Why Use a Credit Card for Subscriptions?
The average American spends over $200 per month on subscriptions — streaming services, gym memberships, cloud storage, meal kits, and more. That recurring spending is a perfect opportunity to earn credit card rewards while building your credit score.
When you put subscriptions on a credit card that earns cash back or points, you turn money you are already spending into rewards. And because subscriptions charge automatically every month, they create a consistent payment history that helps your credit score.
What to Look for in a Subscription Credit Card
Rewards on recurring payments. Some cards earn bonus rewards on streaming or entertainment categories. Others offer flat-rate cash back on all purchases, which works great for subscriptions that do not fit neatly into one category.
No annual fee. If you are using the card primarily for subscriptions, a no-annual-fee card ensures your rewards are not eaten up by yearly charges.
Autopay compatibility. Make sure the card works smoothly with autopay. Set up automatic full-balance payments so you never miss a due date or pay interest.
Credit building. If you are working on your credit, choose a card that reports to all three credit bureaus. Consistent on-time subscription payments will steadily improve your score.
Best Cards for Subscription Rewards
Chase Freedom Flex. This card offers rotating 5% cash back categories that frequently include streaming services. Even outside bonus categories, you earn 1% cash back on everything else. There is no annual fee.
Citi Custom Cash. You earn 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to $500). If streaming and subscriptions are your biggest category, you automatically earn 5% back.
Capital One Savor. (formerly SavorOne, rebranded in late 2024) This card earns 3% cash back on entertainment and streaming, plus dining and grocery purchases. There is no annual fee, making it excellent for subscription-heavy spenders.
Blue Cash Everyday from American Express. This card earns 3% back at US online retail purchases (up to $6,000/year), which can include digital subscriptions. No annual fee.
If you are still building credit, start with a secured card that earns cash back, like the Discover it Secured, and use it for one or two subscriptions.
How to Manage Subscription Spending
Related: See our full guide to secured credit cards if you are still building credit and want to start earning subscription rewards.
Related: Learn how to raise your credit score 100 points in 60 days so you can qualify for better rewards cards faster.
Subscriptions are easy to forget about. Before loading them onto your credit card, do a subscription audit. Cancel anything you do not actively use.
Then consolidate your remaining subscriptions onto one credit card. This makes it easy to track what you are paying each month and ensures all those payments help build your credit history in one place.
Set up autopay for the full balance so you never carry a balance or pay interest. The goal is to earn rewards and build credit, not to accumulate debt.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee, 0% APR. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on dining and groceries. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on dining & groceries (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum, no APR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card earns the most cash back on streaming services? The Citi Custom Cash and Chase Freedom Flex both earn 5% cash back on streaming or entertainment when it is your top spending category. The Capital One Savor earns a consistent 3% on entertainment and streaming.
Can I use a secured credit card for subscriptions? Yes, and it is a great strategy. Putting one or two subscriptions on a secured card and paying the balance in full each month builds positive payment history. Discover it Secured even earns cash back on all purchases.
What happens if I cancel a subscription that is tied to my credit card? The subscription simply stops charging. Your credit card is not affected. Make sure to cancel directly through the service provider — canceling a card does not automatically cancel subscriptions.
Does autopay for subscriptions help my credit score? Yes, indirectly. When subscriptions autopay on your credit card and you pay the card on time, you are building consistent payment history — the most important factor in your credit score.
Should I put all my subscriptions on one card or spread them out? Consolidating subscriptions on one card maximizes rewards in that category and simplifies tracking. It also makes it easy to cancel quickly if your card is compromised.
The Bottom Line
Subscriptions are a smart way to earn credit card rewards on spending you are already doing. Choose a card with strong cash back on streaming or entertainment, set up autopay, and let your monthly subscriptions work for your credit score.
Learn more about building credit with Firstcard.
