcard™ Credit Card
Highlights
- 5% discount on Target purchases (online & in-store)
- Free standard shipping on most items
- Access to exclusive deals
- No annual fee
Best for: Regular Target shoppers.
Benefits
- Immediate savings at checkout
- Free shipping for online orders
- Exclusive offers
10. PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Highlights
- 2% back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- Purchase protection via Mastercard
Best for: Consumers who frequently use PayPal for online payments.
Benefits
- Flat-rate cashback
- Global Mastercard acceptance
- Purchase security
Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Cashback/Rewards | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 5% portals, 1.5% all else | $0 | Flexible, frequent online shoppers |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa | 5% Amazon & Whole Foods, 2% dining/gas/drugstores, 1% all else | $0 with Prime | Amazon & Whole Foods loyalists |
| Citi Double Cash® | 2% on all purchases | $0 | Simple, flat-rate rewards |
| Amex Blue Cash Preferred® | 6% online grocery & streaming, 3% gas/transit | $95 | Families, digital households |
| Capital One Venture | 2 miles per $1 | $95 | Travel rewards seekers |
| Walmart Rewards® | 5% Walmart.com, 2% in-store/dining, 1% all else | $0 | Walmart shoppers |
| Discover it® | 5% rotating categories, cashback match | $0 | Savvy category trackers |
| Apple Card | 3% Apple & partners, 2% Apple Pay, 1% card | $0 | Apple ecosystem users |
| Target REDcard™ | 5% instant discount | $0 | Frequent Target shoppers |
| PayPal Cashback Mastercard® | 2% on all purchases | $0 | PayPal users |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which card is best overall for online shopping?
The Citi Double Cash® card offers a simple 2% back on all purchases. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa is ideal for frequent Amazon shoppers.
Are retailer-specific cards worth it?
Yes, if most purchases are from one store. Target REDcard™ and Amazon Prime Rewards Visa provide extra savings for loyal customers.
Do these cards charge annual fees?
Most cards are fee-free. Cards like American Express Blue Cash Preferred® and Capital One Venture offer higher rewards but have fees.
How do cashback match programs work?
Discover it® Cash Back doubles rewards earned in the first year automatically for new users.
Are these cards safe for online shopping?
Yes. Cards like Apple Card include extra protections, such as Face ID, Touch ID, and dynamic security codes.
Final Thought
Selecting the right credit card for online shopping depends on personal habits. Flat-rate cards are simple and reliable, retailer-specific cards maximize savings for store loyalists, and premium travel cards reward frequent travelers. Aligning card benefits with shopping behavior ensures safety, convenience, and maximum rewards.
Updated by Albert Fang
Source Citation References:
+ Inspo