
Don’t sleep on the “online shopping” rewards category
“Online shopping” is an all-too-often forgotten credit card bonus category. Here’s why it could be one of the most lucrative bonus categories out there.
Garrett Yarbrough writes credit card reviews, comparisons and guides for Bankrate and CreditCards.com. He has comprehensively researched the current market for more than five years, and specializes in evaluating the potential and personal value of credit cards for real people by providing the most insightful steps toward finding the best credit card — and personal financial growth at the end of the day.
He’s used his firsthand expertise and years of analysis to also write and research for major Bankrate features, including Bankrate’s Best Credit Cards hub, the latest credit card points and miles valuations, the 2022 through 2025 Bankrate Awards, the Spender Type tool, the Credit Utilization Calculator and the CardMatch™ and Approval Odds tools.
Prior to joining Bankrate, Garrett worked as a copywriter at an ad agency, and then as a freelance writer. He joined NextAdvisor.com in 2020, where his credit card, credit monitoring and identity theft analysis were regularly featured.
When he’s not reviewing credit cards or detailing the latest developments in Bankrate’s best cards, you can find Garrett traveling, reading and stopping at every niche museum he sees along the highway.
Beyond Bankrate
As someone who began their personal finance journey not too long ago, I’ve seen firsthand the many credit-related misconceptions that family, friends and other credit builders hold. I noticed these stumbling blocks led several loved ones to avoid credit cards and base important life decisions on popular financial misinformation.
Using my background in analytical research and user-focused writing, I strive to make navigating credit cards and credit building smooth sailing for others who are new to credit.
How to choose the right credit card
Rethinking credit: Tips for first-generation credit users
How to maximize your credit card rewards
Under-the-radar credit card perks you should know
Merchant category codes: How to earn more cash back
How much are points and miles worth in 2023?
Sifting through reward program, sign-up bonus or card feature terms can feel overwhelming for even credit card veterans. As a Bankrate writer, I’ve seen how translating fine print into actionable advice can help cardholders evaluate their most valuable options and build a stronger financial future.
— Garrett Yarbrough
“Online shopping” is an all-too-often forgotten credit card bonus category. Here’s why it could be one of the most lucrative bonus categories out there.
It lacks the value rival credit-building cards offer. The high annual fee, low starting credit limit and few credit-building tools make it hard to justify.
The Credit One Bank® Platinum X5 Visa® has an alluring cash back rewards rate, but the $95 annual fee and restrictive card terms can take a toll if you’re building credit. Read a full review here.
Read our picks for best credit cards for wholesale clubs.
Bankrate helps you determine the top-rated credit cards based on objective data.
If you qualify for the lowest APR offered, the USAA Rate Advantage Platinum Visa is a quality card.
This is one of the best (and only) travel rewards cards for students, but its streamlined structure doesn’t offer many bells and whistles either.