Last updated on March 8th, 2023
Buying presents during the holidays is stressful, but what happens if time is running out and the space under your tree is looking particularly bare? Here are some of our favorite credit cards for last-minute holiday shopping:
This post may contain links from partner offers, and we may receive compensation when you click on links to these offers. Please see our advertiser and editorial disclosures above for more information. Citi is an advertising partner.
At a Glance
 Sam’s Club® Mastercard® |
Earn 5% cash back on gas (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%), 3% back on Sam's purchases, dining, and takeout, and 1% back on all other purchases. | |
 Citi® Double Cash Card |
Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. | |
 Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card |
Earn 5% cash back on purchases at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market locations | Learn More |
 Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® |
Best for big purchasesCombine the flexibility of a card with the low cost and predictability of a loan. |
The Best Credit Cards for Last-Minute Shopping
Looking for a credit card that provides the versatility you need for any last-minute holiday shopping? Here are some of our top picks:
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
-
Earn 5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%)
-
Earn 3% cash back on dining and takeout
☆ No Annual Fee
☆ Additonal Cash Back w/ Sam's Plus Membership
☆ No Foreign Transaction Fees
The Sam’s Club® Mastercard is another great last-minute holiday shopping resource, especially given the sheer volume (and array) of products offered by Sam’s Club. The card offers Sam’s Club members everywhere up to 5% cash back on gas purchases, 3% back on dining, and more – all for no annual fee.
Earning 5% back with the Sam’s Club Card is on par with many of the other nominees for “best gas credit card,” making it something of a no-brainer for the current Sam’s Club member who frequently purchases gasoline and wants to save at the pump this holiday season.
Keep in mind that the Sam’s Mastercard requires a current Sam’s Club membership – and requires a Sam’s Plus membership to reach that maximum rewards rate.
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
-
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
☆ No reward caps or categories
☆ No annual fee
The Citi® Double Cash Card earns a flat-rate 1% cash back on all eligible purchases – and another 1% back when the account holder pays off that balance. Additionally, the card features no annual fee and a lengthy 18-month intro APR offer for new accounts.
The lack of an annual fee, the prospect of 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 those looking to save when last-minute shopping, or hoping to pay down an existing card balance.
The Double Cash from Citi earns rewards as ThankYou Points. Cardmembers can opt for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or other award options or use their points to book travel through Citi ThankYou® Rewards.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature® Card
-
5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
-
2% back on dining, gas, and drugstores
☆ Visa Signature features
☆ No foreign transaction fees
☆ $No annual fee
Actually getting out of the house and hitting the stores is one of the worst parts of last-minute shopping. Fortunately, sites like Amazon make shopping from the comfort of your own home a breeze this holiday season – and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card from Chase is the perfect tool for maximizing your savings when shopping with the ubiquitous brand.
The Prime Rewards Visa Signature offers 5% cash back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, plus 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores. New accounts also receive an Amazon gift card instantly upon approval – plus, Chase is extending the 2% cash back to all purchases with the card through March 2022.
Like the Sam’s Club Mastercard, the Amazon Prime Rewards Card requires an active Amazon Prime membership to receive the most rewards. Non-Prime members only receive 3% back with Amazon or Whole Foods, which, while decent, isn’t 5%.
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
-
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
-
No fees of any kind!
☆ $0 Annual Fee, $0 Maintenance Fees
☆ Quick Online Pre-Approval
☆ Exceptionally Low APR
The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® offers 3% cash back on all eligible purchases in select Home, Auto, and Health categories. Those triple cash back (3% back for every $1 spent on purchases) categories are broad, making the card a versatile earner that excels for use in everyday life – or the last-minute shopper seeking just the right gift.
The Triple Cash Rewards Visa works and behaves just like other Upgrade Card products – a huge plus for those that want a great low rate and the predictability of an installment loan. Cardholders can use funds from their line of credit to their bank account to pay off existing debt. This process makes the card an ideal alternative for a balance transfer credit card.
Other Options to Consider
Want some more last-minute credit card options to consider? Here are some other popular offers:
Easiest Credit Cards to Get with Bad Credit
Looking to find the best credit cards for bad credit? The BestCards team has you covered with our guide to the top choices for rebuilding a damaged credit score.
Milestone Vs. Indigo Card: Read This Before Applying
Stuck trying to choose between the Milestone Card and the Indigo Card? Let BestCards breakdown both cards and help you find your best bet!
The Best Fintech & Crypto Credit Cards
Neobank and fintech cards are everywhere nowadays, but which are the best? Here are BestCards’ top fintech credit cards:
The information related to the Citi® Double Cash Card has been collected by BestCards.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
Featured photo by Alexas_Fotos/ PixaBay
