McAfee SECURE sites help keep you safe from identity theft, credit card fraud, spyware, spam, viruses and online scams
April 25, 2011 8:00 AM PT
Share this on Facebook Tweet this Subscribe for more Tips

Are Credit Cards with Event Perks Worth the Annual Fee?

Read more about Events

So many of us are conditioned to reject any credit card offer that comes with an annual fee that we may very well be losing out on some great opportunities – ones that tip the financial sense scale in favor of that annual fee.

There are a number of credit cards that offer “event perks” — big discounts and opportunities to snag tickets for popular events and attractions. These credit cards, however, often come with an annual fee, prompting many people to shy away from the card. However, when you consider the money you can save or the opportunities to which you may have access, you might change your mind about paying an annual fee for an event card.

Concert
Concert © Michael S

Your V.I.P. Pass

Often times, credit cards with event perks are like having a personal concierge. If you like excitement and the latest events and concerts, you will likely benefit from a credit card with event perks.

For example, if you want preferred seating to the latest concert, you may have little luck taking this task on yourself. However, there are a number of event credit cards that feature special event privileges to its cardholders that allow them to snag tickets to the hottest concert in town.

If you consider purchasing tickets for a concert through a private party or even a scalper, you can be sure you will pay much more than the face value of the ticket. In other words, if you consider the money you would save in just this one instance, an annual fee certainly doesn’t seem very significant.

In addition, many of the credit cards with event perks even offer premium tickets for events at a reduced price, thereby affording the cardholder even more benefits.

Concierge Services

If you really want to feel important, you may be able to use your credit card with event perks to snag tickets to events before they even go on sale to the public. Imagine being able to get tickets to the hottest event in town, before they even go on sale! You could be a hero to your kids or your significant other in one fell swoop.

Luckily, many of the credit cards that offer event perks provide their cardholders with concierge-type services. In other words, if you need tickets to the hottest event in town, you need only make a phone call and the credit card company will set it up for you. How’s that for service?

Family Fun

Credit cards with event perks are not just for the latest concerts or sporting events, either. Many of these credit cards also offer free or discounted tickets to a number of family attractions, including the zoo, aquarium or museum. In fact, some of the best event credit cards offer free or discounted admission to hundreds of attractions throughout the United States.

If you are debating whether a credit card with event perks is worth paying an annual fee, consider that you may recoup your annual fee if you take advantage of just one event perk. In other words, most cardholders quickly see a return on their investment.

Follow @CreditDonkey or write to Grace Carter at grace@creditdonkey.com

Share this on Facebook or Twitter

More Articles in Tips

Events Credit Cards

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Point RewardsTravel RewardsInstant ApprovalNo Pre-Set Spending Limit
  • Exclusive access to Gold Card Events – select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more.
  • Purchase Protection* can protect eligible items for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if stolen or accidentally damaged. *Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company
  • Redeem Membership Rewards® points for an exclusive array of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $125.
  • Get a decision in as little as 60 seconds.
Apply for American Express® Gold Card
Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express

Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
0% for 12 months
-
17.24% - 22.24% (Variable)
Introductory Bonus Cash BackCash Back RewardsInstant ApprovalGas Rewards
  • Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
  • Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
  • Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
  • No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time
Apply for Blue Cash Everyday℠ Card from American Express
The Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN

The Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN

Intro APR (P)Intro APR (BT)APR as low as
--N/A
Airline RewardsPoint RewardsTravel RewardsInstant Approval
  • FOR A LIMITED TIME: Earn 5X points on shipping and advertising for the first 3 months of Card membership.
  • Earn points even faster to get more rewards for your business
  • 3X points on airfare | 2X points on advertising, gas, and shipping |1X points on everything else*
  • One million rewards from over 500 brands
  • 24/7 support for everything from identity theft to travel emergencies
  • $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $175
  • Get unlimited Additional Gold Cards for an additional annual membership fee of $50 - and this fee is waived for the first year
  • Terms & Restrictions Apply.
Apply for The Business Gold Rewards Card® from American Express OPEN

What do you think about Are Credit Cards with Event Perks Worth the Annual Fee?

Name (required)
Email (required; won't be published)
Website (optional)

or you can also trackback from your blog.
May
21
2012
Infographics: Gas Debt

Who are the People Behind the Credit Card Statistics?

Are some people going into debt to buy gas as fuel prices rise? Are some people trying to dig out of a mountain of credit card debt with a minimum-payment teaspoon? How are people who are struggling financially using their credit cards and ...
More Articles in Tips





About CreditDonkey®
CreditDonkey is a credit card comparison website. We publish credit card reviews, deals, and tips to help you make informed credit decisions.

IMPORTANT LEGAL DISCLAIMERS. READ CAREFULLY.
CreditDonkey