The best credit cards for the hottest holiday toys of 2026

Toy prices rose 6.6% over the past year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index from September, and were up 4.7% between August and September, though that figure is seasonally adjusted. CNBC Select pairs a set of popular 2026 holiday gifts with credit cards that can deliver rewards, purchase protection, extended warranties, and in some cases a 0% intro APR to spread payments. The article highlights the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, offering 1.5% cash back with no categories and including purchase protection and extended warranty coverage—positioned for the $499 Nintendo Switch 2. For Apple purchases like AirPods Pro 3, it points to the Apple Card’s 3% Daily Cash on Apple buys and daily posting. It also discusses Amex Blue Cash Everyday for online U.S. retailers up to $6,000 per year, and mentions other cards tied to retailer ecosystems.