Best Credit Cards for Streaming Services of June 2023
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Video and music streaming services have become a popular bonus category on credit cards as media consumption patterns change. Where streaming subscriptions once fell into the "everything else" bucket that didn't qualify for bonus points or cash back, streaming is increasingly called out for rewards of 3%, 5% and even higher. Streaming probably isn't the biggest item in your budget and might not be the sole reason to get a particular card, but it's a nice complementary category, for sure.
Some of our best credit cards for streaming services can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks and guidance on which services earn the highest rewards from which cards.
Video and music streaming services have become a popular bonus category on credit cards as media consumption patterns change. Where streaming subscriptions once fell into the "everything else" bucket that didn't qualify for bonus points or cash back, streaming is increasingly called out for rewards of 3%, 5% and even higher. Streaming probably isn't the biggest item in your budget and might not be the sole reason to get a particular card, but it's a nice complementary category, for sure.
Some of our best credit cards for streaming services can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks and guidance on which services earn the highest rewards from which cards.
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Best Credit Cards for Streaming Services From Our Partners
Our pick for
Highest rewards rate
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
1%-6%
Cashback
$250
On top of its outstanding rewards in other everyday categories, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express pays a whopping 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions (see the full list below). Disney Bundle subscribers get an added incentive. Terms apply.
On top of its outstanding rewards in other everyday categories, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express pays a whopping 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions (see the full list below). Disney Bundle subscribers get an added incentive. Terms apply.
Pros
You earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%); 6% back on select streaming subscriptions; 3% back at U.S. gas stations and on transit; and 1% back on everything else. The card also offers an $84 credit for a subscription to The Disney Bundle (Hulu, Disney+ and ESPN+), in the form of $7 monthly statement credits. There's a great bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Terms apply.
Cons
The best-in-class rewards rates on this card come at a price: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95. Note that if your streaming subscription is bundled with another product or service, or if it's billed through a third party, it may not qualify for the 6% rate.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
Low intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.99% to 29.99%
6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
1% Cash Back on other purchases.
Get $7 back each month after using your Blue Cash Preferred Card to spend $12.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription to The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. Enrollment required.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Customizable 5% cash back
on US Bank's website
on US Bank's website
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
With the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, you choose your own 5% cash back categories from a list every quarter. Those options have included "TV, internet and streaming services" (see more info on eligible services below).
With the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, you choose your own 5% cash back categories from a list every quarter. Those options have included "TV, internet and streaming services" (see more info on eligible services below).
Pros
You earn 5% cash back on two categories of your choice from a list of options (on up to $2,000 spent per quarter on combined purchases); 2% back on an everyday category of your choice, such as gas, groceries or restaurants; and 1% back on other purchases. Newcomers can also earn a great bonus. You can optimize this card for entertainment by making your second 5% bonus category something like fast food or movie theaters and pick restaurants as your 2% category.
Cons
This is a high-maintenance card. You must keep track of multiple bonus categories — plus a spending cap — and remember to opt in to those bonus categories every quarter.
$200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose
5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center
2% cash back on one everyday category, like Gas Stations/EV Charging Stations, Grocery Stores or Restaurants
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
0% Intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.49% - 29.49%
No Annual Fee
Terms and conditions apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Automatic 5% cash back
on Citibank's application
on Citibank's application
$0
1%-5%
Cashback
$200
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically earns 5% cash back on the eligible category in which you spend the most money, with select streaming services being one of those categories (see full list of qualifying services below).
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card automatically earns 5% cash back on the eligible category in which you spend the most money, with select streaming services being one of those categories (see full list of qualifying services below).
Pros
Unlike with some other cards, you don't have to activate or choose your bonus categories. You earn 5% cash back on up to $500 spent in your highest-spending category per billing cycle from a list of eligible options (streaming services, restaurants, gas stations, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, select travel, select transit and live entertainment). Other spending earns 1%. There's a good sign-up bonus and a solid 0% intro APR period.
Cons
The 5% rewards apply in only one category. If you use the card for all your expenses, you might end up earning only 1% on streaming because you spent more elsewhere. That's not necessarily a bad thing — after all, you want more spending to qualify for higher rewards. But it does mean streaming spending isn't guaranteed to earn 5%.
Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 18.99% - 28.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
No Annual Fee
Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash℠ Card account per person.
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Broad rewards on entertainment
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
$0
1%-10%
Cashback
$200
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 3% cash back not only on streaming subscriptions, but also on other entertainment as well as at restaurants and grocery stores (see more info on eligible services below).
The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 3% cash back not only on streaming subscriptions, but also on other entertainment as well as at restaurants and grocery stores (see more info on eligible services below).
Pros
Dinner and a movie? Whether you cook at home, dine out or get takeout, and whether you stream something on Netflix or go to a theater, you can earn the same 3% cash back thanks to this card's great collection of bonus categories. There's a solid bonus offer and a great 0% intro APR period as well.
Cons
You can find higher rewards in pretty much each of this card's bonus categories — but good luck finding higher rewards in ALL of them on one card, especially without an annual fee.
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services and at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), plus 1% on all other purchases
Earn 10% cash back on purchases made through Uber & Uber Eats, plus complimentary Uber One membership statement credits through 11/14/2024
Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options. Terms apply
No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.74% - 29.74% variable APR after that; 3% fee on the amounts transferred within the first 15 months
No foreign transaction fee
No annual fee
Our pick for
Travel rewards
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
$95
1x-5x
Points
60,000
Points
Well known for its travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also chips in 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services (see full list below). Depending on how you use the points, your return on streaming spending could top 4%.
Well known for its travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also chips in 3 points per dollar spent on select streaming services (see full list below). Depending on how you use the points, your return on streaming spending could top 4%.
Pros
This card also gives you 5X points on travel booked through Chase and 2X on other travel; 3X on dining and online grocery delivery (not including Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); and 1X on other purchases. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase, or you can transfer them to a dozen hotel and airline partners for even more value per point. There's a terrific sign-up bonus and some other fine perks for travelers.
Cons
There's a $95 annual fee. And while the card offers healthy rewards in a variety of categories, keeping track of them and their redemption value may require some effort.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
Member FDIC
Our pick for
Simplicity
on Wells Fargo's website
on Wells Fargo's website
$0
2%
Cashback
$200
Every single streaming service qualifies for the highest rewards rate on the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. That's because every purchase you make with the card earns 2% cash back. It's a simple card for an increasingly complicated streaming landscape.
Every single streaming service qualifies for the highest rewards rate on the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card. That's because every purchase you make with the card earns 2% cash back. It's a simple card for an increasingly complicated streaming landscape.
Pros
Ease of use prevails: You earn 2% cash back on every purchase, so you never have to wonder whether a particular expense will qualify for bonus rewards for streaming or anything else. There's a great bonus offer and a solid 0% intro APR period. And speaking of subscriptions: Put your wireless bill on the card and enjoy automatic cell phone protection.
Cons
The simplicity comes with a trade-off: You could earn higher rewards on streaming (and in other specific categories) with a different card.
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, then a 19.99%, 24.99%, or 29.99% variable APR; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5
$0 annual fee
No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open
Enjoy a premium collection of benefits at a selection of the world's most intriguing and prestigious hotel properties with Visa Signature Concierge
Get up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your eligible Wells Fargo card (subject to a $25 deductible).
Select “Apply Now” to learn more about the product features, terms and conditions
- View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Luxury travel perks
on American Express' website
on American Express' website
$695
1x-5x
Points
80,000
Points
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes packed with perks for those who embrace the VIP lifestyle, including up to $240 a year in digital entertainment credits. Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes packed with perks for those who embrace the VIP lifestyle, including up to $240 a year in digital entertainment credits. Terms apply.
Pros
This card offers bonus rewards on travel, a magnificent welcome offer, a bevy of high-end perks and more than $1,500 a year in available statement credits toward eligible purchases in the categories of travel, entertainment, dining, retail and wellness. That includes up to $20 in statement credits per month (for a total of $240 per calendar year) that can be applied toward eligible subscriptions for Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu and The New York Times. Terms apply.
Cons
No question about it, the $695 annual fee is steep. You won't be able to offset that cost unless you already spend in the card's rewards categories and on the brands eligible for benefits. The list of services eligible for the digital entertainment credit is fairly short.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Walmart+ members enjoy shopping perks – both online and in-store – at Walmart. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive a statement credit that covers the full cost each month. $12.95 plus applicable taxes. Plus Up Benefits not eligible.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Card.
$200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Benefit renews annually.
$300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back per calendar year on an Equinox+ subscription, or any Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Learn more.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR® Plus at 45+ airports nationwide and get up to $189 back per year on your membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®.
$100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
$300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction, and an Equinox+ subscription is required.
Add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile on the Resy app or website and unlock Global Dining Access by Resy to exclusive tables and events.
$695 annual fee.
Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR STREAMING SERVICES
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our pick for: Highest rewards rate
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express?
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Terms apply. Only those services that are specifically identified on the issuer's website are eligible for the 6% cash back. Click below for the full list, as of October 2022.
• • •
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Customizable 5% cash back
If you don't mind putting some work into your rewards, check out the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card. It might be the most customizable cash back card available. You pick which categories earn the most cash back — you get two 5% categories and a 2% category — and you can change those options every quarter. There's a good bonus offer for new cardholders, too. Read our review.
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card?
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card offers "TV, internet and streaming services" among its 5% cash back categories. Whether a service actually earns 5% depends on the category code assigned to the merchant by Visa. The issuer doesn't offer a comprehensive list of eligible services but does provide examples. It notes: "While the list can be a helpful guide, U.S. Bank does not control how individual merchants or purchases are categorized." Click below for the examples as of October 2022.
• • •
Citi Custom Cash℠ Card
Our pick for: Automatic 5% cash back
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the Citi Custom Cash℠ Card?
The Citi Custom Cash℠ Card earns 5% cash back in the eligible category where you spend the most money each billing cycle (on up to $500 in spending). Those categories include streaming subscriptions. The issuer provides a list of services that qualify for the 5% cash back. Click below for the list as of October 2022.
• • •
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
Our pick for: Broad rewards on entertainment
Love the night life but dead-set against paying an annual fee? Consider the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. It pays a lower cash-back rate on dining and entertainment than the regular Savor card, but the rewards are nevertheless quite good. The sign-up bonus is smaller than on the annual-fee version, too, but it's still solid. Read our review.
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card?
Capital One says simply that "streaming purchases made from eligible music and video streaming services" will qualify for the 3% cash back on streaming with the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card. The issuer identifies only Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ as examples of eligible services. However, it notes that "some services" are excluded, including Amazon Prime Video, AT&T TV (now known as DirecTV Stream), Verizon FIOS On Demand, audiobook subscription services and fitness programming.
• • •
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our pick for: Travel rewards
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns 3 points per dollar on select streaming services that "specialize in delivering music and video content over the internet." Only those services that are specifically identified on the issuer's website are eligible for the 3X rewards. Click below for the full list, as of October 2022.
• • •
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Simplicity
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card?
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card earns the same rewards rate — 2% cash back — on every purchase, regardless of category. That means you don't have to fret over whether this or that streaming service qualifies for the top rate. You can switch services without having to switch payment methods. It also means you can use the card for everything else and enjoy a solid rewards rate.
• • •
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Luxury travel perks
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the The Platinum Card® from American Express?
The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $20 a month in statement credits for digital entertainment. Terms apply; only services that are specifically identified by the issuer are eligible for those credits. Click below for the full list as of October 2022.
• • •
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Our pick for: Amazon Prime Video fans
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card?
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn’t specifically reward you for streaming services — but Amazon Prime video and music streaming services are automatically included with your Prime membership, which you can pay for with this card. You’ll earn that same rich 5% back on digital downloads and on almost any purchase you make on Amazon.com.
• • •
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Our pick for: Paypal users
Which streaming services earn bonus rewards with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®?
Any merchant that lets you pay through Paypal will earn 3% cash back with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®. So if you're already paying for your streaming subscriptions via Paypal, you can incorporate this card pretty seamlessly — and get great cash back rewards for it.
Information related to the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
Last updated on May 26, 2023
