Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Purchases

Comparing the top credit cards for entertainment rewards

A closer look at the best credit cards for entertainment

Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate:

• Unlimited 3% back on entertainment purchases; 8% back on purchases made through the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform (entertainment includes purchases made at movie theaters, sports promoters, theatrical promoters, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, record stores, pool halls, or bowling alleys).
• Unlimited 3% back on dining, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores.
• Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
• Unlimited 10% back on purchases on Uber and Uber Eats (through November 2024).

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR: 19.99% – 29.99% variable

Signup bonus: One-time $200 cash bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first three months of opening the account.

Our Verdict: If you enjoy a night out on the town, whether at a restaurant, sporting event, concert, or other entertainment activity, this credit card earns you up to 8% cash back (depending on where you book). The other high rewards rates are also great for those with top spending categories of groceries and streaming services. Then, take your rewards further with access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.

Pros:

• Rewards don’t expire and you can redeem cash back for any amount.
• No annual fees or foreign transaction fees.
• Additional benefits include complimentary concierge service, extended warranty, 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident coverage, instant purchase notifications, Capital One Shopping, and more.
• Access to cardholder-only reservations and tickets.
• Access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.

Cons:

• Rewards are only cash back (no travel rewards redemptions).
• “Entertainment” does not include golf courses, collegiate sporting events, and cable or streaming services.

Apply now: Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rewards rate:

• Unlimited 4% back on entertainment purchases; 8% back on purchases made through the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform (entertainment includes purchases made at movie theaters, sports promoters, theatrical promoters, amusement parks, tourist attractions, aquariums, zoos, dance halls, record stores, pool halls, or bowling alleys).
• Unlimited 4% back on dining and popular streaming services.
• Unlimited 3% at grocery stores.
• Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
• Unlimited 10% back on purchases on Uber and Uber Eats (through November 2024).

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 20.99% – 28.99% variable

Signup bonus: $300 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Our Verdict: The primary difference between the SavorOne and Savor Cash Rewards cards is that the Savor card has slightly higher rewards rates (4% vs. 3%), some additional travel benefits, and a $95 fee. However, both cards come with access to Capital One Travel, Dining, and Entertainment, concierge services, and cardholder-only reservations and tickets. The sign-up bonus is also slightly larger, but you have to spend more. Choose this card if the higher rewards rate will outweigh the annual fee.

Pros:

• 4% back on entertainment purchases, dining, and streaming services.
• Additional benefits include complimentary concierge service, extended warranty, 24-hour travel assistance services, travel accident coverage, instant purchase notifications, Capital One Shopping, and more.
• Access to cardholder-only reservations and tickets.
• Access to Capital One Travel, Capital One Dining, and Capital One Entertainment.
• No reward cap.

Cons:

• Golf courses, country clubs, collegiate sporting events, charitable organizations that provide live entertainment, amusement park tickets, and resort packages are excluded from 4% cash back.
• $95 annual fee.
• Strictly cash back, so not many travel rewards like other cards may offer.

Apply now: Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card

Citi Custom Cash Card

Rewards rate:

• 5% cash back on top eligible spend category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent)(includes tickets for things like concerts, live sporting events, live theater, and orchestras); categories include restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment
• Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24% variable

Signup bonus: $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.

Our Verdict: If you enjoy live entertainment, this card allows you to earn 5% back on live entertainment-related purchases; however, there is a $500 spending limit per billing cycle. That said, you can earn 5% back on your other top spending categories, which automatically adjust based on your spending each cycle, and unlimited 1% back on all other purchases. Plus, this card has a 0% APR intro period, a decent welcome bonus, and no annual fee, and you get access to presale tickets and exclusive experiences with music, sports, arts, and cultural events through Citi Entertainment.

Pros:

• No annual fee.
• 5% back on qualifying entertainment purchases (up to $500 spend limit).
• Bonus categories automatically rotate as your spending changes each billing cycle.
• Redeem points for cash back as direct deposit, statement credit, check, gift cards, travel, and Shop with Points at Amazon.com.
• $0 liability on unauthorized charges.
• Access to Citi Entertainment program.
• Points never expire as long as the account remains open, and there are no minimums to redeem.

Cons:

• Pricier entertainment options can quickly get you to the $500 per billing cycle cap.
• Balance transfers must be completed within four months of account opening.

Apply now: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card

Learn more: Citi Custom CashSM Card Review

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Rewards rate:

• 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• 3x points on dining, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services.
• 2x on other travel purchases.
• 1x points on all other purchases.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR:

Regular APR: 21.49 – 28.49% variable

Signup bonus: 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening ($750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.)

Our Verdict: If your version of entertainment requires a trip farther from home, whether you’re taking a road trip or flying across the country (or the world) the Chase Sapphire Preferred card can be a great option, especially due to the welcome bonus and high rewards rates. You can earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, including theme park tickets, tourist attractions, tours, and more.

Pros:

• Earn five points per $1 spent when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which can include tickets for amusement parks, tourist attractions, tours, events, and more.
• Points worth 25% more when you redeem through Chase, or you can transfer to other airline and hotel programs.
• 60,000 bonus point offer.
• Other card benefits include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and more.
• Complimentary access to DashPass, which includes $0 delivery fees and lower service fees.
• Complimentary access to six months of Instacart.
• 10% annual bonus points.
• No foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

• $95 annual fee.
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status.

Apply now: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

Rewards rate:

• 5% back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose (including fast food, home utilities, TV/internet/streaming, department stores, cell phone, electronic stores, sporting goods stores, movie theaters, gyms/fitness centers, furniture stores, ground transportation, select clothing stores).
• 2% back on one everyday category (like gas stations, grocery stores, or restaurants).
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.

Regular APR: 19.74% – 29.74% variable

Signup bonus: $200 reward bonus after you apply online and spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.

Our verdict: For those who enjoy watching movies and shows, whether in the movie theater or at home through your favorite streaming service, this card allows you to earn 5% cash back by doing so. You can earn 5% on your favorite categories, 2% on another common spending category, and 1% on everything else, plus a 0% APR for 15 months in the event you need to make an immediate large purchase. It doesn’t have an annual fee and you can earn even more when shopping in the Rewards Center.

Pros:

• Get an approval decision in as little as 60 seconds.
• 5% cash back in two categories you choose, plus 2% back on one category you choose and 1% on everything else.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months.
• No annual fee.
• Earn more cash back when making purchases at more than 1,100 online stores through the Rewards Center Shopping Deals.
• U.S. Bank ExtendPay Plan is available.

Cons:

• 5% back rewards on the top two categories are limited to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases per quarter.
• Cash back for travel expenses must be made through the Rewards Center.
• Cash back rewards not designed for entertainment purchases like tickets or dining.

Apply now: US Bank Cash+ ® Visa Signature ® Card

Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Rewards rate:

• 6% back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%).
• 6% back on select streaming subscriptions.
• 3% back at gas stations and on transit.
• 1% back on other purchases.

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $95

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening.

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.99%

Signup bonus: $250 back after you spend $3,000 in purchases within the first six months of membership.

Our verdict: If you like to entertain at home, this card may be perfect for you. Earn 6% back at U.S. supermarkets and on select streaming subscriptions, so you can watch parties and movie nights with the best snacks and drinks for all your friends. Stay in the know with exclusive access to presales and Card Member-only events through American Express Experiences. Plus, with the card’s $0 Buy Now, Pay Later intro Plan It fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening, and the 0% intro APR period, this card is great for larger purchases you may need to make and have time to repay it without accruing interest.

Pros:

• 6% back on purchases from supermarkets and select streaming services, and 3% back on gas.
• 0% intro APR, $0 annual fee for the first year, and $0 BNPL intro Plan It fees.
• Exclusive access to ticket presales and Card Member-only events (such as Broadway shows, concert tours, family and sporting events, and more).
• Access to Global Assist Hotline while traveling, as well as car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection, and return protection.
• No minimum redemption amount.

Cons:

• Cash back is only received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
• You cannot use your cash back to pay your minimum due.
• Categories with high reward rates are limited.
• $95 annual fee after the first year.

Apply now: American Express Blue Cash Preferred

Citi Double Cash Credit Card

Rewards rate: Unlimited 2% cash back – unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay on every purchase (no category restrictions, no limit on how much you can earn).

Annual fee: $0

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

Regular APR: 19.24% – 29.24%

Signup bonus: None

Our verdict: No matter if you like to travel a distance, entertain at home, or somewhere in between, the Citi Double Cash card allows you to earn unlimited 2% back on every single purchase (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay). There are no caps and no category restrictions to keep track of or enroll in, making earning your rewards easy. Plus, Citi Entertainment gives you special access to tickets to thousands of events, including presale tickets and exclusive experiences, perfect for those who love entertainment.

Pros:

• Earn unlimited 2% back on purchases as long as you pay off your purchase balance.
• Points can be redeemed for cash back as direct deposit, statement credit, or check, gift cards, travel, and more (values vary depending on how you redeem points).
• No category restrictions and no caps on how much cash back you can earn.
• Access to Citi Entertainment.

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee.
• No welcome bonus.

Apply now: Citi Double Cash

Platinum Card from American Express

Rewards rate:

• 5x points on flights and eligible prepaid hotels
• 1x points on other purchases

Annual fee: $695

Intro APR: N/A

Regular APR: 21.24% – 29.24%

Signup bonus: 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of Card Membership.

Our verdict: This card comes with a hefty annual fee, but if your entertainment revolves around luxury and travel, this card’s benefits certainly outweigh the annual fee. Not only can this card get you into curated By Invitation Only experiences, which are customized events for those interested in fashion, fine dining, arts, theater, sports, and more, you’ll also get access to a concierge service that can help you get those tickets. Other perks are listed below, plus you can earn five points per $1 on eligible travel.

Pros:

• Other travel benefits include $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, $200 in Uber Cash, $189 CLEAR Plus credit, premium rental car status, access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection, and more.
• Other everyday benefits include $240 digital entertainment credit, $155 Walmart+ credit, $300 Equinox credit, cell phone protection, $100 Shop Saks statement credit, and more.
• Experience the latest shows, music, news, and recipes with the Digital Entertainment Credit.
• Unlock more than $1,500 per year in statement credits earned on select purchases made with the Platinum Card from American Express.

Cons”

• $695 annual fee.
• Card rewards revolve around travel, so not suited for all entertainment seekers.
• Airline credit doesn’t cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags.

Apply now: The Platinum Card® from American Express

What qualifies as entertainment purchases?

What qualifies as entertainment purchases depends on the individual card issuer, so you’ll want to look at the specific rules for the card to learn what is and isn’t included. Some examples of entertainment purchases can include:

• Movie theaters
• Sporting events
• Theater
• Amusement parks
• Tourist attractions
• Zoos and aquariums
• Bowling alleys
• Concert tickets
• Danes and pool halls and clubs
• Record stores
• Streaming services and subscriptions
• Toys and hobby stores
• Video rental and game store purchases

In addition to earning rewards when making specific entertainment purchases directly with your card, you may be able to still earn rewards purchasing entertainment-related gift cards at other bonus-earning merchants, such as grocery stores or gas stations.

There are also sometimes things that are specifically not covered. For example, Capital One doesn’t include golf courses or collegiate sporting events in entertainment purchases.

How to choose the best credit card for entertainment

The best card for entertainment purchases depends on the type of entertainment you consume. For example, if you regularly go to concerts and sporting events, a cash back card that earns rewards in those entertainment categories may be more beneficial. Or, if you like to travel the world, choose a card with better travel rewards. If you like to stay home and entertain from your living room, a card with categories of streaming and grocery stores may be better.

Regardless, make sure you understand:

• What does and doesn’t count as entertainment purchases.
• Whether the card has an annual fee.
• Other perks and benefits the card offers, and whether those outweigh the annual fee.
• Restrictions on how to redeem rewards or how much you can earn.

Methodology

A variety of factors were considered when evaluating which card was the best credit card for entertainment purchases, but the most important of those include:

• The annual fee associated with the credit card if there was one.
• The overall cost of owning the card, including the intro APR period, regular APR period, and any applicable fees associated with owning the card.
• The rewards categories the credit card offered and how applicable they were to young adults.
• The ease of being approved for the credit card with a limited credit history.
• The reputation of the credit card issuer.

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.

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