Best credit cards for holiday shopping
Don’t let holiday cheer tuirn into holiday debt. Choose the best holiday credit card to maximize your savings and minimize your stress. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the holiday season is a time for giving, receiving, and spending. But with careful planning and the right holiday credit card, you can enjoy the festivities without breaking the bank. Earn valuable rewards on gifts, entertainment, and holiday travel. Plus, enjoy flexible payment options to help you manage your holiday spending and avoid high-interest debt.
OUR FEATURED CARD LIST
CardRatings’ top picks for the best holiday shopping credit cards
Maximize your festive spending and travel plans with the right holiday credit card. From earning generous cash back on seasonal purchases to racking up travel points for that dream getaway, the perfect card can make your holidays even brighter. Here’s a curated list of top contenders to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Why we like it
This is a great option if you would prefer to put your cash-back program on autopilot and do away with rotating categories, spending caps and annual fees. Perfect if you aren't quite sure where this holiday season will direct your purchasing. Unlike some reward cards that operate on a system that offers rotating categories that give a little more back on spending with specific department stores or websites during the holiday season (but exclude other practical expenditures), Citi® keeps it easy with what could amount to 2% cash back on all your purchases. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
This is a great option if you would prefer to put your cash-back program on autopilot and do away with rotating categories, spending caps and annual fees. Perfect if you aren't quite sure where this holiday season will direct your purchasing. Unlike some reward cards that operate on a system that offers rotating categories that give a little more back on spending with specific department stores or websites during the holiday season (but exclude other practical expenditures), Citi® keeps it easy with what could amount to 2% cash back on all your purchases. Citi is a CardRatings advertiser.
- By offering 1% cash back on purchases and 1% cash back on purchase payments, the this card offers an incentive to pay off holiday bills more quickly.
- If you need to transfer a balance, as a new cardholder, you won't pay any interest for balance_transfer_duration_months so long as you make timely payments (after the introductory period expires regular RegAPR APR applies).
- This card is a good option to get unlimited cash back (and at a healthy rate) without an annual fee.
- While the 2% total cash back offered by this card is good, you could get more by selecting a card that offers bonus rewards in tiered or rotating categories.
- You may want to use another card if you are traveling abroad over the holiday season. This card charges a foreign transaction fee and doesn't come with travel perks such as trip interruption insurance.
Why we like it
This card shines as a top pick for holiday shopping thanks to its rotating cash back categories. Historically, these quarterly categories frequently align with common holiday spending, allowing you to maximize your rewards during the festive season. Plus, the generous introductory APR offer provides a valuable cushion, giving you ample time to pay off those holiday purchases without accruing interest, making it a stress-free shopping companion.
This card shines as a top pick for holiday shopping thanks to its rotating cash back categories. Historically, these quarterly categories frequently align with common holiday spending, allowing you to maximize your rewards during the festive season. Plus, the generous introductory APR offer provides a valuable cushion, giving you ample time to pay off those holiday purchases without accruing interest, making it a stress-free shopping companion.
- The introductory 0% APR offer provides a buffer for holiday purchases, allowing you to pay them off over time without accruing interest. Cardholders can enjoy intro_apr_duration 0% intro APR on new purchases before reg_apr,reg_apr_type applies.
- Discover matches all the cash back earned at the end of the first year, essentially doubling your rewards.
- This card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for holiday spending and beyond.
- You must remember to activate the bonus cash back categories each quarter to earn the bonus rewards. If you forget, you'll only earn the standard 1% rate.
- The bonus cash back is limited to a quarterly spending cap, meaning purchases exceeding that cap will only earn 1% cash back.
- The rotating categories change each quarter, so there's no guarantee that future categories will align perfectly with your specific holiday shopping needs.
Why we like it
When Bank of America announced the opportunity to choose a top-earning category for your rewards, we took notice. When we saw that "online shopping" was one of the options, we got excited. Hello, avoiding holiday mall traffic AND earning awesome cash back while you do it!
When Bank of America announced the opportunity to choose a top-earning category for your rewards, we took notice. When we saw that "online shopping" was one of the options, we got excited. Hello, avoiding holiday mall traffic AND earning awesome cash back while you do it!
- Earning 6% cash back in your first year in any category on a no-annual-fee card is a great rate, but when you can choose the category in which you earn that, it's even better!
- The "online shopping" category is extremely broad. It means that everything from Amazon purchases to holiday party dresses could earn you 3% cash back (up to the $2,500 quarterly cap).
- Take advantage of IntroAPRRate as well as balance_transfer_duration_months (after the intro offer ends, RegAPR will apply). Balance transfer fees also apply: balance_transfer_fees.
- You can only adjust your cash-back earning category once per calendar month. If an unexpected expense comes up in a different category after you've already made your choice, you won't be able to switch that category until the following month rolls around.
Why we like it
The card_name stands out as a holiday shopping powerhouse for Amazon loyalists and festive hosts alike. Its generous cash back on Amazon purchases, including last-minute gifts and essential holiday supplies, ensures you're rewarded for every click. Plus, the card's compatibility with Prime's speedy shipping alleviates the stress of late gift arrivals. But it doesn't stop there; the bonus rewards at Whole Foods Market make it perfect for stocking up on ingredients for that memorable holiday dinner.
The card_name stands out as a holiday shopping powerhouse for Amazon loyalists and festive hosts alike. Its generous cash back on Amazon purchases, including last-minute gifts and essential holiday supplies, ensures you're rewarded for every click. Plus, the card's compatibility with Prime's speedy shipping alleviates the stress of late gift arrivals. But it doesn't stop there; the bonus rewards at Whole Foods Market make it perfect for stocking up on ingredients for that memorable holiday dinner.
- If you're already an Amazon Prime member, this card comes with no additional annual fee, making it a cost-effective way to maximize your rewards.
- This card also offers bonus rewards on Whole Foods Market purchases, making it an ideal choice for those hosting holiday dinners or purchasing specialty food items. This benefit can provide significant savings during the festive season.
- To fully enjoy the card's benefits, you must be an Amazon Prime member. This adds an extra cost if you're not already a subscriber.
- While you can redeem your cash back for statement credit, many users primarily redeem it on Amazon. If you want more flexible cash back options, this card might not be ideal.
Why we like it
This is a holiday shopping champion for those who embrace the "bulk is best" philosophy. Perfect for stocking up on festive supplies, party essentials, and ingredients for grand holiday feasts, Costco's wholesale prices coupled with the card's cash back rewards make it a smart financial move. Plus, the generous gas rewards are a boon for holiday road trippers, helping to offset travel expenses.
This is a holiday shopping champion for those who embrace the "bulk is best" philosophy. Perfect for stocking up on festive supplies, party essentials, and ingredients for grand holiday feasts, Costco's wholesale prices coupled with the card's cash back rewards make it a smart financial move. Plus, the generous gas rewards are a boon for holiday road trippers, helping to offset travel expenses.
- Ideal for holiday road trips, bonus rewards earned on gas purchases can help ease the financial burden of travel.
- If you're already a Costco member, this card adds value without any extra annual cost.
- To get this card, you must be a Costco member, which comes with an annual membership fee.
- Cash back is distributed once a year as a certificate in February, which can be inconvenient if you prefer more flexible redemption options.
Why we like it
This card shines when it comes to tackling holiday expenses. The significant cash back offered at U.S. supermarkets makes those big grocery hauls for festive meals much more manageable. Plus, the bonus rewards in other categories mean you can earn in other popular categories as well, helping you offset the overall cost of the holiday season. It's a great way to cushion your wallet during a typically expensive time of year.American Express is a CardRatings advertiser
This card shines when it comes to tackling holiday expenses. The significant cash back offered at U.S. supermarkets makes those big grocery hauls for festive meals much more manageable. Plus, the bonus rewards in other categories mean you can earn in other popular categories as well, helping you offset the overall cost of the holiday season. It's a great way to cushion your wallet during a typically expensive time of year.American Express is a CardRatings advertiser
- The card offers an intro APR of 0% on purchases and balance transfers for intro_apr_duration from the date of account opening. This can give you time to pay off holiday purchases without accruing any interest charges. After the intro period, a RegAPR APR applies.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- While this card offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, don't assume you can stock up on gifts from Target and Walmart and get this higher cash back amount. These retailers aren't considered supermarkets by American Express so you'll only get 1% cash back for purchases made there.
- This card charges a AnnualFees Maxing out your spending in the 6% supermarket category alone will net you $360, so more than enough to offset the fee. Still, just make sure the card isn't costing you money – you should ALWAYS be able to offset an annual fee with your rewards, perks and features.
- If you're traveling overseas for the holidays, be aware you'll pay foreign transaction fees on purchases made in foreign currency.
Why we like it
Its straightforward rewards system lets you earn miles on every purchase, whether it's holiday gifts, festive decorations, or travel bookings. What truly sets it apart is the effortless redemption: use those miles to offset the cost of flights, hotels, or other travel-related expenses, effectively turning your holiday spending into future getaways. Perfect for those yearning for a holiday escape, this card can transform seasonal shopping into unforgettable travel experiences.
Its straightforward rewards system lets you earn miles on every purchase, whether it's holiday gifts, festive decorations, or travel bookings. What truly sets it apart is the effortless redemption: use those miles to offset the cost of flights, hotels, or other travel-related expenses, effectively turning your holiday spending into future getaways. Perfect for those yearning for a holiday escape, this card can transform seasonal shopping into unforgettable travel experiences.
- Earn miles on every purchase, regardless of category, making holiday shopping rewards straightforward and easy to track.
- Miles can be redeemed for a wide range of travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, offering versatility for holiday travel plans.
- You can use miles to cover travel purchases made within the past few months, which is great for offsetting unexpected holiday travel costs.
- While flexible within the travel category, the card's primary value lies in travel redemption. If you prefer cash back or other redemption options, this card might not be ideal.
- The card has an annual fee, which might be a deterrent for those who don't travel frequently.
Why we like it
This card is a holiday hero for foodies and hosts alike. With its generous cash back on dining and grocery purchases, it's perfect for navigating the season's increased restaurant outings and festive gatherings. Whether you're enjoying holiday meals at your favorite eateries or stocking up on ingredients for a memorable home-cooked feast, the Savor card ensures you earn substantial rewards. Its focus on dining and groceries aligns perfectly with the holiday spirit of sharing delicious meals, making it a flavorful addition to your wallet.
This card is a holiday hero for foodies and hosts alike. With its generous cash back on dining and grocery purchases, it's perfect for navigating the season's increased restaurant outings and festive gatherings. Whether you're enjoying holiday meals at your favorite eateries or stocking up on ingredients for a memorable home-cooked feast, the Savor card ensures you earn substantial rewards. Its focus on dining and groceries aligns perfectly with the holiday spirit of sharing delicious meals, making it a flavorful addition to your wallet.
- The card offers excellent cash back on dining, which is perfect for holiday parties, restaurant meals, and treating yourself during the busy season.
- Ideal for holiday hosting, the card's cash back on groceries helps you save on ingredients for festive meals and gatherings.
- The straightforward cash back categories make it easy to understand and maximize your earnings without needing to track rotating categories or complex redemption rules.
- While dining and groceries are great for the holidays, the card's rewards on other purchases are relatively low, which might limit its overall value if you have diverse spending habits.
Compare the best holiday shopping credit cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for holiday shopping credit cards s stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to threetwo cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Compare the best holiday shopping credit cards by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
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Frequently asked questions about holiday credit cards
Should I use credit cards for Christmas shopping?
Using a credit card for Christmas shopping can be a smart financial move if you're responsible with your account activity. Credit cards offer rewards, protection, and flexible payment options. However, it's crucial to set a budget, choose the right card, pay off your balance, and monitor your spending to avoid overspending and interest charges.
Is it better to pay for holiday shopping with a credit card or debit card?
Whether to use a credit or debit card for holiday shopping depends on your financial discipline. Credit cards often offer rewards and better fraud protection but can lead to overspending if not managed responsibly. Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account, limiting spending to available funds. If you can pay off your credit card balance monthly, credit cards can be beneficial tools. However, if you struggle with debt, a debit card is probably a safer option to help prevent overspending.
What are the best credit cards for online holiday shopping?
For online holiday shopping, consider cards with strong fraud protection, generous rewards, and flexible payment options. See our top picks for the best credit cards for online shopping.
What are the best credit cards for maximizing holiday shopping rewards?
To maximize holiday shopping rewards, consider cards with rotating bonus categories, high cash-back rates, or travel rewards.
What are the best credit cards for black Friday shopping?
For Black Friday shopping, consider credit cards with strong rewards, especially those with rotating bonus categories that align with popular Black Friday deals. Additionally, cards with chip technology and strong fraud protection are essential for secure in-store and online purchases.
What is the best credit card for Amazon purchases?
The best credit card for Amazon purchases is the Amazon card_name. It offers generous cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases for Prime members. This card is a smart choice for frequent Amazon shoppers as it maximizes rewards on a platform you likely use often. Additionally, some rotating cash-back cards such as the card_name may offer bonus rewards on Amazon purchases. This card, for example, has historically featured Amazon as one of its rotating bonus categories. The card_name is another smart choice as it offers bonus rewards in a category of your choice, with online shopping being one of the choice categories.
How can I avoid credit card debt after holiday shopping?
What credit card perks are most useful for last-minute holiday shoppers?
How can I protect myself from holiday credit card fraud?
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Rating methodology: CardRatings’ experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
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