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9 Best Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping In 2024

Discover the top 9 credit cards for holiday shopping with rewards, cashback, and perks to maximize savings on all your purchases.
Alexandria Green
Published on: Oct 29, 2024
Updated on: Nov 4, 2024
9 Best Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping In 2024
9 Best Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping In 2024

Advertiser Disclosure – Penny Calling Penny has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Penny Calling Penny and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Please note that the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Click here for more details.

The holidays always seem to sneak up on us, don’t they? Every December, you vow not to be caught off guard again. The rising cost of essentials has impacted millions of people. No matter how tight your budget is, you still want to show your family and friends how much you care about them. You want to capture that holiday magic with the perfect gift, but you need to create a room in the budget ASAP. What’s a holiday shopper to do?

Get Holiday Cash With Credit

There are lots of ways to make extra moneyBut if you need quick cash, you might have to take out a personal loan or open a credit card. Today, we’ll be talking about that last option. So which credit card is best for holiday shopping?

The best credit cards for holiday shopping in 2024 will give you long term payoff, as well as a quick cash boost. Many credit cards have cashback or points perks that you can use later on. Even cards that don’t have those perks can help you build your credit.

With credit cards, you have lots of options. It can feel overwhelming, especially when you add holiday stress into the mix. 

Before applying for a credit card, you’ll need to know your credit scoreHas it been a while since you’ve checked your credit? Checking again before applying is a good idea. Maybe you’ve never checked your credit score. Don’t worry; it’s easy! 

Make your list, check your credit.

First, know your rights. You’re legally entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year. This report doesn’t impact your score or cost you anything. But it doesn’t stop lots of websites from trying to charge you for a credit report, though, so don’t let them trick you!

These credit reports will give you your credit score. Once you know your that, you can start looking at credit cards. The credit cards with the best rewards usually require “Good” or “Excellent” credit scores

Knowing your credit score before applying for a credit card is essential. If you apply for credit cards and get denied, it can hurt your overall credit score. This gets you stuck in a vicious cycle. You apply and get rejected, which hurts your score, so you’re more likely to get rejected next time, too.

When you know what your credit score is, you can pick the best credit card for holiday shopping without hurting your score in the long run. You’re also more likely to get approved quickly if you apply for credit cards within or below your credit range.

Let’s take a look at the best credit cards for holiday shopping so you can start wrapping those presents.

Top 9 Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping In 2024

Credit Card Name Annual Fee Best For Credit Score Required Rewards

Chase Freedom Flex®

$0

Rotating categories

690-850

5% on rotating categories quarterly, 3% on dining/drugstore, 1% on others

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

$0

Online shopping

Good to Excellent

Up to 6% cash back on first $1500 per billing cycle, 1.5% on others

Citi Custom Cash® Card

$0

Personalized cashback

Good to Excellent

5% on preferred categories each quarter up to $500, 1% otherwise

American Express® Gold Card

$325

Premium rewards and dining

Excellent

4X points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 3X on flights

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

$0

General cashback

690-850

2% unlimited cash back on all purchases

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

$0

Long intro APR

690-850

0% APR for 21 months on purchases and balance transfers

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

$0

Amazon and Whole Foods shoppers

690-850

5% at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods; 2% at gas, dining, transit; 1% other

Target Circle™ Credit Card

$0

Target shoppers

Good/Excellent

5% discount at Target, 2% on gas/dining, 1% elsewhere

Citi Double Cash® Card- 18 Month BT offer

$0

Simple cashback

630-850

2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Up to $600 in cell phone protection for added security.
  2. Advanced security features like Voice Verification and 2-step Verification.
  3. Exclusive Visa perks, including Concierge and Luxury Hotel Collection access.
  • Competitive 2% cash back rate on all purchases.
  • No annual fee, enhancing overall value for cardholders.
  • 15-month 0% APR introductory period for added financial flexibility.
  • 3% foreign transaction fee may deter international use.
  • Balance transfer fee increases after 120 days, potentially impacting long-term suitability.

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. My Wells Fargo Deals offers tailored discounts from diverse merchants, enhancing the joy of holiday shopping, dining, and experiences, with cash back as an effortless account credit.
  2. Credit Close-up℠ equips you with the tools to comprehend, monitor, and enhance your FICO® Score without any adverse effects on your credit.
  • Extended 0% intro APR period for both purchases and balance transfers.
  • No annual fee, allowing you to save more during the holiday season.
  • Valuable perks like Cellular Telephone Protection and Roadside Dispatch® add extra layers of security and convenience.
  • Variable APRs after the intro period may be higher than some competitors.
  • Balance transfer fee of 5%, with a minimum of $5, could impact those looking to consolidate debts.

card_name

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. Rewards come as points, redeemable for eligible Amazon.com purchases with no minimum redemption required.
  2. Flexible redemption options include cash back, statement credits, deposit into eligible accounts, travel, and gift cards.
  3. Travel protections such as accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and auto rental collision damage waiver
  • Lucrative rewards program, especially for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
  • Flexible redemption options for earned points.
  • No annual credit card fee.
  • Comprehensive travel and shopping protections.
  • Visa Signature benefits enhance overall cardholder experience.
  • Requires an Amazon Prime membership, which comes with an annual fee.
  • Variable APR range may be relatively high for some consumers.
  • Rewards may be less appealing for non-Amazon shoppers.

Target Circle™ Credit Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

$0

Regular APR

29.95% (Variable)

Credit Required

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Annual Fees

$0

Regular APR

29.95% Variable

Credit Required

Good -Excellent (670-850)

Why we like it:

  1. 10% account anniversary coupon: A generous gesture that rewards cardholders for their loyalty.
  2. Special Target Subscriptions offer: This feature provides an extra 5% discount when using the Target Circle™ Credit Card with the Target Subscriptions program, amplifying the potential for savings.
  3. 5% off in-store Starbucks spending: A unique benefit that caters to coffee enthusiasts, ensuring they get a discount even when grabbing a Starbucks at Target.
  4. Early access to upcoming benefits: Cardholders get exclusive access to promotions and events before the general public, adding an element of exclusivity to the card's offerings.
  • 5% discount on most in-store and online purchases at Target, including Starbucks in-store purchases.
  • Free 2-day shipping for online orders, making it convenient for last-minute holiday shopping.
  • Extended return policy, providing an additional 30 days for returns, which can be especially useful for holiday gifts.
  • The high APR is typical for store-specific cards, so it’s crucial to pay off the balance in full to maximize savings.
  • Limited usability; the card can only be used at Target, which may not be suitable for those who shop at a variety of retailers.
  • Lacks additional shopping protections that are commonly offered by major credit card networks.

card_name - 18 month BT offer

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

  1. With the Citi Double Cash® card, you're in control. Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of your account opening. It's a flexible way to manage your finances.
  2. Enjoy a low Intro APR on balance transfers for a generous 18 months: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 18.74% - 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • 2% cash back structure is simple and effective.
  • No annual fee, making it cost-effective for all users.
  • 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months provides significant value.
  • Wide accessibility with a recommended credit score range of 630-850.
  • Flexibility to convert rewards into travel points.
  • No sign-up bonus.
  • No 0% introductory period on purchases.

Chase Freedom Flex®

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

$0

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.24%, Variable APR

Credit Required

690-850

Annual Fees

$0

Regular APR

20.49%-29.24%, Variable APR

Credit Required

690-850

Why we like it:

  1. Earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate.
  2. 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases.
  3. 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  4. No annual fee and a competitive introductory APR.
  • High cash-back rate on rotating categories each quarter
  • No annual fee
  • $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months
  • Competitive introductory APR
  • Requires active category activation each quarter
  • Limited to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter for 5% cash back

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

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

19.74% – 29.24% (Variable)

Credit Required

Good to Excellent

Annual Fees

$0 intro for the first year, then $95

Regular APR

19.74% – 29.24% Variable

Credit Required

Good to Excellent

Why we like it:

Sign-up Bonus: $250 bonus after a spending of $2000 in first 120 days.

  1. Earn up to 3% cash back on the first $1500 in online purchases each billing cycle.
  2. 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
  3. No annual fee, which enhances its appeal for budget-conscious shoppers.
  4. Compatible with major digital wallets for seamless online transactions.
  5. Flexible cash back redemption options, including statement credits and direct deposits
  • High cash-back rate on online purchases
  • No annual fee
  • Easy cash back redemption options
  • Compatible with digital wallets
  • Limited to online shopping for maximum rewards

Citi Custom Cash® Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

Intro Offer: $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

  1. Rotate and choose a new 5% cash back category each quarter, up to $500 in purchases.
  2. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  3. No annual fee and a competitive introductory APR.
  4. Flexible redemption options, including cash back, gift cards, and travel.
  • Personalized cash back categories
  • No annual fee
  • Flexible redemption options
  • High rewards on chosen categories
  • Requires active selection each quarter

American Express® Gold Card

Why we like it:

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Annual Fees

annual_fees

Regular APR

reg_apr,reg_apr_type

Credit Required

credit_score_needed

Why we like it:

Sign-up Bonus: Earn Membership Rewards® points after meeting a spending threshold.

  1. Earn 4X points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery.
  2. Earn 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year).
  3. Earn 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com.
  4. $120 dining credit annually.
  5. $100 airline fee credit.
  6. Comprehensive travel and purchase protections.
  • High rewards in dining and supermarket categories
  • Comprehensive travel and purchase protections
  • Valuable credits that offset the annual fee
  • High annual fee
  • Requires excellent credit

Practical Tips For Saving On Shopping

Are you fed up with hearing the same old money-saving advice? In order to save money and shop smarter, these tips are what you need. They’ll come in handy especially with the holiday shopping season coming up. Here are some tips for getting the most for your money when you buy things for yourself or to use.

1. Set A Realistic Budget and Stick To It

Decide how much you are comfortable spending generally before you even consider visiting stores or surfing internet. Break it down into categories like gifts, home supplies, or work gear, so you can see exactly where your money is going. If you have ever created a budget and totally disregarded it—this time try jotting it down or utilizing a budgeting tool to monitor your spending. This will help you to prevent overspending and identify when you have reached your limit.

2. Make A Prioritized List

Impulse purchases are budget killers.  Before you go shopping, write down everything you need and rank it by how important it is. Do you know what you need to do the job? Those are on top. Need a gift for your family? You should write down what you want to buy, but be ready to change your mind as you check prices. Flashy deals that look like a good deal but cost a lot of money won’t bother you if you stick to this list.

3. Maximize Cashback and Rewards

When you use a credit card to buy something, why not get something back? If you spend a lot of money on tools and materials, choose the cards that give you the most points or cash back for the things you buy. For small businesses, there are even cards or deals that give you a better return on the money you spend on business costs. Points or cash prizes can add up over time and help you pay for some of the things you buy. Use apps like Rakuten and Honey to get the best deals and save the most money.

4. Hunt For Discounts, Not Just Deals

There are some great deals during the holidays, but smart shoppers know they should look even further. When you use apps and computer add-ons like Honey or Rakuten, you can get coupons and cashback on your purchases right away. Also, don’t just count on Christmas sales. Traders, soldiers, and people who buy from a lot of places often get discounts all year long. In the store, don’t be afraid to ask for these less well-known deals. Don’t miss them.

5. Plan Your Purchases Ahead Of Time

You might spend more than you planned if you rush at the last minute. You can buy things over a few weeks or even months if you start early. This will make the cost less upsetting. If you plan ahead, you have more time to find better deals, compare prices, and make smart decisions. Do not buy something quickly when you are worried.

Find The Best Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping In 2024

Ultimately, there is no “best credit card” when it comes to holiday shopping. There are a lot of factors that go into finding a credit card that works for you.

The best credit card for someone with an excellent credit score isn’t going to be the same as the best credit card for someone with a poor credit score. Some people use their holiday credit card all year round, while others need a one-time use.

The most important thing finding a card that fits your needs and helps you out.

Do you need to improve your credit for buying a home or a car in the future? Picking a card that’s designed to help you build credit is a great choice.

Do you travel a lot for work or fun? Pick a card that has rewards points you can put towards travel.

Maybe you have some smaller debts with high-interest rates.

Conclusion

A credit card can help you rearrange your finances to work for your benefit. The key to choosing the best credit card for holiday shopping is finding a card that fits your short and long-term financial goals. Picking a card like that means you can keep earning and saving pennies, all while shopping for the perfect gift. Choosing a credit card that fits your goals takes away some money stress. Less stress leaves you free to enjoy the best part of the holidays: spending time with the people you love most.

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FAQs

It depends on your shopping habits. If you shop frequently online or with a particular retailer, such as Amazon or Walmart, credit cards like the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card or the Chase Freedom Unlimited® may offer the best rewards. If you’re looking for flexibility, cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card with 2% cash back on all purchases could be a great choice.

Using a credit card for holiday purchases can offer benefits like fraud protection and rewards. However, it’s important to manage your spending and pay off the balance to avoid high interest rates.

Consider factors like the card’s rewards structure, annual fees, interest rates, and any promotional offers. Choose a card that aligns with your spending habits and offers the best value for your shopping needs.

Many credit card issuers offer holiday-specific promotions, such as increased rewards on certain purchases or limited-time offers. Check with your card issuer or research online to find out about any ongoing promotions.

Set a budget for your holiday shopping and stick to it. Avoid making impulsive purchases and track your spending regularly. Consider using apps or alerts provided by your credit card issuer to help you stay within your budget.

Editorial note – The opinions, reviews, analyses, and recommendations expressed on Penny Calling Penny are solely those of the author and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any affiliated credit card companies or partners. Users are advised to exercise independent judgment and consider their unique financial circumstances when relying on the information provided on our platform.

Advertiser Disclosure – Penny Calling Penny has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Penny Calling Penny and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Please note that the site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Click here for more details.

Alexandria Green
Alexandria is a copy and content creator from Missouri. Alexandria has two kids and runs NorthStar Copywriting, LLC. With all that on her plate, she knows firsthand how important money smarts are to daily life. That firsthand experience fuels her passion for writing and education here at Penny Calling Penny.

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