Question 1

What exactly is an entertainment credit card?

Accepted Answer

As the name implies, it’s a card that rewards you for spending money on doing the things that make you happy. 'Entertainment' means different things to different people, so we’ve included on this page a selection of cards that reward (with rebates, points, air miles or entertainment-related perks) your spending at local entertainment venues, or on shopping, dining, golf, travel, Grab rides — whatever floats your boat.

Question 2

What counts as entertainment spend?

Accepted Answer

The entertainment category typically encompasses food and drink purchases at restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs. It may also extend to spend at cinemas and various music, TV, and movie streaming services. Spend at sporting events and concerts may also be included.

It is important to note that there are typically restrictions in place. For example, a higher rate may be in place over weekends. Another common restriction is that certain brands may be eligible and others won't be. Therefore, it is important to familiarise yourself with exactly what does fall within the entertainment category and what doesn't—before you head out!

Question 3

What kind of perks and benefits, in addition to (or instead of) rewards points or air miles, can I expect with an entertainment credit card?

Accepted Answer

Your card may include a selection of the following benefits:

Percentage rebate on local entertainment, possibly with higher rebates at weekends (e.g. 5%)
Percentage rebate on online shopping (e.g. 6%)
Percentage rebate on Grab rides (e.g. 6%)
Percentage rebate at selected restaurants and fast food outlets, possibly with higher rebates at weekends (e.g. 5%)
Free extras at selected bars and restaurants
Percentage rebate on NETS FlashPay auto top-ups (e.g. 3%) and EZ-Reload (e.g. 2%)
Free hotel nights, plus hotel discounts
Airport lounge access
Free travel insurance
A gift of quality luggage
Percentage rebate on petrol purchases (e.g. 16%)
0% interest instalment payment plans for large purchases

Question 4

How much does it cost to have an entertainment credit card?

Accepted Answer

The annual fee will vary depending on the quantity and quality of rewards and perks attached to the card. It is likely to be in the region of $160 to $320 a year, but there is often a fee waiver for the first one or two years, and sometimes a further waiver in any year where you reach a spending target (e.g. $12,500) using the card in the previous year.

In addition to annual fees, you may have to pay a 2.5%-3.5% foreign transaction fee on overseas purchases (including those made online). And don’t forget the possibility of interest charges and late payment fees if you fail to repay your entire balance on or before the payment due date.

Question 5

How can I decide which entertainment credit card is best for me?

Accepted Answer

Take a look at where your entertainment spending usually goes. (Your existing credit card statement — or bank statement if you are currently using a debit card — may give you a good guide.) Then choose a card that rewards your personal spending pattern. For example, if your Saturday night sees you taking an Grab ride, catching a movie, then grabbing something to eat and drink at a popular bar, look for a card that gives high rebates or points/miles on Grab plus local entertainment and dining, especially one that has higher rewards for weekend spending.

But if retail therapy (whether online or at a physical store) is your idea of a good time, you’d be better off choosing a card that rewards shopping with points, miles or cashback — you may even be able to find a card that has higher rewards at your favourite shopping destinations, such as department stores.