Best Credit Card for Streaming Services 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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How to Choose a Credit Card for Streaming Services

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With streaming services becoming a regular line item on most household budgets, choosing the right credit card can help you earn rewards or save money on your favorite shows and movies.

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It's tempting to grab the card with the highest cash back on streaming, but this can be a pitfall if a hefty annual fee eats up your earnings. You should also look beyond the headline rate to see how a card rewards your other spending and confirm which specific streaming services are eligible for bonus rewards. Some cards have a surprisingly narrow definition of what counts.

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Key Factors

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• Annual Fee: Make sure the rewards you earn from streaming and other spending outweigh the card's annual fee.
• Reward Rates: Look for a card that not only rewards streaming but also complements your spending in other major categories like dining or groceries.
• Spending Caps: Be aware of any quarterly or annual limits on the amount of spending that can earn the bonus rate for streaming.
• Eligible Services: Always check the card's terms to see which specific streaming providers are included, as the list can be surprisingly restrictive.
• Redemption Options: Consider how you want to use your rewards, whether it's simple cash back or more valuable travel redemptions through transfer partners.

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What to Watch Out For

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A common mistake is picking a card solely for its high streaming rewards without checking the fine print. You might get stuck with a hefty annual fee or discover that the bonus rewards are capped quarterly, limiting your earnings and making a different card a better overall choice for your wallet.

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Decision Flow

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• If you want straightforward cash back with no annual fee, look for a card that offers a consistent, elevated cash back rate on select streaming services. These cards are easy to manage and ensure your rewards aren't eroded by fees.
• If you're a frequent traveler looking to maximize rewards, consider a premium travel card. While they often have annual fees, many now include streaming as a bonus category or offer statement credits that can offset your subscription costs, turning your Netflix habit into future flights.
• If your spending is spread across streaming, dining, and groceries, a card that rewards all of these categories is your best bet. This approach allows you to consolidate your rewards and earn a high rate on multiple everyday expenses, not just your streaming subscriptions.
• If you want to avoid opening a new card, check your existing credit cards first. Some cards feature rotating bonus categories that may include streaming services for a quarter, offering a temporary boost in rewards without a new application.

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Maximize Your Return with Streaming Services

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Here are a few strategies to ensure you're getting the most value from your streaming subscriptions:

• Choose the right card:Select a credit card that offers elevated rewards rates or specific statement credits for streaming service purchases to maximize your earnings on recurring bills.
• Stack with shopping portals:Before signing up for a new service, click through a cash-back or rewards portal to earn extra rewards on top of what your card offers.
• Activate card-linked offers:Regularly check for special promotions like Amex Offers or Chase Offers that provide additional statement credits or bonus points for spending on specific streaming platforms.
• Redeem rewards strategically:Maximize the value of your points by transferring them to high-value travel partners or redeeming them for statement credits at a favorable rate, effectively lowering your subscription costs.
• Leverage annual credits:Some premium cards provide annual credits that can be applied to streaming services, so make sure to enroll and use these benefits before they expire.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your best card at checkout, helping you maximize rewards and unlock hidden perks. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond the rewards rates and annual fees, it's crucial to remember that credit card benefits are only valuable if you avoid carrying a balance; interest charges will quickly erase any cash back or points you earn. For some, a store-specific card might even be the best choice, especially if your streaming habits are loyal to one ecosystem like Apple or Amazon, which may offer higher rewards through their own cards. Regardless of your choice, proper financial hygiene is paramount—never spend more than you can pay off just to hit a bonus, and treat your card as a convenience, not a loan. Finally, be mindful of how other payment methods, like Buy Now, Pay Later plans, fit into your budget, as managing multiple forms of debt requires careful organization to stay on top of your finances.

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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 a 'streaming service' for credit card rewards?

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The definition of a streaming service can vary significantly from one credit card issuer to another. It's essential to check your card's terms to see which specific services, such as Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube TV, are eligible for bonus rewards.

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Do streaming credits on credit cards expire?

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Yes, most statement credits for streaming services have an expiration date, often resetting monthly or annually. You should review your card's benefit guide to understand the specific terms and ensure you use the credits before they are forfeited.

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Are there any credit cards with no annual fee that offer streaming benefits?

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Absolutely, several credit cards with no annual fee provide cash back or points on streaming purchases. While premium cards might offer higher reward rates or additional credits, no-annual-fee options can still provide solid value for your subscriptions.

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