The Top 7 Credit Cards for Sports Fans and Athletes in 2024

Sports are more than just games – they build connections and memories that can last a lifetime. As a diehard fan or a competitive athlete, you know that the costs add up between tickets, travel, gear, and more. Thus, having the right credit card can offset those expenses through rewards, discounts, financing offers, and money-saving perks.

Credit Cards for Sports Fans and Athletes

This post breaks down the top credit cards for tapping into exclusive sports rewards in 2024. If you love watching NBA basketball, cheer for your favorite football team every Sunday, or travel to your child’s soccer tournaments on weekends, these credit cards can help pay for your sports passions.

#1. Capital One SavorOne: Best for MLB and College Sports

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card nets cardmembers amazing perks for Major League Baseball, NCAA championships, and other big college sporting events.

8% Cash Back on Captial One Entertainment Tickets

Book seats for select events like the College World Series using Capital One Entertainment and earn a whopping 8% cashback. Eligible tickets span regular season MLB games, the MLB Postseason, the Men’s and Women’s Final Four, the College World Series, and more.

Discounts on MLB.TV, MLB Shop, and Exclusive Ticket Access

Enjoy discounts on MLB.TV subscriptions and MLB-licensed merchandise. Score access to pre-sales, VIP packages with player meet-and-greets, premium low-row seating, and exclusive stadium tours in certain cities.

#2. NFL Extra Points Visa: Best NFL Fan Card

Bleed team colors and rep your squad all season long with the NFL Extra Points Visa® Credit Card.

3% Cash Back on NFL Purchases

Rack up 3% cash back on NFL purchases and gear from your favorite team. All other NFL gear earns 1%.

20% Off at NFL Shop

Save 20% off items sitewide at NFLShop.com like jerseys, hats, collectibles, and more. At 1-3% cash back on those purchases too, the savings add up fast.

Special NFL Ticket Financing

Finance season tickets or big one-off purchases interest-free to catch the action live without the financial hit all at once.

#3. The Platinum Card from American Express: Top Perks for NBA Fans

With the NBA and WNBA as official card partners, the Platinum Card from American Express grants cardmembers amazing basketball access and experiences.

Jersey Assurance Program

Get peace of mind with Jersey Assurance. If a player on your team changes numbers or gets traded within a year of buying their jersey, you can get a free replacement.

Dedicated Entrances and In-Arena Offers

Gain access to special card member entrances at arenas like Crypto.com Center in LA, United Center in Chicago, and Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Score discounts on concessions and merchandise too.

Triple-Double Offer

When an NBA player records a triple-double during the postseason, Platinum cardmembers get 32% off items at NBAStore.com for 24 hours.

#4. Cardless Team Credit Cards: Best for Select Pro Teams

Cardless issues co-branded credit cards with the NBA’s Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Pelicans, and English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool F.C.

Lucrative Team-Specific Rewards and Perks

Team cards offer the best rewards and exclusive benefits tailored specifically for fans. Perks range from early stadium access to player events, ticket discounts, and more.

No Annual or Foreign Transaction Fees

Cardless keeps costs low for fans with $0 annual fees on all cards. There are also never foreign transaction fees, so globetrotting soccer fans can save on EPL away matches.

#5. NHL Discover Card: Top Card for Hockey Fans

Hockey fans can also apply team pride to their finances with an NHL-branded Discover card sporting their favorite squad’s logo upfront.

1% Cash Back Plus 5% Rotating Categories

All purchases earn 1% cash back. Activate quarterly 5% categories on spending caps like grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants up to the quarterly maximum..

No Annual Fee

Rep your fandom for free — there’s no annual fee.

#6. Citi Custom Cash Card: Best for Gym & Fitness Spending

Walk into your cardio kickboxing class or CrossFit box with a credit card offering strong rewards for gym memberships, classes, and fitness facility fees.

5% Cash Back on Fitness Clubs

Spend up to $500 a month on gym fees, classes, and subscriptions like Peloton, Mirror, Tonal, and more, and earn 5% cash back automatically. The bonus category refreshes monthly with no activation needed.

$0 Annual Fee

Pay no annual fee while saving on fitness costs long-term with strong cash-back rewards. An intro 0% APR offer sweetens the deal even more.

#7. U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa: Ideal for Sports Parents

From equipment to team travel, families know the costs of youth and school sports participation climb higher every year. Maximize rewards on common expenses like gear, hotel stays, and transit with a customizable cash-back card.

5% Cash Back on Sporting Goods Stores & Gyms

Choose “sporting goods stores” and “gyms/fitness centers” every quarter for 5% cash back on eligible purchases up to $2,000 in combined spending.

2% Cash Back Choice Category

Pick gas, dining, or groceries each month for 2% cash back rewards on up to $2,000 per quarter. Help offset team travel, meals on the road, or post-practice treats.

Conclusion

Whatever your sports passion, having the right credit card in your wallet matters. Take advantage of exclusive fan access, targeted rewards bonuses, discounts, and financing to save money while making priceless memories.

You can Leverage unique perks that are only available through sports partnerships to enjoy the games you love even more.

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