Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping

The 11 Best Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping (2024)

ByMichael Pruser Last Updated:

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Allcards. Commissions do not affect our authors’ or editors’ opinions or evaluations. From our partners: See our advertiser disclosure here.

We dive into our database of hundreds of credit card offers to bring you the best credit cards for holiday shopping.

The holiday gift-buying season is more than just a magical season. It can also be a great time to build up your stash of cash back rewards.

As long as you stick to a holiday budget (and pay off your statement balance in full), the right cash back rewards credit card can be lucrative. You don’t need to spend extra, either. By optimizing which cards you use for which purchases, you can maximize your rewards on the things you’re already buying anyway.

How to Choose Your Card

We divided this list into three categories: daily driver, triple play, and category king credit cards. Daily driver credit cards are the ones you want to carry first to maximize your credit card rewards. Daily driver cards earn 1.5% to 2% cash back or 2x points or miles on all purchases.

Next, you’ll see one triple play card that made the list. Triple play credit cards complement daily drivers and earn at least 3% cash back or 3x points or miles on at least 3 categories. Then you’ll see category king cards. Category king cards earn a minimum of 5% cash back or 5x points or miles on at least one category.

If you want to carry only one credit card, you want a daily driver. If you already have a daily driver, consider adding a triple play or a category king to your wallet.

Daily Driver Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Chase Freedom Unlimited
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.9

★★★★★☆

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Welcome Offer

Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.49% – 29.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on all travel purchased through Chase TravelSM. Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and on drugstore purchases. Earn 1.5% cash back on other purchases.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns the top spot for the holidays (and just about any other cash back needs) for one key reason. Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) — worth up to $300 cash back. That's 6.5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on dining and drugstores, and 3% on all other purchases. Add to that no annual fee, and this card is arguably one of the best cash back cards for any purpose. And that 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 20.49% - 29.24% variable APR) will help with spreading out the holiday bills.

The extra cash back is for the first year only, so if you use the card for next year’s holidays, you’ll earn a base rate of just 1.5%. There are some cards that pay higher base rates, but they don’t offer the elevated cash back rewards this card does. If the elevated cash back categories aren’t relevant to you, this card is not a good match.

1.5% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
Drugstores
Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
3% cash back
Dining
Earn 3% cash back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
5% cash back
Travel
5% cash back on all travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM)

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved05/23/2024
640
Not Provided
$300
Approved03/20/2023
785
Experian
$5,000
Approved07/18/2023
765
Experian
$12,500
Approved07/18/2023
773
TransUnion
$12,500
Approved07/18/2023
785
Equifax
$12,500
Approved09/06/2023
754
Experian
$9,000
Approved04/25/2024
801
Experian
$10,000
Approved06/13/2024
741
Not Provided
$6,000
Approved09/08/2023
740
Equifax
$15,000
Approved06/19/2024
667
Experian
$5,500
Approved06/19/2024
686
TransUnion
$5,500
Approved06/19/2024
687
Equifax
$5,500
Approved01/05/2024
689
Experian
$11,000
Approved01/05/2024
695
Equifax
$11,000
Approved01/05/2024
696
Equifax
$11,000
Approved01/05/2024
722
TransUnion
$11,000
Approved01/05/2024
732
TransUnion
$11,000
Approved01/05/2024
733
Experian
$11,000
Approved09/09/2024
749
TransUnion
$12,000
Approved09/09/2024
762
Experian
$12,000
Approved09/09/2024
770
Equifax
$12,000
Approved07/17/2024
708
Equifax
$5,600
Approved07/17/2024
709
Experian
$5,600
Approved07/17/2024
711
TransUnion
$5,600
Denied09/05/2023
738
Experian
---
Denied09/05/2023
740
Equifax
---
Denied09/05/2023
750
TransUnion
---

Robinhood Gold Card

Robinhood Gold Card
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.9

★★★★★☆
Robinhood Gold Card

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.99% – 29.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on all eligible purchases and 5% cash back on travel when you book through the Robinhood travel portal.

The Robinhood Gold Card offers 3% cash back across the board, which is a terrific rate for a flat rate card. However, you must be a Robinhood Gold member to apply (currently $5 a month or $50 a year) with no free trial. Also, you must have a Robinhood brokerage account. There is a waiting list for this card, but some applicants have been approved and received the card.

3% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 3% cash back on all eligible purchases
5% cash back
Travel
Earn 5% cash back when you book travel through the Robinhood travel portal

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • 3% cash back across the board

Cons

  • No welcome bonus
  • High APR
  • Requires good credit
  • Must be a Robinhood Gold member to apply
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved06/24/2024
695
Not Provided
$20,000
Approved06/14/2024
780
Equifax
$20,000
Approved06/14/2024
782
Experian
$20,000
Approved06/14/2024
794
TransUnion
$20,000

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.9

★★★★★☆

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

19.74%, 24.74% or 29.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is ideal for holiday shopping if you want a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. Many use a 2% cash back card as their only card. It gives them excellent rewards and the simplicity of using just one credit card.

The card also offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from account opening and then an ongoing rate of 19.74%, 24.74% or 29.74%% variable APR.

The card charges no annual fee and has a decent welcome offer. It’s one of the best all-around rewards credit cards available today.

2% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • 2% cash back

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/20/2023
810
Not Provided
$2,000
Approved09/02/2023
746
Experian
$6,000
Approved09/02/2023
774
Equifax
$6,000
Approved09/02/2023
786
TransUnion
$6,000
Approved06/03/2023
820
Equifax
$30,000
Approved02/18/2023
800
Not Provided
$20,000
Approved06/23/2023
700
Experian
$30,000
Approved04/14/2023
756
Experian
$13,000
Approved10/23/2023
745
Equifax
$12,000
Approved04/26/2023
743
Experian
$8,000
Approved04/26/2023
751
TransUnion
$8,000
Approved04/26/2023
765
Equifax
$8,000
Approved10/04/2023
721
Experian
$16,000
Approved09/24/2023
763
Experian
$15,000
Approved09/24/2023
784
TransUnion
$15,000
Approved09/24/2023
792
Equifax
$15,000
Denied04/01/2023
744
TransUnion
---
Denied04/01/2023
747
Experian
---
Denied04/01/2023
767
Equifax
---

Citi® Double Cash Card

Citi Double Cash
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.9

★★★★★☆

Citi® Double Cash Card

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash back

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% – 28.74%, Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

The Citi® Double Cash Card is the card for you if you want a simple cash back structure you don’t have to think about. You get unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase: 1% when you purchase and 1% when you pay off the purchase. There’s also a 0% intro APR offer on balance transfers for 18 months, then 18.74% - 28.74%, variable APR. So, any debt you have from higher-interest cards is that much easier to pay off.

2% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 2% cash back

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/21/2024
635
TransUnion
$3,500
Approved04/21/2024
670
Equifax
$3,500
Approved03/12/2024
726
Equifax
$3,800
Approved03/12/2024
731
Equifax
$3,800
Approved03/12/2024
745
Equifax
$3,800
Approved03/12/2024
765
Equifax
$3,800
Approved03/12/2024
800
Experian
$3,800
Approved03/12/2024
806
TransUnion
$3,800
Approved02/03/2024
780
Experian
$6,900
Approved02/03/2024
794
TransUnion
$6,900
Approved02/03/2024
813
Equifax
$6,900
Approved01/19/2024
840
Not Provided
$11,500
Approved12/12/2023
800
Not Provided
$7,000
Approved01/11/2024
730
Not Provided
---
Approved05/22/2024
805
Experian
$6,800
Approved11/13/2023
760
Not Provided
$3,000
Approved11/28/2023
740
TransUnion
$9,000
Approved11/28/2023
801
Experian
$9,000
Approved11/28/2023
810
Equifax
$9,000
Denied01/03/2024
800
Not Provided
---
Denied05/10/2024
793
Not Provided
---

Triple Play Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Learn More

Our Rating: 4.4

★★★★★☆

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn a $200 statement credit

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% – 29.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good, Excellent

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases, and U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year for each category, then 1%). 1% cash back on other purchases. Terms Apply.

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers 3% cash back at U.S. online retail purchases on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. If you shop online for most of your Christmas gifts, this card is a great choice. You can also earn 3% cash back on other everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas staions on up to $6k per year for each category, then 1%. There’s also a decent welcome offer and there’s no annual fee.

Terms Apply.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases.
3% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
3% cash back
Select Categories
3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
3% cash back
Gas
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • Up to 3% cash back
  • $0 annual fee

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved02/01/2023
727
Experian
$2,000
Approved09/24/2023
730
Experian
$2,000
Approved09/24/2023
735
Equifax
$2,000
Approved09/24/2023
790
TransUnion
$2,000
Approved05/21/2023
665
Experian
$5,000
Approved07/20/2023
770
Equifax
$6,000
Approved07/20/2023
772
Experian
$6,000
Approved07/20/2023
780
TransUnion
$6,000
Approved06/15/2023
730
Not Provided
$10,000

Category King Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping

Prime Visa

Learn More

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

Prime Visa

Welcome Offer

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card

Est. Value

$150

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.49% – 29.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Rewards: Eligible Prime cardmembers earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com. Earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership. Earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and local transit and commuting (including rideshare). Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

The Prime Visa offers 5% cash back for Prime Members on Amazon purchases (3% cash back if you aren’t a Prime member). You get the same cash back at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods. So if you shop within the Amazon ecosystem, this is the card to use (and the card we’ve used for years).

The card offers excellent cash back in other categories, such as Chase Tracel purchases, gas, restaurants and transit. There is no annual fee, but you need a Prime membership (currently $139 a year) to get the best rewards.

All information about Prime Visa has been collected independently by allCards.com. Prime Visa is no longer available through allCards.com.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
2% cash back
Dining
Earn unlimited 2% back at restaurants.
2% cash back
Gas
Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations.
2% cash back
Transit
Earn unlimited 2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
5% cash back
Select Categories
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership.
5% cash back
Travel
Earn unlimited 5% back on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership.
10% cash back
Select Categories
Eligible Prime cardmembers earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Need a Prime membership to get the best rewards

Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

Discover It Cash Back
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.4

★★★★★☆

Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card

Welcome Offer

Unlimited Cashback Match the first year

Est. Value

Cashback Match the first year

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.74% to 27.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The Discover It® Cash Back Credit Card earns 5% cash back on various categories that rotate every quarter. For October through December 2024, the 5% categories are Amazon.com and Target. If you tend to do a lot of holiday shopping at those two places, this is an excellent card to use. You can earn 5% cash back at Amazon and Target when you activate the quarterly category on up to $1,500 in purchases. Plus, if it’s your first year owning this card, you can earn another 5% cash back on those purchases since Discover matches your cash back during the first year. That’s up to 10% cash back!

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases - automatically.
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases when you activate.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved09/24/2021
786
Equifax
$3,000
Approved08/06/2021
705
Experian
$9,000
Approved06/21/2022
673
Experian
$11,500
Approved06/21/2022
677
TransUnion
$11,500
Approved06/21/2022
684
Equifax
$11,500
Approved11/24/2021
672
Experian
$1,100
Approved05/01/2021
666
Experian
$6,500
Approved09/24/2021
746
TransUnion
$3,000
Approved09/24/2021
772
Experian
$3,000

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.8

★★★★★☆

U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card

Welcome Offer

$200 bonus

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.99% to 29.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels, air travel, and car reservations booked in the Rewards Center. Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories of your choice. Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants. Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on the two categories you choose. What makes this ideal for holiday shopping is that two of those categories are department stores and electronic stores.

Here are the other categories that are eligible for 5% cash back:

  • TV, internet and streaming services
  • Fast Food
  • Cell Phone Providers
  • Department Stores
  • Home Utilities
  • Select Clothing Stores
  • Electronic Stores
  • Sporting Goods Stores
  • Movie Theatres
  • Gym/Fitness Centers
  • Furniture Stores
  • Ground Transportation

Once you move beyond the elevated reward categories, you get 1% cash back for other purchases. For this reason, we’d never make this our only card. It’s best paired with a 2% cash back card.

The card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then 18.99% to 29.24%% variable APR.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
2% cash back
Rotating Categories
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations and EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
5% cash back
Rotating Categories
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
5% cash back
Airfare
5% cash back on prepaid air booked directly in the Rewards Center
5% cash back
Hotels
5% cash back on prepaid hotels booked directly in the Rewards Center
5% cash back
Rental Cars
5% cash back on prepaid car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved09/01/2023
780
Not Provided
$10,000
Approved02/06/2023
778
Experian
$10,000
Approved02/06/2023
809
Equifax
$10,000
Approved02/06/2023
820
TransUnion
$10,000
Approved01/11/2024
797
Experian
$17,000
Approved09/21/2023
800
Experian
$500
Approved01/09/2023
809
Experian
$9,000
Approved08/05/2023
749
Not Provided
$500
Approved08/05/2023
803
Not Provided
$500
Approved08/05/2023
808
Not Provided
$500
Approved08/05/2023
829
Not Provided
$500
Approved06/19/2023
663
TransUnion
$600
Approved05/30/2023
744
Experian
$6,500
Approved05/30/2023
752
Equifax
$6,500
Approved05/30/2023
772
TransUnion
$6,500
Denied10/02/2023
791
Experian
---
Denied10/02/2023
811
Equifax
---

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

U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★★☆

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

Welcome Offer

$300

Est. Value

$300

Annual Fee

$0 for the first year, then $95

APR

19.24% – 29.24% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 6% cash back on two retailers you choose, up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter. Earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center. Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities). Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card earns 6% cash back on two retailers of your choice up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases every quarter. You can choose from 24 retailers including Amazon.com, Apple, Target, Walmart, and Best Buy. The list is quite impressive. There is a reasonable annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $95. However, the rewards easily make up for it.

1.5% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
3% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter on your choice of one everyday category (like wholesale clubs, gas and EV charging stations, bills and utilities)
5.5% cash back
Hotels
Earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
5.5% cash back
Rental Cars
Earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
6% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 6% cash back on two retailers you choose, up to $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • Up to 6% cash back

Cons

  • Annual fee
  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/14/2023
735
Equifax
$15,000

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Citi Custom Cash
Learn More

Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★★☆

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 in cash back

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% – 28.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good 670 – 739, Excellent 740 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent, then 1%. Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

The Citi Custom Cash® Card made our list because it offers 5% cash back on select travel including airline, hotel, cruise line purchases on up to $500 in spending per month. It’s a rotating categories card with a twist (no pun intended). Citi applies the 5% cash back each month to the eligible category in which you spent the most. There’s no need to activate a category.

One of its 5% categories is select travel. This makes it an ideal card for travel gifts including airfare and cruises. If you tend to purchase gifts from home improvement stores, that is also included as one of the 5% categories. And the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (then 18.74% - 28.74% variable APR) doesn’t hurt either.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
5% cash back
Select Categories
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved02/06/2023
748
Experian
$3,800
Approved02/06/2023
759
TransUnion
$3,800
Approved02/06/2023
761
Equifax
$3,800
Approved10/04/2023
784
Experian
$5,300
Approved10/04/2023
801
TransUnion
$5,300
Approved10/04/2023
811
Equifax
$5,300
Approved09/13/2023
800
Not Provided
$11,600
Approved10/24/2023
720
Equifax
$8,000
Approved07/17/2023
790
Equifax
$3,000
Approved01/17/2023
800
TransUnion
$5,300
Denied05/12/2023
800
Not Provided
---
Denied05/19/2024
762
Not Provided
---

Other Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping

The credit card below does not fit into one of the above categories. However, for Bank of America customers, it’s a great cash back credit card option.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Learn More

Our Rating: 4.4

★★★★★☆

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Welcome Offer

$200

Est. Value

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% to 28.74% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. Earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. Earn 1% cash back on other purchases.

The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back in a category of your choice. One of the categories is online shopping, which makes the card ideal for Christmas and other holiday gifts.

You can also earn 25%-75% more cash back if you are a Preferred Rewards member. The Gold tier gets a 25% bonus, the Platinum tier 50%, and the Platinum Honors tier 75%. At the top rate, online purchases can earn 5.25%.

The standard cash back tier is just 1%. That’s common for cards like this that offer higher rewards in select categories. But it also means that you may want to pair this card with one that earns at least 2% cash back on all purchases.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other purchases
2% cash back
U.S. supermarkets
2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs. Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter.
3% cash back
Select Categories
Get 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • up to 3% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
  • Spending cap
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved01/23/2024
748
Experian
$19,000
Approved03/06/2023
679
Experian
$10,000
Approved03/06/2023
699
Equifax
$10,000
Approved03/06/2023
713
TransUnion
$10,000
Approved03/06/2023
665
Experian
$4,000
Approved11/29/2023
764
Experian
$10,000
Approved02/02/2024
800
Not Provided
$24,000
Approved07/10/2023
802
Experian
$24,000
Approved03/01/2024
720
Experian
$500
Approved12/26/2023
715
Experian
$14,000

What to Look For

So, what are the best features to look for when it comes to the ideal gift-buying credit card?

The first, and most valuable, is that the card earns great rewards. Specifically, you may want to opt for a card that offers cash back, versus choosing a travel rewards card. That’s because cash back rewards are typically more versatile and easier to redeem.

Of course, this depends on how you plan to spend your rewards. Travel miles could also serve you well, especially if you’re planning a vacation in the next year.

The end goal, though, is to get the maximum amount of rewards possible on gifts you’re already planning to buy. In other words, even if a retail credit card offers great rewards, it won’t do you any good unless you can or were planning to pick up some of your gifts from that store already. If you have to force yourself to spend money on additional items or at stores you wouldn’t otherwise patronize, you’re losing in the end.

Other Perks

Besides cash back, there are a few other reasons you may choose one credit card over another this holiday season.

No-Interest Shopping: While we recommend budgeting for the holiday season well before you even begin shopping, a good credit card can help if you’re still going to come up short. Some of the cards we highlight here feature 0% introductory APRs.

So if you need to spend a bit more than you’ve got banked, or you have an unexpected expense that wrecks your Christmas budget, you’re safe. You’ll have at least a couple of months to pay back those purchases before you incur any finance charges.

Purchase Protection: Other benefits to consider include protections offered by a particular credit card issuer.

For instance, some cards offer return protection, crediting you back for a purchase even if the retailer won’t accept your return. Others offer purchase protection, which will cover replacement costs if the gift is stolen or damaged.

If you’re planning any large purchases of electronics, big toys, or other warranted items, look for a card that offers extended warranty protection. In many cases, this gives you the opportunity to double the manufacturer’s included warranty for no additional expense, up to a few extra years.

Of course, these offers are detailed, complex, and unique to each card product. So if you’re choosing a specific card for one of these benefits, make sure to read the fine print.

Get the Most from Your Card Over the Holidays

When it comes to holiday shopping with a credit card, you can earn some serious cash back if you know how to maximize your spending.

The average American was expected to spend more than $900 on holiday gifts last year. By strategically spending with one or more of these rewards credit cards, you could earn some serious rewards. In fact, with 5% cash back categories you’d net $50 in rewards.

This year, you can spread holiday cheer while also spending smart and sticking to your budget!

Michael is a graduate of the University of Miami with a degree in Mathematics. He's worked in the personal finance realm for more than 15 years, writing for Lending Tree, Business Insider, and many others. If you can't find him speaking at a financial conference, he's likely creating data-driven algorithms for fun.