How Credit Cards Can Elevate Your Entertainment Experiences (and Save You Money)

Forget slipping a bouncer $20. Your credit card can get you the VIP treatment.

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Updated Apr 30, 2026 10:50 a.m. PDT · 1 min read Written by Senior Writer/Spokesperson + more + more Edited by Managing Editor SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED

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All information about The Centurion® Card from American Express and the Business Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Centurion® Card from American Express and the Business Centurion® Card from American Express are not available through NerdWallet. When it comes to credit card perks, cash back and travel rewards get a lot of attention. But you may be carrying a card that grants you access to concerts, shows, dining experiences and more. When you do pick an event to attend, you can buy tickets early, gain VIP access, get better seats or score discounts on concessions. If you’re looking for a special way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or if you just want to get out of the house, take a look at how your credit cards may pave the way for more memorable experiences. » MORE: NerdWallet’s best credit cards for entertainment spending » MORE:

AmEx Experiences

Take advantage of ticket presales or score specific seats reserved for AmEx card members. You can also get free merchandise, discounted concessions and more at select music festivals and sporting events, or take part in exclusive dining events. At a select number of eligible venues in several cities, enjoy a card member-only entrance, discounts on concessions, access to premium areas within venues and more. Benefits vary by venue; terms apply.

NerdWallet rating Apply now Apply now Read Review Holders of the American Express Platinum Card® or the American Express Centurion Card can attend specific, high-end “curated experiences.” Getting access doesn’t come cheap, depending on the event. For example, you can attend the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 in November for $16,500 per person, and that doesn’t include flights or a hotel booking. American Express Platinum Card® Terms apply. » MORE: American Express card benefits you may not know you have » MORE:

Capital One Entertainment

With Capital One consumer and small-business rewards cards, you can attend exclusive cardholder-only dinners prepared by renowned chefs and access ticket presales for sporting events, concerts and music festivals, food festivals, theater and more. Some events also offer exclusive experiences, at times for an additional cost, like getting to attend a soundcheck performance before a concert. You can redeem rewards to cover some or all of the cost (and use your card to pay the difference). » MORE: Capital One Entertainment: Your ticket to a different redemption » MORE:

Chase Experiences

NerdWallet rating Apply now Apply now Read Review Chase customers can access ticket presales, score preferred seats, get merchandise discounts at venues, enjoy visits to Chase lounges, get hard-to-snag restaurant reservations and more. Carrying a Chase Sapphire Reserve® can unlock even more luxury with VIP access and entrance to Sapphire lounges at specific events. Chase Sapphire Reserve® » MORE: Chase dining experiences: Are the events worth it? » MORE:

Citi Entertainment

Eligible Citi cardholders may get access to tickets during presales for concerts, sporting events, stand-up comedy shows and more. » MORE: What is Citi Entertainment? » MORE:

Hilton Experiences

Eligible Hilton cardholders can redeem points for high-end experiences, either by paying outright or participating in auctions. If you pony up enough points, you could take part in a preconcert guided meditation led by Alanis Morissette, toss a football with Travis Kelce, or enjoy a five-course dinner on the beach in the Maldives (as of this writing). » MORE: The complete guide to Hilton Honors » MORE:

FIND Experiences by World of Hyatt

Redeem World of Hyatt Points (or pay cash) to participate in dining, fitness and wellness experiences around the world — food tours, cooking classes, cocktail tastings, mermaid-themed water exercise classes and more. » MORE: The complete guide to World of Hyatt » MORE:

Marriott Bonvoy Moments

Eligible Marriott cardholders can use points to buy or bid on dining experiences, club box seats at sporting events and VIP seats at concerts. » MORE: What is the Marriott Bonvoy Moments program? » MORE:

Wells Fargo Autograph Card Exclusives

NerdWallet rating Apply now Apply now Read Review Holders of the Wells Fargo Autograph® Card and Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card can get up to six tickets to a series of small-venue concerts featuring artists who usually perform in much larger spaces. So far, two concerts have taken place since the program launched in late 2023. In some cases, holders of other Wells Fargo-issued cards may be eligible to buy tickets as well. Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card » MORE: What to know about Autograph Card Exclusives » MORE:

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

In March 2023, Wyndham became the official partner of Minor League Baseball. As a Wyndham Rewards member, you can redeem points for tickets to games, ballpark tours and even a chance to throw the first pitch at a game. » MORE: The complete guide to Wyndham Rewards » MORE: To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page. To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page. American Express Platinum Card® About the author Sara Rathner Sara is a NerdWallet travel and credit cards expert. She has appeared on the “Today” show, Nasdaq and CNBC’s “Nightly Business Report.” See full bio. Helpful resources Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Credit Cards Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards

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