The Best Credit Cards for Black Friday and Holiday Shopping

Editor’s Note: Money Talks News has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money Talks News and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

If you haven’t already, you’ll probably soon start thinking about things you want to buy on Black Friday and beyond.

Whether you’ve been waiting on deals for yourself or are hunting for gifts, chances are you’re going to spend more money in the next two months than you normally do. It’s typical to spend about $1,000 on holiday gifts, decorations and seasonal treats, according to the National Retail Federation.

What’s all that spending doing for you? If it’s not watching your back for better prices, or earning at least 2% cash back or some other valuable reward, you’re doing yourself a disservice. It’s time to get a solid credit card.

Take a look at these:

Capital One Venture

Why we like it: An early spending bonus offer of 75,000 miles when you spend $4,000 within the first three months is worth $750 in travel.

What to know:

• Earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar on every other purchase with no annual cap or expiration.
• Get up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• $95 annual fee.

Note: This card has a $95 annual fee. The Capital One VentureOne card does not, but doesn’t have the same early spending bonus offer and offers a lower rate of return.

Blue Cash Everyday from American Express

Why we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday card lives up to its name as a great value all the time — but especially for new cardholders. You can earn $100 back by making $2,000 in purchases in the first six months. You can also earn 20% back on purchases made through PayPal in the first six months for up to $150 back.

What to know:

• 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases at U.S. supermarkets per year, and 1% cash back after that amount.
• 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in U.S. online retail purchases per year, and 1% cash back after.
• 3% cash back on up to $6,000 in purchases per year at U.S. gas stations, and 1% cash back after.
• 1% cash back on other purchases.
• 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months. (See rates and fees)
• No annual fee. (See rates and fees)

Note: Cash back is redeemed as statement credits.

Chase Sapphire Preferred

Why we like it: Like its cousin the Chase Sapphire Reserve, this card offers great bang for your buck on travel rewards and currently has a compelling introductory offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, worth $750 toward travel. Combined with all the other high reward points opportunities, this card more than pays for itself.

What to know:

• Get 60,000 bonus Ultimate Rewards points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 60,000 bonus points are worth $750 toward travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Get a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit.
• Get a 10% anniversary points boost each year.
• Earn 5 points per $1 spent on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Earn 3 points per $1 spent on dining.
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on other travel.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
• Get trip cancellation insurance if your trip is canceled due to sickness or severe weather conditions.
• Get complimentary DashPass for a year or more for $0 delivery fees on DoorDash.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• $95 annual fee.

Citi Double Cash

Why we like it: We’ve called this “The Best Cash-Back Credit Card for Everyday Use” since it earns 1% cash back on every purchase, then earns another 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. If you want the peace of mind that you’re earning good cash-back rewards on everything, with no gimmicks or expiration dates, this is your card.

Plus, for a limited time, you can earn points worth $200 in cash back when you make $1,500 in purchases in your first six months as a cardmember.

What to know:

• $200 cash back when you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
• Get a total of 2% cash back on every purchase.
• No limits or caps on cash back.
• No confusing categories; everything earns cash back.
• No annual fee.

Note: This card offers 18 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.

Whatever you need in a credit card — whether it’s a balance transfer, reward points, cash back or a low interest rate — you can find it with our credit card search tool. Click here to search for the plastic that best fits your needs.