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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
What credit cards should you use to purchase gift cards?
Olivia Mittak is a credit cards editor at TPG. She specializes in maximizing earn for points and miles, finding the best welcome bonuses and choosing the right credit cards for your wallet.
September 20, 2026 • 9 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
The article reviews top options for maximizing rewards when purchasing gift cards, focusing on cards that offer elevated returns at specific merchants such as office supply stores, supermarkets or wholesale clubs.
It highlights the importance of selecting a card based on where you typically buy gift cards, as some cards provide higher rewards at certain locations.
A comparison is provided between cards that offer category bonuses and those with flat-rate rewards, outlining which types of buyers may benefit most from each approach.
The guide also notes that some cards provide additional perks like statement credits or flexible redemption options.
What to consider
Eligibility for certain cards may require specific memberships, such as a wholesale club membership.
Bonus rewards at select merchants are often subject to annual or quarterly spending caps, after which a lower rate applies.
Redemption options and reward transfer rates can vary, especially if you do not hold higher-tier products within the same rewards program.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of reward rates, spending caps and redemption nuances for each recommended card when purchasing gift cards.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Whether you're buying an Airbnb gift card for a future trip or an Apple gift card as a gift for a loved one, it's possible to earn bonus rewards on your purchases. I always advise earning as many points per dollar spent or as much cash back as possible, since that will get you to your travel goals as quickly as possible.
With these cards, you'll be able to maximize every dollar you spend on gift cards, even if you're spending a substantial amount on them every year. Plus, your purchases could help you earn some valuable welcome offers.
Here are my picks for the best credit cards for purchasing gift cards.
Best cards for purchasing gift cards
Each of these cards comes from a different issuer, so regardless of your issuer preferences, you should be able to find the right choice for you.
2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay)
$0
Let's take a deeper look at the details of each of our top picks.
Ink Business Cash
Best for: Small business owners who often shop at office supply stores
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
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Why it's great for gift card purchases: The Ink Business Cash is a great choice if you commonly purchase gift cards at office supply stores like Staples or OfficeMax, since this card earns 5% cash back (or 5 points per dollar spent) on those purchases (on up to $25,000 in spending each year, then 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent).
Best for: Those looking for additional benefits beyond earning rewards
Annual fee: $325
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
CHABYBUCKO/GETTY IMAGES
Why it's great for gift card purchases: The Amex Gold earns 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $50,000 and $25,000 in spending per calendar year, respectively, then 1 point per dollar spent). That makes it a great choice for any gift cards you purchase at restaurants or U.S. supermarkets.
In addition to the bonus rewards it earns, the Amex Gold provides a few statement credits to help justify its annual fee. For example, cardmembers can earn up to $50 semiannually on purchases made at Resy restaurants in the U.S. Cardmembers can also earn up to $10 monthly for eligible dining purchases and up to $10 in Uber Cash each month (when they add their Amex Gold to their Uber account and pay with any Amex card; enrollment required for select benefits).
Welcome offer: Earn 6% back on the category of your choice for the first cardholder year. Plus, earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
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Why it's great for gift card purchases: If you're team cash back, the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card can be a great choice for your gift card spending. Since you'll earn 6% back on the category of your choosing for the first cardholder year (on up to $2,500 in purchases each quarter, then 1% back), you can use this card to rack up a lot of rewards at your preferred gift card merchant, such as Costco or Staples.
After your 6% cash-back welcome offer ends, you'll still earn 3% cash back on a category of your choice (subject to the same quarterly spending cap), so this card has solid long-term value.
Best for: Those who frequently buy gift cards at Costco
Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
Welcome offer: None
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Why it's great for gift card purchases: Costco is a popular choice for gift card purchases, but since it's a wholesale club, it often doesn't qualify for bonus rewards on many cards.
Fortunately, Costco offers its own personal credit card. With the Costco Anywhere Visa, you'll be able to earn at least 2% cash back on all purchases made at Costco and on Costco.com. While that might not be as high a rate as other cards in this roundup offer, this may be the only card in your wallet that's eligible for rewards at Costco.
Just keep in mind that you'll need an active Costco membership to qualify for this card. You'll also only be able to redeem your rewards in one way, via an annual credit card rewards certificate given when your February billing statement closes.
Best for: Those looking for a simple flat-rate card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
GABBY JONES/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES
Why it's great for gift card purchases: If you want to have the ability to earn bonus rewards virtually anywhere you purchase your gift cards, whether at Starbucks, Walmart or someplace else, the Citi Double Cash is the way to go. This card earns 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay it off).
If you're planning to buy gift cards in the near future, it's important to choose the right card to maximize the rewards you'll earn. The right card for you depends on which type of merchant you buy your gift cards from. That's especially true if you make these purchases with specific companies, such as Costco.
If you want to keep it simple, you can always opt for a basic flat-rate card. That way, you don't need to worry about tracking bonus categories. You'll earn bonus rewards wherever you buy your gift cards.
