The rise of streaming services has revolutionized how we consume entertainment. From movies and TV shows to music and live sports, these platforms offer a vast library of content for a monthly fee. Choosing the right credit card can help you maximize the value of your streaming subscriptions by earning rewards, cash back, or statement credits.
This guide will explore the best credit cards for streaming services in 2024, covering their benefits, rewards structures, and other factors to consider when choosing the right card for your needs.
| Credit Card | Rewards on Streaming Services | Other Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex | 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (often includes streaming) | No annual fee, 1% cash back on all other purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Intro APR offer. |
| Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card | 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services | No annual fee, 1% cash back on all other purchases, extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance. |
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | 5% cash back on two categories you choose (can include streaming) | No annual fee, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas stations or grocery stores), 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. |
| American Express® Gold Card | 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), 4x at restaurants worldwide | Annual fee applies, $120 Uber Cash benefit annually, $120 dining credit annually (at select restaurants). Excellent for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries. |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (often includes streaming) | No annual fee, Discover matches all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year, 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent) | No annual fee, 1% cash back on all other purchases. Offers a flexible rewards structure for those with variable spending habits. |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card | 3% cash back in a category of your choice (can include streaming) | No annual fee, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (on the first $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club purchases each quarter, then 1%), 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market | No annual fee (with eligible Prime membership), 2% back at restaurants and gas stations, 1% back on all other purchases. |
Detailed Explanations
Chase Freedom Flex: This card offers a compelling combination of rotating quarterly categories and bonus rewards on dining and drugstores. The 5% cash back on rotating categories often includes streaming services, providing a significant return on your subscription spending. Keep an eye on the Chase calendar to see if streaming is a featured category for the quarter. The intro APR offer can also be valuable if you need to finance a large purchase.
Capital One SavorOne Rewards Credit Card: This card provides a consistent 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services, making it a solid choice for those who spend regularly in these categories. The absence of an annual fee makes it an accessible option for beginners. Extended warranty protection and travel accident insurance add extra value.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card: The flexibility of this card allows you to choose two categories to earn 5% cash back, and streaming services are often an option. This gives you control over maximizing your rewards based on your spending habits. The 2% cash back on an everyday category like gas or groceries provides additional value.
American Express® Gold Card: While not directly offering bonus rewards specifically on streaming services, the 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants indirectly benefit streaming subscribers. Those points can be redeemed for travel or cash back, offsetting the cost of streaming services. The annual Uber Cash and dining credits further enhance the card's value, especially for frequent diners. Consider this card if your overall spending habits align with its reward structure.
Discover it® Cash Back: Similar to the Chase Freedom Flex, this card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, which frequently include streaming services. The Discover match at the end of your first year effectively doubles your cash back earnings, making it an attractive option for new cardholders.
Citi Custom Cash® Card: This card automatically awards 5% cash back on your top spending category each billing cycle (up to $500 spent). If streaming services consistently represent your highest spending category, this card can provide a significant return. This card is an excellent choice for those whose spending habits vary from month to month.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: You can choose streaming services as your 3% cash back category with this card. This customization allows you to tailor your rewards to your specific spending habits. The 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs provides additional value.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: While primarily focused on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, this card offers a strong 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market. If you regularly purchase streaming subscriptions through Amazon Prime Channels, this card can be a valuable option. The 2% back at restaurants and gas stations is a nice added benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for someone with a lot of different streaming subscriptions?
The U.S. Bank Cash+ Card or the Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card are good choices because they allow you to choose streaming as a 5% or 3% cash back category, respectively.
Do all credit cards categorize streaming services the same way?
No, credit card companies may categorize streaming services differently. It's best to check with your card issuer to confirm which services qualify for bonus rewards.
What if I don't spend enough on streaming to justify a dedicated credit card?
Consider a general cash-back card that offers a flat rate on all purchases, or a card with rotating bonus categories that occasionally include streaming.
Are there any credit cards that offer free streaming subscriptions?
Some cards offer statement credits towards streaming subscriptions as a perk, but very few offer outright "free" subscriptions.
How do I redeem my rewards earned on streaming services?
Redemption options vary by card issuer, but common options include statement credits, cash back, gift cards, and travel rewards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for streaming services depends on your individual spending habits and preferences. Consider factors such as annual fees, rewards structures, and redemption options. By carefully evaluating your needs, you can select a card that maximizes your rewards and helps you save money on your favorite streaming subscriptions. The Chase Freedom Flex, Capital One SavorOne, and U.S. Bank Cash+ offer excellent rewards and flexibility, while the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature is a strong choice for frequent Amazon shoppers.