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Great stand-up comedy is a true art form, and talented performers keep audiences enthralled with carefully honed material and clever punch lines. But if you love stand-up, you know that live shows or televised comedy specials can sometimes cost an arm, leg, and funny bone.
Some credit cards can help by rewarding you as you LOL. Here are three of our favorites.
1. Citi ThankYou Preferred Card
Rewards: Two points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment; one point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: None
Annual Fee:$0
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers* and then 15.24% – 25.24% (Variable) ongoing APR.
Why We Picked It: Event tickets and dining earn you double points.
For Stand-Up: You’ll earn double points for every dollar spent on dining and entertainment. That means you can rack up rewards whenever you buy comedy tickets and go out for dinner before the show. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and more. Plus, with Citi Private Pass, cardholders can access preferred tickets for comedy events. Currently, Citibank is offering tickets to Dennis Miller, Ron White, John Mulaney, and more.
Drawbacks: There’s currently no offered sign-up bonus.
2. Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Rewards: Two points per dollar spent on travel and dining; one point per dollar spent on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee:
APR: .
Why We Picked It: You can earn double points at any comedy club designated as a restaurant.
For Stand-Up: This card earns double points for every dollar spent on dining and travel. If you’re seeing a show at a venue that primarily serves food and alcohol, you may be able to earn double points on your meal and drinks. There are many redemption options for your rewards, but the best value is reserved for travel.
Drawbacks: If you don’t travel much, you won’t see as much value from this card.
3. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Rewards: 5% back at Amazon.com; 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores; and 1% back on all other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus:$70 Amazon.com gift card upon approval.
Annual Fee:$0 with an Amazon Prime membership.
APR:Variable 15.24% to 23.24% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Why We Picked It: Amazon Prime members can earn rewards with their membership while streaming comedy specials.
For Stand-Up: You’ll earn special reward rates on Amazon.com purchases, including the Amazon Prime membership fee. Your rewards can be redeemed for future Amazon.com purchases. Prime members also get free access to Prime Instant Video, which features a wide range of streaming comedy specials.
Drawbacks: If you don’t shop at Amazon.com, this card isn’t for you.
How to Choose a Card for Stand-Up Comedy
The best card for your stand-up addiction depends on how you prefer to experience comedy.
If you see a lot of live comedy shows near you or like to go out on the town, you might want a card that rewards dining or entertainment purchases and grants access to tickets. But if you like to stay in and watch stand-up on TV, a card that rewards other purchase types will be a better fit.
If you frequently travel to see your favorite comedians, consider a card that rewards travel or gas expenses.
What Is Required to Get a Card for Concerts?
Cards that provide awesome rewards usually require good to excellent credit. You should know your credit score before you apply, as a hard inquiry from a credit card application can ding your credit score. You can check your credit report for free at Credit.com.
Image: istock
At publishing time, the Citi ThankYou Preferred and Chase Sapphire Preferred cards are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment. This content is not provided by the card issuer(s). Any opinions expressed are those of Credit.com alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the issuer(s).
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