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The MLS Forward Credit Card is no longer available for new applicants. Existing cardholders can continue using their cards to earn and redeem rewards and enjoy the card’s benefits, according to a spokesperson for Avant. See here for NerdWallet's list of the best credit cards for sports fans and athletes.
The article below was originally published on Oct. 18, 2023, when the card was first available to applicants.
Die-hard supporters of Major League Soccer (MLS) may twirl their scarves for the new MLS Forward Credit Card, but even the most fervent fans will do better with another card.
Issued by WebBank through a partnership between MLS and financial technology company Avant, the $0-annual fee MLS Forward card earns:
- 5 points per $1 spent on purchases at MLSstore.com.
- 3 points per $1 spent on gas.
- 2 points per $1 spent on dining and grocery.
- 1 point per $1 spent on everything else.
Unfortunately, rewards earning is capped at 6,000 points per year across all bonus categories. After you earn 6,000 bonus points, all spending will earn 1 point per $1 spent. Points are worth 1 cent each (i.e. 100 points = $1) and can be redeemed for cash back, Fanatics gift cards and MLS match tickets. A minimum of 2,500 points is required per redemption.
New cardholders can score a sign-up bonus of 5,000 points after spending $1,000 in 90 days, a 15% off promo code for purchases made at MLSstore.com and pre-sale access to special MLS events. You can also select from one of 23 card designs, including the logo of any MLS club located in the U.S. (sorry, Canada).
Should you get the MLS Forward Credit Card?
Probably not. The card offers a maximum credit line of $3,000 and caps the rewards you can earn in bonus categories. A sign-up bonus is always nice, but even the most passionate MLS club supporters can do better with a general rewards card.
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card has no minimum redemption amount and earns 3% back on entertainment, including sporting events, dining, streaming services and grocery store purchases. Plus, it earns to 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment, a ticketing platform available to all Capital One rewards cardholders. New cardholders can also get the following sign-up bonus: For a limited time, earn a one-time $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
