If you have a gaming line item within your budget, it is logical to get a card specifically designed that will help you make the most value from the gaming you make. A great Rewards credit card will allow you to get the most value from your purchases regardless of the type of player you are or wish to become.

However, the kind of transactions you engage in will have an enormous influence on the most suitable types of credit cards that are suitable for you. We’ll take three typical gaming transactions and the best way to select the appropriate card.

The top gaming cards for hardware

Whatever type of game you play, you’ll likely require the right equipment to play it right. It could be a high-quality monitor with a high frequency of display, a headset that you could wear all day, or perhaps the ideal balanced set of dice.

If you’re a computer or console gamer, most of your gaming equipment will come from an electronics retailer. 

The most suitable card to buy electronics is the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card. Just choose “Electronics Stores” as one of the five percent bonus categories, and you’ll be able to shop to over a dozen shops as long as you meet the quarterly maximum, including (but not restricted to):

• Best Buy
• Bose
• Newegg.com
• Apple Store
• Frys.com

If you’re a brand-loyal customer, opt for the brand-name credit card from your favorite retailer. The My Best Buy Visa gives additional rewards when you’re an Elite Plus member. In addition, Amazon, Target, and Walmart all offer regular sales on the most popular consoles and equipment, and each has its own co-branded credit cards to earn rewards.

The most effective in-game purchase cards

Companies that issue credit cards are nearly ignoring purchases made in games completely. Only one credit card that offers the ability to earn rewards on in-game purchases is the PlayStation Visa Card. The majority of other rewards cards don’t provide bonus rewards for online purchases. There aren’t any rewards categories for this. 

Therefore, you’ll need a solution. The best method to earn credit card rewards on games is to use rewards cards to purchase gift cards to your preferred gaming platforms and games.

Gaming gift cards are available nowadays, including supermarkets, big-box retailers, and office supply stores. For best results, use the rewards card, which earns you bonus points at the retailer. For instance, you can pick up gift cards during your next grocery trip using a reward card for grocery stores. Many of the top gaming platforms have gift cards, which include:

• Nintendo eShop
• Steam
• Microsoft Xbox Store
• Sony PlayStation Store
• Google Play Store

You can also find gift cards that are specifically for games. Some of the easiest to locate are:

• Minecraft
• World of Warcraft
• Fortnite
• League of Legends
• Roblox
• Sims 4

The most effective cards for playing board games

Maximizing the rewards you earn from your purchases of board games will depend on the place you purchase the bulk of your items. For instance, if you are a fan of family-friendly board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, the options are Amazon or Target, and the respective credit card — could be the best option.

However, when you visit the local comic book shop to purchase the latest D&D and Warhammer comics or figures, you might require a more inventive approach to earn additional rewards. Suppose you’re able to buy at your preferred comic book retailer online. In that case, the bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card can earn you good rewards when you select “Online Shopping” as your reward category.

If not, a great flat-rate cash rewards card with a cashback bonus is the best option. For instance, the Wells Fargo Cash Card offers you cash rewards of 2% on purchases.

Do rewards cards with entertainment are suitable for gamers?

Unfortunately, many credit cards that provide “entertainment” as a bonus category do not apply to gambling purchases. They are designed to be used for purchases in entertainment venues, for example:

• Cinemas
• Amusement parks
• Zoos and Aquariums 
• Halls for pool
• Sporty events
• Museums
• Bowling alleys

There is a chance to buy gaming supplies at any of these locations (you might be able to purchase an original board game based on Marvel during your visit to Universal Studios). But, the local gaming or comic book retailer is not likely to qualify to earn bonus points when you purchase a card that has an entertainment bonus.