According to Insider Intelligence, the typical online shopper in the United States spends more than $5,300 each year, so if you're not using the correct credit card for your transactions, you might be missing out on significant rewards and protections.
There is no "right" credit card for every case, although there are better cards for specific types of online buying. One card may earn additional points, miles, or cash back at a specific merchant, such as Amazon, while another may earn additional benefits for food delivery. When making major purchases, it's also vital to evaluate a card's built-in coverages, such as purchase protection and extended warranty.
CNBC Select gives information on the finest credit cards to assist you in making the best selection and optimizing your spending.
for internet purchasing. (For more information on how we select the
greatest cards, see our process.
Best credit cards for Internet purchases
- American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is the best for cash back.
- Best for buying safeguards: Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a high-end credit card.
- American Express® Gold Card is the best for delivery and takeout.
- Citi Custom CashSM Card is the best in the flexible bonus category. Visa Prime
- The following are the best options for small businesses: American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
Best for earning cash back
What is the purpose of this? The American Express Blue Cash Everyday®
Card is great for anybody who wants to earn cash back on their online
purchases. It earns 3% back on online retail purchases in the United
States up to $6,000 per year (then 1%). Furthermore, it offers a unique
financing option for purchases and debt transfers with a 0% intro APR
for the first 15 months from account activation (18.99% - 29.99%
variable APR after that; see rates & fees).
Blue Cash every day might also be beneficial to streaming and food delivery businesses. After spending $12.99, cardholders may earn up to $180 in Home Chef credit ($15 back each month) and up to $84 in Disney Bundle credit ($7 back per month).
or more on an eligible subscription each month (membership needed).
This card also has purchase protection, which protects qualifying
purchases for up to 90 days from damage or theft. Terms and conditions
apply.
Best for purchasing safeguards
What is the purpose of this? The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a premium
credit card that comes with a slew of perks, including nearly every sort
of purchase protection imaginable. Purchases made with the card may be
eligible for the following benefits:
- Purchase protection: Eligible purchases are insured for theft, damage, or loss for up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year for 120 days from the date of purchase.
- Return protection: Eligible products that the store will not allow you to return are covered for up to $500 per item and up to $1,000 per year for 90 days from the date of purchase.
- Extended warranty: Get an extra year of coverage on original warranties that are three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
You can register a claim at this site to take advantage of this card's
extended warranty or return protection. You may file a new claim for
purchase protection here.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve includes a $550 annual charge, however, it is mitigated by benefits such as a $300 yearly travel credit and access to over 1,300 airport lounges with Priority Pass Select membership. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points may be used to purchase cash back, the book travels through the Chase travel site or transfer to multiple hotel and airline partners.
Best for delivery and takeout.
What is the purpose of this? If you enjoy eating out or having food
delivered, the American Express Gold Card is for you. It earns 4X Amex
Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, including
delivery and takeout in the United States.
Aside from the additional points, the American Express Gold card provides monthly credits that may be used on meal delivery apps. Cardmembers may earn up to $120 in meal credits each year (up to $10 back per month) through partners such as Grubhub, Seamless, and Goldbelly. In addition, the card offers up to $120 in yearly Uber Cash ($10 per month) that may be used for Uber Eats orders. Registration is needed. Terms and conditions apply.
The most effective way to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points is Typically, they are transferred to an airline or hotel partner, but they can also be redeemed for gift cards, cash back, and other perks. Simply make a qualifying purchase to redeem the American Express Gold card's monthly meal credits, and the statement credit should automatically post to your account within 6 to 8 weeks. When you attach your Amex Gold card, Uber Cash is automatically transferred into your Uber account each month.
Best in the area of flexible bonuses
What is the purpose of this? The Citi Custom Cash Card offers 5% cash
back on purchases in the category where you spend the most money each
billing cycle, up to $500 (then 1%). The categories are as
follows:
- Restaurants and gas stations
- Shops for groceries
- Choose a mode of transportation
- Choose public transportation.
- Choose streaming services
- Drugstores
- Household improvement stores
- Fitness center
- Live entertainment is available.
The bonus cash is automatically applied to the category in which you
spend the most each month, which is a wonderful feature of this card.
So you don't have to choose a category ahead of time and hope that's
where the majority of your purchases fall that month. If you purchase
pricey concert tickets one month and then begin a home renovation
project the following month, the 5% bonus cashback will be applied to
the category where you spent the most without any further steps.
The best for Amazon
What is the purpose of this? The Prime Visa is the way to go if you
want to get the most out of your Amazon shopping. It gets 5% cash
back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
This card also includes limited-time incentives for 10% cash back on rotating categories or specific purchases. On Prime Day, you may normally receive 6% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods. Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage are also included with the Prime Visa.
While there is no annual charge for this card, you must be an Amazon Prime member to be eligible.
Most suitable for small enterprises
What is the purpose of this? With The Blue Business® Plus Credit
Card from American Express, anybody with a side hustle or small
business can optimize their everyday spending, including online
purchases. On the first $50,000 in purchases each year, it gets 2X
American Express Membership Rewards points, then 1X. Terms and
conditions apply.
Its straightforward rewards system enables cardholders to earn a higher-than-average return without needing to watch particular expenditure categories. It also has no yearly charge (see rates & fees), making it suitable for side projects, freelancing, or anybody just establishing a business.