Best Credit Card for Entertainment in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "510", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "$300 Annual Travel Credit"} ]]

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Points are not earned until after the first $300 is spent annually on travel purchases. The first $300 goes toward the $300 Annual Travel Credit.

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Entertainment

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With so many credit cards offering rewards on everything from live events to your favorite streaming subscriptions, picking the one that best fits your lifestyle is key to maximizing value.

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While high cash-back percentages are tempting, be wary of annual fees that can quickly erase your rewards. It's also critical to understand how each card issuer defines the 'entertainment' category, as a narrow definition could mean your favorite activities don't even qualify for bonus points.

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Key Factors

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• Rewards Rate: A higher rewards rate means you earn more back on every dollar spent, but make sure it applies to the types of entertainment you enjoy most.
• Category Definition: Always check the fine print to see what the issuer defines as 'entertainment'—it can range from streaming services and concert tickets to sporting events and amusement parks.
• Annual Fee: Weigh the card's annual fee against the value of the rewards and benefits you expect to receive each year to ensure you come out ahead.
• Welcome Offer: A generous introductory offer can provide substantial upfront value, but be sure you can meet the minimum spending requirement without overspending.
• Spending Caps: Some cards limit the amount of spending that earns bonus rewards, so check for any quarterly or annual caps that might restrict your earning potential.
• Redemption Value: Consider how you can use your points or cash back, as the value can differ depending on whether you redeem for statement credits, travel, or gift cards.
• Additional Perks: Look for valuable extras like monthly streaming credits, ticket presale access, or travel protections that can enhance your entertainment experiences.

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What to Watch Out For

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Don't let a huge welcome offer or a high rewards rate blind you to the details in the fine print. A common pitfall is picking a card that doesn't match your actual spending, leaving you stuck with an annual fee for rewards you can't maximize. Before you apply, make sure the card's long-term value makes sense for you and that its definition of 'entertainment' actually covers what you enjoy.

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Decision Flow

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• If you’re a streaming superfan: Prioritize a card that offers high cash-back rates or statement credits specifically for streaming services. If your nights are filled with Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify, this is the most direct way to get rewarded for your subscriptions.
• If you live for live events: Look for a card that gives you an edge on tickets. This could mean bonus rewards on purchases from ticket vendors, exclusive access to presales for concerts and sporting events, or even special VIP packages.
• If you want all-around entertainment value: Find a card with a broad and generous entertainment category. If your spending is a mix of movie tickets, amusement parks, museums, and sporting events, you’ll want a card that rewards them all without forcing you to juggle different cards for each activity. Always double-check the fine print to see what’s included.
• If you prioritize simplicity above all: Choose a card with a straightforward rewards structure. This might be a card with a high, flat rewards rate on a wide entertainment category that doesn’t have complicated spending caps or rotating bonuses to track.
• If you’re chasing premium perks: Consider a high-end travel card. While not strictly "entertainment" cards, they often bundle valuable perks like access to exclusive events, airport lounge access that can be used at some venues, or flexible credits that can be applied toward entertainment purchases.

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Maximize Your Return with Entertainment

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To get the most out of your entertainment spending, consider these strategies:

• Use a category-specific card: Select a credit card that offers bonus rewards on entertainment, which can include everything from movie tickets and concerts to streaming services.
• Stack with shopping portals: Before buying tickets online, check if the vendor is available through your credit card's shopping portal to earn extra rewards on top of your card's regular rate.
• Check for card-linked offers: Regularly check for special deals like Amex Offers or Chase Offers, which can provide statement credits or bonus points for spending at specific entertainment merchants.
• Maximize redemption value: Instead of redeeming points for cash back at a low value, consider transferring them to travel partners or using them through a travel portal for experiences to get a better return.
• Take advantage of statement credits: Many premium cards offer annual credits for streaming services or other entertainment purchases, effectively reducing the cost of your subscriptions and tickets.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Stop guessing which card to use at checkout—Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your highest-earning card for every purchase, helping you maximize rewards and unlock hidden perks. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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While a general-purpose entertainment card offers flexibility, don't overlook store-specific cards if you're a loyal patron of a particular venue, as they can sometimes provide superior discounts or exclusive perks. Regardless of which card you choose, the golden rule of credit card rewards is to pay your balance in full each month. The interest accrued from carrying a balance will almost always outweigh the value of any cash back or points you earn, turning your rewards into a costly illusion. It's also wise to consider your overall payment strategy, including when to use cash and how to approach the growing trend of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services. While BNPL plans can make large purchases more manageable, they can also encourage overspending and complicate your budget if not tracked diligently.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What counts as an "entertainment" purchase for credit cards?

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The definition of entertainment varies by card issuer but typically includes movie theaters, concerts, sporting events, and amusement parks. It's always best to check your card's terms to see which specific merchant category codes qualify for bonus rewards.

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Are streaming services considered entertainment spending?

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Many credit cards do categorize popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify as entertainment, but some may place them in a separate "streaming" category. Always confirm with your card issuer's rewards program details to be sure.

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Do I need a good credit score to get a top entertainment credit card?

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Generally, the best credit cards for entertainment rewards require a good to excellent credit score, typically 670 or higher. However, options are available for various credit profiles, though they may offer fewer benefits.

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