Best Credit Cards for Sports Fans
At a Glance
Sports fans are devoted to their teams so why shouldn’t they have a credit card that is devoted to them? As a sports fan, there are several key factors to consider when choosing a credit card that will enhance your experience.
In this article, you’ll learn:
Comparing the best credit cards for sports fans
Here are some of the best credit cards for sports fans, whether you’re looking for an NHL credit card, an MLB credit card, or just a card that will provide great perks when you purchase sports tickets and more.
| Credit Card | Rewards Rate | Welcome Offer | Annual Fee | APR | Credit needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Extra Points Visa® Credit Card | 2 points per $1 of NFL and Team purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases | $100 cash back when you spend $500 within the first 90 days | $0 | 15.99%-25.99% | Good to excellent |
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. | $200 sign-up bonus when you spend $1,000 within the first three months | $0 | 19.74% – 29.74% | Good to excellent |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | 5 points per dollar for flight and hotel bookings and 1 point per dollar for all other purchases | 80,000 points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months. | $695 | 20.99% on Flexible Payment Option balances | Good to excellent |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card | 5x points on flights and 10x points on hotels and ca rentals purchased through Chase, 3x points on dining | 60,000 bonus points
after you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months (the equivalent of $900 of travel when you book with Chase). |
$550 | 22.24% – 29.24% | Good to excellent |
| NHL Discover It Credit Card | 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to $1,500 per quarter) and 1% cash back on all other purchases (unlimited) | Unlimited Cashback Match for the entire first year | $0 | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers then the regular APR applies: 16.74 to 27.74% | Good to excellent |
| Citi Custom Cash℠ Card | 5% cashback for top eligible spending category (up to $500 spent per billing cycle) and 1% for all other purchases | $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 in the first 6 months. | $0 | 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, 18.99% – 28.99% after that | Good to excellent |
A closer look at the best cards for sports fans
NFL Extra Points Visa® Credit Card
Key features: The NFL Extra Points Visa® Credit Card is designed for football fans. It provides rewards for NFL-related purchases, including team gear and game tickets, with the ability to earn points that can be redeemed for NFL experiences, merchandise, and more. Cardholders also enjoy special NFL perks and discounts.
Our verdict: The NFL Extra Points Visa® Credit Card can be worth it if you frequently make NFL-related purchases and want to enjoy exclusive perks associated with the league.
Pros:
- Rewards tailored to NFL fans, including cashback on NFL-related purchases.
- Access to exclusive NFL experiences, VIP events, and presale ticket opportunities.
- Personalized card design with your favorite NFL team’s logo.
- No annual fee.
Cons:
- Limited rewards beyond NFL-related purchases.
- Potential high APR for balance transfers and cash advances.
Apply now: NFL Extra Points Visa® Credit Card
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Key features: The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is interesting for sports fans, as it offers unlimited cashback on dining and entertainment, which can include sports concessions and ticket purchases. Capital One is also the official bank and credit card partner of Major League Baseball (MLB), so you can redeem rewards to buy game tickets and get access to unique MLB experiences and discounts on MLB purchases.
Our verdict: The generous cashback rate of this card coupled with exclusive experiences and ticket perks make it one of the best options on this list for an active sports attendee.
Apply now: SavorOne Rewards from Capital One
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Key features: The Platinum Card® from American Express is a good credit card for sports fans due to its premium benefits, including access to the Global Lounge Collection, which offers luxurious airport lounges worldwide. Cardholders also enjoy exclusive ticket presales, VIP experiences, and concierge services, enhancing their sports event experiences.
Our verdict: If you travel a lot to attend sporting events, this card will help you make the most of your money while elevating your travels.
Pros:
- Extensive travel benefits, including access to airport lounges through the Global Lounge Collection and travel credits.
- Membership Rewards program offering points on purchases that can be redeemed for various rewards.
- Exclusive access to events, presale tickets, and concierge services.
- Luxury hotel program benefits, such as room upgrades and late checkouts.
- Premium travel insurance and purchase protection.
Cons:
- High annual fee.
- Limited acceptance at some merchants compared to Visa or Mastercard.
- May require higher credit score and income for approval.
Apply now: American Express Platinum Card
Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card
Key features: The Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card offers next-level benefits for sports fans who attend games and events in different cities – think priority pass lounge access, extra points on hotels and car rentals, an appealing sign-up bonus, travel insurance benefits, and even a Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS application fee credit.
Our verdict: If your passion for live sports has you traveling quite a bit, this card is one of the best ones you can get your hands on.
Pros:
- Priority Pass Lounge Access
- 3X Points on Travel and Dining
- Travel Insurance Coverage
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit
- Transferable Points to Airlines and Hotels
Cons:
- High Annual Fee
- Limited travel partners for point transfers
Apply now: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
NHL Discover It Credit Card
Key features: The NHL Discover It Credit Card offers key features tailored for hockey enthusiasts. Cardholders can earn cashback rewards on purchases, including NHL merchandise and game tickets, with the opportunity to double their rewards at the end of the first year. The card also provides access to NHL fan experiences and discounts.
Our verdict: If you’re a hockey fan planning on attending several games this year, this card is worth it. If you’re only a casual attendee, you may be better off with another card.
Pros:
- Cashback rewards program with opportunities for high rewards in rotating categories, including potential NHL-related categories.
- No annual fee.
- Access to special NHL perks, such as discounts and exclusive fan experiences.
Cons:
- Reward categories may change quarterly.
- Cashback rewards are limited to a certain maximum amount per quarter.
- Potential high APR for balance transfers and cash advances.
Apply now: NHL Discover It Credit Card
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Key features: The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card is good for sports fans as it offers flexibility in earning rewards. Cardholders can earn 5% cashback in their top eligible spending category, which can include sports-related purchases like tickets, merchandise, or concessions.
Our verdict: This is one of the best cards for sports fans thanks to the flexibility it offers for earning rewards and its high cash back rate.
Pros:
- Flexible 5% cashback category that can be customized based on your spending habits.
- No annual fee.
- Simple and straightforward rewards structure.
- Access to Citi Entertainment for special events and presale tickets.
- Additional Citi benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranty.
Cons:
- 5% cashback category limited to a quarterly spending cap.
- Rewards categories must be manually selected each billing cycle.
- Limited additional perks or benefits beyond the cashback program.
Apply now: Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Things to look out for with credit cards for sports fans
- Rewards and benefits: Look for credit cards that offer rewards specifically tailored to sports fans. This can include cashback on ticket purchases, discounts on merchandise, or rewards for sports-related spending.
- Ticket purchase perks: Consider credit cards that provide special privileges when purchasing sports tickets, such as early access to ticket sales, exclusive seating options, or pre-sale opportunities.
- Sports team credit cards: Some sports credit cards form partnerships with teams or leagues, offering exclusive access to events, VIP experiences, or discounts on team merchandise.
- Travel benefits: If you often travel to watch games or attend sporting events, consider credit cards that offer travel rewards, such as airline miles, hotel discounts, or travel insurance.
- Purchase protection: Look for credit cards that offer robust purchase protection, including coverage for lost or stolen tickets, fraud protection, or extended warranty coverage for sports-related purchases.
How to apply for a sports credit card?
When applying for a sports credit card, it’s important to do your research. Compare cards and their features, rewards, and benefits to find one that aligns with your sports-related spending habits.
Check for any annual fees and make sure they are justified by the rewards offered. Ensure the card is widely accepted at sports venues you frequent. Also, read the terms and conditions carefully, paying attention to interest rates, grace periods, and penalties.
Finally, you’ll want to look into interesting introductory offers, such as signup bonuses or 0% APR periods. Consider your credit score and credit history, as some sports credit cards may require a good credit standing for approval.
Methodology
The methodology used to calculate the best cards for sports fans and athletes relied on several factors, with the most prominent of those being:
- The required credit score to apply successfully for the card.
- The additional benefits offered by the card beyond rewards.
- The rewards rate of the card, if applicable.
- Overall difficulty in securing a credit card with fair credit.
- The history of the card issuer itself.
- Any potential costs associated with owning the credit card.
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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