The holidays are a time for family and friends. Ready to start prepping your holiday budget? Here is a selection of our top credit cards for holiday entertaining:
The Best Credit Cards for Holiday Entertaining
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Citi® Double Cash Card is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards on the market today, thanks to impressive, flat-rate cash back, lucrative introductory 0% APR offers, and more. Cardholders earn 2% back on every eligible purchase: 1% back at the time of sale and an additional 1% back when they pay their statement balance. Cash back is redeemable for statement credits, direct deposits, checks, or converted as ThankYou® points.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 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.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% – 28.99%, 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).
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers
- Balance Transfer APR: 18.99% – 28.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 5% of each transfer ($5 minimum) applies if completed after 4 months of account opening.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% (Variable)
- Annual Fee: $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You prefer earning cash back at a flat rate rather than in rotating categories
- You’re looking to either consolidate existing balances or pay down a large purchase with no interest charges for an extended period of time
- You like to have the flexibility of converting cash back into lucrative rewards points
- You’re considering a credit card without an annual fee
The Citi® Double Cash Card is an all-around holiday star. That’s because the card offers unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. That 2% back breaks down as 1% back when you buy and 1% back when you pay for your purchases. The simplified cash back rewards with the Double Cash are ideal for holiday entertaining. The card is a great way to stretch your budget in times of financial difficulty.
The simplified cash back is matched by two equally generous welcome offers. First, new accounts earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. Second, new accounts enjoy 0% intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months, with a variable rate based on creditworthiness after that.
The triple threat combination of a lack of an annual fee, the 2% back, and the 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months make the Citi Double Cash Card the perfect everyday credit card for anyone getting ready for the holiday season.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- 20.24% (Variable) Regular Purchase APR
- 20.24% (Variable) Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% (Variable) Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
If you’re a Costco member and want to start earning some serious cash back rewards, the bonuses available via the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi – including 4% on gas and EV charging and 2% on your Costco purchases – may be just what you’re looking for.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
- Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 20.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 5% of each balance transfer; $5 minimum.
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% (Variable)
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on your creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $0 with Costco Membership
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You’re a Costco member and want to earn 2% cash back on purchases at their physical and online stores, as well as 4% cash back on gas and EV charging purchases – including gas sold at Costco
- You enjoy earning cash back on everyday purchases such as dining and travel
- You seek a versatile rewards credit card with numerous travel protection perks, no foreign transaction fees, and no annual fees as a Costco member
If you are looking to stock up on holiday essentials, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a great way to stock the freezer and get all your holiday shopping done – all while earning valuable cash back rewards. The card, which doubles as your Costco membership card, earns 2% back on Costco purchases (including costco.com) and 3% back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases.
The dining and travel 3% categories are great for anyone who plans to hit the road this holiday season, as are the impressive rewards on fuel purchases. Costco Anywhere Visa cardholders earn a huge 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter. This lucrative category makes the Costco Visa one of the very best gas rewards credit cards on the market today.
This combination of Costco savings and impressive travel and commuting rewards is excellent for the end of the year, as Thanksgiving and holiday travel can rack up some serious bills.
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
Discover it® Cash Back
- 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 18 months from account opening Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Discover It Cash Back Card is a cash back credit card that offers enhanced earning potential in a selection of rotating categories. Cardholders earn 5% back on purchases in categories that rotate each quarter, and 1% on all other purchases. The card also features 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, Discover’s 100% U.S.-based customer service, Discover’s bonus cash back match, and no annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 5% cash back in rotating categories each quarter, up to the quarterly maximum, when you activate
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases automatically
- Discover matches all of the cash back earned by the cardholder at the end of the first year automatically; there is no limit to how much cash back is matched
- Cash back rewards never expire, earn unlimited cash back
- Use rewards at Amazon checkout
- No annual fee
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 18 months from account opening
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months from date of first transfer
- Balance Transfer APR: 17.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transfer posted at the promotional rate. After that, 5% of the amount of each transfer
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: None the first time you pay late. After that, up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You want to earn 5% back on select category purchases each quarter, including restaurants, gas stations, select rideshares, and online shopping
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- You want 100% U.S.-based customer service
- You don’t mind rotating categories changing every three months
The Discover it® Cash Back is a perennial favorite because of its excellent 5% cash back calendar. The Discover it earns 5% cash back on the first $2,500 in quarterly spending in select categories, then 1% after that. Those 5% bonus categories are lucrative, with the 2023 calendar looking as follows:
| Date | 5% Cash Back Category | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January – March 2024 | Restaurants and drug stores | |
| Q2 | April – June 2024 | Gas stations & EV charging, home improvement stores, and public transit | |
| Q3 | July – September 2024 | TBD | |
| Q4 | October – December 2024 | TBD | |
Amazon is a regular feature of Q4 for Discover, making it one of the best cards for holiday shopping. The Amazon website pretty much sells anything you can imagine, including groceries via Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods. Earning 5% back with Discover around the holidays is almost as easy (and enjoyable) as Discover’s Cash Back Match.
All Discover credit cards come with the Cashback Match. This unique bonus means the bank automatically matches all the cash back rewards a cardholder earns in their first year – dollar for dollar, with no cap. Add to that 0% APR for 15 months; this is a great card for your holiday season.
Not sure if the Discover it is right for you? Consider the Citi Custom Cashâ„ Card, which earns 5% back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle up to the first $500 spent and 1% cash back thereafter.
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Make memories while funding future adventures with the Capital One® Savor® Cash Rewards Credit Card. This exclusive entertainment credit card boasts an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment is a great card for couples, families, and social butterflies.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Unlimited 4% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services
- Earn 3% at grocery stores
- Earn 1% on all other purchases
- Earn 8% cash back on tickets through Vivid Seats
- Receive $9.99 statement credit after paying for Postmates Unlimited membership
- Enjoy comprehensive, personalized assistance in dining, entertainment and travel— 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% – 28.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that we may offer you. None for balances transferred at the Transfer APR
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You want to earn an unlimited 4% cash back on streaming, dining, and entertainment, 3% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases
- You see yourself spending $3,000 within the first 3 months of opening the card to earn that one-time $300 cash bonus
- You live for unique dining, entertainment, and sports experiences
- You want complimentary food delivery membership through Postmates
The Capital One® Savor® is one of the best dining and entertainment credit cards on the market today. The card, which carries a relatively modest $95 annual fee, earns an impressive 4% cash back on dining and entertainment, 2% at grocery stores, and 1% on all other purchases.
As detailed in our comprehensive Savor review, the Savor easily recoups that $95 yearly charge with just $198 in dining purchases every month – an easy task for the well-seasoned foodie. And since the card also earns 2% back on groceries, it offers plenty of value for those who prefer to dine out or are planning a big family feast this year.
The Savor also comes with a complementary food delivery membership through Postmates. This benefit offers $99 in value, quickly recouping the annual fee – and saving cardholders money while earning 4% back on their order!
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
- 0% for 12 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
Through the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, you can earn sizable cash back rewards on purchases in common categories, including 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1%), 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores, and 1% on all other purchases. You can also earn $300 back in the form of a statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases using your new card in the first six months of the account being open.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% – 29.99%. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit
- Get up to $120 in statement credits annually when you pay for an Equinox+ membership at equinoxplus.com with your Blue Cash Preferred® Card. That’s $10 in statement credits each month. Enrollment required.
- Thinking about getting The Disney Bundle which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription with your Blue Cash Preferred Card. Enrollment required.
- Terms Apply.
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.24% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year. Then $95
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You budget for family spending and want a credit card that earns significant cash back
- You’ll spend a lot of money on groceries to take advantage 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in annual purchases (then 1% after that)
- You’re excited at the prospect of earning 6% cash back with select streaming services
- You want to capitalize on your commute with 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (and select U.S. department stores)
- You’ll take advantage of 3% cash back on transit (taxis/rideshare, parking and tolls, trains, buses and more), and 1% on all other purchases
- You’re likely to make $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of the account opening to qualify for a one-time $300 statement credit
- You cook at home often and commute to work and school regularly, or make use of public transit regularly
Planning on entertaining at home? If so, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is an excellent option to consider this holiday season. The Preferred-Blue Cash Card is Amex’s answer to the Savor Card, featuring enhanced cash back on select purchases and a $95 annual fee (which Amex waives for the first year).
Like the Savor, the Blue Cash Preferred earns elevated cash back in categories that are essential for great holiday entertaining. These bonus categories include:
- 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%)
- 6% back on select streaming services
- 3% cash back at gas stations and on transit
New accounts also enjoy a $200 statement credit when they use their new card to meet minimum spending requirements. That welcome offer is easily attainable for the average spender – and even easier to reach for the holiday entertainer looking to put smiles on faces this holiday season.
Featured photo by Nicole De Khors / Burst
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