Guide to maximizing rewards on entertainment purchases
Quick insights
- Credit cards can sometimes offer bonus rewards on entertainment purchases.
- What a card issuer classifies as an entertainment purchase may vary by card.
- Using your card to make entertainment purchases, like concert tickets, may offer additional cardmember protections.
You want to get the most out of the rewards your credit card offers. The best way to do that is by knowing which purchases can earn you the most rewards. Entertainment purchases can go on a credit card, but how they are classified and how they earn rewards can vary by card. In this article, we’ll explore how to maximize putting entertainment purchases on your credit card.
Understanding entertainment purchases with credit cards
Entertainment purchases can be a little tricky to define. Not all credit card issuers code entertainment purchases the same way. Some cards might consider movie tickets, concert tickets, and amusement park admissions as entertainment, while others might have a broader definition that includes dining out and streaming services.
Some common entertainment purchases include:
- Movie tickets
- Concert tickets
- Amusement park admission
- Sporting events
It's important to read the terms and conditions of your credit card to understand how your issuer categorizes entertainment purchases.
Maximizing rewards from entertainment purchases
You can earn rewards or cash back from credit card rewards programs on most entertainment purchases. Rewards cards often have different rewards and cash back rates. Some cards may offer higher cash back on entertainment purchases. For example, they might offer a standard 1% cash back on most purchases but 3% on anything that codes as entertainment.
If your card has rotating bonus categories, you may find that some months you can earn 1x-4x times your normal rewards rate. The percentage of cash back you get on your purchases will vary by the card and the category.
Using credit cards to purchase event tickets
You can pay for entertainment and events in several different ways, but there are some benefits to using your credit card to buy tickets to sporting events, concerts, amusement parks or other events. They include:
- Purchase protection: Some credit cards offer purchase protection, which may cover you if your tickets are lost, stolen or damaged.
- Dispute resolution: If you have an issue with a ticket purchase, you may be able to dispute the charge with your credit card company. They could potentially help you get your money back if, for example, the event is cancelled, and the promoter won't refund your money.
- Fraud protection: If your card information is stolen and used to make unauthorized purchases, your credit card may offer zero liability protection. This means you won't be responsible for fraudulent charges.
Check with your card issuer’s terms and conditions to see if your card membership provides purchase and fraud protections and determine how it handles dispute resolution.
Considerations when using credit cards for entertainment purchases
Credit card rewards are a great perk of being a cardmember. Knowing how to earn and redeem those rewards is key to making good use of your card.
Before you make an entertainment purchase, you’ll want to consider a few things:
- Rewards structure: Different credit cards offer different rewards structures. Make sure you understand how your card categorizes and rewards entertainment spending.
- Spending caps: Some credit cards may have a cap on the amount of rewards you can earn in certain categories. If your card has a cap on entertainment spending, you'll want to be aware of that so you can maximize your rewards.
- Annual fees: Some cards charge an annual fee. It’s important to weigh that fee as a consideration when choosing a rewards card that’s right for you.
- Redemption options: Different credit cards offer different options for redeeming your rewards. Make sure the redemption options—like cash back, travel or retail purchases —align with your preferences.
Entertainment perks with credit cards
Some credit cards may offer entertainment and events available only to cardmembers. For example, some Chase credit cards earn rewards through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Within the Chase rewards system, Chase Experiences® can provide cardmembers access and discounts to sponsored events, like the US Open and Lollapalooza, and Chase sponsored venues like Madison Square Garden and Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
In addition, some cards like Chase Freedom Flex® card offer rotating bonus categories, with entertainment purchases like live entertainment and movie tickets among the categories that can sometimes earn as much as 5% cash back.
In summary
You may find good reasons to put entertainment purchases on your credit card. Depending on the card, it may earn rewards points on entertainment. Putting tickets and other entertainment purchases on a credit card may also give you added purchase protections. But how card issuers classify entertainment purchases may vary. Consult your card’s terms and conditions to understand the eligibility of certain entertainment purchases.
