By now savvy shoppers are already aware of the plethora of ways to save money. From coupons to shopping apps, there is no shortage of smart ways to save on your purchases. But what about the form of payment you use to complete your purchase? In particular, when it comes to the credit card you use, some are WAY better than others. Both in terms of rewards and cash-back. Here are the 11 best credit cards available to smart shoppers. Pick wisely depending on your specific needs and start saving more money immediately.

1. Amazon Prime Store Card

If you shop a lot on Amazon.com, the Prime Store card is definitely worth considering. Here is how it works.

• 5% back, in the form of a statement credit, on all purchases for Amazon Prime members.
• 6-month special financing (typically 0%) on any purchase totaling $149 or more.
• 12-month special financing on any purchase totaling $599 or more.
• 12-month Equal Pay offer on select Amazon-sold item.
• No annual fee. But remember you’ll need to pony up $99 annually to become a Prime member. If you’re already a Prime member the card makes much more sense than someone who is on the fence, or opposed, to becoming a Prime member.
• Also, as a cool little bonus you’ll get a $20 credit added to your Amazon account once you’re approved.

If you do sign-up, be sure to pay off your balance every month or get hit by a 26% APR which all but neglects your 5% back.

2. Amazon Rewards Visa

If you apply for the Amazon Rewards Visa you’ll get some cool features if approved. Here’s what you need to know.

• 3% back on Amazon purchase.
• Update: Beginning September 1, 2016, the Amazon.com redemption value for $1 is changing from 100 points to 125 points. Because of this, you’d be better off getting cashback for $1 per 100 points, then simply spend the cash on Amazon purchases.
• 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores.
• 1% back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee.
• $50 Amazon gift card will be loaded to your Amazon account upon arrival.

3. Discover it Cashback Match

A credit card that seems tailored made for savvy shoppers is the Discover it Card. Here’s the skinny…

• Earn a slick 5% back on specific categories (see below) like gas, Amazon purchases, and restaurants. Categories change every quarter. Also, you’ll get 1% back on all other purchases.
• Double cashback offer for the first year. So if you earn $250 cashback in the first 12 months Discover will double it to $500.
• Currently, when you apply through Amazon, you’re eligible for $50 Amazon gift card. To get your gift card, you must make a purchase with your card and create a Discover.com account and register your card.  Your gift card will be emailed to you in the form of a claim code, be sure your spam blocker doesn’t interfere.
• 0% intro APR on purchases & balance transfers for 12 months-then a variable purchase APR applies. APR is currently in the 11.24% – 23.24% range.
• 3% fee applies to each transferred balance.
• No annual fee.

Here’s the category breakdown for the rest of 2016:

• July – September: Home improvement stores & Amazon.com. This means 10% back on your Amazon purchases for the 1st year, this includes Amazon gift cards. Consider buying gift cards by September 30th and use them for your Christmas shopping.
• October – December: Check back for details.

You can also use your rewards to pay at Amazon and your cash rewards will never expire.

4. Target REDcard

If your a loyal Target shopper, the Target REDcard will definitely save you money. Here’s what you need to know.

• 5% off  ALL of your Target purchases moving forward. This is obviously the biggest benefit.
• While you won’t get 5% back on drug prescriptions, you will get a 5% off coupon after you fill 5 prescriptions. You can then use the coupon in conjunction with the 5% off for 10% savings.
• Free shipping on all Target.com purchases. Otherwise, the free shipping threshold is $25.
• 30 extra days to return items.
• High APR, upwards of 23%. Only get this card if you pay off your credit card bills each month.
• No annual fee.

5. Lowe’s Credit Card

If you’re about to undertake a big DIY project, or considering a large purchase, the Lowe’s credit card is a great option. Here are the key benefits.

• 5% off all your purchases at Lowe’s.
• Instead of 5%, you can also opt for 0% financing for 6-months on purchases over $299.
• No annual fee.
• If you can’t pay off your bill, you’ll be hit with a 24.99% APR.

6. TJX Rewards Credit Card

The TJX Rewards credit card will earn you points and an initial discount at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post. If you shop often at these stores, this card is a solid option.

• 10% off your first in-store purchase at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post.
• 5 points per buck spent at these stores, and 1-point everywhere else.
• You’ll then get a $10 rewards certificates for every 1,000 points earned.
• MasterCard with no annual fee.

7. Chase Freedom Visa

The Chase Freedom Visa card has some excellent benefits to shoppers, particularly warehouse club shoppers. Here’s what you should know.

• 5% cash back at wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s. ($1,500 maximum)
• 5% cash back at all restaurants.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• $150 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 0% intro APR for first 15 months.
• No annual fee.

8. GAP Visa Credit Card

The GAP Visa card has some pretty cool features and can be used at any place Visa is accepted. Here are the details.

• 15% off your first purchase after approval.
• 5 reward points earned for every $1 spent at GAP, Old Navy, Athleta, and Banana Republic. 1 point earned everywhere else for each dollar spent.
• Each point is worth 1 penny and can be redeemed at the 4 stores listed above.
• $5 reward for every 500 points earned.
• On the 1st Tuesday of each month you’ll get 10% off at GAP or GAP.com.
• Free returns available without your receipt.
• No annual fee.

9. American Express Starwood

The American Express Starwood Preferred Guest card offers some great perks for shoppers that other cards don’t.

• Extended warranty program that gives you up to 1 extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty.
• Purchase protection that protects you from accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days from purchase.
• 90-day return protection that protects you if the merchant won’t take it back for whatever reason.
• 25,000 bonus Starpoints when you make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
• Redeem points for free hotel nights or entertainment options.
• No annual fee.

AmEx also has a Starwood Business Card that made MoneyCrashers list of the best credit cards for small businesses. Definitely worth a look.

10. BankAmericard Cash Rewards Credit Card

The BankAmericard Visa has some killer rewards for shoppers. Here is the skinny.

• 2% cash back at grocery stores and at wholesale clubs like Costco, Sam’s, and BJ’s.
• 3% back at gas stations and 1% back on everything else.
• Online $100 cash rewards bonus after making at least $500 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months.
• No annual fee and rewards never expire.

11. Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi

If you’re a loyal Costco shopper, the new Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is worth a look.

• No annual fee with your Costco membership.
• 2% cash back on Costco.com and Costco in-store purchases.
• 4% cash back on gas, including Costco gas.
• 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel. 1% back everywhere else.
• 0% APR for first 7 months, then a variable 15.49% APR.
• TIP: Don’t use your cash rewards check on your Costco purchase as you’ll lose the 2%. Instead, cash it in on a small Costco purchase then use your Visa so you get your 2% cash back.

Ask the Reader: How do you use your credit card to help you save money, or earn points, when shopping online or in-store?

By Kyle James