4 Credit Cards for NHL Fans

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Hockey season is officially here, and hardcore NHL fans can now settle in to watch their favorite sport. If you love attending live games, throwing viewing parties, or watching at the pub, you could be spending a lot of cash on your hockey obsession.

Some credit cards can help, earning rewards as you support your team. Here are four credit cards for NHL fans.

1. NHL Discover it

Rewards: 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly bonus category purchases; 1% cash back on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: Discover will match all cash back earned in the first year.
Annual Fee: $0
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): 0% APR for 14 months on purchases and balance transfers, then APR.
Why We Picked It: Hockey fans can show team pride, get gear, and earn great cash back rates.
For NHL Fans: Cardholders earn 5% cash back on bonus categories that rotate each quarter; this quarter’s bonus category is Amazon.com and Target purchases. No matter your team of choice, you can have their official logo and design stamped on your card. Plus, you can save 10% at Shop.NHL.com and on an NHL TV subscription.
Drawbacks: This card requires a bit of maintenance, as you’ll need to track and activate bonus categories.

2. Citi ThankYou Preferred

Rewards: Two points per dollar spent on dining and entertainment; one point per dollar spent on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: None
Annual Fee:$0
APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers* and then 15.24% – 25.24% (Variable) ongoing APR.
Why We Picked It: All dining and entertainment purchases, including sporting events, earn double points.
For NHL Fans: If you attend a lot of games in person, you can quickly earn rewards with two points per dollar on entertainment purchases. Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and more. Cardmembers also get special access to tickets for sporting events (and more) with the Citi Private Pass.
Drawbacks: This card currently doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus.

3. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

Rewards: 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in annual spending at US supermarkets (1% cash back on purchases beyond that threshold); 3% cash back at US gas stations and participating department stores; and 1% cash back on other purchases.
Welcome offer: $200 statement credit if you spend $1,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee:$95
APR:, then APR.
Why We Picked It: This card helps you save on game-day party food.
For NHL Fans: Party hosts can save big with this card, earning 6% cash back at supermarkets as they supply their game-day menu. You can also save on your favorite jerseys from participating department stores or on gas getting to and from the games.
Drawbacks: There’s a $95 annual fee.

4. Premier Dining Rewards From Capital One

Rewards: 3% cash back on dining; 2% cash back on groceries; and 1% cash back on other purchases.
Sign-Up Bonus: $100 bonus cash back if you spend $500 in the first three months.
Annual Fee:$0
APR:Variable 15.49% to 24.49% APR on purchases and balance transfers.
Why We Picked It: If you tend to watch games at the bar, this card can help you save.
For NHL Fans: If you like to watch games while ordering nachos and brews at your neighborhood sports bar, you’ll earn 3% cash back on your dining purchases.
Drawbacks: If you don’t dine out frequently, this card isn’t for you.

How to Choose a Card for Your NHL Purchases

The best card for hockey purchases largely depends on your spending habits and preferred rewards.

Look for a card that rewards the way you spend. If you go to live games, a card that rewards entertainment purchases offers value. If you throw a lot of parties, a card with grocery rewards could be a good fit. If you like to go to the bar to watch, a card with dining rewards might be the best choice.

Be sure to review the card’s redemption options. Cash back and points rewards often have many redemption choices, so make sure to consider the rewards you wish to earn.

What Credit Is Required for a Card for Hockey Fans?

Cards with strong rewards usually require good to excellent credit. Before you apply, you should be reasonably confident in your chances of approval, as a hard inquiry from a credit card application can slightly lower your credit score. You can check your credit report for free at Credit.com.

Image: istock

At publishing time, the NHL Discover it Card, Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, and Citi ThankYou Preferred 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).

Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees, and terms for credit cards, loans, and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees, and terms with credit card issuers, banks, or other financial institutions directly.