There are a ton of great series across streaming platforms right now. Between Severance, Adolescence, White Lotus and Daredevil: Born Again, you need four streaming subscriptions to keep up with the latest content — and it’s not exactly getting cheaper to subscribe.

You could save money on streaming subscriptions by bundling your services, signing up for trial subscriptions and rotating your services. But you can also lower the price of streaming services by using a credit card that rewards you for watching your favorite shows. And one of CNET’s top credit cards for streaming services — my personal favorite for streaming, groceries and more — just added even more streaming options to its rewards list. 

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express — which already earns one of the highest cash-back rates for streaming — now covers more streaming services, including AMC+, Discovery+ and Starz, among others. That brings the number of covered services to 32.

However, signing up for streaming services can quickly add up. “Many consumers have multiple services that rival the cost of cable TV,” said credit expert Lee Huffman, noting that it’s easy to forget one and continue paying for services you no longer use.

I use my Blue Cash Preferred to pay for all of my streaming services. Here’s why.

Why I prefer using the Amex Blue Cash Preferred for streaming

Put simply, the Blue Cash Preferred earns the most rewards for streaming purchases with no limit on how much you can earn. Its 6% cash back for select U.S. streaming subscriptions is higher than any other card.

It does have a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year; see rates and fees), but to me, it’s well worth the cost. While it’s nice to earn streaming rewards, that’s not where the highest return on your spending will come from. If you have a monthly streaming bill of $40, then you’d earn only $2.40 back per month. 

However, the Blue Cash Preferred also earns 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on the first $6,000 spent per year, then 1%), which is where most of your rewards will likely come from. 

And as an added incentive for Disney+ Bundle subscribers (Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+), each month you pay the subscription cost of at least $9.99 with your card, you’ll get a $7 monthly statement credit, for a total of $84 back annually.

Over the four years or so that I’ve had the card, it’s paid for itself time and time again by providing hundreds of dollars in cash back.

How to tell if an annual fee is worth it

If you have multiple streaming services like Spotify, Disney Plus, Netflix and Max, subscription costs can add up quickly. 

A credit card that provides rewards for streaming services can put some money back into your bank account. Just keep in mind that the rewards won’t be staggering. While a 6% cash-back rate is high, on a streaming bill of $50, it will net you only $3 in rewards each month.

The easiest way to decide if a card’s annual fee is worth it is to compare its rewards with your spending habits. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred charges a $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), but between its supermarket, streaming and gas rewards, it’s quite easy to earn $95 back before the year is up.

While it would take $1,600 in streaming spending to earn $96 back, I hope no one is spending that much on streaming subscriptions. It’s far easier to hit that number with gas and grocery spending. 

Streaming rewards are more like a passive bonus you don’t have to think too much about, considering it won’t be that high of a payout.

Tips for picking the best credit card for streaming subscriptions

The best rewards credit card for streaming subscriptions will be the card that earns the most rewards. Streaming subscriptions are relatively inexpensive (unless you have several), so the return won’t be high. That means it’s important to also match the card’s other reward categories with your spending.

If the card carries an annual fee, check to see if your spending habits will earn enough rewards to cover it. Otherwise, the card’s fee will reduce the value of any rewards you earn.

It’s also important to make sure the card offers rewards for the streaming services you have. It’s a safe bet that the majority of them are covered, but outliers like Shudder aren’t always included. Most cards tell you in the card terms which subscriptions are covered.

How to maximize the value of your credit card

First, add your new credit card as your method of payment in your subscription service accounts. You’ll earn rewards only if you’re using the card to pay for them. From there, you can also use the card to earn rewards in other categories, and if there’s a welcome offer, try to earn it through your normal spending. If you overspend to reach the bonus, it’ll eat into the value of the bonus.

Alternative ways to earn rewards for streaming

If you’re looking to earn rewards on more than just streaming services, you could consider adding a flat-rate rewards credit card to your wallet instead. These credit cards provide rewards for everything you spend money on, regardless of what it’s for.

How to apply for a credit card

Once you’ve picked a card, follow these steps to apply:

1. Go to the credit card issuer’s website to fill out the application. 
2. Fill out all the personal and financial information required, including your Social Security number, rent or mortgage payment, income, address and phone number.
3. Wait for the issuer’s decision — in most cases, this will be instant unless the issuer requests additional information.
4. Use your card responsibly and pay your bill in full and on time to avoid any interest charges or damaged credit.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, click here.

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