Level Up Your Gaming Experience with the Right Rewards Credit Card
Are you looking to take your gaming experience to the next level? A rewards credit card can help you score bonus cashback or points on your gaming purchases and potentially unlock perks like introductory interest-free financing and built-in extended warranty and purchase protection. CNBC Select reviewed some of the best credit cards for gaming purchases and narrowed down our top recommendations based on benefits, rewards, and fees.
Best Credit Cards for Gamers
- Wells Fargo Active Cash Card: This card offers a high flat-rate return on all purchases, with no annual fee. You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on every purchase, making it easy to shop around for the best deals on games and accessories.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: This no-annual-fee card earns generous cash-back on everyday purchases and offers a lucrative welcome bonus. You’re also covered by purchase protection and extended warranty benefits.
- Prime Visa: This card is only available to Amazon Prime members and offers a high rate of return at Amazon and Whole Foods. You’ll also earn 5% cash back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and on travel purchased through Chase TravelSM.
- U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card: This card offers 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter on two categories you choose. You’ll also earn 2% cash back on one everyday category and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- Target Circle Card: This card offers 5% off at Target and Target.com, as well as 2% cash back on dining and 1% cash back on all other purchases outside of Target.
- Xbox Mastercard: This card offers 5X points at the digital Microsoft Store, 3X points on eligible streaming services, and 1X points on all other purchases.
Pros and Cons of Gamer Credit Cards
Pros:
- Bonus rewards: The best cards for gamers offer additional rewards where you spend the most.
- Built-in protections: Some of the top credit cards for gamers offer purchase protection or extended warranty benefits on eligible purchases, keeping your gear safe at no additional cost.
Cons:
- Restrictive rewards: Some gamer credit cards have rewards programs that offer limited redemptions.
- Few valuable benefits: A credit card that’s great for gaming typically won’t have versatile benefits or rewards and may not be the best option for an everyday credit card.
FAQs
- Should I use a credit card for gaming purchases?
- Using a credit card for purchasing video games, gaming consoles, or gaming PCs can be a good idea, especially if the card offers rewards or perks like purchase protection. However, if you’re going to carry a balance on your credit card, the interest rates are usually high, so a debit card can save you money in that situation.
- What type of credit card is best for gaming purchases?
- A co-branded store card may be the best option for gaming purchases if you’re loyal to that brand. Otherwise, a general credit card that offers purchase protections and earns rewards at a variety of retailers could be a better fit.
- What’s the best credit card for gamers?
- The best credit card for gamers depends on where you typically buy your games, consoles, and gaming accessories. If you prefer to price shop, you can’t go wrong with a flat-rate cash-back card.
Why Trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products.
