How to Maximize Cash Back on Subscription Services

It starts with one $10 subscription, but between sports, prestige dramas, and ad-free music, those small monthly charges eventually snowball into a massive annual expense.

However, you don't have to cut your favorite shows to save money. Some of the most popular credit cards on the market now offer "streaming subsidies" in the form of direct statement credits and high-percentage rewards. Here is how to audit your media diet and pick a top rewards credit card that effectively pays for your subscriptions for you.

Why Use a Credit Card for Streaming Services?

Using a credit card for streaming services is convenient and can help you keep track of your entertainment spending. Beyond that, you can scoop up valuable rewards–think cash-back, points, or statement credits.

Using the right card for you can help offset subscription costs, help ward off unauthorized charges, and give you valuable perks. US consumers dole out an average of $69 a month on streaming video services, which turns out to be a 13% increase from the year prior. That adds up to $828 a year, nearly $70/month, on streaming services alone.

Which Credit Cards Offer the Best Rewards on Streaming?

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

With this popular cash-back card, you can enjoy up to $84 a year (or up to $7 a month) on subscriptions to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This can be both standalone subscriptions and bundles. Plus, you can earn 3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, on online shopping at U.S. retailers, and at U.S. gas stations, up to $6,000 in each category per year. After that, the cash-back rate kicks over to 1% on all other purchases.

There's no annual fee for the Blue Cash Everyday®. So if you don't want to worry about putting enough on your card to offset the costs–and already subscribe to included streaming subscriptions, this card could be a good fit for you.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Amex's Platinum Card® boasts $895 annual fee, which can be used toward digital entertainment. This includes a handful of the major streaming platforms and digital subscriptions.

While designed as a premium travel rewards card–we're talking $600 yearly credit on hotels and $600 on restaurants –the $895 annual fee is a hefty one. That said, if you are a frequent traveler who values perks like credit cards that offer lounge access without flying business class, the Platinum Card® from Amex can be worth it.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

Not all credit cards count streaming subscriptions as "online shopping." The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, however, does. What's particularly nice is that for the first year upon opening your account, you can enjoy 6% cash back on the spending category of your choice. Here's the kicker: online shopping and streaming services are one of the featured categories.

Because there's no annual fee, this card is likely best suited if you tend to spend more in one category than another, and your spending can vary. You can change categories each month, which gives you the flexibility to switch bonus categories to coincide with your spending habits.

Citi Strata® Card

While designed as a travel rewards card, the Citi Strata card features 3% cash-back on a chosen category, which includes select streaming subscription services. However, you won't be able to snatch up the bonus points for bundled services.

The card doesn't have an annual fee, so no matter how much you end up spending on your card, you can rack up cash-back points on both your travel and digital entertainment needs without needing to meet a minimum to offset costs.

The Citi Strata is notable for its versatility. Right now, the Citi Strata features a generous welcome bonus - Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. And you can also enjoy a low-intro APR offer .

If you find yourself booking more flights than films lately, you might also want to look into choosing the best airline credit card to further unlock travel perks.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Not only can you earn 5% cash back on travel purchased on Chase Travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a valuable points card that features 3% cash-back on dining, groceries, and certain streaming services.

Note that there's a fee. By minding your spending and taking advantage of the $50 annual hotel credit and eligible bonus offers , you can offset the annual fee.

To get the most out of this card, use it for travel and everyday purchases to maximize the bonus categories. Plus, use the annual hotel credit. In turn, the Chase Sapphire Preferred can be a valuable card.

Top Streaming Credit Cards at a Glance

How Do You Choose the Best Streaming Credit Card?

With so many choices to pick from, here's how to go about narrowing down the best streaming credit card for you.

Why Should You Evaluate Your Personal Streaming Habits?: You'll want to assess your personal streaming habits and use it to figure out which card could be the best fit. While US consumers subscribe to an average of four platforms, your media diet might be made up of more or less.

For example, if you are a devotee of major streaming platforms, consider a card that gives you monthly statement credit to go toward popular streaming services–think Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, Disney+, Max, Apple TV+, or Prime Video. Say, a $25 monthly statement credit equals $300 back in your pocket each year.

Or if you already subscribe to a few popular platforms, look for a card that offers monthly statement credit toward that specific service.

See how a card can fit into your financial goals. If a card features monthly or annual statement credit, bonus categories, or rotating toward streaming subscriptions, make sure they are a fit for your current digital entertainment needs and budget.

Along the same lines, don't choose a card for credits or that feature bonus or rotating categories for platforms you don't use. "List your subscriptions and expenses first, then pick a card that matches them."

Run the numbers. In some cases, a lower-fee card, negotiating subscription plans directly with providers, sharing family memberships, or using ad-supported tiers may save more than a premium rewards card does, says Frank.

Consider a card with an annual fee only if the perks offset the costs. If you don't generally think you'll maximize the value from a cash back credit card with robust perks, then a no-annual-fee card might be a better fit.

Look at the rates and fees. As usual, it's a good idea to look at different types of APRs, such as the standard APR, the balance transfer APR, and the cash advance APR. You'll also want to check the late fees, returned payment fees, cash advance fees, foreign transaction fees, and balance transfer fees.

Ideally, you'll want to pay off your balance in full each month. But when you're juggling multiple financial responsibilities and money goals, that's not always possible. If you end up carrying a balance, it's important to know how carrying a balance will cost you in terms of interest fees.

Read the fine print. A lot of people overestimate streaming perks by focusing on the headline credit instead of the fine print, points out Frank. "Service restrictions, enrollment requirements, monthly caps, and annual fees can significantly reduce real value. If you won’t consistently use a monthly credit, a higher flat cash back rate may provide more value. This is especially true if you cancel subscriptions as soon as you stop using them."

Look at the welcome bonus and other perks. If there's a generous welcome bonus, you might want to factor that into your decision-making process. Timing your spending with a big-ticket purchase or to pay taxes or an insurance bill can help you meet the minimum spend, and scoop up on the bonus reward.

To make the most out of your credit card, see if it's a card that is designed more for cash-back, or if it can be used toward travel rewards and balance transfers.

How Do You Get The Most Out of Your Streaming Credit Card?

A credit card's rewards are only as good when put to use. Focusing on your favorite TV subscription platforms is a great start, but mastering a broader strategy for getting the most out of your credit card rewards can help you save across your budget.

Here are our favorite tips to get the most out of their chosen card, beyond just paying for subscriptions....

Sync credits with subscriptions you already use and review subscriptions regularly. When you align credits with existing subscriptions, your spending on streaming services won't balloon.

Put recurring subscriptions on your card that offer streaming rewards and set your payments on autopay. Frank enforces this, "That way, credits trigger automatically. Because not all credits activate automatically, you'll also want to enroll in benefits right away."

Put statement credits toward your subscriptions. Whatever cash-back rewards you rack up can be spent on your digital entertainment spending. In turn, this can help you lower your bills.

Remember: cards with bonus streaming categories tend to deliver more value than flat-rate cards, especially when paired with limited-time or rotating promotions. So you'll also want to keep an eye out for changes in the perks on existing cards, or see what perks other cards have.

What Other Perks Should You Look for in a Streaming Credit Card?

Besides bonus or rotating categories for streaming services, check to see if a credit card includes internet and streaming services as online shopping for an accelerated or bonus category.

For example, Bank of America's Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers 3% on your spending category of choice, which includes streaming services as part of "online shopping." That way, you can scoop up more rewards for these subscriptions.

You can also scour the "Featured Offers" in a credit card's app or search online to see what online shopping deals you can scoop up on streaming services.

There might be a one-time offer to rack up a chunk of points to sign up for a new platform. For example, if you sign up for a specific service, you can earn 400 points, and if you bundle certain streaming services, you can earn up to 3,700 points.

Beyond that, look for valuable perks such as zero liability on unauthorized purchases, purchase protection, and fraud protection and monitoring.

Bottom Line: How Can You Make Streaming Pay You Back?

To maximize the value of your entertainment budget, treat your credit card choice as a mathematical offset rather than just a payment method. Before applying, follow this three-step audit:

1. Audit Your Subscriptions: Total your monthly spend and identify your "anchor" services.

2. Calculate the "Net Gain": For cards with annual fees, like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Preferred, ensure your rewards and credits exceed the fee. A streaming credit is only a "win" if you aren't paying more in fees to get it.

3. Automate for Accuracy: To ensure you never miss a credit, set your streaming accounts to Autopay using your dedicated rewards card.

Ultimately, the best card isn't the one with the highest "headline" reward, but the one that aligns with your existing media diet. Use these tools to transform a recurring $800+ annual expense into a source of travel points or meaningful cash back.

Summary Table: Which Strategy Fits You?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you pay for streaming services with a credit card?

Yes, most definitely. Most streaming platforms readily accept credit card payments, and it can be a common, straightforward, and convenient way to manage subscriptions. Using a credit card can also mean benefits like purchase protection and rewards-earning potential.

2. Do all streaming services count for credit card rewards?

It depends on the credit card and its specific terms. While many major streaming platforms (i.e., Netflix, Hulu, Spotify) are typically included in "streaming" or "entertainment" bonus categories or statement credit, smaller or niche services might not always qualify. Always read over your card issuer's reward program details and terms with a fine-tooth comb.

3. What's the difference between cash back and points for streaming rewards?

Cash back gives you a percentage of your spending back as money–typically in the form of statement credit, direct deposit, or a check sent in the mail. With points, you can rack them up from your purchases. They can usually be redeemed for travel rewards, gift cards, online shopping, or statement credit. With points, their value often varies according to the redemption method of choice.

For streaming services, cash back is usually straightforward. That said, points can sometimes have greater value if you redeem them strategically.

4. Should I get a credit card with an annual fee just for streaming rewards?

This largely depends on how much you spend each year on streaming services. You'll also want to factor in the card's other benefits. Should the statement credits or rewards earned on streaming and other spending categories significantly outweigh the annual fee, it could be worth it. However, if you're focused solely on streaming, a no-annual-fee credit card with bonus categories might be a better fit.

Editorial disclosure: The credit card offers and information presented on this page are current as of the published date. However, credit card terms, including APRs, fees, and promotional offers, are subject to change without notice. Some offers listed may no longer be available or may have expired. Please refer to the issuer's website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.

Issuer-independence disclosure: This content is based on the independent analysis of the publisher and/or its authors and has not been provided by or endorsed by any card issuer.