Streaming is a category that’s growing in popularity, although it isn’t as important as other categories. Most people probably spend $30-40 monthly on a couple of streaming services. If you’re spending $50-100 every month on streaming, you’re probably oversubscribed; consider cutting down on your subscriptions. Streaming is typically a low-ROI activity as it is.
Remember that bonus offers and free trials exist for most services on a limited basis. Existing credit cards may give small discounts for new subscribers. As another example, Discovery+ can be free via Verizon, and Amazon Prime members can get Showtime for $5 per month for 6 months. Check deal sites before signing up for a new streaming service. A free or discounted introductory period is likely available.
Note: Credit card issuers have different definitions for “streaming” eligibility. The top cards might not be the best cards for you. Check your subscription(s) against each card’s list of eligible categories.
1. US Bank Altitude Go
The Altitude Go only earns 2% cash back on streaming services, but it has an annual $15 credit for subscribers. If you spend $300 annually on streaming, the Go is equivalent to 7% cash back ($6 back at 2% plus $15 credit). The effective cash back rate rises if you spend even less. For example, people who only subscribe to Netflix Premium ($216 per year) get the equivalent of 9% cash back.
The Altitude Go is also our pick for the best no-fee restaurant credit card. The downside is that the bank has regional restrictions. If you fall outside of their banking footprint, you may be ineligible for their credit cards.
As an “upgrade” there’s the Altitude Connect Visa. It does have a $95 annual fee to consider (waived the first year), but the annual credit rises to $30. If you spend $300 per year on streaming, the Connect is equivalent to 12% back ($6 at 2% plus $30 credit).
2. US Bank Cash+ or Max Cash Preferred
These can earn 5% cash back instead of Altitude Go’s 2%, but the earn rates are worse overall, unless you spend an excessive $500+ every year on streaming services. There are also $2,000 spending limits each quarter. If you spend a lot in both of your chosen 5% categories, your earn rates may drop.
3. NIH Federal Credit Union Cash Rewards
This obscure card earns 3% on groceries, wholesale clubs, utilities, streaming, gas, rideshare, and EV charging. Cash back is unlimited except for gas ($6,000 annual spending limit) for some reason. Anyone can join the Maryland/DC-based credit union.
4. SFCU Visa Signature
Signature Federal Credit Union’s top credit card earns 6% back on streaming and 2% on everything else. Most people will find this to be a great no-fee card for everyday use. The only downside is that it doesn’t have a cash sign-up bonus. New cardmembers may get 0% APR for 12 months, which could be a decent perk.
Signature FCU’s Platinum and Gold cards also get 6% back on streaming. But there isn’t any reason to choose them over the Visa Signature (unless you have a low credit score). This Virginia-based credit union is part of a co-op program that gives members access to 5,000+ branches, for added convenience.
5. Citi Custom Cash
The Citi Custom Cash Card (CCCC) can earn 5% cash back on “select” streaming services. Citi’s list of examples has 20 options, which is more specific than some other card issuers. The main downside is that CCCC is best used for groceries or another category. Using it for streaming usually isn’t a good idea, but it’s still better than some other options.
The CCCC also has Mastercard World Elite perks, including cell phone insurance and a small Doordash discount.
6. Venmo Visa
The Venmo credit card earns cash back like the CCCC. It’s automatically calculated, depending on your top spending category each month. For streaming, it’s included in the “bills and utilities” category, which is extremely diverse. Eligible for 3% cash back: “Telecommunications, internet service providers, ongoing delivery of television/radio/streaming content on a subscription or fee basis, subscription products or services (such as magazine/newspaper subscriptions), electric or gas power, water supply, and refuse disposal or other utility services.”
3% cash back isn’t the best rate for streaming, but Venmo applies 3% to enough things that the card is worth considering. Competing credit cards are far more narrow in this category.
7. Capital One SavorOne
This card earns unlimited 3% cash back for groceries, dining, entertainment, and streaming. SavorOne doesn’t have the highest earn rates, but it’s an uncomplicated credit card which covers popular spending categories. Earning 5+% cash back would be a lot better, but having multiple categories simplifies wallets.
8. Wells Fargo Autograph
This is similar to the older Wells Fargo Propel. It earns 3% cash back on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, streaming, and phone plans. Straightforward earnings on all types of transportation.
Honorable mentions
- American Express Platinum – $200 in credits
- American Express Blue Cash Preferred – 6% cash back on streaming, $95 AF
- Chase Sapphire Preferred – 3+% cash back on streaming
- M1 Finance Owner’s Rewards – 10% cash back for AMC, Peloton, Netflix, Spotify
- Capital One Venture X Visa Infinite – can potentially earn more than 3% cash back on everything (with good utilization of their transfer partners)
- AOD Federal Credit Union – 3% cash back on everything, possibly limited to Alabama only (YMMV)
- Coinbase Debit can potentially earn up to 4% cash back on everything
- PCMCU Platinum Rewards Mastercard – 5% cash back on everything ($1000 monthly spending limit), waivable annual fee, limited to Wisconsin (Marinette or Green Bay only)
- Rotating-category cards like the Chase Freedom Flex and Discover It Cash Back can get 5+% on streaming
Cardless Boston Celtics has been removed from this list as of early 2023.