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Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping

Best credit cards for online shopping in Canada

Bridget Casey

By Bridget Casey

Fact Checked: Tyler Wade

🗓️

Updated: October 09, 2024

Partners on this page provide us earnings.

Are you paying more than you need to for your online purchases? Take advantage of all the features and benefits offered by a shopping credit card to save you money.

From cash back to no foreign-exchange fees and extended warranties, you have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to picking a credit card to match your online spending habits. Here is our list of the very best credit cards for online shopping, to save you money and protect your purchases.

  • Why you can trust Money.ca's best online shopping credit cards in Canada list

    +

    Money.ca rates all credit cards on a numeric scale of 1 to 5 stars, with 1 being the lowest and 5 the highest rating, respectively. Money.ca’s proprietary scoring formulas break down the confusing language, complex points, rewards and earn rates to give you the real data that caters to your needs first, not ours.

    Our partnerships have no impact on our ratings, which are solely determined by the merits of each card. To learn more about how we researched and ranked these cards, read our full credit card review methodology.

Our top selections

Best credit cards for online shopping

Online shopping credit cards Annual fee + Shopping perk Get started
American Express SimplyCash® Preferred Card Annual fee: $$9.99 per month. Additional cards are free.
(Equals a total fee of $119.88 annually)

Shopping perk: Base earn rate of 2% cash back has no limit on the amount you can earn
Apply now
MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® Annual fee:
Shopping perk: Price protection 		Apply now
Amazon Mastercard Annual fee: $0

Shopping perk: Unlimited cash back, or with Prime membership, get 2.5% back at Amazon.ca and no foreign currency exchange 		Apply now
Home Trust Preferred Visa Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: No foreign transaction fees and 1% back on all purchases 		Apply now
KOHO Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: Earn extra cash back at partnered merchants like Altitude sports, Branch furniture and Well.ca 		Apply now
Neo Credit card Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: Earn extra cash back from retail partners like Amazon, Roots and Lululemon 		Apply now
Rogers Red Mastercard Annual fee: $0
Shopping perk: 2% back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases for eligible Rogers customers 		Apply now
Best for cash back

Best credit card for online shopping in Canada with unlimited cash back

SimplyCash® Preferred Card

Apply now

4.0

up to 10% cashback

Welcome offer

Excellent

Suggested credit score

Get a bonus 10% cash back on all purchases (up to $2,000 in purchases) in your first 3 months as a new cardholder and earn a $50 statement credit when you make a purchase in month 13.

Apply now

Pros

  • Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more

  • Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually

  • Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage

  • Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases

Cons

  • $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)

  • Cash back redeemed annually in September

  • Not all benefits may be relevant to all users

  • Limited to American Express acceptance

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

Pros

  • Competitive cash back rates: Up to 4% on gas and groceries, and more

  • Refer-a-friend bonus up to $750 annually

  • Extra benefits like rental car insurance and travel accident coverage

  • Manufacturer's warranty doubled on purchases

Cons

  • $9.99/month fee ($119.88 annually)

  • Cash back redeemed annually in September

  • Not all benefits may be relevant to all users

  • Limited to American Express acceptance

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Excellent

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)

4%

cash back on all other purchases

2%

Purchase APR

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$119.88

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express offers one of the highest cash back rates on the market. If you’re making lots of online purchases, you can’t do much better.

Once the promotional period ends, you’ll still enjoy a stellar earn rate of 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. This incredible cash back rate combined with the Buyer’s Assurance and Purchase Protection insurance for purchases made with the card make it the best credit card for online shopping. The only downside is that Amex isn’t accepted everywhere (though there is no shortage of partnering retailers).

Read more: Where is Amex accepted in Canada

Key features of the Amex SimplyCash Preferred:

  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 10% cashback.
  • Additional perks: Buyer’s Assurance extends manufacturer’s warranty by up to one additional year; Purchase Protection insurance in the event of damage or theft within 90 days of purchase.
  • Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.

    American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best for protection

Best credit card for online shopping with price protection

MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

Apply now

4.0

30,000 pts

Welcome offer

Good

Suggested credit score

Earn up to 30,000 bonus MBNA Rewards Points†† for cash back, gift cards and more.

Apply now

Pros

  • High earn rates: Up to 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, utilities

  • Generous welcome bonus of up to 30,000 points, covering first-year annual fee

  • Points never expire, flexible redemption options including travel and statement credit

  • Birthday bonus: Up to 15,000 points annually, 10% of points earned in the previous year

  • Comprehensive benefits: Price protection, purchase assurance, extended warranty, travel insurance

Cons

  • High income requirements: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household income

  • Annual fee of $120 after the first year

  • Travel insurance package not as robust as other cards at similar price points

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

Pros

  • High earn rates: Up to 5 points per $1 on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, utilities

  • Generous welcome bonus of up to 30,000 points, covering first-year annual fee

  • Points never expire, flexible redemption options including travel and statement credit

  • Birthday bonus: Up to 15,000 points annually, 10% of points earned in the previous year

  • Comprehensive benefits: Price protection, purchase assurance, extended warranty, travel insurance

Cons

  • High income requirements: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household income

  • Annual fee of $120 after the first year

  • Travel insurance package not as robust as other cards at similar price points

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$80,000

Required Annual Household Income

$150,000

MBNA offers up to a 30,000-point welcome bonus

30,000

You get five points‡ per dollar spent on groceries, restaurants, digital media, memberships, and household utilities

5

All other purchases outside those categories earn one point per $1 spent.

1

Purchase APR

19.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

24.99%

Annual Fee

$120

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The MBNA Rewards World Elite® Mastercard® is one of the few credit cards that offer Price Protection. If you buy something with your card and then find the same item advertised elsewhere at a lower price within 60 days of making your purchase, you can get a refund for the difference, up to $500 per item and up to $1,000 per year. If you’ve ever agonized about getting the best deal when online shopping, you can rest easy with Price Protection knowing you’ll have it no matter what.

Key features:

  • Welcome bonus: Earn up to 30,000 bonus MBNA Rewards Points†† for cash back, gift cards and more.
  • Additional perks: Get an extra 10% of all the points you accumulate annually‡; Price Protection; Mobile Device Insurance; Purchase Assurance and Extended Warranty.
  • Price protection: If you purchase an eligible item with your card and find the same product advertised in Canada at a lower price within 60 days of the purchase, the difference will be refunded subject to a maximum of $500 per item and a calendar year maximum of $1,000 per account. Certain conditions and exclusions apply.

Read more: Best loyalty rewards programs in Canada

  •  ††, ‡, ✪, ***, ††††, Terms and Conditions apply. 

    This offer is not available for residents of Quebec. For residents of Quebec, please click here. 

    Sponsored advertising. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) and TD is not responsible for the contents of this site including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete information on this MBNA credit card, please click on the “Apply Now” button.

    The Toronto-Dominion Bank is the issuer of this credit card. MBNA is a division of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. ®MBNA and other-trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Best no annual fee

Best credit card for online purchases with no annual fee

Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard

Apply now

2.5

5% Back

Welcome offer

Fair

Suggested credit score

Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

Apply now

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Good returns on Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores and foreign currency transactions

  • Competitive welcome bonus

  • Serviceable for regular Costco and No Frills shoppers

Cons

  • Earning maximum rewards requires paying for Amazon Prime

  • Other cards have higher earn rates on non-Amazon.ca purchases

  • Rewards points are only redeemable for Amazon.ca gift cards

  • Relatively few Whole Foods locations in Canada

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Good returns on Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores and foreign currency transactions

  • Competitive welcome bonus

  • Serviceable for regular Costco and No Frills shoppers

Cons

  • Earning maximum rewards requires paying for Amazon Prime

  • Other cards have higher earn rates on non-Amazon.ca purchases

  • Rewards points are only redeemable for Amazon.ca gift cards

  • Relatively few Whole Foods locations in Canada

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Fair

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Earn 2.5% on eligible purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods Market stores for eligible Prime members (1.5% back for non-members)‡

2.5%

Get 2.5% back on eligible foreign currency transactions for eligible Prime members (1% back for non-members)‡

2.5%

Get 1% back on eligible purchases everywhere else Mastercard is accepted.‡

1%

Purchase APR

19.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

22.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

1.5%

The MBNA Amazon.ca Rewards Mastercard is one of the few cards in Canada that specifically offers a special cash back rate for online purchases at Amazon.ca.

Get 5% back at Amazon.ca, Whole Foods Market stores in Canada, grocery stores and restaurants. Valid for the first 6 months, on your first $3,000 in eligible purchases††.

If you're a Prime Member, you can earn 2.5% cash back you can use towards purchases at Amazon.ca and Whole Foods, plus you'll save on foreign transaction fees. 

NOTE: This is not a typical cash back credit card, you'll get your cash back in Amazon.ca credits

Key features:

  • Additional perks: Extended warranty insurance, Purchase assurance

*Terms and conditions apply.

®/TM Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to license.

Best international

Best credit card for online shopping abroad

Home Trust Preferred Visa

Apply now

4.5

Good

Suggested credit score

No annual fee and no foreign exchange fees

Apply now

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Purchase protection included

  • Ideal for frequent travelers and online shoppers

Cons

  • No cash back on transactions in foreign currency

  • Not available to Quebec residents

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$15,000

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap

  • No foreign transaction fees

  • Purchase protection included

  • Ideal for frequent travelers and online shoppers

Cons

  • No cash back on transactions in foreign currency

  • Not available to Quebec residents

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Required Annual Personal Income

$15,000

Earn 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap.

1%

Purchase APR

21.99%

Balance Transfer Rate

21.99%

Cash Advance APR

21.99%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

0%

The Home Trust Preferred Visa stands out as one of the few cards with no annual fee offering both cash back and no foreign transaction fees. It also has a low minimum personal income requirement, making it easier to get than some competitors on this list. Earn 1% back on all purchases.

If you frequently make online purchases from US or other international retailers, the Home Trust Preferred Visa is the best card for you. No other no annual fee cash back card waives the transaction fee you would normally pay for purchases in foreign currencies.

Key features:

  • Cash back: Earn 1% back on all purchases (foreign transactions are excluded).
  • Additional perks: No foreign transaction fees; Purchase Protection insurance in the event of damage or theft within 90 days of purchase.
  • Not available for residents of Quebec.

*Cash advances, balance transfers, interest, fees and foreign transactions (including online purchases in foreign currencies) are not eligible for CashBack Rewards. 

Best prepaid

Best online credit card (prepaid)

Koho Mastercard

Apply now

3.9

Poor

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Apply now

Pros

  • A no-fee account option

  • Earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases

  • Accepted worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted

  • Four account tiers, so there’s something for everyone

  • Earn interest on your account

  • RoundUps feature helps you save

  • Financial coaching is available

  • Features like Credit Building (to help you build your credit history) and Cover (to protect you from overdrawing your account)

  • Compatible with Apple Pay

  • Joint account option for families and couples

Cons

  • No physical branches or tellers

  • No RRSP, TFSA or RESP accounts

  • Customer service not on par with the big banks

  • Missing some banking features, like wire transfers, currency exchanges and multiple lines of business like financial planning, mortgages and insurance

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Poor

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

Pros

  • A no-fee account option

  • Earn up to 5% cash back on your purchases

  • Accepted worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted

  • Four account tiers, so there’s something for everyone

  • Earn interest on your account

  • RoundUps feature helps you save

  • Financial coaching is available

  • Features like Credit Building (to help you build your credit history) and Cover (to protect you from overdrawing your account)

  • Compatible with Apple Pay

  • Joint account option for families and couples

Cons

  • No physical branches or tellers

  • No RRSP, TFSA or RESP accounts

  • Customer service not on par with the big banks

  • Missing some banking features, like wire transfers, currency exchanges and multiple lines of business like financial planning, mortgages and insurance

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Poor

Required Annual Personal Income

$0

Required Annual Household Income

$0

cash back on groceries and transportation

1%

interest earned on your account balance

3%

Annual Fee

$0

KOHO’s prepaid card offers all the perks of a luxury credit card, but is also an incredible budgeting and savings tool. Earn up to 5% cash back on all your purchases. 

If you’re looking for the convenience and ease of a credit card for online shopping, but don’t actually want to apply for credit, KOHO is your best bet. Because you can’t actually spend more money than you’ve loaded to your KOHO card, you’ll never have to deal with a bill coming later.

Key features:

  • Additional perks: No foreign transaction fees and one free international ATM withdraw per month (both apply for Extra version only).
Best USD

Best online shopping card for USD

Rogers Red Mastercard®

Apply now

3.0

Good

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Apply now

Pros

  • 2% in unlimited cash back on all purchases for customers of Rogers

  • The ability to earn 3% cash back value when you redeem with Rogers

  • Five free Roam Like Home days are available when you travel

  • The Rogers Bank app lets you rack your rewards so you know where you stand

Cons

  • Best deals are only available to Rogers customers

  • No insurance coverage

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Pros

  • 2% in unlimited cash back on all purchases for customers of Rogers

  • The ability to earn 3% cash back value when you redeem with Rogers

  • Five free Roam Like Home days are available when you travel

  • The Rogers Bank app lets you rack your rewards so you know where you stand

Cons

  • Best deals are only available to Rogers customers

  • No insurance coverage

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw.

2%

Earn 1% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases

1%

Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible purchases made in U.S. dollars.

2%

Get 1.5x more cash back every time you redeem for Rogers, Fido or Shaw purchases

1.5x

Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $75 value).

5

Purchase APR

20.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99%

Annual Fee

$0

Foreign Transaction Fee

2.5%

The Rogers Red Mastercard is an interesting options thanks to its lack of an annual fee and ability to earn cash back on USD purchases. Earn 2% unlimited cash back on all eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases if you have 1 qualifying service with Rogers, Fido or Shaw. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on eligible non-U.S. dollar purchases.

Key features:

  • Additional perks: Get 5 Roam Like Home days at no cost every year for Rogers mobile plans (up to $75 value).
  • †Terms and conditions apply. Rogers Bank is not responsible for maintaining or controlling the accuracy of the information published on this website. For full and up-to-date product information, visit Rogersbank.com.
Honourable mention

Honourable mention: credit card for online shopping

Neo Mastercard

Apply now

2.2

Good

Suggested credit score

to receive the latest news, tips and offers by email

Apply now

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Cash back rewards on purchases

  • Even more cash back potential with 10,000 Neo partners

Cons

  • Potentially high APR

  • Tiered cash back rates make it harder to unlock max earn rates

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Pros

  • No annual fee

  • Cash back rewards on purchases

  • Even more cash back potential with 10,000 Neo partners

Cons

  • Potentially high APR

  • Tiered cash back rates make it harder to unlock max earn rates

Eligibility

Recommended Credit Score

Good

Earn up to 4% cashback on gas and groceries, no matter where you pay for them.

Up to 4%

Earn up to 1% cashback on everything else

Up to 1%

Earn up to 15% cashback at participating partners with new offers added regularly.

Up to 15%

Visit any of Neo's 10,000 partners and earn an additional average of 5% cashback on top of your everyday cashback.

Up to 5%

Variable APR

19.99% - 29.99%

Cash Advance APR

22.99% - 31.99%

Annual Fee

$0

The Neo Credit Card in Canada offers enticing benefits for online shoppers, with partners like Lululemon.
Earn up to 4% cashback on gas and groceries purchases. Earn up to 1% cash back on everything else.

Key features:

  • Additional perks: Incredible app to help you manage your money better.

*Terms and Conditions apply.

®/TM Mastercard and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Used pursuant to license.

Conclusion

Final word

Though there are many ways to save when you shop online, finding the right credit card that will serve your personal spending habits is a big part of that! Where you shop online and what you buy will determine whether you need a card with no foreign transaction fees or an extended warranty benefit. Personal preferences, like whether you want cash back or rewards points, will also influence your decision. Don’t dismiss cards with annual fees if they provide enough additional benefits to make up for the cost.

FAQs

FAQs

  • Why should I look for a credit card with no foreign transaction fees for online shopping?

    +

    When shopping online from a retailer outside of Canada, you’re spending money in USD or another currency. Your cash will need to be converted from CAD to the foreign currency at the exchange rate. Furthermore, most credit cards also charge a foreign transaction fee of 2% to 3% on the purchase total. This can add to the expense of shopping online, especially if you regularly make large purchases with your credit card from foreign retailers. By choosing a credit card with no foreign transaction fees you can save money when shopping online.

  • Do I need a credit card to earn cash back on my online spending?

    +

    Many cards will provide you with cash back for your spending, or rewards points that can be converted to cash back or redeemed for merchandise. While it’s nice to earn cash back on all your spending, especially online, you don’t necessarily need a cash back card to do it. You could also use cash back apps or sites and earn there.

  • Do I need a credit card with extended warranty protection for my online purchases?

    +

    If you regularly buy electronics, home appliances, or other expensive purchases online, a credit card that offers an Extended Warranty feature is a must-have. This doubles the manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year, extending the life of your purchase. However, if most of your online spending is for items like clothing or consumables, you might find you don't need this feature and can look for a credit card offering a more relevant perk to your spending.

  • How can I find out what the merchant category code is for a retailer?

    +

    A merchant category code (MCC) is a four-digit code assigned by credit card companies to classify merchants in Canada. Each merchant that accepts credit cards has an MCC, which groups retailers into general categories based on their primary line of business. For example, a grocery store that also sells ready-to-eat foods is still classified as a grocery store.

    MCCs are relevant for consumers with cash back or rewards credit cards, as they determine the earn rates for points or cash back. Understanding MCCs is important for choosing the right credit card for specific purchases, such as determining whether a Netflix subscription counts as entertainment or a recurring payment. Paying attention to MCCs helps maximize card benefits by shopping at the appropriate stores.

    Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to find the merchant category code for a specific store because they are normally not listed on your credit card statements. Credit card providers in Canada don’t publicly map merchant category codes and merchants.

    Find out more: Merchant category codes in Canada

American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply. 

Bridget Casey Author

Bridget Casey is the award-winning entrepreneur behind Money After Graduation, a Canadian financial literacy website aimed at 20 and 30-somethings. She holds a BSc. from the University of Alberta, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Calgary. She has been featured as a millennial financial expert by Yahoo! Finance, TIME Magazine, Business Insider, CBC and BNN. Bridget was recognized as one of Alberta's Top Young Innovators in 2016.

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