Subscription-based services, such as software subscriptions and streaming platforms, are necessary for everyday life. Making these payments using a credit card can improve security, offer worthwhile incentives, and make tracking expenses easier. This article examines the top credit cards for subscription-based services, important considerations when choosing one, and ways to save money while maintaining access to your preferred services.
Top 7 Credit Cards for Subscription-Based Services [2025]
| S. N. | Name of Credit Cards for Subscription-Based Services | Best Known & Value for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Blue Cash Preferred from American Express | High cashback rates on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and streaming services. |
| 2. | Blue Cash Everyday from American Express | Best for everyday purchases like grocery, gas, and online purchases. |
| 3. | Capital One Savor Cash Rewards | Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases |
| 4. | U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature | 2X points on dining, streaming services, and at grocery stores. |
| 5. | U.S. Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature | A $15 credit for annual streaming service purchases |
| 6. | Wells Fargo Autograph | Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans |
| 7. | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Rewards spending on travel, dining, and streaming, with an impressive sign-up bonus that is $750 towards travel |
Best Credit Cards in the USA for Subscription-Based Services [March 2025]
Subscription-based services, including streaming platforms, online shopping, and essential daily purchases, have become integral to modern spending habits. Selecting the right credit card can help maximize Earn Rewardsards and savings.
Below are the top credit cards in the USA that offer excellent benefits for subscription-based spending:
1. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred Card issued by American Express remains one of the best grocery cards. However, its generous features and limitless cash back in crucial areas, including U.S. gas station purchases, transportation, and some U.S. streaming subscriptions, propel the Blue Cash Preferred to the top tier of cards for maximum cash back on everyday spending.
Streaming Rewards, Online Shopping
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Good/Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% for 12 months
- Regular APR – 19.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $95
- International Transaction Fee – 2.70%
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 19.24%–29.99%
- Sign In Bonus – $250 statement credit after $3,000 spent in 6 months
- Best For – Families, Everyday Spenders
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card, issued by American Express, offers high cash back on groceries, select streaming subscriptions, and transit. Its best feature is the 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets, providing significant savings on groceries.
The card has an annual fee of $95. Unique features include 6% cash back on select streaming subscriptions and a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. The required credit score is 690+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| $84 Disney Bundle Credit | 6% cash back on Groceries | Online Account Management |
| Cash Back at Amazon.com checkout | 6% cash back on Select Streaming Subscriptions | The Online Year-End Summary, typically available in January, reflects charges posted to your account from January 1st through December 31st of the prior year. |
| Send & Split® | 3% cash back on Transit and gas | If there is a fraudulent or incorrect charge on your statement, American Express will work with you to help resolve the issue. |
| Amex Offers | – | – |
| Events with Amex | – | – |
| Pay it and Plan it | – | – |
| Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance | – | – |
| Global Assist® Hotline | – | – |
| Purchase Protection | – | – |
| Extended Warranty | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Provides top-rate, year-round cash back on groceries, gas, transit and streaming subscriptions
- The Disney Bundle streaming service annual credits can help offset the annual fee without relying on reward spending
- It offers strong purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty benefits
- It has a respectable welcome offer and introductory APR for new purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
- The card has a $95 annual fee after the first year, which may be a deal breaker for cost-conscious people.
- The U.S. supermarket category earns high rewards of up to $6,000 annually (then 1%) but excludes wholesale clubs (Costco), superstores (Walmart, Target), and online grocers (Amazon).
- It has limited reward redemption options compared to other cash-back cards.
Expert Advice
The Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express is one of the finest cash-back credit cards since it routinely earns high cash-back rates on everyday necessities such as groceries, petrol, transportation, and streaming subscriptions, which surpasses the reward offerings of many other cash-back cards. Family shopping, home cooks, frequent travelers, and busy professionals will find it worthwhile to carry a single rewards card that offers comparable rates for most of their expenditures.
2. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The American Express Blue Cash Everyday® Card is one of the greatest options for earning rewards on regular purchases without paying an annual fee. The card provides robust cash back at American supermarkets, petrol stations, and internet merchants throughout the year. If you often buy online, this is a useful category since it’s one of the few cards that offers more cash back for U.S. online retail transactions.
Cashback, Everyday Spending
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Good/Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% on Purchases for 15 months
- Regular APR – 19.24%–29.99%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – 2.7%
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10, whichever is greater
- Balance Transfer APR – 19.24%–29.99%
- Sign In Bonus – $200 back after spending $2,000 in 6 months
- Best For – Families, Everyday Users
Issued by American Express, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card is tailored for everyday spending, offering 3% cash back on groceries, 3% at gas stations, and 3% on online shopping (up to $6,000 per year in each category). It is a great fit for families and online shoppers looking to maximize their cash back.
This card has no annual fee and requires a good credit score. It provides an introductory 0% APR on purchases for 15 months. Benefits include fraud protection, purchase protection, and access to exclusive Amex rewards and travel offers.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| $84 annual Disney Bundle credit | 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, online retail purchases of up to $6,000 per calendar year in purchases in each category (then 1 percent) | Get free 2-day shipping* on eligible items at a growing network of 100+ online stores with ShopRunner. |
| $180 annual Home Chef credit | 1% cash back on other purchases | You can request a Balance Transfer within the first 60 days of account opening. Fees apply |
| Best Grocery and Gas rewards card | – | If there is a fraudulent or incorrect charge on your statement, American Express will work with you to help resolve the issue. |
| Free employee cards | – | You can add an Additional Card for anyone who makes purchases for you, like your child (13+), spouse, or employee. |
| Events with Amex | – | Year-End Summary |
| Send & Split | – | – |
| Pay It and Plan It | – | – |
| Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance | – | – |
| Global Assist® Hotline | – | – |
| Cash Back at Amazon.com checkout | – | – |
| Purchase Protection | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- It offers a solid mix of generous reward categories for no annual fee.
- The U.S. online retail shopping category is a unique offering compared to other cards.
- It includes a competitive introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers.
Cons
- Wholesale clubs and superstores like Target and Walmart don’t qualify as U.S. supermarkets for bonus rewards.
- Maxing out the U.S. supermarket spending cap boosts cash back with the Amex Blue Cash Preferred®.
- Foreign transaction fees make it a poor choice for international spending.
Expert Advice
American Express’s Blue Cash Everyday Card is a good option if you want to get great cash back at regular places like supermarkets, petrol stations, and online retail stores in the United States without having to pay an annual fee. Look at other well-known cash-back cards for better deals, though, if you don’t buy online, are worried about exceeding the card’s spending limit, or don’t mind paying an annual fee.
3. Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is ideal for consumers with above-average credit who want to earn significant rewards on restaurants, groceries, popular streaming services, and entertainment. With no annual fees and 0% APR incentives, it provides outstanding value in addition to its attractive advantages.
Business Cashback and No Annual Fee
- Issuer – Capital One
- Payment Gateway – MasterCard
- Credit Score – Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% for 12 months
- Regular APR – 19.24%-29.24% Variable
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – 0%
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10, whichever is greater
- Balance Transfer APR – 19.24%-29.24% Variable
- Sign In Bonus – $300 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
- Best For – Food enthusiasts, High Spenders
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores, dining, entertainment, and popular streaming services. Issued by Capital One, it’s perfect for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts.
With no annual fee and a 0% intro APR for 15 months, the Savor card also offers 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. A good credit score is required, and cardholders can refer friends for rewards.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| New-cardholder bonus | 8% cash back on purchases made through the Capital One Entertainment portal | Get notified via text, email, and phone if Capital One notices potential suspicious transactions on your account. |
| Has AutoPay | 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel | Receive an alert if Capital One detects a potential mistake or unexpected charge like a potential duplicate purchase or a sudden recurring bill increase. |
| 24/7 Customer service | 3% cash back on purchases for dining, entertainment, grocery store purchases (excluding superstores) and select streaming services | Add an authorized user to your account and track spending by user. |
| Extended warranty coverage | 1% cash back on all other purchases | – |
| $0 fraud liability | – | – |
| Virtual card numbers from Eno | – | – |
| CreditWise credit monitoring | – | – |
| 24-hour concierge services | – | – |
| Boosted spending rates in dining, grocery stores, entertainment and more. | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- No annual fee, so there are no recurring costs.
- Generous intro APR period for purchases and balance transfers.
- Easy-to-earn welcome offer with minimal spending.
Cons
- Requires good credit for approval.
- Limited value if spending falls outside bonus categories.
- You must book through Capital One for boosted travel and entertainment rewards.
Expert Advice
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a unique credit card that provides exceptional rewards to members of both groups or to those who belong to both. For nightlife enthusiasts, this $0 annual fee card provides limitless 3% cash back on entertainment and eating. You may also earn limitless 3% cash back in grocery shops and on qualified streaming services if you prefer to relax at home. If you buy something outside of these categories, you’ll receive 1% cash back.
4. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature® Card
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express may be an excellent choice for small-business owners with an annual budget in this range. It includes positive characteristics such as no annual fee and a respectable rewards rate on purchases up to $50,000 per year. However, it may be an excellent option for startup entrepreneurs who do not yet have consistent expenditures.
Travel and Streaming Rewards
- Issuer – U.S. Bank
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
- Regular APR – 17.24% to 28.24%
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – 0%
- Cash Advance Fee – 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater.
- Balance Transfer APR – 17.24% to 28.24%
- Sign In Bonus – Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible Net Purchases in the first 90 days.
- Best For – Frequent Travelers, People looking for strong rewards for travel, groceries and streaming services.
The American Express Blue Business® Plus Card, issued by American Express, offers rewards on business purchases and travel. Its best feature is the Membership Rewards program, providing valuable points for business expenses.
The card has an annual fee of $150. Unique features include access to the Blue Business Collection rewards and a required credit score of 700+. The referral program offers bonus Membership Rewards points.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Airport lounge access | 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center | Pay over time with a U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan. |
| TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry | 4X points on travel. And 4X points at gas stations/EV charging stations* on your first $1,000 each quarter. | Visa Signature benefits. |
| Global Connectivity | Earn 2x rewards on eligible streaming services, including Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube TV, Disney+, HBO Max, and more. | – |
| Travel protections. | 1X point on all other eligible purchases. | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- You’ll earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 90 days
- Prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Altitude Rewards Center earn five points per dollar.
- The card has no annual fee.
Cons
- There is no introductory APR on purchases.
- The travel and gas bonus rewards are capped.
Expert Advice
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is an excellent option for streaming fans. Earning 2x points on popular streaming services such as Netflix, Spotify, and Disney+ is a pleasant bonus, especially because many cards do not provide additional benefits for streaming. However, 2x isn’t the most competitive rate available; other cards provide 3x or more. If streaming is a significant portion of your budget, you may discover better possibilities, but if you’re currently using this card for travel and dining, the streaming benefits are a welcome extra.
5. U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
The American Express Platinum Card has long been considered one of the greatest credit cards due to its premium travel privileges. Its high hotel and airfare points rate, continuing incentives, and comprehensive travel access may save you a great deal on special experiences, but at a higher cost.
Business Owners, Expense Management
- Issuer – U.S. Bank
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good, Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers
- Regular APR – 18.24% – 28.24%.
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – 3%
- Cash Advance Fee – 31.74%, Variable
- Balance Transfer APR – 18.24% – 28.24%.
- Sign In Bonus – 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Best For – Business Owners, Frequent Travelers
Ideal for high-spending business owners, this card offers enhanced travel rewards and expense management tools. Qualification requires an excellent credit score and business financials.
The $695 annual fee covers benefits like 5x points on travel, $200 airline fee credits, and employee card options. No preset spending limit and a strong referral program enhance its value.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| Redeem points toward a deposit to an eligible U.S. Bank account, merchandise, gift cards, travel, and more. | 4X points on dining, takeout, and restaurant delivery on your first $2,000 each quarter | Hotline assistance for travel and other emergencies |
| Points never expire | 2X points at grocery stores and gas stations/EV charging stations | Concierge assistance for event bookings, travel, and additional services |
| Visa® Signature Luxury Hotels discounts and benefits | 2X points on streaming services | Roadside assistance |
| VIP access for designated events | 1X point on all other eligible purchases | – |
| Get an annual credit on streaming service purchases like Netflix, Apple TV+, Spotify® and more. | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Earn 4x points on dining, takeout, and delivery. 2x points on groceries, gas, EV charging, and streaming. 1x point on all other purchases.
- No annual or foreign transaction fees.
- 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers (within 60 days).
Cons
- Requires good to excellent credit.
- APR can go up to 29.24% based on creditworthiness.
Expert Advice
The U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card is an excellent option for earning points in a variety of areas, including restaurants and takeaway. If you don’t spend much money on eating, you might want to choose a card that offers more points in your top spending areas. For example, if you often buy event tickets, you might want to choose a card that offers greater entertainment benefits, such as the Capital One Savor Cash benefits credit card.
6. Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
The Wells Fargo Autograph Card may be a good option if you want a no-annual-fee card that earns good rewards in a variety of common everyday categories. You’ll also receive a substantial sign-up bonus and above-average benefits for a no-annual-fee card.
Rewards
- Issuer – Wells Fargo
- Payment Gateway – Visa
- Credit Score – Good to Excellent
- Intro APR – 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers.
- Regular APR – 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR
- Annual Fee – $0
- International Transaction Fee – $0
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 21.24%–29.24%
- Sign In Bonus – 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months
- Best For – Individuals Seeking Rewards
The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a versatile rewards card that offers 3x points on dining, travel, gas, streaming, and transit. Issued by Wells Fargo, it’s perfect for those looking for a balanced reward structure with everyday spending categories. With no rotating categories and easy redemption options, it provides a seamless rewards experience.
This card has no annual fee and is designed for individuals with good credit (700+). Credit limits start at $1,000 and can increase over time. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months and includes a referral program that allows users to earn bonus points. Additional perks include cellphone protection, travel accident insurance, and zero liability fraud protection.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| My Wells Fargo Deals | 3X points on purchases at restaurants | Travel and emergency assistance services |
| Roadside dispatch | 3X points at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations | Auto rental collision damage waiver coverage |
| Zero liability protection | 3X points on travel and transit purchases | Cellphone protection |
| Visa Signature® perks, including Visa Signature® Concierge service and Luxury Hotel Collection privilege | 3X points on popular streaming services | – |
| With Credit Close-Up®, you have the skills to help you understand and track your FICO® Score, raise it, or maintain it. | 3X points on phone plans | – |
| Roadside Dispatch | 1X points on other purchases | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Earn points on more everyday spending categories than many competing cards.
- Visa Signature® status offers extra benefits not typically found in no-annual-fee cards.
- Solid welcome bonus and intro APR on purchases.
Cons
- No extra incentive to redeem points for travel, unlike other flexible travel cards.
- Travel perks don’t match up to rival travel cards.
- Other cards offer longer intro APR periods on purchases and balance transfers
Expert Advice
With no points limitations and no annual fee, the Wells Fargo Autograph Card might be a valuable addition to your wallet. It provides a wonderful blend of useful bonus categories and a simple rewards structure, making it an excellent pick for everyone. However, it is not the ideal option if you want a longer intro APR or travel regularly since Wells Fargo’s rewards program and amenities fall short of Chase, American Express, and Citi in terms of rewards value or travel features.
7. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card may help students with a bad or no credit history to build credit by maintaining their balances. Students may also enjoy other benefits such as travel rewards, bonus points, dining points, and many more.
Business Rewards
- Issuer – American Express
- Payment Gateway – AMEX
- Credit Score – Good-Excellent
- Intro APR – N/A
- Regular APR – 20.49%–27.49% variable APR.
- Annual Fee – $95
- International Transaction Fee – $0
- Cash Advance Fee – 5% or $10
- Balance Transfer APR – 20.49%–27.49% variable APR.
- Sign In Bonus – Earn 60,000 bonus points
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening - Best For – Frequent Traveler, Foodies
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is ideal for travel enthusiasts. Issued by Chase, it offers generous travel rewards and flexible redemption options. It helps maximize travel benefits and manage expenses efficiently.
The card has an annual fee of $95 and offers 2X points on travel and dining. The credit limit varies, and a good credit score is required. It also includes a referral program and travel insurance.
| Key Features | Reward Rate | Other Information |
|---|---|---|
| You can transfer your points to leading frequent travel programs at 1 to 1 value. | 5x total points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit. | Additional Value with Ultimate Rewards |
| Get complimentary access to DashPass – a membership for both DoorDash and Caviar | 2x on other travel purchases. | Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance |
| Earn points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025. | 3x points on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout, and dining out. | Auto Rental Coverage |
| Earn total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases | 3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmar,t and wholesale clubs). | Travel and Emergency Assistance |
| Purchase Protection | 3x points on select streaming services. | Chase Pay Over Time lets eligible Chase customers break up credit card purchases into budget-friendly payments. |
| Extended Warranty Protection | 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases | Eligible cardmembers can break up card purchases of $100 or more into fixed monthly payments with Chase Pay Over Time® |
| 24/7 Access to a Customer Service Specialist | – | – |
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Earn multiple points per dollar in popular categories, such as travel and dining
- Solid welcome bonus valued at $1,230, per our valuations
- Premium travel protection benefits include trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost luggage insurance.
Cons
- This card features a $95 annual fee
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Complicated rewards.
Expert Advice
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card’s excellent travel and dining rewards, everyday bonus categories, and yearly incentives place it among the finest — if not the best — travel cards with a $95 annual fee. The Sapphire Preferred may be beneficial to both infrequent travelers and rewards specialists due to its flexible rewards scheme and excellent card pairing choices. Simply be careful of the number of cards you have if you want to link it with a Chase card, and ensure that the rewards categories help your monthly budget.
Table of Comparison
| Name of the Card | Blue Cash Preferred from American Express | Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature® Card | U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card | Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Payment Gateway | AMEX | AMEX | MasterCard | Visa | Visa | Visa | AMEX |
| Best For | Families Everyday Spenders | Budget-Conscious, Families | Food enthusiasts, High Spenders | Frequent Travelers People looking for strong rewards for travel, groceries, and streaming services | Business Owners Frequent Travelers | Individuals Seeking Rewards | Frequent Traveler Foodies |
| Credit Score | Excellent | Good/Excellent | Excellent | Good-Excellent | Good-Excellent | Good/Excellent | Good/Excellent |
| Annual Fee | $95 | $0 | $0 | $95 | $0 | $0 | $95 |
| Annual Percentage Rate | 0% for 12 months | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 12 months | 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. | 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | 0% for 12 months | N/A |
| Regular APR | 19.24%–29.99% | 19.24%–29.99% | 19.24%-29.24% Variable | 20.24%–25.24% | 18.24% – 28.24%. | 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR | 20.49%–27.49% variable APR |
| Balance Transfer | 19.24%–29.99% | 19.24%–29.99% | 19.24%-29.24% Variable | 17.24% to 28.24% $0 | 18.24% – 28.24%. | 21.24%–29.24% | 20.49%–27.49% variable APR |
| Sign in Bonus | Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening | $200 statement credit after $2,000 spent in 6 months | $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening | Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in eligible Net Purchases in the first 90 days. | 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening | 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months | Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening |
| Decision Criteria | Ideal for business owners wanting unlimited 2% cash back with no preset spending limit. | Excellent for budget-conscious customers searching for no yearly fee and consistent rewards on everyday internet purchases. | Entertainment lovers who spend on dining and streaming | Frequent travelers who subscribe to streaming and need travel perks | Users looking for no-annual-fee streaming rewards | Versatile spenders who want broad bonus categories | Travelers who want flexible redemption options |
Methodology
When selecting a credit card for subscription-based services, consider:
- High rewards on streaming and recurring payments
- Reliable cashback alternatives
- Extras like purchase protection and no foreign transaction fees
These features help consumers maximize their monthly subscription expenses, whether for:
- Entertainment
- Cloud storage
- Meal delivery services
Examples of credit cards offering high cashback rates on streaming services:
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
Cards offering competitive returns on dining and streaming, ideal for those combining food delivery with entertainment:
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
- United States Bank Altitude Go Visa Signature® Card
Cards with customizable reward systems, enabling users to earn points on regular transactions, including bills:
- Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A card offering both travel benefits and streaming incentives, making it suitable for frequent travelers who also use subscription services:
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature® Card
Choosing Credit Cards for Subscription-Based Services
Choosing the correct credit card for subscription-based services will help you manage your money better and earn more rewards.
Here are some crucial variables to consider:
- Reward Structure: Choose cards that provide more cashback or points on recurring payments and streaming services. For example, American Express’ Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers 6% cashback on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, making it excellent for entertainment purchases.
- Annual Fees: Determine if the card’s benefits outweigh the yearly charge. Some cards, such as the American Express Blue Cash daily® Card, have no annual fee while still offering attractive rewards for daily transactions.
- Additional Benefits: Look for benefits like purchase protection, extended warranties, and no international transaction costs. The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature® Card has no international transaction fees and provides rewards on travel and streaming services, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
- Introductory APR Offers: If you intend to carry a balance, consider cards with 0% introductory APR terms. This tool can help you manage your financial flow by allowing you to make interest-free payments for a limited time.
- Redemption Flexibility: Choose cards with flexible redemption choices, such as bill credits, gift cards, or travel incentives. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card offers versatile point redemption choices, including travel and money.
Why Do You Need a Credit Card for Subscription-Based Services?
There are several benefits to using a credit card for subscription-based services:
- Automation and Convenience: By enabling automated recurring payments, credit cards guarantee continuous service without requiring human involvement.
- Fraud Protection: Credit cards provide strong fraud protection, reducing liability and enabling customers to contest fraudulent transactions.
- Establishing Credit: Your credit score may be raised and your credit history can be expanded with consistent, on-time credit card payments.
- Monitoring Expenses: Keeping track of and controlling recurrent costs is made easier by combining subscriptions onto a single credit card.
- Benefits and Rewards: You may accrue benefits on your subscriptions by using the perks that many credit cards give for regular payments, such as cashback or points.
- Purchase Protection: Purchase Protection Policies, which offer coverage for qualified purchases against theft or damage, are frequently included with credit cards.
Do Credit Cards offer Cards for Subscription-Based Services?
Yes, a number of credit card companies have cards designed specifically for subscription-based services, with features like incentives and cashback for streaming and recurring purchases. For example, American Express’s Blue Cash Preferred® Card is beneficial for people who use several entertainment services because it gives 6% cash back on a selection of streaming subscriptions in the United States.
Similar to this, the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card offers an unlimited 3% cash back on a variety of subscription costs, including dining, entertainment, and streaming subscriptions. Users looking for travel benefits will also find the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card attractive because it offers three points for every dollar spent on well-known streaming services. These cards allow users to efficiently manage their membership costs and optimize rewards.
How Do Credit Cards for Subscription-Based Services Help?
- Subscription-based credit cards enable customers to save as much as possible, make payments more easily, and receive incentives for regular purchases. These cards are perfect for people who use several monthly services since they provide cashback, rewards points, and benefits specific to subscription spending.
- For instance, American Express’s Blue Cash Preferred® Card offers higher cashback on a number of streaming services. In addition, customers who use the Capital One SavorOne Cash points Credit Card receive points for their subscriptions to dining establishments and entertainment.
In addition to offering benefits, some credit cards help with budgeting by combining regular bills into one payment option. Additionally, they guarantee security and flexibility while handling subscription payments by providing fraud protection, buy insurance, and no foreign transaction costs.
Advantages of Credit Cards for Subscription-Based Services
| Advantages | Description |
|---|---|
| Seamless Payment Management | Automates recurring payments, reducing the risk of missed payments and service disruptions |
| Improved Cash Flow | Allows users to pay for subscriptions upfront while spreading out payments over time. |
| Rewards & Cashback | Earns cashback, points, or travel rewards on subscription-based purchases. |
| Expense Tracking & Budgeting | Helps track and categorize recurring expenses, simplifying financial management. |
| 0% Intro APR Offers | Some cards offer interest-free financing for a set period, which is useful for managing subscription costs without immediate interest charges. |
| Purchase & Fraud Protection | Provides safeguards like chargeback protection, extended warranties, and virtual card numbers for security. |
| No Foreign Transaction Fees | Many cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international subscriptions. |
| Flexible Redemption Options | Rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, gift cards, or travel benefits, offering financial flexibility. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I pay for subscription-based services using a credit card?
Using a credit card protects against fraud for recurring expenditures, guarantees smooth automated payments, and contributes to reward earnings.
Are there perks for paying for subscriptions using credit cards?
Indeed, many credit cards offer cashback or points for digital subscriptions, streaming services, and regular purchases.
Can I use a credit card to set up recurring payments for my subscriptions?
Yes, consumers may attach their credit cards to most subscription services so that monthly payments are automatically made.
What occurs if my credit card is changed or expires?
To prevent service outages, you must update your payment information for every subscription service.
Are there credit cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees for subscriptions made abroad?
Yes, several credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international streaming or software subscriptions.