Best Credit Cards for Health & Fitness Purchases
Making health and fitness a priority often means paying gym fees, buying workout gear, subscribing to wellness services, or investing in home gym equipment. What many people don’t realize is that the right credit card can help you save money (or get rewards) on those expenses.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the top credit cards that offer rewards, cashback, or perks for health & fitness purchases. We’ll also cover what to look out for, how to maximize rewards, and frequently asked questions. By the end, you should be confident choosing a card that aligns with your fitness spending habits—without harming your financial health.
What Makes a Credit Card Good for Fitness & Health Purchases
Before recommending specific cards, let’s understand the features that matter:
- Bonus or elevated rewards on gym memberships, fitness clubs, or wellness-related categories.
- Low or no annual fee so your rewards aren’t offset by fees.
- Special statement credits or perks (e.g., for fitness streaming, app subscriptions, or equipment).
- Good merchant category code (MCC) compatibility so your gym, or fitness class or gear purchases are correctly coded for rewards.
- Introductory APR or 0% APR promos can help if you purchase expensive gear and want time to pay off.
Top Cards to Consider (USA)
Here are several of the best credit cards for health & fitness purchases, based on recent research sources. Always verify current offers / terms before applying.
| Card | Key Fitness/Health-Related Perks | Annual Fee / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card | 5% cashback when you pick gyms / fitness centers as one of your bonus categories each quarter. Great for gym dues or spending on fitness gear. (NerdWallet) | No annual fee. |
| Citi Custom Cash® Card | 5% cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (up to a cap), which may include fitness clubs/memberships. (NerdWallet) | No annual fee. Caps apply (e.g. $500/month or similar). |
| Chase Freedom Flex® | Rotating quarterly categories which sometimes include gym/fitness club purchases. When gyms are in bonus categories, you get elevated rewards. (The Points Guy) | No annual fee. Must activate bonus quarterly categories. |
| Wells Fargo Attune® Card | Offers higher rewards for wellness categories, often including gym memberships, spa / self-care purchases. (Well Fit Insider) | No or low annual fee depending on version. |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Premium benefits — for example, Up to $300/year statement credit for Equinox membership or wellness-related perks with certain fitness streaming / luxury gyms. (Well Fit Insider) | High annual fee. Good if you use many of the benefits. |
| World of Hyatt Credit Card | 2× Hyatt points for fitness clubs / gym membership dollar spend. If you use Hyatt’s network, hotel gyms, etc., it can add up. (The Points Guy) | Has annual fee; best if you travel or stay at Hyatt often. |
How to Choose the Right Fitness Card for You
Here’s a step-by-step way to decide:
- Estimate your annual fitness-related spending.
Consider gym dues, equipment, apparel, subscriptions, classes. - Check the card’s bonus categories & caps.
E.g., if a card gives 5% back but only up to $500/month in fitness category, and you spend $1,000/year, see how that works out. - Consider the annual fee vs. perks.
If the perks (e.g. credits, discounts) more than offset the fee, it may be worth it; otherwise go for no or low fee cards. - Confirm Merchant Category Code (MCC) of your gym or vendors.
Sometimes a gym or studio is coded strangely, so even if the card makes “gym memberships” a bonus category, your specific vendor may not qualify. - Watch for statement credits / promotional offers.
Like Amex’s Equinox credit, or discounts via fitness brands. (Well+Good) - Make sure you can pay balance in full monthly.
Carrying interest charges can wipe out rewards benefits.
Tips to Maximize Rewards
- Prepay annual gym dues during a quarter when that category is elevated or when your card offers maximum cashback.
- Combine spending: e.g. buy gear, classes, etc., when bonus categories are active.
- Use the statement credit perks fully — e.g. fitness-app subscriptions, wellness streaming, etc.
- Stack perks: Use a card with elevated rewards + retailer promos.
Potential Drawbacks / What to Watch Out For
- Reward categories or bonus percentages might change. Always check current terms.
- If your gym or studio doesn’t accept credit cards or codes under the expected category, rewards may not apply.
- Annual fees and high APR rates if you carry a balance can negate rewards.
- Hidden or transaction fees (e.g. foreign transaction fees) especially for purchases from international vendors or streaming services.
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The Bottom Line
If you spend regularly on gym memberships, fitness gear, or wellness subscriptions, using a credit card with strong rewards or perks in those categories can pay off. For occasional fitness spenders, a simple card with decent flat cash back (plus checking if the gym is coded properly) may suffice.
FAQs
Q1. Do all gym memberships qualify for rewards in “gym/fitness” categories?
Not always. It depends on how the gym is coded by the merchant (Merchant Category Code or MCC). Some gyms, boutique studios, or wellness vendors may be coded differently and thus may not earn the bonus. Always verify with the credit card’s terms or the gym.
Q2. Are fitness equipment purchases (like home gym machines) usually rewarded at the same rate as gym memberships?
Often not. Equipment is usually sold via sporting goods or online retailers, which may not fall under the fitness or gym category. Some cards reward sporting goods separately, so you may get rewards but under different bonus rules. Always check.
Q3. Should I get a premium card with high fees for fitness perks?
Only if you’ll take full advantage of the benefits (statement credits, discounts, partner perks). If you only use a fraction, then a no-fee or low-fee card might give a better net value.
Q4. Can I use rewards cards for digital fitness / wellness subscriptions (apps, streaming)?
Yes, some cards do and some don’t. It depends on whether the subscription is categorized under “fitness,” “streaming,” or a wellness category. Some cards offer special credits or perks for certain apps. Always read the card’s benefit details.
Q5. How can I avoid interest erasing my rewards?
Pay your balance in full each month. Avoid cards with high APR if you tend to carry balances. Use intro 0% APR periods if buying expensive equipment, but make sure you can pay off within that period.
External Resources & Sources
To build trust and EEAT, here are some credible references for further reading:
- NerdWallet: Best Credit Cards for Wellness — insights into which cards offer bonus categories including fitness/gym memberships. (NerdWallet)
- The Points Guy: Fitness and Gym-Membership Rewards Guide — analysis of which cards perform best for fitness purchases. (The Points Guy)
- CNBC Select: Best Credit Cards for Gym Memberships & Fitness 2025 — recent updates on which cards provide perks for gym fees. (CNBC)
Conclusion
A carefully chosen credit card can help you stretch your fitness dollars further, turning health & wellness purchases into rewards, cashback, or useful perks. Whether you’re paying monthly for your gym, upgrading your home gym gear, or subscribing to fitness-apps, having the right card can matter.
Before applying, compare your own spending habits, fees, and perks. Use the FAQs above to check whether your gym or vendors qualify, and always aim to pay your balances in full. With some planning, your credit card can be a tool that supports your health journey — not a financial burden.
Here’s to fitness, health, and smart spending!