Finding the right credit card can be a game-changer when it comes to managing your finances, especially if you're committed to a healthy lifestyle. With gym memberships often representing a recurring expense, choosing a credit card that maximizes rewards on these purchases can lead to significant savings and benefits. This article will guide you through the best credit card options for gym memberships in 2024, helping you make an informed decision to optimize your spending.
Best Credit Cards for Gym Memberships: A Comparison
| Credit Card | Rewards on Gym Memberships & Related Spending | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | 2x points on travel and dining, potentially covering gym-related travel (fuel, parking) and post-workout meals. | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. $95 annual fee. Travel and purchase protections. |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including gym memberships. | Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back! After your first year or spending $20,000, you'll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. No annual fee. |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), and select U.S. streaming subscriptions, potentially offsetting gym membership costs. | Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. $95 annual fee (see rates & fees). |
| Citi® Double Cash Card | 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay). | Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay. No annual fee. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | 2x miles on every purchase, including gym memberships. Miles can be redeemed for travel or statement credits. | Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. $95 annual fee. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating categories (activation required), which occasionally include fitness-related purchases or online shopping where you might buy workout gear. 1% back on all other purchases. | Discover matches all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year, automatically. No annual fee. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | 4x points on dining, 2x points on grocery stores, streaming services and gas stations, potentially covering expenses related to your gym routine. | Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. No annual fee. |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market, where you might purchase workout supplements or healthy snacks related to your fitness goals. | Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. No annual fee. |
| Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | 2% cash rewards on purchases, including gym memberships. | Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. No annual fee. |
Detailed Explanations of Credit Card Features
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is a strong contender for those who travel or dine out frequently in addition to their gym membership. The 2x points on travel and dining can be highly valuable, especially if your gym routine involves commuting or grabbing a post-workout meal. The points can be redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, often at a higher value than cash back. The sign-up bonus and travel protections are also significant perks.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®: The 1.5% cash back on all purchases makes this card a simple and reliable option for earning rewards on gym memberships without any category restrictions. It's a great choice if you prefer a straightforward cash back structure. The introductory bonus offers even more value in the first year. No annual fee makes it a low-risk choice.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: This card shines if you spend a significant amount on groceries. The 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets can effectively offset the cost of your gym membership if you use the card for your regular grocery shopping. The cash back on streaming services is another added benefit. Keep in mind the annual fee and the spending cap on the supermarket category.
Citi® Double Cash Card: With 2% cash back on all purchases, this card offers a high flat-rate reward without the need to track spending categories. It's an excellent choice for simplicity and consistent rewards on everything, including your gym membership. The reward is given 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: The 2x miles on every purchase can be redeemed for travel or as statement credits, providing flexibility in how you use your rewards. If you're a frequent traveler, this card offers a valuable way to accumulate miles on your gym membership and other everyday expenses. The sign-up bonus can significantly boost your travel fund.
Discover it® Cash Back: The 5% cash back on rotating categories can be a lucrative way to earn rewards if the categories align with your spending habits. While gym memberships aren't always a featured category, the card often includes fitness-related purchases or online shopping, allowing you to earn extra rewards on workout gear or supplements. The first-year cash back match is a compelling incentive.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card: While not directly offering rewards on gym memberships, the card's 4x points on dining, 2x points on grocery stores, streaming services and gas stations can indirectly benefit your fitness routine. The rewards can offset the cost of pre or post-workout meals, travel expenses related to the gym, or streaming services you use for workout routines.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: If you're an Amazon Prime member, this card offers 5% cash back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. You can use this card to purchase workout supplements, healthy snacks, or fitness equipment from Amazon or Whole Foods, effectively earning rewards on items related to your gym routine.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: This card offers a simple and consistent reward structure with 2% cash rewards on purchases, including gym memberships. It is a reliable option for earning rewards on gym memberships without any category restrictions or rotating bonuses. The sign-up bonus offers even more value in the first few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for earning cash back on gym memberships?
The Citi® Double Cash Card and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, both offering 2% cash back on all purchases, are excellent choices for consistent rewards on gym memberships.
Can I use my credit card points to pay for my gym membership?
Some credit card rewards programs allow you to redeem points for statement credits, which can then be used to cover your gym membership costs.
Do any credit cards offer specific rewards for fitness-related purchases?
The Discover it® Cash Back card occasionally includes fitness-related purchases in its rotating 5% cash back categories.
What if my gym membership codes as a travel or dining expense?
Certain gym memberships, especially those at hotels or resorts, may code as travel or dining expenses, allowing you to earn bonus rewards on cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.
Are there any credit cards with no annual fee that offer good rewards on gym memberships?
Yes, the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Citi® Double Cash Card, Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and Discover it® Cash Back offer rewards on gym memberships without an annual fee.
How do I maximize rewards on my gym membership with a credit card?
Choose a card that offers a high flat-rate cash back percentage or rewards bonus categories that align with your spending habits related to fitness, such as groceries, dining, or online shopping.
Should I consider a store credit card for gym-related purchases?
While store credit cards may offer rewards at specific sporting goods stores, they typically don't provide rewards on gym memberships directly.
What is the best way to use credit card rewards earned on gym memberships?
Consider redeeming your rewards for statement credits to offset the cost of your gym membership, or use them for travel or other experiences to enhance your overall well-being.
How do I find out how my gym membership is coded by my credit card company?
After making a purchase, check your online credit card statement to see the merchant category code (MCC) assigned to the transaction.
What should I look for in a credit card besides rewards on gym memberships?
Consider factors such as the interest rate, annual fee, credit limit, sign-up bonus, and other benefits like travel insurance or purchase protection.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for your gym membership depends on your overall spending habits and reward preferences. Cards like the Citi® Double Cash Card and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offer straightforward cash back, while cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express provide more specialized rewards categories that can indirectly benefit your fitness routine. By carefully evaluating your options, you can find a credit card that not only rewards your commitment to fitness but also enhances your overall financial well-being.