Pet ownership can be expensive, with recurring expenses like food, supplies and veterinary care. A rewards credit card can help offset these costs, but finding the right card is tricky since bonus categories typically don’t include everyday pet expenses. Here are some of the better options available to help you earn rewards on Fido’s food.
Comparing the best credit cards for pet owners
While you may have to plan strategically to save on your pet expenses, there are plenty of credit card choices to help defray costs.
| Card Name | Best for | Highlights | Bankrate Score |
|---|
| Credit One Bank® Best Friends® Credit Card | Pet stores | - 5% cash back at pet shops, pet foods, and supply stores for the first $5,000 per calendar year, then 1%
| N/A |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Supermarkets | - 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%)
- 6% cash back on U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on transit
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
| 4.4 |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | Wholesale clubs and online shopping | - 3% cash back in your chosen category (on the first $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter in the choice and grocery/wholesale club category, then 1%)
- 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined purchases per quarter in the choice and grocery/wholesale club category, then 1%)
| 4.3 |
| U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card | Selecting specific stores | - 6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter with two chosen retailers
- 3% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in a chosen everyday category
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
| N/A |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Flat-rate spending | - Unlimited 2% cash rewards on eligible purchases
- 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months (20.24 percent to 29.99 percent variable APR after)
| 4.3 |
Top credit cards for pet owners
Best for pet stores
Credit One Bank® Best Friends® Credit Card
Best for supermarkets
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
Best for wholesale clubs and online shopping
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
Best for selecting specific stores
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Best for flat-rate spending
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
How to choose the best credit cards for pet owners
The best credit card for your needs as a pet owner depends on a few issues you should consider. Here are a few steps for determining which card to choose:
- Assess your most significant pet-related expenses. Your pet has unique needs, and which card can earn you the most depends on which eligible stores cater to those needs.
- Consider your other expenses. While a card targeted towards your pet’s needs is important, try to find a card that also rewards the other expenses in your budget. For example, earning bonuses at stores like Walmart and Target can cover various needs for both you and your pets.
- Assess whether you need financing. If you don’t have the financial flexibility to afford costs like pet adoption or veterinary bills all at once, a solid 0 percent intro APR on purchases can give you time to pay off those expenses without additional interest. If you’re already paying off a balance, a strong intro APR on balance transfers can help consolidate your debt.
How to get additional savings on pet expenses
Even though many cards don’t directly offer bonuses on pet expenses, there are plenty of ways to get additional savings on pet expenses. They require a bit of extra work but can add up to substantial savings.
Discounted gift cards
Many stores offer third-party gift cards to a variety of merchants. You can find these at grocery stores, office supply stores, and discount retailers, to name a few. If they sell gift cards to a merchant where you buy pet supplies, you can buy the gift card and receive the boosted rewards rate (and then use that gift card at the pet store).
Learn more: Can you buy gift cards with a credit card?
Shopping portals
Many credit card issuers offer limited-time bonus offers with participating merchants through online shopping portals. You can search for offers by logging in to your account. Once you link the offer to your account you can use your linked card to make your purchase. Depending on the offer, your qualifying purchase will trigger a statement credit or bonus rewards.
Learn more: How to maximize your credit card rewards with shopping portals
Frequently asked questions
Yes, many sellers allow you to make pet purchases with a credit card.
What’s next?
For an idea of what cards are available to you, enter some basic information into CardMatch™, Bankrate’s prequalification tool. And for more insight into what card best fits your rewards needs, our Spender Type Tool can point you in the right direction.
CardMatch Find your credit card match Caret Right Spender Type Tool Get recommendations based on your spendi Caret Right
The bottom line
Since pet stores and veterinarians aren’t bonus categories you usually find on a rewards card, you’ll need to be strategic about which card you use and when you use it if you want to earn rewards on pet purchases. The most lucrative options are cards that offer rewards on groceries, online shopping and at other major retailers that may carry pet supplies. However, a card with a lengthy intro APR offer is also a good option if you foresee significant upfront pet costs.
*The information about Credit One Bank® Best Friends® Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
FAQs
Key Takeaways. Most people with a credit score of 640 or better will qualify for a CareCredit credit card. Most veterinarians take CareCredit, because it helps them provide services without having to set up internal financing systems for their clients.
What credit score do you need for CareCredit for pets? ›
Key Takeaways. Most people with a credit score of 640 or better will qualify for a CareCredit credit card. Most veterinarians take CareCredit, because it helps them provide services without having to set up internal financing systems for their clients.
What is the name of the pet credit card? ›
The CareCredit credit card can be used for routine veterinary appointments, grooming services, emergency pet care, or a variety of surgeries and treatments in the CareCredit network.* It gives pet owners the peace of mind needed to care for pets.
What is a vet credit card? ›
CareCredit for Pets is a healthcare credit card that helps pet owners pay for veterinary expenses with flexible financing options. CareCredit is not insurance; it is a line of credit that you can use to pay for vet visits and other pet-related expenses.
Can I open a credit card for my dog? ›
And now, All Pet Credit Card helps you be there for them when they need you most. Special financing* ensures your pets can get the care they need, when they need it, while freeing you to pay over time. All to help you keep those wags, yips, cuddles, and purrs coming.
Is CareCredit hard to get approved for? ›
If you have good credit and a low debt-to-income ratio, the lender may approve you and offer you its most competitive rates.
Can you get CareCredit with a 580 score? ›
The credit score you need for the CareCredit Credit Card is 640 or better. That means people with at least fair credit have a shot at getting approved for this card.
Why do some vets not take CareCredit? ›
After a multitude of consumers came forward with complaints about deferred interest credit products, California responded with a new law that will go into effect in July, prohibiting veterinary providers from proactively signing clients up for deferred interest credit cards, such as CareCredit®.
What is the interest rate for CareCredit for pets? ›
Key points. CareCredit is a credit card you can use for pet-related medical expenses. The interest rate is a high 26.99%, so you'll want to avoid having a balance. You can apply and be approved 24 hours a day, which is handy if your pet has a middle-of-the-night emergency.
Can I get CareCredit with bad credit? ›
High credit limits, combined with the ease with which CareCredit cards can be obtained, mean that they can be a good way for people with a poor credit history to pay for medical bills. Be warned, though, that CareCredit cards can be expensive if you aren't able to make your repayments on time.
What can you use CareCredit credit card for? Your CareCredit credit card can be used at over 260,000 locations nationwide for a variety of health and wellness services including dentistry, veterinary, cosmetic treatments, skin care, chiropractic care, hearing care and more.
Can I buy dog food with CareCredit? ›
CareCredit for Veterinarian Care
The CareCredit credit card can be used for a variety of routine veterinary services, including: Checkups. Pet food and nutrition.
What credit score do you need for pet financing? ›
While each bank has its own specific requirements around minimum credit scores, for most personal loans, including pet loans you won't be able to qualify with a score lower than 610. (Of course, your credit score isn't the only thing that matters.
What credit score do you need for a Petco credit card? ›
Comenity Capital Bank issues Petco's co-branded rewards credit cards. Although Comenity doesn't publish the minimum credit score you'll need to get approved for a Petco credit card, most of their cards require a good or excellent credit score. That typically means a credit score of between 600 and 850.
What is a pet card? ›
What are PET Cards? PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is a plastic resin and form of polyester. PET cards—or Composite PVC-PET cards—are made up of a combination of PVC and polyester that's highly durable and heat-resistant.
What bank is Petco credit card? ›
Credit card offers are subject to credit approval. Petco Pay Credit Card Accounts are issued by Comenity Capital Bank.
Can you get approved for CareCredit with a 600 credit score? ›
CARE CREDIT is a great option if your credit is 620 or below, however any one can apply regardless of their credit score. 6 out of 10 people will get approved for at least part of their treatment cost.
How high does your credit have to be for CareCredit? ›
To qualify for the CareCredit credit card, you need a credit score of 640 or more, which is in the fair credit score range for FICO®.
Does CareCredit do a hard pull? ›
Plus, it's quick and there's no impact to your credit score to check if you prequalify. If you receive an offer of credit and apply, there will be a hard inquiry on your credit report which may impact your credit score.
