Disclaimer: This post reflects my personal research and opinions on credit card rewards and sports card purchases. I am not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the credit card companies mentioned. Always do your own research before applying for a credit card.

Why Your Choice of Credit Card Matters for Sports Card Purchases

If you’re buying sports cards online, using the right credit card can help you save money or earn valuable rewards. On eBay, where there are no extra credit card fees, using a rewards card is a no-brainer. On platforms like Fanatics Collect and Arena Club, where credit card fees apply, the right card can still help offset those costs.

Important Note on American Express

eBay no longer allows buyers to use American Express for purchases.

Now, let’s break down the best credit cards to use for sports card purchases.

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1. Bank of America Customized Cash Card – Best for Cash Back

• Intro Offer: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
• Rewards: 3% back on your chosen spending category (select “Online Shopping” for sports cards) on up to $2,500 in purchases per quarter; 1% back on everything else
• Annual Fee: $0

If you buy a lot of sports cards online (up to $2500 per quarter), this card is one of, if not the best, pure cash-back options. By selecting “Online Shopping” as your 3% category, you’ll earn the highest rewards rate on sites like eBay, Fanatics Collect, and Arena Club.

👉 Best for: Collectors who want to maximize cash back with no annual fee

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2. Chase Freedom Unlimited – Best for Points Collectors Who Want Flexibility

• Intro Offer: Up to $300 cash back (1.5% extra on all purchases in the first year)
• Rewards: 1.5% back on all purchases (can be converted to Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you have a Chase Sapphire card)
• Annual Fee: $0

If you want points instead of cash back and already have a Chase Sapphire card, this is a solid option. Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be valuable if used for travel, and 1.5% back on every purchase means you don’t have to track spending categories.

👉 Best for: Collectors who want simple, flexible rewards that can be converted to Chase points

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3. Capital One Venture X – Best for Big Spenders Willing to Pay an Annual Fee

• Intro Offer: 75,000 Capital One miles after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Rewards: 2x Capital One miles on all purchases
• Annual Fee: $395 (but comes with travel perks and credits)

For high spenders who also travel, the Venture X earns 2x miles on everything, including sports card purchases. The $395 annual fee is steep, but if you can take advantage of its perks, it may be worth considering.

👉 Best for: High-spending collectors who also value travel perks

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4. Citi Double Cash Card – Best Simple No-Fee Option

• Intro Offer: $200 bonus after spending $1,500 in the first 6 months
• Rewards: 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay)
• Annual Fee: $0

If you want a no-hassle 2% cash-back card, the Citi Double Cash is a great choice. You’ll earn more than Chase Freedom Unlimited’s 1.5% and won’t have to worry about category limits.

👉 Best for: Collectors who want a simple, high-earning cash-back card with no annual fee

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5. Wells Fargo Active Cash – Another 2% Cash Back Option

• Intro Offer: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months
• Rewards: 2% back on all purchases
• Annual Fee: $0

Similar to the Citi Double Cash, this card earns 2% on everything but has a lower spending requirement for the intro bonus.

👉 Best for: Collectors who prefer Wells Fargo and want a 2% cash-back card

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Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Credit Card for Sports Cards?

✅ Best for Cash Back: Bank of America Customized Cash (3% online shopping)
✅ Best for Points: Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% that can be converted to Chase Ultimate Rewards)
✅ Best for High Spenders: Capital One Venture X (2x miles, premium perks)
✅ Best Simple Cash Back: Citi Double Cash or Wells Fargo Active Cash (2% on everything)

If you only buy on eBay, the Bank of America Customized Cash is probably the best overall choice since you can earn 3% on sports cards purchases.

For platforms like Fanatics Collect or Arena Club where credit card fees do apply, using cash back cards (2-3%) can help offset some of those fees. However, also be sure to read my article on when to pay with a bank account vs. a credit card to understand the tradeoffs!

No matter what, choosing the right credit card can save you money on every sports card purchase.

What do you think? Do you use a rewards credit card for your sports card purchases? Let me know in the comments!