The best credit cards for large purchases in 2026

The offer mentioned below for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® is no longer available.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

If you've been thinking about buying big-ticket items such as a piece of furniture, a shiny new Apple Watch or a much-needed phone upgrade, using the right credit card to make that large purchase is key. Thanks to limited-time welcome bonuses and bonus spending categories, your credit card might help you pick up enough points to pay for part (or all) of your next vacation or earn enough in cash-back rewards to cover that latest splurge.

Keep in mind that while spending beyond your means just to meet the requirement for a welcome bonus is not the way to go — neither is blowing your budget on a steep annual fee just to get a card with exceptional rewards — if you can work with your budget, keep tabs on your credit score and add a new card responsibly, there's no reason not to.

Depending on your current financial situation and how much your dream item costs, you may be able to benefit from a card's 0% intro APR period when making larger-than-usual purchases. You may also be covered by benefits like cell phone protection, extended warranty and purchase protection.

Below, CNBC Select details the best credit cards for those looking to make major purchases, such as electronics, in the near future — and a few things to consider before adding a new card.

• Best for purchase protections and extended warranties: American Express Platinum Card®
• Best for online purchases: Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Best for large business purchases: Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (See rates and fees)
• Best for 0% intro APR: Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
• Best for cash back: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for Amazon: Prime Visa (See rates and fees)
• Best for spending categories: U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
• Best for travel rewards: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (See rates and fees)

Who’s this for? If you've got a particularly valuable purchase in mind, consider applying for the American Express Platinum Card®, which offers up to $10,000 in *purchase protection per occurrence, with a limit of up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year, for a period of up to 90 days from the day you buy it. Your precious purchase will also be protected up to $500 in case of "purchase protection covered events" such as natural disasters.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

This premium-level travel rewards card also comes with *return protection, a rare perk that essentially allows you to extend an eligible item's return policy and receive a refund (up to $300 per item, not counting shipping and handling, with a limit of $1,000 per card account per calendar year, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories) if the vendor refuses to accept your return within a 90-day period. As for *extended warranty coverage, the card gives you up to one additional year on an original manufacturer's warranty if it's five years or less, with a limit of $10,000 per purchase, up to $50,000 per account. And if you pay your cell phone bill with the card, you'll also be covered by *cell phone protection (up to $800 per claim with a $50 deductible).

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

If you're looking to use your large purchase to earn the welcome bonus of as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership, which can then be redeemed for travel through American Express Membership Rewards® or with one of the issuer's many airline and hotel transfer partners, this card is a terrific option. You'll also earn 5X points per dollar for flights (up to $500,000 per year) and hotels booked directly through American Express Travel®, and 1X points for all other purchases. Terms apply.

Although the annual fee is quite steep at $895; see rates and fees, the card's robust lineup of travel and consumer benefits makes it all worthwhile, especially if you're planning to take advantage of most or all of them: receive up to $600 in statement credits split semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay); up to $200 worth of statement credits per year to cover travel incidentals on your chosen airline (enrollment required); up to $209 worth of statement credits to cover your CLEAR+ membership (Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal); access to more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide through The Global Lounge Collection® for eligible cardmembers (Enrollment required for Priority Pass™ Select); and statement credits when you use the card pay for select streaming services, Walmart+ (subject to auto-renewal. Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee) and Equinox memberships (enrollment required), and up to $200 in Uber Cash*; among other perks.

*An Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit. Enrollment required.

Who’s this for? If you're in the market for a no-annual-fee card (see rates and fees) that offers cash-back rewards for all your everyday purchases, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express is a particularly good option, especially since it lets you earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000 worth of eligible online retail purchases made in the U.S. each year (after, 1%). You'll also earn 3% back on up to $6,000 worth of eligible groceries purchases per year at U.S. supermarkets (after, 1%), 3% back at U.S. gas stations (up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases, then 1%) and 1% back for all additional spending. Terms apply.

For those planning to make large purchases, the card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months of account membership (after that, 19.49% to 28.49%, variable; see rates and fees). Balance transfers must be requested within 60 days of account opening. There's a balance transfer fee that's either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer (whichever is greater).

New cardholders can also take advantage of the welcome bonus offer. Apply and find out your welcome offer. As High As $200 cash back* after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply, and if approved: 1. Find out your offer amount 2. Accept the Card with your offer 3. Spend $2,000 in 6 months 4. Receive the cash back. *Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Note that cashback is awarded as Reward Dollars, which you can redeem for statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. You also may not be eligible for the welcome bonus or intro APR if you've already had this card or currently have a number of open accounts with American Express, among other factors considered.

Who’s this for? Small business owners who tend to make large purchases should consider the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, which lets you earn 2.5% cash back whenever you spend $5,000 or more, as well as 5% cash back when you purchase flights, hotel stays, rental cars and other travel activities through the Chase travel℠ portal. You'll also earn 2% cash back on all other business-related purchases and can redeem your flexible rewards points for travel, gift cards or cash back through Chase Travel℠.

As a welcome bonus, new cardholders can earn $1,000 bonus cash back after spending $10,000 within the first three months of account opening. While there is a $195 annual fee for this card, it also provides access to a host of travel-related benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waivers for car rentals and trip cancellation and interruption insurance, among others, as well as cell phone protection for yourself and any employees listed on your cell phone bill (up to $1,000 per claim, with a limit of three claims per year and a $100 deductible).

The card also protects your large purchases for 120 days against theft or damage (up to $10,000 per claim, up to $50,000 per account), adds an extra year to your current U.S. manufacturer warranty on eligible warranties under three years old, and gives you the option to pay off big purchases over time with interest (Flex for Business Variable APR: 18.49% - 26.49%) should you need it.

Who’s this for? If you prefer a card with a longer-than-usual 0% APR introductory offer so you can pay off your purchase over time without incurring interest, try the Wells Fargo Reflect® Card, which lets you do just that. New cardholders start off with a 0% intro APR for 21 months from account opening — which can be used for any purchases or qualifying balance transfers; 17.49%, 23.99%, or 28.24% variable after. Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.

Otherwise, you'll get additional benefits such as $600 worth of cell phone protection against theft or damage (but not loss, and there's a $25 deductible) when you use it to pay your bill and access to 24/7 emergency roadside assistance (service charges apply). Note that you might not be eligible to be a card member if you've already opened another Wells Fargo credit card within the past six months.

Who’s this for? Look no further than the Chase Freedom Unlimited® if you're interested in a flexible rewards credit card that offers an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

During your first year, you'll earn 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service), and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

This no-annual-fee card also lets you lock in a 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after account opening (after, 19.49% - 28.24%, variable), giving you the freedom and flexibility to pay off that big purchase you've been meaning to make in a few months if you can't afford to do it all at once.

Note that you won't be eligible for this card if you're a current cardholder or you've already received its welcome bonus within the past 24 months. Otherwise, you're all set with built-in purchase protection up to 120 days (up to $500 per claim, up to $50,000 per account) and extended warranty protection for eligible warranties under three years, as well as other travel-related benefits such as auto rental collision damage waivers and trip cancellation and interruption insurance, among others.

Who’s this for? The Prime Visa is a great choice for those who already have an Amazon Prime membership and would like to receive up to 5% cash back on all the shopping they're doing anyway. The card has a welcome offer of a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members, which helps to offset the $139 annual cost of an Amazon Prime membership (discounts are also available for students and government assistance recipients).

Once you've got the card and an Amazon Prime membership, you'll earn 5% back on purchases made on Amazon.com and at Whole Foods Market (or 3% back if you don't have an active Prime account); 10% back on a rotating list of categories; unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare); and 1% back for all other purchases made with the card.

There are no annual or foreign transaction fees, and when making larger purchases, you'll be able to choose between getting 5% back (3% back for non-Prime members). You can also redeem rewards points for even more Amazon shopping via the Shop With Points feature.

In addition to several travel-related benefits including access to Visa Signature® Concierge Service and the Visa Signature® Luxury Hotel Collection, auto rental collision damage waivers for car rentals, travel accident and baggage delay insurance and lost luggage reimbursement, you'll also receive purchase protection for the first 120 days (up to $500 per claim, up to $50,000 per account) and an extra year's worth of extended warranty protection (restrictions apply).

Who’s this for? If you're looking for a straightforward way to earn cash-back rewards on all your purchases, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card keeps it simple by letting cardholders determine which flexible spending categories they'd like to earn more rewards from based on what they're buying the most.

For starters, this no-annual-fee card's welcome offer means you'll snag a $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account membership. Then, each quarter, you'll earn 5% back for the first $2,000 worth of combined eligible purchases in two specific categories, as well as 2% back on one specific everyday spending category and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

The fact that you could make two of your 5% cash-back categories electronics stores, furniture stores, sporting goods stores, department stores, clothing stores and cell phone providers bodes well for anyone considering a large purchase — additional category options include fast food spots, movie theaters, cable/internet/streaming services, gyms/fitness centers, home utilities and ground transportation. Everyday spending categories include restaurants, gas stations and EV charging stations, and grocery stores and delivery, so choose wisely.

The card also offers a 0% introductory APR for purchases and balance transfers made during the first 15 billing cycles (after, 18.99% - 29.24% , variable), as well as several pay-over-time options, which can be useful when making larger purchases.

You can also earn 5% cash back by booking flights, hotels and rental cars through the Rewards Travel Center or while shopping at more than 1,100 stores online via the Rewards Center Earn Mall. Note that cash-back rewards are provided as statement credits, a rewards card or can be deposited straight into your U.S. Bank savings or checking account.

Who’s this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is a great option for anyone looking to use the points earned from making a large purchase to fund a future trip or to save on an upcoming Apple purchase. It's also a good choice if you'd like to extend a current U.S. manufacturer's warranty by one year — if it's less than three years old and not being used for computer software or pre-owned items, among other exceptions — or need purchase protection on your new item for 120 days in case of theft or damage.

The card is currently offering a welcome bonus of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

You'll earn 5X points per dollar on travel booked via Chase Travel℠; 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides (Benefit valid through September 30, 2027); 3X points per dollar spent with certain streaming services, as well as on dining and online grocery shopping (except Target®, Walmart® and other wholesale clubs); 2X points per dollar on all other travel spending; and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.

Those points can be used to book travel directly through Chase Travel℠ or transferred to any of its airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, so you could end up saving money on a future vacation simply by using this card to make your large purchase and, if it meets or exceeds the minimum-spending requirement, scooping up the welcome bonus.

While there is a $95 annual fee, there are no foreign transaction fees and you'll score special discounts for shopping with DoorDash, among other perks. You'll also have access to travel benefits such as collision damage waivers for car rentals, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, a 10% points boost to celebrate each card anniversary and a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit.

Before signing up for a new credit card, check your credit score using a credit monitoring service like Chase Credit Journey or CreditWise so you can see if everything's correct and get a better idea of where you stand in terms of your realistic chances of being approved.

Keep in mind that some card issuers might take a closer look at exactly how many cards you already have — Chase's strict 5/24 rule often disqualifies applicants who have already applied for five cards within the last 24 months. Even if you are denied, the issuer is required to tell you why and you can usually call and plead your case, though you may not be successful.

Remember to run the numbers for a new card by your current budget and make sure you're able to meet any minimum-spending requirements responsibly — going into debt trying to earn rewards simply is not worth it. Also ensure you'll be using enough of the new card's perks and benefits enough to justify paying the annual fee, especially if it's a hefty one.

Despite these unpredictable times and the record-high inflation that's come with them, it's still possible to save money on those more significant purchases you've been meaning to make, whether it's a new TV, cell phone, couch, bed or this year's haul of holiday presents. With a little planning and research, you'll be able to choose the card that works best for your financial needs, most of which come with purchase protections and other perks that provide even more peace of mind.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best credit cards for large purchases.

To determine which cards offer the best value for large purchases, CNBC Select analyzed 234 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

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For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, click here.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Information about the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card and the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

*We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through Amazon links.