The 11 Best Rewards Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases [2021]

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: February 16, 2021

1. Credit Cards  / 
2. Strategies & Guides

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It wasn’t long ago that we looked forward to a group dinner out with friends — now we’re ordering food delivery. And while our definition of dining quickly changed, our definition of entertainment soon followed. Instead of a night out at the movies, we’re now staying home streaming Netflix. That concert we were planning to attend has morphed into an online fundraising event.

Indeed our mix of entertainment expenses may have changed, but we’re still spending money on entertainment. In a poll conducted by Morning Consult and the Hollywood Reporter last year, over a third of U.S. households spent $51 to $100 per month on cable TV alone. Additionally, the poll found that 28% spent between $101 and $150. This is just 1 form of entertainment and it’s reasonable to expect these amounts have increased since then.

The bottom line is that if you’re spending thousands of dollars on entertainment each year, you’re sure to benefit from earning rewards on those purchases.

That’s the topic we’re going to zero-in on for our article today. We’ll look at entertainment expenses that could potentially earn rewards and discuss which credit cards allow you to do just that. We’ll also look at cards that deliver entertainment-related card perks that you might find valuable.

What Qualifies as Entertainment?

Several credit cards offer bonus earnings on entertainment purchases. However, credit card issuers are not consistent in the definition of what counts as entertainment, so you’ll need to follow the specific definitions of each card issuer to ensure you receive those earnings.

Let’s take a look at some examples of the types of entertainment that might be included in a card issuer’s definition for bonus earnings.

• Aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks
• Dance and pool halls, clubs, and bowling alleys
• Digital entertainment, games, and software merchants
• Live sporting events, theatrical performances, and concert tickets
• Movie theater tickets
• Music, books, and newsstands
• Record stores
• Streaming services and subscriptions
• Tourist attractions
• Toys and hobby stores
• Video rental and game store purchases

Hot Tip: In addition to earning rewards when making entertainment purchases directly with your qualifying credit card, you may be able to purchase entertainment-related gift cards at other bonus-earning category merchants such as grocery stores, warehouse clubs, gas stations, drug stores, or home improvement stores. 

Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases

Capital One® Savor® Rewards Card

Why We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

The CapOne Savor card earns unlimited 4% cash-back on entertainment and dining purchases as well as 8% cash-back on Vivid Seats ticket purchases. Additionally, the card earns 2% cash-back on grocery store purchases (excluding Walmart and Target) where you may be able to purchase entertainment gift cards.

Additional Card Benefits

• 1% cash-back on all other purchases
• Redeem rewards for statement credits, a check, gift cards, or merchandise

Capital One® SavorOne® Rewards Card

Whey We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

Like the CapOne Savor card, the CapOne SavorOne card offers bonus earnings on entertainment and dining purchases. You’ll receive 3% cash-back on those purchases.

Additional Card Benefits

• No annual fee
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases
• Introductory 0% APR period on purchases for 15 months from card approval
• Redeem rewards for statement credits, a check, gift cards, or merchandise

Qualifying Entertainment Purchases

Capital One has a specific definition for which entertainment purchases receive bonus earnings. You can expect to receive elevated earnings at the following merchant categories.

• Aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks
• Dance and pool halls, bowling alleys
• Live sporting events
• Record stores
• Theatres
• Ticket purchases made at movie theaters
• Tourist attractions

Note that Capital One does not include golf courses, collegiate sporting events, and cable or streaming services in its normal definition of entertainment.

Hot Tip: For a limited time, you can earn 4% cash-back on streaming services with the CapOne Savor card and 3% cash-back with the CapOne SavorOne card. This offer is good through September 2020.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Amex Credit Card

Benefits & Info

New Welcome Offer Blue Cash Preferred® from American Express Apply Now (at Amex's secure site)

Earn a $250 $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions 3% Cash Back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses, and more 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, 1% back on other purchases. Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, currently 13.99% to 23.99% Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for one year, then $95. Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred card, click here.

Why We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

The Blue Cash Preferred card offers the opportunity to earn 6% cash-back on a single common household entertainment purchase — select streaming services.

Additionally, you can earn 6% on grocery store purchases, up to $6,000 per year, then 1%. Many grocery stores sell entertainment-related gift cards.

Additional Card Benefits

• 3% cash-back on dining and transit services such as taxis, rideshares, trains, and buses
• 1% cash-back on all other purchases
• Secondary car rental insurance with the ability to purchase premium protection for one low fee that covers the entire rental period
• Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage
• Terms apply

There are many more benefits of the Blue Cash Preferred, including travel and shopping benefits and protections.

U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card

Why We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

Each quarter is an earning quarter when you select your own bonus merchant categories, including select entertainment purchases. With the U.S. Bank Cash+ Signature card, you’ll earn 5% cash-back on your choice of 2 bonus-category merchant purchases, up to $2,000 in purchases per quarter, then 1%.

The card also offers unlimited earnings of 2% cash-back at grocery stores or gas stations where you may be able to purchase entertainment gift cards.

Qualifying 5% cash-back category choices include:

Additional Card Benefits

• No annual fee
• Unlimited 2% cash-back earnings at grocery stores, gas stations, or restaurants
• Visa Signature benefits

Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Disney tops the list of entertainment options for most Disney fans out there. Whether you’re an avid Disney loyalist or planning a special Disney family vacation, the Disney Premier card might warrant a chance of finding a place in your wallet.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect with the card.

Why We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

• Welcome bonus of a Disney gift card when meeting the minimum spending requirement in the first 3 months after card approval
• 2% back in Disney Reward Dollars for purchases at select Disney locations
• 0% APR financing for 6 months on the purchase of select Disney Vacation Packages
• 10% discount on purchases of $50 or more at Disney stores and Disney.com
• 20% off select Disney tours
• Special Disney character and Star Wars meet and greet experiences
• 10% off select Disney dining
• Choose your own Disney-themed card design

Additional Card Benefits

• 2% back in Disney Rewards Dollars on everyday purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores
• 1% back in Disney Rewards Dollars for all other purchases
• Redeem Disney Rewards Dollars for airline statement credits
• Lower annual fee

Hot Tip: If you’re not yet ready to visit a Disney theme park or take a Disney cruise, check out and experience our collection of virtual Disney rides and attractions.

Additional Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases With Las Vegas Perks

It’s hard to beat the entertainment value of Las Vegas. Score a sure win on your next Vegas trip by using a card that earns rewards and/or provides valuable perks during your stay.

Caesars Rewards Visa® Credit Card

If you’re a Caesars fan and a member of the Caesars Rewards program (formally the Total Rewards program), the Caesars Rewards card may be a consideration for earning on Caesars Entertainment purchases and everyday spending.

Why We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

• Earn 5 Reward Credits per $1 spent on purchases at over 40 destinations and Caesars Rewards Live Events tickets
• 2 Reward Credits per $1 at gas stations and grocery stores (which may sell entertainment gift cards)

Additional Card Benefits

• No annual fee
• 2 Reward Credits per $1 spent on airline purchases
• 1 Reward Credit per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Reward Credits can be redeemed for Caesars Rewards on-site expenses, gaming credit, gift cards, and merchandise
• Las Vegas VIP access benefits
• Special promotional dining credits

Hot Tip: Link your Caesars Rewards account to your Wyndham Rewards account to match status and transfer Reward Credits to Wyndham Rewards points (and vice versa).

The Marvel Mastercard®

Why We Like the Card for Entertainment Purchases

Marvel fans will enjoy 20% off of tickets and 10% off merchandise at the Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. exhibit in Las Vegas when showing their Marvel Mastercard.

The card also earns 3% cash-back on entertainment, at marvel.com, and on dining. Cardholders receive free shipping, 10% off marvelshop.com purchases, and discounts on Marvel digital comics at Marvel Unlimited.

Additional Card Benefits

• No annual fee
• 1% cash-back on every purchase
• Choose from 6 Marvel-themed card designs

Synchrony Bank issues the Marvel Mastercard and defines the entertainment category to include:

Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Perks and Access

Entertainment as we have known it in the past will return. And when it does, you’ll find value, once again, in having access to special events, ticket presales, premier seating, VIP treatment, and one-of-a-kind experiences.

While most events have been postponed or canceled, you’ll still find special virtual events and even some outdoor experiences available.

Here are some of the top cards offering entertainment perks and access:

American Express Cards 

All American Express cardholders enjoy the Entertainment Access benefit which offers added perks at select events, such as dedicated entrance areas and concession offers. Cardholders also enjoy presale access to event tickets.

Cardmembers also receive special discounts and benefits at Universal Orlando Resort, including access to a members-only lounge.

Premium American Express cards such as The Platinum Card® from American Express kick it up a notch with invitation-only events, Amex Concierge, VIP access, on-site perks, ticket pre-sale access, and more.

Hot Tip: The Amex Platinum card is offering a $25 Variis by Equinox monthly credit (towards the $39.99 monthly fee, valid up to 9 times by June 30, 2021) for on-demand virtual fitness as well as a $30 monthly PayPal credit (valid up to 6 times by June 30, 2021).

Citi

Citi-issued credit and debit cards offer all cardholders access to Citi Entertainment. This benefit offers ticket presales for popular events, exclusive experiences, and more.

Cardholders can also utilize the Citi Concierge benefit that offers 24/7 access and assistance securing dining reservations, helps planning travel and assistance during the journey, shopping, and more.

Chase

All Chase credit cardholders have access to entertainment perks through Chase Select Experiences which offers benefits such as access to preferred seating when purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster, perks at Madison Square Garden events including lounge access, discounts, and more.

Premium cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, and J.P. Morgan Reserve Card (no longer available to new applications) enjoy exclusive event access to Chase Sapphire Private Dining experiences.

Sapphire cardmembers also have access to Sapphire Lounges, specially-curated experiences at events like the Sundance Film Festival, PGA Championship, and music festivals.

To learn more about the specific entertainment perks and access currently available on your Chase-issued card, as there are many, sign in to your online Chase card account and select Benefits to view current offers.

Capital One

Capital One cardholders can expect inside access to premium dining, entertainment, and sporting events. In addition, Capital One has partnered with OpenTable to provide priority access to reservations at normally hard-to-secure top dining venues.

Through Taste America, Capital One also offers cardholders pre-sale opportunities to James Beard Foundation dinner events across the country.

Hot Tip: Many credit cards offer the option to redeem rewards for experiences. Our article on the best credit cards for experiences will tell you everything you need to know about the process. 

Additional Credit Cards for Purchasing Entertainment Gift Cards

Many grocery stores, gas stations, and wholesale clubs sell gift cards that can be used for various forms of entertainment such as streaming services, movie tickets, golf, sports, gaming, Disney, and more.

Here are several cards that could earn generous rewards when purchasing entertainment gift cards at bonus category merchants.

• American Express® Gold Card — earn 4% cash-back at grocery stores, up to $25,000 in purchases per year (terms apply)
• Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi — earns 4% cash-back at gas stations and 2% cash-back at Costco, 2 places that could sell entertainment gift cards
• Citi Premier℠ Card — with 3% cash-back earnings at grocery stores and gas stations, picking up a few entertainment-related gift cards could be very rewarding
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card — earn 5% cash-back bonus earnings at office supply stores which typically sell entertainment gift cards

Note that not every merchant will allow you to purchase gift cards with a credit card, but most do.

Hot Tip: If you don’t have a credit card that earns rewards on event ticket purchases, you could pick up a StubHub gift card at a bonus-earning category merchant for purchasing tickets to sporting events, theatre or comedy performances, concerts, and more. 

Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases — Summary

Whether you’re looking to earn rewards directly on your entertainment purchases, want a card that earns rewards with bonus-category merchants that sell entertainment gift cards, or just want perks and access to special entertainment events, there’s a card match for you.

Let’s take a look at the cards we’ve covered in our article today and focus on the value each one delivers specifically when making entertainment-related purchases.

Hot Tip: Making an entertainment purchase online? Check your Chase Offers or Amex Offers, or a cash-back site like Rakuten, first to see if you can increase your earnings!

Final Thoughts

If your entertainment spending is significant, a card that ensures you’ll earn rewards on all of those purchases could be a priority.

An additional consideration when selecting a card for entertainment purchases is the type of entertainment purchases you make. If you’re spending a lot on streaming services and subscriptions, for example, you would want to select a card that provides elevated earnings specifically on that expense.

In the end, it may not make sense to consider a card specifically for earning rewards on entertainment purchases alone if those purchases are not substantial. It could be a better decision to select a card that would match your overall spending mix.

The information regarding the Capital One® Savor® Rewards Card, Capital One® SavorOne® Rewards Card, U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card, J.P. Morgan Reserve Card, Caesars Rewards Visa® Credit Card, and The Marvel Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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