Best Credit Cards for Gamers
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A credit card can be the real-life equivalent of a level-up tool or weapon in your favorite video game — a master sword that can help you slash costs. This is true whether you're looking to redeem rewards for games or save money on interest when buying a console.
Ready, Player One? Here are some of the best credit card options for gamers.
» EXPLORE: Best credit cards for entertainment spending
Top cards for gamers
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our pick for: Simplicity
Rewards:
Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all purchases.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months and 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers 12 months from account opening on qualifying balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR.
Why we like it
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers easy rewards at a rich rate. And it can work as a single or team player in your wallet, pairing well with higher-earning cash-back credit cards if it turns out that your idea of "gaming" also includes maximizing rewards IRL.
It’s the type of card that’s ideal for any purchase, from gaming subscriptions to accessories. New cardholders are eligible for valuable introductory offers that can defray some gaming costs or save money on interest payments over a certain period of time. Plus, the ongoing cell phone protection benefit may cover your phone if it's ever damaged or stolen, which may mean peace of mind for fans of mobile gaming.
Drawbacks
If you’re not a Wells Fargo customer, you may find your redemption options slightly less flexible.
If you have access to one of the few video rental stores that exist, the $0-annual-fee Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card may offer a generous rewards rate when you buy or rent a video game. It earns 3% back on dining, entertainment (including video rental locations), eligible streaming services and grocery store purchases. Other purchases earn 1% back.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
Our pick for: Online purchases
Rewards:
3% back on a category of your choice (options listed below) and 2% back on grocery stores and wholesale clubs for the first $2,500 of combined bonus category/grocery store/wholesale club spending per quarter; after hitting that threshold, you’ll earn 1% back on these purchases.
1% back on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.74%-28.74% will apply.
Why we like it
The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card lets you choose a top-earning rewards category from a list of six options, including online shopping. Cable, streaming, internet and phone plans count as "online shopping." (The other five categories are gas/EV charging, dining, travel, drugstores, and home improvement/furnishings.)
For gamers, the online category makes the most sense. It includes purchases made with merchants like Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Target.com, Apple.com, and Walmart.com, among others. The sign-up bonus can also offer some money back to offset the cost of a game or a larger purchase like a computer. You may also get some breathing room on interest payments for those purchases for some time.
Drawbacks
You'll want to keep track of the spending cap if you're aiming to maximize your earnings. Redemptions are limited to a statement credit or check if you’re not a Bank of America® customer.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
Rewards:
5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases each quarter in two categories you choose from a list of several, including select electronic stores, cell phone providers, department stores and TV/internet/streaming services. (See full below.)
2% back in one "everyday" category that you choose each quarter. (These categories include grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.)
1% back on all other eligible net purchases.
Sign-up bonus: $200 rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.74%-28.99% Variable APR.
Why we like it
For gamers with select internet services or cell phone providers, the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card could be valuable. Likewise, the card's "electronics stores" category includes popular merchants such as Best Buy (in store and online), Fry’s (in store and online), Newegg.com, the Apple Store and others.
This card can be used in a system to maximize rewards by pairing it with a flat-rate credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card listed above.
Drawbacks
The $2,000 quarterly cap is a high spending ceiling for gamers looking to max out rewards. Plus, the card isn't exactly low-maintenance: You'll have to remember to opt into categories each quarter and keep track of them.
» MORE: Best credit cards for streaming
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card
Our pick for: Maximized value
Rewards:
6% cash back on your first $1,500 in combined eligible purchases each quarter at two retailers you choose (from a list of 24; see below for full list).
3% cash back on your first $1,500 in eligible purchases each quarter in your choice of one everyday category.
1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
6% cash back on prepaid car and hotel reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center.
Sign-up bonus: Earn a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening.
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $95.
APR: The ongoing APR is 18.99%-28.99% Variable APR.
Why we like it
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Card offers several ways to snag elevated rewards rates on gaming-related purchases. The card's list of possible 6%-earning merchants includes major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon.com, Apple and Best Buy, to name a few. The 3% cash-back everyday category can also include TV/internet and streaming services, if you choose it as an option. These options are customizable every quarter, so it's possible to adjust them as your gaming (and spending) habits change.
Drawbacks
You'll have to spend more than $1,583 annually to make the most of the card’s value and offset the cost of the ongoing annual fee. It will also require some effort to manage. You’ll have to keep track of the card’s spending caps on rewards and remember to select your top-earning options for cash back every quarter.
Prime Visa
Our pick for: Prime gaming
Rewards:
5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market.
2% back at restaurants and gas stations.
2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
1% back on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus: Get a $200 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: The ongoing APR is 19.99%-28.74% Variable APR.
Why we like it
As an Amazon Prime member, you can use the Prime Visa to earn rich rewards on Amazon purchases — including games and consoles — and get them shipped for free. With the membership, you can also access free games and in-game loot, and get a free subscription to Twitch.tv. The healthy rewards rate at restaurants and Whole Foods can also fuel you up for your next marathon Call of Duty session.
Drawbacks
The card doesn’t offer a 0% intro APR, so you won't get an interest-free window on purchases. You also need an Amazon Prime membership ($139 per year) to be eligible for this card.
» MORE: Best store credit cards
Target Circle™ Credit Card
Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
Rewards:
5% discount on all eligible Target purchases.
Sign-up bonus: N/A.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: The ongoing APR is 29.45% Variable.
Why we like it
The Target Circle™ Credit Card packs a 5% discount that you can use on any retailer-specific purchase online or in the store. It’s one way to trim costs on games, electronics, accessories and snacks.
Specialty gift cards are also included in that 5% discount, so you could potentially buy a gift card for Xbox, PlayStation or Twitch. Most items purchased with the card on Target.com are eligible for free shipping and an additional 30-day period for returns and exchanges.
Drawbacks
The card can be used only for purchases made at Target. You can’t earn rewards and stash them away for later. Instead, you automatically get a discount on every purchase.
PlayStation Visa Credit Card
Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
Rewards:
5 points per $1 spent on PlayStation and Sony products at the Sony store and at authorized retailers when you confirm a purchase.
3 points per $1 spent on cable and internet bill payments.
2 points per $1 spent at restaurants.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Sign-up bonus:
Limited time: Earn a $50 PlayStation store code when you make the first purchase within 60 days of account opening (as of December 2022).
Earn a $75 game coupon when you spend $500 with the card not at PlayStation or Sony, within 60 days of card activation.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: A variable APR as high as 25.74% (as of December 2022).
Why we like it
For PlayStation loyalists, the PlayStation Visa Credit Card can offer some value. For starters, it can be used instantly after approval with a temporary shopping pass for online purchases. Small sign-up offers may occasionally be available for new cardholders. As of December 2022, you don’t have to spend much to earn one introductory offer; you can snag it with the first purchase.
Drawbacks
Point values are generally low, and redemption is cumbersome and limited mainly to PlayStation and Sony products.
Alternately, gamers who swear by Sony may also consider the Sony Visa Credit Card. It offers rewards on Sony and PlayStation products, in addition to other categories.
Best Buy credit cards
Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
Rewards:
5% back on all purchases at Best Buy. (Cardholders with a Visa version also earn additional rewards.)
Flexible financing options.
Sign-up bonus: Receive a total 10% back in Best Buy points on the first day of purchases when you are approved for the card.
Annual fee: $0-$59, depending on the card.
APR: A variable APR as high as 29.99% (as of December 2022).
Why we like it
Best Buy credit cards aren’t as flexible as general cash-back credit cards, but they do pack some value if you frequently shop at the retailer. In addition to rewards on gaming purchases at Best Buy, you may also be eligible for special financing on those purchases.
Drawbacks
You don't have control over which version of the Best Buy credit card you'll be approved for, and one of the options carries a $59 annual fee. Also, those occasional special financing deals aren't "0% intro APR offers," in which interest is waived. Instead, they're deferred interest offers, which can be riskier.
» MORE: Best 0% intro APR credit cards
Image courtesy of Barclays
Xbox Mastercard
Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
Rewards:
5 points per $1 spent on qualifying games and purchases within the Microsoft Store.
3 points per $1 spent on eligible delivery and streaming services, such as DoorDash, GrubHub, Netflix, Hulu and Spotify.
1 point per $1 spent on all other qualifying purchases.
A complimentary three-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (new Game Pass members only).
Sign-up bonus: Receive 5,000 points after your first purchase with the card.
Annual fee: $0.
APR: A variable APR as high as 31.99% (as of October 2023).
Why we like it
Xbox console and desktop gamers may find value in the Xbox Mastercard, issued by Barclays. You'll earn 5x rewards on all personal computers, software and electronics sold in the digital Microsoft Store, Xbox Design Lab and on the Xbox App. And for those marathon gaming sessions, you can earn 3x rewards on eligible food delivery. Points are worth 1 cent each (i.e., 100 points = $1) and can be redeemed for games and add-ons in the digital Microsoft store. It also takes only one purchase to snag that sign-up bonus.
Drawbacks
Points can be redeemed only for games and add-ons, making reward redemptions more limiting versus a cash-back credit card.
The Xbox Mastercard launched on Sept. 21, 2023, for select Xbox Insiders who joined the Xbox Mastercard preview. According to Barclays, the card will be available to the general public in early 2024.
Find the right credit card for you.
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