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The busiest shopping season of the year is upon us, and now is the time to prep for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whether you’re bracing the early-morning crowds at the mall, or bargain-hunting online, there will be plenty of saving opportunities to earn the most rewards for your holiday spending.
Often, the choice that makes the most sense for you will depend on the type of rewards you like to earn, card-linked discounts you’re eligible for, and even benefits like extended warranty and purchase protection.
Insider’s Featured Cash Back Credit Cards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
We’re focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won’t be worth it if you’re paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it’s important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Compare the best cards for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2022
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Intro offer
$150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval
Rewards
Earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases with an eligible Prime membership. Earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. Also, earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of Amazon products and categories.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Intro offer
$150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval
Rewards
Earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases with an eligible Prime membership. Earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. Also, earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of Amazon products and categories.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases with an eligible Prime membership. Earn 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases. Also, earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of Amazon products and categories.
Intro offer
$150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.24% – 25.24% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$200 after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.99% – 26.74% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically.
Intro offer
Unlimited Cashback Match – Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
14.99% – 25.99% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Intro offer
$900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Intro offer
$900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
16.24% – 22.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Intro offer
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Intro offer
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
This card is a good choice if you want to maximize your cash-back earnings by earning more in your eligible top spending categories. It’s got a decent welcome bonus and earns up to 5% back, but keep in mind the highest rewards rates are capped at $2,000 in purchases per quarter. Be sure to see if the card’s bonus categories line up with your spending habits before you apply; otherwise, you may do better with a flat-rate cash-back card instead.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Intro offer
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.24 – 28.24% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Intro offer
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Earn 3% cash back on transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more). Earn 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Intro offer
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Earn 3% cash back on transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more). Earn 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 6% cash back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%). Earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Earn 3% cash back on transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more). Earn 3% cash back on gas at U.S. gas stations. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Intro offer
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.74% – 28.74% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Intro offer
$100 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first 6 months of card membership and up to $150 back by earning 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you shop with PayPal in the first 6 months
Rewards
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, and at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases, then 1% cash back). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Intro offer
$100 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first 6 months of card membership and up to $150 back by earning 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you shop with PayPal in the first 6 months
Rewards
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, and at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases, then 1% cash back). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, online retail purchases, and at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases, then 1% cash back). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
$100 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first 6 months of card membership and up to $150 back by earning 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you shop with PayPal in the first 6 months
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.74% – 28.74% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Intro offer
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Intro offer
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Intro offer
1.5% cash back in addition to regular earning on everything you buy up to $20,000 spent in the first year (worth up to $300 cash back)
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.99% – 26.74% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Recommended credit score. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application.
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Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.74% – 27.74% Variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months
Editor’s Rating
Our editor’s ratings analyze fees, bonuses, rewards, and benefits to highlight the simplest and most valuable credit cards available.
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Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Details
Rewards
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening
Rewards
Earn 3% back in a category of your choosing among gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on other purchases; bonus rewards in 3% and 2% categories are capped on the first $2,500 spent each quarter, after which you’ll earn 1%
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening
Rewards
Earn 3% back in a category of your choosing among gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on other purchases; bonus rewards in 3% and 2% categories are capped on the first $2,500 spent each quarter, after which you’ll earn 1%
On Bank of America’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 3% back in a category of your choosing among gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on other purchases; bonus rewards in 3% and 2% categories are capped on the first $2,500 spent each quarter, after which you’ll earn 1%
Intro offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
16.99% – 26.99% variable
Intro Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 18 months and for any balance transfers made within the first 60 days of opening your account
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
American Express® Gold Card
Intro offer
60,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.
American Express® Gold Card
Intro offer
60,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.
On American Express’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® points on all other purchases.
Annual Fee
$250
See Rates and Fees
Show more
Intro offer
60,000 points after you spend at least $4,000 in your first 6 months of card membership
Recommended Credit
Good to Excellent
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
19.74% – 26.74% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
Intro offer
$250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Rewards
Earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose. Earn 5.5% back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the US Bank Rewards Center. Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases 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.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
Intro offer
$250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Rewards
Earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose. Earn 5.5% back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the US Bank Rewards Center. Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases 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.
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Annual Fee
On US Bank’s website
Details
Rewards
Earn 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose. Earn 5.5% back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked through the US Bank Rewards Center. Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases 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.
Annual Fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Intro offer
$250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Recommended Credit
Excellent/Good
Regular Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
17.49% – 27.49% Variable
Pros & Cons
Highlights
Additional Reading
Best credit cards for Black Friday and Cyber Monday reviews
If you’re an Amazon Prime member and plan to spend a lot at Amazon, Whole Foods, or both, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
is worth considering. Along with a welcome bonus offer of a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval, Amazon Prime members earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases (with a Prime Membership and your card is loaded to your eligible Amazon account; otherwise earn 3% back on these purchases), 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.
There’s no annual fee for Amazon Prime members, and because it’s a Visa Signature card, it offers solid benefits including extended warranty, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.
Review: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa review
The no-annual-fee Chase Freedom Flex℠ is an excellent pick if you want to earn bonus cash back (in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points) in a wide variety of categories. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back (5x Ultimate Rewards points) on up to $1,500 spent in combined purchases (then 1%) in certain bonus categories each quarter of the year after activation.
From October 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, the bonus categories are PayPal and Walmart (including Walmart.com). Both of these categories are excellent for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, especially since many popular online retailers accept PayPal.
Plus, the card earns 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.
New cardholders also get a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, followed by a 17.99% – 26.74% Variable APR. So if you need time to pay off your holiday purchases, this card can save you on interest.
Review: Chase Freedom Flex card review
The no-annual-fee Discover it® Cash Back is a terrific choice if you want to earn a high rate of cash back on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It offers a generous 5% cash back in popular rotating quarterly bonus categories when you activate, on up to $1,500 in combined spending (then 1%). You’ll also earn 1% back everywhere else (from October 1 to December 31, 2022, you can earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com and on digital wallets on up to $1,500 in purchases after enrollment, then 1%).
Amazon and digital wallets are particularly handy for holiday shopping, since you can purchase just about anything between these two categories.
New cardholders also receive a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a 14.99% – 25.99% Variable APR, which is great for saving money on interest if you need to carry a balance.
Review: Discover it Cash Back card review
Small-business owners often wait for Black Friday and Cyber Monday to purchase equipment and electronics — and if you can find a deal at office supply stores like Staples, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card can get you an even better deal.
You’ll earn 5% cash back at office supply stores (and on internet, cable, and phone services) on up to $25,000 in combined spending per year (then 1%). Your rewards could be worth even more if you also have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, because when you have one of these cards, you can unlock more redemption options.
Review: Chase Ink Business Cash review
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card is unique in that you can pick two categories each quarter to earn 5% back on up to $2,000 in combined spending (then 1%). Department stores are one of the choices, so if you have this card and plan to shop at retailers like Macy’s or JC Penney, it’s a solid choice.
Other 5% category options include select clothing stores, fast food, cell phone providers, home utilities, electronics stores, sporting goods stores, movie theaters, gyms/fitness centers, furniture stores, and ground transportation. You’ll do even better if your holiday shopping overlaps any of these categories.
Cardholders also have the opportunity to choose one 2% cash-back category from grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants, with no spending cap.
Review: US Bank Cash+ Visa Signature review
Whether you’re stocking up on holiday groceries or picking up gifts for your foodie friends at U.S. supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a solid choice if you prefer cash back. You’ll earn 6% back on up to $6,000 at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1%).
Cardholders also earn 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% back on U.S. gas stations and transit, and 1% back on all other eligible purchases (cash back is earned in the form of Rewards Dollars).
Review: Amex Blue Cash Preferred review
The no-annual-fee Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is an especially handy card for folks worried they won’t be able to pay off all their holiday purchases in one go, as it offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (then a 17.74% – 28.74% Variable APR).
The card was recently refreshed with improved bonus spending categories and new Home Chef and Disney Bundle subscription statement credits. The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express also just updated its welcome bonus offer; new cardholders can earn a $100 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first 6 months of card membership and up to $150 back by earning 20% back as a statement credit on purchases when you shop with PayPal in the first 6 months.
As well as being a great card for US online retail purchases (3% cash back), the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is also a strong card for everyday spending categories. Cardholders earn 3% back on US supermarket and US gas station purchases (1% back on all other purchases).
Keep in mind that the 3% earning categories are capped on up to the first $6,000 spent per year (then 1%).
Review: Amex Blue Cash Everyday review
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® earns 5% cash back on travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% cash back at drugstores (and restaurants), and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, with no spending cap.
Like the Chase Freedom Flex℠, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers the opportunity to get more from your rewards when you pair it with a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
The Chase Freedom Unlimited® also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then a 17.99% – 26.74% Variable APR).
Review: Chase Freedom Unlimited review
If you prefer an all-purpose, flat-rate cash-back card without having to track different categories, the Citi® Double Cash Card is an easy win. You’ll effectively earn 2 points per dollar (2% cash back) — 1 point per dollar when you buy, and 1 point per dollar when you pay — on all purchases, making the card ideal for spending that doesn’t fall into typical bonus categories as well.
This is also a good card to consider if you need to do a balance transfer from other high-interest credit cards. New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, followed by a 17.74% – 27.74% Variable APR.
Review: Citi Double Cash Card review
The no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is similar to the Citi® Double Cash Card as it also earns unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases. New cardholders can earn $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The card also offers 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 15 months from account opening (then a 18.74%, 23.74%, or 28.74% variable APR).
Some perks you’ll get with this card are cell phone protection, roadside dispatch, travel and emergency assistance services, and Visa Signature benefits.
Review: Wells Fargo Active Cash review
For even more flexibility, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
lets you pick a 3% cash-back category from their list, which includes online shopping, drug stores, home improvement and furnishings, dining, travel, and gas.
You’ll earn 3% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined spending with the card’s 2% cash-back categories (wholesale clubs and grocery stores) each quarter, then 1% back.
Review: Customized Cash Rewards review
American Express cards are known for their solid purchase protections and extended warranty, and the American Express® Gold Card
offers some of the best benefits. Before you make any expensive purchases, it’s best to weigh the earning rate against the protections the card provides.
The American Express® Gold Card doesn’t earn bonus points in most popular holiday shopping categories, although it does earn 4x points at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year, then 1 point per dollar), 3x points on flights booked with the airline or Amex Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
However, getting peace of mind from the extra protection you’ll get can offset the additional rewards you might earn with a different card. The Amex Gold Card offers purchase protection in the event of damage, loss, or theft of a new eligible item for up to 90 days from the purchase date, up to $10,000 per covered purchase (up to $500 for natural disasters) and up to $50,000 per eligible card.
The Amex Gold Card also adds up to one additional year to eligible US manufacturers’ warranties of five years or less.
Review: Amex Gold Card review
US Bank launched the brand-new U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
, which is offering a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. There’s an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95.
The card earns 6% cash back on two eligible retail brands of your choosing (such as Walmart, Target, and Amazon) on up to $1,500 per quarter (then 1.5%), and 5.5% back on hotel and car bookings through the US Bank Rewards Center. You’ll also earn 3% cash back in one everyday category of your choosing (gas and UV charging purchases, bills and utilities, or wholesale clubs), but it’s also capped at the first $1,500 per quarter (1.5% then after).
Review: US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards review
Tips to boost your Black Friday and Cyber Monday rewards
Use a shopping portal
Deciding on the best rewards credit card can seem daunting, with many cards offering extra rewards in the same bonus categories. You’ll find that a lot of the cards for Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday shopping also appear on our list of the best cards for online shopping, for example.
If you’re shopping from home, be sure to check online shopping portals before making a purchase to see if there are opportunities for bonus rewards. These will stack on top of the earnings from your rewards credit card.
For example, if you have a Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card, check the Chase portal to earn extra points per dollar at popular retailers like Macys.com, Walmart.com, and BestBuy.com.
Most major US airlines have their own online shopping portal, so if you prefer earning airline miles it’s worth checking your favorite, such as:
Check for limited-time offers
Some issuers offer limited-time bonus spending categories, and it’s also worth checking your Amex and Chase accounts to see if you can activate any Chase Offers or Amex Offers** that apply to your purchase.
For example, some Amex cardholders recently got an offer to earn bonus points at Amazon. These offers are targeted, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get a particular offer, and you do have to enroll your card to receive any bonuses you qualify for.
Don’t forget to activate promotions and bonuses
Some cards require activation or enrollment before you can earn extra rewards in certain categories. Be sure to activate bonuses on cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ and Discover it® Cash Back to ensure you’re earning the most rewards.
If you use cash-back apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards, it’s also worth checking to see if any of your purchases line up with current offers.
