Pets are an essential part of our lives. They provide us with friendship, love, and a steady smile as we navigate our lives. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we desperately need our furry friends for mental and emotional support – so it’s only right that we give them the best in return. Are you looking to save some money or earn more rewards on your upcoming pet expenses? Here are our best credit card options for pet owners everywhere.
At a Glance
 CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™ |
 Petco Pay Mastercard |
 Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® |
 Best Friends® Credit Card |
What Are the Best Credit Cards for Pet Owners?
Here are our top picks for the best credit cards for pet lovers:
CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™
CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™
CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™
- 29.99% Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™ is an infinitely useful credit card specifically designed to make medical and healthcare costs more affordable with up to payment plans ranging from 6 to 60 months. There is no annual fee and cardholders can also earn 2X points on many types of wellness and health-related expenditures.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 2X points on CareCredit Network purchases
- 2X points on Health & Wellness
- 2X points at grocery stores
- 2X points at pet stores
- 1X points on all other purchases
- Redeem points for statement credit, gift cards, merchandise and more
- Regular Purchase APR: 29.99%
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99%
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You have health complications or upcoming (and costly) medical procedures in the near future
- You’re responsible for healthcare expenses of children and/or the whole family
- You have a large family and need assistance paying for routine treatments such as braces or eye exams
- You have an illness-prone or injured pet
- You do not have a 2% cash back rewards card
- You have limited access to health insurance
- You enjoy very active, outdoor-based hobbies
- You own multiple one or more gym memberships
The CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™ is a no annual fee medical credit card issued by Synchrony Bank, one of the country’s largest retail and store credit card providers. Unlike other rewards credit cards, CareCredit earns its best rewards (2X) on health-centric categories – including health and wellness, groceries, CareCredit Network charges, and pet supplies.
Earning double points on pet stores is a great feature of the CareCredit® Rewards™ Mastercard™, matched by adding veterinary services to the 2X “CareCredit procedures” category. Here’s everything that is covered:
| Chiropractors | Cosmetic procedures | Dentistry | Dermatology |
| Fitness | Hearing | Laboratory and diagnostics | Medical equipment and supplies |
| Sleep specialists | Vision care | Weight loss |
But there is more to like from CareCredit. For example, cardholders enjoy access to special promotional financing on eligible CareCredit procedures and services. There are 6, 12, 18, 24, or 60-month financing options available with $0 in additional interest charges, provided customers repay that balance in full within the promotional window.
Petco Pay Mastercard
Petco Pay Mastercard
Petco Pay Mastercard
- 25.74% or 34.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 35.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Petco Pay Mastercard is a is a retail and cash back card for animal lovers everywhere. The card, from Comenity, earns up to 8% back in Pals Rewards on Petco purchases, plus 2% back on groceries – all for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 8% Back in Pals Rewards at participating Petco locations and Petco.com
- 2% back in Pals Rewards at grocery stores
- $25 Pals Reward when you spend $500 outside of Petco in the first 90 days
- No annual fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 25.74% or 34.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 35.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You shop at Petco regularly
- You plan to finance larger Petco charges in the future
- You like the idea of making a donation with every purchase
- You do’t want to pay an annual fee
When you think about the best pet credit cards, chances are you think of a pet store credit card. And you would be right, since the Petco Pay Mastercard is one of the most enticing offers fitting that description. The co-branded retail card from Comenity Bank earns up to 2X points per dollar on select pet purchases, with a simple $25 welcome offer for new accountholders and no annual fees to worry about.
The Petco Mastercard earns the following rewards per dollar on purchases:
- 2X Vital Care points at Petco stores or Petco.com
- 2X on grocery store purchases
- 1X on all other eligible purchases
New accounts also earn a simple, straightforward $25 Vital Care points reward after making $500 in purchases with their new Petco Mastercard in the first 90 days (approximately three months). Cardholders also enjoy a one-year extension to their Vital Care points expiration. Finally, special promotional financing options are available for Petco purchases and services. Petco doesn’t publish the terms of these plans, but they can help you offset expensive procedures in an emergency.
The main drawback with the Petco Mastercard (and its sibling, the closed-loop Petco Credit Card) is that the points structure can be confusing. Yes, the card earns 2X points on Petco purchases, but that 2X is equivalent to between 6% and 8% in cash back – meaning you can get great value for money with rewards on this card.
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa®
- 14.99%-29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.99% to 29.99% Balance Transfer APR
At a Glance
The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® offers no fees, low rates, cash back, and credit lines from $500 to $25,000 in one unique package. The card provides consumers the flexibility and predictability to quickly pay down balances and get debt-free. The Upgrade credit card is one of the lowest regular APR credit cards on the market for those with excellent credit scores, putting it firmly on any list of the best balance transfer credit card deals – or any list of the best credit cards in the U.S.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase
- No annual fee
- See if you qualify in seconds with no impact to your credit score
- Combine the flexibility of a card with the predictability of a personal loan
- Enjoy Visa Signature benefits, like Roadside Dispatch, Price Protection, Extended Warranty Protection, and more
- Up to 10% cash back from your favorite brands with Upgrade Shopping
- Contactless payments with Apple Pay® and Google Wallet™ bull; Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted
- Relax knowing that you are protected in case of unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.99%-29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 29.99%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
- You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
- You want a structured repayment plan
- You can reliably pay off your statement balances to earn cash back for your purchases
- You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
- You hate penalty or other hidden fees
Unlimited cash back is a winner in any category – and the best pet owners’ credit cards are no different. And in that space, we love the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa® thanks to its no-nonsense cash back structure, no hidden fees, and broader credit requirements.
The Upgrade Visa earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases whenever a payment is made on those transactions. That 1.5% back is comparable to many great cash back credit cards, including the base rate on the Chase Freedom Unlimited. That card offers enhanced rewards (up to 5% back) on other select categories.
So, why consider the Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa? Because Upgrade is an exceptional choice for those with prime or near-prime credit scores. The Upgrade Card uses an alternative model to provide credit – pairing applicants up with a credit union or small regional bank willing to take on the credit card loan. The result is a broader credit acceptance so people with average credit can also enjoy an unlimited 1.5% cash back rate on a card with no annual fee, foreign transaction fees, or hidden fees.
That being said, the Upgrade Card isn’t exactly a credit card. Nor is it exactly a traditional loan. Instead, the Upgrade credit card is an easy-to-use credit line with installment plans of 12, 24, 36, or 60 months. These periods vary depending on the creditworthiness of the applicant. The APR with the Upgrade Visa Card also varies depending on creditworthiness.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rateq Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card provides cardholders with the power of 24 store cards in one for a $95 annual fee. The card earns 6% cash back at two retailers of the cardholder’s choice, with brands including Apple, Kohl’s, Target, Amazon, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn up to 6% cash back at your favorite stores
- Earn 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases on your choice of one everyday category
- Earn 1.5% back on all eligible purchases
- No annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.74% to 29.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rateq
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either 5% of the amount of each advance or $10 minimum, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year; $95 thereafter
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You spend heavily with several retail brands
- You don’t want multiple store cards to keep track of
- You can justify the card’s $95 annual fee and get plenty of value out of it
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card is another retail credit card that can save pet owners a ton of money. This credit card (with a $95 annual fee that U.S. Bank waives for the first year) earns up to 5% cash back and prioritizes rewards with specific merchants instead of broad categories.
Cardholders earn an impressive up-to-6% cash back rate on combined eligible purchases each quarter with two retailers you choose (up to $1,500 per quarter), 3% cash back on eligible purchases each quarter in your choice of one everyday category – like wholesale clubs, gas, and EV charging stations, or bills and home utilities (up to $1,500 per quarter) – and 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
The 6% cash back category includes an impressive number of retailers:
| Ace Hardware | Home Depot | QVC |
| Amazon.com | IKEA | Restoration Hardware |
| Anthropologie | Kohl’s | Target |
| Apple | Lowe’s | Walmart |
| Bed, Bath, & Beyond | Lululemon | Wayfair.com |
| Best Buy | Macy’s | Williams Sonoma |
| Chewy.com | Menards | Pottery Barn |
| Crate & Barrel | Nordstrom | Disney |
Cardholders also earn additional rewards on select U.S. Bank transactions. For example, cardholders earn 5.5% cash back on prepaid hotel and car reservations booked directly in the U.S. Bank Rewards Travel Center. This feature is akin to Chase Freedom and Sapphire credit cards in the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and is great for customers who want a little more adaptability from a credit card. Additionally, cardholders can earn even more cash back when making purchases at over 1,100 online stores through the Rewards Center Earn Mall.
Best Friends® Credit Card
Best Friends® Credit Card
Best Friends® Credit Card
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Best Friends® Credit Card is a cash back credit card from Credit One Bank. The card, in partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, earns up to 5% back on pet-related purchases and donates 1% towards the goal to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Best Friends receives a donation in an amount equal to 1% of eligible purchases
- Earn 5% cash back rewards on eligible pet shops, pet foods, and supplies stores purchases for the first $5,000 per calendar year
- Get up to 10% More Cash Back Rewards from participating merchants
- $0 annual fee for excellent credit
- Regular Purchase APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 28.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 8% of the amount of each Cash Advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: Up to $39
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Either $1 or 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- You have a pet or feel passionately about protecting vulnerable animals
- You spend heavily on animal-related purchases each month
- You have average or fair credit and want a credit card that can earn rewards
You might not think Credit One Bank has pet rewards cards, but the Best Friends® Credit Card offers plenty to love. The near-prime rewards card features 5% cash back rewards on eligible pet shops, pet food, and supplies store purchases for the first $5,000 spent each calendar year – after that, all purchases earn a flat 1% cash back rate. That rewards rate is similar to the Petco Card, but the Best Friends Card is about far more than just earning – it’s about giving, too.
Best Friends receives a donation in an amount equal to 1% of eligible purchases. The Best Friends Society is an American 501(c) nonprofit animal welfare organization based in Utah which promotes pet adoption, no-kill animal rescue, and spay-and-neuter practices. With the Best Friends Visa, you save money and animals’ lives, furthering the Best Friends Society’s aims to “Save Them All®.”
Here’s a quick comparison of the Petco and Best Friends Cards, head-to-head:
|
Petco Pay Mastercard |
Best Friends® Visa |
|
| Issuing Bank | Comenity | Credit One |
| Annual fee | $0 | See terms |
| Rewards | 2X points per $1 at Petco and Petco.com and groceries, plus 1X on all other purchases | 5% back on eligible pet shops, pet food, and supplies stores purchases for the first $5,000 spent per calendar year; 1% back on all other purchases |
| Pet perks | $25 Pals Reward when you spend $500 outside of Petco in the first 90 days of opening an account; 1 year extension of Vital Care Rewards balance | Best Friends Society receives a donation in an amount equal to 1% of eligible purchases |
Why Choose a Pet Credit Card?
With so many card categories available, why choose a pet rewards credit card over a card that offers enhanced rewards on gas, groceries, or other everyday essentials? The real answer is that you don’t. Many card issuers are introducing broad rewards credit cards that offer lucrative, worthwhile rewards on the things people regularly spend on – including things like utilities, gas, groceries, and pet supplies. And since many home and food stores stock pet supplies, there is no better time to save than with an excellent home or groceries credit card.
So, what should you look for when choosing a basic credit card that rewards you for making purchases for your pet?
| Savings on pet supplies | A pet rewards credit card allows you to earn cash back, points, or miles on purchases related to your pet, including pet food, grooming, vet bills, and supplies. Over time, these rewards can add up and help reduce your overall pet-related expenses. | ||
| Flexible redemption options | Many credit cards offer flexibility in how you can redeem your rewards. You can often use your earned points or cash back for statement credits, gift cards, or even merchandise related to pets. This flexibility allows you to choose how to maximize the value of your rewards. | ||
| Additional perks | Some pet rewards cards may come with additional benefits such as extended warranties on pet products, access to exclusive pet-related events, or discounts at pet stores. These perks can enhance your overall pet ownership experience. | ||
| “Everyday” rewards | Since pet products and supplies are necessities for pet owners, you can earn rewards on everyday expenses without changing your spending habits significantly. This can be particularly beneficial if you have multiple pets or high pet-related costs. | ||
Ultimately, pet credit cards are a great way to save money and show your love to your favorite four- (or six, or eight, or whatever) legged friend – after all, it’s what they deserve for brining so much joy into our lives.
Editorial Disclosure – The opinions expressed on BestCards.com's reviews, articles, and all other content on or relating to the website are solely those of the content’s author(s). These opinions do not reflect those of any card issuer or financial institution, and editorial content on our site has not been reviewed or approved by these entities unless noted otherwise. Further, BestCards.com lists credit card offers that are frequently updated with information believed to be accurate to the best of our team's knowledge. However, please review the information provided directly by the credit card issuer or related financial institution for full details.
