Finding Best Credit Cards? The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and generosity. But it can also be a time of stress, debt and overspending. If you want to make the most of your holiday shopping, you need a credit card that offers you rewards, benefits and protection. Here are some of the best credit cards for holiday shopping in 2023, based on different categories and preferences.
Credit Cards with Bonus Points for Online Purchases
Online shopping is convenient, safe and often cheaper than going to a physical store. Plus, you can avoid the crowds, the traffic and the hassle of finding parking. But not all credit cards reward you equally for online purchases. Some credit cards offer bonus points or cash back for shopping at specific online retailers or categories. Here are some of the best credit cards for online shopping:
Three Best Credit Cards:
- Chase Freedom Flex: This card offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate, including online retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target. You also get 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% cash back on everything else. Plus, you get a $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first three months, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months. There is no annual fee.
- Discover it Cash Back: This card also offers 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases in rotating categories each quarter you activate, including online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and PayPal. You also get 1% cash back on everything else. Plus, Discover will match all the cash back you earn in your first year, effectively doubling your rewards. There is no annual fee.
- Citi Rewards+ Card: This card offers 2x ThankYou points on supermarket and gas station purchases (up to $6,000 per year), and 1x ThankYou points on everything else. But the unique feature of this card is that it rounds up your points to the nearest 10 on every purchase, so you can earn more points even on small purchases. For example, if you buy a $3 coffee online, you will earn 10 points instead of 3. You also get a 10% points rebate on the first 100,000 points you redeem each year, and a 15,000-point bonus after spending $1,000 in the first three months. There is no annual fee.
Best Credit Cards with Extended Return Periods
Sometimes, you may buy something online or in-store that turns out to be defective, damaged or just not what you expected. In that case, you may want to return it and get your money back. But not all retailers have generous return policies, especially during the holiday season. Some may charge you a restocking fee, or refuse to accept returns after a certain date. That’s why having a credit card that offers extended return periods can be very helpful. Here are some of the best credit cards for extended returns:
Three Best Credit Cards:
- American Express Blue Cash Preferred: This card offers return protection for up to 90 days from the date of purchase, up to $300 per item and $1,000 per calendar year. You can get a refund for eligible items that the merchant won’t take back. But This applies as long as they are in original condition and have a valid receipt. You also get 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year). And 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and transit. While 1% cash back on everything else. Plus, you get a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. There is a $95 annual fee.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card offers purchase protection for up to 120 days from the date of purchase, up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account. You can get reimbursed for eligible items that are damaged or stolen within that period. You also get 2x points on travel and dining, and 1x point on everything else. Plus, you get a massive 100,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which is worth $1,250 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. There is a $95 annual fee.
- Citi DoubleCash Card: This card provides an extended warranty for up to 24 months. Warranty starts from the date of purchase on eligible items. You can get up to double the original manufacturer’s warranty, up to a maximum of 7 years. This coverage is particularly valuable for electronics and appliances. The card also offers 2% cash back on all purchases – 1% when you buy. It takes only 1% when you pay your bill. There is no annual fee.
Best Credit Cards for Travel and the Holiday Season
If your holiday plans involve traveling, whether it’s to visit family or to embark on a winter getaway. Having a credit card with travel perks can enhance your experience and provide valuable protections. Here are some of the best travel credit cards for the holiday season:
You May Also Like:
Best Travel Credit Cards for 2024 https://pickmecard.com/choosing-first-credit-card/
Three Best:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers 2x miles on every purchase, and you can redeem your miles for travel expenses or transfer them to various loyalty programs. There are no blackout dates or restrictions, providing flexibility for your holiday travel. Plus, you get a one-time bonus of 60,000 miles (equivalent to $600 in travel) after spending $3,000 in the first three months. There is a $95 annual fee.
- American Express Gold Card: This card is perfect for food enthusiasts during the holidays, offering 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year), 4x points at restaurants, and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. You also get a $120 dining credit ($10 per month) at participating restaurants and up to $100 in airline fee credits annually. The card has a $250 annual fee.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: This premium travel card offers a range of benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit, 3x points on travel and dining, and complimentary airport lounge access. You also get a 50,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months, which is worth $750 when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards. There is a $550 annual fee.
Summary
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card:
- Rewards: 2x miles on all purchases.
- Bonus: 60,000 miles ($600 value) after spending $3,000 in 3 months.
- Flexibility: Redeem miles for travel or transfer to loyalty programs.
- Annual Fee: $95.
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- American Express Gold Card:
- Points: 4x at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants; 3x on flights.
- Credits: $120 dining credit, $100 airline fee credit.
- Annual Fee: $250.
- American Express Gold Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve:
- Benefits: $300 annual travel credit, airport lounge access.
- Points: 3x on travel and dining.
- Bonus: 50,000 points ($750 value) after $4,000 spend in 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $550.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
Conclusion
As you embark on your holiday shopping journey in 2023, selecting the right credit card can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Whether you prioritize bonus points for online purchases, extended return periods, or travel perks, the key is to align the features of the credit card with your unique preferences and needs. Consider the rewards, protections, and annual fees to find the perfect credit card that brings joy, not stress, to your holiday season.
