There are likely a few key reward categories or card features to consider when selecting a card for your gaming purchases.
PC Components and Electronics
If you’re building a PC or upgrading your computer, consider where you tend to make these purchases. If you primarily shop at electronic stores, consider a card with a higher rate on electronic spend. The U.S. Bank Cash+ card lets you earn 5% on purchases at electronic stores.
Online Shopping
Have you abandoned brick and mortar shopping? Whether it’s Steam, GameStop.com, Amazon or that obscure store you love, choosing a card that awards online purchase may make the most sense. You can earn rewards not only for online gaming purchases, but for any shopping you do from an online retailer.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express will earn 3% at online merchants, making sure you save more than convenience and time on each purchase. You can also consider other credit cards for online shopping.
Internet
If you’ve significantly bumped up your internet speed to prevent lag, your internet bill may be a large monthly cost. Credit cards, like the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, that incentivize internet payments could be a great option for gamers.
Be aware, your internet provider may apply a surcharge fee for credit card payments. Also, if your provider offers a bill credit for using ACH payments, losing out on those savings by making a credit card payment instead could wipe out any rewards you earn. If either of these apply to you, choosing a credit card for internet rewards isn’t likely to pay off.
Gift Cards
Gift cards are a great way to top up on gaming credits. Consider whether you prefer to buy your gifts at the grocery store, Walmart, Target, wholesale clubs or online. Depending on your spending habits, one credit card may help you earn more cash back or rewards on gift cards than another.
Extended Warranty
Especially if you’re upgrading your hardware, you may want to consider a card with extended warranty protection. For credit cards that offer this benefit, you could lengthen the original warranty on the product. Some cards will double the warranty up to a set number of months while other cards extend the warranty by a full year. The terms on this offer vary by card, so make sure to read your card agreement carefully.
If you play hard, using a card to increase a warranty may help you get maximum enjoyment our of your purchases.
Convenience and Cost
Before applying for multiple credit cards to maximize your rewards, consider your tolerance for activating categories and remembering card rewards. If you prefer a simple, streamlined approach, you may want to consider a utilitarian everyday use credit card.
You’ll also want to consider the potential costs involved. If the card you’re considering charges an annual fee, evaluate your rewards potential to make sure it would outweigh the yearly fee. Due to the high APR on credit cards, if you carry a balance, you’ll pay far more in interest than any rewards can offset. If you’re hoping to finance a large purchase over a few payment cycles, consider a credit card with 0% intro APR.
Find the Best Credit Cards for 2024
No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.
Can Credit Cards With Entertainment Rewards Benefit Gamers?
While entertainment sounds like it should encompass gaming expenses, for most cards it probably doesn’t. This category typically includes things like movie tickets, zoos and aquariums, amusement parks and bowling alleys.
Some cards do include streaming services under entertainment, however, while others limit it to its own category. There are certainly a wide variety of streaming game services, but it’s worth noting that credit cards that offer elevated rewards on streaming services often exclude gaming subscriptions.
While any consumer can benefit from extra earnings on these purchases, entertainment cards don’t tend to include many gaming expenses. However, if your hobbies are wide-ranging or you purchase your fair share of event tickets, an entertainment credit card may still be a good idea.
