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Earning Credit Card Rewards for Streaming Services

6 min read
Published October 31, 2025

Table of contents

Key Takeaways

  1. Many streaming services allow you to pay with a credit card.

  2. Some credit card issuers may offer rewards on your streaming subscriptions.

  3. Other factors to consider for your everyday card include rewards on restaurant and gas station purchases, security features, fees, and interest rates.

Whether you love crafting the perfect party playlist, watching an old favorite show while you cook dinner, or hosting horror movie marathons every Halloween, you probably subscribe to at least one streaming service. Credit card companies have embraced streaming services’ popularity in recent years, sometimes offering rewards for your music, TV, and movie subscriptions. With the right credit card, you may be able to earn cash rewards for your favorite streaming services.

Can you pay for streaming services with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay for streaming services with a credit card as long as the streaming service accepts credit card payments. In fact, since streaming services are digital products, paying with a credit card or debit card may be the most convenient option.

To determine whether a streaming service accepts credit card payments, check their payment terms. You may find those terms through the services’ help centers or under the “payment management” page in your settings.

If a streaming service doesn’t accept credit cards, you may still be able to pay with your card by using it to purchase a gift card for the streaming service. But keep in mind that you won’t earn streaming rewards this way.

What streaming services allow credit card payments?

Many streaming services for music, movies, TV, and other forms of entertainment allow credit card payments. However, your specific payment options may vary depending on your region.

Do you use Spotify, Tidal, or Apple Music? Most music streaming services accept credit cards – check the payment terms for your music provider to confirm.

You might use Max, Netflix, YoutubeTV, Hulu, or a combination of all these subscription services and more for TV and movies. Most mainstream film and TV destinations also accept credit card payments; just check their payment terms when you subscribe or update your billing. 

If you’re ever unsure about payment options for a streaming service, reach out to customer support. They should be able to provide you with a straightforward answer that applies to your location and select streaming services. 

Choosing the best credit card for streaming services for you

The best credit card for your life depends on your priorities. If you want to maximize rewards, you should look for a card that offers cash back on your everyday purchases, like streaming services. But don’t overlook other credit card rewards, features, and fees that may determine the right everyday card for you.

Compare cash back rewards for streaming

You may earn rewards for streaming services in a few different ways. Some credit cards offer a flat cash back rate for each eligible purchase. But you may be able to earn more with a tiered reward credit card that offers a bonus reward for your subscriptions of choice, like a higher cash back rate for streaming services.

Did you know?

Some credit cards have rotating bonus reward categories that change each quarter, sometimes including streaming services. For example, with the Discover it® Cash Back Card, you can earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate.

Rewards credit cards may only offer cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. Before you apply, make sure the streaming subscription of your choice counts as an eligible purchase for earning cash back.

Rewards for other purchases

Even if you’re an avid film or music buff, streaming services probably only make up a small portion of your monthly budget. So, it’s important to make sure your go-to card also rewards your other everyday purchases.

For example, if you like to order takeout for movie nights at home, you might want a credit card that offers cash back at restaurants. Or you may want a credit card that rewards gas station purchases when you queue up your road trip playlist and hit the road. With the Discover it® Chrome Card, earn cash back on your next road trip with 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter1.

Redemption options for your credit card rewards may also influence your decision. You may be able to redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit or gift card, which could help cover the cost of a streaming subscription.

Credit card fees

Before you apply for a new credit card, you should always make sure you understand any potential credit card fees. Even small charges can add up. Consider these common credit card fees:

  • Annual fee. Your card issuer may charge you a fee around the anniversary of your account opening each year to keep your card active. Unlike some other rewards credit cards, Discover® has no annual fee on any card.  
  • Late payment fee. Credit card issuers typically charge a fee as a penalty for a past-due payment. 
  • Balance transfer fee. If you move a balance from a credit card with a higher interest rate to your new card, you may have to pay a fee. Balance transfer fees are often a percentage of the amount you move.
  • Foreign transaction fee. If you use your credit card abroad, you may be charged an additional foreign transaction fee. Discover has no foreign transaction fee

Interest rate on purchases

If you tend to carry a balance instead of paying off your card in full each month, then a card’s interest rate determines the amount you ultimately spend. You may want to prioritize finding a card with a low annual percentage rate (APR) or a 0% APR introductory offer. A card’s interest rate may not matter as much if you typically repay your balance in full.

Whenever possible, it’s best to repay your entire balance. That way, you don’t have to worry about spending extra money for your streaming subscriptions in the form of interest charges.

Other benefits and features

Rewards aren’t the only perk to consider. Many credit cards come with additional features that may be worthwhile. You might want a credit card with a helpful mobile app that allows you to track your spending and manage your account, for example. Or a card with excellent security features that keep your data safe.

Some credit cards may even offer subscriptions to select streaming services as a membership reward. The best credit card perks for you align with your priorities, habits, and interests.

The bottom line

You can earn rewards on the streaming services you love with the right credit card. To find your best credit card for streaming services and more, consider not only your listening and watching habits but also your everyday spending and credit needs.

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