5 Things to Know About the Sony Credit Card

The $0-annual-fee Sony Visa® Credit Card, issued by Comenity Bank, offers bonus rewards on entertainment purchases, qualifying Sony products and dining. But even the biggest Sony enthusiasts can do far better.

That's because in some cases you'll need to jump through additional hoops — like providing proof of purchase and filling out forms — to earn or redeem your rewards. This is highly unusual.

Few if any other rewards credit cards require such cumbersome steps and instead allow much more seamless earning and redemption.

Here are five things to know about the Sony Visa® Credit Card.

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1. Prepare to work for certain rewards

The Sony Visa® Credit Card offers the following rewards:

• 5 points per $1 spent on entertainment purchases. (See below for what qualifies as "entertainment.")

• 5 points per $1 spent on Sony purchases made at the Sony Store and with authorized retailers (purchase confirmation is required).

• 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants and rideshare purchases, plus internet and cable bills.

• 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Point values vary, but generally your points are worth a cent apiece if you redeem them for electronics. Meanwhile, they'll generally be worth closer to .8 cent if you redeem them for gift cards.

The card's rewards rate on entertainment purchases is attractive. But to earn that 5x rewards rate on Sony purchases from authorized retailers, you’ll have to buy from a qualifying retailer and access the Sony Rewards Purchase Confirmation Form in the Sony Rewards app to upload a photo of your receipt. Otherwise, you’ll get only 1 point per $1 spent on that purchase. That's a lot of work.

If you prefer a simpler rewards-earning process, a flat-rate credit card like the $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card can offer decent rewards on all purchases, and without the legwork: It earns 2% back on all purchases.

2. Redemptions are similarly cumbersome and limited

In some cases, you may be able to redeem points for a general statement credit — for example, if the points were earned from an eligible sign-up offer or Sony product purchase. But typically, redemptions are mostly limited to Sony products.

To get a statement credit toward a Sony product purchase, you have to shop with an authorized retailer and fill out a purchase credit form. It involves taking a picture of your receipt and electing to use all or some of your points to cover the purchase.

You can also redeem points for Sony products featured as "Deals and Steals," insider specials and power sales on Sony’s website. Or you can shop Sony’s catalog to redeem points for merchandise, movies and TV shows, PlayStation video games or gift cards. You may also use points to purchase tickets to concerts and other events.

You'll want to redeem rewards within five years of earning them, or else they expire.

» MORE: Best credit cards for streaming services

3. You'll earn a sign-up bonus

As of September 2023, you'll receive a $50 statement credit after you make a purchase within 60 days of account opening and another $50 statement credit after you spend $500 within 60 days.

» MORE: Best credit cards for entertainment spending

4. The APR is high, so don't carry a balance

Cardholders get a variable APR of 19.24%, 25.24% or 267.99% (as of September 2023), depending on their creditworthiness. That's a steep rate to pay if you're carrying a balance, especially a large one, and any points you earn would easily be canceled out by those interest charges.

Aim to pay off your balance in full every month.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best cash-back credit cards

5. You can use it instantly after approval

You don’t have to wait for the Sony Visa® Credit Card to come in the mail to start using it. If you’re approved, you can request that a digital shopping pass be sent to your mobile device. You can use it to make online purchases while you're waiting for your card to arrive.