If you’re seeking the most budget-friendly options for visiting Disney World, Disneyland, or taking a Disney Cruise, you may be wondering whether Disney’s credit cards—the Disney® Visa® Card and the Disney® Premier Visa® Card—are worth considering.
Both cards allow you to earn Disney Rewards Dollars that can be used for a variety of Disney experiences, including park visits and cruises. Any strategy that makes a trip to Disney more affordable is certainly worth exploring.
However, determining whether these cards are a good investment isn’t a straightforward yes or no. We’ll explain how the cards function, highlighting when they are most beneficial and when they may not be the best choice, especially as you plan your next Disney getaway.
Welcome Offers for Disney Visa Cards
The Disney Visa offers an accessible entry point with no annual fee. New cardholders can receive a $200 statement credit after spending $500 within the first three months of opening the account.
On the other hand, the Disney Premier Visa comes with a $49 annual fee but offers new cardholders a $400 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
Both cards are issued by Chase and are subject to the bank’s 5/24 rule.
While these statement credits are appealing, it’s worth noting that many credit cards provide welcome bonuses of $1,000 or more.
For comparison, new Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months. Additionally, they will get a $250 Capital One Travel credit within the first year of card ownership.
Similarly, new cardholders of the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months.
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While a few hundred dollars in statement credits can effectively lower the cost of a Disney vacation, it’s wise to compare these offers to others to find the card that best aligns with your financial and travel goals.
Rewards from Disney Visa Cards
Next, let’s examine the earning rates for the Disney credit cards.
The no-annual-fee Disney Visa card offers a straightforward 1% back on all purchases in the form of Disney Rewards Dollars.
In contrast, the Disney Premier Visa card offers a higher earning rate: 5% on purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or ESPNPlus.com, 2% at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney locations in the U.S., and 1% on all other purchases. Like the basic Disney Visa, the Disney Premier Visa also earns Disney Rewards Dollars.
Keep in mind that Disney Rewards Dollars have limited versatility. You can use the points earned with either card for Disney purchases, and with the Disney Premier Visa, you can also apply your rewards as a statement credit for airline purchases made directly with the airline. However, there are likely more advantageous options available.
While earning up to 5% back in Disney Rewards Dollars for specific purchases is decent, many other credit cards provide better returns on everyday spending compared to both Disney cards.
For instance, the Capital One Venture Rewards card offers at least 2 miles per dollar spent across all purchases, with a higher annual fee of $95. Other credit cards may provide between 3 and 5 points per dollar spent at grocery stores and gas stations. The rewards from these cards can often be transferred to airline and hotel partners, maximizing their value.
In summary, you can achieve much better value than just earning Disney Rewards Dollars.
Related: The best 2% cash-back credit cards
Perks of the Disney Visa Cards
The unique benefits of the Disney Visa cards become particularly appealing for those looking to enjoy Disney vacations.
Firstly, during eligible periods at Disneyland and Disney World, cardholders can receive a 10% discount on selected Disney merchandise and dining locations. Notable participating venues include Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom, Rose & Crown Dining Room (lunch only) at Epcot, Kona Cafe at the Polynesian Village Resort, the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Storytellers Cafe at the Grand Californian at Disneyland (I highly recommend the character breakfast at Storytellers).
Additionally, Disney cardholders benefit from exclusive photo opportunities and unique financing options for certain Disney vacation packages.
Related: Is Disney Cruise Line concierge level worth it? We tested it to find out.
The Case for the Disney Debit Card
At Flying Frugal, we typically don’t recommend using debit cards for regular transactions, as they generally don’t earn rewards and lack the same level of consumer protections as credit cards. However, if your primary interest lies in the Disney perks associated with the card, the Disney® Visa® Debit Card could be a sensible choice.
One advantage is that using the debit card won’t affect your 5/24 status with Chase, and it comes without an annual fee. However, a Chase checking account is required to obtain this debit card.
The Disney debit card does not earn rewards (so it’s not essential to use it frequently), but it provides access to many of the same photo ops and discounts available to Disney Visa credit cardholders. This option lets you enjoy perks without incurring fees or utilizing a 5/24 slot on a Disney credit card.
The information for the Disney Visa Debit Card has been gathered independently by The Points Guy and has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Four reasons why you shouldn’t use your debit card (except at ATMs).
When Disney Visa Cards May Not Be the Best Option
As a Disney enthusiast, I understand the allure of these Disney cards—especially with their appealing designs. If the exclusive perks like character photo ops and discounts catch your eye, then the Disney Visa could be a great fit since these advantages aren’t typically offered by other credit cards.
If you frequently dine at Disney and participate in out-of-park experiences, the 10% savings can accumulate significantly for dedicated visitors.
However, if your primary goal is to acquire a rewards card that maximizes points or miles for use towards a Disney vacation, other options may serve you better. Numerous cards offer superior welcome bonuses and earning potential compared to the Disney cards.
For those who spend significantly on Disney-related expenses and wish to earn the most points or cash back possible, the Disney Premier Visa might be a solid choice.
Related: How to utilize points for Disney tickets.
Final Thoughts
The Disney Visa credit cards present enjoyable rewards opportunities for Disney aficionados. However, they might not be the ideal option for all enthusiasts looking to earn or redeem rewards for a Disney vacation.
While these cards provide a better value compared to cash or debit transactions, they are often not the most advantageous credit cards available if your objective is to leverage points for a future Disney trip.
To maximize savings and earning potential for your upcoming Disney vacation, check out our guide on the best credit cards for such trips.
For a more comprehensive analysis of the Disney cards, you can refer to our complete reviews of the Disney Premier Visa and Disney Visa.
Apply here: Disney Visa Card
Apply here: Disney Premier Visa Card
