Fun isn't cheap anymore. Here's how your credit card can help cut the cost

If going to the movies seems to cost a fortune these days, you're not imagining it. The cost of entertainment has been increasing more than many other segments of the market.

The cost of admission to sporting events (up 2.1% year-over-year), movies, theaters and concerts (up 2.3%) and subscription or rental of video (streaming services like Netflix) and video games (up 13.4%) all cost more than they did a year ago, according to the consumer price index for July.

These price hikes aren't a recent phenomenon. The average ticket price was $132.62 in 2025, up 37% from $96.17 in 2019, according to Pollstar. A separate study comparing prices at the 20 most popular theme parks in North America found the average price of a single-day ticket rose to $105 in 2025, up 37% from $76 in 2015.

Regardless of what you have planned for the summer, there's a chance your credit card can help you save — whether you're applying for a new card or taking advantage of hidden benefits from cards you already own.

It's possible that the same card you use for groceries could also be earning you cash back on some of your fun purchases as well. Even if you don't currently have any of these cards, they're all no-annual-fee options if you're interested in applying.

Multiple rewards categories

If you have the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card, you're earning 3% cash back at grocery stores and on dining, but also on entertainment and popular streaming services. Capital One considers entertainment purchases to include movie theaters, amusement parks, professional and semi-professional live sports events and more. No matter what your favorite pastime is, you'll probably earn rewards.

Custom categories 

Another card that offers custom categories is the U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature Card. It offers 5% cash back on the first $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter in two categories you choose. From the 12 categories you can pick from, options like movie theaters, TV, internet and streaming services and gyms and fitness centers are likely the best choices if you're looking for entertainment.

The Citi Strata℠ Card not only earns 3X points at supermarkets, but also on an eligible self-select category of your choice. Of the five options to choose from, you can opt for live entertainment or select streaming services, both of which could help you save on fun, whether it's at home or outside.

The live entertainment category covers a wide range of events: concerts, live sporting events, live theatrical productions, amusement parks, orchestras and more. The Strata could be a better fit for those who don't want to deal with spending restrictions and are fine with earning a lower (but more consistent) rewards rate.

Rotating categories 

With the Chase Freedom Flex®, the card's rewards categories rotate each calendar quarter, so you can't guarantee each new category will always fit your lifestyle. That being said, this is the second year in a row it's offered select live entertainment in the third quarter (and at gas stations, public transit, EV charging and United Way®), so repeats are not uncommon. 

Chase counts live entertainment as "major sporting events, zoos and aquariums, concerts, theatrical productions, museums" and more. You'll also earn 3% on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.

Many major card issuers operate their own experience programs or portals, which can provide access to unique events and invites to exclusive pop-ups. Depending on the type of card you have, you can also redeem rewards toward these experiences.

With Chase Experiences, you can redeem points for Fandango gift cards if there's a movie you've been meaning to see, or a Topgolf gift card if you're looking for a fun activity. Gift cards aren't always the most valuable redemption option — through Chase, redeeming for gift cards is often worth 1 cent per point —  but they can be a simple way to help offset costs.

While these programs can help you get into certain events, it's likely going to be at the current market value, not any cheaper. There are some exceptions, like the MLB's partnership with Capital One. Each MLB game has four cardholder-exclusive seats, and they only cost 5,000 miles or $40 in Capital One cash back, which is usually a significant discount.

There are a variety of rewards credit cards that offer statement credits toward entertainment purchases, which can help offset your spending on everything from concert tickets to an Airbnb stay.

If you're looking for a flexible credit that could be spent at several places, the Citi Strata Elite℠ Card comes with an annual $200 Annual Splurge Credit℠. The credit can be used toward your choice of up to two eligible brands, including 1stDibs, American Airlines, Best Buy, Future Personal Training and Live Nation. You can change your selection at any time.

Both of the Chase Sapphire cards come with statement credits that can help offset entertainment costs. For starters, the $95 annual fee Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees) comes with a $100 credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel and a complimentary year of Apple TV, as long as you activate by Dec. 31, 2026. With MLS and Formula 1 streaming on Apple TV, the Preferred offers a cheaper way to keep up with the action.

If you happen to own the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), don't forget that the card comes with up to $300 in StubHub and viagogo credits that you can use to purchase tickets for concerts or events (up to $150 semiannually through Dec. 31, 2027; activation required). It also features a complimentary DashPass membership and $300 in annual value through DoorDash promos, both available through Dec. 31, 2027.

A lot of the perks we've mentioned are tied to individual cards that you have to apply (and qualify) for before you can take advantage of them. However, some are tied to the credit card issuer or the payment network itself, like Visa or Mastercard. 

Sports 

If you're a Capital One credit or debit cardholder, you can receive a 30% discount on new MLB.TV All Teams Yearly subscriptions, which also includes MiLB.TV (Minor League). MLB fans will also receive 20% off their MLBShop.com order by using their eligible Capital One card and entering code: CAPITALONE.

Further, qualifying American Express cardholders can earn 10% back on concession purchases at stadiums and arenas (up to $250 per year) in the American Express Venue Collection™. The Venue Collection is a group of stadiums, ranging from Brooklyn's Barclays Center to London's The O2 arena, where Amex cardholders can get access to exclusive perks and discounts. 

NBA fans can also take advantage of Amex's Jersey Assurance program, which lets you exchange a jersey if a player changes teams. Plus, during the NBA Playoffs and Finals, each time there is a triple-double, cardmembers can get a limited-time 32% discount at nbastore.com.

The arts 

If you're looking to experience some works of fine art, Bank of America offers cardholders free general admission to "cultural institutions" across the United States during the first full weekend of every month. You can check the Bank of America site for a full list of locations, but it includes some well-known sites, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Popular events 

Some issuers, like Chase and American Express, also sponsor popular events, like Coachella or tennis's U.S. Open, but only for registered cardholders. You may have to register ahead of time, but these types of experiences typically include complimentary food and drinks and free swag. You still need to pay your way into these events, but sponsored tents can be a nice complimentary way to elevate your experience. 

The U.S Open, which starts August 23 this year, often features exclusive Chase and Amex lounges, complete with complimentary drinks and swag. You can also find smaller perks (but still cardholder-exclusive) like phone chargers or loaner radios with ESPN broadcasts and live U.S. Open updates.

Amusement parks 

Credit card networks can also feature entertainment-related perks. If you have a Visa Signature or Visa Infinite credit card, you can save 10% on multiday tickets to Universal Orlando Resort in Florida or Universal Studios Hollywood in California. Plus, enjoy complimentary chef-selected appetizers at select restaurants and unlock special deals at eligible stores on property.

Many of the credit cards we've highlighted offer several money-saving perks or exclusive access to entertainment and events, but it's important to consider how much value you'll realistically get from them.

If you're looking at a card that offers rewards categories, review your previous year's expenses to estimate how much you'd earn in each. While your projected spending might not be the exact same as last year, it can be a good starting point for considering a card's overall value.

Statement credits are typically easy to take advantage of, unless they're limited by month or quarter, which requires a little more effort to track. Credits can be a great way to earn a lot of value quickly, and in a way that may feel more tangible than cash back or points. Discounts on subscriptions fall into a similar bucket, as you'll be able to put an exact dollar amount to your savings.

More niche perks like discounts on concession purchases at stadiums or discounts during the NBA Playoffs and Finals shouldn't be a significant factor in whether you apply for a card. But they can be the cherry on top of a card that already meets your other needs.

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