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Best credit cards for online shopping

You can save on foreign transaction fees and high interest rates when you shop online with the right credit card.

Paying on plastic can be a convenient way to make purchases online, but if you’re wondering which credit card is best for online shopping, we’ve done the research to find the best store credit cards for online shopping in Canada. Depending on how you shop online, you should make sure your credit card protects you against any potentially fraudulent transactions, doesn’t charge extra fees for overseas purchases or cuts down on interest charges.

Best for earning cash back:
SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express

SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express logo
Credit recommended (700-)
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
700
Min. credit score
$119.88
Annual fee
Up to 4%
Cash back
$400
Welcome offer
The SimplyCash Preferred Card from American Express helps you earn rewards points fast. In your first 10 months, earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months. The card also offers a suite of travel insurance benefits and exclusive offers on dining and entertainment. Just watch out for the annual fee of $119.88.
  • Signup bonus. In your first 10 months, earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months.
  • Earn rewards. Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually), and 2% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Travel coverage. Get up to $100,000 travel insurance coverage for delayed flights, lost or stolen baggage, car rentals and accidents. Plus, enjoy up to up to $5,000,000 Out-of-Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance in emergency medical coverage.
  • Car rental. Complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance (MSRP of up to $85,000).
  • Referral bonus. Earn up to a maximum annual referral bonus of $750 cash back for approved referrals.
  • Purchase coverage. Charge the full purchase price of eligible items to your card, and get complimentary coverage against accidental physical damage and theft, plus double the original manufacturer's warranty for up to 1 additional year. Terms and conditions apply.
  • Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $119.88.
  • Currency conversion. When you spend overseas, you'll face a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%.
Annual Fee $119.88
Purchase APR 20.99%
Cash Advance Rate 21.99%
Balance transfer APR N/A
Welcome offer In your first 10 months, earn a $40 statement credit for each monthly billing period in which you spend $750 in purchases. This could add up to $400 in statement credits in the first 10 months.
Rewards Earn 4% cash back on eligible gas station purchases in Canada, 4% cash back on eligible grocery store purchases in Canada (up to $1,200 cash back annually), and 2% cash back on all other purchases.

Best for no annual fee:
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card logo
Credit recommended (600-)
Apply now
on Tangerine's secure site
600
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
6 months
1.95% intro transfer APR
Up to 2%
Cash back
As a cash back credit card, the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card helps you earn cash rewards on your everyday purchases, with accelerated rewards where you spend the most. Earn 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account), and 0.5% cash back on everything else. Categories include groceries, gas, restaurants, hotels, recurring bill payments, drug store, home improvement and entertainment. Plus, get access to a 1.95% interest rate on a balance transfer for the first 6 months.
  • Earn rewards fast. Earn 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account), and 0.5% cash back on everything else.
  • Annual fee. This card comes with a $0 annual fee.
  • Balance transfer rate. Get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first six months. To take advantage of this offer, you must complete the Balance Transfer request within 30 days of account approval and activate your card within 45 days of approval. A balance transfer fee equaling the greater of 3% or $5 will be charged on each transferred amount (fee is waived by Tangerine if you're a resident of Quebec).
  • Low return on other purchases. Receive only 0.5 cash back on all other categories of spending.
  • Currency conversion. You'll pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5% on all overseas purchases.
  • Missed payment fee. You'll pay a 24.95% rate on missed payments.
  • Balance trasnfer fee. Pay a balance transfer fee of 3% of the total transferred amount or $5, whichever is greater.
Annual fee $0
Purchase APR 19.95%
Balance transfer APR 1.95% intro for the first 6 months (then 19.95% )
Balance transfer fee $5 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater
Rewards Earn 2% cash back in two Tangerine credit card categories of your choice (or three categories if you open a Tangerine Savings Account and directly deposit your cash back into the account), and 0.5% cash back on everything else.

Best for no foreign transaction fees:
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card logo
Credit recommended (700-)
Apply now
on Scotiabank's secure site
700
Min. credit score
$120 ongoing
Annual fee
Up to 6x
Points
40,000
Points welcome offer
The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card is a powerful everyday credit card as well as a strong travel companion. Earn 6 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more, 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery, dining and entertainment purchases, 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transportation and select streaming services, and 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere. Book and redeem any flight for any time through Scotia Rewards Travel Service, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee on airfare. Plus, enjoy peace of mind with a broad array of travel insurance options.
  • Bonus rewards. Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that's up to $650 towards travel) and get the first year annual fee waived. Apply by October 31, 2023. To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points offer, earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in purchases in your first year.
  • Earn rewards. Earn 6 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more, 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery, dining and entertainment purchases, 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transportation and select streaming services, and 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere.
  • Currency conversion. This card comes with a 0% foreign transaction fee.
  • Travel coverage. Enjoy peace of mind with a broad array of travel insurance options including Emergency Medical, Travel Accident, Trip Cancellation and Interruption, Flight Delay, Delayed or Lost Baggage and Rental Car Collision Loss/Damage.
  • Travel perks. Book and redeem any flight for any time through Scotia Rewards Travel Service, a full-service travel agency. Plus, take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee on airfare.
  • Other perks. American Express rewards including early ticket access, discounts and invites to exclusive events.
  • Annual fee. This card has an annual fee of $120.
  • Minimum income requirement. You'll need to earn a minimum income of $12,000 a year to be eligible for this card.
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($120 thereafter)
Purchase APR 20.99%
Cash Advance Rate 22.99%
Balance transfer APR 22.99%
Welcome offer Earn up to 40,000 bonus Scene+ points in your first year (that's up to $650 towards travel) and get the first year annual fee waived. Apply by October 31, 2023. To qualify for the 40,000 bonus Scene+ points offer, earn 20,000 bonus Scene+ points by making at least $1,000 in purchases in your first 3 months. Plus, earn a 20,000 Scene+ point bonus when you spend at least $7,500 in purchases in your first year.
Rewards Earn 6 Scene+ points for every $1 you spend in Canada at Sobeys, Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland and more, 5 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible grocery, dining and entertainment purchases, 3 Scene+ points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transportation and select streaming services, and 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere.

Best for low interest rate:
HSBC +Rewards Mastercard

HSBC +Rewards Mastercard logo
Credit recommended (630-)
Read review
630
Min. credit score
$25 ongoing
Annual fee
Up to 2x
Points
35,000
Points welcome offer
The HSBC +Rewards Mastercard comes with a low annual fee of $25, a low interest rate of 11.9% and rewards for recreational spending. Earn 2 Points for every $1 on eligible dining or entertainment purchases and earn 1 Point for every $1 spent on all other everyday purchases. You'll also get a nice sign up bonus. Earn up to 35,000 Points ($175 travel value). Earn 30,000 Points when you spend $2,000 within 6 months ($150 travel value) and earn 5,000 Points when you start your application online ($25 travel value). Terms apply. Apply by August 31, 2023.
  • Low interest rate. The HSBC +Rewards Mastercard comes with a standard low interest rate of 11.9%.
  • Earn rewards. Earn 2 Points for every $1 on eligible dining or entertainment purchases and earn 1 Point for every $1 spent on all other everyday purchases.
  • Signup Bonus. Earn up to 35,000 Points ($175 travel value). Earn 30,000 Points when you spend $2,000 within 6 months ($150 travel value) and earn 5,000 Points when you start your application online ($25 travel value). Terms apply. Apply by August 31, 2023.
  • Extended warranty. Double the original manufacturer’s warranty for up to one additional year.
  • Complimentary insurance coverage. If you find a lower price within 60 days of your purchase the difference, of up to $500, will be refunded, up to a calendar-year maximum of $1,000 per account. You'll also get 90-day purchase assurance coverage in the event of loss, damage or theft. Conditions apply.
  • Balance transfer fee. You'll have to pay the standard 11.9% interest rate on balance transfers, but unlike other cards, the balance transfer fee is 0%.
  • Optional travel insurance coverage. By paying an additional $69 per year (including taxes), you'll get Emergency Travel Medical insurance as well as Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption and Baggage Delay/Loss coverage.
  • Annual fee. The annual fee for this card is normally $25, but is $0 in the first year.
  • Additional cardholder. Any additional cards will cost $10.
Annual Fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($25 thereafter)
Purchase APR 11.9%
Cash Advance Rate 11.9%
Balance transfer APR 11.9%
Welcome offer Earn up to 35,000 Points ($175 travel value). Earn 30,000 Points when you spend $2,000 within 6 months ($150 travel value) and earn 5,000 Points when you start your application online ($25 travel value). Terms apply. Apply by August 31, 2023.
Rewards Earn 2 Points for every $1 on eligible dining or entertainment purchases and earn 1 Point for every $1 spent on all other everyday purchases.

Best for movies and restaurants:
Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card

Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card logo
Credit recommended (660-)
Apply now
on Scotiabank's secure site
660
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 2x
Points
5,000
Points welcome offer
If you've have no credit history and are looking for a rewards card with a $0 annual fee, the Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card is worth taking a look at – especially if you're a big movie buff. Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more. Plus, earn 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent at participating Cineplex theatres or cineplex.com, and earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere. Redeem your SCENE points for movie tickets or take advantage of discounts at participating restaurants.
  • Annual fee. This card has a $0 annual fee.
  • Rewards points. Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more. Plus, earn 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent at participating Cineplex theatres or cineplex.com, and earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere. Redeem points for free movies and discounts at participating restaurants.
  • Additional cardholders. Pay $0 to add another authorized user to your account, so you can rack up points faster.
  • Earn more. Earn 5,000 Scene+ points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months. Apply by October 31, 2023.
  • Rental cars. Get a discount of up to 25% off at participating Budget and AVIS car rental locations in both Canada and the US..
  • Extra insurance available. Optional insurance is available (for a fee) to help pay down your balance if you become critically ill, disabled or can't work due to job loss, strikes or lockouts. If you pass away or become diagnosed with a Covered Critical Illness, your card balance can be paid off up to $50,000.00. Terms apply.
  • Missed payment fee. You'll be charged a 24.99% rate on any missed payments.
  • Foreign conversion fee. Every time you charge a purchase to your card in a foreign currency, you'll incur a 2.5% fee.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 19.99%
Cash Advance Rate 22.99%
Balance transfer APR 22.99%
Welcome offer Earn 5,000 Scene+ points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months. Apply by October 31, 2023.
Rewards Earn 2 Scene+ points on every $1 you spend at Sobeys, Safeway, Foodland & Participating Co-ops, FreshCo and more. Plus, earn 2 Scene+ points per $1 spent at participating Cineplex theatres or cineplex.com, and earn 1 Scene+ point per $1 spent on eligible purchases elsewhere.

Best for balance transfer offer:
President’s Choice Financial Mastercard

President’s Choice Financial Mastercard logo
Credit recommended (Unknown-)
Read review
Unknown
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
6 months
0.97% intro transfer APR
Up to 25x
Points
The President’s Choice Financial Mastercard gives you a low balance transfer rate and a decent return on PC Optimum points for no annual fee. You’ll earn 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart, 20 points per $1 spent on PC Travel, 30 points per litre when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil gas stations, and 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else. N/A Plus, get a low balance transfer rate of 0.97% for the first 6 months.
  • Annual fee. The President’s Choice Financial Mastercard has a $0 annual fee.
  • Earn rewards. You’ll earn 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart, 20 points per $1 spent on PC Travel, 30 points per litre when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil gas stations, and 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else.
  • Balance transfer. This card comes with a low balance transfer rate of 0.97% for the first 6 months.
  • Card replacement. Get an emergency cash advance or a replacement card if you lose or misplace your card while travelling.
  • Minimum income requirement. You won't have to meet any minimum income requirements to qualify for this card.
  • Interest rate. You'll pay a relatively high purchase interest rate of 20.97% with this card.
  • Limited additional benefits. There are no additional benefits like travel medical or roadside assistance on offer with this card.
Annual fee $0
Purchase APR 20.97%
Balance transfer APR 0.97% intro for the first 6 months (then 22.97% )
Balance transfer fee
Rewards You’ll earn 25 points per $1 spent at Shoppers Drug Mart, 20 points per $1 spent on PC Travel, 30 points per litre when you fuel up at Esso and Mobil gas stations, and 10 points per $1 spent everywhere else.
Please note: All information about President’s Choice Financial Mastercard has been collected independently by Finder and this card is not available through this site.

How to choose the best credit cards for online shopping

When you’re comparing credit cards for online shopping, make sure to consider these factors to help you get the most out of your card:

  • No foreign transaction fees. When you buy online from overseas retailers, you may be charged foreign transaction fees. Usually costing around 2.5% of your transaction amount, these fees can quickly add up. Consider finding a card that charges zero or low foreign transaction fees.
  • Low interest rates. One of the risks of shopping with a credit card online is that you may rack up a whole lot of debt and interest charges. But credit cards that offers a low standard purchase interest rate can be a way to keep your costs down. Low interest rate store cards can be especially helpful if you frequently carry a balance from month to month on your credit card.
  • A rewards card with a high earn rate. If you regularly shop online and usually pay your balance in full, a rewards credit card could help you earn points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases. While most rewards credit cards award 1 point per $1 spent, some offer a higher earn rate of 2 points per $1 spent.
  • Balance transfer credit cards. It’s easy to spend more than you planned when you’re shopping online. So if you’ve already racked up a big balance on your credit card, you could avoid interest charges by transferring it to a credit card that offers a low intro APR period on balance transfers.
  • Fraud protection. It’s standard for credit cards to have protection in place to guard you against scammers, but you can do your part too by opting for a card that is linked to Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode. It’s important to note that most insurances, such as purchase protection and extended warranty, don’t usually apply to items bought online.
  • Signup bonus. Some providers offer enticing bonuses just for signing up for a credit card. These extra rewards miles, points or cash back could add up to hundreds of dollars worth during the holidays — if you qualify. Confirm the offer requirements, as you may need to spend a set amount in the first few months before you receive your bonus.
  • Cobranded store credit card. You can get a cobranded credit card from a retailer who partners with credit card provider to provide a card with specialized benefits. Some popular cobranded cards in Canada include the MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard and the CIBC Costco Mastercard. Cobranded credit card offers a combination of earning rewards. Depending on the size of your purchase, you can often get deferred financing options to pay it off interest-free. However, some cards won’t allow you to combine rewards and deferred financing options, so make sure you read the terms and conditions before you apply.

How to make large purchases using a credit card

Avoiding currency conversion fees

Aside from being charged foreign transaction fees, another type of fee you can incur online when shopping with an overseas retailer are currency conversion fees. This fee is only charged should you choose to pay in your home currency. This essentially means the overseas retailer must convert your Canadian dollars into their local currency. Also known as a Dynamic Currency Conversion, or DCC, you can avoid these by paying in their local currency if possible.

The pros and cons of using a credit card for online shopping

Pros

  • Avoid foreign transaction fees. If you get a credit card with no or low foreign transaction fees, you can save on fees while making purchases online with overseas retailers.
  • Earn while you spend. If your credit card comes with a rewards system, you can earn points as you spend. These points can often be redeemed for cash back on your account, travel rewards and merchandise from the rewards program online store.
  • Wide acceptance and protection. If your credit card is linked to one of the larger providers, such as Visa or Mastercard, you can make purchases internationally. These networks often come with additional security, such as Verified by Visa or Mastercard SecureCode, giving you an extra layer of protection when shopping online.

Cons

  • Accumulating debt. Unlike a debit card or a prepaid card, a credit card is not linked to your own funds. So if you’re an impulsive or frequent spender, using your credit card for online purchases could quickly build up debt on your card. If you struggle to repay your balance in full each month, consider a card with low interest rates.
  • Security risks. While credit card security measures are in place to protect your finances against fraud or theft, no online purchase is entirely risk-free. Always research the site’s legitimacy and security before making a purchase.
  • Foreign fees. If your card doesn’t offer low or no foreign transaction fees, the cost of your online shopping can increase significantly when making a purchase in a foreign currency.

8 tips to responsibly use a credit card for online shopping

The ease of online shopping can make it harder than ever to manage your credit card balance. Whether it’s one big purchase for yourself, a Black Friday shopping spree or a host of Christmas gifts for your family and friends, learning to manage your shopping credit card debt can be tough. It’s also important to take advantage of the features that come with your store credit card. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your spending and keep well within your budget.

  1. Create a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away with spending when you have a credit card. But take a second to think about your financial future. It’s no fun getting stuck in debt for purchases you made a long time ago. Before starting your online shopping, consider setting a budget. You may want to cap your spending at a level you can pay off within your card’s interest grace period. Or, you might choose to pay off your purchases within a few months and pay a bit of interest. Whatever you choose, it’s helpful to have a limit in mind so you can use your credit card responsibly.
  2. Time your credit card signup bonus. To get a signup bonus, you typically need to spend thousands of dollars within a few months. Since you only have a limited time to reach the spending requirement, it might make sense to apply for your card right before you plan on making some big online purchase or just before your Black Friday shopping spree. This way, you’ll make the purchases you would have made anyway, while accelerating your progress toward your signup bonus. If you use this strategy, make sure you apply at least a couple weeks prior to your shopping spree. Most credit card applications are made online and usually take up to 15 minutes. In some cases, the card company may require additional information and it could take up to 10 days to get an approval. Once approved, expect your credit card to arrive in up to 10 business days.
  3. Get automatic refunds on purchases. If you use a credit card with price protection, you’ll be reimbursed the price difference if you make a purchase and later find a lower price elsewhere.
  4. Leverage your card’s other purchase protections. Besides price protection, your card may also offer purchase protection. You’ll receive compensation if your eligible item is lost or damaged within a certain period after you buy it. Also, look for extended warranties, where your credit card provider may repair or replace your purchase after your product’s original warranty expires.
  5. Make large payments right away. Paying off as much as you can each month reduces the balance that accrues interest after your interest-free grace period ends.
  6. Find extra money. If your budget is stretched more than you’d like, look for ways to make extra bucks. Sell unused items in your home, rent out a spare room or start a side gig.
  7. Set realistic financial goals that you can reach. It can take only a month or two to land in holiday debt, but it can take years to get out. Create a budget to schedule consistent repayments that can get you back on your feet quicker.
  8. Put away your credit cards. If you find you’re having a hard time resisting the online shopping urge, it might be time to put your credit cards away. It may not be forever, but perhaps just until after you’ve paid off your balances. Avoid adding more purchases until you’ve payed off your existing balance – otherwise you’ll be adding more interest to the amount you already owe.

Carrying a balance? Consider a balance transfer card

If you’re looking to pay off your shopping credit card debt and better manage your money, consider getting a balance transfer card.

These cards are designed to help you consolidate your existing debt by offering an introductory low or 0% APR — typically for 6 to 12 months — on balances you transfer to that new card. At the end of the introductory period, your card reverts to a higher ongoing interest rate that applies to any debt you haven’t yet paid off, so your goal should be to focus on paying down your debt during the intro period and refrain from making any new purchases.

Compare balance transfer credit cards

Name Product Balance Transfer Rate Balance Transfer Fee Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
BMO CashBack Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
2%
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
Tangerine World Mastercard
1.95% for the first 6 months (then 19.95%)
3%
19.95%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until July 5, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card
1.95% for the first 6 months (then 19.95%)
3%
19.95%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until July 5, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
BMO Preferred Rate Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 15.99%)
2%
13.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($29 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months with a 2% transfer fee. Plus, get the $29 annual fee waived in the first year.
BMO Rewards Mastercard
BMO Rewards Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
2%
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 725
Get a bonus of 10,000 BMO Rewards points when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
0% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
3%
19.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 650
Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Plus, get a 0.00% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until November 30, 2023.
BMO AIR MILES Mastercard
0.99% for the first 9 months (then 22.99%)
2%
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 800 AIR MILES Bonus Miles (enough for $80 towards purchases with AIR MILES Cash). Get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
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Why use a credit card for online shopping?

  • Rewards.
    As long as you pay off your card bill in time, you could earn significant rewards on your online shopping. Not only could you earn cash back, points or travel miles on your spending, you could also use your spending to get you closer to your signup bonus. On top of these rewards, you could earn more through a bonus mall if your provider offers one.
  • Fraud protection.
    Credit cards offer powerful fraud protection because card providers have a big incentive to stop unauthorized purchases. All major banks offer zero liability protection: In the event your card information is compromised, you won’t have to pay for any fraudulent purchases.
  • Purchase protection.
    Your card may offer strong purchase benefits, including extended warranties, purchase protection and price protection. While you usually don’t have to use these perks, they’re basically free insurance. On the off chance you need them, you’ll call them lifesavers.

Alternatives to credit cards: Use a prepaid card to shop online

If you don’t want to rack up credit card debt, but want a secure way to make purchases online, consider a prepaid card. You can load a prepaid card with funds and use them to make purchases.

Prepaid cards are also good for:

  • Controlling your spending. If you’re trying to curb your spending, this is a good way to stay within a budget. You can only spend the amount that’s loaded on the card and will need to reload more funds if your balance runs low.
  • Being widely accepted. Prepaid cards are usually Mastercard or Visa products, which means they are widely accepted and you can use them both online and in-store at millions of locations around the world.

Learn more about prepaid cards

Compare some of Canada’s best credit cards for online shopping

Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
BMO CashBack Mastercard
5% cash back
Up to 3% cash back
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 5% cash back on all eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership (up to max. spend of $2,500). Plus, get a rate of 0.99% on balance transfers for 9 months. A 2% fee applies to transferred balances.
OFFER
Tangerine World Mastercard
10% cash back
Up to 2% cash back
19.95%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 600
Earn 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend $1,000 in the first 2 months. Valid until July 5, 2023. Plus, get a 1.95% interest rate on balance transfers for the first 6 months.
Scotiabank SCENE Visa Card
5,000 points
Up to 2 points per $1 spent
19.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Earn 5,000 Scene+ points when you spend $750 in the first 3 months. Apply by October 31, 2023.
BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
10% cash back
Up to 1.75% cash back
19.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 650
Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Plus, get a 0.00% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until November 30, 2023.
American Express Business Edge Card
67,000 points
Up to 10 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$99
Min. recommended credit score: 700
Earn up to 67,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. That’s $670 in statement credits you can reinvest into your business.
BMO CashBack Mastercard For Students
5% cash back
Up to 3% cash back
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get up to 5% cash back in the first three months (up to max. spend of $2,500).
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
110,000 points
1 point per $1 spent
20.99%
$199
Min. recommended credit score: 700
Earn up to 110,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 70,000 points after spending $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card each calendar quarter (that's a total of 40,000 points a year).
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Bottom line

You have a variety of credit card options to choose for your online shopping spree, including rewards credit cards, 0% intro APR credit cards and store credit cards. Whichever card you choose, make sure you can pay off your balance on time to avoid accruing interest, but enjoy all the rewards and benefits that come with your spending.

If you still haven’t found the right card for you, compare your credit card options until you do.

Frequently asked questions about using credit cards to shop online

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