Best Credit Cards for Buying Concert Tickets

 

Comparing the best credit cards for concerts

 

A closer look at the best credit cards for concert tickets

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Annual Fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 months

Regular APR: Variable rate of 19.74% – 29.74% thereafter

Signup bonus: Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

Benefits for concert tickets:

• Access to Capital One Entertainment, which provides ticket presale opportunities and exclusive access to different events.

• The card offers 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, allowing cardholders to earn rewards when purchasing concert tickets or other entertainment-related expenses.

Our verdict:

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card hits all the right notes for savvy spenders. With a harmonious blend of no-annual-fee convenience and impressive cash-back rewards, it strikes a chord with discerning users. From the enticing 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and groceries (excluding superstores) to the encore-worthy 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases, this card knows how to make your wallet sing. Add in the sweet $200 welcome bonus and access to Capital One’s exclusive travel, dining, and entertainment experiences, and you’ve got a card that’s truly on a winning track. While it may not offer travel rewards, its great perks and fee-free appeal make it a virtuoso choice for maximizing your everyday spending.

Pros:

• Generous cash-back rewards: The card offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery store purchases (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®). Additionally, you can earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases.
• No annual fee: The card does not have an annual fee, making it an attractive option for those who want to earn rewards without paying extra fees.

• Welcome bonus: The one-time $200 cash bonus after spending $1,000 within the first 3 months is a valuable incentive.
• Access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment: Cardholders can take advantage of these services to enhance their rewards and experiences.

Cons:

• Limited travel rewards: The rewards for this card are primarily focused on cash back and do not provide access to travel rewards programs, limiting redemption options for those looking for travel-related benefits.

Overall, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a strong option for individuals who frequently spend on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. With its attractive cash-back rates and additional benefits like access to Capital One Entertainment, the card can help users earn significant rewards on their everyday expenses.

Apply now: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Citi Double Cash

Annual Fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for the first 18 months on balance transfers

Regular APR: 18.99% – 28.99% variable

Signup bonus: None

Benefits for concert tickets:

• Access to the Citi Entertainment program, providing cardholders with the opportunity to purchase presale and preferred tickets to various events, including concerts in different cities nationwide.

Our verdict:

The Citi Double Cash card strikes a harmonious balance between reliable cash back rewards and financial flexibility. With its enticing 2% cash back structure and a fee-free existence, it hits all the right notes for savvy spenders. Access to the exclusive Citi Entertainment program, where concert enthusiasts can revel in early ticket access, adds an extra touch of excitement. However, the absence of a welcome bonus may dampen the initial thrill, while the foreign transaction fee may sour the experience for globetrotters. Nevertheless, for those seeking a trustworthy cashback companion without breaking the bank, the Citi Double Cash takes center stage as a melodious choice.

Pros:

• Solid cash back rewards: The Citi Double Cash card offers a competitive cash back structure, allowing cardholders to earn up to 2% cash back on every purchase. You earn 1% cash back when you make a purchase and an additional 1% cash back when you pay your credit card bill.
• No annual fee: The card does not charge an annual fee, making it an attractive choice for individuals looking to maximize their cash back without additional costs.
• Access to Citi Entertainment: Cardholders can enjoy exclusive access to presale and preferred tickets for various events, including concerts, enhancing their overall experience.

Cons:

• No welcome bonus: Unlike some other credit cards, the Citi Double Cash does not offer a welcome bonus, which may be a drawback for those seeking immediate rewards upon signing up.
• Foreign transaction fee: The card charges a 3% fee on foreign transactions, so it may not be the best option for frequent international travellers.

Overall, the Citi Double Cash is a reliable cashback credit card that allows users to earn consistent rewards on their everyday purchases. With no annual fee and access to the Citi Entertainment program for concert ticket benefits, it is a solid choice for individuals looking to maximize their cash back potential. However, the lack of a welcome bonus and foreign transaction fee should be considered depending on the individual’s specific needs and spending habits.

Apply now: Citi Double Cash

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual Fee: $695

Intro APR: N/A (for both purchases and balance transfers)

Regular APR: See Pay Overtime APR

Signup bonus: 80,000 points

Benefits for concert tickets:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a range of benefits for frequent travellers, including access to exclusive events and preferred seating options. While specific concert ticket benefits are not mentioned in the provided information, the card’s premium status and access to various travel perks suggest that cardholders may enjoy special privileges when it comes to concert tickets.

Our verdict:

The Platinum Card® from American Express reigns supreme as the unrivalled pinnacle of luxury travel cards. With its elevated annual fee of $695, this card delivers an extraordinary array of benefits and exclusive privileges. From unmatched airport lounge access to generous rewards on flights and prepaid hotels, every aspect exudes opulence. It’s the epitome of sophistication for avid globetrotters seeking unrivalled experiences. However, the price of exclusivity may deter those with limited travel plans or different financial priorities. For discerning individuals who crave the ultimate in travel indulgence, The Platinum Card® from American Express shines brightly as the quintessential choice.

Pros:

• Extensive airport lounge access: The Platinum Card® from American Express provides access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, including the prestigious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, and Plaza Premium Lounges. This is a significant advantage for frequent travellers seeking a comfortable and luxurious travel experience.
• Generous rewards program: Cardholders can earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, up to $500,000 per year. Additionally, they can earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, enhancing the value of their travel expenses.
• Valuable statement credits: The card offers various annual and monthly statement credits, including those for hotel bookings, digital entertainment subscriptions, Walmart+ membership, airline fees, Uber, Equinox subscriptions, CLEAR membership, and more. These credits can provide significant savings and enhance the overall value of the card.

Cons:

• High annual fee: The Platinum Card® from American Express carries a substantial annual fee of $695, which may deter individuals who are not frequent travellers or who cannot fully utilize the card’s premium benefits.
• Limited bonus categories: While the card offers excellent rewards for flights and prepaid hotels, it may not provide as competitive rewards for other categories of spending. Cardholders should consider their spending patterns and determine if the card aligns with their preferences and lifestyle.

Overall, The Platinum Card® from American Express is an exceptional choice for individuals seeking a premium travel experience and maximizing the value of their travel expenses. With extensive airport lounge access, lucrative rewards on flights and prepaid hotels, and valuable statement credits, the card caters to frequent travellers who can take full advantage of its benefits. However, the high annual fee and limited bonus categories may not make it an ideal choice for everyone, and individuals should assess their own needs and usage before applying for this card.

Apply now: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Amex Blue Cash Preferred

Welcome bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter. Terms apply.

Benefits for concert tickets: Access to presale tickets and exclusive events through American Express Experiences.

Rewards: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming services, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations and on eligible transit, and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases.

Additional perk: $7 monthly statement credit (up to $84 per year) for The Disney Bundle subscription (requires enrolment).

Our verdict:

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred credit card takes centre stage as an exceptional choice for concert enthusiasts. Beyond its captivating rewards and exclusive perks, it shines brightly when it comes to concert experiences. With access to presale tickets and exclusive events through American Express Experiences, this card opens doors to the hottest shows and unforgettable live performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a music aficionado, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card sets the perfect rhythm for a melodious journey filled with extraordinary concert moments. Step into the spotlight and let this card be your ultimate companion on the concert scene.

Pros:

• Generous welcome bonus of $250 statement credit.
• Strong rewards program, especially for supermarket and streaming service purchases.
• Access to presale tickets and exclusive events through American Express Experiences.

Cons:

• Annual fee of $95 after the first year.
• Some benefits require enrolment.

In summary, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred is a compelling credit card for earning rewards on everyday purchases. With a substantial welcome bonus, attractive cash back rates, and access to exclusive events, it offers a great value proposition. However, the annual fee and enrolment requirements for certain benefits should be taken into consideration.

Apply now: Amex Cash Preferred

Citi ThankYou® Premier Card

Benefits for concert tickets: While the Citi ThankYou® Premier Card does not specifically mention benefits for concert tickets, it offers a robust rewards program that allows cardholders to earn points on various categories, including restaurants and entertainment expenses. These accumulated points can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including concert tickets, through the ThankYou® Rewards program.

Intro APR: The card does not offer an introductory APR.

Regular APR: The regular APR for the Citi ThankYou® Premier Card ranges from 20.99% to 28.99% variable, based on creditworthiness.

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

Our verdict:

The Citi ThankYou® Premier Card offers an enticing rewards program with a generous signup bonus. While it does not explicitly mention benefits for concert tickets, the earned ThankYou® Points can be used for a variety of rewards, including concert experiences, through the ThankYou® Rewards program. With a diverse range of categories earning 3X points and a limited-time bonus for hotel, car rentals, and attractions, this card presents an opportunity to accumulate points quickly. The absence of an introductory APR and the presence of an annual fee should be considered when evaluating the overall value.

Pros:

• Generous signup bonus of 60,000 ThankYou® Points.
• High earning potential with 3X points in multiple categories.
• Access to the ThankYou® Rewards program for various redemption options, potentially including concert tickets.

Cons:

• No specific mention of benefits dedicated to concert tickets.
• The presence of an annual fee.
• Lack of an introductory APR offer.

Apply now: Citi ThankYou® Premier Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Benefits for concert tickets: While the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not explicitly mention benefits for concert tickets, it offers various travel-related perks that can enhance concert experiences. Cardholders can earn valuable Ultimate Rewards® points that can be redeemed for travel, including flights, hotels, and potentially concert tickets. The card also provides travel insurance coverage, such as trip cancellation/interruption insurance, which can be beneficial when attending concerts or events.

Intro APR: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card does not offer an introductory APR for purchases or balance transfers.

Regular APR: The regular APR for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ranges from 15.99% to 22.99% variable, based on creditworthiness.

Signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Our verdict:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card stands out as a versatile travel rewards card with the potential to enhance concert experiences indirectly. Its valuable signup bonus, strong rewards program, and travel benefits make it an attractive choice for frequent travelers, including concert enthusiasts. While specific concert-related perks are not mentioned, the card’s overall value proposition, especially for those who value travel rewards, makes it worth considering.

Pros:

• Generous signup bonus of 60,000 bonus points.
• Strong rewards program with opportunities to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards® points.

• Travel benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance.
• Wide acceptance due to the card’s affiliation with Visa.

Cons:

• The card has an annual fee of $95.

• Limited explicit mention of concert-specific benefits.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

What concert benefits do credit cards offer?

Credit cards offer various concert benefits, such as access to presale tickets, preferred seating options, exclusive events, and ticket discounts. Some cards provide specific programs like Capital One Entertainment or American Express Experiences, which grant cardholders early access to tickets and exclusive concert experiences. Additionally, certain credit cards offer cash back or rewards points on entertainment purchases, including concert tickets, allowing cardholders to earn rewards while enjoying live performances.

How to choose the best credit card for concert tickets?

To choose the best credit card for concert tickets, consider the following factors:

1. Ticket benefits: Look for cards that offer access to presale tickets, preferred seating, or exclusive events through partnerships with ticketing platforms or dedicated programs.

2. Rewards on entertainment purchases: Opt for credit cards that provide cash back or rewards points on entertainment expenses, including concert tickets, to maximize your rewards potential.

3. Annual fee: Consider whether the card’s annual fee is justified by the concert-related benefits and rewards it offers.

4. Overall rewards program: Assess the card’s rewards program to ensure it aligns with your spending habits and offers attractive redemption options beyond concert tickets.

Methodology

The information presented is the result of thorough research conducted using reliable sources, such as The Ascent’s assessment of credit cards that provide concert benefits. The key details, advantages, disadvantages, and benefits described for each credit card are based on official information provided by the issuers themselves and independent reviews. The verdict and recommendations are formulated after carefully evaluating the card’s features, benefits, fees, rewards programs, and their potential value for individuals attending concerts.

The product information provided here is based on research conducted up to a specific date and may have changed. For the latest and most accurate information, we recommend you to visit the respective card’s website before proceeding.