Best Credit Cards for Gamers
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A credit card can be the real-life equivalent of a level-up tool or weapon in your favorite video game — a master sword that can help you slash costs. This is true whether you're looking to redeem rewards for games or save money on interest when buying a console.
Ready, Player One? Here are some of the best credit card options for gamers.
» EXPLORE: Best credit cards for entertainment spending
Top cards for entertainment spending
Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card
Our pick for: Simplicity
Rewards:
Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
Sign-up bonus: New! Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 14.99%-24.99% Variable APR.
Why we like it
The Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card offers easy rewards at a rich rate. And it can work as a single or team player in your wallet, pairing well with higher-earning cash-back credit cards if it turns out that your idea of "gaming" also includes maximizing rewards IRL.
It’s the type of card that’s ideal for any purchase, from gaming subscriptions to accessories. New cardholders are eligible for valuable introductory offers that can defray some gaming costs or save money on interest payments over a certain period of time. Plus, the ongoing cell phone protection benefit may cover your phone if it's ever damaged or stolen, which may mean peace of mind for fans of mobile gaming.
Drawbacks
If you’re not a Wells Fargo customer, you may find your redemption options slightly less flexible.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Online purchases
Rewards:
3% back on a category of your choice (options listed below) and 2% back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 of combined bonus category/grocery store/wholesale club spending per quarter; after hitting that threshold, you’ll earn 1% back on these purchases.
1% back on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening..
Annual fee: $0.
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 13.99%-23.99% Variable APR.
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you choose a top-earning rewards category from a list of six options, including online shopping. (The other five categories are gas, dining, travel, drugstores, and home improvement/furnishings.)
For gamers, the online category makes the most sense. It includes purchases made with merchants like Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Target.com, Apple.com, and Walmart.com, among others. The sign-up bonus can also offer some money back to offset the cost of a game or a larger purchase like a computer. You may also get some breathing room on interest payments for those purchases for some time.
Drawbacks
You'll want to keep track of the spending cap if you're aiming to maximize your earnings. Redemptions are limited to a statement credit or check if you’re not a Bank of America® customer.
U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card – NerdWallet Exclusive Offer
Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
Rewards:
5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases each quarter in two categories you choose from a list of several, including select electronic stores, cell phone providers, department stores and TV/internet/streaming services. (See full list of eligible categories.)
2% back in one "everyday" category that you choose each quarter. (These categories include grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.)
1% back on all other eligible net purchases.
Sign-up bonus: $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 13.99%-23.99% Variable APR.
Why we like it
For gamers with select internet services or cell phone providers, the U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card – NerdWallet Exclusive Offer could be valuable. Likewise, the card's "electronics stores" category includes popular merchants such as Best Buy (in store and online), Fry’s (in store and online), Newegg.com, the Apple Store and others.
This card can be used in a system to maximize rewards by pairing it with a flat-rate credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash℠ Card listed above.
Drawbacks
The $2,000 quarterly cap is a high spending ceiling for gamers looking to max out rewards. Plus, the card isn't exactly low-maintenance: You'll have to remember to opt into categories each quarter and keep track of them.
» MORE: Best credit cards for streaming
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Our pick for: Prime gaming
Rewards:
5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores.
1% back on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: The ongoing APR is 14.24%-22.24%, Variable.
Why we like it
As an Amazon Prime member, you can use the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card to earn rich rewards on Amazon purchases — including games and consoles — and get them shipped for free. With the membership, you can also access free games and in-game loot, and get a free subscription to Twitch.tv. The healthy rewards rate at restaurants and Whole Foods can also fuel you up for your next marathon Call of Duty session.
Drawbacks
The card doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR, so you won't get an interest-free window on purchases. You also need an Amazon Prime membership ($119 per year) to be eligible for this card.
» MORE: Best store credit cards
Target REDcard™ Credit Card
Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
Rewards:
5% discount on all eligible Target purchases.
Sign-up bonus: Get $40 off a future qualifying purchase over $40 when approved for a RedCard (Offer ends 12/11/2021).
Annual fee: $0.
APR: The ongoing APR is 22.90% Variable.
Why we like it
The Target REDcard™ Credit Card packs a 5% discount that you can use on any retailer-specific purchase online or in the store. It’s one way to trim costs on games, electronics, accessories and snacks.
Specialty gift cards are also included in that 5% discount, so you could potentially buy a gift card for Xbox, PlayStation or Twitch. Most items purchased with the card on Target.com are eligible for free shipping and an additional 30-day period for returns and exchanges.
Drawbacks
The card can be used only for purchases made at Target. You can’t earn rewards and stash them away for later. Instead, you automatically get a discount on every purchase.
Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
Rewards:
5% back on purchases at Walmart.com and items purchased through the Walmart app. This includes items you buy online for in-store pickup as well as for Walmart grocery pickup and delivery. (Gift cards earn 2% back regardless of where they are purchased.)
2% back for in-store purchases, including those made at Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations.
2% back at travel and restaurants.
1% back on all other purchases.
Annual fee: $0.
Why we like it
If you often shop at Walmart online or in the app, the Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® can offer an eye-catching 5% on those purchases, whether they include games, accessories, electronics or everyday items. It also earns a solid 2% on purchases at restaurants, for those game nights that require takeout.
Compared with some other store credit cards, the Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® offers more options to redeem rewards: a check, a statement credit for purchases or travel, gift cards, or purchases on Walmart.com.
Drawbacks
For a store credit card, the Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® has a lot of rewards categories that may be difficult to track. The ongoing rewards on in-store Walmart purchases are not as generous, so you’re better off using the card online. Cardholders don't automatically get free shipping, but Walmart offers it on orders of $35 or more.
PlayStation Visa Credit Card
Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
Rewards:
5 points per $1 spent on PlayStation and Sony products at the Sony store and at authorized retailers when you confirm a purchase.
3 points per $1 spent on cable and internet bill payments.
2 points per $1 spent at restaurants.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus:
Limited time: Earn a $75 PlayStation store code when you make the first purchase within 60 days of account opening. (Offer ends 11/12/21.)
Earn a $75 game coupon when you spend $500 with the card not at PlayStation or Sony, within 60 days of card activation.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: A variable APR as high as 22.74% (as of November 2021).
Why we like it
For PlayStation loyalists, the PlayStation Visa Credit Card can offer some value. For starters, it can be used instantly after approval with a temporary shopping pass for online purchases. Small sign-up offers may occasionally be available for new cardholders. As of November 2021, you don’t have to spend much to earn one introductory offer; you can snag it with the first purchase.
Drawbacks
Point values are generally low, and redemption is cumbersome and limited mainly to PlayStation and Sony products.
Best Buy credit cards
Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
Rewards:
5% back on all purchases at Best Buy. (Cardholders with a Visa version also earn additional rewards.)
Flexible financing options.
Sign-up bonus: Receive a total 10% back in Best Buy points on the first day of purchases when you are approved for the card.
Annual fee: $0 - $59, depending on the card.
APR: A variable APR as high as 25.24% as of November 2021.
Why we like it
Best Buy Credit Cards aren’t as flexible as general cash-back credit cards, but they do pack some value if you frequently shop at the retailer. In addition to rewards on gaming purchases at Best Buy, you may also be eligible for special financing on those purchases.
Drawbacks
You don't have control over which version of the Best Buy credit card you'll be approved for, and one of the options carries a $59 annual fee. Also, those occasional special financing deals aren't "0% intro APR offers," in which interest is waived. Instead, they're deferred interest offers, which can be riskier.
» MORE: Best 0% intro APR credit cards
