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Best credit cards for fitness spending

Miles@Flyingfrugal by Miles@Flyingfrugal
January 5, 2025
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Want to accumulate points or cash back while breaking a sweat? It’s possible!

If one of your resolutions for 2025 is to explore a new at-home workout routine or visit your favorite fitness studio more often, we’ve got you covered with ways to maximize your credit card rewards while you engage in physical activity.

You might already be savvy about earning points on travel, dining, and various other purchases, but did you know you can also convert your workout efforts into valuable rewards?

Whether your preference is CrossFit, calisthenics, bodyweight exercises, or even Bollywood dance, the choices are plentiful — especially when you have the right credit card to unlock financial advantages as you exercise.

Top Cards for Gyms, Fitness Classes, and Equipment

Whether you already have a gym membership, are thinking of trying a new location, or considering a change to your usual workout regimen, these credit cards can help you earn rewards while you pursue your fitness objectives.





JESSIE CASSON/GETTY IMAGES

The information for the U.S. Bank Cash+ has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

In addition to gym memberships and fitness classes, we broadened our criteria to include cards that earn rewards when purchasing fitness equipment and athletic wear, yielding at least 2 points per dollar spent (and sometimes up to 5 points).

A Comparison of the Best Cards for Fitness Purchases

Card Best For Earning Rate
Chase Sapphire Reserve Maximizing points on purchases over $150 from Peloton 10 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (until March 2025) — with a cap of 50,000 points
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Earning points on Peloton equipment purchases at a lower annual fee 5 points per dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (until March 2025) — with a limit of 25,000 points
World of Hyatt Credit Card Gym memberships 2 points per dollar spent on fitness clubs and gym memberships
Chase Freedom Flex Gym memberships 5% cash back on quarterly rotating bonus categories after activation (up to $1,500 each quarter); gym memberships have been included previously
Bilt Mastercard Fitness classes 1 point per dollar spent; redeem points for popular fitness classes worldwide, including SoulCycle starting at 3,000 points per class (you must use the card 5 times each billing period to earn points; refer to Rewards & Benefits)
U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card Gym memberships and sporting goods stores 5% cash back on two selected categories out of a choice of 12, up to $2,000 in combined spending per quarter
Prime Visa Athletic clothing, gear, or equipment from Amazon.com 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases
The Platinum Card from American Express Equinox members in the U.S. Up to $300 in annual statement credits each calendar year (enrollment required)

Card Details

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Fans of Peloton willing to pay a higher annual fee will find significant value with the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

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Rewards: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on Peloton equipment and accessories over $150 (until March 2025) with a maximum of 50,000 points, along with 10 points per dollar spent on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel℠, 10 points on Chase Dining, and 10 points on Lyft rides (until March 2025). You’ll also earn 5 points for every dollar spent on flights booked with Chase Travel, 3 points for other travel purchases, dining, and 1 point on all other purchases.

Just note that you won’t receive elevated earning rates on travel purchases until you’ve spent the first $300 (the travel credit included with the Sapphire Reserve) annually on travel.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

As of December 2024, Flying Frugal estimates this bonus to be worth around $1,230.

Annual fee: $550

Considerations: The Sapphire Reserve is highly regarded among travel credit cards due to perks like lounge access and insurance protections. While it doesn’t provide free gym access or track your health goals, it allows you to accumulate a large number of points when buying Peloton equipment. Based on our valuations, you can expect about a 20% return on spending.

For more information, check out our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve


Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

If you’re a Peloton enthusiast but prefer to avoid the high annual fee of the Sapphire Reserve, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred.





Flying Frugal

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel, 5 points per dollar on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (until March 2025, limited to 25,000 bonus points), 5 points per dollar spent on Lyft (until March 2025), 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and grocery store purchases (excluding Target®, Walmart®, and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all travel not booked with Chase Travel, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. As of December 2024, Flying Frugal values this bonus at approximately $1,230.

Annual fee: $95

Important note: Similar to the Sapphire Reserve, the Sapphire Preferred is excellent for travel and earning points on Peloton purchases. With a $50 annual hotel credit and a moderate annual fee, you could earn a return of around 10% on Peloton spending, per our evaluations.

For additional details, see our complete review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred


World of Hyatt Credit Card

If you’re loyal to Hyatt, this card is a must-have.





Flying Frugal

Rewards: Earn 4 points per dollar spent at Hyatt properties, 2 points on restaurant, select travel, commuting, fitness clubs, and gym memberships, and 1 point on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus an additional 30,000 bonus points by earning 2 bonus points for every $1 spent in the first six months on purchases that typically earn 1 point, up to $15,000 spent.

Given that Flying Frugal estimates Hyatt points are worth 1.7 cents each as of December 2024, this bonus could be valued at up to $1,020.

Annual fee: $95

Important note: The World of Hyatt card offers 2 points for every dollar spent on fitness clubs and gym memberships, making it a good option for those looking to redeem points for Hyatt rewards.

The card also provides opportunities to earn up to two free nights per year at Hyatt locations. You get a free night certificate valid at a Category 1-4 property after your card anniversary and can earn an additional free night at a Category 1-4 property by spending $15,000 on the card in that year.

For more information, check out our full review of the World of Hyatt Card.


Apply here: World of Hyatt Card


Chase Freedom Flex

For a versatile card to complement your wallet, the Chase Freedom Flex is an excellent choice.





Flying Frugal

Rewards: Earn 5% on up to the first $1,500 spent on rotating bonus categories each quarter (activation required), 3% on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), and 1% on all other purchases.

Welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $500 in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Considerations: The Freedom Flex can be a valuable card when its quarterly bonus categories include gym memberships. However, keep in mind that after the bonus quarter ends, your earning rate will revert to 1% for gym memberships.

If you hold a higher-tier Chase card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can combine your rewards from both cards into a single account, allowing you to convert the cash back from the Freedom Flex into fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

For more details, refer to our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.


Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex


Bilt Mastercard

If you rent your home, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice for earning points on rent (up to 100,000 points per year).





Flying Frugal

Note: Flying Frugal founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points on travel. Additionally, receive up to 1 point per dollar spent on rent without transaction fees on the first $100,000 spent (up to 100,000 points per calendar year). Use your card at least five times each billing period to earn points on all purchases.

Welcome bonus: None

Annual fee: No annual fee

Considerations: The Bilt Mastercard is unique as it allows rent payments without transaction fees (check rates and fees). You can also redeem points for well-known exercise classes worldwide, including SoulCycle, starting at 3,000 points per class.

Bilt Rewards points are highly valuable, transferable at a 1:1 ratio to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. Notable transfer partners include Aeroplan and World of Hyatt, along with options for redeeming them for future rent or mortgage payments, merchandise, etc. See the full rewards and benefits here.

For more details, check out our complete review of the Bilt Mastercard.


Apply here: Bilt Mastercard


U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

For those who prefer cash back, the U.S. Bank Cash+ card might be the best fit.





Flying Frugal

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible purchases each quarter in the combined two categories you select; 2% cash back on your choice of an everyday category like gas stations or grocery stores; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Gyms and fitness centers, as well as sporting goods stores, are options available for earning 5% cash back on fitness-related purchases.

Sign-up bonus: Earn $200 after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Note: Although you need to enroll each quarter for the categories you prefer to earn 5% cash back, it’s convenient to adjust your selection as needed. If you don’t need 5% back on gyms for a specific quarter, you can choose another option — like TV, internet, or streaming services — and save the gym category for later this year.

Remember, U.S. Bank states that category options may change quarterly, and your 5% bonus rewards have a cap of $100 per quarter.


Learn more: U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card


Prime Visa

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, consider the Prime Visa to maximize your Amazon purchases.





Flying Frugal

Rewards: Earn 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases; 5% back on Chase Travel purchases; 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and local transit; and 1% back on all other purchases. Additionally, receive 10% or more back on rotating Amazon categories.

Welcome bonus: Receive a $150 gift card instantly upon approval for Prime members.

Annual fee: None — but you must be an Amazon Prime member to qualify (subscriptions currently cost $139 annually).

Considerations: This card delivers top-notch earnings for Amazon purchases. With countless workout equipment, gear, and apparel available, it’s a worthwhile option. Although there isn’t a specific bonus rewards category for sports equipment, all clothing, gear, and equipment bought on Amazon.com receive 5% cash back.

For more details, refer to our full review of the Prime Visa.


Apply here: Prime Visa


The Platinum Card from American Express

While its high annual fee is notable, the Amex Platinum offers substantial benefits for the right individual.





Flying Frugal

Rewards: Earn 5 points for each dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar thereafter), 5 points for prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel, and 1 point for all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of card membership. Higher bonus offers might be targeted via the CardMatch tool; offers can change, and not everyone will qualify at the same level.

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees)

Considerations: Although you will earn only 1 point per dollar on gym memberships and fitness classes, Amex Platinum holders can receive up to $300 in annual statement credits for eligible Equinox memberships or the Equinox+ app. Enrollment in advance is required; terms apply, and memberships can renew automatically.

Members of Equinox can enjoy discounts on their membership fees specifically through the Amex Platinum card.

For a detailed review, check out our full review of the Amex Platinum Card.


Apply here: Amex Platinum


Alternative Options

If none of these cards resonate with you, consider using one that’s great for everyday expenses. While these options may not provide specific gym-related perks, their regular earning rates still present value.

Make sure to explore discounts on your cards through programs like Amex Offers and Chase Offers. These limited promotions often yield one-time discounts but can still offer meaningful savings.

Lastly, if you’re planning to purchase exercise equipment and prefer additional time to pay it off, consider a card offering a 0% introductory APR. Just ensure you settle the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid hefty interest charges.

Conclusion

While it may not be the primary factor in choosing a credit card, the ability to accrue bonus points on spending related to gym memberships or other fitness-related purchases is a nice bonus if your chosen card aligns with your spending habits.


Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Apply here: World of Hyatt Credit Card
Apply here: Chase Freedom Flex
Apply here: Bilt Mastercard
Apply here: Amex Platinum


For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here.
For rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
For rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.


Tags: cardscreditfitnessspending
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