The classic Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card stopped accepting new sign-ups as of July 2024, though those already sporting the card can continue enjoying its benefits. For newcomers eyeing a Savor card, the latest iteration offers a fresh alternative to explore.
Essentials at a Glance
- For aficionados of dining out and entertainment perks, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card stands out with its solid cashback structure.
- Capital One’s definition of “entertainment” casts a wide net, meaning cardholders will likely find themselves racking up rewards on a diverse range of purchases.
- That said, the ultimate call on whether a transaction counts as entertainment rests with how the merchant labels their category to the card network.
Among the many cashback cards out there, the mechanics vary greatly. Take, for example, the now-retired legacy Savor version compared to the modern Savor lineup – their reward nuances aren’t cut from the same cloth.
All three Savor cards bump up rewards for spending on dining, entertainment, streaming services, and grocery runs, but they differ in credit score thresholds and annual fees. Below, we dissect which trips and treats fall under Capital One’s entertainment umbrella and share strategies to squeeze maximum value from whichever Savor card you hold.
What Types of Spending Fall Under the Savor Family’s Entertainment Banner?
While bonus points for groceries and restaurant tabs are pretty self-explanatory, the “entertainment” bucket in the Savor, Savor Student, and SavorOne lineup can leave some scratching their heads. Luckily, Capital One lays out a detailed list of what qualifies as entertainment in their online FAQs.
Ticket Purchases That Qualify as Entertainment
- Cinemas and movie theaters
- Theatrical event promoters
- Sports promoters hosting professional and semi-pro live games
- Amusement and theme parks
- Popular tourist attractions
- Aquariums and zoological parks
- Dance venues
- Bowling centers
- Pool halls
- Record and music stores
What Does Not Qualify as Entertainment?
- Golf courses
- College sporting events
- Merchant codes outside the entertainment industry, such as cable TV, digital streaming platforms, and membership services
How Do Popular Streaming Services Fit In?
Contrary to what some might expect, subscriptions to popular streaming platforms do not fall under the “entertainment” category on the Savor cards. Instead, streaming services have their own separate cashback category. Eligible platforms include a swath of music and video services such as:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- Max (previously HBO Max)
- Apple.com, iTunes, and Apple Music
- Peacock
- Spotify
- ESPN+
- FuboTV
- Bandcamp
- DirecTV
- Sirius XM
- Sling TV
- Starz Entertainment
- Tidal
Streaming services that do not qualify for cashback include:
- Prime Video
- AT&T TV
- Verizon Fios On Demand
- Audiobook subscriptions
- Fitness video programs
Cash Back From Home: How to Maximize Entertainment Rewards Without Stepping Outside
Not much of a night owl or a social butterfly? No worries. Boosting your Savor card’s entertainment rewards can happen right on your couch. Here’s how:
- Capital One Entertainment Portal: Score an attractive 8% cashback on select ticket purchases — perfect for occasional events, concerts, or live shows when you want to step out.
- Streaming Paybacks: Enjoy cashback while binging your favorite series or spinning tunes from your go-to streaming apps.
- Digital Dining Deals: Use your Savor card on food delivery or reservations to make the most of dining rewards.
Spotlight on the Savor Trio: How Do They Stack Up?
If you’re weighing whether the Savor family’s trio — Savor, Savor Student, and SavorOne — fits your lifestyle, it helps to grasp their subtle distinctions before applying.
| Capital One Savor | Excellent Credit | $0 | 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, streaming, and groceries; 1% elsewhere |
| Capital One Savor Student | Students with no credit history | $0 | Same cashback rates as Savor |
| Capital One SavorOne | Fair Credit | $39 | Similar rewards but lower credit requirements |
The no-annual-fee Savor and Savor Student cards are especially attractive for those starting out or wanting simple perks, while the SavorOne comes with a small fee but opens doors to more credit applicants.
Comparing the Contenders: American Express Gold vs. Capital One Savor
| Welcome Bonus | Up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 within 6 months (subject to eligibility and approval; may impact credit score) | $100 credit on Capital One Travel bookings + $200 cash bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months |
| Rewards Rate | 4X points at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000/year), 4X at US supermarkets (up to $25,000/year), 3X on flights booked directly | 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, streaming, groceries (excluding superstores), 1% on all other purchases |
| Perks |
|
Similar perks related to dining and entertainment with no foreign transaction fees |
| Annual Fee | $325 | $0 |
For those who savor gourmet experiences, the American Express Gold can offer richer perks but at a premium price. If you prefer a straightforward cashback card without the sticker shock, Capital One’s no-fee Savor is often the smarter bet.
Tips to Squeeze the Most from Your Capital One Savor
Getting the full bang for your buck means deploying your Savor or Savor Student card on all purchases stacked with bonus cashback. Keep in mind, though, that merchant coding quirks can sometimes affect whether a purchase qualifies.
And a golden rule for protecting your cashback haul from being eaten up by interest: always settle your card balance in full each billing cycle.
The Legacy Cards and Fees: What You Need to Know
Cardholders of the retired Capital One Savor Cash Rewards must generate at least $95 in cashback annually to justify the card’s fee. To put that into perspective, spending roughly $3,167 yearly on groceries or $1,188 on Capital One Entertainment purchases covers the cost.
For those with the SavorOne, offsetting the $39 annual fee requires earning that amount back — achievable by spending about $1,300 on groceries or $488 on entertainment annually.
Wrapping It Up: Staying Savvy With Your Savor Card
The entertainment category, along with dining and streaming benefits, is generously defined across Capital One’s Savor lineup, making it easier for cardholders to snag cashback on many everyday and special purchases.
Once comfortable leveraging your Savor card’s rewards, consider pairing it with a complementary card to broaden your earning potential even further.
*Details on the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card and the legacy Savor Cash Rewards Card were independently compiled by Bankrate. This content is not endorsed or verified by the card issuer.