Online shopping makes up over 20% of all retail sales. These cards maximize your rewards every time you click “buy now”.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa
5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods — best in class for Amazon shoppers who already pay for Prime.
- Rewards: 5% at Amazon and Whole Foods, 2% dining/gas/drugstores
- Annual Fee: $0 (requires Prime membership)
- Welcome Bonus: $100 Amazon gift card upon approval
Blue Cash Everyday from Amex
3% back on online retail purchases (not just Amazon) — excellent for shopping across multiple sites.
- Rewards: 3% online retail, 3% groceries, 3% gas
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $2,000 spend in 6 months
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Solid 1.5% on all online purchases, plus travel booked through Chase earns 5x.
- Rewards: 1.5–5% depending on category
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $200 after $500 spend in 3 months
Quick Comparison
| Card | Rewards | Annual Fee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa | 5% Amazon | $0* | Amazon Prime members |
| Amex Blue Cash Everyday | 3% online retail | $0 | Multi-site shoppers |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5%+ everywhere | $0 | Catch-all card |
How to Choose
Amazon Prime members should default to the Amazon card. Everyone else benefits most from the Amex Blue Cash Everyday’s broad 3% on online retail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the card work at all online stores?
Yes, online retail rewards apply to purchases made at any online retailer — not just specific sites.
What about subscription services?
Streaming and subscription services may earn at different rates. Check your card’s merchant category codes.
Is PayPal treated as online shopping?
PayPal purchases depend on the merchant category of the underlying retailer, not PayPal itself.
Written by: Marcus Chen, Senior Credit Card Analyst at Clear Card Guide
Last Updated: May 2026
Our Editorial Standards | How We Review | Affiliate Disclosure
- Budget: Chase Freedom Unlimited — 1.5%+ on non-Amazon purchases, no annual fee, pairs well with Prime card
- Premium: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa — 5% on Amazon + Whole Foods, only worth it if you’re a Prime member
- Beginners: Amex Blue Cash Everyday — 3% on online retail, no annual fee, good for multi-site shoppers
- Advanced: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa — combine Prime card with Freedom Unlimited for category stacking
- Avoid if: You’re not a Prime member — 5% Amazon rate requires $139/year subscription
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