Sports fans can show their team pride and earn rewards with certain credit cards tied to their favorite sports franchises or geared towards sports expenditures. Let’s delve into some examples:
- NFL Extra Points Credit Card: If you’re an NFL fan, this card lets you earn points for every dollar you spend, with double points on NFL and team purchases. The points can be redeemed for NFL game tickets, VIP experiences, or even cash back. Plus, all your purchases get you 10% off at NFLShop.com!
- MLB® Cash Rewards Mastercard® from Bank of America: For baseball lovers, this card allows you to choose your favorite Major League Baseball team and get the logo printed on your card. You earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (like gas, online shopping, dining, travel, etc.), 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- NASCAR® Credit Card from Credit One Bank®: NASCAR fans can earn 1% cash back rewards on eligible gas and automotive purchases and double cash back rewards at the NASCAR Shop.
- UFC Credit Card: For MMA fans, this card offers 5X points on Pay Per View orders, 2X points on UFC Fight Club memberships, and 2X points at supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants.
- NHL® Discover it® Card: For hockey fans, this card offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, or Amazon.com up to the quarterly maximum. Plus, you get your favorite team’s logo on your card and save 10% on NHL.TV and at Shop.NHL.com.
- PGA Tour Credit Card from Commerce Bank: For golf enthusiasts, this card offers unlimited point earnings and redeemable points for PGA Tour and Major Championship tickets and merchandise, as well as for statement credits.
- MLS® Credit Card: For soccer fans, this card allows you to choose your favorite Major League Soccer team and get the logo printed on your card. Benefits vary based on the bank issuing the card but can include cash back rewards or points redeemable for merchandise and tickets.
- NBA Credit Card: Depending on the issuer, this card offers a variety of rewards including cash back, points redeemable for NBA merchandise and game tickets, and exclusive NBA experiences. You can often choose your favorite NBA team and get the logo on your card.
- Manchester United Credit Card from ICICI Bank: For international soccer fans, this card offers a variety of benefits, including discounts on merchandise from the Manchester United online store and opportunities to win a fully paid trip to watch a Manchester United match in the UK.
- Sportsman’s Guide Buyer’s Club Visa Card: For fans of outdoor sports like hunting and fishing, this card offers 2.5% back in club points on purchases from Sportsman’s Guide and 1% back in club points on purchases everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted.
- Bass Pro Shops CLUB Card: This card offers 2% back in CLUB points on purchases at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s and 1% back in CLUB points on purchases wherever Mastercard credit cards are accepted. This is great for fans of fishing, hunting, and camping.
FAQ
- What is a sports fan credit card? A sports fan credit card is a type of affinity card, which is a partnership between a credit card issuer and an organization—in this case, a sports team or league. These cards often feature the logo of a team or league and may offer unique perks and rewards such as discounts on merchandise, cash back on game tickets, or special access to events.
- How do I earn rewards with a sports fan credit card? Just like other reward cards, sports fan credit cards let you earn points or cash back on your purchases. For example, with the NFL Extra Points Credit Card, you earn 1 point per $1 spent on everyday purchases and 2 points per $1 spent on NFL and team purchases. These points can be redeemed for NFL game tickets, experiences, or even cash back.
- What can I redeem my rewards for? This varies by card, but typically you can redeem rewards for things like game tickets, team or league merchandise, exclusive experiences, or even statement credits or cash back. For instance, with the NHL® Discover it® Card, you could redeem your cash back for statement credits, direct deposits, charity donations, or even pay at Amazon.com checkout.
- Are there any fees associated with these cards? Yes, just like other credit cards, sports fan credit cards can have fees. Common ones include annual fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees. For example, while the NFL Extra Points Credit Card has no annual fee, it does charge up to $39 for late payments.
- Are sports fan credit cards a good choice for everyone? Not necessarily. Sports fan credit cards are best for die-hard fans who spend a lot on team or league purchases, as these often earn the highest rewards. If you’re not a big spender on sports or if there are other cards that better match your spending patterns, you may want to look at other options. As with any credit card, it’s important to consider factors like interest rates, fees, and how you’ll use the card before applying.
- Can I carry a balance on a sports fan credit card? Yes, you can carry a balance, but remember that you’ll be charged interest, which can add up quickly and counteract any rewards you’ve earned. It’s always best to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
- What happens if I can’t make a payment on my sports fan credit card? If you can’t make a payment, you’ll likely be charged a late fee and your credit score may be negatively impacted. In addition, your interest rate could go up, especially if you’re late with payments more than once.
- Do these cards help build credit? Just like any other credit card, sports fan credit cards can help build your credit history if used responsibly. This means making your payments on time and keeping your balance below 30% of your available credit limit.
- Can I get a sports fan credit card with bad credit? It depends on the specific card and the issuing bank. Some sports fan credit cards may require a good to excellent credit score, while others might be more lenient. If you have a low credit score, consider a secured credit card first to help build your credit.
- Can these cards be used for non-sports related purchases? Yes! While these cards often offer bonus rewards for sports-related purchases, they can be used for any type of purchase. They work just like any other credit card, and you’ll typically earn rewards on all your purchases.
- Can the rewards expire on these cards? Reward expiration policies vary by card. Some cards may have rewards that never expire, while others may have rewards that expire if the card isn’t used for a certain period of time or if the card is closed. Check the card’s terms and conditions to be sure.
- What kind of interest rates do these cards have? The interest rates vary by card and by the cardholder’s creditworthiness. Those with higher credit scores generally receive lower interest rates. Before you apply, check the card’s terms for the range of interest rates they offer.
- Can I transfer a balance to a sports fan credit card? Some sports fan credit cards may allow balance transfers, but keep in mind there could be a balance transfer fee. Also, the interest rate on balance transfers might be different from the regular purchase rate, so always check the card’s terms.
- Are there any downsides to sports fan credit cards? As with any credit card, there are potential downsides to consider. The interest rates on sports fan credit cards can be high, particularly for those with less-than-perfect credit. Additionally, the rewards you earn might be more limiting if they can only be redeemed for sports-related merchandise or experiences.