Choosing the right credit card can significantly enhance your entertainment experiences, whether you're a movie buff, concert-goer, foodie, or traveler. The best entertainment credit cards offer rewards, discounts, and perks that cater specifically to these interests, helping you save money and enjoy your favorite activities even more. This article will explore the top credit card options for entertainment in 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and how to choose the one that best fits your lifestyle.
| Credit Card | Key Entertainment Benefits | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card | 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. No foreign transaction fees. Solid choice for everyday entertainment spending. | $0 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining (including takeout and delivery), and select streaming services. Strong travel and dining benefits, plus trip cancellation insurance. | $95 |
| American Express Gold Card | 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide. Dining-focused card with valuable statement credits for select dining partners. | $250 |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card | 4x points on dining, takeout, and food delivery. 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and streaming services. $15 streaming service credit annually. | $0 |
| Citi Premier Card | 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. Offers a broad range of bonus categories relevant to entertainment and travel. | $95 |
| Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card | 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%). 1% cash back on all other purchases. Good for those who spend heavily on gas and dining. | $0 |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card | 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. Earn valuable Hilton points for hotel stays, offering benefits for frequent travelers. | $150 |
| IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card | Earn 10 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels & resorts. Automatic Platinum Elite status, free night award each year, and global entry or TSA PreCheck credit. Benefits for frequent IHG hotel stays. | $99 |
| Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card | Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Automatic Silver Elite status, free night award each year, and 15 elite night credits each year. Benefits for frequent Marriott hotel stays. | $95 |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market. 2% back at restaurants and gas stations. 1% back on all other purchases. Great for Amazon Prime members who frequently shop online and dine out. | $0 |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Card | 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. No annual fee and a wide range of bonus categories make this a versatile option. | $0 |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | 3% cash back in a category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases). Flexible rewards based on your spending habits. | $0 |
Detailed Explanations
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: The Capital One SavorOne card is a strong contender for entertainment spending because it offers 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and at grocery stores. This makes it a great all-around option for those who enjoy going out to eat, attending concerts or sporting events, or subscribing to streaming platforms. The lack of an annual fee further enhances its appeal, making it a cost-effective way to earn rewards on your entertainment expenses. Plus, no foreign transaction fees make it a good choice for international travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a popular travel and dining card that offers 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining (including takeout and delivery), and select streaming services. The points earned can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or gift cards, or transferred to Chase's travel partners for potentially greater value. The card also comes with travel insurance benefits, such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, making it a valuable asset for those who travel frequently for entertainment.
American Express Gold Card: This card shines when it comes to dining. You get 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x) and at restaurants worldwide. It also offers valuable statement credits for select dining partners, helping offset the annual fee. The American Express Gold card is ideal for those who spend a significant amount on groceries and dining, making it a rewarding option for foodies.
U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card: The U.S. Bank Altitude Go card focuses on dining and streaming. It offers 4x points on dining, takeout, and food delivery, and 2x points at grocery stores, grocery delivery, gas stations, and streaming services. This card also includes a $15 streaming service credit annually, further enhancing its value for entertainment-related expenses. The combination of bonus points and a streaming credit makes it an attractive choice for those who frequently dine out or subscribe to streaming services.
Citi Premier Card: The Citi Premier Card stands out because it offers 3x points on restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, air travel, and hotels. This broad range of bonus categories makes it a versatile option for earning rewards on a variety of entertainment and travel expenses. The points earned can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, providing flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card: This card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%). It's a solid choice if you spend a lot on both gas and dining. 1% cash back is earned on all other purchases. Discover also frequently offers promotional periods with even higher cash back rates on specific categories.
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card: For those loyal to Hilton hotels, this card is a must-have. Cardholders earn 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton Portfolio. This allows you to rack up Hilton points quickly and easily. It also provides benefits like complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status, making your stays even more rewarding.
IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: If you prefer IHG hotels, the IHG One Rewards Premier card offers significant value. You earn 10 points per $1 spent at IHG hotels & resorts. The card also comes with automatic Platinum Elite status, a free night award each year, and a global entry or TSA PreCheck credit. These perks can significantly enhance your travel experiences and save you money.
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Similarly, for Marriott enthusiasts, the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card offers 6X Marriott Bonvoy points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. It also comes with automatic Silver Elite status, a free night award each year, and 15 elite night credits each year. These benefits make it a worthwhile investment for those who frequently stay at Marriott properties.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: This card is a winner for Amazon Prime members. You get 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market, 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, and 1% back on all other purchases. If you shop frequently on Amazon and dine out, this card can provide substantial savings.
Wells Fargo Autograph Card: This card offers 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. With no annual fee, it's a great option for earning rewards on a wide range of everyday expenses, including entertainment. The versatility of the bonus categories makes it a valuable addition to any wallet.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: This card offers a unique level of customization. You can choose to earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings. You also get 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined quarterly purchases). This flexibility allows you to maximize your rewards based on your specific spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best credit card for dining? The American Express Gold Card and the U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card are excellent choices, offering high rewards rates on restaurant spending. The Amex Gold offers 4x points, while the Altitude Go offers 4x points and a streaming credit.
Which credit card offers the best rewards for streaming services? The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Wells Fargo Autograph Card both offer 3% cash back on popular streaming services. The U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature Card offers 2x points and a streaming credit.
What is the best credit card for travel and entertainment? The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a strong contender, offering bonus points on travel and dining, as well as travel insurance benefits. The Citi Premier Card is another solid option with a broad range of bonus categories relevant to entertainment and travel.
Is it worth paying an annual fee for an entertainment credit card? It depends on your spending habits. If you spend enough in the bonus categories to earn rewards that exceed the annual fee, then it can be worth it.
How do I choose the right entertainment credit card for me? Consider your spending habits, preferred entertainment activities, and desired rewards type. Compare the benefits and fees of different cards to find the one that best fits your needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for entertainment involves carefully evaluating your spending habits and aligning them with the rewards and benefits offered by different cards. Whether you prioritize dining, streaming, travel, or a combination of these, there's a credit card designed to maximize your rewards and enhance your entertainment experiences. By considering the factors outlined in this article, you can select the card that best suits your lifestyle and helps you enjoy your favorite activities while earning valuable rewards.