The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Friday, January 17, 2025

Experts Share the 7 Best Credit Cards for Holiday Shopping (2025)

Best Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping
Eric Bank

Writer: Eric Bank

Eric Bank

Eric Bank, Finance Expert

Eric Bank is an M.B.A. who has covered financial and business topics since 1985, appearing regularly on Credible, eHow, WiseBread, The Nest, Zacks, Chron, BadCredit.org and dozens of other outlets. Eric specializes in taking complex subject matters and explaining them in simple terms for consumer audiences, particularly in the world of personal finance. Eric holds a Master's in Business Administration from New York University and a Master's in Finance from DePaul University.

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Austin Lang

Editor: Austin Lang

Austin Lang

Austin Lang, Marketing Editor

Austin Lang has worked in writing and academia for more than a decade. He previously taught writing at Florida Atlantic University, where he graduated with a Master’s degree in English. His past experience includes editing and fact-checking more than 500 scientific papers, journal articles, and theses. As the Marketing Editor for CardRates, Austin leverages his research experience and love for the English language to provide readers with accurate, informational content.

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Jon McDonald

Reviewer: Jon McDonald

Jon McDonald

Jon McDonald, Managing Editor

Jon leverages 15-plus years of journalism expertise to inform financial consumers about emerging trends and companies making an impact in the industry. He is most knowledgeable in the areas of budgeting, credit card rewards, and responsible credit use. Jon has a passion for writing and editing, and his articles have appeared in publications produced by The New York Times.

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Advertiser Disclosure

I love the holiday season. It’s a chance to reconnect with family members and enjoy some good times. I’m less crazy about all the spending required, but I take solace in knowing that my credit cards are rewarding me for every dollar I charge. 

Which begs the question: Which credit cards are the most beneficial this season? Some are perennial winners, while others are new to the best credit card roster. Your choice of which cards belong in your wallet depends on your circumstances, budget, spending requirements, and, of course, your credit history.

We’ve assembled an all-star team of experts to recommend their favorite credit cards for the holidays. In reality, these seven cards do an excellent job year-round, but they can really shine in November and December. So pour another cup of eggnog and read about the most rewarding cards for the festive season.

What You Should Have in Your Wallet

It’s all about finding the right credit card to fit your holiday spending plans through cash back, rewards, 0% introductory APR promotions, or generous signup bonuses. You should pick a card with benefits that fit your shopping habits, as this may make this season merrier, saving and earning all the way. 

Our panel of experts has decades of combined credit card knowledge that qualifies them to provide solid recommendations that can really make a difference during the holiday season.

Erica Sandberg: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

“I am a huge fan of 0% APR cards, but particularly when they also come with a large sign-up bonus and incredible ongoing rewards. You can purchase a lot of things, pay incrementally, have no financing fees attached to the charges, and you can even profit from the process. What could be more perfect for the holidays? My top pick is the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0
  • Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.24% – 29.24% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
19.24% – 29.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent, Good

“It offers an APR promotion of 0% for 15 months, $0 annual fee, and a tiered rewards rate from 1% to 8%. Pretty amazing. And if you’re shopping for the holidays, you’ll earn some big money. It’s got a $200 bonus after charging just $500 within three months of opening the account.”

Marcie Geffner: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card and Bank of America BankAmericard®

“Holiday shopping is a wonderful opportunity to bring cheer and joy to your family and friends. Who doesn’t love giving or receiving the perfect holiday gift? The downside, for many, is that holiday shopping can result in more card debt than they can handle. To get ahead of this situation, you should shop with a card that’s a good fit for your finances.

“One option may be a new card with a 0% financing APR for purchases offer. This type of card gives you some relief from finance charges and lets you spread out the pain of paying for your holiday shopping.

“A good card in this category is the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card. This card has a 0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening. Twenty-one months is a long time for this type of offer. It’s equivalent to one year plus another nine months. The card has a $0.

Wells Fargo Reflect® Card Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.6

OVERALL RATING

4.6/5.0
  • 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, a  variable APR thereafter. Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the introductory rate.
  • $0 Annual Fee
  • Get up to $600 of cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
  • Through My Wells Fargo Deals, you can earn cash back in the form of a statement credit while you shop, dine, or enjoy an experience simply by using your eligible Wells Fargo Credit Card
  • Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening
0% intro APR for up to 21 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers
17.74%, 24.24% or 29.49% Variable APR
$0
Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: The information related to this card has been collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed by the issuer of this product.

3. Bank of America BankAmericard®

“Another good card in this category is the Bank of America BankAmericard®. This card has a 0% introductory APR offer for purchases and balance transfers for 18 months. That’s equivalent to one year plus six months. This card has no annual fee. The balance transfer fee is 3% for qualified transfers made within 60 days after you open your account. (The information related to this card has been collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed by the issuer of this product.)

BankAmericard

“When you shop for a 0% APR card for new purchases, a balance transfer, or both, you should consider the full APR for that card as well as the time frame for the 0% introductory offer. Card issuers typically don’t advertise specific APRs, but they will disclose a range. This is important information, so you shouldn’t ignore APRs when you choose a card for your holiday shopping.

“To compare full APRs, look at the range that’s advertised for each card that you like. You’ll need excellent credit to qualify for the lowest APRs. These are variable, so yours could differ from what’s advertised. However, you should still think about the implications before you apply: If you haven’t paid off your balance when your introductory 0% offer ends, will you feel comfortable paying a full APR in the current range?

“If yes, that card may be a good choice for you.”

Julian Kheel: Citi Double Cash® Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

“Since holiday shopping cuts across so many types of stores, I recommend using a credit card that earns a great rewards rate across all categories, not just electronics or home improvement.

“When it comes to cash back, my pick is the Citi Double Cash® Card. You can earn 2% cash back on everything you buy with no tricks or jumping through hoops required, and it has no annual fee. 

Citi Double Cash® Card Review

at Citi’ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.24% – 28.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
18.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
$0
Excellent/Good/Fair

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

5. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

“You can also go with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, which earns an identical 2% on all purchases with no annual fee but also comes with a $200 cash bonus for new cardholders after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account. (The information related to this card has been collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed by the issuer of this product.)

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

“Both cards are pretty straightforward, with minimal bells and whistles. Still, they make it simple to rack up rewards when you’re shopping. The cash back you earn can be easily deposited in your bank account or credited against your credit card purchases.

“For travel rewards, my choice for holiday shopping is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. It earns two airline miles for every dollar you spend on everything, so it’s a great way to rack up miles when you’re buying gifts for family and friends.

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.8

OVERALL RATING

4.8/5.0
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
N/A
N/A
19.99% – 29.24% (Variable)
$95
Excellent, Good

“The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has a $95 annual fee. Still, its miles can not only be used to ‘erase’ the cost of any travel purchase you make with the card, but they can also be transferred for free to any of Capital One’s many airline and hotel partners for potentially even more value.”

Ashley Fricker: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

“The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is my recommendation for online holiday shopping. It pays 3% cash back on online retail purchases, or $3 for every $100 spent. It also has a nice signup bonus you can take advantage of — after paying for gifts, meals, and holiday travel, the spending requirement may not be so difficult to achieve. 

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express Review

at the issuer’ssecure website

BEST OVERALL RATING

★★★★★

4.5

OVERALL RATING

4.5/5.0
  • Earn $200 back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership
  • 3% cash back on groceries from U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%)
  • 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 1% back on other purchases
  • Introductory 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate applies
  • Find out if you Pre-Qualify for the Blue Cash Everyday® Card or other offers in as little as 30 seconds
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% for 15 months
0% for 15 months
18.74% – 29.74% Variable
$0
Good

“I have personally had this card since 2012, and it has always provided me with great value on groceries and other purchases as well. And it doesn’t charge an annual fee.

“Not to mention, the Amex Offers are great and always provide additional savings on purchases. For instance, I just got $35 back at Ray-Ban for my brother-in-law’s Christmas gift, just for using my Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express.” 

About the Experts 

The experts we spoke with have plenty of credentials to back up their opinions on the best credit cards for holiday shopping. Here, you can get to know a little more about them and why their credit card expertise can help you make the right decision.

Erica Sandberg, Consumer Finance Expert and Journalist

Erica Sandberg is a consumer finance expert and journalist whose articles and insights are featured in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, MarketWatch, Forbes, and MSN Money.

Erica Sandberg

An experienced media host, she’s led many financial programs, including her podcast, “Adventures With Money.” She’s appeared on Fox, CNN, “EconTalk” and “The Dr. Drew Podcast,” and has been the resident money and credit authority for KRON-4 News in San Francisco for more than 10 years.

She’s also the author of “Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families” and the recipient of the 2024 Financial Literacy and Education in Communities (FLEC) Award for National Excellence.

Marcie Geffner, Financial Reporter, Editor, and Writer

Marcie Geffner is an award-winning reporter, editor, and writer.

Marcie Geffner

Her stories about banking, credit cards, insurance, economics, small business, and other subjects have been featured by the Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Bankrate, Credit Karma, Bookmarks Magazine, FOX Business, CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, and dozens of major U.S. newspapers.

Her articles have been cited in seven nonfiction books and two U.S. Congressional hearings. She edits nonfiction, memoirs, and fiction, and contributes to Kirkus Reviews. Marcie holds a bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor at CardRates

Since joining CardRates in 2015, Ashley Fricker has worked closely with industry leaders in all sectors of finance to develop authoritative guides and advice articles read by millions of people.

Ashley Fricker

Her expertise lies in credit cards and rewards programs, as well as credit reports and how credit scores affect all aspects of consumerism.

Ashley often serves as an expert source on financial topics for national media outlets, including CNN Money, MarketWatch, Money Matters, ABC News, and NBC News.

Julian Kheel, Forbes Advisory Council Member and Founder and CEO of Points Path

Julian is the CEO and Founder of Points Path, a travel platform that automatically inserts points-based pricing alongside pricing from Google Flights. Points Path provides a fast and easy way for travel buffs to understand the financial implications of their frequent flier rewards.

Julian Kheel

Before creating Points Path, Julian was a television producer and director for World Wrestling Entertainment, flying more than 200,000 miles a year. Previously, as an editor and writer, he contributed to notable financial publications including CNN Underscored, The Points Guy, U.S. News and World Report, Travel Codex, and Frequent Miler.

Julian is also a member of the Forbes Advisory Council, and makes frequent media appearances to discuss travel and loyalty programs. He has been quoted in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Tribune on travel-related topics.

Expert Tip: Set a Budget So You Don’t Overspend

Holiday cheer doesn’t have to generate financial worries. The most important thing you can do to keep your spending on track is to set a realistic shopping budget before you hit the stores or start filling up your online shopping carts. 

I recommend you think through categories of holiday expenses, such as gifts, travel, meals, and decorations, and set a dollar amount for each category. Then, commit to staying within those limits. It is all about planning ahead so that you can enjoy the season without stressing out when the New Year comes. With a budget in place, you can let your credit card work for you.

If you set a budget and commit to it, you can enjoy playing Santa while possibly avoiding a financial hangover when the New Year rolls around.

Most of the cards let you set up spending alerts and track expenses in real time. That’s a terrific aid for accounting for and controlling your spending. For extra convenience, you can use a cash back credit card that earns a return (typically 1% to 6% or more) on your holiday buying. These tools help you keep tabs on your budget so that you maximize your holiday spending benefits. 

What is the most challenging part of holiday shopping? Knowing when to stop! I know it’s not easy, but try to resist the urge to splurge on extras once you’ve checked off everyone on your gift list. 

Wrap things up — literally and financially — knowing you’ve made a good effort to keep from overspending. You’ll begin the new year with manageable debt from holiday shopping by staying within your budget.

FAQs: Should I Use My Credit Card for Holiday Shopping?

It can pay to use your credit card for holiday shopping, but only if you use it wisely. Many credit cards offer perks such as cash back, rewards points, or extended warranties on purchases that make them valuable dollar stretchers. 

In addition, they offer fraud protection, which can be a lifesaver in the busy holiday season when more scams are floating about. The idea is simply to budget your expenses carefully and refrain from charging more than you can comfortably repay when the time comes.

Another great advantage of using credit cards for holiday shopping is the ability to easily track your spending. Virtually all card issuers enable real-time monitoring thanks to online portals and mobile apps. These cards report all of your purchases and returns, so you can track your spending records closely. 

Most credit cards now offer apps or tools that allow you to view purchases in real time and set up alerts about your spending

This transparency helps prevent sticker shock when the holidays are over, and it’s time to pay up. Some cards let you set a broad array of spending notices, including purchases that exceed a given amount, high balances, and foreign transactions. If you’re anything like the average consumer, you’re not a fan of carrying a large holiday debt into the new year.

High interest rates can quickly turn festive cheer into financial stress if you don’t pay your entire balance each month. If you plan to make larger purchases, consider using a card with a 0% introductory APR so you can spread out payments without interest. After all, wouldn’t you prefer to enjoy the holiday memories and not regret your spending later?

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have?

When it comes to holiday shopping, the right number of credit cards is more about strategy than an arbitrary amount. It can be best to have a mix of cards that fulfill different needs. These may include a cash back rewards card, one for travel perks, and perhaps a third with a 0% introductory APR for larger purchases.

Benefits of Owning Multiple Cards

A rich diversity of credit cards will enable you to maximize your savings and benefits while spreading your expenses in a manageable way. However, owning several cards requires more responsibility in terms of tracking your spending and making payments on time. In short, you should only carry the number of cards you can manage effectively. 

No doubt, using multiple credit cards during the holidays can help you enjoy tailored perks. For example, consider a cash back card for everyday holiday purchases and a travel rewards card to help you pay for flights or hotels. A promotional APR card allows you extra time to pay your balance without interest, ideal for big-ticket purchases.

Using multiple credit cards with different perks and rewards can help you maximize  benefits, but only if you use them wisely

You can own two and three well-chosen cards that give you flexibility and rewards without overcomplicating your finances. Having said that, too many cards can lead to unwarranted stress and missed payments, eventually denting your credit score. 

When considering adding a new card to your wallet, evaluate whether it lines up with both your holiday shopping plans and your long-term financial goals.

Keeping track of all payment due dates and credit limits is crucial. It’s how you can avoid the problems arising from late fees, denied transactions, and over-limit charges. With the right card and some planning, you can optimize your holiday spending without risking your financial health.

Downsides of Too Many Credit Card Applications

Too many applications within a short period can do more harm than good, especially to your credit score. An application for credit triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which usually lowers your credit score a few points — at least temporarily. Lenders may perceive you as a bigger risk and reject your applications if you apply for cards too often. 

The drawback is that although new accounts can boost your overall credit limit, they may raise your credit utilization ratio (i.e., your spent balance compared to your credit limit) if you go on an immediate spending spree. A CUR above 30% harms your credit score.  

Here’s an example of how to calculate CUR for someone who has three credit cards and a $10,000 overall credit limit:

Card ACard BCard COverall
Balance$500$0$2,150$2,650
Credit Limit$2,000$3,000$5,000$10,000
Utilization Ratio25%0%43%26.50%

Another disadvantage of many new credit cards is that they decrease the average age of your accounts. Credit-scoring models reward a longer credit history, as it reveals your ability to manage credit over extended periods. When you open up many new accounts around the same time, you shorten the average age, potentially lowering your score. 

The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to pace your applications to one new card every six months. You want to focus on cards that will serve your long-term financial goals rather than grabbing every offer that catches your eye.

Limits Imposed by Card Issuers

Some card issuers have rules limiting how many cards you can hold at one time, so it’s important to know the regulations before you apply. For example, Chase has its infamous “5/24 Rule,” which will likely deny any new card applicant who has opened five or more credit cards from all issuers in the previous 24 months. 

This helps Chase manage its risk, but it can be frustrating if you’re eyeing one of their popular rewards cards (and you have recently opened a few accounts). Knowing this ahead of time can save you from a hard inquiry and disappointment.

Chase will likely deny your application if you have opened five or more credit card accounts in the last two years

American Express limits the total number of Amex cards you can have at any one time. It permits you to own four or five Amex cards, subject to their current policies.

Provided you already have several Amex cards, the issuer may ask you to close one or more accounts to make room for the new applications. This may seem a little restrictive, but it actually helps when choosing cards that best suit your spending. 

Responding to Rejected Applications

Being rejected for a card is not a permanent reversal of fortune. I prefer to think of it as an opportunity to learn how to improve your current financial situation. 

If you are denied, read the adverse action notice that you receive from the card issuer. It clarifies the reason your application wasn’t accepted. The rejection may be due to a poor credit score, very low income, or repeated inquiries within a short time. 

By understanding why the application was denied, you can address the issues and hopefully get approved the next time around. You should not hesitate to call the card issuer’s reconsideration department if you believe your application was denied for unfair reasons.

These notices are required to tell you why an issuer denied your credit application and what information it used to decide

Most issuers allow you to explain your circumstances in greater detail and provide information that may add context. Sometimes, all it takes to tip the scale in your favor is an increase in income or debt repayment. In other instances, polite and well-prepared communication can transform a rejection into an approval.

While waiting to reapply, you can work on improving those factors that caused your rejection. If your credit score is too low, try to raise it by paying down balances, making on-time payments, and avoiding new hard inquiries.

Consider updating your budget or finding ways to give your income a boost. Take the time to build a better financial profile so that your next credit card application has better approval odds.

How Do I Protect My Credit Card During the Holidays?

The holiday season ushers in a rush of joy, and fraudsters love to prey on frazzled shoppers. Be vigilant and adopt a few smart habits that will keep your credit card safe so that you can shop with confidence:

  • Always Monitor Your Accounts: One of the easiest ways to detect fraudulent charges is by checking your credit card accounts daily. Most issuers have mobile apps that show recent transactions in real time. I advise you to check the app after each shopping trip. You should report suspicious activity to the card issuer right away. Swift action will save you from further abuse and shield your account from additional harm.
  • Use Virtual Card Numbers When Buying Online: Many credit card issuers offer virtual card numbers to provide additional security for online purchases. Many of these temporary numbers are linked to your main account but can only be used once or with a specific merchant. This means that the number cannot be reused if it is captured by a cybercriminal or dishonest employee. There’s much less risk of your card details falling into the wrong hands If you take advantage of this feature.
  • Beware of Public Wifi: Holiday shopping often means hopping on the internet wherever it’s available, but public wifi networks can expose your most sensitive information to hackers. When making purchases on the go, use either a secure, private connection or your phone’s mobile data instead of public wifi. Configure your device with a virtual private network (VPN) if you have no other choice besides using public wifi. A VPN encrypts your data transmission, shields your geographical location, and protects your transactions. I use one all the time!
  • Enable Fraud Alerts: With most credit card issuers, you can set fraud alerts that notify you of any suspicious account activity. Notifications can be sent through text, email, or in-app notifications. They can certainly help with your peace of mind through the hectic holiday season. Setting them up ensures you are aware of problems and can address them before things spiral out of control. 
  • Keep your cards close. When shopping in-store, let your credit cards be your secure companions. Keep your card wallet inaccessible to others, and never leave it unattended at the checkout counter. Better yet, use an electronic wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, that is set up with virtual card numbers. Many merchants accept e-wallet payments, which you can make with a single tap. If your card is lost or stolen, report the incident immediately to the issuer to block unauthorized transactions and get a replacement. 

These steps can go a long way in helping you protect your credit card during the holiday season. A little extra care pays off big time in safeguarding your finances, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: Making memories with your friends and loved ones.

Using Credit for Holiday Shopping Can Be Rewarding

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be all about giving — it can give a little back to you, too. The right credit card can make your spending go further, whether through cash back rewards, travel points, or discounts on purchases. 

Just imagine getting a free flight or hotel stay in exchange for buying gifts you were going to purchase anyway. Plus, many cards offer added benefits, including extended warranties and price protection, so you can shop with confidence. Of course, the rewards are only sweet if you use your card wisely.

If your credit card has a grace period, pay your balance in full every month to avoid interest charges that can quickly wipe out your hard-earned benefits. Treat your credit card like a smart shopping tool. That way, you’ll wrap up the holidays with more than just gifts — you’ll have rewards and financial peace of mind to carry into the new year. 

Who knew a little plastic could spread so much good cheer? Happy holidays!

Advertiser Disclosure

CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.